SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2011
Chairman’s Reception: 3 great business opportunities, 1 grand event! ADRIANA SERNA
& AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards • Small Business Committee & REConnect
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
Every New Year starts out with celebrations and goals. On September 1st, the Chamber begins a New Year with a grand celebration welcoming our new Chairman, Drew Kern, of EsslingerWooten-Maxwell and his 2011 - 2012 Board of Directors. Drew Kern is an accomplished real estate professional with Esslinger Wooten Maxwell, Inc, a top producing member of EWM’s Chairman’s Club Diamond Level with sales that place him in the top 1/2 of 1% among Realtors nationwide. With 14 years of real estate achievements and hundreds of successful transactions, Drew is known for his exceptional service, extensive knowledge and his ability to negotiate the best possible deals for his clients. Both personally and professionally, Drew’s high level of commitment continues to earn respect among colleagues, friends and family. To celebrate his new role, the Chamber will host its annual Chairman’s Reception & Three-For-All this Thursday, September 1, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Coral Gables Country Club. The Chairman’s Reception is a great opportunity for members to learn more about the Coral Gables Chamber
IN THIS ISSUE • Chairman’s Remarks
Page 2
• President’s Perspective
Page 3
• Trustee Talk
Page 4
• Diamond Awards
Page 5
• Membership Highlights
Page 6
• Calendar of Events
Page 7
• Sponsor Recognition
Page 8
There will be entertainment by DJ Mayner, great food, wine, Bacardi Bars and a table-top expo where Chamber businesses will showcase their goods and services.
of Commerce, meet the Chamber leadership for the upcoming year and resolve to become active participants in the Chamber’s committees. The Board of Directors, committee Chairs and Ambassadors will be on hand to share what they do and how they make a difference in achieving our Chamber’s annual goals. Members will have the opportunity to sign up and get involved with the following Chamber Commitees: • 20 / 30 Group Committee • Business & Education Committee • Business & Government Affairs Committee • Cultural Affairs Committee • Diamond Awards, presented by Montica Jewelry • International Affairs Committee • M-Team Committee • Special Events Committee: Holiday Party presented by Cherry Bekaert & Holland, Golf Classic presented by TotalBank, and Baptist Health Tour of the Gables 5K • Women’s Business Network Committee
The following business will be exhibiting: Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc., Bacardi USA, Baptist Health South Florida, Catering by Loveables, Coral Gables Country Club, Chispa Marketing, Community Newspapers, Courtyard Marriott Coral Gables, Credomatic Merchant Services, Crowne Plaza Miami, Doctors Hospital, Miami Dolphins, East Coast Public Adjusters, FIU School of Business, Home Financing Center, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, Karma Couture, LDA Graphics LLC, Logistical Outsourcing, Mercantil Commercebank, Montica Jewelry, Original Impressions, Photo Offset, Inc., Social Media Studio, Stand Out Media, Strock & Tanner Mortgage Corp, The Biltmore Hotel, Van Der Bauwede and Waste Management. The event is sponsored by Doctors Hospital, Social Media Studio, Logistical Outsourcing, Mercantil Commercebank and East Coast Public Adjusters with spirits sponsors Bacardi USA and Gallo Winery and host sponsor the Coral Gables Country Club. To register online visit coralgableschamber.org/events.
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
www.
NEW CHAIRMAN, NEW CHAMBER YEAR Drew Kern Esslinger-WootenMaxwell CGCC Chairman kern.d@ewm.com
A
s I begin my year as Chairman of the Coral Gables Chamber, I thought it would be appropriate to tell you briefly how I got here, along with some of my goals. I have been involved with the Chamber for several years. It started when a good friend, and past Chairman, said these simple words to me - get involved and good things will happen. So I did. I have had the opportunity to volunteer and serve in many roles from committee work to committee chair of the 20/30 group and a Board appointment. All positions gave me great experience and opportunity and lead me to the honor and privilege to serve as your Chairman for the 2011-2012 term. I have been networking since I started my real estate career right out of college in 1997, building my business on word of mouth marketing and referrals. One thing I have learned, networking is
a contact sport. If you want doors to be opened, it takes engagement on your part. With the start of our Chamber year, I would like to share with you a few of my priorities for the coming months. We will offer continued support of our Streetscape Project that focuses on revitalization of our Downtown and Miracle Mile district. This is such a vital part of our City; I want to support projects that make sense for the business owners and citizens alike. Small business initiatives are also important as we head into what we all hope is a continued economic recovery. Partnerships with local universities and business groups will continue to showcase Coral Gables as the premier spot to do business, large or small! And lastly we will continue to support and promote the Arts and Cultural events that Coral Gables has to offer. Some of the finest in South Florida, and we want the world to know about them. I hope you will join me this year as we look for ways to grow your business and enhance our City Beautiful.
2011-2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman: Drew Kern (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors) Chairman-Elect: Edward Holden (Mercantil Commercebank) Vice Chairman-Business & Economic Dev: Rosemary Guilfoyle (Public Adjusters, Inc.) Vice Chairman-Gov’t & Legislative Affairs: Laura Russo (Laura Russo, PA) Vice Chairman-Community Affairs: Nikki Deas (Vine Communications) Vice Chairman-Member Affairs: Amy Donner (Community Newspapers) Vice Chairman-International Affairs: Marco Ibarra (Eliptek Technology Group) Vice Chairman-Special Events: Barbara Schumann (Touché Beauty) Treasurer: Darla Thompson (Cherry Bekaert & Holland) Parliamentarian: Gabriel Castrillon (Hyatt Regency Coral Gables) Trustee Council Chair: Linda Knudsen (Baptist Health) Past Chairman: John O’Rourke (Montica Jewelry) Chairman’s Appointee: Martha de la Peña (Blue Cross Blue Shield) President & CEO: Mark A. Trowbridge BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elected-term expires 2012 Manny Alvarez (International Finance Bank) George Feliciano (Bay Plumbing) Maria Llorca (Village of Merrick Park) Marti Mang (TotalBank) Elected-term expires 2013 Perry Adair (Becker & Poliakoff) Ramon Ferrer (Florida Power & Light) Nelson Lazo (Doctors Hospital) Deirdre Nero (Nero Immigration Law)
We are all about Opening Doors for success….
Elected-term expires 2014 Thad Adams (Allen Morris Companies) Brian Barakat (Barakat Law, P.A.) Wayne Eldred (Tarpon Bend) Frank Fernandez (US Century Bank) Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects)
SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORSHIP Open Doors to Greater Exposure and Bigger Business! The Coral Gables Chamber has many high profile events that offer outstanding promotional value to you business. Get involved in the community and sponsor one of our upcoming events. For more information contact Erica Dominguez at edominguez@coralgableschamber.org
ADVERTISING What happens if you do not advertise your business? Absolutely nothing. Make your business stand out and take full advantage of your Chamber membership. There are sponsorship opportunities, newsletter advertising, website advertising and much more available to you to help promote your business. Rates are available on the front page of our website, www.coralgableschamber.org or you can contact Adriana Serna at aserna@coralgableschamber.org.
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Appointees-term expires 8/31/2012 Sarah Nesbitt Artecona (University of Miami) John Knowles (Photo Offset) Dan Odess (East Coast Public Adjusters, Inc.) Marianne Sioli (CompuPay, Inc.) Zachary Sulkes (Bacardi USA) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS City of Coral Gables Commissioner Frank C. Quesada City of Coral Gables Cynthia Birdsill (Economic Sustainability Department) Education Foundation of the Coral Gables Chamber: Drew Kern Coral Gables Community Foundation: Andria Hanley
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 305.446.1657
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: THROW OPEN THE DOOR TO OPPORTUNITY! Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org
H
appy New Year Chamber members! September marks the beginning of our fiscal year, as well as the opportunity to welcome our new Chairman, Drew Kern, to the helm of the Chamber. Drew has served in a variety of capacities in the Chamber over the past few years on his pathway to the Chairmanship, most notably on our Board of Directors and leading the rejuvenation efforts with our 20/30 Group. Drew and his Board will be sworn-in officially at the September 15th Good Morning Coral Gables breakfast, where Mayor Cason will give his very first State of the City address. In addition, on Thursday, September 1st, Drew will serve as host of our annual Chairman’s Reception, which celebrates an action-packed three-for-all: networking reception, committee sign-up and the ever-popular Fall table-top business expo. These are exciting times in our Chamber, with our leadership and volunteers engaged in numerous activities that will impact our business community significantly over the next year. After three long years, we truly believe we are on a road to economic recovery – now we need our business community to respond and consumer confidence
to return. With a refined focus on local, state and federal issues affecting businesses of all sizes, to events that explore our real estate, green and international markets, the Chamber is committed to our members and helping you grow your businesses. Even in a rebounding economy filled with tremendous uncertainty, the Chamber is the one constant – opening doors that will lead to new business, new partnerships, and even new friendships. Now is the time to renew or upgrade your membership, get more strongly engaged, and find the right spot in the Chamber that will help you get noticed! Our Chairman has focused his year on helping you open doors to new opportunities, with our members squarely at the top of our organization chart. It is our goal each day to be responsive to our members, our community, and our businesses. This requires a total team effort, each of us excelling in our respective roles and committing fully to developing business and building community. As I begin my sixth year at the helm of the Chamber, I am constantly reminded how fortunate I am to lead a Chamber that is truly dynamic and diversified, committed and community-oriented, responsive and relevant, as well as intouch and in-sync with the needs of our members. Thank you for your confidence and commitment to our
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTH FLORIDA’S RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET ADRIANA SERNA
like in three months, six months, a year from now and beyond.
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
T
he Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce hosts our annual Residential Real Estate Outlook Forum, an opportunity for the business community to discuss the current state of the residential real estate indus-
try.
With the current climate of the South Florida real estate market, local organizations are banding together to discuss this challenging and critical aspect of our local economy and how we can all move forward.
“All eyes are South Florida’s residential real estate market” said Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. “Our panel of experts will shine a bright light on this crucial industry.” To find out about event sponsorship opportunities please contact Erica Dominguez at 305.446.1657 or email her at edominguez@coralgableschamber.org.
The luncheon and panel discussion event sponsored by Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell in partnership with the Miami Association of Realtors will take place on Friday, October 14th at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, 50 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables. With the sunshine state seeing high unemployment and a high rate of foreclosures, business leaders are looking for both insight and answers. This panel of experts, representing various segments of the residential real estate market, will be led by Michael Lewis, publisher of Miami Today, in an exploration of what South Florida’s housing situation will look www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
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TRUSTEE TALK September starts our Chamber calendar year. As you may recall, last year was all about “getting noticed.” Well, this year’s theme revolves around “opening doors.” And that’s exactly what your Chamber membership does –– opens doors to 1,400+ business leaders on a monthly basis.
Three goals for this year that are guaranteed to enhance your Trustee membership include: •Booking informative and entertaining speakers •Finding interesting venues for Trustee luncheons/ receptions •Developing a strong Trustee Diplomat team committed to helping Trustee Council members capitalize on their membership
Cold calling, writing letters or even tweeting can’t compete with quality face-time. And as a Trustee member, you’ll get plenty of that at our monthly Trustee luncheons and receptions. Attending as many of these functions as possible increases your contacts, and more important, lays the foundation for lasting professional relationships. Hosting one at your place of business enables you to showcase your product or service to other Trustees and Board members.
However, there’s only so much we can do. The rest is up to you. Make the most of your Chamber investment. Take the initiative. Show up. Get involved. Make contacts. Reach out. We’re fairly certain not only will you get noticed, but also that doors will open to you.
Linda Knudsen, Baptist Health of South Florida & Trustee Council Chair LindaK@baptisthealth.net
See you on September 13 at our Trustee reception to be held at 2855 Le Jeune Road on the fourth floor. Our host is Flager. While you’re there, be sure to introduce yourself to your 2011-2012 Trustee Diplomats.
ECO EXPO & GREEN MEANS GREEN AWARDS - August 5th, 2011
ALBERTO ROMEU | ALBERTO ROMEU PHOTOGRAPHY Left Top Photo (left to right): Anabella Smith, Zyscovich Architects; Alvaro Rodriguez, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables; Mark A. Trowbridge, Chamber President & CEO; Aura Reinhardt, Bacardi USA; Gabriel Castrillon, Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Winner of the Green Hospitality Award. Right Top Photo (left to right): Winners of the Green Sprout Award, the FIU Solar Decathlon Team with Anabella Smith, Zyscovich Architects; Drew Kern, Chamber Chairman. Left Bottom Photo (left to right): Mayra Kavan, Steelcase; Anabella Smith, Zyscovich Architects; Drew Kern, Chamber Chairman; Aura Reinhardt, Bacardi USA Winner of the Green Building Award. Right Bottom Photo (left to right): Yesenia Moreno, Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc.; Drew Kern, Chamber Chairman; Mark A. Trowbridge, Chamber President & CEO; Darla Thompson, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.
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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES & CITY BEAUTIFUL AWARDS - August 18th, 2011
Top Left (left to right): Exterior Award Winner - University of Miami, Newman Alumni Center. From left to right: John O’Rourke, Chamber Chairman; MGE Architects, Mayor Jim Cason, City of Coral Gables; Patrick Salerno, Coral Gables City Manager. Top Center (left to right): Interior Award Winner – Rockefeller Group Business Centres. From left to right: John O’Rourke, Chamber Chairman; Katherine Rzad, Rockefeller Group Business Centre, Mayor Jim Cason, City of Coral Gables; Patrick Salerno, Coral Gables City Manager.
Top Right (left to right): Historic Preservation Award Winner – Coral Gables Country Club. From left to right: John O’Rourke, Chamber Chairman; Nick Di Donato & Nadia Di Donato, Liberty Entertainment Group; Mayor Jim Cason, City of Coral Gables; Patrick Salerno, Coral Gables City Manager. Bottom Center: Breakfast keynote speaker Mike Dee, President & CEO, Miami Dolphins. ALBERTO ROMEU | ALBERTO ROMEU PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE SHINES: DIAMOND AWARDS ADRIANA SERNA
environment.
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
T
he Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce will honor excellence in business at its annual Diamond Awards presented by Montica Jewelry on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. The Diamond Awards are the Chamber’s signature award program for top companies in the Coral Gables community.
Business • Carbon Award – Excellence in Information Technology • Ideal Workplace • Minority-Owned Business • Non-Profit Organization • Restaurant / Retailer
The prestigious Diamond Awards will honor businesses in nine different categories this year. These brilliant businesses will be recognized for their outstanding performance in the following categories
“We are proud to sponsor the Diamond Awards.” said John O’Rourke of Montica Jewlery. “It is a great way of honor organizations that have contributed so much to our community.”
• Hearts On Fire – Large Business ($5 million in revenue or more) • Montica Ideal Cut – Medium Business ($2 million - $5 million in revenue) • Princess of Hearts – Small Business ($2 million in revenue or less) • Diamond in the Rough – New
The annual Diamond Awards, presented by Montica Jewelry, are our Chamber’s way of recognizing companies that have achieved luminous business success. The criteria for the awards are excellence in business, corporate citizenship, customer service and workplace
“These awards inspire businesses in the Coral Gables community to continually strive for excellence and become the diamond standard by which other companies and organizations are measured” said Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is now accepting award applications until Thursday, October 6, 2011. Visit www.coralgableschamber.org under the Chamber Information in the Important Forms and Documents section. To find out about award sponsorship opportunities please contact Erica Dominguez at 305.446.1657 or email her at edominguez@ coralgableschamber.org. For more information regarding the Diamond Awards contact Dixie de Andrade at dixieandrade@hotmail.com.
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
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SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES! SEPTEMBER 1
SEPTEMBER 15
CHAIRMAN’S RECEPTION - 5:30 PM 3 Business Opportunities, 1 Grand Event! Coral Gables Country Club
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - 7:30 AM Mayor Jim Cason’s State of the City Address & Board of Directors Installation The Biltmore Hotel
SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 28
RE-CONNECT - 12:15 PM Anacapri, 2530 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP No. 10 - 8:00 AM Facebook Marketing 101 2000 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY - 5:30 PM GameTime at The Shops at Sunset Place
SEPTEMBER 20
SEPTEMBER 14 SOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOP No. 9 - 8:00 AM Twitter Marketing 101 2000 Ponce de Leon Blvd
WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK - 11:30 am Panel Discussion: Caregiving for the Aging Hyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza
TRUSTEE LUNCHEON - 11:45 AM Pamela Rauch, FPL Powering the Clean Energy Future Hyatt Regancy Coral Gables
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS!
SPONSORSHIP/INVESTOR HALL OF FAME
3Med Health Institute ActionCOACH Team Sage Arrowmail Presort Co. Branch Banking & Trust (BB&T) Coral Gables Cinemateque, Inc. EcoWorks International El Dorado Furniture Element Miami Airport Etiquette Manor, LLC Fairfield Inn & Suites Miami Airport South GMG Advertising Green Label Construction, Inc. Home Instead Senior Care IBOPE Zogby International Il Fiore, LLC JustAskBoo, LLC Kreps DeMaria Law Offices of Samuel A. Rubert, P.A. MadisonSouth Markowitz, Ringel, Trusty & Hartog, P.A. Marquis Bank MDR Associates Men’s Wearhouse Coral Gables New Theatre, Inc. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Pan American Marble and Stone, Inc. Planning Consultants Group (Trustee) SaludArte Foundation South Florida ABL, Inc. South Florida Payroll Services The Gordon Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Trusts Under the Will of Mildred W. Brown LLC VH Pharmacy Victoria & Associates Career Services, Inc. Visiting Angels Voice and Network Solution WorkscapesSteelcase & Empire Office * BOLD denotes new Trustee member
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September 2010 through September 2011 $5,000 AND ABOVE
$2,500 - $4,999
AXA Advisors, LLC Baptist Health South Florida Bacardi USA BlueCross BlueShield of Florida Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. Hyatt Regency Coral Gables International Finance Bank Mercantil Commercebank, N.A. Montica Jewelry Right Space Management The Biltmore Hotel TotalBank University of Miami
The Allen Morris Company AT&T Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. City of Coral Gables Dade Medical College East Coast Public Adjusters, Inc. Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Florida Power & Light Gallo Winery Gulliver Schools Home Financing Center, Inc.
Port of Miami Rockefeller Group Business Centers, Inc. Steelcase / Empire Office The Miami Herald Touché Beauty LLC Turner Construction Company U.S. Century Bank USAA Realty Company
VISION INVESTORS Baptist Health South Florida Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. The Biltmore Hotel Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. Coconut Grove Bank Eliptek Technology Group Express Travel Gulliver Schools Hotel St. Michel Hyatt Regency Coral Gables International Finance Bank Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables
Montica Jewelry Photo Offset Right Space Management Sabadell United Bank, N.A. Sharff, Wittmer, Kurtz & Jackson Transatlantic Bank The University of Miami Victoria & Associates Career Services Waste Management The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Hotel Williamson Cadillac - HUMMER
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
EVENTS CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2011 Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Friday
Thursday
5
6 8:00 AM International Affairs Committee Meeting
LABOR DAY Chamber Office Closed
12
13
20 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon
26
2
3/4
8
9
10/11
16
17/18
27
11
8:00 AM Sunday / 2:00 PM Business and Government Miami Dolphins Coalition Affairs Meeting of Chambers Experience
22
23
24/25
30
1/2
7
8/9
8:00 AM Business & Education Committee Meeting
28
29
5 8:00 AM Go Green Meeting 12:15 PM RE-Connect 5:30PM Wind Down Wednesday
12 8:00 AM Social Media Workshop #11 9:00 AM Cultural Affairs Meeting
5:30 PM Trustee Reception
18 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon
24
21
4 8:00 AM International Affairs Meeting
17
15
8:00 AM Social Media Workshop #10 11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon
3
10
8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting 6:00 PM Fashion’s Night Out
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:00 AM 20/30 Group Meeting
8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting
Dine Out!
COLUMBUS DAY
14 8:00 AM Social Media Workshop #9 9:00 AM Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting
5:30 PM Trustee Reception
19
7
12:15 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30PM Wind Down Wednesday
Saturday / Sunday
1
8:00 AM Ambassador Meeting 9:00 AM WBN Steering Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Chairman’s Reception
25
19
8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting
26
8:00 AM Social Media Workshop #12 11;45AM Trustee Luncheon
6 8:00 AM Ambassador Meeting 9:00 AM WBN Steering Committee Meeting
8:30 AM The Trow Knows... CEOs
13 7:30 PM Theater Night featuring “Hairspray”
14
20 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:00 AM 20/30 Group Meeting
15/16
11:30 AM Residential Real Estate Forum
21
22/23
8:00 AM Business and Government Affairs Meeting
27
8:00 AM Business & Education Committee Meeting
28
29/30
31 HALLOWEEN
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011
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SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION Wind Down Wednesday
Good Morning Coral Gables & City Beautiful
July
August
Social Media Workshops
Eco Expo & Green Means Green Awards
Women’s Business Network Luncheon
Trustee Luncheon
July
August
A Midsummer Night’s Screening
Trustee Invitational & Interactive Luncheon
Laura Russo Law P.A.
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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011