MARCH | APRIL 2012
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK...ON THE IDES OF MARCH On March 15th, 2012 you can get in the game. This is the place to be to take advantage of great business opportunioin us for Coral Gables’ largest ties and network with our City’s movbusiness-to-business trade show of ers and shakers while enjoying an open the year. The Coral Gables Cham- bar and great food. ber March Madness Business Expo is back! March Madness was designed to help you grow your business. So come out, meet the newest business professionals in the area, have some drinks, tasty EMY TORRES
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
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food and generate new leads for your business. Join us along with 50 of our table tops and more than 200 attendees! For more information, please contact Senior Events Manager, Erica Dominguez, at 305-446-1657 or e-mail edominguez@ coralgableschamber.org.
BUSINESS WOMEN OF 2012 AWARDS emonies and announced the winner in Public Service/ Non-Profit Category each of the five categories: Entrepre- – Presented by US Century Bank was Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce neur, Corporate, Philanthropy, Public awarded to Martha Martin, Baptist he Coral Gables Chamber of Service/Non-Profit and Retailer/Res- Health South Florida and Retailer/ Commerce honored excellence tauranteur. Restauranteur Category – Presented in business by celebrating five by AXA Advisors, LLC went to Cathy outstanding women at the 2012 AXA The following leaders are BEWARE the winners THE Bartel, IDES LearningOF Express Toys. MARCH Advisors Businesswomen of the Year in their corresponding categories of Awards on Friday, March 9, at the spec- the 2012 AXA Advisors Business- The title sponsor for this event was tacular Coral Gables Country Club. women of Year Awards: Entrepreneur AXA Advisors, LLC. Video Production The 2012 AXA Advisors Business- Category – Presented by Dan’s Video of each finalist was produced by Dan’s women of the Year Awards recognize Creations went to Province “Boo” Video Creations. The Media Partner women who demonstrate excellence Zamek, Just Ask Boo, LLC. Corporate was the South Florida Business Jourin their business or profession, as well Category – Presented by Banyan Part- nal. The judge’s gifts were provided by as a commitment to serve as role mod- ners went to Erbi Blanco-True, Great Touché Beauty. The centerpieces were els for other women. Florida Bank. Philanthropy Category provided by Belle Fleur. The programs – Presented by Chispa Marketing were provided by Sir Speedy and the Jackie Nespral, anchor and reporter for was won by Gabrielle D’ Alemberte, finalists’ cocktail reception was hosted NBC 6, served as the Mistress of Cer- Law Office of Robert L. Parks, P.A. by Rene Ruiz. EMY TORRES
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WINNER Entrepreneur Category
WINNER Corporate Category
WINNER Philanthropy Category
Province “Boo” Zamek Just Ask Boo, LLC
Erbi Blanco-True Great Florida Bank
Gabrielle D’ Alemberte Law Office of Robert L. Parks, P.A.
WINNER Public Service / Non-Profit Category
Martha Martin Baptist Health South Florida
IN THIS ISSUE • Chairman’s Remarks
Page 2
• President’s Perspective
Page 3
• Trustee Talk
Page 4
• Chamber Events
Page 5
• Membership Highlights
Page 6
• Calendar of Events
Page 7
• Sponsor Recognition
Page 8 www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |MARCH-APRIL 2012
WINNER Retail / Restauranteur Category
Cathy Bartel Learning Express Toys
HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES! BUSINESS THAT IS... Drew Kern Esslinger-WootenMaxwell CGCC Chairman kern.d@ewm.com
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a r c h Madness is here and we want you to come out and play! The largest business expo in Coral Gables is hosted by your Chamber on Thursday, March 15th at the Coral Gables Country Club.
2011-2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
nancing your small business and effectively marketing to your customer.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman: Drew Kern (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors) Chair-Elect: Darla Thompson (Cherry, Bekaert & Holland) 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: TBA 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
Our chamber is built on small business and it has been one of our priorities this year as we continue to see our local economy recover. See you at the Madness!
With a gathering of hundreds of members and dozens of table-top displays, great food and fantastic local businesses, you’ll have so much fun you won’t realize until it’s over exactly how much your business benefits. We are about Opening Doors for our members, but you have to come out for us to do that for you. For all you one-person shops and small businesses owners, we are pleased to report our Small Business IMPACT Series is up and running and gaining tremendous momentum. The first session showed us how to create and execute our business plans; next we will refine them and put them into action. If you missed out, don’t worry, the April and May sessions will be on fi-
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 your 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 Emy Torres at etorres@coralgableschamber.org.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elected-term expires 2012 Hugo Arza (Holland & Knight LLP) Manny Alvarez (International Finance Bank) George Feliciano (Bay Plumbing) John Allen (Home Financing Center, Inc.) 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) J. Dustin Symes (City National Bank)
Elected-term expires 2014 Thad Adams (The Allen Morris Company) Brian Barakat (Barakat Law, P.A.) Wayne Eldred (Tarpon Bend) Frank Fernandez (US Century Bank) Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects) 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 Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 305.446.1657
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |MARCH-APRIL 2012
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: BRAVO, BRAVO! Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org
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his past week, I had the honor of attending the Sand in My Shoes Award, presented to Dr. Eduardo Padron, president of Miami Dade College. T��� h is award is one of the most prestigious in our community and recognizes those individuals who have made lasting contributions to the betterment of others over a lifetime of good work. There is no more deserving choice or more accomplished leader for this honor than Dr. Padron. More than 900 guests came out to honor Dr. Padron that night – the Who’s Who of Miami’s leadership – to celebrate him and his incredible achievements. A stirring video tribute, created by Bob Berkowitz and his team at Coral Gables-based MultiVision, captured the many aspects of Dr. Padron’s life through the words and stories of his colleagues, fellow leaders and friends. It was fitting that Dave Barry closed the video by referring to Dr. Padron as a father figure, for he has been that (and so much more) to so many in our community – supportive, yet firm; kind, and so compassionate. Dr. Padron came to this country at age 15 from Cuba, a familiar path of so many of our community’s leaders of his generation. He left his beloved mother behind, who implored him to get a good education and repay his country for its kindness. He has done this…and so much more. And now, he is ensuring that others have that opportunity, as well. The circle of opportunity has been fulfilled.
Dr. Padron’s presence in this community is significant, albeit iconic. I am lucky enough to consider him a friend and colleague. He is a force of nature, a man of great intellect, a visionary leader and most important to me, a Gator. He understands the role higher education plays in the lives of people – it is the great emancipator and true equalizer, providing opportunities and access to those who are willing to work hard and achieve more. It is his own story, told time and time again through the lives of his hundreds of thousands of alumni. A good education is the one thing that can never be taken away from you, he shared during his remarks. In truth, this is the mission, the passion, and the vision of Miami Dade College. Dr. Padron will be addressing the Trustees of our Chamber at their monthly luncheon on Wednesday, March 28th. In honor of his award and his stature in our community, we plan to open this luncheon up to all members of our Chamber to attend. It is important for all to hear his message and learn more about the great things that are happening at Miami Dade College, much of it dreamed up by Dr. Padron. On behalf of our leadership and membership, we congratulate Dr. Padron on this high honor and thank him for his great service to our community. The Board of Directors and Members of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Honor Our Dear Friend
Eduardo J. Padron For his tireless commitment to our community, his enduring passion for education and his generosity of spirit. Eduardo, you are simply the best!
Developing Business Building Community
www.coralgableschamber.org www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2012
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TRUSTEE TALK
Linda Knudsen, Baptist Health of South Florida & Trustee Council Chair LindaK@baptisthealth.net
We’ve scheduled our very own March Madness event on Thursday, March 15, 5:30 to 8p.m., at the Coral Gables Country Club. While there won’t be any basketballs to toss around, this popular event does give Chamber members an opportunity to take center court and showcase their products and services. Purchase a table today and see how many new doors open for your business.
Another sure-fire way to open doors is by networking with other Chamber members. In our January/February Trustee Talk, we provided another two networking strategies: get out of your comfort zone and wear a nametag. Here are two more: Strategy #5: Add value. Instead of asking “what’s in it for me?” consider how you might help others achieve their goals. If people see you as a problem solver, you’ll be the one they contact when the next challenge arises. Even though this may not result in direct business, these contacts become valuable advertisements for you and your
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company. And you never know when they might connect you with someone who could benefit from your product or service. Strategy #6: Listen. Introverts make some of the best networkers. Why? Because, instead of pounding their chests and pushing their agenda, they listen more and talk less. Consequently, they remember what others say, which is critical to fostering good relationships. (Could be the reason we have two ears and only one mouth.) Here’s a real eye-opening quote from Michael Jordan, one of the greatest roundball players of all time: “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot –– and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why ... I succeed.” Aside from the fail/succeed message, there’s another idea we can take from the world of sports: You can’t win if you’re not in the game! The Chamber is one of the best games in town. Get in!
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2012
UPCOMING EVENTS
Calling All FORE-somes! Join us for 18 glorious holes at our annual TOTALBANK Golf Classic on Friday, June 8, 2012 at The Biltmore Hotel
Sponsorships Starting at $1,000
edominguez@coralgableschamber.org or 305-446-1657
NOTICE TO GENERAL MEMBERSHIP Please be advised that the annual process of electing officers and directors for the Chamber is underway. The general membership has the opportunity to nominate members of the Chamber for Board membership. In order to be nominated, a member must submit his or her request signed by twenty-five (25) members in good standing to the Chamber office by 4 p.m. on April 4, 2012. Any submission from the membership will be added to the slate of Nominees determined by the Chamber’s Nominating Committee and Board of Directors. Chamber Board elections will be held in May 2012. Ballots will be sent via US Mail to each Chamber member in good standing.
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2012
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SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES! MARCH 13th
MARCH 22nd
TRUSTEE RECEPTION- 5:30 PM Host Sponsor: THE COLLECTION THE COLLECTION Jaguar Showroom, Corner of Bird & Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES BREAKFAST 7:30 AM -Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables Spomsor- City National Bank
APRIL 4th
MARCH 14th
WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY - 5:30 PM Morton’s The Steakhouse-2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables
IMPACT- A seminar series for smal business 8:00 AM / In Partnership with FIU School of Business & presented by Mercantil Commercebank Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.- 2525 Ponce de Leon
MARCH 15th
APRIL 6th
Developing Business Building Community
THE TROW KNOWS...CEOS- 8:30 AM The Coral Gables Chamber Featuring Carlos Migoya, President & CEO of Jackson Health Systems
MARCH MADNESS BUSINESS EXPO - 5:30 PM Coral Gables Country Club, 997 N. Greenway Drive
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS!
SPONSORSHIP/INVESTOR HALL OF FAME January 2012 through March 2012
1st United Bank Blue Compass Group CRAVE DPK Design Innovations LLC Fairchild Partners, Inc. Florida Hemophilia Association FT Trade Financial Corp. Gables Tower, LLC (Terranova Corp) Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP KMP Furniture LLC Law Office of Yoel Molina LSH, Inc. Mary Kay Products
$5,000 AND ABOVE
$2,500 - $4,999
The Allen Morris Company AXA Advisors, LLC Baptist Health South Florida The Biltmore Hotel BlueCross BlueShield of Florida Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. City of Coral Gables City National Bank of Florida Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Florida Power & Light Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Mercantil Commercebank, N.A. Montica Jewelry TotalBank University of Miami
AT&T Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Brown-Forman Beverages Credomatic Merchant Services Dade Medical College East Coast Public Adjusters, Inc. Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Gulliver Schools Home Financing Center, Inc. Port of Miami Rockefeller Group Business Centers, Inc.
The Miami Herald Touché Beauty LLC U.S. Century Bank USAA Realty Company Village of Merrick Park
Metropolis Fitness and Spa Miami Dade College Foundation Ocean Bank Paul A. Garcia, P.A. Pop Nature, LLC ProMD Propietario Realty LLC ProServe USA
VISION INVESTORS
Riviera Health Resort Robert Klemm Photography Step Up For Students Sunalu Studios Taha Shoes Truly Nolen
* BOLD denotes new Trustee member
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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 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 | MARCH-APRIL 2012
EVENTS CALENDAR
MARCH / APRIL 2012 Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Friday
Thursday
1
8:00 AM Ambassador Meeting 9:00 AM WBN Steering Committee
5
12
19
26
2
9
16
23
6
8:30 AM Spring Forward Legislative Program
13
8:00 AM International Affairs Meeting 5:30 PM Trustee Reception
20
8:00 AM Green Committee Meeting
27
9:00 AM Golf Committee Meeting
8:00 AM International Affairs Meeting
9:00 AM 5K Meeting 5:30 PM Trustee Reception
3
10
17
8:00 AM Green Committee Meeting 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Lunch
24
9:00 AM Golf Committee Meeting
7
9:00 AM 5K Committee Meeting 12:15 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
14
8:00 AM Impact Series for Small Business 9:00 AM Cultural Affairs
21
8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting
28
8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting
5:30 PM March Madness
8
15
Saturday / Sunday
2
3/4
9
10/11
16
17/18
8:30 AM The Trow Knows... CEOs featuring Michael Lewis, Miami Today
11:30 AM Businesswomen of The Year Awards
8:00 AM Business & Government Affairs Committee Meeting
ST. Patrick’s Day
22
23
24/25
29
30
31/1
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:00 A.M. 20/30 Group Meeting
11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon (Open to ALL Members)
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12:15 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
11
8:00 AM Impact Series for Small Business 9:00 AM Cultural Affairs Meeting
18
8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting
25
11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon
5
8:00 AM Ambassador Meeting 9:00 AM WBN Steering Committee
6
8:30 AM The Trow Knows... CEOs featuring Carlos Migoya, Jackson Health South
12
8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting
19
7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:00 AM 20/30 Group Meeting
13
14/15
20
21/22
27
28/29
8:00 AM Business & Government Affairs Meeting 11:00 AM Eco Expo + Green Means Green Awards
26
8:00 AM Business & Education Meeting 5:30 PM Gables Global Groove
7/8 EASTER SUNDAY
30
www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2012
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SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES JANUARY FEBRUARY
WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCH JANUARY FEBRUARY
TRUSTEE LUNCH
TRUSTEE RECEPTION JANUARY
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
REALTOR SHOWCASE
FEBRUARY
JANUARY
STROCH & TANNER
AN EVENING ON ARAGON
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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | MARCH-APRIL 2012