HAVANA OH-NA-NA! Havana Music Hall is a heartwarming story based on Cuban musicians Rolando and Ramona Calderon, and their lives in Cuba from 1958 to the present. Just as their local Havana band is about to get its big break, the Revolution tears apart the only world the duo have ever known.
This brand new musical was selected specifically by the Actors' Playhouse artistic team to develop in Miami en route to The Great White Way - Broadway!
Guests will enjoy a pre-show reception complete with bites, wine, mingling and a flurry of excitement. Chamber members will be joined by our friends at the MiThis moving and relevant new musical explores the ami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for challenges and joys of one family’s 50-year odyssey for this sizzling evening of song and dance. survival, presenting a journey which immigrants of all cultures from around the world have traveled for gen- Visit coralgableschamber.org for more information or erations. to purchase your tickets today! We invite you to experience a special presentation of "Havana Music Hall" on Thursday, October 11th as the Chamber hosts our annual Theatre Night at the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.
IN THIS ISSUE: Thoughts from our Chair Page 2 President’s Perspective Page 3 Trustee Talk
Page 5
Upcoming Events
Page 6
Membership Highlights Page 8 Calendar of Events
Page 9
Sponsor Recognition
Page 10
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
THOUGHTS FROM OUR CHAIR Patrick O'Connell
Chair of the Board, CGCC EWM Realty International oconnell.p@ewm.com
Dear Chamber Friends, I am very happy and excited to start my year as Chairman of the Board. For everyone who attended our Annual Conference at the Biltmore Hotel, I hope you agree that we have set the tone for a year of ‘Doing Big Things’ for our Chamber and the Coral Gables community. The Chamber’s two-day conference began with the annual George E. Merrick Awards of Excellence dinner presented by The Allen Morris Company. Congratulations to John P. Fullerton of The Fullerton Group for taking this year’s honor. I would also like to recognize the Merrick-inthe-Making recipients, Evan Benn, Meghan Goicouria and Brad Barreto. Our full-day conference on Friday highlighted many powerful speakers including Donna Hrinak, VP of Boeing International and President of Boeing LATAM, Jonathan Tavss of Kaleidoko, Dr. Henri Ford -Dean of the Miller School of Medicine, and two former Florida Governors, Bob Graham and Jeb Bush. This was a day packed with fellowship, networking, and many inspiring presentations. I look forward to serving our membership over the next twelve months, and helping each of you ‘Do Big Things’ during my year as Chair. Sincerely,
2018-2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board Patrick O’Connell (EWM Realty International) Chairman-Elect Nelson Lazo (Doctors Hospital) First Vice Chairman Brian Barakat (Barakat Law, P.A.) Treasurer Alex Jimenez (Apollo Bank) Parliamentarian Tom Weinkle (Vortex Communications) Immediate Past Chair Martha de la Peña Rojas (Florida Blue) Vice Chairman-Global Business Affairs Rene Negron (AXA Advisors, LLC) Vice Chairman-Community Affairs Melanie Sanchez (Florida Community Bank) Vice Chairman-Business & Economic Dev. Eric Gros-Dubois (EPGD Business Law) Vice Chairman-Member Affairs Amy Donner (Coral Gables Magazine) Vice Chairman-Special Events Yesenia Moreno (Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc.) Vice Chairman-Gov’t & Legislative Affairs Efrain Sora (Sora Global Insurance & Consulting, LLC) Trustee Council Chair Ana Chaoui (Grove Bank & Trust) Chairman’s Appointee Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects) President & CEO Mark A. Trowbridge
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elected-term expires 2019 Pilar Baena (Smiles & Sonrisas) Carolina Rendeiro (Connect2Global) Claudine Claus (Home Financing Center, Inc.) Zachary Sulkes (Bacardi USA) Christopher Spuches (Agentis PLLC) Elected-term expires 2020 Andria Hanley (Camillus House) Phil Stevenson (Columbus Capital) Matthias Kammerer (The Biltmore Hotel) Jorge Martinez (The Conroy Martinez Group) Cinthya Urena (City National Bank)
Patrick M. O'Connell Senior Vice President - New Business Development EWM Realty International Chairman of the Board Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
Elected-term expires 2021 Thad Adams (The Allen Morris Company) Chris Colston (Second Chance Credit LLC) Deirdre D. Nero, Esq (NERO Immigration Law, P.L.) Monique Selman (Albany Homes International, Inc.) Jessica Wilcox (J. Wilcox Consulting) Chairman’s Appointees-term expires 2019 Rosary Plana Falero (Marquis Bank) Nicolas Eterovic (Edward Jones) Addys Kuryla (FPL) Cristina Miller (Intermedia Touch, Inc.)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
City of Coral Gables | Commissioner Patricia Keon City of Coral Gables | Pamela Fuertes, Director Business Improvement District | Truman Skinner Coral Gables Community Foundation | Mary Snow, Executive Director The Beacon Council of Miami-Dade | TBD
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - DO BIG THINGS! Mark A. Trowbridge
President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org
Let’s Do BIG Things! Happy New Year Chamber members! September marks the beginning of our new fiscal year, as well as the opportunity to welcome our new Chair of the Board, Patrick O’Connell of EWM Realty International, to the helm of the Chamber. Patrick 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 as our First Vice Chairman and Treasurer. Patrick and his Board will be sworn-in officially at the September 20th Good Morning Coral Gables breakfast, where Mayor Valdés-Fauli will give his annual State of the City Beautiful Address, the second of his current term. You will not want to miss this amazing breakfast – always a highlight in our line-up of programming during the year – and with a special performance, to boot! 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. Our new theme, Do BIG Things, is entrenched in the most meaningful core values and mission of our Chamber, as well as our new strategic plan that rolled out in August at our Annual Conference. With an ever-present focus on local, state and federal issues affecting businesses of all sizes, to events that explore our community’s greatest assets, your Chamber is committed to our members and helping you grow your businesses each day. In an economy filled with cautious optimism, the Chamber is the one constant – growing and strengthening relationships that will lead to new business, new partnerships and even new personal friendships. Now is the time to consider an upgrade your membership, get more strongly engaged in a committee, and find the right spot in the Chamber that will help you build your business. With more than 20 working committees and task forces, there is something for everyone. As I begin my lucky 13th year at the helm of the Chamber, I am constantly reminded how fortunate I am to help lead an organization that is socially responsible and strategic, dynamic and diverse, consensus building and community-oriented, responsive and relevant, as well as in-touch and in-sync with the needs of our members like no other Chamber in town! Thank you for your confidence and commitment to achieving BIG Things as a Chamber this year! Warmly,
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
TRUSTEE TALK Ana Chaoui
Senior Vice President | Market Manager Grove Bank & Trust achaoui@GroveBankandTrust. com
Ready, Set, Do Big Things! We have put together an amazing team of Diplomats that are off to the races with two exciting events this September. We start with a unique Trustee Reception graciously hosted by our Board Member Monique Selman of Albany Homes Con- Past Chair of the Trustee Diplomats Tom Weinkle and Past Chair of the Martha de la Peña Rojas present Elizabeth Nourse with Morton's struction, Inc. on Tuesday September 11th, followed by our Chamber the Steakhouse with their Trustee plaque. th Trustee Luncheon on September 26 at the Beautiful Biltmore Hotel. A Big “Thank You” to Cristina & Henry Miller of Intermedia Touch Inc. for hosting our August Trustee Reception at Bulla Gastrobar in Doral. Our Trustee & GEM members enjoyed some delicious lite bites and wine while networking with Coral Gables & Doral’s finest. We are excited about the success and look forward to other member companies hosting us throughout the year. As the summer winds down most of us start gearing up to end the year strong. The excitement of knowing that Fall is just around the corner and that cooler temperatures are on the way (not really), we all tend to get a little more pep in our step. As Chair of the Trustee Council I invite all of you who don’t know what the Trustee & GEM events are about to join Arturo Arca accepts the Trustee plaque on behalf of the Trembly Law Firm during the June Trustee Luncheon at the historic Biltmore Hotel. This lunus. You may just find what you need to end the year strong. cheon was sponsored by the law firm of Ser & Associates. Wishing everyone a successful September and look forward to seeing you at our events. "SCENE" FROM OUR TRUSTEE EVENTS | July - August
Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables truly outdid themselves as they hosted our Chamber's Trustee members for a night of networking and fellowship at the July Trustee Reception.
Hosted by the team at Intermedia Touch, Trustee Members ventured to Doral to enjoy a night of connection at BULLA Gastrobar. Thank you to Chamber Board Member Cristina Miller and her husband / business partner Henry Miller for your generosity.
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
UPCOMING EVENTS
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES Tuesday, September 11, 2018 | 5:30 PM Trustee Reception Location: 6345 Riviera Drive Coral Gables, FL (Private residence in the Gables) Sponsored By: Albany Homes Construction Note, parking will be limited so please try to carpool. Complimentary registration for Trustee & GEM Members Tuesday, September 18, 2018 | 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon Featuring your Miami HEAT! Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Doctors Hospital Featuring: Alonzo Mourning, Vice President, Player Programs, Miami HEAT; Dr. Harlan Selesnick, Orthopedic Surgeon & Miami HEAT Team Physician, Doctors Hospital; Nelson Lazo, CEO, Doctors Hospital Cost: $40 Chamber Members by 9/7; $50 Guests Thursday, September 20, 2018 | 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables Featuring the 2018-2019 Board of Directors installation & passing of the gavel! Location: The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables Sponsored By: The Chamber’s Board of Directors Keynote Speaker: Mayor Raúl Valdés-Fauli, City of Coral Gables Topic: State of the City Beautiful Address With special photo opps alongside Burnie, the Miami HEAT Dancers and the 2006, 2010 and 2011 championship trophies! Cost: $25 Chamber Members by 9/14; $40 Guests Wednesday, September 26, 2018 | 11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Doctors Hospital Cost: $45 Member Registration by 9/21; $55 On-Site Registration & Guests Thursday, September 27, 2018 | 3:45 PM - Note date change! IMPACT: A Seminar Series for Small Business Optimize Your Businesses Wealth by Focusing on Employee Health Location: Morton’s the Steakhouse 2333 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables Sponsor: Mercantil Bank Keynote Speaker: Beatriz Martinez-Peñalver, Triumph Steps; Grace Eves, Florida Blue; Kristy Amaro, Mercantil Bank Cost: $25 Chamber Members; $35 Guests Wednesday, October 3, 2018 | Noon RE-Connect Luncheon Location: Morton’s the Steakhouse 2333 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Barakat Law, P.A.; EPGD Business Law; Sora Global Insurance & Consulting; Dr. Michael Forman, DOM, P.A. Featuring: Brian Barakat, Barakat Law, P.A. Cost: $25 Registration Fee - Must be paid online in advance
Friday, October 5, 2018 | 8:30 AM Trow Knows... CEOs Location: EWM Realty International - Note new location! 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1060, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Apollo Bank Cost: $25 Registration Fee - Limited to the first 25 guests Tuesday, October 9, 2018 | 5:30 PM Trustee Reception Location: Giralda Place 2222 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables Complimentary registration for Trustee & GEM Members Thursday, October 11, 2018 | 7:00 PM Theatre Night Location: Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Partner: Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Featuring: Havana Music Hall Cost: $40 for Chamber & MDGLCC members; $50 Guests; $20 Reception only Friday, October 12, 2018 | 9:00 AM Chamber 101 Want to learn more about YOUR Chamber? Then join us at Chamber 101! Get information about the many programs and services that the Chamber offers and meet Chamber leaders, staff and other members! Location: Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 224 Catalonia Avenue, Coral Gables Complimentary registration for new Chamber members! Tuesday, October 16, 2018 | 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Albany Homes Construction Cost: $40 Chamber Members by 10/12; $50 Guests Wednesday, October 17, 2018 | 3:45 PM IMPACT: A Seminar Series for Small Business Location: Morton’s the Steakhouse 2333 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables Sponsor: Mercantil Bank Cost: $25 Chamber Members; $35 Guests Thursday, October 18, 2018 | 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables Location: The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables Cost: $25 Chamber Members by 10/12; $40 Guests
Wednesday, October 3, 2018 | 5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday Location: Bocas House Coral Gables 2 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Michael Forman, DOM, P.A. Cost: $25 Registration Fee by 9/28; $35 Chamber Members after 9/28 & Guests
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS
July - August 2018 AAA ActionCOACH Team Sage Avantio Inc Catalonia Trade & Investment Chapman Partnership Clutch Burger Codina Partners Corporate Caterers David PR Group Dental Cosmetic Spa EWM Realty Fixpresso Flix Translations FORS | Attorneys at Law Forward IT Solutions, LLC Genesis Hopeful Haven, Inc. Green Goddess Public Relations, Social Media & Video Havana Music Hall HCP Media Henderson Financial Group IBIS Studio L.C. Iconic Hair Salon Jacqueline Salcines, PA Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University Le Provençal Restaurant Marquis Bank Miami Children's Museum Miami Dev Shop Miami Herald Media Company Mutual of Omaha New York Life nQuery Telecom Solutions N-VOGUE, LLC Restaurant Growth Marketing Seaspice LLC Sora Global Insurance & Consulting, LLC Suddath Relocation Systems The Opera Atelier Torre Construction & Development University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Your Family Bank
SPONSORSHIP / INVESTOR HALL OF FAME Through August 2018
$5,000 and Above • The Allen Morris Company • AXA Advisors, LLC • Bacardi USA • Brown-Forman Beverages • Business Improvement District of Coral Gables • City of Coral Gables • City National Bank of Florida • Doctors Hospital • Agentis • EWM Realty International
• Florida Blue • Gulliver Schools • Mercantil Bank, N.A. • Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables • Photo Offset, Inc. • Samuel Adams Boston Lager • South Motors BMW • Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill • University of Miami • UHealth
$2,500 - $4,999 • Apollo Bank • Flor de Caña • Florida Power & Light • Grove Bank & Trust • MG Developer
*BOLD denotes new Trustee Member *BOLD denotes new GEM Member coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
EVENTS CALENDAR
‘18
September | October
Monday
3
Tuesday
Wednesday
4 8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting
10
17 18 11:30 AM Women's Business Network Luncheon
5:30 PM Trustee Reception
Committee Meeting
Noon Re-Connect Luncheon
9:00 AM Women’s Business Network Committee Meeting
24
1
25
8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting
8
5:30 PM Trustee Reception
26 27 11:45 AM 4:00 PM Trustee Luncheon IMPACT Seminar Please note date change
28
3
4 5 8:30 AM 8:00 AM Chairman’s Ambassadors Trow Knows... CEOs Committee Meeting
Small Business Committee Meeting
12:00 PM RE-Connect Luncheon
9:00 AM Women's Business Network Committee Meeting
10 11 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM Business & Gov’t Affairs Membership Committee Chamber 101 Committee Meeting Meeting
12
7:00 PM Theatre Night
OFFICE CLOSED
21
9:15 AM 20/30 Group Meeting
2 8:00 AM
9
14
19 20 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables
5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
feat. Richard Roffman & JP Faber, Coral Gables Magazine
11 8:00 AM 12 13 8:00 AM Business & Gov’t Affairs Membership Committee Committee Meeting Meeting 10:00 AM Travel & Tourism Committee Meeting
3:00 PM Restaurant Meeting
Friday
8:00 AM 5 6 7 Small Business Committee 8:30 AM 8:00 AM Meeting Chairman’s Ambassadors Trow Knows... CEOs
5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday
OFFICE CLOSED
Thursday
15 16 11:30 AM Women's Business Network Luncheon
3:45 PM IMPACT Seminar
17
18 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables
19
9:15 AM 20/30 Group Meeting
22
23
24
25
29
30
31
1
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018
26
2
SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY
JULY
AUGUST
WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON
JULY
AUGUST
TROW KNOWS CEOS
GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES JULY
AUGUST
TRUSTEE RECEPTION JULY
AUGUST
IMPACT SEMINAR SERIES
HOST SPONSOR
RE-CONNECT LUNCH
LEGISLATIVE ROUND-UP HOST SPONSOR
SPONSORED BY
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018
PRESENTED BY:
coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │September - October 2018