www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2011

Coral Gables Businesses Shine at the Diamond Awards

The Coral Gables Chamber of Com-merce will honor excellence in busi-ness at the 2011 Diamond Awards on Th ursday, November 10, 2011 at

the Coral Gables Country Club. Shannon Hori, CBS4 anchor, will serve as Mistress of Ceremo-nies at the annual awards luncheon.

Each year, the Diamond Awards shine the spotlight of recognition on outstanding lo-cal businesses and their achievements. It is the Chamber’s signature awards program, honoring excellence in business achievement, corporate citizenship, customer service and workplace en-vironment.

“Th e annual Diamond Awards are our Chamber’s way of recognizing outstanding companies that are doing luminous work in our community, as well as a reward for those organizations that are achieving stel-lar success in the workplace,” said Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

Th e prestigious Diamond Awards will honor businesses in eight diff erent categories this year. Th e fi nalists for the 2011 Diamond Awards are:

Hearts on Fire Award (Large Business): Becker & Poliakoff , P.A., Cherry Bekaert & Holland, LLC, and Th e Palace Group

Princess of Hearts Award (Small Business): ActionCOACH Team Sage, Artigano and Logistical Outsourcing, Inc.

Diamond in the Rough Award: Coral Gables Country Club, Samuel A. Rubert, P.A. and Th reefold Studios

Non-Profi t Award: Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens, Family Resource Center and YMCA of Greater Miami

Minority Owned Award: Chispa Marketing, Touché Beauty and ulltium consulting, Inc.

Restaurant / Retail Award: Misha’s Cupcakes, Morton’s the Steakhouse and Peterbrooke Chocolatier

Carbon Award: Barakat Law, Eliptek Technology Group and IT Support Miami

Ideal Workplace: Baptist Health South Florida, Cherry Bekaert & Holland, LLC and Th e Palace Group

Th e 2011 Diamond Awards are presented by Montica Jewelry and sponsored by the City of Coral Gables, East Coast Public Adjusters, Hy-att Regency Coral Gables and City National Bank. Th e program sponsor is PhotoOff set. Attendance for Chamber Members is $50 per person, $60 for non-members. Reserved VIP Tables of ten are avail-able for $600. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more about this event, contact Erica Dominguez at at 305-446-1657 or via e-mail at edominguez@coralgableschamber.org

ADRIANA SERNACoral Gables Chamber of Commerce

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

É C F

RESTAURANTSPARTICIPATING

SPONSORED BY:

GET YOURNOWTICKETS

Drew KernEsslinger-Wooten-Maxwell CGCC Chairmankern.d@ewm.com

If you were able to join us at our most recent Good

Morning Coral Gables Breakfast, you heard the President and CEO of the Beacon Council, Frank Nero, give our membership an update on the program known as One Community One Goal (OCOG).

First created in 1996 as a way to target specifi c industries for Miami-Dade County to encourage economic growth, OCOG is being updated and is now under the leadership of the Beacon Council. Th e goal of OCOG is to identify strengths and challenges of Miami Dade County’s economy and refi ne the targeted industries that will be the focus for future economic development eff orts.

As the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, we will dig a little deeper and identify industries areas that best fi t Coral Gables – health care, technology, service fi rms - and have a specifi c plan of our own to open doors

to new business for our community.

Frank Nero also shared the results of a county-wide survey with over 4100 responses. Th e questions ranged from what kind of business respondents are currently engaged to what growth or lack thereof they expect in their industries in the next year.

In addition a large part of the survey dealt with what Miami-Dade County does best, and where we can most improve as we identify these new targeted industries. Now, the steering committee is working diligently toward presenting the fi nal report to the business community in March 2012.

At that time, along with the fi nal report, we will see the marketing plan and recommendations for implementation. With so many devoted community leaders and organizations behind these eff orts, it will certainly be a success and we are a proud partner.

Th ank you to Frank Nero and the Beacon Council for sharing this vital information with our Chamber fi rst and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on our City Beautiful, as well as Miami-Dade County.

ARTICLE PENDING

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20112

2011-2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND

BOARD OF DIRECTORSEXECUTIVE 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 2012Hugo Arza (Holland & Knight LLP)

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)

Dustin Symes (City National Bank)

Elected-term expires 2014Thad Adams (Allen Morris Companies)

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 GablesCommissioner Frank C. Quesada

City of Coral GablesCynthia Birdsill

(Economic Sustainability Department)Education Foundation of the Coral Gables Chamber:

Drew KernCoral Gables Community Foundation:

Andria HanleyCoral Gables Chamber of Commerce

305.446.1657

SPONSORSHIPOpen Doors to Greater Exposure and Bigger Business!

Th e Coral Gables Chamber has many high profi le events that off er 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

ADVERTISINGWhat happens if you do not advertise your business?

Absolutely nothing. Make your business stand out and take full advantage of your Chamber mem-bership. Th ere are sponsorship opportunities, newsletter advertising, website ad-vertising 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.

SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEOCoral Gables Chamber of CommerceMtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org

Savor the fl avor and take a bite out of the inaugural Burgerliscious festival on Th ursday, November 3, 2011, from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Ponce Circle/Fred B.

Hartnett Park.

Bonafi de burger afi cionados will be able to sink their teeth into gourmet slider burgers prepared by more than twenty of Coral Gables’ premier restaurants. Th e festival will also kickoff Miami Live Music Month (www.livemiamimusic.com) with exciting entertainment presented by Th e Stage.

Our Chamber is partnering with Samuel Adams and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to present this appetizing event to the public. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will also benefi t the Coral Gables Community Foundation by creating a fund to support local small businesses.

Sam Adams will off er six diff erent beers that will pair with each of the burger off erings, including: Boston Lager, Sam Adams Light, Winter Lager, Cherry Wheat , Cream Stout and Latitude 48.

Burgerliscious was created to remind everyone that food can be both fl avorful and fun – as well as a reason to gather as a community. Our burger festival is designed to position Coral Gables as a foodie mecca, no matter your style, budget or gastronomic cravings. We are recognized as a premier dining destination and Burgerliscious

will help to further cement this in the minds of discriminating consumers.

Participating Coral Gables restaurants include: 1862 Room at Th e Westin Colonnade Coral Gables • Anacapri on Ponce • Angelique Euro Café • Crave • Costazul • Courtyard Café • Fritz & Franz Bierhaus • John Martin’s Irish Pub • Morton’s the Steakhouse • Por Fin Restaurant & Lounge • Route 9 • Seasons 52 • Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill • Th e Bar • Th e Biltmore Hotel • Th e Local Craft Food and Drink • Two Sisters Restaurant • Sports Grill South Miami.

Ticket packages will be available in general admission and VIP tiers. General Admission is $25 and includes 3 “sliders” and two Samuel Adams Beers. VIP tickets are $50 and include 3 “sliders” and two Samuel Adams Beers, as well as access to the Brown-Forman Beverages VIP Lounge. Tickets are currently available online at the Chamber’s website. On-site registration is $35 per person.

Live music by DJ Mayner, Fusik and ArtOffi cial will be proudly presented by Th e Stage to launch Miami Live Music Month, a premier program of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

BURGERLISCIOUS is sponsored by the City of Coral Gables, Brown-Forman, Th e Village of Merrick Park, and YOUR Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

For updates and more information, please visit Burgerliscious on Facebook (www.facebook.com/burgerliscious) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/Burgerliscious_).

GET YOUR BURGER ON!

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 3

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: WHERE’S THE BEEF? BURGERLISCIOUS!

4

TRUSTEE TALK

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK FORUM - October 14th, 2011RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK FORUM - October 14th, 2011

You could just hear the “doors opening” as 100+ Trustee members and guests networked their way through our fi rst receptions of the Chamber’s New Year. Thank you Jack Lowell and Flagler, as well as Ramon Usuategui from Gibraltar. Be sure to join us for our next Trustee Reception at Montica Jewelry on Tuesday, November 8th, at 5:30 p.m. at 75 Miracle Mile.

Since we all spend time networking, it might be helpful to remind ourselves how to network more effectively. You’ve heard it before: People do business with people they know, like and trust. So, what are you doing hiding out in your offi ce? Get out there! Network! Shake hands, make eye contact, share stories, engage in small talk. That’s what creates rapport and builds relationships –– and eventually leads to business, job opportunities and new friends.

While cold calling, online networking and social media have their place, nothing beats face-to-face time to engender trust. And Chamber activities and Trustee events are just

the functions to start or strengthen relationships! Follow these strategies, and you might actually enjoy yourself –– and meet your objectives as well.

Strategy #1: Set a goal. Notice we didn’t say, “have an agenda.” Know what you hope to accomplish. Are you looking for business? A job? A new employee? Making contact with others in your industry? Having a plan helps ensure you make the most of your time.

But, remember, to share, not sell, your product or service. Effective networking is about giving, not just getting.

Strategy #2: Smile. If walking into a room of strangers isn’t high on your list of fun things to do, don’t let your body language give you away. Frowning in the corner with your arms crossed hinders approachability. And remember, a networking event isn’t a forum for griping. If your numbers are down or your boss drives you nuts, keep it to yourself. Put on a happy face, or stay home.

Stay tuned for more strategies in next month’s Trustee Talk.

Linda Knudsen, Baptist

Health of South Florida

& Trustee Council Chair

LindaK@baptisthealth.net

TOP LEFT PHOTO - From Left to Right: At the podium is moderator Editor and Publisher of Miami Today, Michael Lewis, and our expert panel (from left to right): Jack Levine, Miami Association of Realtors; Mayline Carbajales, Mercantil

Commercebank; Patrick O’Connell ,Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell (EWM) Realtors; Lorenzo Perez, Jr., ESOLIST.com. TOP RIGHT PHOTO - From Left to Right: Mark A. Trowbridge, Chamber CEO; Michael Lewis, Miami Today; Drew Kern,

Chamber Chairman; Patrick O’Connell, Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell (EWM) Realtors; Mayline Carbajales, Mercantil Commercebank; Jack Levine, Miami Association of Realtors; Lorenzo Perez, Jr., ESOLIST.com. BOTTOM PHOTO - From Left

to Right: Chris Colston, Second Chance Credit LLC; Omar Caraballo, Caraballo Liberty Locksmith; Ana Maria Perez, JGB Bank; Danny Vaisman, Caraballo Liberty Locksmith.

5www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - OCTOBER 20TH, 2011

TOP LEFT PHOTO (From Left to Right): Mark A. Trowbridge, Chamber CEO; Frank Nero, Beacon Council; Martha de la Pena Rojas, Blue Cross Blue Shield; Pedro Garcia, Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser; Drew Kern, Chamber Chairman. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Featured Good Morning Coral Gables Speaker Frank Nero, CEO of the Beacon Council. BOTTOM PHOTO (From Left to Right) : Luis Miguel, Mercantil Commercebank; Pedro Garcia,

Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser; Ed Holden, Chamber Chairman-Elect, Mercantil Commercebank.

Get answers to your health care coverage questions at the Florida Blue center.

Florida Blue(Located across from the Falls)

Sales consultants, nurses and customer service representatives are always on hand.

It’s all inside the Florida Blue center.

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20116

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTSWELCOME TO OUR NEWEST

CHAMBER MEMBERS!120% Lino

AJP Ventures Corp.Benefi t Life Corpora on

BNI Miami-Dade Inc.Business Projects LLC

Campbell Law Firm, PLLCCapital Bank

Capitol Offi ce FurnitureCaraballo Liberty Locksmith

CHARLEE Homes for ChildrenCharlo e

Cibo Wine BarColdwell Banker

Command Consul ng GroupCoral Gables Counseling Center

Dome Restaurant, Bar & LoungeEdward Beiner, Purveyor of Fine Eyewear

Evo AirFlorida Grand Opera

Gables Interna onal PlazaGalleria Ca’ d’Oro

HabifyHBO La n America

Holland & Knight LLPHome Instead Senior CareHotwire Business Solu ons

IVAN RecordsJackson Health System

Jose A. Unzalu, P.A., C.P.A.JustAskBoo, LLC

Law Offi ce of Ma hew E. Ladd Coral GablesMarch of DimesMarquis Bank

Master Restaurant DevelopersMerrill Lynch

Miami Bach SocietyMiami Dade College

MoneyClip DirectNew Theatre, Inc.

Offi ce XpressOrange Bowl Commi ee

Orkin Commercial Pest ControlPan American Marble and Stone, Inc.

Paolo Barone - Custom ClothierPark One

Planning Consultants GroupPro Fill, LLC

Quest WorkspacesReal Estate Sales ForceRTKL Associates, Inc.

Sloane Square Barbers & ShoppeSteelcase & Empire Offi ce

Target Appraisel Group, Inc.The Palace Coral Gables

Treehouse Nutri onUniversity of Miami

University of Miami - Offi ce of Alumni Rela ons & Development

Voice and Network Solu onWeber Law Firm

* BOLD denotes new Trustee member

SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES!

SPONSORSHIP/INVESTOR HALL OF FAMESeptember 2011 through November 2011

AT&TBay Plumbing CompanyBecker & Poliakoff, P.A.Dade Medical CollegeEast Coast Public Adjusters, Inc.Elipteck Technology GroupEsslinger-Wooten-Maxwell RealtorsFlorida Power & LightGulliver SchoolsHome Financing Center, Inc.Port of MiamiRight Space Management

Rockefeller Group Business Centers Inc. The Miami HeraldTouché Beauty LLC Turner Construction CompanyU.S. Century BankUSAA Realty Company

$2,500 - $4,999

AXA Advisors, LLC Baptist Health South FloridaBlueCross BlueShield of FloridaCherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.City of Coral GablesEsslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Hyatt Regency Coral GablesMercantil Commercebank, N.A. Montica JewelryThe Allen Morris CompanyThe Biltmore HotelTotalBankUniversity of Miami

$5,000 AND ABOVE

Baptist Health South FloridaBay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. The Biltmore HotelCherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.Coconut Grove BankEliptek Technology GroupExpress TravelGulliver SchoolsHyatt Regency Coral GablesInternational Finance BankMercedes Benz of Coral GablesMontica Jewelry

Photo OffsetRight Space ManagementSabadell United Bank, N.A. Sharff, Wittmer, Kurtz & JacksonTransatlantic BankThe University of MiamiVictoria & Associates Career ServicesWaste ManagementThe Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Hotel Williamson Cadillac - HUMMER

VISION INVESTORS

WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY - 5:30 PMLizarran, 65 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables

NOVEMBER 2nd

BURGERLISCIOUS! - 6:00 PMPonce Circle/Fred B. Hartnett Park2810 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables

NOVEMBER 3rd

HOLIDAY PARTY - 5:30 PMThe Biltmore HotelA Magical Holiday

DECEMBER 8th

NOVEMBER 15thWOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK

LUNCHEON - 11:30 AMHyatt Regency, 50 Alhambra Plaza

DIAMOND AWARDS PRESENTED BY MONTICA JEWELRY - 11:30 AMCoral Gables Country Club

NOVEMBER 10th

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - 7:30 AMCelebrating Education

Biltmore Hotel, Alhambra BallroomKeynote Speaker: Michael Biamonte

“The Voice of the Miami Heat”

NOVEMBER 17TH

Developing Business Building Community

11:45 AMTrustee Luncheon

7www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

EVENTS CALENDAR

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2011

1 2 4 5/6

7 8 9 10 11 12/13

14 15 16 17 18 19/20

21 22 23 24 25 26/27

28 29 30 1 2 3/4

12 13 14 15 16 17/18

19 20 21 22 23 24/25

26 27 28 29 30 31/1

8:00AMGo Green12:15 PM

RE-Connect Luncheon5:30PM

Wind Down Wednesday

9:00 AMCultural Affairs Committee

Meeting9:00 AM

Holiday Party Committee Meeting

8:00 AMChairman’s Ambassador

Committee9:00 AM

WBN Steering Committee6:00 PM

BURGERLISCIOUS!

8:00 AMBusiness and Government

Affairs Meeting

11:30 AMWomen’s Business Network

Luncheon

7:30 AMGood Morning Coral Gables

9:00 AM20/30 Group Meeting

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday / Sunday

8:00 AMInternational Affairs

Meeting8:00 AM

Small Business Committee Meeting

8:00 AMGo Green Meeting

12:15 PMRE-Connect

5:30PMWind Down Wednesday

9:00 AMCultural Affairs Meeting

7:30 AMGood Morning Coral

Gables9:00 AM

20/30 Group Meeting

8:00 AMBusiness and

Government Affairs Meeting

8:00 AMInternational Affairs Committee Meeting

3

5:30 PMTrustee Reception

11:30 AMWomen’s Business Network

Luncheon

VETERANS DAY

Chamber Offi ceClosed

8:00 AMThe Trow Knows... CEOs

featuring Robert M. Heuer from the Florida Grand

Opera

8:00 AMM-Team Committee

Meeting11:30 AM

2011 DIAMOND AWARDSPresented by Montica

Jewelery

8:00 AMBusiness & Education Committee Meeting

8:00 AMSmall Business

Committee Meeting

THANKSGIVING

DAYChamber Offi ce

Closed

THANKSGIVING

DAY AFTERChamber Offi ce

Closed

CHRISTMAS EVE

Chamber Offi ceClosed

8:00 AMM-Team Committee

Meeting5:30 PM

HOLIDAY PARTY!

HANUKKAH

CHRISTMAS

Day ObservedChamber Offi ce

Closed

5 6 7 8 9 10/11

8:00 AMThe Trow Knows... CEOsfeaturing Jorge Gonzalez from City National Bank

8 www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011

SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION

Chamber’sBoard of Directors

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES

OctoberSeptember

TRUSTEE LUNCHEON

OctoberSeptember

TRUSTEE RECEPTION

OctoberSeptember

WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON

OctoberSeptember

WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY

OctoberSeptember

Laura L. Russo, Esq. LLC

THEATER NIGHT featuring Hairspray!

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FORUMSOCIAL MEDIA WORKSHOPS