Chamber Connection January / February 2012

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2012

CORAL GABLES REALTOR SHOWCASE & EXPO ADRIANA SERNA

bles! At the center of arts and culture in Miami-Dade County, Coral Gables is home to myriad theater, music, art and cultural venues, attracting visitors from around the region and beyond.

With its Mediterranean-styled architecture and lush green avenues, and first-class services, the City Beautiful n Friday, January 27th, 2012 at offers an outstanding quality of life for 8:30 AM the Chamber, in asits residents. Hear from our public and sociation with the Miami Asprivate schools, our City officials, and sociation of Realtors and the City of Close to all major roads, highways, the department heads in Building and Coral Gables, will host the 2012 Coral Miami International Airport, Metro- Zoning, Code Enforcement and more.

Gables Realtor Showcase & Expo at the rail and Tri-Rail’s regional trains, and Take the time to find out what makes Miami Association of Realtors Office the Port of Miami, and with its own Coral Gables such a coveted commulocated at 245 Alcazar Avenue in Coral friendly, free trolley system, Coral Ga- nity in which to live.

Gables bles opens its doors to the world with events and activities that reflect the To RSVP, visit www.coralgableschamDon’t miss this opportunity to learn lifeblood and intrinsic beauty of our ber.org and visit our events section . everything you ever wanted to know community. about living and working in Coral GaCoral Gables Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESSWOMEN OF 2012

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH

ADRIANA SERNA

ADRIANA SERNA

Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

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ur annual AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards program is currently accepting applications from outstanding women in our community. The categories for this year’s awards are as follows: Entrepreneur, Corporate, Philanthropy, Public Service/Non-Profit and Retailer/Restaurateur. Check out our Chamber home page at www.coralgableschamber.org to apply online or fill out an application at any of our Chamber events. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 9th.

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et ready for the biggest small business expo of the year! The Coral Gables March Madness Business Expo is back! On March 15th, 2012 you can get in the game. Showcase your products and services, develop great business opportunities, and network with the City Beautiful’s movers and shakers. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact our Senior Events Manager, Erica Dominguez, at 305-446-1657 or email edominguez@coralgableschamber.org.

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 www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

ARTICLE PENDING Drew Kern Esslinger-WootenMaxwell CGCC Chairman kern.d@ewm.com

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s we look forward to 2012, what lessons can we take away from 2011? In what ways did we succeed? Where did we fall short? We can certainly learn from our past. Most importantly, from these lessons we can ensure 2012 is met with no regret; rather a year for capturing all of the opportunities and possibilities that are out there for each one of us.

If you want help Opening Doors, don’t forget to ask because it’s what we do so well at the Coral Gables Chamber.

We are here to support you in any way we can. Let us help you make your business everything you want it to be in 2012.

I hope to see you at some of our upcoming events. I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Cheers!

Set your goals, realistic ones! Share them with someone you trust, someone who can keep you accountable. And by the way, I’m sure you have heard that experts say people who write their goals down are more likely to actually achieve them.

2011-2012 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE 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

Opening Doors continues to be our theme for this Chamber year. When looking ahead to 2012, I hope you will call on us, your Chamber family, to assist you with your goals. With over 100 successful events in 2011, we know how to help you connect, engage and capitalize on opportunities.

Elected-term expires 2012 Hugo Arza (Holland & Knight LLP) Manny Alvarez (International Finance Bank) George Feliciano (Bay Plumbing) 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) J. Dustin Symes (City National Bank) Elected-term expires 2014 Thad Adams (The Allen Morris Company) Brian Barakat (Barakat Law, P.A.) Wayne Eldred (Tarpon Bend) Frank Fernandez (US Century Bank) Anabella Smith (Zyscovich Architects)

SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORSHIP Open Doors to Greater Exposure and Bigger Business!

The Coral Gables Chamber has many high profile events that offer outstanding promotional value to your business. Get involved in the community and sponsor one of our upcoming events. For more information, contact Erica Dominguez at edominguez@coralgableschamber.org

ADVERTISING What happens if you do not advertise your business?

Absolutely nothing.

Make your business stand out and take full advantage of your Chamber membership. There are sponsorship opportunities, newsletter advertising, website advertising 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.

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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 Gables Commissioner Frank C. Quesada City of Coral Gables Cynthia Birdsill (Economic Sustainability Department) Education Foundation of the Coral Gables Chamber Drew Kern Coral Gables Community Foundation Andria Hanley Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 305.446.1657

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION |JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE: HOP, SKIP, JUMP... LEAP! Mark A. Trowbridge, President & CEO Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Mtrowbridge@coralgableschamber.org

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or many of us, 2011 could not end fast enough. While things began to recover slowly on the economic front in the final quarter of the year, it was not fast enough to satisfy our collective desires or meet the expectations we set forth back in January. We are impatient and beyond tired of waiting for things to improve in this country with unemployment levels, consumer confidence and lagging wages.

Yes, there were some bright spots as we saw companies begin to hire, people heading back to work, unemployment under 10% and even a plethora of new company openings. The Chamber also had its best year since 2007, with 215 new members (an 8% increase in new member commitments over the prior year), a retention rate of nearly 75% and a small budget surplus after a break-even year! All of this happened because of you…our members…and your engagement in the Chamber. You remained committed to our mission and helped us navigate some very challenging times even as you were dealing with your own worries.

So, we endeavor to put the last few years in the rear view mirror…and speed away at a clip…glancing back furtively just to ensure that the past is truly in the past.

I, for one, am much more optimistic about 2012 than I have been in some time about a new year rising. Maybe it is because 2012 has an extra day in it where only good things will happen…Leap Day, February 29th!

Now, the Irish claim that a woman can ask a man to marry her only on Leap Day, which occurs once every four years. This tradition seems

a bit old-fashioned, but I am game…and available. But, if you really read between the lines, this just means that one has to plan ahead and take advantage of special and rare opportunities, including ones that are unseen and unknown to us.

I think that Leap Year adds a connotation of energy to the equation – the body and mind in perpetual motion, never satisfied, never complete, never giving in.

It is an opportunity to get fired up, to get focused, and to get to work on your goals for the year. Sure, it may be easier to just take the road more travelled and just wait idly by for things to happen. But, wouldn’t you rather set your sights higher and follow a path that has both greater risk and reward? I would. And do.

Taking the proverbial leap often times means not knowing what is beneath you, catapulting oneself across the abyss unaware of the potential danger and pitfalls that lay ahead.

For those of you that like to dive, skydive or just drive on I-95 – well, you understand what I mean. Life is not without risks. It is filled with peril.

Why not take stock of this phenomenon as the dawn of a New Year breaks and set your sights higher than before? A recent survey of our membership showed that 90% plan to either maintain their current workforce or grow in 2012. Good…news. After three years of losing jobs in the marketplace, most feel confident enough in the waning days of this year to look optimistically into the future.

So, don’t just hop or skip or jump as the new year dawns…take an enormous leap directly into 2012 and make it happen.

You will be glad you did.

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

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TRUSTEE TALK

Linda Knudsen, Baptist

Happy 2012! This year the Chamber is committed to “opening doors” to more opportunities, bigger business and better relationships for all our members.

Our exciting calendar of events for the New Year ensures there will be many occasions for you to do so. We hope you take full advantage of them.

Health of South Florida

One of the best ways to open doors is by networking. In our last Trustee Talk, we provided the two (set a goal and smile) networking strategies. Here are two more. & Trustee Council Chair LindaK@baptisthealth.net

Strategy #3: Get out of your comfort zone. Chatting up the bartender or kibitzing with co-workers is NOT why you’re here! The point of networking isn’t to spend time with people who already know you. It’s to meet new people and expand your circle of contacts. Remember your goal, and spend time advancing toward it.

Strategy #4: Wear a nametag. Sure, nametags look silly (the good news is everyone is wearing one), and sometimes they snag your clothes. Wear one anyway! Here are three

reasons why: First, a person’s name is the single thing most people forget. If people don’t know or forgot your name, they’re less likely to approach you. Second, it’s free advertising for you and your company. Third, believe it or not, nametags encourage people to be friendly and more approachable.

Many professionals today have a custom nametag made to use at networking events. That way they can control the style, design and information. Plus, it’s a great icebreaker, because it stands out. Contact an advertising specialty or awards and trophy company to have yours made. (Order one with a magnet. It preserves your clothing.) Then, make sure you wear it!

We look forward to seeing you at the first Chamber event of 2012, our Trustee Reception on Tuesday, January 10th at 5:30 PM at Mercantil Commercebank, 220 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables. In the meantime, you might want to read Networking Like A Pro (January 2010) by New York Times bestselling author Dr. Ivan Misner, and learn more networking strategies to help you reach quality prospects, leverage your contacts, motivate ongoing referrals and track your success.

HOLIDAY PARTY - DECEMBER 8th, 2011

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: 1) Brian Zophin, Cherry Bekaert & Holland LLC; Design Competition Winner Gabriela Zegarra and her Father, George Washington Carver Middle School; Marc A. Berenfeld, Berenfeld Spritzer Shechter & Sheer LLP; Drew Kern, Chamber Chairman. 2) Sports Grill South Miami sponsor table 3) Alex Sirulnik, Law Offices of Alex D. Sirulnik, P.A.; Khiem Khiemosabi Nguyen, Threefold Studio; Krystal and Daniel Zarate, Threefold Studio. 4) Seasons 52 mini-indulgence sponsor table. 5) Joe Herrera, Credomatic Merchant Services; Mark A. Trowbridge, Chamber CEO; Alex Rey, Credomatic Merchant Services. 6) Cibo Wine Bar sponsor table.

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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - DECEMBER 15th, 2011

TOP LEFT PHOTO (From Left to Right): George Feliciano Jr., Bay Plumbing Co.; Karen Pascual, City National Bank; Santa Claus; John O’Rourke, Montica Jewelry; Alex Odio, Artigiano. CENTER PHOTO (From Left to Right): Santa Claus and Marge Hunt Hartnett, recipient of the 2011 Margaret St. Germaine Cornerstone Award. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Frank Fernandez, US Century Bank; John Schoendorf, Glass Ratner Advisory & Capital Group LLC; Marco Ibarra, Eliptek Techology Group.

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

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SAVE THESE IMPORTANT DATES! JANUARY 6th

JANUARY 27th

THE TROW KNOWS... CEOS - 8:30 AM Featuring William D. Talbert, CEO Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

REALTOR SHOWCASE & EXPO - 8:30 AM Miami Association of Realtors 245 Alcazar Avenue, Coral Gables

JANUARY 12th

FEBRUARY 9TH

MEET THE TEAM - 5:30 PM New Member Reception Sponsored / Hosted by AmTrust Bank 2701 Ponce de Leon Blvd #1, Coral Gables

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FORUM - 11:30 AM The Hyatt Regency Coral Gables 50 Alhambra Plaza, Coral Gables

JANUARY 19th

FEBRUARY 16th

Developing Business Building Community

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES - 7:30 AM Featured Speaker: Eugene W. Anderson, Dean University of Miami School of Business Administration The Biltmore Hotel, Country Club Ballroom

EVENING ON ARAGON - 5:30 PM Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS! A Design 4 U Inc. AffordableSEOs.com Berkowitz Development Group Blossom’s Developmental Therapy Associates Brand Collec ve Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar Clean Sweep of South Florida Coldwell Banker Residen al Real Estate Comcast

SPONSORSHIP/INVESTOR HALL OF FAME October 2011 through December 2011 $5,000 AND ABOVE

$2,500 - $4,999

The Allen Morris Company AXA Advisors, LLC Baptist Health South Florida The Biltmore Hotel BlueCross BlueShield of Florida Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. City of Coral Gables City National Bank of Florida Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Florida Power & Light Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Mercantil Commercebank, N.A. Montica Jewelry TotalBank University of Miami

AT&T Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. Brown-Forman Beverages Credomatic Merchant Services Dade Medical College East Coast Public Adjusters, Inc. Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors Gulliver Schools Home Financing Center, Inc. Port of Miami Rockefeller Group Business Centers, Inc.

The Miami Herald Touché Beauty LLC Turner Construction Company U.S. Century Bank USAA Realty Company Village of Merrick Park

Command Consul ng Group Evo Air Gables Tower, LLC (Terranova Corp) Gensler GRIDEE Inc. Habify Johann Lewis Jose A. Unzalu, P.A., C.P.A. L.B. Carpenter, CPA, P.A. Monserrate Restaurant RTKL Associates, Inc. Target Appraisal Group, Inc. Universal Payment Solu ons Whip n Dip Ice Cream * BOLD denotes new Trustee member

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VISION INVESTORS Baptist Health South Florida Bay Plumbing Company Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. The Biltmore Hotel Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P. Coconut Grove Bank Eliptek Technology Group Express Travel Gulliver Schools Hyatt Regency Coral Gables International Finance Bank Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables Montica Jewelry

Photo Offset Right Space Management Sabadell United Bank, N.A. Sharff, Wittmer, Kurtz & Jackson Transatlantic Bank The University of Miami Victoria & Associates Career Services Waste Management The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables Hotel Williamson Cadillac - HUMMER

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

EVENTS CALENDAR

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 Monday

Wednesday

Tuesday

2

9

16 Martin Luther King Day Chamber Office Closed

8:00 AM International Affairs Committee Meeting

3

10

5:30 PM Trustee Reception

11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon

17

23

24

30

31

6

13

20 PRESIDENT’S DAY

27

4

8:00AM Go Green 12:15 PM RE-Connect Luncheon 5:30PM Wind Down Wednesday

11

9:00 AM Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting

18

8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting

25

11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon

1

8:00 AM Go Green Meeting 12:15 PM RE-Connect 5:30PM Wind Down Wednesday

7

8

8:00 AM 8:00 AM International Affairs Impact Series for Small Meeting Business 12:00 PM 9:00 AM Trustee Diplomats Meeting Cultural Affairs Committee 5:30 PM Meeting Trustee Reception

14 VALENTINE’S DAY

11:30 AM Women’s Business Network Luncheon

21

28

Friday

Thursday

15

8:00 AM Small Business Committee Meeting

22

Saturday / Sunday

5

8:00 AM The Trow Knows... CEOs featuring William D. Talbert, CEO, GMCVB

6

7/8

12

13

14/15

20

21/22

27

28/29

3

4/5

10

11/12

17

18/19

24

25/26

8:00 AM Chairman’s Ambassador Committee 9:00 AM WBN Steering Committee

8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Meet the Team New Member Reception

19

7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:00 AM 20/30 Committee Meeting

26

8:00 AM Business & Education Committee Meeting

2

8:00 AM Ambassador Meeting 9:00 AM WBN Steering Committee Meeting

8:00 AM M-Team Committee Meeting 11:30 AM International Business Forum

9

16

8:00 AM Business & Education Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Evening on Aragon

8:00 AM Business & Government Committee Meeting

8:30 AM Realtor Showcase & Expo

8:00 AM The Trow Knows... CEOs

9:00 AM Chamber 101

8:00 AM Business & Government Affairs Meeting

23

7:30 AM Good Morning Coral Gables 9:00 AM 20/30 Group Meeting

29

11:45 AM Trustee Luncheon

www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012

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SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER DECEMBER

GOOD MORNING CORAL GABLES NOVEMBER DECEMBER

WOMEN’S BUSINESS NETWORK LUNCHNOVEMBER DECEMBER

TRUSTEE LUNCHEON NOVEMBER

Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc.

TRUSTEE RECEPTION NOVEMBER

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

DIAMOND AWARDS

HOLIDAY PARTY

Program Sponsor: PhotoOffset

TOUCHÉ BEAUTY

RIGHT SPACE MANAGEMENT

BURGERLISCIOUS

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www.coralgableschamber.org | CHAMBER CONNECTION | JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2012