Chamber Connection March-April

MARCH | APRIL 2013

SAVOR A ‘TASTE OF THE CHAMBER’ AT ANNUAL BUSINESS EXPO IN CORAL GABLES

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re you a fan of signature spirits by Bacardi? Ever pleased your palate at Cibo Wine Bar? Shopped for bling at Montica Jewelry? 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 continues 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 potential customers and generate brand awareness of their business. It’s also a venue where businesses 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 exhibits showcasing local companies. Take advantage 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 The Biltmore Hotel Blossom’s Developmental Therapy Association Comcast Business Class The 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. The 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 The Westin Colannade Coral Gables We Simplify the Internet (WSI) Enjoy the business expo just $20 for Chamber Members; $30 for Non-Members. For more information, visit www.coralgableschamb.org or call 305-446-1657.

ARE YOU THE NEXT RISING STAR?

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he 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.

Check out the Award Categories for this year:

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH 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.

Applicants must be Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce members in good standing or work in the City of Coral Gables.

IN THIS ISSUE

• Chair’s Corner

• President’s Perspective

Page 2

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

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, Jennifer Diaz, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.; Corporate Star Award, Goldstein Schechter Koch, Rising Star Award Saif Ishoof, City Year.

Model Star Award - The Model Star Award recognizes an individual who has been actively involved in the community, either through participation in non-profit organizations or participation 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 professionals.

For more information on how to apply or register for our signature awards program, visit www.coralgableschamber.org or call 305-446-1657.

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |MARCH-APRIL 2013

CHAIR’S CORNER reds. I am reminded, however, that much like our Chamber, it’s always a work in progress.

Darla Thompson Cherry Bekaert LLP CGCC Chair dthompson@cbh. com

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wenty plus years ago I moved to 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.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair: Darla Thompson (Cherry Bekaert LLP) Chairman-Elect: Perry Adair (Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.) Vice Chairman-Business & Economic Dev: Barbara K. Norland (Junior Orange Bowl) Vice Chairman-Gov’t & Legislative Affairs: Laura Russo (Laura Russo, PA) Vice Chairman-Community Affairs: Amy Donner (Community Newspapers) Vice Chairman-Member Affairs: Marianne Sioli (Filer Insurance, Inc.) Vice Chairman-International Affairs: Marco Ibarra (Eliptek Technology Group) Vice Chairman-Special Events: Gabriel de Armas Jr., Home Instead Senior Care Treasurer: John Allen (Home Financing Center, Inc.) Parliamentarian: Martha de la Pena Rojas (Florida Blue) Trustee Council Chair: J. Dustin Symes (City National Bank of Florida) Past Chairman: Drew Kern, Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Chair’s Appointee: Linda Knudsen, Baptist Health South Florida President & CEO: Mark A. Trowbridge

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 proactive 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

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

SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORSHIP Open 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 at edominguez@coralgableschamber.org.

ADVERTISING What happens if you do not advertise your business?

Absolutely nothing.

Make your business stand out and take full advantage of your Chamber membership. There are sponsorship opportunities, newsletter advertising, City Beautiful magazine, website advertising and much more available to you to help promote your business. Rates are available on the front page of our website, www. coralgableschamber.org or you can contact Joshua Jones at jjones@coralgableschamber.org.

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2012-2013 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elected-term expires 2013 Dixie McDaniel de Andrade (Envision Possibilities) George Feliciano Jr. (Bay Plumbing Company) Ramon Ferrer (Florida Power & Light) Nelson Lazo (Doctors Hospital) Deirdre Nero (Nero Immigration Law)

Elected-term expires 2014 Thad Adams (Allen Morris Company) Brian Barakat (Barakat Law, P.A.) Wayne Eldred (Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill) Frank Fernandez (US Century Bank) Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects)

Elected-term expires 2015 Nikki Deas (Vine Communications) Rosemary Guilfoyle (Planning Consultants Group) John Knowles (Photo Offset, Inc.) 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 District Abe Ng, Sushi Maki/Pao Town City of Coral Gables Commissioner Frank C. Quesada City of Coral Gables Cynthia Birdsill (Economic Sustainability Department) Education Foundation of the Coral Gables Chamber Darla Thompson Coral Gables Community Foundation Andria Hanley Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 305.446.1657

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2013

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: Spending some “Capitol”!

Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org

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ver 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.

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 wellpositioned 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.

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

The Chamber leadership meets with Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, at the State Capitol for our annual advocacy trip to Tallahassee.

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2013

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CORAL GABLES COMMUNITY LACES UP FOR 18TH ANNUAL TOUR OF THE GABLES 5K

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he 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 edominguez@coralgableschamber.org, 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 PHOTOGRAPHY Top 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

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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2013

UPCOMING SPRING FESTIVITIES March 26th 2013 Candidate Forum

April 19th Eco Expo & Green Means Green Awards

NOTICE TO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP Please be advised that the annual process of electing officers and directors for the Chamber is underway. The general membership has the opportunity to nominate members of the Chamber for Board membership.

In order to be nominated, a member must submit his or her request signed by twenty-five (25) members in good standing to the Chamber office by Noon on April 3, 2013.

Any submission from the membership will be added to the slate of Nominees determined by the Chamber’s Nominating Committee and Board of Directors.

Chamber Board elections will be held in May 2013.

Ballots will be sent via US Mail to each Chamber member in good standing. www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2013

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SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES! MARCH 22nd

MARCH 6th WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY - 5:30 PM JohnMartin’s Irish Pub 249 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Sponsor: Bacardi

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 7th

MARCH 26th

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 LUNCHEON feat. “backstage” tour of the Garden - 11:45 AM Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables Speaker: Carl E. Lewis Ph.D., Director, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Sponsor: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden & Right Space 2 Meet

MARCH 12th

MARCH 26th

TRUSTEE RECEPTION *Trustees Only* - 5:30 PM Meet the finalists for the AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards Mercantil Commercebank 220 Alhambra Circle, 9th floor, Coral Gables Sponsor: Mercantil Commercebank

2013 CANDIDATE FORUM - 6:00 PM University of Miami Field House 1245 Dauer Drive, Coral Gables Sponsor: Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. & University of Miami

*NOTE DATE CHANGE* MARCH 28th GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - 7:30 AM Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue Sponsor: United Way Speaker: Richard D. Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

MARCH 14th

TASTE OF THE CHAMBER BUSINESS EXPO - 5:30 PM *Nearly 50 restaurants & businesses participating!* Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Rotunda 180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables Sponsors: Credomatic Merchant Services, Bacardi USA, Baptist Health South Florida, Florida Blue, Intermedia Touch, Logistical Outsourcing LLC, Miami Today and Mayfair Hotel & Spa

APRIL 19th

ECO EXPO & GREEN MEANS GREEN AWARD LUNCHEON - 11:00AM La Jolla Ballroom 301 Alcazar Avenue, Coral Gables

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS! Celedinas Insurance Group Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate ColoHouse Cycle Party USA, LLC Espirito Santo Bank FirstBank Florida FuzionMiami.com Gonzalez & Rodriguez PL KCI hi (Q) Data Corp Massage Envy Popular Community Bank Park ‘N Fly Peacock Public Relations Pika Sauce Pridelines Youth Services Pro Energy Consultants Rent 1 Sale 1 Realty Robin Rile Fine Art Schwartz Media Strategies Smart Monitors, Inc. Southeast Property SunCoast Home Loans Tamayo Real Estate Services Trauma Resources Tri-Systems Group, Inc. VS Brooks Advertising UniVista Financial Group Woodlawn Park Cemetery Zilveti Communications

SPONSORSHIP/INVESTOR HALL OF FAME Through February 2013

$2,500 - $4,999

$5,000 AND ABOVE The Allen Morris Company AXA Advisors, LLC Baptist Health South Florida The Biltmore Hotel Cherry Bekaert LLP City of Coral Gables City National Bank Credomatic Merchant Services Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Florida Blue

Florida Power & Light Home Financing Center, Inc. Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Mercantil Commercebank, N.A. The Miami Herald Miami’s Community Newspapers Montica Jewelry Sabadell United Bank South Florida Business Journal TotalBank University of Miami

AT&T Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Brown Forman Coastal Construction Group Comcast Business Class Doctors Hospital East Coast Public Adjusters, Inc.

* BOLD denotes new Trustee member

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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2013

Gulliver Schools Gibralter Private Bank Hines Logistical Outsourcing, Inc. Photo Offset South Motors U.S. Century Bank USAA Realty Company/ CBRE Wal-Mart Stores

EVENTS CALENDAR

MARCH / APRIL 2013 Monday

Wednesday

Tuesday

Friday

Thursday

Saturday / Sunday

1

2/3

8

9/10

8:30 AM Trow Knows...CEOs featuring Tadd Schwartz, CEO, Schwartz Media Strategies

4

11

8:00 AM International Affairs Committee Meeting

5

12:15 PM RE-Connect Luncheon

6

12

8:00 AM E.V.E.R. Green Committee Meeting

19

13

8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting

8:00 AM IMPACT Seminar @ Cherry Bekaert LLP

9:00 AM Chamber 101 @ Chamber Office

7:00 PM Annual Theatre Night @ Actors’ Playhouse 9:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting

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15

St. Patrick’s Day

16/17

5:30 PM Taste of the Chamber Business Expo @ Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Rotunda

9:30 AM Golf Classic Committee Meeting

18

7

9:00 AM Women’s Business Network Meeting

5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday @JohnMartin’s Irish Pub

5:30 PM Trustee Reception @ Mercantil Commercebank

8:00 AM Chairman’s Ambassador Meeting

20

8:00 AM Business & Education Meeting

21

22

23/24

11:30 AM AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards @ Coral Gables Country Club

9:30 AM Golf Classic Committee Meeting

25

1

11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon @ Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (NOTE DATE CHANGE) 6:00 PM Candidate Forum @ University of Miami Field House

26

8:00 AM International Affairs Committee Meeting

2

8:00 AM Business & Education Committee Meeting

27

3

12:15 PM RE-Connect @ Anacapri on Ponce 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday @ Montica Jewelry

8

15

5:30 PM Trustee Reception *Trustees Only*

8:00 AM E.V.E.R. Green Committee

9

10

8:00 AM Business & Govt Affairs Meeting 9:00 AM Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting

16

Meeting 11:30 AM

8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting

17

7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

28

9:00 AM 20/30 Group Meeting @ Biltmore Hotel 8:00 AM Chairman’s Ambassador Meeting 9:00 AM Women’s Business Network Meeting 5:30 PM Gables Global Groove @ One Alhambra

4

8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting

7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables

Good Friday

5

8:30 AM Trow Knows...CEOs featuring Adam Putnam, State of Florida Commissioner

11

18

29

12

Easter Sunday

30/31

Passover Begins

Passover Ends

6/7

13/14

19

20/21

26

27/28

11:00 AM Eco Expo & Green Means Green Awards Luncheon

Women’s Business

9:30 AM Golf Classic Committee Meeting

Network Luncheon @ Hyatt Regency

9:00 AM 20/30 Group Meeting

Coral Gables

22/29

23/30

24

11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon @ Hyatt Regency Coral Gables

8: 00 AM Business & Education Committee Meeting

25

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |MARCH-APRIL 2013

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SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY JANUARY FEBRUARY

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES JANUARY FEBRUARY

WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON JANUARY

FEBRUARY

TRUSTEE RECEPTION JANUARY FEBRUARY

TRUSTEE LUNCHEON JANUARY FEBRUARY

EVENING ON ARAGON

REALTOR SHOWCASE

JANUARY

JANUARY

IMPACT SEMINAR FEBRUARY

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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2013