Proyecto | April by Latin Builders Association

APRIL-MAY 2012

Carlos Martinez

President Maco Group, LLC.

Fernando Gavarrete, AIA Vice President/Area Mgr. Heery International, Inc

table of CONTENTS ¿POR QUE ANUNCIARSE EN EL NUEVO HERALD?

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07 President’s Letter Bernie Navarro

PORQUE SUS CLIENTES QUIEREN TENER LA CONFIANZA DE QUE USTED PERMANECERA

POR MUCHO TIEMPO.

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15 Membership Networker

En estos tiempos económicos difíciles usted debe anunciarse.

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22-23 America's Linkage Trade Mission to Lima, Peru

US Century Bank

08 Publisher’s Letter Alex Lastra

10 Legislative Committee's Mission Melissa Tapanes Llahues

12 Legislative Breakfast Adrienne Arsht Center

14 The LBA Family Eric Montes de Oca

16-17 Cover Story

MACO Group and Herry International break ground on 40,000 sq ft facility for AUSTRIABASED LIEBHERR NENZING CRANE COMPANY

18-19 Membership Orientation 20 LBA Technology Committee

24-28 March Luncheon The Biltmore Hotel

30 Springtime Luis Garcia

32 In The News

Para anunciarse en el medio más poderoso y efectivo, tanto impreso como en-línea, llame a Louisa Ferrera al 305-376-2058

34 Que Pasa LBA

o envíe un correo electrónico a lferrera@miamiherald.com.

Mindy Szarowicz

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letter from the

President Bernie Navarro

A P R I L- M AY 2 0 1 2

Immediate Past President Noelia E. Moreno

7955 NW 12th Street, Suite 415 Doral, FL 33126 PHONE: 305.446.5989 www.proyectomagazine.com

President Emeritus Pedro Adrián, Sr.

Publisher Alex Lastra on behalf of Latin Builders Association, Inc.® Editor Tina Dominguez editor@proyectomagazine.com Advisory Board Tina Dominguez, Alex Lastra, Bernie Navarro, and Jackie Valle Editorial Contributors Luis Garcia, Alex Lastra, Eric Montes de Oca, Bernie Navarro, Mindy Szarowicz, and Melissa Tapanes Llahues Esq. Graphic Design POW! Advertising Inc. Production Granada Printing Photography Alex Gort, Jr. on behalf of Gort Enterprises, Inc. Tina Dominguez Advertising Sales Latin Builders Association® 305.446.5989 Tina Dominguez 305.446.5989 X 100 tdominguez@lbaorg.com Advertising Agency Latin Builders Association® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

PRESIDENT

President-Elect Guillermo Fernandez

¹ Ramiro Areces 2,3 Mike Ortega Julio Viyella Camilo Padreda Lorenzo Luaces Julio Jo Erelio Peña Jesus Portela Lorenzo Luaces

Past Presidents 1971 Sergio Pino 1972-1973 Alberto Perez 1974-1976 Carlos Herrera 1977-1979 Eloy Cepero 1980-1981 Willy Bermello 1982-1983 Charlie Martinez 1984-1987 Angel Medina Jr. 1988-1989 Augusto J. Gil 1989-1990 Osvaldo Vento Jr. Anthony Seijas

1990-1992 1993-1994 1995-1996 1997 1998-2000 2001-2002 2003-2004 2005-2006 2007-2008 2009

Executive Directors Gus Cabrera Eric Montes de Oca Ernie Diaz Melissa Tapanes Llahues Esq. Alexis Gonzalez Juan Carlos Vila Alex Lastra

General Counsel Alexis Gonzalez Directors Javier Cruz Tibor Hollo Ana Chaoui Niurka L. Lopez, Andy Fernandez Esq. Amelia Maguire Manuel Fernandez Jesse Manzano-Plaza Nelson Fernandez Pedro Munilla Humberto Freire Cesare A. Ramos Vahe Gabriel Blaik Ross Luis Garcia Rafael Reyes Mario Garcia-Serra Ricardo Sanchez Javier A. Granda Mindy Szarowicz Jorge L. Guerra Jr. Honorary Directors Alvaro Adrian Andres A. Fernandez, Esq. Joe Avetrani Manny Rodriguez Junior Directors Juan D. Cordoba Monica Lopez Daniel Diaz Leyva Michael Marino Carlos J. Gimenez Roland Pereira George Hart Michelle Pradere Cristian LaCapra Daniel Ruiz

South Florida’s Cuban exile community took the news of Auxiliary Bishop Agustin A. Roman’s passing with deep sorrow. He was the spiritual guide that our parents and grandparents looked to and a soft, calming voice that brought tranquility to moments of hostility and uncertainty. Monsignor Roman was a family friend and I met him when I was a child. I will probably never personally know anyone that is closer to being a saint than he. He was a special person and I know that God placed him here with us to be our beacon of hope and inspiration. As one of my first acts as President of this great Association I asked Bishop Roman to speak before one of our Board of Directors meetings. He addressed our Board with the same calm demeanor that has always characterized him and his speech was inspirational. His words were motivating and he called on us to have faith in ourselves in order to overcome all obstacles ahead. In these times, when our community gets divided by events like the Pope’s visit to Cuba or controversial comments like those made by Marlins Coach Guillen, I hope that we look within and remember Bishop Roman’s message of peace and reconciliation. I know Bishop Roman would have called on us to come together, instead of letting ideological differences continue to break the bond of a community whose unity has led to triumph.

His message was one of healing and unity. An embodiment of his beliefs is rising outside the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity on Biscayne Bay. Here, several Miami stakeholders have joined forces to construct a seawall that will serve as a gathering place for people from all corners of our community, especially Cuban exiles. I am proud that we have contributed to this. This will be a reflection of the popular Malecón seawall in Havana. Bishop Roman envisioned El Malecón de la Ermita for many years, and we are extremely satisfied and honored that we helped him realize his vision. While he is not here for its unveiling, I know that he is watching us from above with a smile. Although he is gone, Bishop Roman’s spirit remains strong, as do his words of wisdom and unwavering belief in the good of all people. He was a lighthouse for our entire community and his light will continue to shine bright. Te vamos a estrañar - hasta pronto. Until then, Bernie Navarro

Bernie Navarro is the current LBA President. He was born and raised in Miami. He attended St. Brendan’s Elementary and High School. He received his Bachelors in Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the University of Miami and his Masters Degree in Government from Harvard University. Mr. Navarro has been in the mortgage business all of his professional life. Bernie is currently the President of Benworth Capital Partners. Mr. Navarro formally owned HomeMortgage, which was acquired by Countrywide Home Loans in September of 2005. Mr. Navarro positioned HomeMortgage to be a leader in the local mortgage market. HomeMortgage was the preferred mortgage lender for many new construction developments.

¹ Incorporating President 2 Deceased 3 First Elected President

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HomeMortgage was also the mortgage lender for TotalBank, a 15 branch community bank. He has also worked for such Fortune 100 companies as GMAC Mortgage, Citibank Mortgage, and JP Morgan Chase Mortgage. He has extensive knowledge in secondary markets and retail operations and sales.

Tune In

letter from the

PUBLISHER Another year is zooming by and, as always, the LBA has events to keep us constantly busy and in the know. March and April provided action packed events full of networking opportunities that create business and friendships and as we enter May it appears to continue full steam ahead. As summer approaches, we look forward to our Annual LBA Fishing Tournament. This year, the Ocean Reef Club will play host to our Signature Event. The LBA Fishing Tournament is the ultimate venue in which to capitalize on business networking opportunities, and more importantly, the creation of lifelong friendships. Captain Gus Cabrera has informed me that this year’s Event is one that you will not forget. We are also scheduling a surprise for our August luncheon. The LBA thru its Legislative and Political Action Committees are diligently working to provide you a real treat to wrap up the summer. You will have to stay tuned. I am getting ahead of myself, as summer has yet to begin! I urge you to not miss everything that the LBA has planned for you, including our legislative breakfast and networking cocktail.

I am personally excited to hear from our May LBA lunch Speaker, Jorge Mas Santos. Mr. Mas Santos is Chairman of the Board of MasTec, and epitomizes leadership in our community. Jorge is the son of another true icon, Jorge Mas Canosa. Mr. Mas Canosa was the voice of our exile community over many decades, and his tireless work fighting for a free Cuba not only made him a local legend, but a recognizable figure around the world. As we celebrate our May luncheon with a Cuba theme in honor of Mayo 20 and Cuba’s independence from Spain, we honor men like Jorge Mas Canosa, and we hope to one day enjoy the fruits of the labor he worked so tirelessly for: A Free Cuba. In the words of Jorge Mas Canosa and as we look forward to taking part in the upcoming LBA events, we say: Adelante, Adelante, Adelante. Until we see each other again, un fuerte abrazo and do not forget to tune into 880 AM the Biz for the Proyecto live show every Friday at 11 am.

Un Abrazo, Alex Lastra

Mr. Lastra is a founding partner of Atlantic | Pacific Development (APD). Mr. Lastra is Senior Managing Director of APD managing all real estate development, design and construction activities and supervises all activities relating to project development, including site acquisition, market analysis, financial feasibility and governmental approvals through to construction completion in APD projects in Florida and California. Mr. Lastra is a member of LBA’s Executive Board and will chair the organization’s Proyecto/Communications Committee throughout 2012. If you would like to get more involved in the Communications committee and/or Proyecto Magazine, please contact Mr. Lastra at alastra@apmanagement.net.

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Join Host

Alex Lastra along with his weekly featured guests to discuss current events, politics, business and all things LBA.

Join In 7/11/11 12:23 PM

LBA Legislative Committee’s Mission: From the Fringes of Miami-Dade County to Miami’s Urban Core by/// Melissa Tapanes Llahues

A recent proposal to enact a moratorium on all Miami-Dade County land use applications dealing with the Urban Development Boundary and the Urban Expansion Area served to remind us all that the LBA is more relevant and robust than ever as the building industry’s staunchest advocate. As pundits and politicians attempted to vilify our industry, our President Bernie Navarro and members of the LBA Legislative Committee took to the airwaves and County Hall to ensure that issues of significance, such as Miami-Dade County’s land supply and regulatory framework, would not be exploited as a politically expedient response to a complex and divisive issue. The proposed moratorium was defeated at the Board of County Commissioner’s Infrastructure and Land Use Committee (INLUC) without any support from Committee members. We applaud the leadership of Vice Chairwoman Audrey Edmonson who serves as Chair of INLUC, as well as Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz who is boldly engaging stakeholders, including the LBA, in the pursuit to devise a workable solution to the ongoing UDB debate. Our Legislative Breakfast featured a distinguished group of visionaries who play a daily role in molding the redevelopment of Miami’s urban core. Commissioner Marc Sarnoff inspired us with his vision of Miami as a cultural mecca amidst a nature lover’s paradise. Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agency’s Executive

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Director Pieter Bockweg educated our membership with a run-down of the economic incentives for developers and business owners building and locating in the urban core. Miami Downtown Development Authority’s Executive Director Alyce Robertson updated us on the DDA’s efforts to promote around-the-clock pedestrianism in downtown Miami. City of Miami Assistant Manager Alice Bravo updated us on the planned capital improvements to the transit and transportation infrastructure that will encourage urbanization. City of Miami Building Official Mariano Fernandez cautioned us as to changes related to flood criteria in the Florida Building Code now in effect. City of Miami Assistant Director of Building and Zoning Vanessa Acosta encouraged our participation in the City’s upcoming review of impact fees. City of Miami Zoning Administrator Barnaby Min discussed how Miami 21 provides flexibility to support green building and adaptive reuses. Finally, our very own Director and iconic developer, Tibor Hollo, challenged us all to do our part in creating a sustainable future for our community. We thank our panelists and sponsors, Beauchamp Construction and my firm, Bercow Radell & Fernandez, PA, for making our first Legislative Breakfast of 2012 a grand success. Please join us on June 7th as we welcome Miami-Dade County’s Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia at our next signature Legislative Breakfast.

Melissa Tapanes Llahues is a partner at Bercow Radell & Fernandez, P.A., a zoning, land use and environmental law boutique in downtown Miami, where she specializes in the representation of property owners, developers, and institutional clients before state, regional, county, and municipal governments. Melissa serves on the LBA’s Executive Board as Chair of the Legislative Committee, and may be contacted at 305.377.6227 or mtapanes@brzoninglaw.com.

Legislative Breakfast March 15, 2012 Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Bert Gonzalez, Comminsioner Sarnoff & Pieter Bockweg

Vanessa Acosta , Barnaby Min, Melissa Tapanes Llahues, Mariano Fernandez & Andrew Pierce

Ken Harris & H. Bert Gonzalez

Mariano Fernandez, Jose Miranda & Sergio Clavijo

Blaik Ross & Michelle Pradere

Dean Thomas, Tibor Hollo & Blaik Ross

Guillermo Fernandez, Michelle Pradere, George Hart & Jenny Pradere

Kendy Ward, Ann McNeill & George Hart /// 12

Mari Beth Bittan & John C. Richard

Guillermo Fernandez, John C. Richard & Gus Cabrera

Danny Dominguez, Vicki Garcia Toledo & Jesse Manzano - Plazas

Michael Llorente, Comm. Sarnoff & Mark Llorente

Jeffrey Bercow, Alex Lastra & Reinaldo Borges

Barnaby Min & Danny Dominguez

Tibor Hollo & Sofia Holtzman

Blaik Ross, Jarod Young & Dean Thomas

The LBA Family

Overall growth in membership by/// Eric Montes de Oca

During the first quarter of this election year, we have seen an incredible growth in our overall LBA membership. The progressive change and positive outlook in our economy has certainly had a positive impact on our organization and our businesses as a whole. The LBA family, its new members and new partnerships along with our existing members and directors believe the best is yet to come. Our organization is enthusiastic as 2012 is already profiling to be our best year yet. I would like to thank U.S. Century Bank for being a gracious host at this past month’s membership cocktail networker. It was a wonderful event that was held on the roof top of the US Century Bank Doral location and attended by many industry leaders and public officials. All in attendance were treated to hors’doeuvres, cocktails, networking opportunities and wonderful views of the Miami Skyline.

LBA

Membership Networker March 20, 2012 US Century Bank, Rooftop Terrace

Gianni D’Alerta

Eglee Nuñez

Marisol Martinez

The first orientation was held on April 17th with future orientations being scheduled. The LBA staff will forward e-mail reminders so all can coordinate and attend. We are also excited about a collaborative event with the University of Miami being scheduled for the summer of 2012. The membership committee will continue to be involved in all aspects of interest to our members; we seek to improve our communities and businesses and are constantly finding new ways to better our organization. With everyone’s contribution we can unquestionably reach new heights, and this is why we urge our members to get involved, attend our events, bring in new faces and spread the word to help the LBA build and develop new and profitable relationships.

Eric Montes de Oca Vice President & Partner Grycon, LLC.

Guillermo Fernandez, Noelia E. Moreno & Juan Carlos Vila

Monica Lopez & Ana Chaoui

Eric Montes de Oca is Vice President and partner at Grycon, LLC. Eric Montes de Oca is Vice President and partner at Grycon, LLC., a South Florida General Contractor and Construction Management firm. Eric has worked in the construction industry for the past 21-years and worked with the Grycon team for sixteen of those years. Eric is a graduate of Florida International University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Construction Management. At Grycon, he is responsible for business development, field operations and acts as project executive on large scale projects. Eric resides on Miami Beach, is married to Bibiana and has two beautiful children, Gabriella and Lucas.

Noelia E. Moreno, Eric Montes de Oca & Monica Lopez

Ana Chaoui

Eric Montes de Oca

The LBA is also hosting member orientations at our Doral office for all our new members and for anyone interested in hearing more about what the LBA membership offers.

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Melissa Tapanes Llahues & Pete De La Torre

Guillermo Fernandez & Frank Fernandez

Frank Fernandez & Ana Chaoui

Guillermo Fernandez

MACO GROUP AND HEERY INTERNATIONAL BREAK GROUND ON 40,000 SQ FT FACILITY FOR AUSTRIA- BASED LIEBHERR NENZING CRANE COMPANY

MACO & HEERY Build LIEBHERR in MIAMI In a move next year that will make South Florida home to Austria-based Liebherr Nenzing Crane Company, local developer MACO Group and architecture and interior design firm Heery International hosted a spectacular cocktail event last month to officially announce and break ground on the new state-of-the-art 40,000 square foot facility. On hand at the Hialeah Gardens event were over 100 executives and industry colleagues plus local leaders such as Mayor Carlos Gimenez and State Representative Eric Fresen. All showed incredible support and spoke about the significant impact the Liebherr facility will have on the surrounding community. Mayor Gimenez emphasized how important their presence in South Florida was to job growth and thanked Maco Group, Heery International, and the City of Hialeah Gardens for making it happen. Designed by award-winning firm Heery International, a full service architecture, engineering, interior design, construction management and program management firm, the new facility boasts a linear modern design in the style of the German Bauhaus era. A partial three-story lobby fronted on three sides by glass creates the building’s focal point and features a third floor glass-encased conference room that overlooks the three-story lobby.

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“We are thrilled to participate in the globalization taking place in South Florida. Our development with Liebherr and Maco Group is well on its way and will positively affect the City of Hialeah Gardens and our community at large. The Liebherr, Maco Group, and Heery International staff have integrated smoothly and are on target to meet the project goals,” commented Fernando Gavarrete, AIA, Vice President and Area Manager for Heery International, Inc. Maco Group, founded in the early 1970′s with the purpose of developing commercial, industrial and residential property in South Florida, is the General Contractor and lead developer handling all phases of construction for the new distribution center that will further expand Liebherr’s 32,000 plus workforce with 120 divisions on all seven continents. “We are very excited about this project and the partnership with Liebherr and Heery International. It has been an overwhelmingly positive experience thus far, and we expect to complete this project on time and on budget by January 2013,” commented Carlos A. Martinez, President of Maco Group, LLC. Maco Group has developed over 5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space in South Florida. They stand above the competition by offering a complete package of construction services that includes engineers, architects, designers and investors,

specializing in custom, turnkey developments, where Maco can serve as the conduit between the investors/owners and the final product. Heery International, founded in 1952 with more than 25 offices throughout the United States, has a history of industry leadership and award-winning projects with more than 75 industry awards for excellence in design, construction management, and design-build to date. Heery’s nearly 40 years of dedication to sustainable design and construction practices have also enabled the firm to help clients achieve their first LEED facilities and/or attain new levels of environmental conservation in particular facility types. While not LEED certified, this project does demonstrate several green and sustainable building strategies, including energy efficient lighting, views and daylighting, automatic fixtures and solatubes to name a few. In addition, Maco Group is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint by utilizing “ green” initiatives when it comes to construction waste.

Liebherr plans to make this facility its Sales, Service, Parts, and Warehouse Distribution Center to better serve its existing North American, South American and Caribbean clients. Liebherr is not only one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery but is also an acknowledged supplier of technically innovative user-oriented products and services in numerous other fields. The Liebherr family business was established in 1949 by Hans Liebherr. The great success of his first mobile, easy-to-assemble and affordable tower crane was the foundation on which the company flourished. Today LiebherrInternational AG in Bulle, Switzerland is still entirely owned by members of the Liebherr family. “The Latin Builders Association (LBA) is proud to support this exciting construction project which again helps grow our local industry and further confirms that we are in fact in a recovery and slowly climbing back,” commented LBA’s President-Elect Guillermo Fernandez. “It is also great to see an international company like Liebherr working with our LBA colleagues in South Florida. “

LBA

Membership Orientation April 17, 2012 LBA Headquarters

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Save The Date Latin Builders Association Fishing Tournament

LBA Technology Committee Have you checked out the brand new LBA website? If not, go now to wwww.lbaorg.com for information on upcoming events, committees, and important industry news! The new Latin Builderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association website was launched in April, giving a new face to the organization. The website offers the ability for members to register online for events, view photos from past functions and read the latest issue of Proyecto magazine! Want to stay up to date with the LBA and the construction industry? Connect with LBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various social media, by joining our Facebook fan page and our LinkedIn group. You can also follow us on Twitter at @lbaorg.

will be provided with a unique username and password in order to access the 750+ members and their information. The login will also allow each member to post job openings at their company to the rest of the association, as another added benefit to membership. We will also be allowing for members and sponsors to be showcased on our website. If you are interested in becoming a member of the technology committee, feel free to reach out the LBA offices at 305.446.5989.

The technology committee will be adding new tools and features to the website throughout the year. You can expect to see an online membership directory, allowing you to search by trade or company name. Each LBA member company

Mindy Szarowicz Business Development at Baker Concrete Construction

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The LBA is hosting their annual Fishing Challenge at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo on August 1 - 5. Sponsorship packages now available! If you are interested in registering, please contact the LBA offices at 305.446.5989.

America's Linkage A Trade Mission to Lima, Peru March 21 – 23, 2012 Miami, Florida to Lima, Peru

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Bernie Navarro, Mayor Susana Villaran & Mayor Tomás Regalado

Bernie Navarro

Mayor Tomás Regalado

MARCH Luncheon March 30, 2012 The Biltmore Hotel Speaker Carlos Migoya CEO of Jackson Health Systems

Jenny Pradere, Alex Argudin & Michelle Pradere

Alex Lastra, Kurt Dyer, Angelique Grant-Hutchinson & Gus Cabrera

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Amelia Rea Maguire & Jim Cason (mayor)

Ileana Zaya-Bazan & Camila Laguado

Bernard Horovitz, Rosemary Suarez & Saul Suarez

Hector Rodriguez, Andres Correa & Jose Jouvin

Eglee Nu単ez, Ana Chaoui & Marisol Martinez

Carlos Migoya, Maggie Perez & Bernie Navarro

Eglee Nu単ez, Marisol Martinez, Geraldine Arellano & Ruth Jimenez

Ernie Diaz & Rene Diaz

Cathy Alexander & Mori Chirinos

German Canola, Amy Betancur, Doran Veith & Roberto Pelaez

Gesus Sainz de La Maza & Alexander Garcia

Ralph Cabrera & Jose Lopez

Tony Caula & Nicole Kaufman

Jorge Gonzalez & Manny Rodriguez

Luis Betalleluz & Amy Betancur

Jose Marrero, Guillermo Molina & Juan Mendiola

Juan Carlos Vila & Pablo Pino

Mori Chirinos, Jerry Heniser, Ernie Diaz & Cathy Alexander

Joaquin Medina, Vicky Alonso, Ray Plasencia, Diane Gonzalez & Roberto Blandon

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Nuris & Lorenzo Luaces

Luis Betalleluz & Emily Burton

Shivani Joshi, Sergio Balsinde & Madelyn Sierra

Terry Romeu & Sandra Perez

Manny Rodriguez, Beba Luzarraga & Carlos Migoya

Marcos Lapicuc, Carli Koshal & Mickey Marrero

Maylen Montoto & Amy Baen

Ricardo Santana, Jody Evans & George Hart

Oscar & Karina Bailly

Sandra Perez, Carlos Gonzalez & Virginia Pizzi

LBA New Members March 30, 2012 The Biltmore Hotel

Insight Designs, US

For more than two decades, the attorneys at Bercow Radell & Fernandez, P.A. have been at the forefront of Miami-Dade County's phenomenal growth, guiding their clients on all aspects of local, state, and federal real estate permitting and licensing, zoning approvals, amendments of local government comprehensive plans, developments of regional impacts (DRIs), due diligence reviews, growth management, concurrency, and environmental matters. The firm and its shareholders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jeffrey Bercow, Michael Radell, Ben Fernandez, and Michael Larkin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have been consistently ranked by their peers as among the best and the brightest in their specialties, while partners Graham Penn, Melissa Tapanes Llahues, and Michael Marrero

Formcrete

Resorts World Miami

Business Linxs, Inc.

have been recognized as up-and-coming attorneys to keep an eye on. Rounding out the senior team is associate Matthew Amster, who recently worked pro bono on behalf of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami to secure 60 zoning approvals within eight months. Community involvement is a hallmark of the firm, whose attorneys have been active on numerous boards and associations, including the Miami Downtown Development Authority, Latin Builders Association, Miami Beach Community Development Corporation, and Florida International University. Their personal and professional networks are deeply rooted throughout the region.

As a result, Bercow Radell &Fernandez, P.A.'s five-star clients include Lennar Homes, International Speedway Corporation, Woolbright Development, Home Depot, the University of Miami, and Florida Power and Light Company, for which they served as lead counsel on its public hearing application for a new nuclear power plant at Turkey Point. We are honored that our partner, Melissa Tapanes Llahues, serves on the Executive Board of the Latin Builders Association and look forward to continuing to lay the groundwork that makes the communities of Miami-Dade County among the most desirable live-work-play destinations in the country.

Weinstein, Jones and Associates

Insurance Marketers, Inc.

From Left: Michael Radell, Ben Fernandez, Matthew Amster, Jeffrey Bercow, Graham Penn, Melissa Tapanes Llahues, Michael Larkin, and Michael Marrero

Bercow Radell & Fernandez, P.A. Porcelanosa /// 28

Kompani Group

200 S. Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 850 Miami, FL 33131 Ph: 305.374.5300 Fax: 305.377.6222 www.brzoninglaw.com

Springtime – A Season for

Renewal and Growth

advertisers’ INDEX

by/// Luis Garcia

The rough road back from hard times continues, it's getting smoother. March job numbers concerned some people, but a mix of consumer sales, constructions starts, money movement, investment activity and other signs suggest that recovery is still alive and well. It’s pretty hard to bet against spring. That’s when good things want to grow. Consumers are spending. That good sign reflects a pent-up demand and a sense that things are getting better. Car sales are surging. The average age of cars on the road is about 11 years, higher than average. And high gas prices encourage owners to trade-up to cars now getting 40 mpg. Miami’s Brickell neighborhood continues to remake itself and thrive. The most recent spark plug for this growth has been investments by Brazilians. There are reports of strong interest in Belo Horizonte, Brazil’s 3rd largest city, where one can buy a South Florida home without leaving Belo. Imagine the potential from Sao Paulo and Rio.

Elsewhere in Miami-Dade and Broward there are signs of growth in residential projects. And attractive waterfront properties in such areas as Key Biscayne and Bay Point have seen their values increase by some 20 percent in one year. The steady signs of recovery helped my own company decide to grow with its second acquisition in two years. Adonel bought an established Broward company that will help us grow in the new economy. March disappointed some watchers because hiring didn’t match up to recent trends. Now experts think it could have been a blip. January and February were so warm that many U. S. contractors hired early. Wholesalers restocked hardware, plumbing and heating equipment earlier than usual. February hiring was the strongest in two years. So March 2012 numbers were down compared to 2011. But a Federal Reserve study shows that each of the Fed’s 12 bank districts had steady growth from midFebruary through early April. My expectations? A good chance for an upbeat 2nd quarter.

Luis Garcia President & Founder, Adonel Concrete

Johnnie Walker - Diageo

Luis Garcia is president and founder of Adonel Concrete, the largest privately-owned concrete company in South Florida. He has nurtured the company’s growth since it began operations in 1984 and, most recently, guided its expansion into Haiti.

The company currently has four concrete plants in Miami-Dade County, two in Palm Beach County and two concrete plants in St. Lucie County. Adonel Concrete has been honored by the Latin Builders Association as “Concrete Company of the Year” numerous times. The company also has been recognized by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 100 Hispanic Businesses in Florida and one of the top 50 fastest growing businesses in Florida by the South Florida Business Journal. Garcia places much emphasis on community involvement and has participated in projects with the March of Dimes and Habitat for Humanity. The company has donated concrete and other resources to a number local schools and churches. An active business leader, Garcia serves on the Board of Directors for the Builders Association of South Florida and the Latin Builders Association. In 2006, Garcia was named the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” in the southeast region. He was honored as the Businessman of the Year by the Nicaraguan American Chamber of Commerce in Miami.

El Dorado

Link

Save The Date Latin Builders Association Fishing Tournament The LBA is hosting their annual Fishing Challenge at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo on August 1 - 5. Sponsorship packages now available! If you are interested in registering, please contact the LBA offices at 305.446.5989.

21 LBA

¿POR QUE ANUNCIARSE EN EL NUEVO HERALD?

PORQUE SUS CLIENTES QUIEREN TENER LA CONFIANZA DE QUE USTED PERMANECERA

POR MUCHO TIEMPO.

En estos tiempos económicos difíciles usted debe anunciarse.

Para anunciarse en el medio más poderoso y efectivo, tanto impreso como en-línea, llame a Louisa Ferrera al 305-376-2058 o envíe un correo electrónico a lferrera@miamiherald.com.

ADCL477

Join our host Alex Lastra along with his weekly featured guests to discuss current events, politics, business, and all things LBA.

Miami Herald

Bercow, Radell & Fernandez

GENTLEMEN, THIS IS VODKA.

880AM The Biz

Ketel One

Proyecto Live Radio Show

36 11 Beauchamp

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Ocean Bank

U.S. Century Bank

Receives South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2012 Distinguished Community Service Award

Hires Gabriel Castro, SVP, Commercial Lending

Seasoned Lenders Rejoin

MIAMI, March 28, 2012 – U.S. Century Bank, one of the largest community banks headquartered in South Florida, received the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFHCC) 2012 Distinguished Community Service Award. The award was presented by Liliam Lopez, SFHCC President on Friday, March 23 during the chamber’s leadership awards luncheon. “As a local community bank, we are thrilled to receive this recognition from the SFHCC and we applaud our employees’ efforts in maintaining U.S. Century Bank at the forefront of community leadership. Their involvement allows us to make a difference during a time when our community probably needs our support the most,” said Octavio Hernandez, Vice Chairman, President and CEO. “South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor U.S. Century Bank with this Distinguished Community Service Award for their support and contributions to our community. This award recognizes the bank for the many hours of dedication that their officers and executives contribute to numerous local non-profit groups by serving on local boards and/or committees,” said Liliam Lopez, President, SFHCC.

MIAMI, April 10, 2012 – U.S. Century Bank recently hired Gabriel Castro as Senior Vice President, commercial lending. Under this capacity Castro is responsible for managing and maintaining existing portfolio loans and deposit accounts for the commercial lending division of the bank. An experienced lender with more than 18-years in the banking industry, Castro was most recently with TotalBank where he spent 11 years in underwriting, real estate lending, debt restructuring and asset recovery and as a lender in the corporate lending division of the bank. Previously, he spent seven years at Ocean Bank where he worked on loan closings, credit analysis and residential lending. He graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance. He also received a banking certificate from the University of Florida School of Banking. Gabriel Castro, Senior Vice President “Gabriel is a good addition to our commercial lending staff as he is a seasoned lender with extensive knowledge of credit analysis, underwriting and lending requirements. He is also very well respected in the banking industry and has nurtured relationships that will be beneficial to the bank,” said Peter Ramirez, SVP, head of commercial lending for US Century Bank.

Peter Ramirez Senior Vice President

“I’m confident about the future for Florida’s east coast,” said Adonel president Luis Garcia, “and this well-established company will help us grow our business as the economy gets stronger.”

Luis Garcia President & Founder Adonel Concrete

Adonel Concrete Buys Broward Firm South Florida’s largest independently owned concrete company has made its second acquisition in two years. Miami-based Adonel Concrete has acquired the assets of Fort Lauderdale-based Modern Concrete Products, Inc. /// 32

Modern Concrete Products has been in business since 1980, serving Palm Beach, Broward and Northern Miami-Dade counties with a modern truck fleet, full laboratory and other technical support for residential, industrial and commercial projects. Director David Craft saw his company as a natural fit for Adonel. “We’ve nurtured this firm much like Luis did his,” said Craft, “with enthusiasm, customer service and personal attention to opportunity. I’m ready to pursue other things. Adonel is the perfect fit for our employees and our facilities.” Adonel Concrete was the official supplier contracted to provide cement for the construction of the recently completed Miami Marlins stadium parking garages.

ATLANTIC | PACIFIC COMPANIES ANNOUNCES ITS LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF DORAL, FLORIDA

MIAMI, Florida (Tuesday, March 13, 2012) Atlantic | Pacific Development (APD), the development subsidiary under Atlantic | Pacific Companies (A|P), announces that it will be developing The Atlantic | Doral Grande, a luxury rental community located at 10500 Northwest 74th Street in Doral, FL. APD has secured all permits and the ground breaking will occur in approximately 30 days. An official groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Spring 2012 and will be announced soon. The Atlantic | Doral Grande will consist of 360 luxury residential units containing one, two, and three bedroom models. Each unit is designed with exquisite kitchen and baths that include premium finishes such as granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Amenities include a resort-style pool with gazebo and spa; a walking path around lake; state of the art fitness center with a cardio room; theatre; kid’s playroom; business center with a conference room.; club room with a bar; tennis court; tot lot/ children’s play area; and a dog park. Units will be available for occupancy in the Spring of 2013. This property is the first of a series of developments that will incorporate the brand name “The Atlantic.” The principals of A|P currently own 5,000 multifamily units and are actively acquiring land and other assets along the East Coast, the Southeast and Southwest. Senior Managing Director of APD, Alex Lastra, states “We are excited to see this project move forward. Doral is one of the most vibrant cities in Miami-Dade County with a deep employment base. We believe our rental project will further contribute to the amenities of the City of Doral and we look forward to continuing our growth in this city.”

In October of 2010 Adonel Concrete joined with a Haitian company to assist efforts in quickly re-building the earthquake-damaged nation. Adonel shipped ready-mix trucks and a mobile cement plant to boost the response of new partner Betonex, a Port-au-Prince concrete company with its own supplies of aggregate, a testing lab, computer-controlled facilities and modern delivery systems. Adonel-Betonex has contracts with the United Nations, the Haitian government, non-government organizations and others to build shelters, new hotels, schools and most recently a 6,000 unit residential project. Adonel-Betonex is now the largest ready mix concrete company in Haiti. Headquartered in Miami-Dade County, Adonel Concrete was founded in 1984 and maintains eight plants in Miami, West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce. For more information visit www.adonelconcrete.com.

George Bermudez

Senior Vice President

MIAMI, March 28, 2012 – U.S. Century Bank announces the return of three seasoned lenders to its Corporate Lending Division. George Bermudez, Senior Vice President; Juan Cañas, Vice President, and Jose Solsona, Vice President have all returned to U.S. Century after joining BankUnited ten months ago. Also joining the lenders is administrative assistant Monica Estremera.

“After a brief departure, we’re happy to welcome Bermudez, Cañas and Solsona back to U.S. Century Bank,” said Octavio Hernandez, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and CEO. “ The group was instrumental in building U.S. Century Bank’s corporate lending division in 2007. These are seasoned and experienced lenders who are very important to the bank’s Corporate Lending Division,” he added. Bermudez is an experienced lender with more than 26-years in banking. He originally joined U.S. Century Bank in 2007. “Although U.S. Century Bank is facing some difficult times due to the economic condition Juan Cañas Jose Solsona Vice President Vice President of our South Florida market, it is difficult to find a more dedicated and hard working management team. We missed the camaraderie and look forward to rejoining our U.S. Century Bank family,” said Bermudez. Cañas initially joined U.S. Century Bank in October 2009 as vice president and branch manager. He subsequently, moved into the corporate lending division in 2010. With more than 26-years of banking experience, Cañas will manage business relationships with bank clients as well as generate new lending activity for the bank An experienced lender, Solsona will manage a portfolio of business relationships as well as generate new loan and deposit activity for the division. Estremera is administrative assistant in the corporate lending division and will assist the corporate lending team in servicing their customers as well as monitoring and reporting regulatory compliance procedures for the group. Established in 2002, U.S. Century Bank is one of the 10 largest community banks headquartered in Miami, with assets of $1.3 billion. Through its network of 24 branch locations and its online banking platform, it offers its customers a wide range of financial products and services. U.S Century Bank has received numerous awards from The Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the minority Chamber of Commerce and South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its leadership in our community.

¿Qué Pasa, LBA? Felicidades

GENTLEMEN, THIS IS VODKA.

a nuestra Editora Tina Dominguez por el nacimiento de su sobrina Natalia. Saludos a los orgullosos padres y hermanos.

Felicidades

a nuestro Director Ejecutivo Eric Montes de Oca y su encantadora esposa Bibiana que celebran su septimo aniversario de boda.

Felicidades a nuestra querida representante de membrecia Lourdes Iglesias por la llegada de su nieto Dylan Blue. Carinos a los orgullosos Banner ad 12 11A:Banner ad 12/7/11 10:21 AM padres y su hermanita mayor Desilu.

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EXPANDING OUR HORIZONS

In its 27 years of doing business, Adonel Concrete has earned the trust of its customers. Understanding the marketplace, creating innovative strategies and remaining competitive while always putting our customers’ needs first is more important, now than ever.

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SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS IN SOUTH FLORIDA AND HAITI

HEADQUARTERS 2101 N.W. 110 Avenue Miami, Florida 33172

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Miami-Dade (305) 669.0611 Palm Beach (561) 333.9700 Broward (954) 434.1244 Treasure Coast (772) 595.1020 Port-au-Prince, Haiti 509-2947-5050

www.adonelconcrete.com

www.adonel-betonex.com