JULY | AUGUST 2012
ANNUAL GOALS CONFERENCE CONCLUDES WITH A NEW TRADITION, VISION AND DIRECTION JOSHUA JONES
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Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
he 2012 Goals Conference successfully concluded on Friday, June 22 having celebrated Coral Gables community leaders promoting growth for bigger business, greater community involvement and the start of a new tradition. The George Merrick Legacy Award, honored an organization created by Merrick that continues to embody the living spirit and vision even today. The Goals Conference began Thursday evening, June 21 with the sold-out George Merrick Award of Excellence dinner honoring Ambassador Charles Cobb as the 2012 recipient. That night was also shared with a new tradition, the University of Miami (UM) was recognized as the first-ever winner of the George Merrick Legacy Award which was accepted by Sarah Artecona, UM Vice President and Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Past Chair. The Coral Gables Chamber once again partnered with the Allen Morris Company to present the award with emcee Shannon Hori of CBS 4 Miami. Kicking off the Good Morning Coral Gables breakfast Goals Edition on Friday, June 22 at the Goals Conference, Chairman Drew Kern won the crowd’s enthusiasm in celebration of the Mi-
ami Heat’s NBA Championship the night before. The breakfast was sponsored by Mercantil Commercebank and Florida Blue. Emphasizing the Coral Gables Chamber Goals Conference theme of “growth” to strengthen relationships and boost businesses, speakers that morning featured City Manager Patrick Salerno, Chair-Elect Darla Thompson and Penny Shaffer of Florida Blue. “Our Goals Conference last week was the confluence of an extraordinary team effort by individuals, organizations, and Chamber staff participating in a lively, productive and effective forum. This combination of forces with considerable talent, energy and foresight is indicative of why we all expect solid growth in our businesses and in our City Beautiful. I look forward, during my term as Chair, to see the various initiatives outlined by our committees and myself come to fruition,” said Chair-Elect Darla Thompson.
Bloomberg TV and author of Steal These Ideas! The program closed with “Why We Love the Gables!” featuring local Professor, Author and Historian of Miami Dade College, Dr. Paul George. To see photos from the 2012 George Merrick Awards and Goals Conference, visit our Facebook page by clicking here. For sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Goals Conference, please contact Erica Dominguez at edominguez@coralgableschamber.org.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in goal-setting sessions to solidify measurable and attainable goals for the upcoming Chamber year. The program started off with an interactive session with the Beacon Council on the outcomes of their One Community One Goal program. Our sold-out luncheon featured opening remarks from Coral Gables Chamber President Mark Trowbridge and keynote speaker Steve Cone of
ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR OUR ANNUAL 2012 CITY BEAUTIFUL AWARDS
JOSHUA JONES Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
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he City Beautiful Awards highlight one of the values that make Coral Gables unique; a rich history of dazzling architectural masterpieces that truly add to the beauty of Coral Gables. The awards celebrate the aesthetic beauty and singular charm found only in Coral Gables.
IN THIS ISSUE • Chairman’s Remarks Page 2 • President’s Perspective Page 4 • Trustee Talk Page 5 • Chamber Events Page 7 • Membership Highlights Page 8 • Calendar of Events • Sponsor Recognition
Sponsored by the City of Coral Gables, the City Beautiful Awards are presented by the Chamber each year to celebrate the most outstanding examples of architectural achievement among our commercial properties.
BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH
The City Beautiful Awards recognize the following four categories: • Outstanding Interior Space • Outstanding Building Exterior • Outstanding Retail Showroom/ Restaurant Dining Room • Outstanding Historic Preservation The awards will be presented on August 16, 2012 at the Chamber’s monthly event, Good Morning Coral Gables at the Biltmore Hotel. Apply by Noon, July 20, 2012 and have your own building honored! For more information contact Ileana Delgado at (305) 446-1657 or idelgado@ coralgableschamber.org.
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