Chamber Times December 2014 by South Dade Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Times www.chamberinaction.com December 2014

December Chamber Events 15th Annual Multi-Chamber Holiday Toy Drive Celebration Wednesday, December 3, 2014 6pm-8pm @ Brio Tuscan Grille at The Falls 8888 SW 136th Street Located next to Bloomingdale's Admission to the event is one unwrapped toy to benefit the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation

Save the date Business Builder Breakfast Thursday, January 8, 2015 7 am - 9 am @ The Big Cheese Restaurant of Homestead 350 N. Homestead Blvd. Homestead, Florida

Volume 25 Issue 12

2014 Speed Fest/ Burger Brawl on Krome Presented by: South Dade Chamber of Commerce and Homestead Main Street Saturday, November 15, 2015 Event such as the 2014 Speed Fest / Burger Brawl on Krome would not be possible without the many volunteers and sponsors who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring everything together. Thank you everyone who came to the event, sponsored, supported, participated, shared, and helped promote this community event. Congratulations to Chefs on the Run Restaurant’s Chef Jodrick Winner of the 2014 Best Burger in Homestead! 2014 Restaurants: Big Pig BBQ, Inc., Bistro Fusion Restaurant, Carambola Café/Homestead Hospital, Chefs on the Run, El Toro Taco, Gator Grill, Stick & Stein Sports Bar, Yardie Spice Restaurant & Catering Thank you!

Membership Luncheon Thursday, January 22, 2015 11:30 am - 1 pm @ Woman’s Club of Homestead Speaker: Jack J. Michel, M.D. President and Chairman of the Board Larkin Community Hospital

Chili Cook-Off and Outhouse Race 2015 February 28, 2015 11 am to 5 pm Harris Field Pavilion, US 1 at Campbell Drive Homestead, FL Click here for information

Chamber and Community Events Calendar www.chamberinaction.com

Thank You Sponsors Homestead Miami Speedway Homestead Hospital / Baptist Health South Florida Florida Power & Light - City of Homestead

For 100 years, members of the business community in and around Homestead, Florida have served as an economic anchor through the Chamber of Commerce. They have been through booms and busts, sharing the good times and coming together when natural or other disasters struck. It is a far different time from when those first trainloads of beautiful produce headed north or when the December 11, 1935 headlines announced the dedication of the Homestead Airport. In keeping with celebrating the past while embracing today's growth and looking to the future, the name, South Dade Chamber of Commerce and the new logo that links the "old to the new", were unveiled at a recent Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting. Bob Jensen, noted for his preservation of local history, pointed out that a similar rationale was on the minds of those early business owners and civic leaders not long after the new Chamber was established. "The Chamber was reorganized in late November of 1917 and was renamed the South Dade Chamber of Commerce. The 1917 election of officers saw Bank of Homestead cashier W.M. Bradley elected president. A regional look was achieved with A.L. Hearn of Silver Palm elected VP; Lewis Twyman of Homestead, secretary; P.L. Carlton of Modello, assistant secretary and O.B. Parker of Redland, treasurer." "We're excited with the new look," said Rosa Brito, President, Chamber of Commerce. "There are many new businesses moving into the area and as we look beyond our own city limits, we are forging partnerships that will be beneficial to us all. The Chamber was established in 1915 and will continue to be the Voice of Business as we look to new growth."

The full transition from the previous name of Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce to the South Dade Chamber of Commerce will take several months and it will be a highlight feature of the Chamber of Commerce Directory that will be published as a Centennial Edition prior to February 2015. The new website will transition prior to that date in a transparent manner with no impact on users. Small, medium, and large businesses, as well as not-for-profit and civic organizations find a home in the Chamber where their voices can be heard and they actively support "Buy Local" initiatives. The Chamber also works with the city economic development offices and organizations such as the Beacon Council, Visit Florida, the Florida and U.S. Chambers of Commerce to promote opportunities to businesses that might consider relocating to the area.

Pearl Harbor and Homestead By: Bob Jensen The attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor and other Pacific Ocean targets came as a shock to our nation, but the people of Homestead were already seeing many actions being taken by our government in our preparation for war. The predecessor newspapers to the South Dade News Leader in 1941were full of reports of young men enlisting in the armed forces and of those being drafted. Several of them were sent off to aviation related schools in our country’s push to expand its military aviation strength. The land at Pine Island east of Homestead was being cleared for a civil air field being constructed with a military use in mind. In 1942 it would become Homestead Army Air Field. The U.S. Navy was building a 135 mile fresh water pipeline from southwest of Florida City to Key West to provide fresh water for the boilers of Navy ships. Politically, Homestead was at its apex. Local men chaired the Dade County Commission and the Dade County School Board in the persons of J.D. Redd who had already served 18 years on the Commission and as its chair once before and C.G. Turner, the School Board. Additionally, Homestead Councilman F.B. Rue served on the County’s important Budget Board. Growth in Homestead’s population was at 36% between 1930 and 1940 and Florida City’s was at 66%. Although Homestead’s population on December 7, 1941 was only between 3,100 and 3,500, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and other U.S. targets in the Pacific had a profound impact on six Homestead area families. On December 7, 1941 five young men from the Homestead area were serving our country in uniform in Hawaii and one in the Philippine Islands. Two of them died in the attack on Pearl Harbor and one was captured by the Japanese, survived the brutal Bataan Death March and was a prisoner of war for the duration of WWII. Anderson Arrant and Earl Smith were serving in USS Arizona, now probably the world’s most renown battleship, James Field was serving in USS Indianapolis, Walter Thompson, Jr. was a Marine at Pearl Harbor, Lieutenant John M. Lee was assigned to USS Boise, a cruiser at Pearl Harbor and Louis Biondo was serving in the Army in the Philippines. Arrant and Smith were both killed in the attack, but it was five weeks before their families knew for certain of their deaths. At that time a memorial service was held at the First Baptist Church of Homestead. By October of 1943, 59 men and women from Homestead High School had joined the Navy including the coach, Ted Bleier; manual arts teacher, C.H. Rice; the girls’ physical education teacher Josephine Cook and two women who became WAVES: Birdie Horne and Bessie Chambliss. This from a small city of at most 3,500 people! Anderson Arrant and Earl Smith were both awarded the Purple Heart posthumously in 1944. It was not until 1948 that Earl Smith’s remains were returned to the U.S. Anderson Arrant’s remains probably remain entombed in USS Arizona with hundreds of his shipmates. In 1945 the new Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4127 was named the Arrant-Smith VFW Post 4127. Louis Biondo was liberated from a Japanese POW camp in 1945 and returned home. Also liberated in 1945 at the same time was Navy Machinist Mate First Class Donald Smith. Nothing further is available in local records about Donald Smith. Meda and I visited the USS Arizona Memorial and ran our fingers over the engraved names of Earl Smith and Anderson Arrant. They are also remembered at the Veterans’ Memorial in Losner Park with other veterans. I had the honor of interviewing retired Navy Commander Joshua Nelson about his role in the filming of the post-Pearl Harbor movie “In Harm’s Way.” In honor of Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 Temple Hatikvah at 183 NW 8th Street in Homestead will show the movie “In Harm’s Way.” The star-studded movie is based on a novel about a navy cruiser after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Temple has a very personal tie to the movie. A member, retired Navy Commander Joshua Nelson will introduce the movie with his personal comments. Commander Nelson shared his stateroom with costar Kirk Douglas aboard the cruiser USS St. Paul which was used to film the movie. CDR Nelson was the cruiser’s gun boss and as a department head he was asked to share his stateroom with Kirk Douglas for the cruise from Seattle to Hawaii. The two continued their friendship for a decade after that. The movie will be shown at 5:00pm on Saturday December 6. The public is invited. A donation of $5.00 is suggested. Bob Jensen is Vice President for Community Liaison at First National Bank of South Florida, President of the Florida Pioneer Museum, and Retired Navy Commander

Welcome New Members in the Month of November 2014 ! Megamining, LLC Stephen Yenzer 6380 Dolphin Drive Miami, FL 33158 305-322-8770 www.megamining.com

Community Events

New Hope Corps, Inc. Stephen Alvarez 1020 N Krome Avenue Homestead, FL 33030 786-243-1003 www.newhopecorp.org

Business events can only be submitted by Chamber members. Please share this information with any groups or organizations that you are part of.

New Thing Fellowship Kerry Black 30695 SW 162 Avenue Homestead, FL 33030 786-514-2094 www.ntfellowship.com

Are you involved in a group that puts on community events? Did you know that you can enter your community event on the Chamber’s event calendar, for free? All events that are open to the community can be entered on the Chamber’s website. These can be as simple as a fundraiser car wash for your kid’s sports team. Go to the Chamber’s Calendar of Events. In the blue menu bar click on Events/Submit Community News & Events. Fill out the Event Listing Request Form - Public Submission form and click on submit for approval.

http://business.chamberinaction.com/events/public-submission/

Thank you for renewing in the Month of November 2014 ! Aressco Technologies, Inc. Charlie Hudson Writes

Trustees: Stick & Stein Sport Rock Café

Chuck Barrentine Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services Homestead Pavilion

Lopez Levi & Assoc.

Support your chamber members!

Hugh Hudson, Scuba Instructor Kiwanis Club of Homestead/South Dade Living Waters Full Gospel Church of Homestead

Buy local, stop in and say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those business around!

Monkey Jungle United Way of Miami-Dade WKLG, INC./STAR 102.1 FM

Economic News

The Florida Chamber’s Business Alliance for Competitive Healthcare Solutions (Healthcare Alliance) brings together job creators, technology leaders and healthcare providers who are laser-focused on lowering the cost of healthcare in Florida. The Healthcare Alliance focuses on highlighting innovations that work to control cost, increase access to care and improve the quality of care. Florida’s unique demand for healthcare services is typically higher than other states due to a significantly higher population of retirees. Between now and 2030, Florida’s population is expected to increase by six million residents. We need to start planning today for a better healthcare system that is focused on wellness and healthier outcomes, rather than just paying for treatments. We believe the private sector will provide the vision of the future where providers are rewarded for keeping people healthy and out of hospitals. The Florida Chamber further believes healthcare will be driven by innovation, technology and data. We will advocate for policies such as telehealth, expanding access to primary care and incentivizing wellness and healthy lifestyles to help secure our state’s future. Click here to view the Florida Chamber Article For a Healthier Florida, Embrace Innovation Through Telemedicine

The countdown is on. EMERGE AMERICAS IS BACK IN MIAMI MAY 1 - 5, 2015 Just five months ago, we were wrapping up our inaugural eMerge Americas, beaming over an amazing turnout—6,000 attendees! Now building on that momentum, plans are in the making with a stellar lineup of speakers and events. Join the movement and stay connected to us on our social channels, as more exciting announcements are sure to follow. www.emergeamericas.org

WHY BEING A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER MAKES GOOD BUSINESS SENSE Recently, The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting firm, released a national survey of 2,000 adults that indicated significant benefits for businesses active in their local Chamber of Commerce. When a small business is active in a Chamber of Commerce: Consumers are 49% more likely to think favorably of it 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future 73% more aware of the business. The business enjoys a bump in its reputation of 68%. Major Impact on Small Businesses Small businesses represent the largest segment of most local chamber membership rolls, and the study indicates that chamber membership has consistent and powerful benefits for small business members—if consumers are aware that the small business is involved with its local chamber. Visit and patronize the members of the South Dade Chamber! If your business is not a member, join us ! We look forward to connecting you with other business leaders in the community and working with our elected leaders to keep a positive business climate in our area.

Get Involved By joining the South Dade Chamber, you become part of a network of local leaders serving to promote and support businesses within our community, while working to enhance the image of South Dade. Being involved with Chamber activities is a great way to give back and do your part to help keep our community a thriving place to work and live. Chamber involvement is the cornerstone to building a solid foundation for pursuing your professional goals. Remember, the more involved you are, the more effective your membership will be for you! There are numerous ways you can participate in the Chamber at any level that meets with your business interests and availability: • Attend a Chamber or member event

• Patronize your fellow Chamber members • Participate on a committee • Offer a discount or special offer (Hot Deal) • Donate a raffle prize • Host a monthly Business After Hours mixer • Advertise on the website or e-newsletters • Become a Chamber sponsor • SUBSCRIBE to our e-newsletter

TV Worth Watching: Shows for Small Business Owners Although inventory and asset tracking is an important part of business, we recognize small business owners need to know more about their business than the location of critical assets or how much stock is needed. In fact, a number of recent shows center almost entirely around how a business is run. These shows can provide a great reference for small business owners. If you watch enough, chances are you’ll see obstacles you and your business have encountered or are currently facing. Want to learn a little bit more about business with no risk involved? Here are four shows small business owners should consider watching: 1. Restaurant Impossible In this Food Network show, Chef Robert Irvine uses a budget of $10,000 to renovate failing restaurants. Although likely most beneficial for restaurant owners, many of the situations and solutions can be applied to any business in the service industry. When to watch: New episodes air Mondays at 10 p.m. EST 2. The Profit In this CNBC series, Marcus Lemonis offers capital investment and his expertise to struggling small businesses to help turn their businesses around. Lemonis looks at everything from inventory management and cash flow to bullying in the workplace. When to watch: New episodes air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST 3. Shark Tank What does it take to get an investor’s attention? ABC’s Shark Tank invites aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses to a group of outspoken investors. Lessons small business owners can take away from Shark Tank include the importance of understanding your customer and knowing your finances. When to watch: New episodes air Fridays at 9 p.m. EST 4. Undercover Boss Each episode of this CBS series depicts an individual in upper management at a major company going undercover as an entry-level employee to discover faults within the business. Although the companies are large, many of the issues are the same as what a small business may experience, although on a smaller scale. When to watch: Undercover Boss returns later this season. Building a successful small business takes more effort than can be summarized in an hour-long television program; however, there are many lessons to be learned from the shows concerning business practices on TV today. Will you be watching?

November 13, 2014 Business Builder Breakfast WE MEAN BUSINESS! Our traditional networking breakfasts were replaced by an opportunity for our member businesses and professionals to introduce themselves to attendees by means of a new "Business Builder" theme and table-top exhibition. At each Business Builder breakfast/lunch event, you will have an exclusive opportunity to display*, describe, and discuss your company's specific products/ services. Bring a friend/prospect/customer. If they become a chamber member YOU exhibit for FREE at the next event. * Limited to 5 companies at each event. Reserve your space NOW for the next, or subsequent, events by calling Wanda at 305-247-2332.

The November 13, 2014 Business Builder Breakfast was held a The Big Cheese of Homestead 350 North Homestead Blvd., Homestead, FL. The Business Builder Breakfast Table Top Exhibitors were Homestead Hospital, JustAskRich.com, Mark Woolgar, First United Methodist School, and Krispy Kreme.

STUDENT ART & ESSAY CONTEST CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE FORM BELOW

Making the Chamber of Commerce Work For You

On-Line Business Directory Members can log into their on-line listing and edit/update their information, add employees or representatives. Choose what information you would like to display, Add a 200 character description, hours of operation, driving direction, keywords for better search placement. Add Hot Deals, list Job Postings and much more. See who's taken advantage of the Hot Deals Page on our website: http://business.chamberinaction.com/hotdeals Contact the chamber office for login information 305-247-2332 or email info@chamberinaction.com Enhanced Directory Listing: Members can upgrade their on-line listing. DIRECTORY LOGO: Your logo next to your listing in the Business Directory or any search result. WEBSITE LINK: Your Website Link next to your listing in the Business Directory or any search result. ENHANCED LISTING & PRIORITY PLACEMENT: Priority Placement *Enhance your Information Page: - 1600 character description - eight photos - five bullet points - logo - map link - 20 keywords. For more information about this and other marketing packages available call the chamber at 305-247-2332 or email info@chamberinaction.com Visitor Information Center - Business Information: Come by the Chamber office and drop off information about your business, brochures and business cards or coupons if you have them. Every month, tourists as well as locals visit the Chamber it's a great way to gain exposure for your business. (Brochures should be rack card type or Trifold). Coupon Packs: The Chamber Visitor Center is distributing coupons to area visitors and new residents. A GREAT way to reach tourists and locals that come thru our office and get them into your business... Bring us your coupons! Value or Discount Coupons should be no larger than 4x9 and supply us with at least 50. Coupons can be for discounted items or buy one get one type deals. Questions call Wanda Brown at 305-247-2332 9

Saving Money on the Things Your Business Needs To enhance our ability to serve our members with increased benefits we are one of many local chambers throughout Florida who have partnered with the Florida Chamber. As a member of a participating Chamber of Commerce, you have the power of more than 137,000 members and 3 million employees working together. Using the influence of the entire business community, we get you and your business savings and discounts on services that matter to you. We invite you to review our benefits and then do what thousands of other growing businesses have done – take advantage of the time and money you will save by using Chamber endorsed services. As you’ll soon discover, we’re much more than Florida’s best business advocate – helping you and your bottom line is what we do best. To sign up for chamber perks follow the link: http://www.chamberinaction.com/pages/ MemberBenefits4/

The Homestead Florida City Chamber Health Savings Card This card includes programs that offer discounts on prescriptions, vision, hearing, diabetic supplies, and much more.

HJCC Celebrates Job Corps' 50th

“VIP Triple Play Tour” Guests of Honor

Anniversary

2014-2015 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Executive Board: Chairman’s Appointees Term Expires 2015 Chairman: Renee Reichling, Community Bank Chair Elect: George Mirabal , Clearent

Joseph Marcus, Marcus & Marcus, PA

Immediate Past Chairman: Bill Duquette, Homestead Hospital

Nitun Patel, Owner, Best Western Florida City Homestead

Treasurer: James Pierce, Lopez, Levi & Associates

Sandy Sosa-Guerrero, CEO of Larkin Hospital

Operations: Corey Gold, Homestead Hospital Government Affairs: Sharon P Haxton, Chapman Partnership

Members by Virtue of Office

Trustees/Chairman’s Circle: Tony Garcia, Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title

City of Florida City Mayor or Designee

Chair Economic Development: Michael Kiley, FPL/Turkey Point

City of Homestead Mayor or Designee

President: Rosa I Brito

Homestead Air Reserve Base Commander Special Operations Command South Commander Miami Dade County Public Schools Local Region

Directors

Dade County Farm Bureau

Brad Bettelli, Vice President, TD Bank Charlie Hudson, Charlie Hudson Writes

Tropical Everglades Visitors Association

Dale Machesic, Publisher, South Dade News Leader

Homestead Main Street

Felecia Vescera, Director of Sales & Marketing, Florida City Centre DBA Brothers Property Corporation.

Active Past Chairs

Kametra Driver, Executive Director, WeCare of South Dade, Inc. Larry Roth, Realtor Associate, Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title

David Peyton, President & CEO, 1st National Bank of South Florida

Richard Erschik, JustASKRich.com

Robert Jensen, VP Community Relations, 1st Nat’l Bank of So. Florida

Roxanne Jeghers, Owner, Royal Palm Real Estate Services

Susan E. Newman, Realtor Associate, Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title

Sharon Wilson, Chief Residential Officer, Community Bank of Florida Susana Vela, Program Director, Miami Dade College Homestead Tony Fiore, Cruising Unlimited - Intelmar USA Inc.

Trustees of the Chamber The Chamber Trustees are leaders in our community who recognize that their business success and failure is tied to the area around them. In taking a leadership position, the Trustees are insuring their future success by reinvesting in the local business community through the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Trustees voluntarily contribute more than required because they believe in the important programs of the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. They understand that the prominence of their organization makes it appropriate for them to assume the role of a substantial participant and contributor to the Chamber’s operation. Members like this refuse to let the burden of improving the business climate and our local quality of life fall on others. Trustee contributions make it possible to maintain the Chamber’s day to day operations with an efficient and professional staff who, in turn, bring more and better programs to the business community.

The South Dade Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce Save Local Now, our newest chamber benefit! Save Local Now is a one-stop digital marketing platform with 9 insanely easy-to-use products to help you connect with your customers. The platform includes Deal and Event publishing, Email Marketing, iPhone and Android apps, SEO and tons more. Even better, Save Local Now is FREE with your Chamber membership! Take advantage of $LN’s FREE 1-on-1 sessions with its digital marketing experts! The personalized webinars will focus on your business needs and will help you with everything from image suggestions to ideas for creative campaigns. And yes it’s all FREE!

Schedule a 1-on-1 session today at http://blog.savelocalnow.com/ training/

Download 2015 YEA! Student Application Now. http://www.chamberinaction.com/files/932.pdf Now accepting applications for the YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY (YEA!) YEA! is looking for students, entering grades 6-12, who have what it takes to start their own small business, from the ground up, with instruction and inspiration from local leaders. Students must be creative, energetic, motivated, and interested in entrepreneurship. YEA! is a cutting-edge program that takes students between the ages of 11 and 18 through the process of starting and launching a real business or social movement over the course of an academic year . By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses, which may be carried on after their graduation from the program. YEA! aims to teach students at an early age how to make a job, not just take a job. It is the ONLY pre-college program developed by an entrepreneur, at a university, with support from a major entrepreneurial foundation, the Kauffman Foundation and the United States Chamber of Commerce. Both program and scholarship applications must submitted by December 5, 2014. The selection process is competitive and applicants are urged to apply early. Both scholarship and program applications are available to download at www.Chamberinaction.com or can be requested by contacting Rosa Brito at 305-247-2332 or email rbrito@chamberinaction.com Supporting Young, Local Entrepreneurs & Leaders Your generous support will directly transform local students into real business owners and real entrepreneurial success stories, strengthen our business and educational communities, and secure the next generation of leaders in our region. For additional information on the Young Entrepreneurs Program, please visit us on line at http://www.chamberinaction.com/pages/YoungEntrepreneursAcademy/ or contact Rosa Brito at 305-247-2332 or email rbrito@chamberinaction.com.

Office Depot Chamber Program FREE exclusively for all members!

Take advantage of significant savings of up to 60% off a list of 195 most commonly purchased items. Most other items are discounted at least 5% over everyday low web price. Free next business day delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more. Sign up today to start saving. Call the chamber at 305-247-2332 or email wbrown@chamberinaction.com

Advertise with Your Chamber Times! Your Chamber Times e-newsletter advertising rates are nearly half the price of printed newsletter advertising. The Chamber Times is a monthly e-publication that features Chamber events, economic development issues and community activities. It is emailed as a link to over 500 businesses, individuals, and public officials and appears on the Chamber’s website, www.chamberinaction.com. The site averages 117,000 hits per month.

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Some Helpful Websites Homestead/Florida City Chamber Small Business Administration City of Homestead City of Florida City Miami Dade County Public Schools Small Business Development Center Miami-Dade County Non-Partisan Elections Site SCORE Counselors to Small Business State of Florida Information Tropical Everglades Visitors Center

455 N. Flagler Avenue Homestead T. 305-247-2332 F. 305-224-9101 Toll Free 888-352-4891 Mail to: P.O. Box 901544 Homestead, FL 33090

www.chamberinaction.com www.business.gov www.cityofhomestead.com www.floridacityfl.us www.dadeschools.net www.floridasbdc.org www.miamidade.gov www.voteforflorida.org www.score.org www.myflorida.com www.tropicaleverglades.com