Fourth Edition
January 2014
CHAMBER NEWSLETTER Building Strong Community Partnerships
The Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce Of Florida, (HACCOF) was established as a catalyst for change. Our Mission: To serve as a resource for its members, partners and businesses, dedicated to serving their needs and the economic development of the broader Haitian-‐ American community.
HACCOF is the leading organization to bring businesses together and acts as an advocate for Haitian and Haitian-‐ American enterprises. We are the premier voice for the business community to the public, the media and government entities. HACCOF mobilizes concerned entrepreneurs across Florida, the U.S. and Haiti when important legislation and regulations are planned or debated that may potentially affect the b roader Haitian business community. HACCOF promotes partnerships and alliances within communities throughout Florida and Haiti to build h ealthy business climates, foster investment opportunities, create employment growth, and encourage public and private sector collaboration.
IN THIS ISSUE: • Mission & Objectives • Chairman’s Welcome Message • Daphne Jean-Pierre: “Construction Liens” • Welcome 4th Quarter Incoming New Members • What you missed: Monthly Meet & Greets and Collaboration Events • End of Year Reception • HACCOF Partnerships • Giliane Cannavo: “Why you may need to think about longterm care coverage” • Upcoming Events • Become a Member • Thank you sponsors
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Chamber Information: 1510 NE 162nd Street North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Phone: (305) 733-9066 E-mail: info@haccof.com Website: www.haccof.com
January 2014
Officers, Board members, Founder & Executive Staff OFFICERS Pierre A. Saliba Chairman Jeff Lozama Vice-Chair Raoul Siclait Treasurer Patrick Martin Secretary BOARD MEMBERS Carl-Henry Salvant Charles Fombrun Daniel Fils-Aime Jr. Donard St. Jean Henri-Claude Müller-Poitevien Lucien Barrau Mary Estime-Irvin Michaël Vorbe
A Message from our Chamber Chairman… Dear Chamber Members, Friends and Local Businesses, First, Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones. As we closed the year we had the opportunity to spend some time with some of you. Thank you for joining us for our end of year events. Time well spent amongst great friends. As we enter into the New Year I see great opportunity for economic growth and development. With your active involvement and support of Chamber initiatives, we can make a tremendous difference in the lives and livelihood of Haitian-Americans here and in Haiti. Our Board of Directors and Members represent resources in the fields of nonprofit and small to mid-size business owners. With these impressive people on our side, we bring backgrounds in transportation, health care, law, restaurant operations, hotel industry, import and export, public relations, social services, real estate, housing development, banking and finance, to name just a few. This wealth of experience and enthusiasm is right here at your chamber. We are here to assist our members in effectively marketing their businesses and connecting them with the resources they need to better serve their needs and development. The Chamber is committed to expanding its membership base to include new businesses, startup companies, women and minority entrepreneurs and existing businesses. The experience and successes of these new members can serve as a model and inspiration to other chamber members. In the coming year we will work hard to provide networking opportunities, educational and business development workshops as well as potential partnerships. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining today. The year ahead is filled with great potential and we would love to have you on board.
FOUNDER
On behalf of the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and the Board of Directors, I wish you a year full of health, prosperity and economic growth in all your endeavors for 2014.
Philippe R. Armand, MBA
Sincerely,
Munir Mourra, PHD.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE Paola Pierre, MBA, HRM Executive Director
Pierre A. Saliba, Chairman
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January 2014
Chamber Objectives…
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Our Objectives: Promoting b usiness & economic development interest in our members. q Promoting and facilitating business, professional and social relations and cooperation among our m embers. q Forming alliances with m embers, business and civic leaders, other chambers, associations, agencies, government officials and foreign dignitaries to accomplish its goals. q Promoting educational seminars and conferences for the improvement o f our m embers and the betterment o f our community. q Hosting educational, local and international trade forums. q Organize and facilitate networking p rograms. q Engaging in dialogue, cooperation and understanding within Haitian communities. In keeping with our objectives, HACCOF serves as the advocate for the Haitian-‐American community as well as a resource for consumers and businesses dedicated to serving the needs of our members and the economic development of our community. q
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January 2014
“Construction Liens” Daphne Jean-Pierre djean-pierre@barthet.com
“Construction Liens” CONSTRUCTION LIENS Contractors and other construction professionals generally rely on filing liens to minimize the risk of not receiving payment for work or materials. Under Florida's lien laws, anyone who is not paid for performing work or providing materials can file a construction lien against the owner’s property. It matters not that the owner may have already paid the general contractor. If the general contractor fails to pay his subcontractors or suppliers, these individuals can file claims against the owner, and the owner could end up paying twice. A verbal contract can result in a construction lien Before a lien can be filed, there must be a valid contract in place to perform the work or supply materials. Contracts may be written or oral and both will confer construction lien rights in Florida. Obviously, in the case of a handshake, verbal agreement, one will need to show that a deal was struck and that the work was done. The lienholder must follow the same rules and requirements as if he or she had a written agreement in place – and must timely and properly file the right notices and claims in order to be able to enforce that lien. Daphne Jean-Pierre (djean-pierre@barthet.com) is associated with The Barthet Firm, a 12-lawyer commercial law practice in Miami focusing on construction related matters. Read more at www.thelienzone.com.
STAY IN TOUCH!
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Submit An Article Become a guest author for HACCOF HACCOF encourages all members to submit articles from their field of expertise for our quarterly newsletter. We are committed to being an information resource for our members and welcome all article suggestions. Please send all submissions to info@haccof.com. Management will review all articles before publishing. 4
January 2014
* Member listed through December 2013
REGULAR MEMBERS Coft Consulting Services/ Haiti Antenne Plus Daphne Jean-Pierre, The Barthet Firm Genard & Associates, LLC Louminel General Contractor, LLC
CORPORATE MEMBERS
MD Capital Group, Inc.
Lord So Loved The World, Inc. Ryder Systems Inc.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS
Union Institute & University
Dr. Marie Flore Lindor-Latortue Liberty Neighborhood Pharmacy Livable Ventures Myriam Jacques Tail Capital Group Transversal
ADVERTISE HERE GAIN BUSINESS GROWTH Do you have a special offer to announce? Upcoming event you'd like us to promote for you? Advertising in the Chamber Newsletter is an easy way to PROMOTE your business or upcoming events. For advertising opportunities contact us at: info@haccof.com Corporate & Preferred Members: Contact us for FREE advertising opportunities available to you through your membership! 5
January 2014
Chamber Events: Breakfast Gathering Honoring Danielle Saint-Lot Hosted by UM, Center for Hemispheric Policy – October 8, 2013
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For Event Pictures Visit our Facebook Page
January 2014
October “Meet & Greet” Hosted by Oberti Eyewear October 10, 2013
For Event Pictures Visit our Facebook Page
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E y e w e a r
January 2014
Hosted by: Island TV in collaboration with HACCOF & Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in Miami October 17, 2013
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For Event Pictures Visit our Facebook Page
January 2014
“6th Annual DAC Awards Gala & Fundraiser”
October 26, 2013
For Event Pictures Visit our Facebook Page 9
January 2014
“End of Year Reception” Honoring Co-Founders: Philippe R. Armand & Daniel Fils-Aime Hosted by HACCOF & Haven US – December 12, 2013
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January 2014
HACCOF’s “End of Year Reception” Did you attend?
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January 2014
Partnership Activities: • Fabulous Miami Monthly Multi Chamber events • University of Miami, Center for Hemispheric Policy, Advancing the Inclusion of Latin America’s Ethnic and Racial Minorities • Business Matchmaker Conference • International Creole Month • University of Miami, Center for Hemispheric Policy, Latin America Economic Forecast • Haitian Community Health Day • American Express, Small Business Saturday
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January 2014
“Why you may need to think about long-term care coverage” Giliane Cannavo 305-914-3968
“Why you may need to think about long-term care coverage” One of the greatest challenges when it comes to planning for retirement is trying to predict future healthcare expenses. Additionally, many people are living longer – well into their 80s or 90s – which makes the need for long-term care increasingly likely for many Americans. But the reality is that many people have not yet evaluated whether or not long-term care insurance is a good option for them. What exactly is long-term care? At its most basic level, long-term care is defined as services a person might need at some point in life – usually, but not exclusively at an older age – to help perform many of the activities of daily living. These services can be delivered in the home or in places like a nursing home or assisted living facility. No matter what kind of long-term care you or your family member requires, there are potentially significant costs associated with it. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of care in a private room at a nursing home for one year was $83,000 in 2010. It also reports that 70 percent of those turning age 65 will need some form of long-term care in their remaining years. Most of it may occur in the home where it is typically more cost-effective (but still expensive), while about one-third of Americans over 65 will require nursing home care. Look beyond the numbers All too often, the numbers alone aren’t enough to motivate people to consider planning for these costs in advance. After all, who doesn’t think that we’ll be able to beat the odds and not require expensive care during our lives? Even if you feel like you can take the chance, there is a more important reason to consider obtaining some kind of long-term care protection – to help protect you from becoming a burden to your spouse, children or others who might be responsible for your care. Having some form of long-term care insurance gives you more options for care when you need it and relieves others of that physical and financial responsibility. The strain on those who find themselves in the caregiver role can be tremendous. Having an insurance strategy in place may help limit the stress on your loved ones. The options available Many have the mistaken impression that government programs like Medicare* will pay for their long-term care needs later in life, but Medicare only covers certain services and care, and only for a limited period of time. * Continued on Page 14
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January 2014
* Continued from Page 13
You’ll likely need to consider a protection plan of your own. There are different ways you can approach longterm care coverage: •
Self-funding – to do this, you need sufficient savings to cover potential future expenses, which can be several hundred thousand dollars. This isn’t a realistic or very reliable option for most people.
•
Traditional long-term care insurance – this provides reimbursement up to a stated daily maximum and for a set period of time for long-term care expenses you incur. It helps protect your personal savings from the dramatic impact of care expenses. Policies vary, so you need to seek the level of coverage that’s appropriate for you.
•
A combination policy – you also can consider a life insurance policy that includes a component that provides long-term care coverage.
While you’re considering your choices, be sure to fully read the fine print and understand the terms of the coverage available so you know what type of protection is right for you. Choosing the right course Before making any decisions, be sure to: • Determine if insurance is appropriate for your situation and if so, how much insurance is enough. First, consider the resources you may have available to help fund long-term care and understand the realistic costs for services where you live. Then determine what kind of coverage is best for you. •
Understand that care costs in the future will likely be significantly higher than they are today due to inflation. You may want to ensure your policy addresses this.
•
Assess how long-term care premiums fit into your budget and your long-term financial goals.
If you determine that insurance is right for you, remember that the sooner you can purchase coverage, the lower the premiums will typically be. For help evaluating your insurance options or determining how insurance fits within your long-term financial plan, consider meeting with a financial advisor. *Medicare coverage varies by state. Source: Health and Human Services; http://longtermcare.gov/the-basics/ Giliane Cannavo is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Aventura, Florida. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. She has been in practice for 17 years. To contact: (305) 914-3968 www.ameripriseadvisors.com/giliane.m.vital-herne 19495 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 604 Aventura FL 33180
Interested in co-sponsoring a Networking event with HACCOF? Introduce yourself & your business to our friends & members at one of our monthly "Meet & Greet" events.
Contact us at: info@haccof.com 14
January 2014
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January 2014
January – March Events:
Chamber “Meet & Greet” - March Date: Thursday, March 13th, 2014 Time: 6:00 pm -8:00 pm Location: TBA Chamber “Meet & Greet” - April Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2014 Time: 6:00 pm -8:00 pm Location: Oleta Partners, LLC 15045 Biscayne Blvd North Miami, FL 33181
MAY Haitian Heritage Month Month Long Celebrations Haitian Heritage – Kick Off Taste of Haiti Visit our Calendar of Events for a list of events.
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January 2014
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Corporate Membership - $750.00
BECOME
A
CHAMBER
MEMBER
• • • • • • • • • •
Business card size advertisement on the Chamber’s Website Link from the Chamber’s website to the corporation’s website A Technical Assistance visit per year (per request) Free listing in the Chamber’s annual publication Advertisement in the Chamber’s Newsletter Listing in Chamber’s Directory Membership certificate Chamber-to-Chamber discount programs Invitation to the chamber’s Functions Quarterly newsletter
Preferred Membership - $450.00 • A free referral /visit to a specialized firm (i.e. CPA/Attorney / IT, HR - per request or availability) • Free listing in chamber’s annual publication • Advertisement in Chamber’s newsletter • Listing in Chamber’s directory • Membership Certificate • Chamber-to- Chamber Discount Program. • Invitation to the Chamber’s functions. • Quarterly newsletter
Regular Membership - $200.00
Professional Membership - $100.00 (Only for individuals)
• • • • • •
A one-on-one consultation a year (per request) Listing in Chamber’s Directory Membership Certificate Chamber-to-Chamber Discount Program Invitation to the chamber’s functions Quarterly newsletter
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• Listing in Chamber’s Directory • Membership Certificate • Invitation to the Chamber’s functions
January 2014
JOIN THE CHAMBER TODAY! Please send your completed application and membership dues to: Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida 1510 NE 162nd Street North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Company Name President/Owner Contact Person
Title
Telephone
Cell Phone
Company Address
State / Zip
City Telephone
Fax
Website
Type of Business
Year Established
Business References (Business Name, Contact Person, Telephone and E-mail) 1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I hereby make application for membership in the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. When accepted, I will abide by the Chamber’s by-laws, support the Chamber’s objectives and pay the prescribed annual membership dues until such time as I may desire to terminate by formal written notification. All Applications are subject to Board approval. Signature ____________________________________________________
Date __________________________________________
Membership Investment Amount:
$ _______________
Credit Card:
Mastercard: __________
Visa: __________
Payment: Check # _______________ Amex: __________
Name on Card: __________________________________ Credit Card # _______________________________________ Exp. Date _________ Security Code __________ Your cancelled check is your receipt. Please complete and sign the application form and attach your check made payable to: Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida. Tax ID 20-2373322
Membership Levels: Corporate: $750.00
Preferred: $450.00
Regular: $200.00
* New Members please add a first year, one-time $50.00 administrative fee. 18
Professional: $100.00
January 2014
A special Thank You to our sponsors and supporters:
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FIRST EDITION
April 2013
Interested in sponsoring a Networking Event? Gain exposure by introducing yourself & your business to our friends & members at one of our monthly “Meet & Greet” events.
Contact us at: info@haccof.com For more information on this and other great chamber events, partnerships and Collaborations.
Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida 1510 NE 162nd Street North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Chamber Member
Phone: (305) 733-9066 - E-mail: info@haccof.com - Website: www.haccof.com