FLAGS ON PONCE - CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
Created in 1993, we are thrilled to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Flags on Ponce program! A rich display of cultural diversity, Flags on Ponce began as an initiative to highlight our community's significant number of consulate offices that call Coral Gables home.
The next time you’re taking a stroll down Ponce de Leon Boulevard, walking to lunch or enjoying a night out in The City Beautiful, take a moment to look up and reflect on the culturally vast community that we live, work, learn and play in.
Flags on Ponce is presented and managed by the ChamOver the years it has evolved into a focal point of our in- ber's Global Business Affairs Committee and made posternational business community. During the months of sible because of the support from the City of Coral GaDecember - May, flags are flown high above one of the bles and our sponsors. City's main thoroughfares, Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Lining the street with colorful reminders of a places that We thank this year's flag sponsors: many still call home. • Arthur M. Freyre • EWM Realty International • Baptist Health South Florida • Latin American Connection • Barakat Law, P.A. • Marti Mang IN THIS ISSUE: • Consul General of Antigua & • Montica Jewelry Barbuda in Miami • NERO Immigration Law, P.L. • Consul of Australia in Miami • Polish American Chamber of Thoughts from our Chair Page 2 • Consul of Barbados in Miami Commerce • Consul of Republic of Korea • Sora Global Insurance and President’s Perspective Page 3 • Consulate of Monaco in Miami Consulting • Consulate of Uruguay in Miami • Taipei Economic Council Trustee Scene Page 5 • Coral Gables Country Club • Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill • EPGD Attorneys at Law • Weiss, Aleden & Polo P.A. Upcoming Events Page 6 • World Strategic Forum Membership Highlights Page 8 Calendar of Events
Page 9
Sponsor Recognition
Page 10
Celebrating 25 Years!
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
THOUGHTS FROM OUR CHAIR Martha de la Peña Rojas
Chair of the Board, CGCC Florida Blue Martha.DelaPenaRojas@bcbsfl.com
Greetings from your Chair of the Board! It has been a very busy time in our Chamber this Fall, especially after the chaos caused by our friend Hurricane Irma! With many thanks to the wonderful and engaged Chamber leadership, we have been able to navigate successfully the aftermath of a number of storms as we continue to be there for all of our members of the Chamber and our community. We’ve held engaging and relevant conversations on various topics during and after our signature programs, including City issues, health care and high impact networking. I am proud to be surrounded by a group of true leaders that see the need and then envision the plan. Having said that, a plan is only a plan unless it is followed by skillful execution. Our Chamber is also blessed by having a committed staff that under Mark’s skillful leadership who executes at the highest of levels. I have always said that a leader is only as good as he or she leads. It is all about teamwork. These great folks make all of us shine! It is my sincere hope that our Chamber members see and find value in being engaged and in return, offer up a respectful voice. In closing, please join us at our upcoming events and continue to be an active part of our great Chamber. Please help our theme resonate for you to become an even Better Business, which ultimately leads to a Better Community and Better You! As the holidays approach us, I wish you and yours a safe, healthy and happy and prosperous Holiday season.
2017 - 2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Martha de la Peña Rojas (Florida Blue) Chairman-Elect Patrick O’Connell (EWM Realty International) First Vice Chairman Brian Barakat (Barakat Law, P.A.) Treasurer Ana Chaoui (Grove Bank & Trust) Parliamentarian Carolina Rendeiro (World Strategic Forum) Immediate Past Chairman John Allen (Home Financing Center, Inc.) Vice Chairman-Global Business Affairs Arthur Freyre (Poblete Tamargo) Vice Chairman-Community Affairs Jon Ridley (Honeywell) Vice Chairman-Business & Economic Dev. Nicole Waters (Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables) Vice Chairman-Member Affairs Amy Donner (Miami’s Community Newspapers) Vice Chairman-Special Events Jessica Wilcox (J. Wilcox Consulting) Vice Chairman-Gov’t & Legislative Affairs Efrain Sora (Sora Global Insurance & Consulting) Trustee Council Chair Tom Weinkle (Vortex Communications) Chairman’s Appointee Yesenia Moreno (Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc.) President & CEO Mark A. Trowbridge BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elected-term expires 2018 Thad Adams (The Allen Morris Company) Charles Knight (Florida Power and Light) Nikki Deas (Vine Communications) Rene Negron (AXA Advisors, LLC) Christopher Spuches (Ehrenstein Charbonneau Calderín) Elected-term expires 2019 Pilar Baena (Smiles & Sonrisas) Christie Grays (Baptist Health South Florida) Zachary Sulkes (Bacardi USA) Elected-term expires 2020 Andria Hanley (Camillus House) Alex Jimenez (Apollo Bank) Matthias Kammerer (The Biltmore Hotel) Nelson Lazo (Doctors Hospital) Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects)
Martha de la Peña Rojas Chair, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
Chairman’s Appointees-term expires 2018 Chris Colston (Second Chance Credit LLC) Nicolas Eterovic (Edward James) Jorge Martinez (The Conroy Martinez Group) Cristina Miller (Intermedia Touch, Inc.) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS City of Coral Gables Vice Mayor Patricia Keon City of Coral Gables Javier Betancourt, Director Business Improvement District Mindy McIlroy, Terranova Corp. Coral Gables Community Foundation Mary Snow, Executive Director
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - COMING IN HOT! Mark A. Trowbridge
President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org
Welcome to our annual Burgerliscious feature issue for the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly Chamber CONNECTion. There is a good chance that when you are done reading it, you may wish to eat it! It is just that delicious and tempting. Don’t let us stop you from devouring every morsel! If you are a fan of burgers, well, then this is your big moment as we host more than 20 Coral Gables restaurants hawking their finest burger creations. Burgerliscious is an amazing gathering of burger lovers whose passion for all things juicy and meaty knows no equal. With your support, Burgerliscious grows in stature and standing in our community each year – especially as burger aficionados catch on to its glorious goodness. What began as a way to overcome a never-ending recession that was starving our restaurants has turned into a top-line, often imitated, celebrated burger event that is heralded for its approachability and good old-fashioned fun. We are quite bullish on this event as you might imagine and well, and your engagement and involvement shows us that you are, too! This year, we will have six new stars featured at Burgerliscious, including 320 Gastrolounge, PizzaRev Coral Gables, HOUSE Kitchen & Bar, Glass & Vine, Son Cubano and Miller’s Ale House. They will be competing alongside their peers for the 'Best in Bun' Award, judged by an all-star panel of burger enthusiasts. In addition, South Motors returns again this year and will sponsor the 'People’s Choice' Award as part of their promotions and branding. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite! And, as always, there are new wrinkles added to the event to keep our attendees engaged and excited. We are thrilled to announce our new games area, featuring oversized Beer Pong, Jenga and Corn Hole. There is no better way to burn-off those calories than by trying to drop a large ball into a bucket! Dilly, dilly! Mad World Orchestra returns again this year, their fifth year of entertaining our guests. Their commitment to all-things 80’s hits the right spot for those devouring burgers and washing them down with seasonal and perfectly chilled Sam Adams beers. Can you imagine a better way to enjoy one of 20 different burgers? None of this would be possible without the incredible support we receive from our partners. From the beginning, we have been supported by some incredible sponsors, including Sam Adams and Jack Daniels, distributed by Brown-Forman, as well as South Motors, the City of Coral Gables and Doctors Hospital. It was not an easy sell in the beginning, but now the event sells itself and brings in Chamber members, community members, hungry locals and burger lovers. It is a sight to see (and smell) when the sun starts to set and the park starts to rock. There is a vibe that is unique to the event and one that we cherish wholeheartedly. Over the past few years, we have been able to take proceeds from Burgerliscious and invest them into a fund at the Coral Gables Community Foundation. This fund – the Small Business Enhancement Fund – has helped support our on-going efforts for Small Business Saturday, paid for a one year membership for our merchants on Miracle Mile and Giralda during construction this past year, and helps keep small businesses top-of-mind right here at home. Our goal is to continue to grow the fund and expand our programing to help our most vulnerable businesses continue to thrive. So, in closing, if you don’t have your Burgerliscious tickets yet – there is still time. Plus, you can always walk-up and purchase on site for $60 (General Admission – 6 burgers/sliders and 2 beer) or $100 for VIP (unlimited burgers/beers). The best bet is to buy your tix in advance, of course, at www.burgerliscious.com or via our Chamber’s website! Now start fasting, start savoring and get ready for the best Burgerliscious yet as we are coming in hot!
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
SCENES FROM OUR TRUSTEE EVENTS | September - October
Chair of the Trustee Diplomats, Tom Weinkle and Chamber Chair of the Board Martha de la Peña Rojas personally welcome Deering Bay Yacht & Country Club to the Chamber!
@MisterCoralGables Mark A. Trowbridge poses with Chamber Chair Martha de la Peña Rojas, Market President of Florida Blue Penny Shaffer and Vice President Public Affairs & Community Engagement of Florida Blue Gordon Bailey.
The Business of Sports! Jose Sotolongo, Director of Sports Tourism with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is seen with Michael Zimmer, President of the Super Bowl LIV Host Committee 2020 at our October Trustee Luncheon!
Trustee Diplomat Adam Lakowitz of OptFirst was the lucky winner of a Super Bowl 2020 commemorative football presented by Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Super Bowl LIV Host Committee 2020.
The Chamber celebrated our 92nd birthday amongst our most engaged leaders at the October Trustee Reception hosted by Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill. Tell me, have you ever seen a better looking 92 year old?
Trustee Members enjoyed a night of networking and collegiality amongst their colleagues and friends. Interested in Trustee Membership? Contact the Chamber today!
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
UPCOMING EVENTS
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES Wednesday, November 1, 2017 - Noon RE-Connect Luncheon Location: Morton’s the Steakhouse 2333 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Barakat Law, P.A., EPGD Business Law, Michael Forman, DOM, P.A., Sora Global Insurance & Consulting Featuring: Dr. Michael Forman, Michael Forman, DOM, P.A. Cost: $25 Luncheon Fee Online payment and registration is required in advance!
Thursday, November 16, 2017 - 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables Celebrating Education! Location: The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Florida Power & Light Keynote Speaker: James R. Haj, President & CEO, The Children's Trust Topic: Honoring Our Commitment to Education and Brightening the Future of Our Children and Families Cost: $25 for Chamber Members Registered by 11/10; $35 Member On-Site Registration & $40 Guests
Wednesday, November 1, 2017 - 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday Get back in the game! Show your school spirit and rep your favorite college Friday, November 17, 2017 - 11:00 AM Lunch & Noon - Shotgun Start team’s colors! The most fans representing a single school wins a prize! 13th Annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament Location: The Biltmore Hotel Location: Miller’s Ale House Coral Gables 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables 101 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Presented By: Evensky & Katz/Foldes Financial Wealth Management, Coral Sponsored By: The Law Offices of Justin B. Stivers, LLC Gables Community Foundation & The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce In Partnership With: Coral Gables Community Foundation Benefiting: Coral Gables Museum, Coral Gables Art Cinema, The Women’s / Ponce Society of Young Professionals Fund, Pridelines, Early Learning Coalition, Junior Orange Bowl, Big Brothers Big Cost: $25 Chamber & #YoPro Members by 10/27; Sisters, Make-A-Wish, Center for Family and Child Enrichment, Baptist Health $35 Members & Guests After 10/27 Foundation, NFTE, St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center, Camillus House Cost: $1,250 Foursome (With hole sponsorship); $1,000 Foursome; Thursday, November 2, 2017 - 6:00 PM $300 Individual Player; $40 Closing Reception ONLY Burgerliscious Location: Fred B. Hartnett / Ponce Circle Park Tuesday, November 21, 2017 - 11:30 AM 2800 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables Women’s Business Network Luncheon Presented By: South Motors BMW & Business Improvement Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables District of Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables Supporting Sponsors: Brown Forman Beverages, City of Coral Gables, Keynote Speaker: Suzanne Batlle, Founder & Owner, Intermedia Touch, Samuel Adams, Concrete Beach Brewery, Flor de Caña, Azucar Ice Cream Company thumbprint, Clear Channel Outdoor, Florida Blue Retail Centers, Evolution Topic: From the Corporate World to Entrepreneur Payments, G-Force Waterproofing & Restoration, VOSS, Miami Marlins Sponsored By: Chapman Partnership Participating Restaurants (to date): 320 Gastrolounge, Big Easy Wine Bar Featuring My Minute @ the Mic! & Grill, Blue Martini Brickell, BrickTop’s, BULLA Gastrobar, BurgerFi Coral Cost: $40 Chamber Member Registration Fee by 11/17; Gables, Cafe at Books & Books, Christy’s Restaurant, Fetes & Events, Frice $50 Guests & On-Site Registration Cream, Glass & Vine, HOUSE Kitchen & Bar, John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Miller’s Ale House, Off the Mile, Pincho Factory, Pisco y Nazca, Wednesday, November 29, 2017 – 11:45 AM PizzaRev Coral Gables, Seasons 52, Shula’s 347 Grill, Son Cubano, Tarpon Trustee Luncheon Bend Raw Bar & Grill Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Cost: General Admission - $50 (6 sliders, 2 beers); VIP Admission - $100 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables (Unlimited burgers, beers and access to the Jack Daniels VIP tent) In Conversation With: Dr. Julio Frenk, President, University of Miami & 10 General Admissions - $400; 10 VIP Admissions - $750 Jackie Nespral, Anchor, NBC6 Friday, November 3, 2017 - 8:30 AM Cost: $45 Member Registration by 11/24; $55 On-Site Registration & Guests Trow Knows... CEOs Host Sponsor: Infiniti of Coral Gables Friday, December 1, 2017 - 8:30 AM 2701 S. LeJeune Road, Coral Gables Trow Knows... CEOs Sponsored By: Apollo Bank Host Sponsor: Infiniti of Coral Gables Featuring: Fred Stock, CEO, Jewish Community Services 2701 S. LeJeune Road, Coral Gables Cost: $25 Registration Fee - Limited to the first 25 guests Sponsored By: Apollo Bank Cost: $25 Registration Fee - Limited to the first 25 guests Monday, November 6 - Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Tallahassee Fly-In Wednesday, December 6, 2017 - Noon Our Chamber’s annual Tallahassee Fly-In is November 6th and 7th and RE-Connect Luncheon we're taking on the Capitol! Location: Morton’s the Steakhouse 2333 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables We expect to have a delegation of about 15 individuals joining us as we Sponsored By: Barakat Law, P.A., EPGD Business Law, Michael Forman, travel to Tallahassee. They represent a strong cross-section of business DOM, P.A., Sora Global Insurance & Consulting leaders and Chamber volunteers that share our members’ priorities for Cost: $25 Luncheon Fee this upcoming Session. Online payment and registration is required in advance! Take advantage of our special room rate at the Aloft Tallahassee DownWednesday, December 6, 2017 - 5:30 PM town, 200 N Monroe Street. To confirm participation, contact Ivette Acosta Wind Down Wednesday at IAcosta@coralgableschamber.org. Celebrating 25 years of Flags on Ponce! Location: Son Cubano Wednesday, November 8, 2017 - 1:00 PM 2530 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables Project ROI Sponsored By: The Law Offices of Justin B. Stivers, LLC Defining the Competitive Advantage of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Cost: $25 Chamber & #YoPro Members by 12/1; Location Coral Gables Museum $35 Members & Guests After 12/1 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables Featuring: Maryann Fiala, Director, ACCP Friday, December 8, 2017 - 11:30 AM Cost: $35 Early registration fee; $50 On-site registration fee Diamond Awards Visit miamichamber.com to register Celebrating all the sparkles about business! Location: Coral Gables Country Club Tuesday, November 14, 2017 - 5:30 PM 997 N. Greenway Drive, Coral Gables Trustee Reception Cost: $50 Chamber Members; $65 Guests; $500 Reserved VIP table of 10 Host & Sponsor: Mercantil Bank 220 Alhambra Circle, 12th Floor, Coral Gables Thursday, December 21, 2017 - 7:30 AM Complimentary registration for all Trustee Members Good Morning Coral Gables Spreading some holiday cheer! Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - 3:45 PM Location: The Biltmore Hotel IMPACT: A Seminar Series for Small Business 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables A Dale Carnegie Training Seminar! Sponsored By: Home Financing Center Location: Coral Gables Museum Cost: $25 for Chamber Members Registered by 11/10; 285 Aragon, Coral Gables $35 Member On-Site Registration & $40 Guests Presented By: Scott Garvis, President, Dale Carnegie Training South Florida Cost: $45 Chamber Members; $75 Guests - A $150 value!
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS
September - October 2017 Aloft Coral Gables Arvani Building Works, LLC Bees Brothers LLC Bloom Boutique Boston Private Bank & Trust Company College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors Compass Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Dvdendo, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Florida Grand Opera Fusion Academy Hotel Urbano Brickell Janette and Co. Macaron Just Ask Domestic Help, LLC Kerdyk Real Estate Kitchen Tune-Up Coral Gables-Miami Lowell International Realty, LLC MassMutual Miami – LINQ Companies Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. MG Developer Miami Marketer RAZZLEDAZZLE Barbershop Space Coast Credit Union The Law Office of Christopher Pracitto, P.A. Venture Hive The Well Groomed Gentleman
SPONSORSHIP / INVESTOR HALL OF FAME Through October 2017
$5,000 and Above • The Allen Morris Company • AXA Advisors, LLC • Bacardi USA • BankUnited • Brown-Forman Beverages • Business Improvement District of Coral Gables • City of Coral Gables • City National Bank • Doctors Hospital • Ehrenstein Charbonneau Calderín • EWM Realty International • Florida Blue
• Florida Power & Light • Gulliver Schools • Hancock Askew & Co., LLP • Home Financing Center, Inc. • Marquis Bank • Mercantil Commercebank, N.A. • Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables • Photo Offset, Inc. • Samuel Adams Boston Lager • South Motors BMW • Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill • University of Miami • UHealth
$2,500 - $4,999 • Apollo Bank • Flor de Caña • G-Force Waterproofing & Restoration • Grove Bank & Trust • Southern Audio Visual
*BOLD denotes new Trustee member
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
EVENTS CALENDAR
‘17
November | December
Monday
Tuesday
30
Wednesday 31
8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting 12:00 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
6
7
1:00 PM Project ROI
Thursday
Friday
1 8:00 AM
2
8
9
Chairman’s Ambassadors Committee Meeting 9:00 AM Women’s Business Network Committee Meeting 6:00 PM Burgerliscious
3 8:30 AM Trow Knows... CEOs feat. Fred Stock, President & CEO, Jewish Community Services
8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting OFFICE CLOSED
Tallahassee Fly-In • Tallahassee Fly-In
13
14 8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Trustee Reception
15 16 8:00 AM Business & Gov’t Affairs 7:30 AM 11:00 AM Committee Meeting Note date change Good Morning Coral Gables Glof Classic 8:00 AM 20/30 Group Meeting 3:45 PM IMPACT Serminar Dale Carnegie Training Seminar
20 21 11:30 AM Women's Business Network Luncheon
22
23
27
28
29
30
4
5
8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting
11 5:30 PM Trustee Reception
12
1
6 7 8:00 AM 9:00 AM Chairman’s Ambassadors Chamber 101 Committee Meeting
8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting 12:00 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
24
8:30 AM Trow Knows CEOs
11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon
OFFICE CLOSED
17
10:00 AM Small Business Saturday Kick-off @ Kiki on the Mile
OFFICE CLOSED
10
9:00 AM Women's Business Network Committee Meeting
8
11:00 AM Diamond Awards
13 14 8:00 AM 8:00 AM M-Team Committee Business & Gov’t Affairs Meeting Committee Meeting
15
18 19 8:00 AM 20 21 22 7:30 AM 11:30 AM 2:00 PM 20/30 Group Meeting Good Morning Coral Gables Women's Business Chamber Office Closes Network Luncheon 3:45 PM IMPACT: A Seminar Series
25
OFFICE CLOSED
26
27
28
OFFICE CLOSED
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017
29
SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
The Chamber's
Board of Directors OCTOBER
WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON
OCTOBER
TROW KNOWS CEOS
TRUSTEE RECEPTION OCTOBER
IMPACT SEMINAR SERIES
HOST SPONSOR
RE-CONNECT LUNCH
ROOFTOP RECEPTION
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │November - December 2017