JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020 GET YOUR BUSINESS BOOMING IN 2020!
Sound like a great time? Then, head on over to coralgableschamber.org and get your tickets before it's Once the confetti has settled and you're all caught sold out! up on your out-of-office e-mails, take a well-deserved break and enjoy the start of the roaring 2020's at Bring the whole team and take advantage of our disour 7th annual New Year's Networker. counted group packages. Join 300 of your closest friends as we soak up the sights and the sounds of The City Beautiful with a evening of glitz and glam on Thursday, January 9th from 5:30 - 8 PM on the rooftop of the Lennar Foundation Medical Center. Delight in savory tastings from some of our City's hottest restaurants, including: Bulla Gastrobar | Catering by Les | Catering by Lovables | Copper 29 | Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar | Dora’s Bakery & Bistro | Giardino Gourmet Salads | RICE | Sweet Servings Ice Cream Bar | Calle 23 | La Taberna Giralda.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Enjoy limitless libations and crafted cocktails courtesy of Trustee member and long-time Chamber friend, our Coral Gables resident, Bacardi USA. The will be pouring the world's awarded rum and featuring some of their other labels as well.
Thoughts from our Chair
Page 2
President’s Perspective
Page 3
Trustee Talk
Page 5
Lastly, enjoy the beats that will set the tempo for a high-energy year by none other than DJ Mayner!
New Year's Networker
Page 6
Save These Dates
Page 7
Membership Highlights
Page 8
Chamber Calendar
Page 9
A night like this would not be possible without the support of our sponsors. The 2020 New Year's Networker is presented by The Lennar Foundation Medical Center and UHealth, and supported by Atlantic Broadband Business, Bacardi USA, Florida Blue, International Finance Bank, BankOZK, Smiles & Sonrisas and Location Ventures.
Sponsor Recognition
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020
Page 10
THOUGHTS FROM OUR CHAIR New Year, New Decade, Old Chair? As we begin a new decade, I am privileged to take the Chairman’s seat once again following the departure of our beloved Nelson Lazo. Nelson, who served until the end of December, answered a call by Baptist Health South Florida to take-over leadership of two hospitals in Palm Beach County. Nelson’s warmth, humor, and steady guidance will be missed by our Board of Directors, staff, and membership. We wish him well and know that Palm Beach now has one of Miami-Dade’s best.
PATRICK O'CONNELL
CHAIR OF THE BOARD SVP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES EWM REALTY INTERNATIONAL OCONNELL.P@EWM.COM
And so begins 2020 and it is hard to believe we are here already. I hope you are starting this new year with great optimism and a sense that the best is yet to come for our Chamber and for the City of Coral Gables. I also hope you share the same daily appreciation I have for the beauty of our community and the rich cultural diversity we all enjoy. All the best for a great 2020 and beyond,
e GamON!
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Mr. Mistoffelees never had it so good. A new feature-length movie released in time for the holidays. An A-list cast that included Taylor Swift and Dame Judy Dench. An updated script and score that transcends the original work by Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber. And, most notably, CGI-effects that made the male cats look like Ken dolls and the female cats like pin-ups. Alas, the reviews were worse than a litter box full of hairballs. The rush to release every major film by year-end so it can qualify for awards season is nothing new; however, it does present a unique opportunity to celebrate the best Hollywood has to offer for the entire year and to get a head start on 2020 through previews and cinematic trailers. Can anyone say Wonder Woman 1984 or James Bond and No Time to Die? I used the down time at the end of December to enjoy many of these releases, including Uncut Gems (featuring a hardened Adam Sandler), Little Women (thank you Greta Gerwig for your reimagination of this Louisa May Alcott classic on its 150 anniversary) and of course, Star Wars. I had to admit, I have only ever seen the original that debuted in 1977, but when you have nephews who are 10 and 14, Little Women is not in the offering or interest. MARK A. TROWBRIDGE
PRESIDENT & CEO CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MTROWBRIDGE@CORALGABLESCHAMBER.ORG
I needed a good emotional release to end the 2019 year, so I took my chances and cried like a baby (think: sobbing). It is what I do at movies – and Publix commercials this time of year. The fact that the film industry finds ways to invent a world of make-believe and suspend our disbelief keeps me coming back for more. We are blessed to have three amazing cinemas in the Gables – Landmark Theatre at Merrick Park, Coral Gables Art Cinema and the Bill Cosford Cinema at UM. All have incredible offerings and work collaboratively to maximize screen time for films of all genres, budgets and topics. I recently saw The Aeronauts at the Art Cinema – an incredible tale about two hot air balloon enthusiasts (well, more like an acrobat and meteorologist coming together) who push the literal envelope by soaring to new heights – taking advantage of a Friday afternoon offering just ahead of the holidays. With an expected expansion to this single-screen gem in 2020, we have much to look forward to beyond amazing new movies, live theatre and incredible retrospectives. The programming is exquisite, the venue divine and the films completely captivating. The Cosford requires a tad more planning around a more limited schedule, and demands an appetite for eclectic films that not only tickle your fancy, but make you think long after the film has ended. It is the quintessential college campus cinema right here in our front yard. Finally, the Landmark is the newest kid on the block and an unbelievable treasure for the Gables. Its seven screens offer luxury seating in varying size theatres, from intimate to more traditional. Plus, their concessions (and full bar), make date night a no-brainer. I love running into members there – many of whom take advantage of the easy parking, delicious menu (both concession offerings and an array of small plates) and recliners in almost every theatre. With the thrill of the holiday season behind us, there is still much to look forward to in 2020 on the silver screen. My money is on Top Gun: Maverick, a reprised lead role for Tom Cruise now 34 years after its original release. Story line: Maverick is invited back to serve as an instructor at the Navy’s premier flight school and well, you can only imagine what awaits him and his charges. Spoiler Alert: Cruise will NOT be reprising his role in Risky Business or ever wearing tighty whities again on the big screen! Happy New Year everyone. Cheers to a great year (and decade) ahead!
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020
TRUSTEE TALK Greetings from the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Trustee Diplomats as we welcome a new year and a new decade! Since our last issue of CONNECTion, we’ve enjoyed two exclusive Trustee & GEM Investors Receptions hosted by Amerant Bank on their wonderful terrace, and by Smiles & Sonrisas, the offices of Dr. Jose Gurevich. Both events showed off the fine workspaces of some of our Trustee and GEM Investors and set the bar high for our future hosts. Our Trustee Luncheon was held at the end of November, sponsored by BAC Florida Bank, and held at the beautiful Colonnade Hotel. Once again, we experienced great attendance and a great speaker, Albert Santalo, Founder & CEO of 8base. ERIC GROS-DUBOIS
CHAIR, TRUSTEE DIPLOMATS CEO, FOUNDER | EPGD BUSINESS LAW ERIC@EPGDLAW.COM
In the New Year we are excited about our next Trustee & GEM Investors Reception in January, hosted by Allegro Senior Living - Dadeland, and our Luncheon for GEM and Trustee Investors at the end of the month. I hope to see you all there.
The New Year comes with resolutions, commitments, goals and high hopes. I encourage all of you to make engagement in our beautiful community one of your goals, and I'll be there to help you any way I can. I invite you to contact me directly to discuss how this exclusive membership level can help you meet your goals for starting 2020 strong and prosperous.
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020
COME HAVE A ROARING GOOD TIME AT OUR
NEW YEAR’S NETWORKER Celebrate the start of the 2020’s with an evening of glitz & glam overlooking our City Beautiful! Thursday, January 9th | 5:30 PM - 8 PM The Lennar Foundation Medical Center - Rooftop | $35 Registration Fee Includes limitless libations courtesy of Bacardi USA, bites from our coolest restaurants & a night of delicious revelry!
Presented & Hosted By:
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020
SAVE THESE DATES
2019 - 2020 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board | Patrick O’Connell Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty Chairman-Elect | Brian Barakat Barakat Law, P.A. First Vice Chair | Ana Chaoui Grove Bank & Trust Vice Chair | Rene Negron AXA Advisors, LLC Vice Chair | Efrain Sora Sora Global Insurance & Consulting Vice Chair | Nicolas Eterovic Edward Jones Vice Chair | Mike Ybarra Northwestern Mutual - Coral Gables Vice Chair | Sara Hernandez First Citizens Bank Trustee Council Chair | Eric Gros-Dubois EPGD Business Law Treasurer | Pilar Baena Smiles & Sonrisas Parliamentarian | Cristina Miller Intermedia Touch, Inc. Chairman's Appointee | Addys Kuryla Florida Power & Light BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thad Adams, The Allen Morris Company Ricardo Alberty, Well-Groomed Gentleman Chris Colston, Second Chance Credit, LLC Lorrie-Ann Diaz, Miami HEAT Amy Donner, Coral Gables Magazine Frank Fernandez, CenterState Bank Alex Fonseca, Apollo Bank Maria Garcia, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton Matthias Kammerer, The Biltmore Hotel Jorge Martinez, The Conroy Martinez Group Alina Menendez, American Airlines Deirdre D. Nero, NERO Immigration Law, P.L. Audrey Otero, BankOZK Melanie Sanchez, Fifth-Third Bank Monique Selman, Albany Homes International Lillian Ser, Ser & Associates Anabella Smith, Zyscovich Architects Cinthya Urena, City National Bank Myrna Vaca, UHealth Jessica Wilcox, J. Wilcox Consulting EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Honorable Patricia Keon City of Coral Gables Mary Snow Coral Gables Community Foundation Truman Skinner Business Improvement District of Coral Gables
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS November - December 2019
ADG Strategy Group Arbonne International Artisan Wealth Solutions Barrett Tax & Accounting Services CPA LLC Bast Amron LLP Business & Leisure Inc. Carolina Rearte Center for Social Change Inc. Clear the Clutter Corporate Caterers Dr Smood Dr. Brandt Skincare LLC Eclipse Consulting Group Engipartners Fifth Third Bank Fridman Fels & Soto, PLLC Hamptons Group, LLC Henry S. West Laboratory School HistoryMiami Museum Hoyos & Aguilar, P.A. InnerConnections Developmental Specialists Inquesta Corporation Ïyasa Acupuncture McGrover Funding Corporation nQuery Phones & Internet Pita Weber Del Prado Ponce Circle Tower R. Media Publishing, Inc. Real Estate Babes Miami / Empowered Babes Miami Sanctuary of the Arts Thesis Hotel Miami Tresor Collection Inc Vicente Ferrer Foundation USA
*BOLD denotes new Trustee Member | *BOLD denotes new GEM Member
President & CEO Mark A. Trowbridge
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020
CHAMBER CALENDAR
‘20
January | February Monday
Tuesday 6
8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting
Wednesday 7
8 8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting 8:00 AM Business & Gov't Affairs Committee Meeting Noon RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
13
5:30 PM Trustee Reception
14
4:00 PM IMPACT Seminar
Thursday
Friday
8:00 AM 9 Chairman’s Ambassadors Committee Meeting 8:00 AM Membership Committee Meeting 9:00 AM Women’s Business Network Committee Meeting 5:30 PM New Year's Networker
15
10
16
17
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables Annual Education Breakfast 9:15 AM 20/30 Group Meeting
20
21
27
28
3
4
22
23
29
30
7:00 PM Theatre Night feat. Mamma Mia!
24
OFFICE CLOSED
8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting
11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon
5
5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
10
11
17
18
5:30 PM Trustee Reception
11:30 AM Women's Business Network Luncheon
8:00 AM Business & Gov’t Affairs Committee Meeting
4:00 PM IMPACT Seminar
31
6
7
12
13
14
19
20
21
27
28
8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting Noon RE-Connect Luncheon
8:00 AM Chairman’s Ambassadors Committee Meeting
8:30 AM Trow Knows...CEOs
9:00 AM Women's Business Network Committee Meeting
8:00 AM Membership Committee Meeting
9:00 AM Chamber 101
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:15 AM 20/30 Group Meeting
OFFICE CLOSED
24
2
25
11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon
8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting
26
8:00 AM Business & Education Committee Meeting
8:00 AM 8:00 AM 4 Chairman’s Ambassadors Small Business Committee Meeting Committee Meeting
3
Noon RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
5
9:00 AM Women's Business Network Committee Meeting 11:00 AM Businesswomen of the Year Awards
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020
8:30 AM Trow Knows...CEOs
6
SPONSOR RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY
SPONSORSHIP / INVESTOR HALL OF FAME Through December 2019
DECEMBER
$5,000 & Above
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
WOMEN'S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
TRUSTEE RECEPTION NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
TROW KNOWS CEOS
• The Allen Morris Company • Amerant Bank • AXA Advisors, LLC • Bacardi USA • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty • Business Improvement District of Coral Gables • Capital One • CenterState Bank • City of Coral Gables • City National Bank of Florida • Clear Channel Outdoor • Doctors Hospital • Florida Blue • Home Financing Center, Inc. • Photo Offset, Inc. • Samuel Adams Boston Lager • South Motors • UHealth
$2,500 - $4,999
• Baptist Health South Florida • Florida Power & Light • Gulliver Schools • Intermedia Touch, Inc. • Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables • NERO Immigration Law, P.L. • Smiles & Sonrisas
Someone’s Son
IMPACT SEMINAR
RE-CONNECT LUNCHEON
e m a G ON! TOTAL HEALTH RESTORATION Dr. Michael Forman DOM, P.A.
TM
coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | January - February 2020