MAY | JUNE 2012
IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS! EMY TORRES Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
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he 2012 Goals Conference opens with a flourish on Thursday, June 21st with the fifth annual George E. Merrick Award of Excellence Dinner. This prestigious award will be bestowed upon a community leader who has served the City Beautiful in a meaningful and lasting way. Each year, five iconic individuals from the Coral Gable’s community are singled out and recognized as distinguished honorees, with one leader earning the most prestigious award. Past winners include Arva Parks McCabe of the Coral Gables Museum; Betsey Adams of the Coral Gables Garden Club; Former Commissioner James Barker and Former Commissioner Wayne “Chip” Withers. This year, we will also be honoring several legacy organizations envisioned and originally created by George E. Merrick: City of Coral Gables, Coral Gables Garden Club, Coral Gables Women’s Club, Coral Gables Congregational Church, The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables Music Club, The Country Club of Coral Gables, and The University of Miami. The Mistress of Ceremonies will be the incomparable Shannon Hori of CBS 4.
Friday’s Good Morning Coral Gables breakfast features Pat Geraghty, CEO of Florida Blue. Mr. Geraghty will share his thoughts on the state of health care in Florida, the new brand Florida Blue and his vision for Florida Blue’s future in our community and beyond. City Manager Pat Salerno will also offer remarks on the State of the City of Coral Gables during breakfast. Incoming Chair Darla Thompson will introduce her leadership team, as well as share her goals for the upcoming year. Good Morning Coral Gables is sponsored by Florida Blue and Mercantil Commercebank. Throughout the day, participants will have an opportunity to share in various goals-setting sessions by committee, which will help to solidify measurable and attainable action plans for the upcoming Chamber year. The Goals Conference luncheon is sponsored by COMCAST and will feature a prominent speaker, as well as the State of the Chamber address by our president. Participants will also engage in an interactive session with the Beacon Council on the results of their One Community, One Goal initiative, a program that seeks to better understand and map out how we are going to build our economy of the future through targeted industries. Frank Nero, CEO of the Beacon Council, will discuss
the project, including those industries that will be the focal point for business recruitment, retention and growth. The day will conclude with a panel discussion and a cocktail reception, sponsored by Credomatic. Sponsors for this annual planning conference include corporate sponsors: The Allen Morris Company, Bay Plumbing Company, COMCAST, Cherry Bekaert & Holland, LLP, Credomatic Merchant Services, Florida Blue, Home Financing Center, Mercantil Commercebank, and the University of Miami; event sponsors: Baptist Health South Florida, Becker & Poliakoff, PA, Esslinger, Wooten Maxwell Realtors, and Right Space Management; participating sponsors: Vine Communications, Laura Russo, PA and Logistical Outsourcing, Inc.; and, in-kind sponsors: Bacardi USA, The Miami Herald and Photo Offset. For more information on sponsorship, please contact Senior Events Manager, Erica Dominguez at 305.446.1657 or email edominguez@coralgableschamber.org. To register for the event, please visit www.coralgableschamber.org. Early bird rates are available through June 1st.
RUN WILD AT OUR ANNUAL BAPTIST TOUR OF THE GABLES 5K EMY TORRES Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
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he Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce hosts its 17th annual Baptist Health Tour of The Gables 5K on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 7:30 AM. The much anticipated race will take runners on a scenic tour of the City Beautiful. The race will begin and end at Coral Gables City Hall, located on the corner of LeJeune Road and Miracle Mile, right in the heart of Coral Gables.
IN THIS ISSUE • Chairman’s Remarks Page 2
• President’s Perspective Page 3 • Trustee Talk Page 4 • Chamber Events Page 5 • Membership Highlights Page 6 • Calendar of Events Page 7 • Sponsor Recognition Page 8
The yearly event would not be possible without the continued support of our title sponsor Baptist Health South Florida; host sponsors-The City of Coral Gables; and, contributing sponsors (to-date): Bunge, City of Coral Gables, Dr. G’s Weight Loss & Wellness, Equinox Fitness, Home Instead Senior Care, Logistical Outsourcing, Inc., Mercantil Commercebank, Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, Publix Supermarkets, and VH Pharmacy.
age 21 and older will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a weekend of luxury in a Mercedes Benz, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables.
BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH
“Our annual 5K has been sponsored by our good friends at Baptist Health for the past 17 years and is a terrific community event that annually draws more than 1000 runners. We truly view this event as both family friendly and business friendly, bestowing the Chairman’s Cup on the corporate team with the most participants,” said Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. Corporate teams will participate and compete for the Chairman’s Cup, awarded to the team with the most runners. Members and friends of the Chamber of all ages and all fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to partake in the race. In addition, upon registration, runners
So join in on the fun, boost your company’s morale, show off 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. There will be complimentary parking available at the Andalusia Parking Garage, just West of LeJeune Road. Register for the run by visiting www.teamfootworks.org. The cost for participating is $25 for pre-registration and $35 on the day of the event for adults; and, $15 and $20, respectively, for runners under 18 years of age. Register early to secure your beautifully designed Tec Shirt! For information on sponsorships, contact Senior Events Manager Erica Dominguez at edominguez@coralgableschamber.org or call 305-4461657. To register for the event, please visit www.teamfootworks.org.
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |MAY-JUNE 2012
CHAIRMAN’S CORNER Drew Kern Esslinger-WootenMaxwell CGCC Chairman kern.d@ewm.com
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his years G o a l ’ s conference will quickly be upon us, June 21-22, at The Biltmore Hotel. This event is like no other annual event hosted by our Chamber as you have the opportunity to not only get involved, but to help plan the future of our Chamber. The format will stay consistent with years past: Good Moring Coral Gables on Friday morning, Luncheon keynote and breakout sessions throughout the day that give plenty of time to network and open doors to opportunities for you and your business. A year ago when I was planning my Goals Conference, I was reminded of my first engagement with the Chamber where a friend simply said to me, “get involved and good things will happen.” Well, they were right. More than right!
2011-2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ways than I ever expected; but more importantly, the relationships, both professionally and personally, will last well beyond my tenure as Chairman. I have made life-long friendships and business associations that have led to real work being done and I know that these doors were opened exclusively by our Chamber.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman: Drew Kern (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors) Chair-Elect: Darla Thompson (Cherry, Bekaert & Holland) Vice Chairman-Business & Economic Dev: Rosemary Guilfoyle (Public Adjusters, Inc.) Vice Chairman-Gov’t & Legislative Affairs: Laura Russo (Laura Russo, PA) Vice Chairman-Community Affairs: Nikki Deas (Vine Communications) Vice Chairman-Member Affairs: Amy Donner (Community Newspapers) Vice Chairman-International Affairs: Marco Ibarra (Eliptek Technology Group) Vice Chairman-Special Events: Barbara Schumann (Touché Beauty) Treasurer: John Allen (Home Financing Center, Inc.) Parliamentarian: Gabriel Castrillon (Hyatt Regency Coral Gables) Trustee Council Chair: Linda Knudsen (Baptist Health) Past Chairman: John O’Rourke (Montica Jewelry) Chairman’s Appointee: Martha de la Peña (Blue Cross Blue Shield) President & CEO: Mark A. Trowbridge
I am also excited that new leaders will be stepping forward to help steer our Chamber into the future. These have been challenging years for our organization and we have learned to do more and more with less and less. We are the community organization that responds to issues that are of the greatest significance to the business community. In truth, we are their voice. The annual Goals Conference is the first chapter in a new Chamber year and new leadership, join us to support Chair-Elect Darla Thompson and plan for our success and yours!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elected-term expires 2012 Hugo Arza (Holland & Knight LLP) Manny Alvarez (International Finance Bank) George Feliciano (Bay Plumbing) Marti Mang (TotalBank)
Elected-term expires 2013 Perry Adair (Becker & Poliakoff) Ramon Ferrer (Florida Power & Light) Nelson Lazo (Doctors Hospital) Deirdre Nero (Nero Immigration Law) J. Dustin Symes (City National Bank)
The business came to me in more
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, 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 Emy Torres at etorres@coralgableschamber.org.
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Elected-term expires 2014 Thad Adams (The Allen Morris Company) Brian Barakat (Barakat Law, P.A.) Wayne Eldred (Tarpon Bend) Frank Fernandez (US Century Bank) Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects) Appointees-term expires 8/31/2012 Sarah Nesbitt Artecona (University of Miami) John Knowles (Photo Offset) Dan Odess (East Coast Public Adjusters, Inc.) Marianne Sioli (CompuPay, Inc.) Zachary Sulkes (Bacardi USA) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS City of Coral Gables Commissioner Frank C. Quesada City of Coral Gables Cynthia Birdsill (Economic Sustainability Department) Education Foundation of the Coral Gables Chamber Drew Kern Coral Gables Community Foundation Andria Hanley Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 305.446.1657
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |MAY-JUNE 2012
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: YOUR CHAMBER STORMS CAPITOL HILL Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org
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s I write this article, we are preparing for our annual advocacy trip to Washington, DC to meet with legislators and their respective staff members to promote our federal legislative priorities. Led by our Chairman Drew Kern, this is the sixth year that we have partnered with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and other business development organizations from around the state to travel to DC and push for those issues that are most critical to our member businesses and the South Florida community. Each year, the traveling team gets larger - we will be 10 members this trip - and the issues get broader, more significant and increasingly critical. In most cases, these issues are about jobs, funding, and opportunities. Given that this is an election year, we are cautiously optimistic that our priorities will be heard and acted upon this trip with the focus on many other things in DC. We will know the mood of Congress the moment we enter the storied halls of these great buildings. Over the past few years, we have been aggressive on such issues as free trade with Colombia and Panama, visa waivers, small business incentives, education funding and even stimulus dollars. Many of these issues take time to percolate and meander their way through the approval process, such as our trade agreement with Colombia that passed months ago after five years of lobbying. We have been fortunate to have no greater Champion than Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, whose district
includes the Gables. The Congresswoman avails herself to us each year. We review our federal priorities with her and listen to her wise words on those hurdles it may be most easy to clear. Her advice is always sound and based on nearly 20 years in Congress. We have come to understand that each member of Congress loves to meet with their constituents in Washington and to hear directly from the voice of business. It is hard to believe that this is of such import, but it is. Too often, they feel isolated in DC and need to receive calls, emails and faxes on those issues most critical to the businesses in their district. This trip, our focus will continue to be on those opportunities that will bring jobs to South Flordia and greater economic prosperity. We will convene with the State Department on their small business initiative, meet with Senators Rubio and Nelson on our legislative priorities, as well as several members of Congress, including David Rivera, Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Frederica Wilson, and receive briefings from the US Chamber and White House. It will be a busy two-day trip and one that should pay dividends in the long run. While many in our Chamber and business community may not have a passion for the legislative process, we all understand its importance in the greater scheme of things. It is how things work. We need to stay abreast of the latest developments in education, our economy, health care, transporation and immigration. Plus, there are real dollars available for our community tied to these various programs and it is our job to ensure that we get our fair share. A visit to DC helps ensure that we are top of mind with our members of Congress when the time comes to stroke that check.
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MAY-JUNE 2012
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TRUSTEE TALK Chamber members are in effect a micro-community of the larger South Florida community. You joined the Chamber to connect with like-minded business leaders and grow your business. And our sole reason for being is to help you do that. That’s why we make resources available, host networking events and offer business showcases. Because we know these are the most effective ways to build business
Starbucks) under which you met. Do the same with the cards you collect. You’ll be surprised how this simple trick will jog their memory (and yours) later. Follow up and follow through. People aren’t like elephants –– they forget! Create a database of the contacts you make and then keep in touch at least once every six weeks. Call, send a note, newsletter or e-zine. These are effective tools for reminding existing and prospective clients that you are the best person to solve their IT, financial, legal, marketing or human resources problem. And most important, if you promise to do something (call, send an article, make an introduction), do it!
Since January, we’ve been providing strategies for getting the most out of your networking efforts. Here are two more:
When we help you grow your business, the community we all live, work and play in, prospers.
Linda Knudsen, Baptist Health South Florida & Trustee Council Chair LindaK@baptisthealth.net
relationships.
Bring business cards. Your business card is the cheapest form of advertising you have. Don’t hang on to it as if it were made of gold. Give it away, freely. Help people remember where they met you by writing on the back of your card the name and date of the networking event or circumstances (elevator,
So, please, we encourage you to take advantage of us!
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - April 19, 2012
ALBERTO ROMEU | ALBERTO ROMEU PHOTOGRAPHY Top Left: Mayor Jim Cason; Karema Harris, Florida League of International Baccalaureate Programs; Hank Langston, Gulliver Schools. Top Right: Drew Kern, Chamber Chairman; Andria Hanley, Coral Gables Community Foundation; Mark A. Trowbridge, Chamber President. Bottom Left: Gulliver Schools Jazz Band. Bottom Right: Moderator Karema Harris, Florida League of International Baccalaureate Programs; Guest Speaker Professor Enzo Siviero, Vice President, Consiglio Universitario Nazionale, University of Venice, Italy; Guest Speaker Chancellor Gene D. Block, University of California at Los Angeles.
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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MAY - JUNE 2012
FEATURED MAY EVENT
ECO EXPO & YGRENE MEANS GREEN AWARDS - April 20, 2012
Left: Winners of the Ygrene Means Green Awards: Citizens for a Better South Florida, Green Enterprise Award; 396 Alhambra, Green Edifice Award; Carlos Ruiz de Quevedo, Esslinger Wooten Maxwell Realtors, Green LEEDer Award; and, the Dome Restaurant, Green Pineapple Award; alongside Mark A. Trowbridge, Chamber President & CEO. Right: Mayor Jim Cason accepts the “Green Giant” Award on behalf of the City of Coral Gables, from Drew Kern, Chamber Chairman.
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MAY-JUNE 2012
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SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES! MAY 4th
MAY 19th
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LUNCHEON - 11:30 AM The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables 180 Aragon Avenue
BAPTIST HEALTH TOUR OF THE GABLES 5K - 7:30 AM Coral Gables City Hall 405 Biltmore Way
MAY 8th
MAY 31st
TRUSTEE RECEPTION- 5:30 PM City National Bank, 2855 LeJeune Road,
ANNUAL STATE OF FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE ROUND-UP - 8:30 AM Becker & Poliakoff, PA, 121 Alhambra Plaza, Suite 1000, Coral Gables Sponsor: Becker & Poliakoff, PA
Coral Gables
MAY 9th IMPACT Series #4- 8:00 AM Market Your Business Effectively Sponsor: Mercantil Commercebank Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P., 2525 Ponce de Leon
JUNE 8th 2012 TOTALBANK GOLF CLASSIC TOURNAMENT - 11:00 AM The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
MAY 15th
WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON - 11:30 AM Featuring Dr. Joyce Elam, Excutive Dean, FIU Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza Spomsor- Mercantil Commercebank
Developing Business Building Community
JUNE 13th IMPACT Series #5 - 8:00 AM Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P., 2525 Ponce de Leon Sponsor: Mercantil Commercebank
MAY 17th
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES BREAKFAST Celebrating the 2012 Rising Star Awards 7:30 AM -Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables Spomsor- The Miami Herald
JUNE 21st - 22nd 2012 GOALS CONFERENCE: IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS! Apollo Bank Barlop Business Systems Benworth Capital Partners Beraja Medical Institute Coldwell Banker Cubed Group, Inc. First National Bank of South Miami Gables Medical Spa Hamptons Superior Cleaning Hevia Cosmetic Dermatology Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A.
SPONSORSHIP/INVESTOR HALL OF FAME January 2012 through March 2012
$5,000 AND ABOVE
$2,500 - $4,999
The Allen Morris Company AXA Advisors, LLC Baptist Health South Florida The Biltmore Hotel Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. City of Coral Gables City National Bank Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Florida Blue Florida Power & Light Home Financing Center, Inc. Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Mercantil Commercebank, N.A. Montica Jewelry TotalBank University of Miami
AT&T Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. COMCAST Credomatic Merchant Services Dade Medical College Doctors Hospital East Coast Public Adjusters, Inc. Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Gulliver Schools Logistical Outsourcing, Inc. Port of Miami
The Miami Herald Touché Beauty LLC U.S. Century Bank USAA Realty Company/CBRE Village of Merrick Park
Laser Center of Coral Gables Miami Heat/AA Arena Miami Internet Marketing Navarro Discount Pharmacy Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc. Please Hold Advertising Shake Shack
VISION INVESTORS
S.T.A.R.S. School for Autism The Kern Company Vida Day Spa & Wellness Center West Gables Health Care Center
* BOLD denotes new Trustee member
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Baptist Health South Florida Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. The Biltmore Hotel Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. Coconut Grove Bank Eliptek Technology Group Express Travel Gulliver Schools Hyatt Regency Coral Gables International Finance Bank Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables Montica Jewelry
Photo Offset Right Space Management Sabadell United Bank, N.A. Sharff, Wittmer, Kurtz & Jackson The University of Miami Victoria & Associates Career Services Waste Management The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Hotel Williamson Cadillac - HUMMER
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MAY-JUNE 2012
EVENTS CALENDAR
MAY / JUNE 2012 Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday 8:00 AM International Affairs Meeting
7
14
21
5:30 PM Trustee Reception
1
8
15
2
12:15 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
9
8:00 AM IMPACT Series for Small Business 9:00 AM Cultural Affairs Meeting
16
8:00 AM 8:00 AM Green Committee Meeting Small Business Committee Meeting 11:30 AM 9:00 AM Women’s Business Golf Classic Meeting Network Luncheon
22
23 11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon
28
29
30
Memorial Day / Chamber Office Closed
4
11
18
25
5
12
6
12:15 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
13
8:00 AM 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network IMPACT Series for Small Business Lunch
19
26
Friday
Thursday
20
27
3
8:00 AM Ambassador Meeting 9:00 AM WBN Steering Committee
10
8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting
17
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:00 A.M. 20/30 Group Meeting
4
9:00 AM Chamber 101
24
31
8:00 AM Ambassador Meeting
7
12/13 MOTHER’S DAY
18
19/20
25
26/27
1
2/3
8
9/10
15
16/17
8:30 AM The Trow Knows... CEOs featuring Obdulio Piedra, Great Florida Bank
11:00 AM TotalBank Golf Classic
14
8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting
21
11
5/6
7:30 AM 8:00 AM Business & Government 17th Annual Baptist Health Tour of the Gables 5k Affairs Committee Meeting
8:00 AM Business & Education Meeting
8:30 AM Annual State of Florida Legislative Round-Up
Saturday / Sunday
11:30 AM Commercial Real Estate Luncheon
FATHERS DAY
22
6:00 PM George E. Merrick Award of Excellence Dinner
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:15 AM Goals Conference
GOALS CONFERENCE
GOALS CONFERENCE
28
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MAY-JUNE 2012
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23/24
30/1
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SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY MARCH APRIL
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES MARCH APRIL
WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCH
TRUSTEE LUNCH
APRIL
MARCH
TRUSTEE RECEPTION APRIL
MARCH
APRIL
AXA ADVISORS BUSINESSWOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS MARCH
MARCH MADNESS
ECO EXPO
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GABLES GLOBAL GROOVE
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MAY-JUNE 2012