Chamber Times www.chamberinaction.com November 2014
November Events Chamber Business Builder Breakfast Thursday, November 13th 7 am - 9 am @ The Big Cheese Restaurant of Homestead 350 N. Homestead Blvd. Homestead, Florida Homestead Veterans Day Celebration Tuesday, November 11, 2014 11 am Ceremony 12 Noon Parade @ Losner Park - Downtown Krome
Volume 25 Issue
45th Annual Military Affairs Committee Golf Tournament Friday, October 10, 2014 The Military Affairs Committee held their annual Golf Tournament at Redland Golf and Country Club to raise awareness and help give to charitable causes. With participants ranging from local leaders to military brass, golfers showed their skills at one of South Dade’s premiere courses.
Speed Fest 2014 Burger Brawl on Krome Saturday, November 15, 2014 Time: 6-10 pm @ Losner Park Downtown Krome
Tickets www.HomesteadMiaamiSpeedWay.com
Chamber and Community Events Calendar www.chamberinaction.com
Thank You Sponsors Tournament Sponsor: Grand Prize Chevrolet Shirt Sponsor: Homestead Hospital Commander Sponsor: 1st National Bank of South Florida Commander Sponsor: Spitzer Dodge Cup Sponsor: Value Place Lodging Patriot Sponsor: Lumo Print, Inc. Breakfast Sponsor: Title Company of Homestead & Hazard Insurance Lunch Sponsor: Representative Holly Raschein, Florida House of Representatives, District 120 Putting Contest: Felix Sabates Chevrolet and Cadillac Beverage Sponsor: Eagle Brands Sales—Michelob ULTRA
Welcome New Members in the Month of October 2014 ! Felix Sabates Chevrolet and Cadillac
TheatreSouth Atlanta, Inc.
Ron Schey, General Manager
a/k/a TheatreSouth
30501 S. Dixie Hwy
Herman LeVern Jones, Artistic Director,
Homestead, FL 33051
Exec. Producer
Phone: (305) 247-2121
815 N. Homestead Blvd. #155
Fax: (305) 248-9074
Homestead, FL 33030
www.felixsabateschevroletcadillac.com
Phone: (305)-924-3003 www.theatresouthatlanta.org
Jose E. Gallego, P.A. Maria Torres, Legal Assistant 7951 S.W. 40th Street, Suite 206 Miami, FL 33155 Phone: (305)-267-7900 www.gallegolaw.com
Thank you for renewing in the Month of Octoberr 2014 ! 1st National Bank of South Florida
Rotary Club of Homestead
A ''Jake'' Jacobsen
South Dade Educational Center
City of Homestead
South Florida Workforce
Comcast Spotlight
Theater Of The Sea
Florida Keys Outlet Center
Timothy J. Slawson, AIA, PA
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami Buy local, stop in and say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those business around!
Historic Redland Tropical Trail Homestead Hospital/Baptist Health South Florida
Homestead Job Corps Center I. M. Jewelers Inge Flink Kimre, Inc. Liberty Car Wash Open Door Health Center, Inc. Princeton Christian School 2
3
2014 Chamber Excellence Awards Luncheon The 2014 Chamber Excellence Awards Luncheon was held on October 20 2014 at the Woman’s Club of Homestead located at 17905 SW 292nd Street, Homestead, FL 33030. The Awards Luncheon honors individuals, volunteers, non-profit organizations and business for their professional dedication, charitable involvement and commitment to the South Dade Community.
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Sharon Haxton
Individual who has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and civic responsibility for the betterment of the South Dade community. Nominees: Bob Epling, Officer Eileen Calvo, Steve De Grave, William Duquette, Richard Erschik, Corey Gold, Sharon Haxton, Mayor Jeff Porter, Councilwoman Patricia Fairclough, Larry Roth, Brock Shiffer, Felecia Vescera, Yvonne Knowles
AGRICULTURE ACHIEVEMENT Medora Krome
L-R: Kametra Driver, Medora Krome, Sharon Haxton, Brock Shiffer, Susan Newman, Moe Hakssa, Renee Reichling
Agri-Business, Agri-Tourism or individual actively involved in the success and quality advancement of the industry.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (2) CATEGORIES:
Nominees: Maria Avila, Cofo, Comm. Lynda Bell, Teena Borek, Dade County Farm Bureau, Bob Fuchs, Gabriele Marewski of Paradise Farms, Bob Jensen, Medora Krome, Phil's Berry Farm, SUMA, Eric Tietig, Torbet Farms
NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR We Care of South Dade
Achieved success in business practices Promoted employee self-growth and development Demonstrated a high level of customer satisfaction Proven their support of the area through financial contributions, personal community service or civic leadership
Large Business: 25 employees or more Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title
Any organization that has fulfilled their mission through improved services and quality of life to the citizens of the South Dade area.
Nominees: 1st National Bank of South Florida, Community Bank of Florida, Homestead Hospital/Baptist Health South Florida, Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title, SOCSOUTH, Sunny Hills ALF of Homestead
Nominees: The ARC of South Florida, Chapman Partnership, GFWC Homestead Junior Woman's Club, Homestead Hospital/Baptist Health South Florida, Kiwanis Club of Homestead/South Dade, Homestead Main Street, M.U.J.E.R, Patches, Rotary Club of Homestead, South Dade Chamber of Commerce, Speedway Community Church, This is for the Kids,Inc., This is the Dog, We Care of South Dade
Small Business: 25 employees or fewer LUMO Graphic Center Nominees: Air Boats Everglades, Bistro Fusion Restaurant, Chefs on the Run, Home Hardware, John Maas, Attorney, Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title, LUMO Graphic Center, Royal Palm Real Estate Services, S&S Design Studio, Stick & Stein Sport Rock Café
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Brock Shiffer
Individual that made a significant contribution of time, skills, talents and/or resources toward the enhancement of the community and/or its citizens.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Nominees: C. Bardsley, Carlos Batista, ISC Amanda Brown, Harriet Devine, Rich Erschik, Moe Hakssa, Sharon Haxton, Charlie Hudson, Rusty Kelly, Kerri Lann, Bonnie King Moran, Service Member of SOC SOUTH, Susan Newman, Marco Ocampo, Larry Roth, Margo Wilt, Brock Shiffer
4
The South Dade Chamber of Commerce is proud to support Small Business Saturday®, the day dedicated to celebrating small, local businesses like yours. Make HJCC Nov 29 huge for your business getting involved Celebrates Jobby Corps' 50th in“VIP the big Triple day. Play Tour” Guests of Honor
Anniversary
Check out resources at ShopSmall.com that can help you stand out:
SPREAD THE WORD: Download marketing materials that can help you attract new customers on the day PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS: Apply for free personalized online ads. Eligibility restrictions apply; see Terms of Participation for full details. Registration for free ads closes on 11/14/14 or while supplies last. GET INSPIRED: Visit ShopSmall.com to see what others have done in past years to make the day a success
Be a part of Small Business Saturday 2014 and make it one of the biggest days of the year for your business.
Hotel Redland and Whistle Stop Restaurant
Fischer, Andy & Sons Jewelers
Mark Bell - Owner, 5 South Flagler Avenue Homestead, FL 33030
Andy Fischer—Owner, 40 NW 14 St., Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 246-1904 • 1-800-595-1904—Fax: (305) 248-0104
(305) 245-8175 Fax: (305) 247-6911 -andrew@andyfischerandsons.com
Homesteadmark@Bellsouth.com
Broadway Street Deli Corp. The Big Cheese of Homestead Patrick & Lizette Lingle, Owners 350 N. Homestead Blvd., Homestead, Fl 33030 786.236.0876 (work) - patrick@pnlhospitality.com
Daisy Tulowiecki, Co-Owner, 2022 NE 8th St., Homestead, FL 33033 — (305) 245-7266 broadway1jt@gmail.com
Bistro Fusion Restaurant Parsuram Ramkissoon, Owner, 27077 S. Dixie Highway Naranja, FL 33032—(305) 224-5827— bistrofusion@yahoo.com 5
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 6
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.
Economic News The Beacon Council announces year-end accomplishments The Beacon Council Annual Meeting on Oct. 15 features the economic development organization’s year-end accomplishments including 43 new location and expansion projects, companies that have committed to creating 2,423 new direct jobs and investing more than $558 million in the local economy within three years. The event also includes keynote speaker Doug Parker, Chairman & CEO of American Airlines Group, as the airline celebrates 25 years since establishing the Miami hub. American Airlines in Miami has grown from fewer than 300 employees 25 years ago to more than 11,000 today, making the company one of the largest private employers in South Florida. About The Beacon Council The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's official economic development partnership, is a not-for-profit, public-private organization that focuses on job creation and economic growth by coordinating community-wide programs; promoting minority business and urban economic revitalization; providing assistance to local businesses in their expansion efforts; and marketing Greater Miami throughout the world.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY FACTS & FIGURES AIR & SEA Miami-Dade’s air and sea connections to the world’s major markets make it a natural choice for international and domestic businesses. DEMOGRAPHICS Miami-Dade County is home to one of the most diverse, multilingual populations in the United States. REAL ESTATE Miami-Dade's commercial real estate markets offer excellent values for corporate tenants, business investors and property owners. TRADE Miami-Dade County is a global center for international trade, and both imports and exports have been rising in recent years. WORKFORCE & LABOR MARKET Miami-Dade's multilingual, multicultural workforce provides a strong foundation for companies doing business in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East or other global business centers.
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
7
Who has the Best Burger in Homestead?
8
9
Community Corner—Member Events
“VIP Triple Play Tour” Guests of Honor
Atala Montessori School for Creative Expression
HJCC Celebrates Job Corps' 50th Anniversary
5th Annual Atala Chili Cook-Off Thank you for your generous support of the Atala Foundation! We had a wonderful turn out for the 5th Annual Atala Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction. Over 300 people joined us for an evening of great food, live music, and fun. We especially want to thank our 8 teams for the chili cook-off: Oscar Solano (Best Traditional), Michael Sparber (Best Spicy), Yvonne Knowles (Best Vegetarian), Cheryl Morgan, Margarita Vallejo, Elizabeth Valle, Marcia Carazo, and Sheyla Guajardo. Oscar Solano and his team of Saucy Señoritas took home the Grand Champion prize. Margarita Vallejo won best staff entry and will enjoy her paid day off very soon! Also thank you to everyone who donated items for our Silent Auction and to those of you who bid on items. In total, we raised The Grand Champions—Oscar Solano, head cook $5000 for the Atala Foundation. We all had a great evening eating, chatting, bidding, laughing, and generally having a ball! Thank you to everyone who cooked, ate, and enjoyed the evening. Be sure and mark your calendars for next year! — at Atala Montessori School for Creative Expression. Atala Montessori School for Creative Expression. To requesting enrollment information or have questions, please contact us at 786-738-1210 or by email at information@atalamontessori.org . Our office hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Atala Administration 240 N. Krome Avenue Homestead, FL 33030. www.AtalaMontessori.org
“Rock The Block” event adds curb appeal - Homestead Job Corps Center (HJCC) students and staff worked tirelessly along with other community volunteers in Saturday, October 25th’s home curb appeal make over with the organization Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida “Rock the Block” event at the North Andrews Gardens community. It was a tremendous success due to the combined efforts of everyone involved.
(Left to Right) HJCC students Adam Abdalla, Kevin Gallichan, Shavaris Gosa, HJCC Counseling Manager, Steven Cosme and HJCC student Ricardo Martinez.
10
America's Everglades - The largest subtropical HJCC Celebrates wilderness in the United StatesJob Corps' 50th
“VIP Triple Play Tour” Guests of Honor
Anniversary
Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. An international treasure as well - a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected areas under the Cartagena Treaty. Kayaking and canoeing are superb ways to visit the habitats of Everglades National Park. Paddle through shady mangrove tunnels, bright sawgrass prairies, open ponds and lakes, or along the stunning coastlines for an experience you’ll never forget.
Biscayne National Park A Watery Wonderland Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife… or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay. Convoy Point (home of Biscayne National Park's Dante Fascell Visitor Center) is considered one of South Florida's best windsurfing locations.
Watch for the City of Homestead Trolley’s 2014-2015 Kick-Off Weekend in November.
2014-2015 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Executive Board:
Chairman’s Appointees Term Expires 2015
Chairman: Renee Reichling, Community Bank
Joseph Marcus, Marcus & Marcus, PA
Chair Elect: George Mirabal , Clearent
Nitun Patel, Owner, Best Western Florida City Homestead
Immediate Past Chairman: Bill Duquette, Homestead Hospital Treasurer: James Pierce, Lopez, Levi & Associates
Members by Virtue of Office
Operations: Corey Gold, Homestead Hospital Government Affairs: Sharon P Haxton, Chapman Partnership
City of Florida City Mayor or Designee
Trustees/Chairman’s Circle: Tony Garcia, Keyes Real Estate
City of Homestead Mayor or Designee
Mortgage & Title
Homestead Air Reserve Base Commander
Chair Economic Development: Michael Kiley, FPL/Turkey Point
Special Operations Command South Commander
President: Rosa I Brito
Miami Dade County Public Schools Local Region Dade County Farm Bureau Tropical Everglades Visitors Association
Directors
Homestead Main Street
Brad Bettelli, Vice President, TD Bank Charlie Hudson, Charlie Hudson Writes Dale Machesic, Publisher, South Dade News Leader
Active Past Chairs
Felecia Vescera, Marketing Director, Florida City Centre Kametra Driver, Executive Director, WeCare of South Dade, Inc.
David Peyton, President & CEO, 1st National Bank of South Florida
Larry Roth, Realtor Associate, Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title
Robert Jensen, VP Community Relations, 1st Nat’l Bank of So. Florida
Richard Erschik, JustASKRich.com
Susan E. Newman, Realtor Associate, Keyes Real Estate Mortgage & Title
Roxanne Jeghers, Owner, Royal Palm Real Estate Services Sharon Wilson, Chief Residential Officer, Community Bank of Florida Susana Vela, Program Director, Miami Dade College Homestead Tony Fiore, Cruising Unlimited - Intelmar USA Inc.
11
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/
12
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
13
Click here to download Student Application form
14
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.
Chamber Times Ad Rates Type Full Page Half Page ¼ Page Business Card
Size 8 ½ x 11 8½x5 3½x5 3½x2
1 Time $175 $100 $65 $50
6 Months $125 mo. $85 mo. $40 mo. $35 mo.
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
15
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