DECEMBER 2009
Happy Holidays & Happy 2010
MICC breaks ground for new building Van Name selected as Vice Mayor
BY JUAN CARLOS BERMUDEZ Mayor City of Doral As we approach the year 2010, I hope that you and your loved ones have a healthy and safe Christmas, Hanukah or whatever holiday you celebrate during this time of year. I also hope that 2010 will bring health, happiness and prosperity to you and your loved ones. This time of year is a time to reflect on what has happened in the last year and to give thanks for all the positive things we have received. This last year has been a difficult year for many of us with the economic downturn impacting the nation as a whole. Yet, we live in the greatest, most democratic country in the world where anyone can succeed through hard work and effort. The City of Doral has continued to grow and create community where there once was not one public place to congregate. We have done this without ever raising taxes while protecting the public trust zealously. I believe that the future of our City, if we continue on the same path, will be even brighter and more positive. May God bless you and your loved one in the upcoming days and let’s get ready to make 2010 the best year yet! CITIZENS ACADEMY The City of Doral is starting its first ever Citizens Academy, a six- week course that will help our residents learn more about how their government works.
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HOLIDAYS, page 4
BY LEE STEPHENS
D
At PS groundbreaking (l-r) are Doral Councilman Peter Cabrera, Councilwoman Sandra Ruiz, Vice Mayor Robert Van Name, Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez. From PS Business Parks: Viola Sanchez, SE Divisional Vice President; Joseph Russell, President & CEO; Maria Hawthorne, East Coast Senior Vice President; Edward Stokx, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer; John Petersen, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY DEIDRE KRAUSE
PS
Business Parks, Inc.has broken ground for a 75,000 square foot Class A building at Miami International Commerce Center (MICC), located at 8216 NW 14 Street in Doral.
“Based on understanding the existing and future needs of the marketplace and demand for our product, we will deliver a brand new, state-of-the-art industrial building that can be divided into 3,000 to 7,000 square foot increments,” said Viola ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
MICC, page 4
Florida Department of Transporta tion hits on dangerous drivers Miami-Dade’s District Six of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is partnering with Miami-Dade County, South Florida Commuter Services, the University of Miami, the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, MADD and Jackson
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DRIVERS, page 4
oral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez has announced the selection by the City Council of Robert Van Name, to serve as vice mayor, succeeding Mike DiPietro in that office. Van Name has been a Council member since 2003. “Councilman Van Name has been a consistent contributor of the city of Doral and a man of action,” said Bermudez. “His leadership and work ethic will prove very beneficial to the city as he assumes his new position of vice mayor.” Born on Staten Island, New York, Van Name was a long time resident of Bridgewater, New Jersey prior to 1997 when he ROBERT VAN NAME moved to Doral with his wife, Maria, and sons, Robert, Jr. and Timothy. He was reelected without opposition to the Doral Council in November 2006. Van Name is the co-founder of the One Doral Organization, a community-based association that was instru–––––––––––––––––––––––– See
VAN NAME, page 4
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
December 2009
LOCAL BANKING
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December 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Doral ‘kidsclass’ grads win PBS&J computers
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Alma Accent XL Treatment Targeted heat therapy for immediate and visible reversal of the early signs of aging Skin Tightening and Body Contouring with immediate results
• Reduce wrinkles & fine lines • Improve Skin Tone and Texture • Stimulate New Collagen Graduates from PBS&J’s kids class receive certificates and personal computer at Doral Middle School. In back (l-r) are Daniel Ochoa of PBS&J; Doral Councilman Pete Cabrera; Keith Romance, Microsoft; Anthony Vazquez, Daniel Valiente, Joe Diaz, Kaniya Russell, GustavoMedina, Doral Vice Mayor Mike DiPietro; Humberto Alonso, Vice President for PBS&J. In front (l-r): Anela Marquez, Steven Feierabend, Shabreya Johnson, Jose Silveti, and John Moreno. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Ten students from Doral Middle School in Doral received a big surprise when graduating November 9 and received their own brand new, personal Dell computer, already loaded with the latest Microsoft ‘Office’ software programs. The lucky students participated in PBS&J’s 2009 Miami ‘kidsclass,’ a “Computer Lab Adventure for Super Students program. Each of the ten was chosen based on aptitude, desire to learn, and lack of access to a home computer. The kidsclass program involves training with a PBS&J instructor and one-on-one assistance from an employee mentor. The training sessions are held once a week for six weeks at PBS&J, and include lessons for new computer users, basic Microsoft applications, and Web page design for fun. At course completion, PBS&J donates a brand new computer to each student.
Area officials participating in the November presentation included Viviana Jordan, assistant to Renier Diaz de la Portilla, District 5 School Board Member; Dr. Carmen Marinelli, Region Superintendent, Miami-Dade County Public Schools; and Arlene Martinez, Director of the Office of Community Services for Miami-Dade schools. The kidsclass program was first developed in Orlando in 2001 under the name “Lake Sybelia Elementary and PBS&J Technology Task Force.” Since 2004, kidsclass has expanded throughout Florida and into Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada. The program is funded through The PBSJ Foundation. PBS&J, an employee-owned company, provides infrastructure planning, engineering, construction management, architecture, and program management services to public and private clients.
Doral Tribune
C A L L T O D AY :
Judith E. Crowell, MD 7800 SW 87th Avenue • Suite C300
305-274-0221
www.JudithCrowellMD.com
Please open your hearts this holiday season This three year old yellow female lab mix was rescued from Miami-Dade Animal Services on December 9. She needs immediate medical attention so Paws 4 You Rescue has created a special fund for this sweet girl we named Trixie.
6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980
PUBLISHERS .........................................................................................................................................................Grant & Michael Miller EDITOR ..........................................................................................................................................................................David Berkowitz WRITERS, COLUMNISTS .................................................Bari Auerbach, Ron Beasley, R. Kenneth Bluh, Gloria Burns, Robert Hamilton, Art Jacobson, David Pines, Marilyn Rodriquez, Gary Alan Ruse, Ike Seamans, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES..................................Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon, Roberta Bergman, Ana Caceres, Celia Canabate, Cecile Fanfani, Enrique Chau, Diane Chasin, Sharon Christian, Lori Cohen, Lenny Gold, Myrna Golob, Diane Maddox, Denzil Miles, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Walter White LEGAL ADVERTISING ...............................................................................................................................................................Georgia Tait BOOKKEEPING ......................................................................................................................................................................Jesus Toledo PROOF DEPARTMENT.............................................................................................................................................................Isabel Vavrek RECEPTIONISTS........................................................................................................................................................................Gaby Cruz ART DIRECTOR........... ........................................................................................................................................................Maria Scheer GRAPHIC ARTISTS........................................................................................Isabel Ortega, Angie Santiesteban, Isabel Vavrek We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. If you send us anything, please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material. GENERALL PROVISIONS: Every issue of Community Newspapers is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers. Artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers. No such ad or any art thereof may be reproduced without the prior consent of Community Newspapers.
Editoriall e-mail:: cneditor@gate.nett • www.communitynewspapers.com
Please go to www.paws4you.org/donate and make a donation in the name of the Trixie and the contribution will go directly towards her care. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to Paws 4 You Rescue and mail it to PO Box 561163, Miami, FL 33256. On the Memo Line, please write Trixie. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, please email jen@paws4you.org. Thank you in advance and Happy Holidays!
Page 4
DRIVERS,
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Health System to help reduce and prevent alcohol and drug-impaired driving during the holiday season. E-mail ‘blasts’ have been sent out with impaired driving facts, a safety quiz and a realistic drunk driving story to remind the public of the consequences of impaired operation. As one of America’s deadliest crimes, drunk driving in 2008 accounted for 39.5 percent of traffic fatalities while 9.1 percent of traffic crashes in Florida were alcohol-related, according to traffic crash statistics provided by the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). In Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, more than 2,000 alcohol-related crashes were reported in 2008 of which more than 100 resulted in alcohol-related fatalities, according to the DHSMV.
VAN NAME,
“I know I speak for every employee of the Department of Transportation by saying that we are firmly committed to reducing the number of tragedies caused by impaired driving. Safety is the Department’s top priority,” said Gus Pego, District Six secretary. The national “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest” impaired driving crackdown is a deterrence program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), focused on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness. The 2009 program is supported by $7.5 million in paid national advertising to help put drivers on notice that if caught driving impaired, they will be arrested. For information, visit online at <www.Stopimpaireddriving.org>.
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mental in the incorporation of Doral as a city. He is currently its Vice President. He also serves on the Doral Municipal Advisory Committee as a member and recording secretary; Doral Little League co-founder and president; “Doral Pride Day” Committee, President; Doral Isles Community Association, Inc., vice president; and is a former Board member of Doral YMCA. “I am both proud and humbled to be elected Vice Mayor of the City of Doral, in this my last year in public office on the Council,” said Van Name. “I welcome the opportunity to be able to work alongside
Mayor Bermudez and look forward to a successful year ahead.” “I congratulate Robert Van Name for being elected vice mayor,” said former Vice Mayor DiPietro. “He is an ardent supporter of the great initiatives that Mayor Bermudez and the City Council have devised, as well as a team player and a hard worker. This is his last year in the City of Doral Council, and I am sure it will be his best yet!” For information, contact Christina Baguer, Public Information Officer for the City of Doral at <baguerc@cityofdoral.com>.
HOLIDAYS,
December 2009
from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
It will cover each department and its role, the roles of the elected officials and how a resident can become more involved in the way our City operates. You can register for the Citizens Academy at the City website: cityofdoral.com. Become involved. We need more people to participate in municipal affairs by understanding how each government area responds to public needs. An informed electorate is a wise electorate. Registration is limited to the first 25 residents so hurry and sign up now! A NEW VICE-MAYOR As most know, the City Council votes for a Vice-Mayor every November and elected last month was our new Vice Mayor, Robert Van Name. I want to congratulate him for his hard work and look forward to working with him this upcoming year. Vice-Mayor Van Name, his lovely wife, Maria, and their sons, Robert and Timothy, are long time Doral residents who I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with since being a member of both One Doral and Doral Isles boards. I also thank Councilman Michael DiPietro who served admirably and worked so incred-
MICC,
ibly hard this year that he “upped the bar” (so to speak) for that position. In what I consider a great example of the Council’s maturity, Vice-Mayor Van Name nominated Councilman DiPietro for the position of Vice-Mayor while Councilman DiPietro supported and voted for Vice-Mayor Van Name. To see this transition happen, without acrimony and with the mutual respect exhibited by these two fine elected officials is democracy at its best. YOUR NEWSPAPER I thank Grant and Michael Miller and the Doral Tribune family for providing the space in this paper to communicate with our residents and businesses. You, too, are a part of this great city. ENJOY FAMILY, HEALTH, FAITH Once again, I hope all who read these words will spend the upcoming wonderful days with their loved ones. Plan your resolutions for next year and focus on the things that matter: family, health and faith. God Bless! See you in 2010! Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez can be reached at 305-593-6725 or via email at <mayor@cityofdoral.com>.
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Sanchez, Division Vice President, Southeast with PS Business Parks. “In addition, we will simultaneously deliver an additional 60,000 square feet of redevelopment in street level units at MICC that will accommodate 3,000 square foot users,” she added. When completed, the industrial park will comprise of more than 3.2 million square feet of multi-tenant, light industrial and flex space designed to meet the needs of local, national and international tenants. MICC continues to be a market leader, growing tenant relationships and serving more than 300 customers. Located immediately west of the Miami International Airport, the Park provides ease of access through connectivity to major thoroughfares and is located in the heart of the City of Doral, South Florida’s largest industrial submarket. MICC has risen in stature as the premiere multi-tenant industrial park within the business and brokerage communities. MICC offers the most flexible square footage options in the market with a variety of
space types ranging from 2,300 to 100,000 square feet. For information, tel. 305-590-1515 or visit www.psbusinessparks.com. PS Business Parks, Inc., a member o the S&P SmallCap 600, is a self-advised and self-managed equity real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that acquires develops, owns and operates commercia properties, primarily flex, multitenan office and industrial space. “Flex”space is defined as buildings configured with a combination of office and warehouse space and can be designed for multiple uses, including office, assembly, show room, laboratory, light manufacturing and warehouse functions. As of September 30, 2009, PSB wholly owned 19.6 million leaseable square fee with approximately 3,780 customers locat ed in eight states, concentrated in California (5.8 million sq. ft.), Florida (3.6 million sq. ft.), Virginia (3.0 million sq. ft.) Texas (2.9 million sq. ft.), Maryland (1.8 million sq. ft.), Oregon (1.3 million sq. ft.) Arizona (0.7 million sq. ft.) and Washington (0.5 million sq. ft.).
December 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 5
Holiday turkeys benefit 150
Miami Dade Commissioner Jose Pepe Diaz hands a Farm Share Thanksgiving Dinner Basket to his constituents. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Miami-Dade Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz partnered with Farm Share to distribute Thanksgiving dinner baskets to 150 of his constituents at his office, 8345 NW 12th Street in Doral on November 18. Farm Share contributed food packages containing all the fixings required for a family to make a balanced and nutritious Thanksgiving dinner, “a wonderful opportunity to serve families who needed a helping hand on Thanksgiving,” said Yvette Rodriguez of Farm Share. . In October, a call from Commissioner Diaz asking for assistance helped a needy
family when Farm Share provided enough food and juices to sustain them for an entire month. “That’s what the organization does, feed families,” Rodriguez said. “We directly serve Miami-Dade’s needy and Commissioner Diaz is helping us do so.” Farm Share currently provides food to more than 600 agencies that include area churches, soup kitchens and elderly centers across Florida. More than 6,500 families benefit each month from its Homestead distribution center that serves up to 30,000 families who rely on Farm Share’s assistance.
www.yourheartflorida.com 305-558-3300
Institute for Cardiovascular Disease
Louis A. Fernandez, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P. Cardiology & Cardiovascular Disease Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
2301 NW 87th Ave. Suite 502
305-558-3300 • 305-559-8519 w w w. y o u r h e a r t f l o r i d a . c o m
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
December 2009
Animal weigh-ins begin competition for The Fair
Steven Mazo, a student at William H. Turner Technical High School, weighs-in a steer in preparation for the 2010 Miami-Dade County Fair. (Photo courtesy of Miami-Dade County Fair) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY MICHELLE PALOMINO Students from across South Florida who are part of Miami-Dade County Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the 4-H Miami-Dade Program began the first stage of the exhibit process for the 2010 MiamiDade County Fair as they weighed-in the Market Steer to be exhibited in the 2010 Fair. “Participation in our animal exhibits program is no easy task,” said Phil Clark, CEO of the Miami-Dade County Fair. “The students must commit to feed, water, bathe, groom and exercise their animals everyday until next year’s Fair in March 2010. “The Miami-Dade County Fair is proud of its designation as an agricultural fair and is committed to providing students of
Miami-Dade County access to agricultural education,” he added. It is estimated that a steer will eat an average of 18 pounds of feed per day and will gain approximately 2.5-3.0 pounds per day. Students will be expected to showcase their breeds in qualities and strength next year at the fair. The Fair will be celebrating its 59th year from Mar. 25 to Apr. 11, 2010, and is expected to attract more than 700,000 visitors. Awarding more than $8 million in scholarships, awards and premiums along with outstanding educational student and youth programs, The Fair is more than just an 18day event and a sought after venue for community events and festivals held throughout the year.
December 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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The Business Force for Doral Doral Business Council Q 2315 NW 107 Avenue Q Doral, Florida 33172 Q Tel. 305-470-9597 Q Fax 305-591-8431 Q www.doralbusiness.com
MEMBER PROFILE
DORAL BUSINESS COUNCIL
BCA Provides Customized Software to Meet Client Needs Founded in 1990, BCA has grown to become one of the top MAS 90/200 consulting firms in the nation. Doral is a major wholesale distribution hub, so it’s not surprising that one of the nation’s top reseller of accounting software solutions for wholesale distributors, Business Computer Associates (BCA) is headquartered in Doral. Why is MAS 90/200 so popular with wholesale distributors? BCA’s president, Mario Rodriguez, lists the following reasons: • Multi-warehouse capabilities • Lot and serial number tracking • Multi-bin capabilities • Supports scanning/bar-coding • Shipping integration to UPS and FedEx • Customer specific contract pricing • Price levels and quantity breaks
• Commission management “based on sales or gross profit” MAS 90/200 is the most popular “Mid-Market” software accounting system; with more than 70,000 installations MAS has more than twice the installations of its nearest “mid-market” competitor. MAS 90/200 is recognized by “CPA Technology Advisors” with its highest “Five-Star Ratings” for “Ease of Use”, “Notable Features” and “Integration/Import/Export” capabilities. Founded in 1990, BCA has grown to become one of the top MAS 90/200 consulting firms in the nation and is one of only a few companies qualified to customize the software to meet specific business needs. No software can meet 100% of a company’s unique
requirements but BCA’s seasoned programming staff can tailor the software to make it “the right fit”. Business owners who have invested in MAS can sleep at night knowing that their software is “GAAP compliant”. Security is tight; there is a full audit trail of what employees are doing in the company’s financial system and users can not make changes in previous periods without leaving an audit trail. This is not true of many systems which have no way of tracking changes to previous invoices or other financial data. If this concerns you, it should and we recommend that you ask your CPA about the importance of using GAAP compliant software. This is the best time to invest in new software! If your company has fewer employees and business is slow this is the opportunity to retrain them with better tools. IT IS DIFFICULT TO CHANGE THE TIRES ON A MOVING VEHICLE. Use this opportunity to gain a competitive edge as the economy rebounds. For more information call 305-477-9515. Q
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK
With an emphasis on providing our
members with quality programs and events, we experienced record crowds that came together to network, learn and exchange business opportunities. As a result, many of our members have been able to withstand the storm of this difficult period and set the stage for better days ahead. Along with that, many were able to reinvent themselves, pursue new careers and start new businesses. As we move the clock forward towards 2010 we need to build on the foundation
Chairman:
Ralph Sanchez
Chair Elect: Gail Birks
Citibank
Kathi Rutter
Clear Channel Outdoor
Eli Panell
Panell Law Firm, LLC
Michael Wermuth
Gonzalez & Wermuth P.L.
Board Members Mariela Almanza Navarro Discount Pharmacies Toni Bilbao Miami Dade College-West Campus Tony De Rosa
WestVest Associates
Ralph Gazitua
WTDC
James Paul Gueits Carlos Jose
Gazitua Letelier P.A. Miami Dade Aviation Dept.
Rene Negron
AXA Advisors
Jorge Perez
Bank Atlantic
Committee Chairs Membership
Madeline Martinez
Ambassadors
Raul Pino
Marketing
Kathi Rutter
The Hub
Mariela Almanza Pat Enochs Kathi Rutter
Business Innovation
Pete De La Torre Executive Director Doral Business Council
CMA Enterprises
Barbara Romani
Events
initiated this past year. A foundation created by the need to overcome adversity and think out of the box. We have grown as individuals and business professionals. When we look back at this year, we will realize what a blessing it truly was. In years ahead, we will look back at 2009 as a year to remember! Happy holidays to all! Q
Helm Bank
Immediate Past Chair: Nubielena Medina-Gomez NMG Consulting
Public Relations
2009, a Year to Remember In spite of a difficult year filled with many challenges and adversity, The Doral Business Council rose to the occasion and truly fulfilled its mission to support and work closely with the business community. As we celebrated our 5th anniversary, we rolled up our sleeves and together with a host of dedicated volunteers, accomplished new heights as an organization.
2009
Executive Board
Robert Plessett
Education
Arlene Martinez
Economic Development Governmental Affairs
J.R. Steinbauer Tony De Rosa
Women’s Alliance Group International
Maria Prado Juan Casimiro
Trustee
Sonya Cañas
Staff Peter De La Torre
Executive Director
Jennifer Puente Christopher Gomez
Office Manager Special Projects Assistant
DBC pages The Business Force for Doral coordinated and edited by the Marketing Committee and the Public Relations Sub-Committee: Kathi Rutter, Pat Enochs. Design by: Marcia Mendez-Vento
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
December 2009
The Business Force for Doral
TRUSTEES IN THE NEWS
Esserman International: Part of the Doral Business Community For More Than 20 Years It takes great vision to be a community leader and Mr. Ron Esserman has exhibited this trait since he arrived here more than 42 years ago. Mr. Esserman saw the potential of the Doral area long before it was a city or even before many of the highways were built. Esserman International was the first franchise automotive dealer on N.W. 12th Street. Over the past 20 years Esserman International and the Doral area have grown and invested heavily in both charitable and business ventures.
TRUSTEES
Other contributions and boards that Mr. Esserman participates in the South Florida community include: being a director of Americans for Free International Trade, a member of Florida Automobile Dealers Association,
Platinum Baptist Outpatient Services Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida City of Doral Downtown Doral Florida Power & Light Great Florida Bank Shoma Group - Park Square at Doral TD Bank The Corradino Group WestVest Associates, Inc
Gold Aetna Life Insurance Co. American Airlines B/E Aerospace, Inc. Choice Environmental Services of Miami, Inc.
National Automobile Dealers Association and American International Automobile Dealers Association, where he has received numerous awards for business innovation and community service, including the Sports Illustrated Dealer of the Year award, the Dean Lott Spirit Award from the Art and Business Council, Twelve Good Men - Ronald McDonald House Award and the Rotary “Man of the Year” Award. He has served on the Acura, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW National Dealer Councils. He has also served as Chairman of the Performing Arts Center Foundation and has been on the Board for the last 15 years, past President of the Miami City Ballet, South Dade Chamber
Citibank Clear Channel Outdoor Cobb Theatre- Cinebistro Comcast Business Service Doral Golf Resort and Spa – A Marriot Resort Esserman International Gold Coast Beverage Distributors Hialeah Hospital Holly Real Estate Home Financing Center HSBC Bank USA, N.A. InterContinental West Miami Kendall Regional Medical Center Mercantil -Commercebank Miami-Dade Aviation Department
Miami-Dade College Foundation Miami-Dade Expressway Authority Miami-Dade Limestone Products Assoc.
Visit Doral Business Council website at:
During this holiday season Mr. Esserman and Esserman International would like to wish all our friends a Happy and safe holiday season. of Commerce and the Zoological Society of Florida (sponsors the Bengal Tiger exhibit at the Zoo for the last 30 years). He was also one of the founding directors of the Deering Estate Foundation. Mr. Esserman serves on the Board of Directors of the University of Miami Citizens Board and the University of Miami Center for Aging and served on the Board of Directors of Sun Trust Bank and the Baptist Hospital
Foundation. He also serves on the Leadership Council of the Brady Center to Prevent Handgun Violence. During this holiday season Mr. Esserman and Esserman International would like to wish all our friends a happy and safe holiday season. The staff at Esserman International Volkswagen would like to invite everyone to the N.W. 12th Street location to find out more about the “Sign and Drive” event. Q
Benefits of Trustee Membership
Miami International Mall MILNER, Inc.
• Company Logo with Link on DBC website
New York Life Insurance Company Palmetto General Hospital Perry Ellis International Port of Miami PS Business Parks, LLC Sam’s Club Security Management Innovations South Florida Workforce Investment Board SunTrust Banks, Inc. Univision Veola Environmental Services/ Montenay Power
• Multiple Representation • Presenting Sponsorship at a Monthly Signature Breakfast (Platinum Trustees Only) • Exclusive Trustee, No Waiting Registration at Monthly Signature Breakfasts • Trustee Listing in Doral Tribune, DBC’s Newsletter - The HUB & DBC Website • Monthly Power Trustee Luncheons • Annual Trustee “City Shaper” Reception • VIP Events • Concierge Service • City connection • Marketing Assistance • Trustee Directory • Trustee Plaques • Trustee “On-Site” Orientation
For information on becoming a DBC Trustee Member, please contact the DBC office at 305-470-9597 or email info@doralbusiness.com
.doralbusiness.com
December 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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The Business Force for Doral
DBC SIGNATURE BREAKFAST
Third Annual International Achievement Award Breakfast Don Sheffy, the Doral Business Council emcee, opened the program by welcoming VIPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, members and guests to the 3rd Annual International Achievement Award Breakfast. He then introduced the guest emcee, Ken Roberts from World City Magazine. DBC Chairman Ralph Sanchez was introduced and welcomed everyone to the event. Miami Springs High School made the Color Guard presentation. Reflection was given by Gary Golfarb, Executive Vice President, WTDC and Ken Roberts led the group for the Pledge of Allegiance. A special treat was provided by Adriana Parra Simon, Director of Sales and Marketing, Holiday Inn, University of Miami, who sang the National Anthem.
emcee for all of our 2009 breakfasts, Presenting Sponsor, One Park Square at Doral, Silver Sponsors: Bank Leumiu, Douglas Orr Plumbing, Logistical Outsourcing, Contributing Sponsor: Intermedia Touch and host InterContinental Hotel West Miami. Q
Tere Blanca, William Talbert III
Ken Roberts, Charles Cheng, Pete De La Torre, Ralph Sanchez
Councilman Mike DiPietro, Gail
VIPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attending the breakfast included: Birks, Lourdes Mejia, Jose Marti. Vice Mayor Robert Van Name, Councilman Michael DiPietro, Councilman Pete Cabrera, Councilwoman Sandra Ruiz, Jose Abreu, Miami Dade Aviation Department, Juan Del Busto, Federal Reserve.
Don Sheffy, Jose Abreu, William Talbert III
Marta Cruz, Ricardo Forbes, Adriana Parra Simon
Joseph Roisman, Juan Del Busto
Candida Gabriele, Councilman Pete Cabrera, Monica Flores
Victor Vega Jr, Mazal Yehezkely, Akiva Segal
Stan Johnson, Gloria Burns
Charles Cheng, Vice President, TMTelcomm, spoke on behalf of the International Business Committee who coordinated the breakfast. Darryl Robinson, Co-Agent of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc., spoke on behalf of the presenting sponsor, One Park Square at Doral. Tere Blanca, President and CEO of Blanca Commercial Real Estate, Inc. gave the keynote address.
Vice Mayor Robert Van Name, Toni Bilbao, Rene Negron
The 2009 Award Presentation was made to President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, William D. Talbert III by 2008 International Achievement Award Recipient, Jose Abreu. Special thanks to Don Sheffy, for his participation and dedication as
Councilwoman Sandra Ruiz, Maria Herrera, Julio and Lourdes Seda
For more information on how your business can become a member of the Doral Business Council, the Business Force for Doral, or if you would like to sponsor a DBC event, please call (305) 470-9597 or visit us at: www.doralbusiness.com or e-mail us at info@doralbusiness.com.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
December 2009
The Business Force for Doral
THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EXCHANGE
DBC Joins Forces with Doral and Airport West Chamber for Event The Doral Business Council working together with the Doral & Airport West Chamber of Commerce held The International Business Exchange at the Doral Park Country Club on November 17th. The event was established to bring together the business community in the City of Doral. The DBC would like to thank the sponsors of this event, World Golf Championship-CA Championship and South Florida Golf Foundation. Q
Organizations invited to participate included: Americas Community Center
Florida Custom Brokers and Forwarders Association
American Nicaraguan Chamber of Commerce
Florida Foreign Trade Association
Business Networking and Referrals in Doral
Honduran American Chamber of Commerce
Caribbean Trade Center
Korean-American Chamber of Commerce
Colombian American Chamber of Commerce
Panamanian American Chamber of Commerce
Dominican American National Chamber of Commerce
Peruvian American Chamber of Commerce
Doral Chamber of Commerce
Pet Chamber of Commerce
Doral Overseas Chinese Business Chamber
Salvadorean-American Chamber of Commerce
DR-CAFTA Chambers of Commerce Alliance
Venezuelan Business Club
Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce
Special invited guest Consular Corps
Florida-China Chamber of Commerce
Save the Date DBC C Announces A Fi Firstt A Annuall Business Showcase Save the date and get ready for the biggest networking opportunity of the New Year! The First Annual Business Showcase is scheduled for February 4, 2010 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Firefighter’s Memorial Building. Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity – there are a limited number of top sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available. For more information call the DBC at (305) 470-9597.
December 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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The Business Force for Doral
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
November Spotlight Features Higher Education, Pest Control, Personal Finance and Telecommunications Another great turnout for the November SBS. This month’s SBS showcased Carlos Albizu University, Guarantee Floridian Pest Control, HBW-Helping Build Wealth and Nuvox. The SBS provides members the opportunity to share with other members and invited guests detailed information about their products and services in a business setting. Everyone attending also has the opportunity to network before and after the event sharing information regarding their businesses with each other. Q
Andreas Kelly, Carol and Tom Bovee.
From left to right: Armando Fernandez, Tony Acosta, Pedro Alvarez, Al De La Flor, Michele Ponce, Gerardo Alvarado, Stan Johnson
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
The Doral Business Council Welcomes New Members!
Jason Timmons, Carlos Garcia
Leticia Piloto, Gloria Burns, Bryan Kipke
what DBC members are saying... “The past year has been an interesting one filled with challenges and new opportunities. During the last six months in particular, we have seen sweeping transformations to our economy and significant changes to the way business is conducted. One of the lessons of this new economic era is that it is the relationships and friendships that we have built and continue to nurture are the most important and will sustain us in the times ahead. We are also learning that in order to continue on the road to success in these times, it is essential to make sure we re-connect with people we have worked with along the way, as well as develop new friendships as time passes on. With that being said, I decided to return to the DBC and it was the best decision I ever made. I have met some very special people along the way and have become involved in several committees. I am now working with Cristina Miller from Intermedia Touch on the Doral International Film Festival. In addition, I met Lea Cerdido with the SEC Institute at Women’s Alliance Group Pink Luncheon this past October. We are now working on several groups throughout the U.S.” Tery Soriano, CMP
New members experience a great opportunity to learn the A B C’s of the DBC and how to make the most of their membership with our Executive Director, Pete De La Torre. They also meet some of the Board of Directors and Volunteers that head up our committees.
IHG, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Email: Tery.Soriano@ihg.com
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
December 2009
The Business Force for Doral
SAY YES TO JOINING THE DBC IN 2009
Be part of the most DYNAMIC and fastest GROWING
BUSINESS community in South Florida
The Doral Business Council is the only economic development organization in Doral endorsed by The City of Doral As a Member you will have the following benefits: • NETWORKING EVENTS (3 Monthly events included in your membership) - Signature Breakfast - After Hours Connection Event - Small Business Spotlight Event - Trustee power Luncheon for Trustee Members • ACCESS TO MORE THAN 700 MEMBERS, REPRESENTING 60 PLUS INDUSTRIES • MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS - DBC Website - Online Membership Directory - Online Member to Member Discount Program - Newsletter - Doral Tribune - Weekly Communiqué - Small Business Spotlight - Sponsor and Host Events • PROFESSIONAL REFERRAL GROUP
New Members and Renewals October 2009
New Members Corporate
Compuquip Technologies Florida International University Gonzalez & Rodriguez, P.L. Tauler Law Firm Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Basic Abora Debt Solutions Constant Contact Eco Graphics Media Foreversmile Dentistry Institute of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics, P.A. Please Hold Advertising, Inc. Second Chance Credit Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club Thomas Willis, P.A. VP Garages & Services, Corp.
Renewal Members Trustee Platinum City of Doral
Trustee Gold Esserman International Mercantil Commercebank Miami-Dade Aviation Department Miami-Dade College Foundation,Inc.
• ONGOING SERIES OF PROFESSIONALLY DEVELOPED EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
Corporate
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• ACCESS TO EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS • FAST TRACK PROGRAM - New Member Orientation - One-on-One with the Director
For more information on how to become a member of the Doral Business Council call:
305-470-9597
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A & D Capital Solutions, Inc. Atlantic Corporate Travel Budget Blinds Cole & Boniske, P.L. Kaufman, Rossin & Co. NMG Consulting, Inc. Panell Law Firm, LLC. TmTelcomm Weiss Serota Helfman Pastoriza
Non-Profit Divine Savior Academy
The Doral Business Council wishes you and your families a joyous Holiday Season and a prosperous and healthy New Year.
December 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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December 2009
Children’s Fashion Show benefits Kids Hope United Mayor of Doral proclaims Nov. 7 Fall Into Fashion Day Kids Hope United supporters flooded the Intercontinental West Miami for the annual Fall Into Fashion, a children’s fashion show. This year, the Mayor of Doral, Juan Carlos Bermudez, recognized the agency with an extra special honor by proclaiming Nov. 7 Fall Into Fashion Day in the City of Doral. The event was hosted by Mistress of Ceremonies Diana Diaz, co-anchor of “Today in Florida.” Special guests also included former foster child, Tabita Wright, who received the Shining Star Award for her determination and drive to succeed after becoming pregnant as a teen. Sara Perez, adoptive mother, was honored with the Champion for Children Award in recognition of the adoption of four
foster youth, all of whom walked the runway in the fashion show. The Perez family received one-year scholarships to the Doral Conservatory. For the past four years, the Miami law firm of Stearns and Weaver has been a corporate sponsor of Fall Into Fashion. Both Stearns and Weaver and dedicated Kids Hope United volunteer and adoptive mother, Ana Veliz, were honored at the event for their ongoing commitment to the mission of Kids Hope United?protecting children and strengthening families. Proceeds from the event benefited Kids Hope United programs and services — helping ensure a safe home for every child. View more photos from Fall Into Fashion on our Facebook page. ABOUT KIDS HOPE UNITED Kids Hope United is a private human service organization dedicated to protecting children and strengthening families. Kids Hope United offers a diverse array of prevention, intervention and community-based programs. Kids Hope United also specializes in child welfare system management, reform, consultation and training. With principal offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Florida, Kids Hope United serves more than 15,000 children and their families across the country each year. For more information, visit <www.kidshopeunited.org>
Juan Carlos Bermudez, Mayor of Doral, presents Kids Hope United Executive Director, Barbara Moss, with a proclamation declaring Nov. 7 Fall Into Fashion Day as Mistress of Ceremonies Diana Diaz observes.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Diana Diaz, co-anchor of “Today in Florida,” walks to runway with two child models at the 2009 Fall Into Fashion.
Walking the runway with “the models.”
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Police seek to identify burglars caught on video Doral Police are asking residents’ assistance in identifying two suspects in the robbery of Glenny’s Services & Supply Corp. on November 14. The burglary occurred at 9:49 pm by two unknown subjects who shattered the front door with a sledgehammer and removed items totaling $60,000. According to police, surveillance footage captured the entire crime scene and clear pictures of both suspects. A copy of the
footage can be obtained at Doral City Hall. Doral Police have requested that any person with information about this burglary or who can identify the suspects in the video to come forward and provide any information they may have. For more information, contact Detective Carlos Arango, Doral Police Department, tel. 786845-4600 or Miami-Dade Police Department’s anonymous TIPS line at 305599-3121.
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Authentic ‘Muay Thai’ kickboxer joins Anta GET FIT WITH ANTA
Master Tran, left, joins Julio Anta to teach Thai-styled kickboxing
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– both aerobic and anaerobic activities. Training regimens include heavy bag work, focus mitts and Thai pad work taught at intervals while throwing kicks, knees, elbows and punches with maximum power. Training also includes shadowboxing, body weight resistance exercises and abdominal workouts for improving endurance and muscle tone, making Muay Thai the ultimate fitness program, combined with exceptional personal defense. Muay Thai participants stay in the best possible shape while losing unwanted pounds and improving defensive techniques to live both fit and fearless. While transforming physical shape, students build confidence and learn defense in a safe family environment. Call us at 305-599-3649 and mention my column for a free introductory class. Meanwhile, my staff and I wish all Doral Tribune readers a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and a great and successful New Year.
Julio Anta has owned Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense since 1998; satellite locations operate at Dr Ronando Espinosa K-9 School and Divine Savior Academy. For details, call 305599-3649; by internet, <fitdef@aol.com> and <DoralMMA.com>.
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Julio G. Anta Starting January 4, Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense will offer authentic Muay Thai Kickboxing as an authorized Tran’s Muay Thai Association training center and affiliate school. As a certified Muay Thai instructor under Master Hung Tran, I will join Master Tran who is also certified and trains under Grand Master Toddy, star of the “Fight Girls” reality TV show. Master Tran has also trained numerous Muay Thai and MMA champions, including UFC champion Tito Ortiz. The goal of Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense and the Tran Muay Thai Association is to spread authentic Muay Thai in a safe environment with kickboxing classes for everyone who wants to get in shape, learn to defend themselves, or simply looking for the ultimate fitness workout. For optimum fitness, participants should have low body fat, cardiovascular endurance, muscle tone and flexibility, conditions that the Muay Thai program will help attain in all four factors for optimum fitness. Muay Thai is referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs” with the hands, shins, elbows and knees all used extensively for this style of martial art. As a practitioner of Muay Thai, those completing the course will have the ability to execute blows, using eight points of contact, as opposed to two points (fists) in boxing, or four points (fists, feet) in the primarily sport-oriented forms of martial arts such as karate and tae kwon do. Muay Thai is also known as “Thai Boxing,” one of the fastest growing sports and in the standup fighting styles of MMA and the UFC. Anta’s Muay Thai Kickboxing classes focus heavily on good cardio workouts that include
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Carlos Florez and Carlos Rohl (second and third from left) won divisional titles at Florida’s North American Grappling Association championships November 22. Florez, 15, next to Isidro Alfonso, a Mixed Martial Arts instructor, took both the uniformed (GI) and non-uniformed (NoGi) division titles for 15-17- year teenage bantamweights (114.9 pounds and under). Rohl, 12, next to Julio Anta, won a silver medal in the No-Gi division for 10-14 year-olds in his first NAGA competition.
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MDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Gallery hosts Cuban sculptors Miami Dade College West Campus in Doral and its Art Gallery System are hosting an exciting exhibition of 31 Cuban Sculptors through December 15, following an opening reception November 21 at the art gallery, 3800 NW 115th Avenue. The display includes 26 sculptures and five posters showing large-scale pieces permanently installed in Cuba, as well as several drawings. Sculptors showcased include Lilia Jilma Madera, Rita Longa, Carlos Sobrino, Rafael Consuegra, Mario Almaguer, Tony Lopez, Tomas Oliva, Juan Jose Sicre, Agustin Cardenas, Carlos Alfonso, Nunzio Maineri and Emma Ordoqui, according to Gustavo Orta, gallery director. Cuban history is related through the visual arts by providing a journey of modern and contemporary art bringing the past into the present, he said. Cuban sculptors have reflected the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity through time, recognizing its own distinct values, attributes and history. MDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Gallery System is renowned for its collection and exhibitions that have held major exhibitions of works by DalĂ,
Goya and Da Vinci in recent years. The works of late Cuban master Cundo Bermudez were recently exhibited at the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Landmark Freedom Tower. The West Campus Art Gallery itself is quickly gaining a reputation for hosting great exhibitions, previously showcasing the works of the honored Carlos Sobrino whose pieces are again on display during 31 Cuban Sculptors. The West Campus was approved by the Florida State Board of Education in 2005 as MDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eighth campus to serve one of the fastestgrowing regions of Miami-Dade County, including Doral and surrounding areas. West Campus offers courses toward the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. Corporate training programs are also offered at the campus whose leadership works closely with the business community in west Miami-Dade County. The West Campus opened for classes on March 1, 2006, as the newest major learning center for the Greater Miami. For information, including hours of operation and tours, contact MDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Gallery System at 305-237-7700 or at <galleries@mdc.edu>.
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Generosity & Gifts bring MCS cheer! BY GLORIA BURNS
This is the season to be grateful for our many blessings and Miami Christian School has much for which to be thankful with a great student body, terrific faculty and staff, involved parents and a wonderful business community. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Learning MCS needed a refrigerator for the teachers lounge, Thomas Mejia, manager of Best Buy in Doral, came to the rescue donating a brand new appliance for the school that looks forward to working with Best Buy in the future and is thankful for its support. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Yet another generous donor anonymously donated a great washer and dryer to the school’s athletic department, and not a minute too soon. It seems the old washer
MCS Girls Volleyball District 16 (1-A) Champions include (l-r, front): Laura Buritica, Alexandra Marchese, Paola Grande; standing, Andrea Garcia, Victoria Gonzalez, Nicole Beckelheimer, Kayla Hernandez, Coach Mary Kay Odio; on tree, Alexandra Rios, Alysa Alonso, Daniela Garcia.
MIAMI CHRISTIAN
UPDATE had seen a better day so the new appliances were both timely and very much appreciated. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MCS elementary students continue growing vegetables and herbs in the organic garden, for which The Brickman Group donated the specially mixed organic soil. Students will be selling garden produce and directing 50% of their proceeds to help Sunil’s Home, an orphanage in India. Sales from lemonade stands and cookie sales are ongoing as the students look to help others for whom they have established a relationship through letters and photos brought back and forth by Lynn Bauer, one of many local South Floridians who helped build a home for up to 60 homeless children in the far away country. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Congratulations to our MCS Girls’ Volleyball team on a GREAT season! The team finished as District 16 1A champions and Region 4 Runners-up. Team members included Laura Buritica, Alexandra Marchese Paola Grande, Andrea Garcia, Victoria Gonzalez, Nicole Beckelheimer, Kayla Hernandez, Alexandra Rios, Alysa Alonso, Daniela Garcia. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MCS students filled103 shoeboxes with gifts as part of Operation Christmas Child. Donna Gehring, sponsor of the high school’s National Beta Club, noted that the gifts received by some children may be the only ones they receive, thus the club was pleased with the students’ generosity. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • National Honor Society and Junior
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Mrs. Ferrara’s Class sells lemonade during elementary school break to raise more funds for Sunil’s Home in India.
National Honor Society inducted new members into the club November 17. The high school students inducted were: Alysa Alonso, Ashley Andrews, Roberto Barrueco, Nicolas Betancourt, Brian Carvajal, Victoria Gonzalez, Kunal Khiyani, Alexandra Lopez, Denio Machado, Italo Maguina, Taira Medina, Rebecca Naranjo, Alexandra Rios, Diego Rivero, Bianca Solis-Sikaffy, Juan Tapia, Samantha Angueira, Leah LaRoche, Noel Long, Brandon Rodriguez, Hannah Sielk, Zahia Salem. Middle school students inducted: Alina Andrews, Rosa MCS’s Donna Gehring picks up refrigerator donated to MCS by Castro, Naomi Granado, Sonali Best Buy of Doral. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Khiyani, Michelle Lopez, Katherine Martinez Fuentes, University this year with a degree in Elizabeth Rosillo, Gustavo Roversi-Celli. Pharmacology and, after her rotation, has • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • already been offered a great high salaried In alumni news, Yesenia Betancourt position. (‘01) graduated from Nova Southeastern • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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“The Parent’s RevoltA Modern Fairy Tale” BY KAREN ARONOWITZ, President, United Teachers of Dade
Once upon a time in a county not so far away from our own, there came to be a bureaucrat who was recruited to improve the test scores of the students. He had wandered from place to place before he was hired there, leaving in his wake schools whose faculties put in for transfers and whose student achievement scores rose rapidly and just as rapidly fell. There was always a sigh of relief when he moved on. But, of course, he moved on not because he was fired but because he was promoted. Such is the way of bureaucracies. So the good citizens of that county, not knowing of the ire of those who had previously worked under him were persuaded by their superintendent that he was just the man they wanted. He arrived promptly at 8:00 AM one sunny morning and began issuing proclamations. “All teachers will teach bellto-bell!” he proclaimed. “What about my new kindergartners who are crying for their mommies?” asked a kindhearted kindergarten teacher, who seemed not much older than her students. “Bell-to-bell!” was his response. “No teacher will be seated at his or her desk! You must move around the students!” he proclaimed. “But my students are writing an essay at their desks, and it breaks their concentration when I walk around,” protested another teacher. “You will be marked down on your evaluation if I find you seated,” he answered. And so it went. All second grade students were to be on page
eighty-three in their math books at 10:15 AM, while all juniors were to be on page fifty-one in the novel Moby Dick. Each student was to be at a certain page or taking a certain test or doing a certain assignment at precisely the right moment. Each moment was to be accounted for. As you can imagine, many students felt ill. Tummies were upset and heads were achy and even the children who had always rushed to school dragged their feet. “I don’t want to go to school,” children told their worried parents. So the parents started to blog. They started to gather. They looked up school board meetings and they signed up to speak. What they wanted for their children, said these parents, was a school system that was more than a test factory. They wanted a system that taught their children without terrorizing them. They wanted a system that fostered creativity and critical thinking. They wanted an end to the time clock. More than a thousand parents held a rally. They protested that their children were more than test takers. They protested that advanced children were not allowed to advance, and children who needed more time had no extra time. The hands of the clock were stripping their children of real learning. This story is not over. The parents in that county far, far away have only started the parent revolt. They are asking you to join them in demanding something better for Florida’s children. To help write the happy ending, please go to www.utd.org and click the Parent Link. Fairy tales can come true.
The United Teachers of Dade represents 38,000 teachers and school support personnel in MDCPS. The union is committed to being a leader in creating public school reform, fostering a quality public education for all students and elevating the professional status of teachers, paraprofessionals, office employees, and all school support personnel.
BANKRUPTCY FORECLOSURE DEFENSE LOAN MODIFICATION PERSONAL INJURY/CIVIL LITIGATION Andreas Kelly, P.A. Admitted to the Florida Bar since 1999
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December 2009
Doral’s ASE Telecom & Data celebrates Silver Anniversary From left to right are Javier Perez, ASE chief operating officer; Maria Perez, chief executive officer, Danny Perez, vice president of operations and founder Juan Perez.
Pictured are (l-r) Juan Perez, ASE founder; Grace Lopez-Aquiar, attorney-at-law; Maria Perez, ASE chief executive officer; Henry Lopez-Aquiar, attorney-at-law.
From left to right are Andy Kraich, sales representative, Graybar; Roberto Zequeira, ASE vice president of Business Development; Tony Muniz, ASE project engineer.
Pictured are (l-r) Roy Garcia, CPA, GEMCO; Gabriella Perez, occupational therapist, Miami Dade Public Schools; John Bohatch, Bohatch P. A.
Left to right are Jorge Rodriguez, ASE project manager; Sergia Perez, ASE office manager, Jorge Lajud, ASE project manager.
Over 100 customers and friends celebrated 25 years of service by Doral-based ASE Telecom and Data, founded in 1984 as “All Sound Equipment by Juan and Maria Perez, offering installation and repair services for commercial and resi-
dential telephone systems. On its silver anniversary, ASE paid special tribute to its founding couple that immigrated to Miami from Cuba in the mid-1960’s. Now grown into one of the premier network cable installation and service com-
From left to right are Elsa Zequeira, sales representative, Verizon Wireless; RobertoZequeira, vice president of Business Development, ASE; Ray Perez, project manager, Florida Power & Light.
panies in Florida, Mr. Perez, Chairman of the Board, and Mrs. Perez, CEO, work with their sons, Javier Perez, Chief Operating Officer, and Daniel Perez, Vice President of Operations. ASE employs 70 field personnel from
Orlando to the Florida Keys with clients that include such major names as Carnival Cruise Lines, City of Doral, University of Miami, City of Miami Beach, Jackson Memorial Hospital and Broward County Aviation Department.
December 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Student PSA Contest highlights aesthetics The MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) responsible for county transportation planning is holding its Seventh Annual PSA Contest that has attracted applicants from high schools, colleges, and universities throughout Miami-Dade County. This year, the MPO is also reaching out to the private, charter, and vocational schools to participate in the contest with this year’s contest focus to inform citizens about the Transportation Aesthetics Review Committee or TARC, a citizens advisory committee to the MPO Governing Board. TARC ensures that bridges and other high visibility transportation projects are reviewedfor contributions to aesthetics, including culture, art and nature and their impact on the community. Past projects have included: the Port of Miami Bridge nighttime lighting, the SR-836 Toll Plaza at 17th Avenue; the Douglas Road Pedestrian Overpass; La Gorce Island Bridge on Miami Beach; and the Meridian Avenue Bridge at Dade Boulevard, Miami Beach. Interested students will be tasked with
creating a 30-second PSA to educate the community on the impact citizens have had on beautification of these transportation projects. Three winners will be selected and officially recognized by the MPO Governing Board in May 2010. Each winning PSA will be played on local municipal access channels and posted on MiamiDade County’s You Tube account. Professors and teachers are encouraged to contact the MPO to schedule a visit to their school to receive a presentation and answer any questions students may have regarding the contest. To view past winners and to download the PSA contest application and materials, visit <www.miamidade.gov/mpo/m11-psa.htm>. Applications (not the actual PSA) to enter the contest are due on Friday, February 5, 2010. Submit the applications by email to chance@miamidade.gov, or fax to 305-375-4950, or mail to Miami-Dade MPO, Attn: Paul Chance, Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 920, Miami, FL 33128.
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Available in Citibank branches located in FL. Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) is current as of 10/06/09 and applies only to new Citibank 24-month and 5-year Certificates of Deposit (CDs). You earn the APY in effect on the day your CD is opened. Minimum opening deposit is $2,500. Penalties apply for early withdrawal. Offer applies to consumer accounts only. All accounts subject to approval. © 2009 Citigroup Inc. Citibank, N.A. Member FDIC. Citibank. Citibank with arc Design and Citi never sleeps are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc. Rates are subject to change. Please call the branch to get the latest updates.