2026
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PRESENTED BY:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
What’s Happening FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables Kickoff Breakfast
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Sponsor: Amerant Bank
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Featuring:
Joe Natoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Office, Baptist Health Dr. Marcos Mestre, Senior Vice President, Chief Physician Executive & Chief Clinical Officer, Nicklaus Children’s Health System Alvaro Molina, Interim Market President, Florida Blue
Moderated by: • Maria D. Garcia, Partner, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton Chair of the Board, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
10:15 AM Breakout Session II Putting Magic in the Magic City
Featuring: • Rolando Aedo, Chief Operating Officer, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau • Larry Carrino, President, Brustman Carrino PR • Tom Prescott, President & CEO, The Biltmore Hotel
Mindy Baer
Communication & Life Coach Mindy Baer Coaching
The Place Where It Happens is the Conversation
9:30 AM Breakout Session I What’s Next in Healthcare Featuring: •
Dr. Tanira Ferreira, Chief Medical Officer, University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics
Moderated by: • Wayne Eldred, President & CEO, Eldred Consulting Group
11:00 AM Breakout Session III Access to Capital: A Multi-Lender Perspective Featuring: • Mauricio Arango, Summar Financial • Orlando Diaz, President, Metro Fund Inc.
Moderated by: • Jose Tirador, Senior Vice President and Business and Personal Banking Regional Director, City National Bank of Florida
12:15 PM
Annual Conference Luncheon Sponsor: Florida Blue Featuring:
3:00 PM Closing Session The State of Live, Work, and Play
Featuring: • Donna Abood, Vice Chairman & Co-Head, Savills Florida • Thad Adams, Senior Vice President, The Allen Morris Company • Dr. Audrey Ross, Vice President, COMPASS Moderated by: • Ron Shuffield, CEO, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices /EWM Realty
#AC2026 PRESENTED BY:
Bruce Turkel
Bruce Turkel Business Solutions
Define Your Value — What Do You Want to Be Known For?
2:00 PM Breakout Session IV A Conversation With Our International Partners
Featuring: • Sylvia Cesaratto, Consul General of Canada in Miami • Ambassador Marco Farani, Consul General of Brazil in Miami • Mayor Donald Slesnick, Honorary Consul General of Australia in Miami Moderated by: • Gerard Philippeaux, Executive Director, Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium
A MESSAGE FROM OUR
Chair of the Board Dear Chamber Members and Guests,
Welcome to this year’s Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference – “The Place Where It Happens.” I am excited to welcome you here today and hope you enjoy our program. This year marks the 101st anniversary of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the City of Coral Gables, and it is an honor to serve as your Chairman for 2026-2027. A special thank you to our Chamber staff and our conference committee for all their help in making today a success. Over the course of the day, we’ll hear from two amazing keynote speakers during breakfast and lunch and then hear from experts in five pilar industries in South Florida during panel discussions on: healthcare, hospitality and tourism, banking and finance, international, and real estate. We encourage you to reconnect with friends and meet new faces throughout the day. Thank you for being with us today and your continued dedication to our City Beautiful and the Coral Gables Chamber of the Commerce – The Place Where It Happens!
Jorge Martinez
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS LEAD | FLORIDA BLUE CHAIR-ELECT | CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Always solving for communities. For more than 80 years, Florida Blue has been bringing health solutions to our communities that help them thrive. Whether that means being there for our members and non-members or supporting the great organizations , , that serve them. It s been our mission for the last 80 years, and we ll keep solving for their health and wellness for years to come.
1-877-352-5830 FloridaBlue.com Florida Blue is a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 126246 0826
WHERE CORAL GABLES TURNS FOR ACADEMIC MEDICINE Experience nationally recognized physicians, leading-edge treatments and the expertise of South Florida's only academic health system, all in one convenient location. For 10 years, The Lennar Foundation Medical Center has proudly served the Coral Gables community, bringing together renowned specialists and breakthrough care, including: • Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, South Florida's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center • Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, America's #1 eye hospital • University of Miami Sports Medicine Institute, official health care provider of the Miami Marlins and Miami Hurricanes
SERVICES & SPECIALTIES Cardiology Comprehensive Diabetes Center Concierge Medicine and Executive Physicals Imaging Services Mammography Neurology
Oncology Ophthalmology Otolaryngology (ENT) Outpatient Surgery Pain Management Physical Therapy
Primary Care Sports Medicine Urology Women's and Men's Centers University of Miami Student Health Service
5555 Ponce de Leon Boulevard Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 689-5555
ROOTED IN
CORAL GABLES. COMMITTED TO YOU. Personal attention and trusted guidance for every stage of growth. Visit our banking center at
220 Alhambra Circle Coral Gables, FL 33134
Scan to learn more
amerantbank.com Member FDIC
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Your Partner in Business Success
Helping businesses START. GROW. SUCCEED.
CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM BUSINESS SUPPORT
PERMITTING GUIDANCE
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
Whether you're opening your first location or expanding your business, our team provides concierge-level assistance every step of the way.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HERE FOR
BUSINESS
2506 Ponce de Leon Blvd. business@coralgables.com www.coralgables.com/economic
18 TH ANNUAL
George E. Merrick AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
George E. Merrick, the founder of our City and Chamber, was a visionary ahead of his time and a community leader who understood the importance of collaboration, consensus and collegiality. Merrick had a passion for developing a community that addressed all aspects of daily life: education, commerce, aesthetics and involvement. Coral Gables was envisioned as a planned paradise nestled along the quiet waters of Biscayne Bay. The George E. Merrick Awards of Excellence celebrate this achievement and seek to annually recognize a community leader who embodies the spirit and vision of Merrick through their contributions to Coral Gables. Our 2026 George E. Merrick Award of Excellence Honored:
Armando Codina EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN CODINA PARTNERS
PRESENTED BY
The Warmer Side of Care There are many sides of care at Baptist Health. And each one stays true to our values. Bringing humanity, warmth and understanding to every person that comes through our doors. Which is why we’re here to stand by you, through all of life’s moments. Welcome to Baptist Health.
BaptistHealth.net
More reasons to cheer, we’re closer to home.
Nicklaus Children’s Health System offers appointments with board-certified pediatricians and pediatric specialists, diagnostic and imaging services, rehabilitation and walk-in urgent care near you.
18 locations throughout Miami-Dade county. For a full list of locations across South Florida, visit nicklauschildrens.org/Locations
Services may vary by location.
BILTMORE
DINING
At The Biltmore, dining is woven into the rhythm of the day - from leisurely breakfasts and sunlit lunches to celebrated brunches, intimate cocktails, and elegant dinners. Each destination offers its own distinct atmosphere, inviting guests to return time and again for experiences as memorable as the cuisine itself. 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33134 @thebiltmoremiami
@biltmorehotel
@biltmorehotel
@Biltmore-Hotel
Jorge Martinez
Adrian Nunez
Giselle Breto
Maria D. Garcia
Ashley Airaghi
Joseph Ruiz
CHAIR OF THE BOARD FLORIDA BLUE
CHAIR-ELECT ZOOX
2026 - 2027
Executive
COMMITTEE FIRST VICE CHAIR BEST PRECTICES TITLE
TREASURER ALGO LAW FIRM
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR KOZYAK TROPIN & THROCKMORTON
PARLIAMENTARIAN DAY PITNEY
Cesar Murillo
Alexander Dopazo
Erin Dowd
Yvonne Boucugnani
Elizabeth Perez
Zachariah Evangelista
Miriam Soler Ramos
Tony Guerra
GLOBAL BUSINESS AFFAIRS EMERGENT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS
TRUSTEE COUNCIL CHAIR AMERANT BANK
CHAIRMAN’S APPOINTEE HOLLAND & KNIGHT
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DOPAZO INSURANCE
MEMBER AFFAIRS THE KEYES COMPANY
SPECIAL EVENTS JOHNMARTIN’S
GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS BAPTIST HEALTH
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SER & ASSOCIATES, PLLC
Addys Kuryla
FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT
Al Rose
UNIVERSITY CREDIT UNION
Arianna Urquia
NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Belkys Perez
CITY OF CORAL GABLES
2026 - 2027
Carmen Gonzalez
Board of Corey Hayes
DIRECTORS
CITY NATIONAL BANK
THE HOTEL COLONNADE
Cristina Miller INTERMEDIA TOUCH
Drew Kern
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES/ EWM REALTY
Jose Romano
ZOO MIAMI FOUNDATION
Laura Morgan Horton MORGAN HORTON LAW
Martin Morcillo
SMASH PIXEL PRODUCTIONS
Maura Shiffman UHEALTH
Mayor Vince Lago CITY OF CORAL GABLES
Monique Selman
ALBANY HOMES CONSTRUCTION
Rene Negron
EQUITABLE ADVISORS
Rosanna Molinari Weber PITA WEBER DEL PRADO
Eric Gros-Dubois
Ryan Davenport
Gabriel Quiroga
Stuart Debowsky
Guillermo Lopez
Tom Prescott
Jose Hernandez
Vonnell Martinez
EPGD BUSINESS LAW
COMPASS REAL ESTATE
GFD DESIGN GROUP
VALLEY NATIONAL BANK
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
DEBOWSKY DESIGN GROUP
THE BILTMORE HOTEL
VIM WEALTH MANAGEMENT
photo offset printing copying graphics mailings & more. Contact us at 305.666.1067 or visit us at photooffset.com OFFSET & DIGITAL PRINTING I COPYING & BINDING I DISPLAY & EVENT GRAPHICS I EDDM & TARGETED MAILINGS
Proud Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Member since 1964.
EWM.COM 5 5 0 S . D I XI E H I G H WAY I C O R A L G A B L E S , 3 3 1 4 6 ©2026 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.
FPL is committed to Powering Strong Communities With our Power to Care, Florida Power & Light Company is helping our neighbors and nonprofits through volunteerism, donations and other resources. Learn more at FPL.com/Community
“Transforming Events with
Stunning Production” Audio Video Production Staging Lighting LED Walls Photography 786.873.0114 www.smashpixelstudio.com
For more than 125 years, First Citizens Bank has helped you achieve your personal, small business, commercial, and wealth management goals.
Proud sponsors of the 2026 Annual Conference Sara M. Hernandez NMLS# 365646 Senior Vice President | Commercial Banker
LaWanda Loftus
Vice President | Financial Sales Manager 250 Palermo Avenue Mail Code: 373 Coral Gables, Florida 33134 O | (305) 537-2169 C | (305) 742-7272
firstcitizens.com
HONESTY SIMPLICITY EDUCATION
Ponce Park Coral Gables, Florida
Ziggurat Coconut Grove, Florida
Alhambra Towers Coral Gables, Florida
DOPAZO & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE
YOUR BUSINESS DESERVES MORE THAN AN INSURANCE QUOTE. You deserve an insurance partner who takes the time to understand your business, explain your options, and help you make confident decisions.
100 years later, still embracing George Merrick’s vision for Coral Gables Inspiring Spaces to Live & Work 121 Alhambra Plaza, PH 1. Coral Gables, Florida 33134 Allenmorris.com
Helping business owners understand what they’re buying Honest conversations about coverage, cost, and risk A local, family-owned agency serving businesses since 1997
PH (305)470-8500 www.dopazoinsurance.com
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors for their generous support of our 2026 Annual Conference! PRESENTED BY:
PREMIER SPONSORS:
CORPORATE SPONSORS:
Thank You TO OUR SPONSORS
PARTICIPATING SPONSORS:
SUPPORTING SPONSORS:
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CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS: ALBANY HOMES CONSTRUCTION | AVANTE INSURANCE GROUP BEST PRACTICES TITLE | DAY PITNEY | DEBOWSKY DESIGN GROUP ELIZABETH PEREZ TEAM AT KEYES | EMERGENT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS EVENSKY & KATZ / FOLDES FINANCIAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT INTERMEDIA TOUCH, INC. | PITA WEBER DEL PRADO SMASH PIXEL STUDIO | VALLEY BANK
THE CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
@GABLESCHAMBER
CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
#AC2026