AUGUST 2013
The DBC is the place for ‘The Small Business Connection’ BY NELSON PEÑALVER
Chairman Doral Business Council
w
e often hear people say “the Small Business is the heart of America.” We at the DBC and, particularly, the DBC’s Small Business Committee (SBC) understand the importance and contributions of the Small Business to the local and national economy; hence our commitment to promote and bolster this group of hard working small business owners in our community. The SBC participants are DBC leaders with the mission to help the small business community in the City of Doral. The SBC strives to create opportunities, relationships, generate publicity and develop a strong network of partners to work with the largest segment of the DBC member companies. One crucial factor that needs to be highlighted is the SBC’s effort to provide its members with educational tools and seminars to help them grow professionally, as well as to develop the leadership skills needed to achieve success in their business endeavors. The SBC recognizes that countless small businesses are looking to exit their current predicaments. Amid increased competition and uncertain economic outlook, they desperately need the knowledge and resources to compete and succeed in a highly competitive business environment. With this in mind, the SBC is working on the development of a series of powerful workshops, which among other things provide valuable information with relevant topics including Fraud Protection, Customer Service, Networking 201, Business Startups, Social Media for Business, Networking and Your Business, and more.
––––––––––––––– See SMALL BUSINESS, page 5
Hispanic Award Nominations Open Thru Aug. 31 at Int’l Mall
HEALTH CARE CORNER Diabetes: A Personal Tale BY JOHN BURNS
Eye-catching swirl of color accompanies folkloric dancers at Mall in 2012. BY ALICIA WHITLEY
Now is the time for nominations to honor Hispanic Stars for the Ninth Annual “Hispanic Heritage Celebration,” a cultural and fall fashion show created in partnership with the City of Doral at Miami International Mall Sept. 27-28. Begun on Aug. 1 and continuing through Aug. 31, area residents are encouraged to nominate entries for “Hispanic Star Awards” in any one of six categories: Educator, Health Professional, Philanthropist, Junior Hispanic Community Leader (Age 16-18), Adult Small Business Leader, and Artist. To submit a nomination for a Hispanic Star Award, please visit <www.simon.com/hispanicstar> for entry details. All nominations must be received no later than Friday, Aug. 31, 2013 to be considered for entry. The Hispanic Heritage Celebration gives Mall visitors an opportunity to experience the diverse cultures and flavors of
various Latin American countries through colorful, energetic fashion shows and interactive entertainment as local leaders are recognized through the award program. On Friday, Sept. 27, the celebration begins with the “Noche de Honor” Charity Reception with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Simon Youth Foundation, as the Mall recognizes extraordinary Hispanic individuals during a presentation of the newest fall fashion look. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the event continues with weekend festivities that include authentic folkloric music and fiery dance performances, country heritage exhibits, art and flag displays, live entertainment and a spirited parade of native dresses from South America, Central America and the Caribbean, presented by the City of Doral. For additional information, visit www.simon.com, the Mall’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MiamiInternationalMall or www.simon.com/hispanic star.
It has been quite a number of years since the time I rejected life insurance by one of the big life companies. Then it turned out I had developed Type II Diabetes without ever knowing about it, or, at least, not being cognizant of such changes going on in my body. I thought I was just growing old and not very gracefully at that. Then as the diabetic condition progressed, I was unable to stay awake for more than an hour or two — without any strength — even after sleeping for many, many hours. At that point, I just thought I was dying, summing it all up by just thinking I was in denial. But, denial of what? A mid-40’s male, blessed with inordinate good health and strength? I did not have a family doctor and thought I never really needed one. Never hospitalized, never broke a bone. No family history of diabetes. Nothing! And yet, I was being cut down like a piece of wood. It just didn’t make any sense. I had nothing to compare it to and my family history did not have the word “Diabetes” in it. Not even a relentless thirst (and other signs) was enough to ring an alarm bell. Eventually, it took the actions of my wife, Gloria, to locate a doctor and make the appointment. After tests at my first appointment, the doctor quietly told me my blood count was over 500. In total ignorance, that meant nothing to me.
––––– See HEALTH CARE CORNER, page 5
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