Annual Conference 2023 | Delegate Book

ANNUAL CONFERENCE: What’s Happening Today

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023

THE BILTMORE HOTEL

ACTION: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GREAT MENTORSHIP

Annual Conference Kick-off Breakfast

Scott Jeffrey Miller, Author, Podcast Host, Keynote Speaker

THE STATE OF FLORIDA BUSINESS

Breakout Session I

Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez

In Conversation With: Adrian Nuñez, University of Miami

MEET OUR LEADING LADIES IN LIGHTS

Breakout Session II

Ody Lugo, Giardino Salads

Suzy Batlle, Azucar Ice Cream

Chef Lorena Garcia, CHICA

Moderated By: Miriam Tapia, NBC6 / Telemundo 51

THE HEAT IS ON!

Exploring the business of partnerships and collaboration and how they set the stage for success for your company.

Michael McCullough, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer, The Miami HEAT

Dr. Harlan Selesnick, Team Doctor for the Miami HEAT, Baptist Health

In Conversation With: James Kohnstamm, Miami-Dade Beacon Council

Followed by an update on our Chamber’s Strategic Plan

BRIDGING THE GENERATIONAL GAP

Breakout Session III

Erika Obando, TPE Coaching

AI & THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS

Breakout Session IV

JP Melo, Microsoft

CAFECITO 3:05 BREAK

Run, don’t walk!

Courtesy of UHealth

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

Caroline O’Connor, Miami Marlins

Charles Fernandez, NextPlat

Susan Bonner, OneSpaWorld

In Conversation With: Rodrick T. Miller, Miami-Dade Beacon Council

THAT’S A WRAP!

8 AM 9:50 AM

11 AM

11:45 AM

1:45 PM

2:20 PM

3:05 PM

3:15 PM

4 PM

Granada Ballroom

Aragon

Aragon

Granada Ballroom

Prado Prado Aragon Foyer Prado

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

Chair of the Board

Welcome Chamber of Commerce members and guests to our Annual Conference at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel!

We are thrilled to have you and excited to charge ahead with this year’s theme, “Lights, Camera, Action: Setting the Stage for Success.” Over the course of the day we will gather, meet new faces, get to know each other, and learn from the brightest and the best.

We have a stellar program for you, packed with sessions that will motivate and inspire as we focus our energy on the future of our city and all that is possible.

Thank you for spending this time with us and for your continued dedication to our City Beautiful and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

Cue the lights, get camera ready, it’s time for action!

Let’s set the stage together.

SARA M. HERNANDEZ SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT | FIRST CITIZENS BANK CHAIR OF THE BOARD | CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREETINGS FROM

Our President

Greetings!

Each Spring as we begin the planning process for our Chamber’s Annual Conference in August, our singular focus is on helping our local businesses grow, the Coral Gables community prosper and the professional “you” engage more fully - all while making sure you walk away with at least one great idea, new skill or even a hot business contact.

The last three years have caused us to turn up the lights, re-train our efforts, and take action like never before in our nearly 100-year history.

That is the driving force behind our programming today, coupled with the energy and insight brought forth by our incoming Chair of the Board, Sara M. Hernandez and her planning committee. In our view, it is sure to be a winning combination for a great day.

Our theme for the new Chamber year, LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Setting the Stage for Success, is a commitment that is exciting, focused and forward looking. We hope that you will use this mantra to shape your time with us today, as well as your engagement with us throughout the year ahead.

As always, we thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend our Chamber’s Annual Conference. This year’s theme is also our own special way of reminding businesses in our local community of our core mission and strategies for success. Along the way, we are here to strengthen relationships, create opportunities, grow your business and make the ordinary extraordinary!

Our Annual Conference celebrates our Chamber’s relevance in the business community, as well as our significant position in The City Beautiful and beyond. It is our aim to showcase how we can work collaboratively to engage in the most exciting opportunities on the business horizon, while making sure there are concrete takeaways for you and your company.

We are pleased to partner once again with the Allen Morris Company on the 15th Annual George E. Merrick Award of Excellence to open our conference. Congratulations to our friend Sheldon Anderson, Chairman and CEO of Grove Bank and Trust, on his selection as this year’s honoree. More than 300 leaders gathered last night to celebrate Sheldon, a nod to how much we treasure our dear friend.

We also congratulate our Merrick-In-The-Making Awardees: Community Builder Violette de Ayala, CEO & Founder of FemCity; Influencer Tamika Bickham, President of TB Media Group and Giorgio Rapicavoli, our Trailblazer honoree and Chef Owner of Eating House and Luca Osteria. And thank you City National Bank for your enduring support.

This morning you will hear opening thoughts from Scott Jeffrey Miller, a passionate guru of all things mentoring, sharing his new book, along with remarks by Sara on her priorities for the year, followed by two outstanding break-out sessions. Lunch will feature a keynote presentation by the Miami HEAT and Baptist Health on harnessing the power of partnerships. This will be followed by an afternoon of three breakouts covering AI and concluding with a top-tier CEO panel.

I would like to thank our Executive Committee, Board members, committee chairs, Ambassadors and Diplomats for their service this year. I offer a very special thank you to our staff team – many of whom this is their first Annual Conference. All have stepped up for me the last three months during my own personal health battle I am thankfully recovering from. It has not been easy, but they have been exceptional in every way.

I want to thank all of our sponsors for this year’s Annual Conference, beginning and ending with our presenting sponsor, Baptist Health, for their generosity and faith in us. I can tell you first-hand what an asset they are to this community and what a treasure their doctors and nurses are to a patient like me.

Finally, all who attend this Annual Conference will better understand the leading role of our Chamber as the most important voice for business in our greater community. Take the time today to get to know someone you have never met. Form a bond that is not only about business, but about engagement. Get to know us in an even more meaningful way as you engage fully.

We remain focused on being stronger together, but will only succeed with your participation, passion, energy and engagement. Together, we are committed to setting the stage for success.

MARK A. TROWBRIDGE PRESIDENT & CEO | CORAL GABLES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Welcome to Being Treated Like a Pro.

Don’t let an injury keep you from what you love.

Our team is here to offer everyone expert orthopedic and sports medicine care, from pro athletes, high school and collegiate program athletes to those participating in international sporting events and in recreational programs in Coral Gables and all over South Florida.

For more infomation, call 786-268-6200 or visit BaptistHealth.net/Ortho.

Providing Sports Medicine Services for:

George E. Merrick

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

George E. Merrick, the founder of our City and Chamber, was a visionary ahead of his time and a community leader who understood the importance of collaboration, consensus and collegiality.

Merrick had a passion for developing a community that addressed all aspects of daily life: education, commerce, aesthetics and involvement. Coral Gables was envisioned as a planned paradise nestled along the quiet waters of Biscayne Bay.

The George E. Merrick Awards of Excellence celebrate this achievement and seek to annually recognize a community leader who embodies the spirit and vision of Merrick through their contributions to Coral Gables. In addition to this year’s George E. Merrick Award of Excellence, the Chamber recognized three individuals who exemplify the characteristics of a young Merrick with the ninth annual Merrick-in-theMaking Awards.

Our 2023 George E. Merrick Award of Excellence Distinguished Honoree is:

PRESENTED BY

SHELDON ANDERSON CHAIRMAN & CEO | GROVE BANK & TRUST

Outstanding Community Builder Award Honoree

Outstanding Influencer Award Honoree TAMIKA BICKHAM

Catering to Small and Mid-sized businesses, Ser & Associates takes a holistic approach in helping its clients start, grow, operate and protect their businesses. For the last 14 years, we have distinguished ourselves with our business and solutions-based approach to providing legal services to our clients. Nothing Matters More to Us, Than Your Business Matters! Thank

MEDICINE

As South Florida’s only academic-based health system, UHealth leads in revolutionary research, compassionate care and life-changing results. Our experts are focused on implementing a unique, state-of-the-art plan for each patient, from diagnosis to follow-up and beyond. We offer leading-edge care that’s conveniently located near you.

At UHealth, we’re pushing medicine forward. Call 305-243-4000 or visit UMiamiHealth.org for more.

OUR SPEAKERS

Scott MillerJeffrey

AUTHOR | PODCAST

HOST | KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Scott Jeffrey Miller serves as a special advisor with FranklinCovey leading the strategy, development, and publication of the firm’s bestselling books and thought leadership. Miller hosts On Leadership with Scott Miller, the world’s largest and fastest-growing weekly leadership podcast, reaching more than six million people.

Miller is the author of the multivolume Mess to Success series, including Management Mess to Leadership Success: 30 Challenges to Become the Leader You Would Follow, Marketing Mess to Brand Success: 30 Challenges to Transform Your Organization’s Brand (and Your Own). He is the coauthor of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Everyone Deserves a Great Manager: The 6 Critical Practices for Leading a Team and the author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller Master Mentors: 30 Transformative Insights from Our Greatest Business Minds, which features insights from his interviews with the leading thinkers of our time.

Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez STATE OF FLORIDA

Ana Maria Rodriguez is the State Senator for Florida’s 40th District which includes portions of Miami-Dade County and all of Monroe County. She was elected in November of 2020, and re-elected in 2022 for a second term. She served previously in the Florida House of Representatives’ 105th District from 2018 to 2020. Prior to being elected to the State House, she served on the City of Doral City Council.

In her professional capacity, works as Chief of Strategic Initiatives for the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®. She has spent her career advocating on behalf of the people of South Florida, both as a professional and as an elected leader.

As a State Senator, Ana Maria has worked on many issues that are important to improving the quality of life for all South Floridians. Ana Maria has supported record funding for the public-school system and as well as school choice policies that empower parents to make decisions about their children’s education. She has fought to strengthen the economy and job market by keeping taxes low and reducing burdensome

government regulations, she has sponsored legislation to make healthcare more affordable and accessible and supported legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

Ody LugoGIARDINO SALADS

A teacher by training, Ody Lugo knew that there was an opportunity to educate the next generation about whole foods. Without any prior knowledge, she became an immediate entrepreneur, and set out to learn every aspect of the restaurant business and, in just nine months, opened the doors to the first Giardino Salads in October 2004. She is the Founder of Giardino Salads and the CEO of Giardino Enterprises Franchising system.

Suzy Batlle

AZUCAR ICE CREAM

“If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.” Suzy would like to think that this concept and her passion for ice cream are the backbone of Azucar Ice Cream Company, but in realty, she had to reinvent herself after being laid off from a more than 20-year career in banking.

It has been a long road since opening their doors in July 2011, but Suzy recently celebrated Azucar’s 12th anniversary with the of opening of their second location in Pinecrest, and hopes to one day her kitchen-born concept and her grandmother’s recipes national.

Chef GarciaLorena CHICA

Since she started cooking professionally, Lorena Garcia has been focused on bringing the flavors of Latin cooking to a wider audience. Her global, fresh and highly flavorful take on Latin Cuisine offers a modern fusion of classic techniques with Latin ingredients. Her life as chef, entrepreneur, cookbook author, media personality, cookware designer and restaurateur has been a celebration of the cooking and passion for food that she grew up with in her native Caracas, Venezuela.

Lorena’s most ambitious restaurant project has landed her on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. CHICA at The Venetian is a stunning celebration of Latin American cooking and hospitality showcasing flavors, influences and techniques from Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico combined and reimagined in Lorena’s distinct global

style. With CHICA, Lorena has joined the ranks of the world class chefs on Restaurant Row at The Venetian including Thomas Keller & Emeril Lagasse –and now her photo proudly lives between them as the first and only woman chef on the “Wall of Culinary Titans’’ outside The Venetian.

Michael McCullough MIAMI HEAT

Michael McCullough’s role with the Miami HEAT could best be described as the “brand architect” for the club. Viewed as an extremely versatile and well-respected senior NBA business executive, he sports a 35-year track record of establishing new benchmarks and best practices for sports marketing and fan engagement while producing highly effective marketing, branding and results-oriented corporate partnership programs. McCullough oversees the Marketing, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Creative, Retail Marketing and Operations, Business Communications, Social Responsibility, Game Presentation and Events, Broadcasting, Media Production, Broadcast Services and NBA 2K League functions for the Miami HEAT, HEAT Check Gaming and the Kaseya Center.

Harlan Selesnick BAPTIST HEALTH

Harlan Selesnick, M.D., is a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care and a member of Baptist Health Medical Group, an organization of more than 180 physicians in multiple specialties closely aligned with Baptist Health. His specialties are arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine and knee-joint replacement surgery.

Dr. Selesnick has been the team physician for the Miami Heat since 1988. He also served as assistant to Chicago Bulls team physician Dr. H. Bates Noble, and as the team physician for the NBA’s pre-draft rookie camp, for the Miami Marlins, the Miami Miracle baseball team, the NBA All-Star game, the USA Dream Team for the World Basketball Championship and the gold medalist USA basketball team at the 2000 Olympics.

In addition to the Miami Heat, Dr. Selesnick is currently the team physician for Miami Jai Alai, Dania Jai Alai, Miami Dade College, and the Miami Open Tennis Championships.

Dr. Selesnick is the first team physician for Inter Miami CF. He is also an independent medical evaluator and consultant for the National Football League and NFL Players Association.

Erika Obando TPE COACHING

With close to a decade of expertise in delivering keynote speeches and mentoring, Erika draws from her own life experiences to provide invaluable tools for overcoming unimaginable hardships. She has documented her journey in her book titled “Without A Voice - A Woman’s Journey to Resiliency” and shared her insights in a compelling TEDx Talk titled “When Breaking Points Lead To Empowerment.” Through these mediums, Erika empowers individuals to thrive in life.

Erika Obando is an internationally recognized TEDx Speaker, Author, and Transformational Life Coach. She is dedicated to coaching individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, guiding them in rewriting the narratives of their lives through healing and self-auditing. By leveraging her personal tools for resilience and triumph, this empowering figure imparts the art of transformation and assists individuals in cultivating and sustaining emotional stability, irrespective of their circumstances.

JP Melo MICROSOFT

JP Melo is a Sales Director for Software and Digital Platforms at Microsoft, working with Hi-Tech companies. Previously, he led the Sports, Media and Entertainment industry for the Americas at Cisco and served as their Strategic Account Manager for the Public Sector. His experience adds up having worked in companies in the consulting, telecommunications, and broadcasting businesses, amongst others.

He began his career as an entrepreneur at the age of 21, successfully operating and selling a start-up for internet services in 1996. He attended universities in Brazil such as PUC-RJ in Engineering and Industrial Design, Anhembi Morumbi University in Marketing and FGV-EESP in Business Economics.

JP is a board member of multiple companies, from software solutions to eSports to

non-profits, and a mentor at multiple sports institutes. Also, a dilletante musician, he is one of the owners of School of Rock Master Franchise operations in Brazil and Europe, as well as one of the founders of Association for the Initiation of Music (AIM), a non-profit focused on bringing music education to economically disadvantaged communities.

Caroline O’Connor MIAMI MARLINS

Caroline O’Connor was appointed President of Business Operations for the Miami Marlins in November 2022, becoming the second current woman in Major League Baseball to ascend to the level. Now in her sixth season with the Marlins, Caroline guides the leadership team on executing organizational objectives, with a focus on innovative ways to grow lines of business, increase brand awareness and engagement, and create a model of sustained success.

With a focus on establishing loanDepot park a year-round destination, Caroline has ventured to bring major music acts and entertainment to the ballpark. This year saw the return of the World Baseball Classic, becoming the first-ever venue to host all three rounds, including the championship game. As the “Home of Béisbol,” loanDepot park will also host the Caribbean Series in February 2024, the first time the event will take place at a Major League Baseball facility.

Charles Fernandez NEXTPLAT

Is the executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NextPlat, an e-commerce platform company.

Charles began his career in the radio business. He served as president of Viva America Media Group which owned the newspaper, Mi Casa, along with Radio Mambi and Radio Ritmo in Miami. Viva American Media Group was acquired by Heftel Broadcasting in 1989, and Fernandez became chief operating officer. Fernandez also served in various positions within IVAX, a generic drugmaker, founded by Frost, including Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

OUR SPEAKERS

Susan Bonner ONESPAWORLD

Susan Bonner has over 20 years of experience in the cruise line sector. She is a seasoned executive with a proven track record and significant background in strategy, revenue management, operations management, sales, and marketing.

She currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer since 2020 overseeing maritime strategy, business intelligence, revenue management, operations, supply chain, financial planning, sales, and marketing. Previously, she served in global leadership roles at Royal Caribbean Group, including Managing Director and Vice President, Australia and New Zealand and Vice President, Revenue Management and Onboard Revenue for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Prior to her time with Royal Caribbean Group, she served with Norwegian Cruise Line and Seabourn Cruise Line. Ms. Bonner began her career at KPMG Consulting.

Adrian Nuñez UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Adrian Nuñez serves as the associate director for Government Relations. In this role he manages the state government relations portfolio advocating for the University of Miami and University of Miami Health System’s budget and policy priorities. Prior to this role, he managed the Community Relations portfolio, working with local government, Chambers of Commerce, and other non-profit organizations.

Adrian serves on the Executive Committee of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce as the vice chair for community affairs, and as co-chair for LINC, the under-30 giving community for the United Way of Miami.

Miriam Tapia

NBC6 / TELELMUNDO 51

Miriam is a multimedia producer for WSFL, The CW South Florida. Miriam produces “Inside South Florida” each weekend. Miriam is also our comic connoisseur. Want to know any geek culture related info? Miriam is your go-to girl. Miriam is a FIU Panther! She graduated Florida International University’s School of

Journalism and Mass Communication with a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Film Studies.

James Kohnstamm

MIAMI-DADE BEACON COUNCIL

James Kohnstamm is an experienced economic development professional who is passionate about expanding economic opportunities for all. As EVP for Economic Development, Kohnstamm leads a team that advises local, national and international business leaders on the economic trends and attributes of Miami-Dade County and delivers customized services to support expanding and relocating business that are making job generating investments. As an International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), James has directly managed over 200 economic development projects that have generated over 15,000 jobs and $3 billion of investment for Miami-Dade County. Clients include: Amazon, Blackstone, Boeing, Deloitte, Ford, JP Morgan Chase, LATAM Airlines, Microsoft, Ryder System, Spotify, Telemundo, Univision, and UPS.

Rodrick Miller

MIAMI-DADE BEACON COUNCIL

Rodrick Miller has emerged as one of the nation’s foremost economic development leaders respected globally for his ability to maneuver in complex political and business environments, and craft strategies and structure deals to provide long-term value to communities and investors. His skills as a salesman, negotiator, policy expert, and corporate strategist have been refined in over 10 countries. Over the course of his career, he has brought more than $6B in private investment and 50,000 new jobs to communities where he has worked.

As President and CEO, Rodrick is focused on attracting and retaining companies that create high-value jobs and actively invest in the community. He champions Miami’s unique advantages as a diverse, global business destination, collaborating with key stakeholders in both the private and public sectors to leverage the strengths of the market’s target industries, deliver workforce solutions, and create opportunities that drive long-term economic prosperity and inclusive growth for both residents and businesses.

SMGQ Law wishes incoming Chair, Sara M. Hernandez, and the 2024 Board of Directors continued success. ank you to outgoing Chair, ad W. Adams, for your commitment and dedication to the Chamber.

2023 - 2024 executive committee

Arianna Urquia TREASURER NICKLAUS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Sara M. Hernandez CHAIR OF THE BOARD FIRST CITIZENS BANK

Addys Kuryla CHAIR ELECT FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT

Maria Garcia FIRST VICE CHAIR KOZYAK TROPIN & THROCKMORTON

Thad Adams IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR THE ALLEN MORRIS COMPANY

Winsome Blair Lee PARLIAMENTARIAN STRAIGHT 2 U SOLUTIONS SERVICES

Purpose drives all of us. Your purpose drives you to your goals. Our purpose drives us to you. Because, well, you are our purpose. At Amerant, we don’t see our customers as just people. We see you as people with unlimited potential and we’re committed to help you achieve all your financial goals.

Let’s talk – about where you are in life, and just as importantly, where you want to go.

Mark A. Trowbridge PRESIDENT & CEO

Responsible to the Board of Directors for a full range of activities including coordination of the program of work, organizational structure and procedures, interpretation of policy, strategic planning, communications and branding.

E | MTrowbridge@CoralGablesChamber.org

Ileana Delgado MEMBER RELATIONS MANAGER

Maintains internal membership control and administration. Membership activities include processing of new member accounts and updates, website listings and records management. Responsible for the RE-Connect Luncheon, Café con Chamber, Chamber Engagement 101 for new members, and The City Beautiful Awards Program. Also serves as the staff liaison to Chairman’s Ambassador Committee.

E | IDelgado@CoralGablesChamber.org

Christine Siervo SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Curates the Chamber’s social media content. Works with the Communications Manager to promote upcoming events, supports the Chamber’s initiatives, shares member news, and more!

E | CSiervo@coralgableschamber.org

Ivette Acosta

Plans and oversees all Chamber programming. Works directly with the President & CEO on business-related community activities including Burgerliscious, Tour of the Gables 5K/10K, Small Business Summit, Annual Conference, Businesswomen of the Year Awards, George E. Merrick Awards of Excellence, Diamond Awards, and more. Serves as the staff liaison to our Special Events Division, Global Business Affairs Committee, and the Women’s Business Network Committee.

E | AAntoine@CoralGablesChamber.org

Hailey Richardson EVENTS COORDINATOR

Events Coordinator supports the Director of Events in planning and overseeing Chamber programming. Works with the President & CEO on community activities. Supports Restaurant Committee meetings, 20/30 Group, and Real Estate Committee.

E | HRichardson@coralgableschamber.org

Devin Wade CHIEF OF STAFF

Manages all financial operations for the Chamber – from our monthly financials to budget planning, as well as our annual audit and all things payroll. She makes it rain!

E | IAcosta@coralgableschamber.org

Marco Ibarra

Serves as our “go-to” guy on all things Chamber IT, cyber security and making sure we stay connected to Coral Gables…and beyond. He “servers” us well!

E | MIbarra@eliptek.com

Sells the programs and services of the Chamber to existing members and non-member firms, including the sale of new memberships, upgrades of existing member firms and renewals of past due member accounts.

E | JRosado@CoralGablesChamber.org

Morgan MongeliaCOMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Develops and implements all marketing, public relations activities and social media content across all platforms. Creates all collateral for the Chamber including event e-vites, press releases, weekly and monthly newsletters, advertisements, calendars, brochures, invitations, and more. Also responsible for the Chamber’s annual publication, The City Beautiful Magazine

E | MMongelia@CoralGablesChamber.org

Serves as support personnel, scheduler and Office Manager for the President & CEO. Manages all incoming and outgoing correspondence. Provides a full range of administrative support to the President & CEO.

E | DWade@coralgableschamber.org

Genesis Del Toro RECEPTIONIST

Greets all Chamber guests, both in-person and over the phone. Provides clerical and general office support, including meeting preparation, office organization and Welcome Center fulfillment.

E | GDelToro@coralgableschamber.org

Angeline Antoine DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Jennifer Rosado DIRECTOR OF SALES & MEMBERSHIP

The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors for their generous support of our 2023 Annual Conference!

PRESENTED BY

PREMIER SPONSORS:

CORPORATE SPONSORS:

Thank You

TO OUR SPONSORS

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS:

SUPPORTING SPONSORS: