Businesses love Coconut Creek for a variety of reasons. New companies, such as The Singing Machine http://www.singingmachine.com/, have put down roots here.

The Singing Machine Company, Inc. produces karaoke equipment for the entertainment industry and for personal use. In 2001, the company signed a licensing agreement to create the first line of MTV karaoke machines and compact discs with graphics featuring music for MTV's core audience.

The company employs 17 people at its Coconut Creek corporate headquarters. Their recent move from Pompano Beach to Coconut Creek in July 1999 was prompted by a desire for "more space and a nicer business environment," according to a company representative.

They certainly found that in their new corporate headquarters. The Singing Machine is located in the Lyons Business Park, a 22-acre business campus on the southwest corner of Lyons and Johnson Roads. It is directly across from two important facilities -- the City's multifaceted indoor Recreation Complex and the Lyons Technology Center.

Terry Marco, The Singing Machine's marketing director, mentions this is one of those small amenities that made the company's move so attractive and comfortable. "The Recreation Center has a gym and many of our employees have signed up to use it."

It is amenities such as this that make this community a great place to live and work. The Singing Machine is a major player in the estimated $300 million annual market for karaoke machines. Last year's sales totaled approximately $40 million and just recently the company became a member of the American Stock Exchange. It has already expanded its Coconut Creek operation by nearly one-third to accommodate business growth.