Chamber CONNECTion | May - June 2017

DOCTORS HOSPITAL TOUR OF THE GABLES 5K - MAY 20 Lace up your running shoes and sprint, jog or walk to the starting line of the Doctors Hospital Tour of the Gables 5K!

Register @ Eventbrite.com

Runners will pound the pavement on Saturday, May 20th as the course takes you on a scenic route through our verdant City Beautiful. Check out our runners expo beginning at 6:45 am, pre-race plyometrics and warm up at 7:00 am, followed by a 7:30am race time and shotgun start.

That’s not all… the first 750 pre-registered runners are guaranteed to receive a commemorative tech running shirt! Want to put a team together?

Recruit, rally and register your individual and corporate teams. The largest team participating will take home the coveted Chairman’s Cup, presented annually by Miami’s Community Newspapers.

IN THIS ISSUE:

LET'S CELEBRATE!

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

The south side of the 100 and 200 blocks of Miracle Mile are nearly complete and we want to celebrate! The Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Coral Gables, our Business Improvement District and Miami-Dade County, invite you to a bustling Ribbon Cutting and Block Party on Friday, May 19th from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM. Get a glimpse of what the completed Streetscape Project will be like, while enjoying an evening of networking with fellow Gableites!

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

THOUGHTS FROM OUR CHAIR John Allen

Chair of the Board, CGCC Home Financing Center johna@homefinancingcenter.com

Events, Awards & Washington DC! Spring has roared in at full force at the Chamber! Our annual legislative Fly-In to Washington DC, with its more than 20-person delegation, is equipped with a comprehensive list of priorities from our members and will be in the nation’s Capitol through May 2nd. On is agenda are numerous meetings scheduled with the State Department, our elected officials and other organizations. Among the priorities are education, banking & financial institution compliance requirements, the environment and much more.

Since the last issue of the Chamber CONNECTion, and with the City Commission and Mayoral elections then at hand, our Candidate Forum at the University of Miami on March 7th was a tremendous success. Two weeks ago, the spirited campaigns led to the election of a new Mayor, Raul Valdes-Fauli, re-elected Patricia “Pat” Keon and Vince Lago, and, in a run-off election (a first for our City since new legislation was enacted last year), Michael Mena. Congratulations to all the candidates! The new commission’s induction ceremony was held on April 28th at City Hall.

At our last Good Morning Coral Gables breakfast, sponsored by Gulliver Schools, the Chamber recognizing one its most notable members, Gulliver’s own Henry “Hank” Langston, for his outstanding achievements in education spanning four decades of service to our students. Dr. Lawrence Feldman, Chair of the Miami-Dade County Public School Board, presented Hank with an Honorary Medal and proclamation.

Throughout the month, we have had some terrific events. For the second year, we combined our annual March Madness with a Mega-IMPACT Seminar, featuring three outstanding speakers. We hosted our Green Means Green Awards; a poolside reception at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Among the honorees was former Mayor Jim Cason, recipient of the Green Legacy Award for his commitment to sustainability during his six-year term as Mayor.

Up next, is the dazzling 11th annual Rising Star Awards Signature Soiree. On May 3rd in the sparkling new showroom of Infiniti of Coral Gables, we will recognize three individuals and one company that has laid the groundwork for our young professional’s community. Good luck to all of you!

And last, but certainly not least, Saturday, May 20th, should be named “Doctors Hospital Day,” starting out with the Doctors Hospital Tour of the Gables 5K run in the morning and their annual gala in the evening. This year’s theme is Life is a Cabaret, and if you have never been to the Doctors Gala, you’ll be in for a oncein-a-lifetime experience. As of right now, tables (and individual seats) are still available, but this event will certainly be sold out. If you are interested, please feel free to contact me for details!

So, from Washington D.C. to sustainability and rising stars to cabaret, we hope you make it a great Chamber day!

Sincerely,

John R. Allen, Jr. Chair, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

2016 - 2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair of the Board John Allen, Home Financing Center, Inc. Chair-Elect Martha de la Pena Rojas, Florida Blue First Vice Chairman Patrick O’Connell, EWM Realty International Treasurer Ana Chaoui, Grove Bank & Trust Parliamentarian Carlos Garcia, Hancock Askew & Co., LLP Immediate Past Chairman Wayne Eldred, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill Vice Chairman-Global Business Affairs Arthur Freyre, Poblete Tamargo LLP Vice Chairman-Community Affairs Jon Ridley, Honeywell Vice Chairman-Business & Economic Dev. Nelson Penalver, thumbprint Vice Chairman-Member Affairs Sara Hernandez, Bank of the Ozarks Vice Chairman-Special Events Jessica Wilcox, J. Wilcox Consulting Vice Chairman-Gov’t & Legislative Affairs Bruce Bounds, Bounds Law Offices Trustee Council Chair Brian Barakat, Barakat Law, P.A. Chairman’s Appointee Nelson Lazo, Doctors Hospital President & CEO Mark A. Trowbridge BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elected-term expires 2017 Andria Hanley (Camillus House) Raquel Hickey (Evolution Payment Systems) Matthias Kammerer (The Biltmore Hotel) Barbara Norland (YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade Inc.) Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects) Elected-term expires 2018 Thad Adams (The Allen Morris Company) Nikki Deas (Vine Communications) Charles Knight (Florida Power & Light) Yesenia Moreno (Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc.) Rene Negron (AXA Advisors, LLC) Elected-term expires 2019 Pilar Araoz (Smiles & Sonrisas) Amy Donner (Miami’s Community Newspapers) Christie Grays (Baptist Health South Florida) Zachary Sulkes (Bacardi USA) Nicole Waters (Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables) Chairman’s Appointees-term expires 2017 Alex Jimenez (Apollo Bank) Christopher Spuches (Ehrenstein Charbonneau Calderin Attorneys at Law) Ben Riestra (UHealth) Cinthya Urena (City National Bank) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS City of Coral Gables Commissioner Patricia Keon City of Coral Gables Javier Betancourt, Director Business Improvement District Mindy McIlroy Coral Gables Community Foundation Mary Snow, Executive Director The Beacon Council of Miami-Dade

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE - THE BUSINESS OF BAGS Mark A. Trowbridge

President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org

This past March, our Coral Gables City Commission voted 5-0 to ban single use, carry out plastic bags on first reading. While this may not seem like a major decision by our elected officials during the course of their bi-monthly deliberations, it is indeed one with potentially significant impacts on our consumers and local businesses.

For more than a decade, there has been a statewide preemption against local bans like the one we are contemplating. But, a recent court decision won by our City has created a unique opportunity for the Gables to move forward. And while this previous law predates my time at the Chamber, I certainly understand the impetus for such a legal precedent, no matter if I also believe that plastic bags are less than good for our environment and future.

As a coastal community, plastic bags can be found everywhere, including our parks, our beaches, blowing around our downtown and bobbing along in our local waterways. And since most do not biodegrade or decompose quickly, they can have harmful impacts on wildlife, infrastructure and our waterfront.

To say that the real issue here is the individual who did not properly dispose of or personally recycle these plastic bags goes without saying; but, our landfills remain full of them and likely will be for years to come.

tween. And so, before this ordinance returns on May 9th at 9:30am for second reading, we are working behind the scenes to come up with ways to make this ban work for everyone. It is not easy and it is not simple, but it is the right thing to do.

I shared these same remarks in a public forum when the ban was originally discussed several weeks ago.

Now, a little more than a month later, we have provided feedback to the City, received input from our diverse restaurants and merchants and most importantly, made our voices heard.

We have asked that if the ordinance does pass, as expected, that there be a one year moratorium on enforcement. This will allow time for businesses to use their existing inventory and to grant us all time to educate our businesses on alternatives. Second, we have asked the City to purchase a large lot of compostable bags that would be allowed under the new ordinance so that the initial investment by our businesses in the new bags are mitigated.

As we all know, it has been a very tough year for many of businesses, especially those along Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue. I know you all see the construction for the new Streetscape project and appreciate the delays often associated with these upgrades. But, our businesses located along the construction zone feel it every day and are doing everything in their power to just keep their doors open.

And so, your Chamber has once again stepped in, playing the singular role of advocate and asked for additional considerations and exemptions. I believe we have achieved success even though there will still be some measure of hardship over the next year as the construction concludes and enforcement begins.

Sure, there are some marvelous alternatives to plastic bags that our businesses are slowly beginning to use, but many have yet to make the switch. This or- Again, it is not easy. It is not simple. But in the end, dinance will leave them with no choice, even with a it will be the right thing to do for everyone with the number of exemptions included. ultimate winner the generations to come.

Thus, I believe it is our role as a Chamber is to help mitigate these impacts and help businesses thrive without incurring a significant hardship. It is our duty to be both advocate and partner and we invite the City to do the same.

We are all responsible for a strong business climate that is focused on excellent business practices, good stewardship and of course, corporate responsibility.

Moreover, it is also our job and a moral imperative to leave our planet in better shape than we found it.

The banning of plastic bags falls somewhere in becoralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

TRUSTEE TALK Brian Barakat

Chair, Trustee Council Barakat Law, P.A. brian@triallawmiami.com

As you may know, the Trustee Diplomat Team (self-proclaimed super heroes and identifiable by their super hero lapel pins) are here to help fellow Trustee members maximize their membership investment. We can make introductions, help you pick a committee and navigate the many resources the Chamber has to offer.

This month we welcome a new Trustee Diplomat, Melanie Sanchez. Melanie is the First Vice President of International Finance Bank, so it’s no surprise that her chosen super hero pin is Wonder Woman. Take a minute to connect with Melanie at the next Trustee Luncheon or Reception. She can be a great Chamber resource.

Peter Carr, Regional Vice President of Bacardi, talked about the impact of millennials in the workforce at our March Trustee Luncheon. Attendees walked away with goody bags containing plus-sized samples of labels from Bacardi's premium portfolio.

Speaking of which, we have some great events coming up this month! Starting with a fantastic reception at City National Bank on May 9th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Join us as they showcase their beautiful headquarters located on LeJeune Road.

Followed by, our Trustee Luncheon taknig place on Wednesday, May 24th at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables at 11:45 AM. This month's luncheon is sponsored

by Intermedia Touch!

Mark your calendars, I’ll see you there!

TRUSTEE EVENTS: MARCH - APRIL

Overlooking UM's athletic fields, Trustee Members gathered on the 3rd floor terrace of the Lennar Foundation Medical Center at our April Trustee Reception.

Miami-Dade County Public School's Superintendent Alberto Carvalho The terrace at International Finance Bank offered Trustee Members a joined our leadership as we celebrated education at our April Trustee panoramic view of the Magic City at our March Trustee Reception.

Luncheon, sponsored by City National Bank.

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES Our Chamber Takes the Hill!

Sunday, April 30 - Tuesday, May 2, 2017 Every year in the Spring, our Chamber travels to our nation’s Capital for our annual legislative and advocacy-oriented DC Fly-In (April 30th - May 2nd).

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - Noon RE-Connect Luncheon Location: Mortons the Steakhouse 2333 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Barakat Law, P.A., EPGD Attorneys at Law, Michael Forman DOM, P.A., Sora Global Insurance & Consulting Speaker: Cindi Avila, Green Goddess Public Relations Cost: $25 Luncheon Fee - Must be paid in advance Online payment and registration is required in advance!

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 - 5:30 PM Rising Star Awards Signature Soiree For the 11th consecutive year, our Chamber will honor our luminous Rising Stars, outstanding young professionals who demonstrate excellence in their profession, as well as serving our community.

Hosted By: Infiniti of Coral Gables 2701 Le Jeune Road, Showroom, Coral Gables Sponsored By: EWM Realty International Supporting Sponsors: Bacardi USA, UF Coral Gables, Grove Bank & Trust, LMN Legal Cost: $35 Chamber & #YoPro Members by 4/28; $45 Guests;$120 for 4 pack of tickets (saves $20); $300 for 10 pack oftickets (saves $50) Friday, May 5, 2017 - 8:30 AM Trow Knows... CEOs Location: BDO 2212 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, 11th Floor, Coral Gables Sponsored By: BDO USA Featuring: Della Heiman, Founder, The Wynwood Yard & Della Test Kitchen Cost: $25 Registration Fee - Limited to the first 25 guests Tuesday May 9, 2017 - 5:30 PM Trustee Reception Exclusively for our Trustees!

Sponsored & Hosted By: City National Bank 2855 S Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables Parking can be found in the garage on Palermo Avenue.

Thursday, May 11, 2017 - 5:30 PM Gables Global Groove Join the members of the South Florida Consular Corps community, as well as our international business sector, for a night of global networking and world-wide schmoozing!

Location: Columbus Center 1 Alhambra Plaza, Terrace, Coral Gables Sponsored By: CBRE Supporting Sponsors: NERO Immigration Law, P.L., Poblete Tamargo, Cobb Family Foundaion, UHealth Partner: OWIT of South Florida Confirmed Consuls (to date): Dominican Republic | Finland | France | Germany | Great Britian / United Kingdom | Guatemala | Haiti | Iceland | Japan | Monaco | Spain | Switzerland | Taiwan Trade Center | Uruguay | Department for International Trade | Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami Cost: $25 Chamber & Partner Members by 5/5; $35 On-site Registration & Guests Tuesday, May 16, 2017 - 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables Sponsor: Miami Children’s Health System AV Sponsor: The Brand Protected Keynote Speaker: Saima Aftab, Chief, Neonatology & Perinatal Services Nicklaus Children’s Hospital | Chief, Miami Fetal Care Center Cost: $40 Chamber Member Registration Fee by 5/12 $50 Guests & On-Site Registration Wednesday, May 17, 2017 - 3:45 PM IMPACT: A Seminar Series for Small Business Hiring Millennials Please note location change!

Location: Coral Gables Museum 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables Sponsored by: Mercantil Bank Bites Provided by: Vicky Bakery Coral Gables Cost: $25 Chamber Members; $35 Guests

Thursday, May 18, 2017 - 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables Location: The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables Series Sponsor: UHealth Keynote Speaker: Chris Washington, Asset Managet, EXOS at UHealth Topic: EXOS Human Performance Gables Act of Culture: Seraphic Fire Cost: $25 Chamber Members by 5/12; $35 Member On-site Registration; $40 Guests Saturday, May 20, 2017 - 6:30 AM Doctors Hospital Tour of the Gables 5K Time: Runner’s Expo 6:30 am | Morning Stretch 7:00 am Shotgun Start 7:30 am Lace up those running sneakers and train for the date! Join us as we go on a scenic sprint, jog, or walk through The City Beautiful. Lace up your running shoes and meet us at the starting line!

Location: City Hall 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables Rally, recruit & register your corporate teams today! The largest corporate team participating in the 5K will receive the Chamber’s coveted Chairman’s Cup! Presented By: Doctors Hospital Supporting Sponsors: Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, City of Coral Gables, Bunge, Miami’s Community Newspapers, J. Wilcox Consulting, Second Chance Credit LLC, Smiles & Sonrisas, Jiminez Chiropractic, Energy Systems Group (ESG), Vicky Bakery of Coral Gables, Miami Pet Concierge, Vortex Communications, WaterBiking Studio, Mercantil Bank, Coconut Grove Bank, Best Practices Title, LLC, Planet Smoothie Cost: Registration by May 19th - Adult $35 - 18 & Under $20 - Ages 2 -9 $10 Race Day (May 20th) - Adult $40 - 18 & Under $25 - Ages 2 -9 $10 The first 750 registered runners are guaranteed to receive a commemorative run shirt!

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables Sponsored By: Intermedia Touch, Inc. Cost: $45 Chamber Members by 5/19; $55 On-Site Registration & Guests Friday, June 2, 2017 - 8:30 AM Trow Knows... CEOs Location: BDO 2212 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, 11th Floor, Coral Gables Sponsored By: BDO USA Featuring: Angel Medina, President, Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Cost: $25 Registration Fee - Limited to the first 25 guests Tuesday, June 13, 2017 Trustee Reception Exclusively for our Trustees!

Sponsored & Hosted By: Doctors Hospital , Coral Gables Thursday, June 15, 2017 - 7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables Location: The Biltmore Hotel 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables Series Sponsor: UHealth Cost: $25 Chamber Members by 6/9; $35 Member On-site Registration; $40 Guests Tuesday, June 20, 2017 - 11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables Sponsor: Baptist Health South Florida AV Sponsor: The Brand Protected Cost: $40 Chamber Member Registration Fee by 6/16 $50 Guests & On-Site Registration Wednesday, June 28, 2017 - 11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon Location: Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables Sponsored By: UHealth Cost: $45 Chamber Members by 6/23; $55 On-Site Registration & Guests

SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, August 24 - Friday, August 25, 2017 Annual Conference!

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS SPONSORSHIP / INVESTOR HALL OF FAME

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS

Through April 2017

March - April 2017

$5,000 and Above • The Allen Morris Company • AXA Advisors, LLC • Bacardi USA • BankUnited • Baptist Health South Florida • Brown-Forman Beverages • Business Improvement District of Coral Gables • City of Coral Gables • City National Bank • Doctors Hospital • EWM Realty International • Florida Blue • Florida Power & Light

• Gulliver Schools • Hancock Askew & Co., LLP • Home Financing Center, Inc. • thumbprint • Marquis Bank • Mercantil Commercebank, N.A. • Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables • Photo Offset, Inc. • South Motors BMW • Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill • University of Miami • UHealth

$2,500 - $4,999 • Apollo Bank • BDI • Grove Bank & Trust • Ehrenstein Charbonneau Calderin Attorneys at Law

• Espirito Santo Marketing Solutions • Samuel Adams - Boston Beer Company • Southern Audio Visual

u

320 Gastrolounge All In One Mortgage Lenders Ballet Flamenco La Rosa CFC and Associates Cipher Partners Coral Gables Museum Corp.

CruCon Cruise Outlet Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. DebonAir Mechanical Edward Jones Fifth Third Mortgage Five Star Painting of Coral Gables Frice Cream GFA International, Inc. Grass River Management-Shops at Sunset Place & CocoWalk House Kitchen & Bar Humboldt International University I'm Not Your Boring Newspaper, LLC Leo Spitale, Jr., P.A. March Promotions, Inc. Mary Alice Kubit Interior Design, Inc. Miami Headache Institute Miami Open, A WME - IMG Event Miller's Ale House MOVEO LLC dba Moveo Chauffeured Services Oxi Fresh of Miami Paul Rousseau Penthouse Riverside Wharf RC Coast Construction, Inc. Red Carpet Salon Regency Hotel Miami Ser & Associates, PLLC Sergio's Restaurant #2 Stephanie Vega-Graves, Esq. T-SHIRTS PLUS COLOR, INC. * BOLD denotes Trustee member

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

EVENTS CALENDAR

‘17

May | June

Monday

Tuesday

1

Wednesday

2

5:30 PM Rising Star Awards

8

8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting

4 5 8:30 AM Chairman’s Ambassadors Committee Meeting Trow Knows... CEOs featuring Della Heiman, 9:00 AM Wynwood Yard & Women’s Business Network Della Test Kitchen Committee Meeting

9 8:00 AM 10 11 8:00 AM Business & Gov’t Affairs M-Team Committee Meeting Committee Meeting 9:00 AM Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting

5:30 PM Trustee Reception

15

16

22

23

29

12

5:30 PM Gables Global Groove

17 18 19 7:30 AM 3:45 PM 5:30 PM Good Morning Coral Gables Miracle Mile Block Party IMPACT Serminar Please note new location!

9:15 AM 20 20/30 Group 11:30 AM 7:00 AM Committee Meeting Women's Business Network Luncheon Tour of the Gables 5K 8:00 AM S.E.E. Green Committee Meeting

24 25 8:00 AM 11:45 AM Business & Education Trustee Luncheon Committee Meeting

30 3:00 PM Resturant Meeting @California Pizza Kitchen

26

31 1 2 8:00 AM 8:30 AM Chairman’s Ambassadors Trow Knows... CEOs Committee Meeting 9:00 AM Women's Business Network Committee Meeting

OFFICE CLOSED

Friday

12:00 PM

3 8:00 AM RE-Connect Luncheon 4:00 PM Small Business Committee Meeting

Washington DC Fly-in • Washington DC Fly-in

Thursday

5

8:00 AM Global Business Affairs Committee Meeting

6

12:00 PM 7 RE-Connect Luncheon 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Small Business Committee Meeting

M-Team Committee Meeting

8 9:00 AM Chamber 101

9

5:30 PM Wind Down Wednesday

12

14 15 8:00 AM 7:30 AM Business & Gov’t Affairs Good Morning Coral Gables Committee Meeting 9:15 AM 9:00 AM 20/30 Group Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Committee Meeting

16

19 8:00 AM 20 21 22 8:00 AM 3:45 PM S.E.E. Green Business & Education IMPACT: A Seminar Series Committee Meeting Committee Meeting for Small Business 11:30 AM WBN Luncheon

23

26

30

5:30 PM Trustee Reception

13

27 11:45 AM Trustee Luncehon

28

29

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017

SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY

MARCH

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES

APRIL

SERIES SPONSOR

APRIL

WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHEON APRIL

MARCH

TRUSTEE RECEPTION

MARCH

AV SPONSOR

TRUSTEE LUNCHEON

APRIL

IMPACT SEMINAR SERIES

APRIL

RE-CONNECT LUNCH

BUSINESSWOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

REALTOR SHOWCASE

coralgableschamber.org │ CHAMBER CONNECTION │May - June 2017