www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |MARCH-APRIL 2013 MARCH | APRIL 2013 SAVOR A ‘TASTE OF THE CHAMBER’ AT ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO IN CORAL GABLES A re you a fan of signature spirits by Bacar- di? Ever pleased your palate at Cibo Wine Bar? Shopped for bling at Montica Jewel- ry? en, come experience the ultimate business expo and foodie event in Coral Gables and take advantage of key opportunities to network and establish connections. e Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce con- tinues to support small and medium enterprises by hosting our annual Business Expo. is year’s expo –‘Taste of the Chamber’ – will take place on ursday, March 14 at 5:30 PM in the Rotunda at the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Hotel. is table top expo is designed so participants can reach a captive audience of hundreds of po- tential customers and generate brand awareness of their business. It’s also a venue where busi- nesses can differentiate their company from the competition by proving company strength and stability to current and future customers. Guests are encouraged to join us and learn about the many business opportunities and services that are available in the Coral Gables community, while enjoying food and libations from our local restaurants as they peruse nearly 50 different ex- hibits showcasing local companies. Take advan- tage of the opportunity to network and establish connections, while exploring new relationships. Participating Restaurants: Azucar Cuban Cuisine Ben & Jerry’s Cao Chocolates Catering by Lovables Cibo Wine Bar Morton’s the Steakhouse Pao Town Seasons 52 Shake Shack Sushi Maki Participating Businesses: Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc. Bacardi Baptist Health South Florida e Biltmore Hotel Blossom’s Developmental erapy Association Comcast Business Class e Continental Group, Corevents Credomatic Merchant Services Florida Blue Florida International University Home Financing Center Intermedia Touch JustAskBoo, LLC LDA Graphics, LLC Logistical Outsourcing Inc. Mayfair Hotel & Spa Miami Today Montica Jewelry Paragon Financial Group PUREFL, Inc. e Shops at Sunset Place Stand Out Media University of Miami - Toppel Career Center University of Miami - School of Business University of Southernmost Florida U.S. Century Bank Van Orsdel Coral Gables Family Funeral Chapel e Westin Colannade Coral Gables We Simplify the Internet (WSI) Enjoy the business expo just $20 for Chamber Members; $30 for Non-Members. For more in- formation, visit www.coralgableschamb.org or call 305-446-1657. IN THIS ISSUE • Chair’s Corner Page 2 • President’s Perspective Page 3 • Baptist Health Tour of the Gables 5K Page 4 • Chamber Events Page 5 • Membership Highlights Page 6 • Calendar of Events Page 7 • Sponsor Recognition Page 8 BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH T he Coral Gables Chamber continues to soar high with the seventh annual Rising Star Awards. is program was established in 2007 to honor outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in their profession, as well as the community. Applicants must be Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce members in good standing or work in the City of Coral Gables. e 2013 Rising Star Awards will be presented on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at our Rising Star Awards Reception taking place from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Bacardi Headquarters in Coral Gables. Last year’s winners include: Shining Star Award, John Brady, ProServe; Model Star Award, Jenni- fer Diaz, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.; Corporate Star Award, Goldstein Schechter Koch, Rising Star Award Saif Ishoof, City Year. Check out the Award Categories for this year: Shining Star Award - e Shining Star Award was created to recognize an entrepreneur under the age of 40 who has successfully started their own business, and has been in business for at least 2 years. Model Star Award - e Model Star Award rec- ognizes an individual who has been actively involved in the community, either through par- ticipation in non-profit organizations or partici- pation in fundraising events. Shooting Star Award - e Shooting Star Award will be presented to a company that has made an effort to hire, mentor and promote young profes- sionals. For more information on how to apply or register for our signature awards program, visit www.cor- algableschamber.org or call 305-446-1657. ARE YOU THE NEXT RISING STAR?
SAVOR A ‘TASTE OF THE CHAMBER’ AT ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO IN CORAL GABLES
Are you a fan of signature spirits by Bacar-di? Ever pleased your palate at Cibo Wine Bar? Shopped for bling at Montica Jewel-
ry? Then, come experience the ultimate business expo and foodie event in Coral Gables and take advantage of key opportunities to network and establish connections.
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce con-tinues to support small and medium enterprises by hosting our annual Business Expo. This year’s expo –‘Taste of the Chamber’ – will take place on Thursday, March 14 at 5:30 PM in the Rotunda at the Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Hotel.
This table top expo is designed so participants can reach a captive audience of hundreds of po-tential customers and generate brand awareness of their business. It’s also a venue where busi-nesses can differentiate their company from the competition by proving company strength and stability to current and future customers.
Guests are encouraged to join us and learn about the many business opportunities and services that are available in the Coral Gables community, while enjoying food and libations from our local restaurants as they peruse nearly 50 different ex-hibits showcasing local companies. Take advan-tage of the opportunity to network and establish
connections, while exploring new relationships.
Participating Restaurants: Azucar Cuban CuisineBen & Jerry’sCao ChocolatesCatering by LovablesCibo Wine BarMorton’s the SteakhousePao TownSeasons 52Shake ShackSushi Maki
Participating Businesses: Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc.BacardiBaptist Health South FloridaThe Biltmore HotelBlossom’s Developmental Therapy AssociationComcast Business ClassThe Continental Group, CoreventsCredomatic Merchant ServicesFlorida Blue
Florida International UniversityHome Financing CenterIntermedia TouchJustAskBoo, LLCLDA Graphics, LLCLogistical Outsourcing Inc.Mayfair Hotel & SpaMiami TodayMontica JewelryParagon Financial GroupPUREFL, Inc.The Shops at Sunset PlaceStand Out MediaUniversity of Miami - Toppel Career CenterUniversity of Miami - School of BusinessUniversity of Southernmost FloridaU.S. Century BankVan Orsdel Coral Gables Family Funeral Chapel The Westin Colannade Coral GablesWe Simplify the Internet (WSI)
Enjoy the business expo just $20 for Chamber Members; $30 for Non-Members. For more in-formation, visit www.coralgableschamb.org or call 305-446-1657.
IN THIS ISSUE• Chair’s Corner Page 2
• President’s Perspective Page 3
• Baptist Health
Tour of the Gables 5K Page 4
• Chamber Events Page 5
• Membership Highlights Page 6
• Calendar of Events Page 7
• Sponsor Recognition Page 8
BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCHThe Coral Gables Chamber continues to soar high with the seventh annual Rising Star Awards. This program was established
in 2007 to honor outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in their profession, as well as the community.
Applicants must be Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce members in good standing or work in the City of Coral Gables.
The 2013 Rising Star Awards will be presented on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at our Rising Star Awards Reception taking place from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Bacardi Headquarters in Coral Gables.
Last year’s winners include: Shining Star Award, John Brady, ProServe; Model Star Award, Jenni-fer Diaz, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.; Corporate Star Award, Goldstein Schechter Koch, Rising Star Award Saif Ishoof, City Year.
Check out the Award Categories for this year:
Shining Star Award - The Shining Star Award was created to recognize an entrepreneur under the age of 40 who has successfully started their own business, and has been in business for at least 2 years.
Model Star Award - The Model Star Award rec-ognizes an individual who has been actively involved in the community, either through par-ticipation in non-profit organizations or partici-pation in fundraising events.
Shooting Star Award - The Shooting Star Award will be presented to a company that has made an effort to hire, mentor and promote young profes-sionals.
For more information on how to apply or register for our signature awards program, visit www.cor-algableschamber.org or call 305-446-1657.
Miami from upstate New York. On a winter visit to Natureland Nursery (now a bagel store on South Dixie Highway) I was dumbfounded to see aisles filled with pots of tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, and zucchini plants. Why on Earth would anyone be planting vegetables in the winter? In due time I would learn.
For many years, I’ve been enjoying my own garden and a bountiful harvest from December until June. It has become as much a part of my winter as traipsing the orchids and succulents in and out of the house as cold fronts emerge.
I started with pots on my patio and have graduated to a full-fledged above-ground 10x20 plot. It requires serious summer maintenance (planting peanuts), special mixes of soil and a carefully calculated introduction of seeds every fall. Though it certainly won’t be confused with the agricultural gem, our Redlands, I definitely could go toe-to-toe with their best Florida
reds. I am reminded, however, that much like our Chamber, it’s always a work in progress.
For our Chamber to maintain its clout and prestige in our community, it requires constant attention. Planning must be a priority rivaled only by implementation. Thinking outside the envelope is mandatory. Our reputation of being a pro-active organization suits our energized membership.
So, much the way my garden is a year ‘round project, our Chamber never rests. Our reward is a quality of life we can all treasure as we live, work and play in our City Beautiful.
Darla Thompson, Cherry Bekaert LLP Chair of the Board, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
Marti Mang (TotalBank)Zachary Sulkes (Bacardi USA)
Appointees-term expires 8/31/2013
Sarah Nesbitt Artecona (University of Miami)Dr. Jose Gurevich (Smiles & Sonrisas)
Joe Hovancak (Comcast Business Class)Ramon Usategui (Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust)
Al Peraza (Mercantil Commercebank)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Business Improvement DistrictAbe Ng, Sushi Maki/Pao Town
City of Coral GablesCommissioner Frank C. Quesada
City of Coral GablesCynthia Birdsill
(Economic Sustainability Department)Education Foundation of the Coral Gables Chamber
Darla ThompsonCoral Gables Community Foundation
Andria HanleyCoral Gables Chamber of Commerce
305.446.1657
SPONSORSHIPOpen Doors to Greater Exposure and Bigger Business!
The Coral Gables Chamber has many high profile events that offer outstanding promotional value to your business. Get involved in the community and sponsor one of our upcoming events. For more information, contact Erica Dominguez
ADVERTISINGWhat happens if you do not advertise your business?
Absolutely nothing.
Make your business stand out and take full advantage of your Chamber mem-bership. There are sponsorship opportunities, newsletter advertising, City Beau-tiful magazine, website advertising and much more available to you to help pro-mote your business. Rates are available on the front page of our website, www.coralgableschamber.org or you can contact Joshua Jones at [email protected].
SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEOCoral Gables Chamber of [email protected]
Over the past few years, our Chamber has been much more active and engaged in the advocacy
process on behalf of our membership, including efforts locally, in Tallahassee
and in Washington, DC.
For some, this is not your cup of tea and the very idea of politics is a huge turn-off. For others, you are intrigued by the game and the opportunity to have your voice heard resonates with you and your business. And then, there are those businesses in between who just want to make sure that someone is minding the store on their behalf. That is where our Chamber plays its most significant advocacy role.
In the past, we have taken strong stands on issues that range from free trade with Colombia (critical given our location and demographics) and fighting mandatory paid leave (of significance to small businesses and restaurant owners) to extending amnesty to the physicians who practice at UM/Jackson (to level the playing field with their counterparts at other teaching hospitals) and supporting the deep-water dredge at the Port of Miami (promoting international trade and logistics).
And, many of these priorities come from a lengthy vetting process that includes active solicitation of priorities from our members (such as the Beacon Council, UM, MDCPS, Jackson Health and Miami Association of Realtors, to name a few) to our partners at VISIT Florida, the Florida Retail Federation and Enterprise Florida. These then get reviewed by our Government and Business Affairs Committee, our Executive Committee and ultimately, our Board of Directors. Once approved, these priorities become our legislative package for the year.
Some highlights this year include K-12 funding formulas, eFairness, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for Sylvester Cancer Center, Medicaid funding formulas, sales tax on commercial leases and more.
Last month, a delegation of Chamber leaders visited Tallahassee and met with each of our local legislators, including Senators Diaz de la Portilla and Margolis, as well as Representatives Fresen and Rodriguez, to discuss these priorities. We also met with the leader of the Miami-Dade delegation, Eddy Gonzalez, as well as House Speaker Will Weatherford and CFO Jeff Atwater.
What was clear to all of us was the importance of our legislators hearing from us directly, understanding our priorities and allowing us to share our issues. There is no substitute for these types of face-to-face conversations and a chance for us to hear what is most pressing on their agendas, as well. Where synergy exists in our common goals, greater opportunity for success blooms.
At the same time, our committee has been meeting with
each of the candidates running for the two open City Commission seats. While the Chamber does not endorse candidates or contribute to any campaigns (we support issues), it is important that each citizen seeking local elective office understands our priorities and has a keen understanding of what issues the business community has tops on their list. We are not shy in reminding them that the business community contributes about 35% to the City’s tax base, and once fees and other dollars are factored in, that number approaches 50%. That is a powerful voice that we exercise regularly with our City leaders…and they listen.
The reality is, we cannot underestimate the power of the people – and in our case, the members of our Chamber – whether we stand before our local commissions, in the Capitol in Tallahassee or in the halls of Congress. Our role is to develop business and build community, and with your continued membership, support and ideas, we are well-positioned to remain the voice for business in our City Beautiful.
Phillis Oeters of Baptist Health South Florida, and Chair of the GMCC & Chair of the Board Darla Thompson, Cherry Bekaert LLP at our recent fly-in in Tallahassee.
The Chamber leadership meets with Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, at the State Capitol for our annual advocacy trip to Tallahassee.
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will host its 18th annual Baptist Health Tour of The Gables 5K on Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 AM.
The much anticipated race will take runners on a scenic tour through Coral Gables. The race will begin at George Merrick Park in downtown Coral Gables and end at City Hall, located on the corner of Le Jeune Road and Miracle Mile.
This year’s race would not be possible without the enduring support of our title sponsors – Baptist Health South Florida and the City of Coral Gables.
We encourage members and friends of the Chamber of all ages and all fitness levels to partake in the race. So join in on the fun, boost your company’s morale, show your team spirit and get in shape at the same time. Individual racers are welcome, too. Medals will be awarded to the top three racers in each age group.
With much more at stake, the largest coporate team will be crowned winner of the covetd Chairman’s Cup and CEO Awards presented Community Newspapers.
For information on sponsorships, contact Erica Dominguez, Director of Events, at [email protected], or call 305-446-1657.
To register, visit http://teamfootworks.org/tour-of-the-gables/.
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES FEATURING BRIAN KEELEY
ALBERTO ROMEU | ALBERTO ROMEU PHOTOGRAPHYTop Left: Chamber President & CEO Mark A. Trowbridge, Chair of the Board Darla Thompson and guest speaker President & CEO Brian Keeley of Baptist Health South Florida. Top Right: Mayor Jim Cason awards
Patricia Flores of My Bestfriend’s Closet with the Most Heartwarming Valentine’s Day Award at the Chamber’s Good Morning Coral Gables breakfast. Bottom Left: The Frost School of Music French Horn Trio performs during the Gables Act Culture at the breakfast. Bottom Right: Doctors Hospital CEO Nelson Lazo shares with the audience the improvements, new facilities and achievements at Doctors Hospital this past year
SPONSORSHIP/INVESTOR HALL OF FAMEThrough February 2013
AT&TBay Plumbing CompanyBecker & Poliakoff, P.A.Brown FormanCoastal Construction GroupComcast Business ClassDoctors HospitalEast Coast Public Adjusters, Inc.
THEATRE NIGHT - 700 PM Featuring Tony Award Winning Play, In the Heights Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Sponsors: Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust and Actors’ Playhouse Eats provided by: Pardos Peruvian Cuisine
TRUSTEE RECEPTION *Trustees Only* - 5:30 PMMeet the finalists for the AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year AwardsMercantil Commercebank220 Alhambra Circle, 9th floor, Coral GablesSponsor: Mercantil Commercebank
MARCH 12th
ECO EXPO & GREEN MEANS GREEN AWARD LUNCHEON - 11:00AM La Jolla Ballroom
301 Alcazar Avenue, Coral Gables
APRIL 19th
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - 7:30 AMBiltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia AvenueSponsor: United Way
Speaker: Richard D. Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
*NOTE DATE CHANGE* MARCH 28th
2013 CANDIDATE FORUM - 6:00 PMUniversity of Miami Field House 1245 Dauer Drive, Coral Gables
Sponsor: Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. & University of Miami
MARCH 26th
AXA ADVISORS BUSINESS WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON - 11:30 AM
Coral Gables Country Club 997 N. Greenway Drive, Coral Gables
Sponsors: AXA Advisors, LLC, Credomatic Merchant Services, Sabadell United Bank, U.S. Century Bank, Coral Gables Country Club, Dan’s Video Creations, Frameworks
MARCH 22nd
TASTE OF THE CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO - 5:30 PM*Nearly 50 restaurants & businesses participating!*Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Rotunda180 Aragon Avenue, Coral GablesSponsors: Credomatic Merchant Services, Bacardi USA, Baptist Health South Florida, Florida Blue, Intermedia Touch, Logistical Outsourcing LLC, Miami Today and Mayfair Hotel & Spa
MARCH 14th
TRUSTEE LUNCHEON feat. “backstage” tour of the Garden - 11:45 AMFairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral GablesSpeaker: Carl E. Lewis Ph.D., Director, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Sponsor: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden & Right Space 2 Meet
MARCH 26th
The Allen Morris CompanyAXA Advisors, LLC Baptist Health South FloridaThe Biltmore HotelCherry Bekaert LLPCity of Coral GablesCity National BankCredomatic Merchant ServicesEsslinger-Wooten-Maxwell RealtorsFlorida Blue
Florida Power & LightHome Financing Center, Inc.Hyatt Regency Coral GablesMercantil Commercebank, N.A.The Miami Herald Miami’s Community NewspapersMontica JewelrySabadell United BankSouth Florida Business JournalTotalBankUniversity of Miami
