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Leadership When We Need It Most Why I am Running for Mayor of Miami Beach BY VICE MAYOR MICHAEL GÓNGORA
On Tuesday, February 12, at a joint meeting of Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club and the Miami Beach Taxpayers Association, I officially announced my intention of running for Mayor of Miami Beach. It was humbling to see more than 150 community activists and leaders supporting me. Even more humbling was receiving the support of my fellow colleagues, Commissioner Jorge Exposito and Commissioner Jonah Wolfson. Commissioner Deede Weithorn has since added her support, as well. It was not an easy decision to decide to run for Mayor. As your Commissioner, I learned that –––––––––––––––––––––––– See
LEADERSHIP, page 4
Vice Mayor Michael Góngora announcing intention of running for Mayor of Miami Beach.
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Miami Beach Convention Center Prepares for Big March Miami Beach Convention Center
BY GEORGE AIELLO
he Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) and its staff won’t have much time to catch their breaths following the hosting of this year’s Progressive Miami International Boat Show. As the final boat’s sail away, the building will immediately begin preparations for an extremely busy calendar of events in March. The MBCC, managed by Global Spectrum, will be host to a diverse group of five major events throughout the month of March with a combined expected attenAttendees make their way to exhibitor booths during the last Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show. The Spring 2013 edition will be held March 22nd – 24th and caps off a very busy March at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
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CONVENTION CENTER, page 4
Phone: 305-669-7355
Letter from the Chair BY ALAN A. LIPS
As locals, we look forward to the days where it is cool enough to wear a light jacket and see a change in our island paradise. February’s annual staple, The Progressive Miami International Boat Show sailed into town from February 14th to 18th. Luxury yachts filled the Collins Canal North of 41st, and visitors streamed into the Miami Beach Convention Center to learn about the best the recreational boating industry has to offer. Whether it be the one-man pedaled Hobie kayak or the Seven Marine V8 557 Supercharged Horsepower, the boat show had something for everyone. Dreaming of the days when the cigarette boat was part of Miami Beach’s landscape at nearly 200 miles per hour, the boat show was a great family outing. The Yacht Show provides insight into just how massive and how breathtaking a yacht can be. The yachts displayed in the Collins Canal were free to view and definitely worth the visit, giving a taste of how the rich and famous live. Miami Beach is a world-class destination, and it’s no wonder why the Boat Show held here annually is such a success. On the horizon of Chamber events, this year the Miami Beach Chamber leadership is excited to expand our now 17th Annual Golf Tournament, always generously sponsored by the Boucher Brothers, to include a Fishing Tournament sponsored by none other than South Beach’s own Mango’s Tropical Café. The Fishing Tournament is a great opportunity to take advantage of the weather and the prime fishing season; coupled with the Golf Tournament, it is expected to be a huge success, bringing more sup––––––––––––––––––––– See
LETTER, page 4
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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT BETH SOBOL
South Florida native, Beth Sobol, has been basking in the spotlights of global fashion runways since her teen years. An international fashion model for over 20 years, Sobol worked for many of the world’s top fashion houses in the US, Europe, South America and Far East. Since retiring from modeling, the mother of two has become known as a globetrotting fashion show producer. Now, her notoriety is as founder and producer of Miami Fashion Week (MFW), which bows its 15th anniversary this year. Recognized as one of the world’s premier fashion show producers, Sobol’s contributions to launching the careers of the world’s top emerging designers are unparalleled. She is credited by many in the fashion industry, and in the South Florida community as putting Miami Beach (aka SOBE) and Miami on the fashion map. One wonders how much of SOBE’s highly touted “Latin style” can be attributed to Sobol’s fearless and passionate mission to initially launch Latin fashion designers, and now designers worldwide, into the U.S. market. From the beginning, fashion superstars including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Mary McFadden and Betsey Johnson supported Sobol’s mission and helped capture the attention of international media. In 2012, five reality TV shows were filmed and more than 650 international media covered MFW. Going into its 15th year, MFW is ranked #5 on the world fashion calendar and is recognized as the largest and most prestigious international fashion event in the United States. Beth served as a judge at the 2001 Miss Colombia pageant in Cartagena, Colombia where she was presented with the Key to the City; a judge at the 2004 Miss Ecuador pageant in Guayaquil, Ecuador; 2004 Miss Universe pageant in Quito, Ecuador; 2008 Dubai Style Awards in Dubai, UAE; 2010 Banja Luka Fashion Fair in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, over the years, she has received five Keys to the City of Miami Beach. Sobol was named one of “Florida’s Top 100 Power Players” by Florida International Magazine in 2006, as one of the “50 Most Powerful People in Miami” by Real Life Magazine in 2007, and as one of the “Top 25 Influencers in Florida” by General Motors Corporation in that same year. In 2009, Sobol was presented with the “Entrepreneur of the Year Award” from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, she received the “International Women’s Day Award” from the World
BETH SOBOL Trade Center Miami and the “Gold Medal Award” from Miami Today. And the awards continue. In 2011, she received the “Movers and Shakers Award” from South Florida Business Leaders Magazine and the Influential Business Women Award from South Florida Business Journal. In 2012 Ecuador Fashion Week announced the annual “Beth Sobol International Fashion Award” to be presented to a top designer in Ecuador each year in honor of the work she has done in assisting the world’s emerging fashion designers. Beth has also been the keynote speaker at the Women Who Lead Conference at Florida International University, impacting hundreds of young women. For the past two years, Sobol has seen her production company explode under the skillful hand of her new co-owner and managing partner, Aaron Perry. The new company, Sobol-Perry Fashion Productions, Inc. has expanded Miami Fashion Week to include two ancillary shows, Miami Bridal Week and The Fashion Collective Pop-Up Boutique Show, which premiers at the 2013 edition this month. The 15th Anniversary edition of Miami Fashion Week will be held March 20 – 24 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This year, more than 60 women’s wear, men’s wear, swimwear, bridal, jewelry and accessories designers will present collections on the Miami Fashion Week runway, the Miami Bridal Week pavilion and in the Pop-Up Show. Visit MiamiFashionWeek.com for ticket and event information.
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CONVENTION CENTER, from page 1 dance of approximately over 65,000. The building will also host several smaller events scheduled in around the larger ones. The month of March begins with the 71st Annual Meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology, a city-wide event that takes place from March 1st through March 5th, with expected attendance numbers of 15,000 doctors. The group last held their meetings in Miami Beach in 2010. The following week we see the return of the annual event Cruise Shipping Miami, being held from March 11th through March 14th. Cruise Shipping Miami, organized by UBM Live, is the leading international exhibition and conference serving the cruise industry for nearly 30 years. “Throughout the years, our show has grown substantially from a small, tabletop exhibition to the world’s premier cruise industry event with over 1,000 exhibitors and over 11,000 attendees,” said Daniel Read, Portfolio Director for UBM Live. “The 2013 event promises to offer guests a fully revitalized conference and expo based on our customer feedback. Looking forward, our 30th anniversary show scheduled for March 2014, which will be our most noteworthy event to date.” The Winter Music Conference 2013 returns to the MBCC on March 18th, running through March 21st. The event is in its 28th consecutive year and is one of the most publicized annual music gatherings in the world. WMC attracts thousands of artists and music industry delegates from 70 countries and over 100,000 event attendees each year for a concentrated schedule of more than 500 events, parties, seminars and workshops. The fashion industry turns its eyes to Miami Beach from March 20th – 24th when the 15th Annual Miami Fashion Week takes places inside the MBCC. The venue is transformed into a state of the art “Fashion City” built to house fashion
LETTER, from page 1
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The Winter Music Conference 2013 returns to the MBCC on March 18th, running through March 21st. The event is in its 28th consecutive year and is one of the most publicized annual music gatherings in the world. WMC a ttracts thousands of artists and music industr y delega tes from 70 countries and over 100,000 event attendees each year f or a concentra ted schedule of more than 500 events, parties, seminars and workshops. shows and exhibitions, as the world’s fashion elite who come to Miami Beach to participate in this world class international event. Finally, the month closes out with the Spring edition of the Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show, taking place from March 22nd – 24th. The Home Design and Remodeling Show features fine home furniture, accessories, remodeling ideas, interior design, kitchens and baths, appliances, home theaters, home improvements, pools and spas, patios, landscaping, and an array of products and services for the interior and exterior of the home. “March is looking to be a very exciting and busy month at the MBCC,” said General Manager Bob Balsam. “We are looking forward to welcoming back such a wide variety of shows to the building. As always, our focus will be on providing a great experience for our guests.”
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port for the Education Foundation. Both of these events, along with the Supper for Champions, generously supported by Jerry’s Deli and hosted for local children to learn from sports world leaders, will make up an exciting new annual Chamber event—Sports Weekend. This year, the inaugural Sports Weekend will take place from February 28th through March 2nd. The event’s proceeds will benefit the
Chamber’s Education Foundation, which serves all children in the Miami Beach Feeder Pattern. The Chamber’s events are fun and exciting ways to network and grow your business. It’s a great time to be a Chamber member and take part in wonderful events, such as Sports Weekend. Why Wait? Experience the Power of Membership!
LEADERSHIP, from page 1 there is always more to do and as Mayor, one can achieve far greater results. This decision is not about me but about the needs of our community now. That‘s why I have offered myself, to be your Mayor of Miami Beach. I offer the opportunity of a new direction for the City we love. City Hall needs to be fundamentally changed and managed in a way that will make us proud. There are many important issues that we can handle wisely, if we use good judgment and common sense. As Mayor, I will tackle these critical issues that face our community: CORRUPTION I will root out corruption and incompetence. From the beginning of our crisis of corruption in City Hall, I demonstrated that I am decisive and began forging a path of reform and renewal. Looking to the future, I am making sure that we follow a well-thoughtout process of finding a new manager to lead our City. You can be sure that once we have a new manager in place, I will support that manager and the necessity to clean house in all levels of the administration as well as overhauling the procedures of code compliance and fire inspections. Now that we have acknowledged the fraud, corruption, neglect, failure of oversight and lack of accountability, we can begin the necessary accountability and controls over all city departments. I will not hide behind the city administration or employees. The buck stops with me. FIX THE UNSUSTAINABLE PENSION SYSTEM While the vast majority of our employees are hard working and honest, the City’s employee pension funds cannot continue as presently structured. They are simply unsustainable. I know that our employee unions are important, but we cannot allow favoritism towards those unions to cripple the long-term interests of our residents. It used to be that salaries in government were more modest than their private sector counterparts. These days, however, City employees often make more than their private sector counter parts. I will fix the pension system so it is equitable for the city and the employees. SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES Since the beginning of my public service, I have made environmental concerns a cornerstone of my efforts. Of critical concern are the threats to rising sea levels and resulting flooding and storm surges pose to our community. As Mayor, I will convene experts from around the globe to help create new solutions. European cities have for centuries dealt with tides and flooding. We can too. It is not only to be environmental-
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ly friendly but also it makes financial sense. BALANCING OUR CURRENT NEEDS Once again, Miami Beach is enjoying a surge in property values and development. While many of us are grateful that Miami Beach is once again experiencing this renewed economic boom, I will not allow this push to be an excuse to build without oversight and restraint. We need balance. Our resources should not be allowed to exceed their capacities. We also need to be more vigilant with our zoning and not allow commercial uses like hotels to be built abutting residential communities. As Chair of the Land Use Committee, we have sent that ordinance to the Planning Board. We will look at prohibiting other commercial uses abutting residential neighborhoods, where the intensity of use is inappropriate and produce similar ordinances to protect the integrity of residential neighborhoods. While I am in favor of development, new development or redevelopment must be ‘sensible’ and not overtax our infrastructure. The development of the Miami Beach Convention Center requires leadership. I think there is a consensus on an upgrade, a ballroom and a reasonably sized adjacent hotel. I was impressed by the January planning meeting that was run by a neutral third party and not by the city. CIVILITY AT COMMISSION MEETING We need a return to civility. I am not faulting anyone of my colleagues. However, there have been many instances where it has been difficult and embarrassing to be sitting at the dais. This must stop: no fighting, no personal attacks, no name calling. Meetings will start on time. Residents will not have to wait hours for a time certain item to be called. Miami Beach is a great city and our possibilities for the future are endless. The tax dollars derived through our dynamic tourism industry subsidizes many of our quality-of-life initiatives that help make our quality-of-life better for our residents. Of utmost importance is the duty to our community to ensure that all hard-earned tax dollars are expended wisely and without undue influence to the contrary. I was born to listen. I have always listened to both sides of the issues and found a balance. It is my sincerest hope that you will tell me how you feel and how we can improve our quality of life. Then, together, we will continue to craft solutions that meet our challenges in these times. I guarantee you this: I am not one of the good old boys of the past that many in our city have come to expect. I represent greater things for Miami Beach, as we move into the future. Join me and together we can make our home an even better place to live, work and play.
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The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Golf Tournament Expands to its First Annual Sports Weekend The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce together with title sponsors, Boucher Brothers Management, Mango’s Tropical Café, Epicure Market, and Jerry’s Deli are proud to present the inaugural Miami Beach Sports Weekend, an expansion of the now 17th Annual Golf Classic that will include an all day fishing tournament and a Supper of Champions. The three day event will gather community and business leaders together along with youth sports teams for fun and networking in support of the Miami Beach Chamber’s Education Foundation. Supper for Champions, the spaghetti dinner for our community youth, will take place Thursday, February 28th at 6 p.m. at Jerry’s Famous Deli, located at 1450 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The golf tournament will be held on Friday, March 1st at the Miami Beach Golf Club, located on 2301 Alton Road. The fishing tournament will be Saturday, March 2nd at the Miami Beach Marina located at 300 Alton Road and a finale celebration will take place at Mango’s Tropical Cafe. The 1st Annual Sports Weekend has something for everyone. On Thursday, Michael Love and Jerry’s Deli will host the Supper for Champions and provide the opportunity for area youth to come together for a free educational spaghetti dinner at 6:00PM to learn from Kansas University Director of Basketball Operations Ronnie Chalmers, father of Miami Heat star Mario Chalmers; David Sugarman, owner of Sugartime Sports; and ESPN SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris. In addition to this, there will be a Kick-Off party for golf and fishing participants at Mango’s on Ocean Drive at 6:30 PM to get energized for the weekend’s festivities. The Miami Beach Sports Weekend benefits the Chamber’s Education Foundation, a non-profit helping bring together the
strengths and resources of the community to support the needs of public education. Throughout the years, over $75,000 has been raised to support various programs such as the IB Programs in the City of Miami Beach as well as to fund scholarships for graduating seniors from Miami Beach Senior High School. “The Miami Beach Chamber’s growth into a full Sports Weekend is a testament to the strength of our business community. From the Supper of Champions to Golf to Fishing, local sponsors have committed to support the event and its beneficiary, the Chamber’s E d u c a t i o n Foundation. In addition, participants are dedicated to having a great time, networking and doing their part to improve education opportunities in and around Miami Beach,” said Miami Beach Chamber Chairman, Alan Lips. The success of this Sports Weekend would not have been made possible without the support of many companies around the community. Boucher Brothers Management, Mango’s Tropical Café, Epicure Market, Jerry’s Deli, and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce thank the current and past sponsors for their continued dedication to the economic wellbeing of Miami Beach and to helping improve the quality of life in the community at large. Golf Sponsorships are almost sold out, but if you are not a golfer, hole sponsorships are available starting at $350 where you can have activities and promotions, which will promote your company throughout the day to over 150 golfers. Boat entries are still available for $1500 and space is limited at the Supper for Champions.
The Miami Beach Sports Weekend benefits the Chamber’s Education Foundation, a non-profit helping bring together the strengths and resources of the community to support the needs of public education.
For more information or to make your reservation, please contact the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce at 305-6741300.
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Franciscoo Flores,, MD.
Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar
Do you or someone you know have Atopic Dermatitis (Also known as Eczema)?
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The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Fest Heats up Miami Beach Beach this Month Revelers savor the most celebrated foodie event of the year
FXM Research in Miramar is looking for males and females 18 to 65 years of age that suffer from Atopic Dermatitis (dry, red, scaling patches throughout your body with or without itchiness), to participate in a nine [9] study visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation. Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Study Medication at no cost. • Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $540.00.
Forr more e information n please e call:
(954) 430-1097
FXM M Research h Miramar
3000 0 SW W 148th h Avenue,, Suite e 216 L 33027 • www.fxmresearch.com Miramar,, FL m
Francisco o Flores,, MD.
Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar
Do you or someone you know have Psoriasis? FXM Research in Miramar is looking for males or females 18 years or older that suffer from moderate to severe plaque Psoriasis to participate in a clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation. Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Medication at no cost. • Compensation for time and travel.
¿Tiene e usted d o alguien n que e usted d conozca Psoriasis? FXM Research in Miramar está buscando hombres y mujeres entre 18 años o más que sufran de Psoriasis moderada a severa para participar en un estudio de investigación clínico. Seguro Medico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos bajo investigación a no costo. • Compensación por su tiempo y transporte.
For more information please call / Para más información por favor llame:
(954) 430-1097
FXM M Research h Miramar
3000 0 SW W 148th h Avenue,, Suite e 216 L 33027 • www.fxmresearch.com Miramar,, FL m
The heat is always on in Miami Beach, but there’s extra sizzle in February as the city hosts one of the hottest events in the world – The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival. So much to see, so much to do and so much to taste! It’s no wonder Miami Beach is considered a destination like no other place in the world. Food and wine lovers converge on Miami Beach for The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE on February 21-24. The 12th annual festival boasts celebrity chefs, culinary showcases, wine and spirits producers and educational opportunities that will captivate connoisseurs of every type. Thousands of foodies will stroll the beach indulging in gourmet cuisine, magnificent wines and decadent desserts. New to this year’s roster of events are a film screening of Jiro Dreams of Sushi followed by a Q&A hosted by Anthony
Bourdain; a celebrity chef golf tournament hosted by José Andrés; Chicken Coupe hosted by Andrew Carmellini; and Taste & Toast with Target. These new events join old favorites like Burger Bash, The Q and Swine and Wine, rounding out a weekend jam-packed with gourmet goodness. An important economic driver for the destination, The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival benefits Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and T o u r i s m Management and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center. To date the Festival has raised nearly $17 million for FIU. Miami Beach, with an average temperature of 75 degrees, is perfectly realized this time of year with a blend of food, commerce, beaches, and warm winter weather. The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival expects to draw more than 60,000 patrons in 2013.
The 12th annual festival boasts celebrity chefs, culinary showcases, wine and spirits producers and educational opportunities that will captivate connoisseurs of every type. Thousands of foodies will stroll the beach indulging in gourmet cuisine, magnificent wines and decadent desserts.
Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney
Nursing Home Medicaid • Elder Law & Estate Planning Florida Medicaid Planning & Eligibility Asset Protection • Wills, Trusts, Living Wills Powers of Attorney • Guardianships Probate: Estate Administration
Serving Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties Tel.: 305.932.2293 Miami-Dade County 954.760.7077 Broward County www.buxtonlaw.com
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Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour partners with Mount Sinai Medical Center for charity Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour and Mount Sinai Medical Center have teamed up for the second time in less than a year to raise awareness and funds for a charitable cause. This February, Saks Fifth Avenue will donate 5% of all registered purchases made with a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card back to charity with an initiative called Saks Loves Your Cause. The Mount Sinai Medical Center Foundation will be one of two local charities that customers can choose from at Saks Bal Harbour to designate the 5% contribution. “After Saks Fifth Avenue’s successful charity initiative in 2012, we’re excited to be able to continue with the February promotion for the second year. We appreciate our customers’ charitable involvement and again look forward to giving back locally with this exciting national program,” said Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO, Saks Incorporated. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Saks Bal Harbour for the Saks Loves Your Cause campaign, and grateful for their continued support of our institution.” said Steve Sonenreich, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. In order for your donation to count, your purchases must be made with your Saks Fifth Avenue credit card. . If you don’t already have a Saks Fifth Avenue credit card, you may apply for one within the store with any sales associate. The more you spend, the bigger the impact your contribution can make! Registration is one simple step at point of sale. Tell your sales associate that you would like to register your Saks card and designate Mount Sinai as your charity. Each purchase made with your card throughout the entire month of February will then benefit Mount Sinai. ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 43 full-line stores in 20 states, 5 international licensed
stores, 65 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company’s online store. Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 50 U.S. companies so named. ABOUT MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER Founded in 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center is the largest, independent, private, not-for-profit teaching hospital in South Florida. Mount Sinai’s mission is to provide quality health care to its diverse community enhanced through teaching, research, charity care and financial responsibility. Mount Sinai’s Centers of Excellence combine technology, research, and academics to provide innovative and comprehensive care. One of a select few statutory teaching hospitals in the state, Mount Sinai is the hospital of choice for those who seek the level of expertise and care that only a teaching hospital can offer. The medical center’s commitment to quality has garnered prestigious recognition, including designation as one of America’s Top Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. For information, contact Joanna Palmer at Mount Sinai Medical Center 305-674-2589 or email to Jpalmer2@msmc.com.
Adopt a Buddy! For general information on how to adopt a pet, call us at (305) 696-0800 or go online at: <www.petrescuemiami.com>
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BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME
HOW’S BUSINESS Record Demand for Travel to Greater Miami and the Beaches Remains Strong in January – December 2012 Resulting in Increases in Greater Miami’s Tourist-Related Tax Collections Through twelve months of 2012, the 2% Tourist Development tax collections (excluding Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) totaled $20,327,005 compared to $18,706,856 in 2011 for an increase of +8.7%. The 3% Convention Development tax (CDT) collections for Greater Miami and the Beaches totaled $60,423,718 compared to $55,681,199 for the same period last year representing a +8.5 increase in 2012. The 2% Hotel Food and Beverage tax collections from hotels in Miami-Dade (excluding Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) generated $6,504,648 compared to $6,161,139 in 2011, for an increase of +5.6%. City of Miami Beach 3% Resort Tax Collections totaled $30,485,871 compared to $27,840,625 for an increase of +9.5%. The 2% Food and Beverage tax collections in Miami Beach generated $24,815,625 compared to $23,448,332 in 2011, for an increase of +5.8%.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY 2% TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX COLLECTIONS January-December 2012 January-December 2011 % Change $20,327,005 $18,706,586 +8.7% 3% CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT TAX COLLECTIONS January-December 2012 January-December 2011 % Change $60,423,718 $55,681,199 +8.5% 2% HOTEL FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX COLLECTIONS January-December 2012 January-December 2011 % Change $6,504,648 $6,161,139 +5.6%
MIAMI BEACH 3% RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS January-December 2012 January-December 2011 % Change $30,485,871 $27,840,691 +9.5% 2% FOOD & BEVERAGE TAX COLLECTIONS January-December 2012 January-December 2011 % Change $24,815,625 $23,448,332 +5.8% SHOP MIAMI MONTH IN FULL SWING GMCVB’s inaugural Shop Miami Month runs now through February 28, 2013. Consumers who spend $500 or more over the course of February at participating malls, marketplaces and retail establishments will receive a $20 Shop Miami Month Reward Card and will also be entered automatically to win great prizes such as airline tickets, an MSC cruise for two and hotel stays. For more details on this exciting new program, visit www.ShopMiamiMonth.com.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JEWELERS INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE – RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE “50 FASTEST GROWING TRADESHOWS OF 2012” Jewelers International Showcase (JIS), the largest independent jewelry trade show in the Americas and long-time customer of the Miami Beach Convention Center, has just been recognized by Trade Show Executive Magazine as one of the “50 Fastest Growing Trade Shows of 2012”. In fact, JIS won in all three categories as follows: Increased Net Square Feet (October 2012); Increased Number of Exhibiting Companies (October 2012); and Increased Number of Attendees (January 2012). The Jewelers International Showcase meets at the Miami Beach Convention Center each year in January, March and October. Congratulations to the entire JIS team on receiving such a prestigious award and for your valued partnership!
COMING SOON: MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Miami is internationally renowned for its spectacular film festivals, art cinemas and success as a film destination. The 30th edition of The Miami International Film Festival (MIFF) takes place March 1-10, 2013. MIFF brings the finest new works from established and emerging filmmakers to Miami to foster the vision that film is transformative and engaging for all members of the community. GMCVB’s Miami Film Month runs throughout the month of March. Enjoy discounts and special events at participating cinemas. For details, visit www.MiamiFilmMonth.com.
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Francisco o Flores,, MD.
Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar
Do you or someone you know have Actinic Keratosis? FXM Research in Miramar is looking for males and females 18 years or older that suffer from Actinic Keratosis “can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, result in discrete, rough, dry, scaly bumps on the face and/or the scalp”, to participate in a four [4] studyvisit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation. Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Study Medication or placebo at no cost. • Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $200.00.
¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca Keratosis Actínica? FXM Research en Miramar está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 años o más que sufran de Keratosis Actínica “pueden ser causadas por la exposición prolongada al sol, resultan en discretas lesiones abultadas, ásperas, secas, y escamosas en su cara y/o cuero cabelludo”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere cuatro [4] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos bajo investigación o placebo sin costo alguno. • Compensación por tiempo y transporte hasta $200.00.
For more information please call / Para más información por favor llame:
(954) 430-1097
FXM M Research h Miramar
3000 0 SW W 148th h Avenue,, Suite e 216 L 33027 • www.fxmresearch.com Miramar,, FL m
Francisco o Flores,, MD.
Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miramar
Do you or someone you know have Facial Acne? FXM Research in Miramar is looking for males and females 12 to 35 years of age that suffer from Facial Acne, to participate in an eight [8] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation. Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Study Medication at no cost. • Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $800.00.
¿Tiene e usted d o alguien n que e usted d conozca Acné é Facial? FXM Research en Miramar está buscando hombres y mujeres de 12 a 35 años de edad que sufran de Acné Facial, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere ocho [8] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos bajo investigación sin costo alguno. • Reembolso por tiempo y transporte hasta $800.00.
For more information please call / Para más información por favor llame:
(954) 430-1097
FXM M Research h Miramar
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Pillar Social Celebrating 15th Anniversary of Miami Fashion Week
Joshua Levy, Nicole Rekant, Maria Guadamuz and Osvaldo Osorio
Miami Fashion Week kick off party was a success
Oliver Oberhauser,Ricardo Dimitri, German De Giuli and guest
Parker Lake, Laurie Friesner Bomstein, Corinne Arazi, Massimo Maltese and guests
President & CEO Jerry Libbin, Pablo Lucero and guest
Designer Julian Chang and Miami Fashion Week Founder Beth Sobol
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Feb. 21 - Mar. 6, 2013
Pillar Social Celebrating 15th Anniversary of Miami Fashion Week
Chamber President & CEO President Jerry Libbin, Chamber COO and Executive V.P. Ceci Velasco and Michael Polakov
Designer Julian Chang and models
Beth Sobol, Aaron Perry and guest Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Miami Fashion Week.
PROJECT MANAGER Coordinate, direct, budget, costs, making plans, contracts, recommendation and technical activities and negociations. Bach degree in Architecture. 5 yrs exp. ONLY RESUME Integrasun USA Corp. 4982 SW 173 Avenue, Miramar, FL 33029
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Pillar Social Celebrating 15th Anniversary of Miami Fashion Week
Jerry Libbin, 2013 Humanitarian Award Honoree
Model and Designer Nicolas Felizola
Michael Goldberg, Chamber President & CEO Jerry Libbin, Alfred Karram, Camber COO & EVP Ceci Velasco and guest
Tiffany & Co. auction items
Auction items
Designer Viviana G for Petit Pois Henry Gonzalez and Beth Sobol
Cynthia Rodriguez, 2013 Humanitarian Award Honoree
Designer Julian Chang
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Side Effects: A Giant Rollercoaster ride of a Movie
BY LAUREN COHEN
As true as the sky is blue is this: you should avoid the details of Steven Soderbergh’s latest (and possibly last) film at all costs. Stop watching the trailers. Stop watching the TV spots. And for the love of God, don’t IMDb it. Because while it may be a cliché to say this, “Side Effects” is one giant rollercoaster ride of a movie — one that’ll best draw you into its web if you go in with a clean slate. A throwback to those classic psychological thrillers of the 80s (think of the films directed by Adrian Lyne), what I can say is this: it tells the tale of Emily (Rooney Mara), a young woman who’s struggling with depression in the wake of her husband Martin’s (Channing Tatum) release from prison. When she starts going to psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) for treatment, he prescribes her a drug that’s fresh on the market – one that has alarming, unforeseen side effects. Soderbergh has crafted one heck of a film here. It’s sharp, gripping, thought provoking, and over-the-top. He takes a story that wanders into deliciously B-movie territory, and
MOVIE REVIEW
Rooney Mara and Channing Tatum in Side Effects –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– keeps it feeling elegant and polished; we phere that makes you feel like you’re not don’t often see movies of this nature turn out entirely present. (The kind of feeling that to be so impressively constructed. accompanies prescription drugs, perhaps?) Soderbergh, who also shot and edited the Rooney Mara, in her first post-“Dragon film under pseudonyms, employs his beauti- Tattoo” role, once again steals the show. ful, unique style of cinematography. The She has that sort of tragically beautiful face visuals, combined with Thomas Newman’s that the camera loves – the kind that comhaunting score, coat the film with a hazy municates everything and nothing at the aura; it has that type of dreamlike atmos- same time. I really do hope that this isn’t
the director’s final film, because she’s the perfect actress to compliment his signature style. The film’s effectiveness is due in large part to Scott Z. Burns’ mind-bending script. He encourages you to think the movie is about one thing — before throwing you a curveball and flipping the presumed story on its head. It’s dark and provocative, but not humorless. There are a handful of dryly satirical moments that poke fun at our over-medicated, pill-popping culture, and it’s things like that that keep “Side Effects” feeling both clever and current. Your head will be reeling by the film’s end…but you’ll be coherent enough to know that you can’t wait to go see it again. It should come with its own bold label: WARNING: multiple viewings may occur. Rating: A-
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The Inaugural Better Beach Awards On March 21st, 2013, the Real Estate Council of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the inaugural ‘Better Beach Awards,’ to honor members of the local Real Estate community. Hosted at the beautiful Loews Miami Beach Hotel, this event will highlight real estate champions, consistently at the industry’s forefront. These awards cover an array of sub-industries within Real Estate – everything from construction to architecture, realty to property management. The awards are as follows: The Green Awards – Sustainable Residential Property and Sustainable Commercial Property (2 Awards) Historic Preservation Awards – Residential, Commercial, and Hotel (3 Awards) Most Spectacular Restoration Awards – Residential, Commercial and Hotel (3 Awards) Innovative Architecture Award – Residential or Commercial Innovative Designer Award – Residential or Commercial Better Beach Citizen Awards – Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Agent or Citizen at Large (3 Awards) Most Innovative Method of Marketing Awards – Real Estate Broker and Real Estate Agent (2 Awards) In addition to these awards, Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the Miami Association of Realtors, will be honored with the ‘Progressive Industry Leadership’ award for her outstanding contributions to the Miami Real Estate Industry in 2012. The Chamber is so pleased to honor such a deserving real estate professional, and we look forward to what she will accomplish in 2013. The Chamber’s Real Estate Council encourages you to nominate all who are worthy of awards and get them the recognition they deserve! Tickets for the event for Pillar members are $45, general member are $55 and non-members are $65. Table sponsorships are only $650. The event will take place from 11:00am – 1:30 pm at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, located at 1601 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Visit www.miamibeachchamber.com/nominate.php to submit your nomination online! Contact Cristian Galleguillos, Real Estate Council liaison for the Chamber, at 305.674.1300 x100 or Cristian@miamibeachchamber.com for any questions or clarifications.
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The $outh Florida Gaming Report
A Busy Beach BY ISADORE HAVENICK
It is that time of year. The boat show brings crowds from around the country, if not the world, to marvel at an unmatched collection of high-end yachts. They sit in a cluster on the Intracoastal Waterway across from the famed Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel. Buyers and dreamers alike climb on board to see what several million dollars buys you today. It is quite the scene and really unrivaled. Those of us looking for a slightly more affordable way to navigate the South Florida waterways might stroll over to the Convention Center where hundreds of watercrafts are available for purchase. The exposition at the Convention Center
always features the latest and greatest in both boating electronics and fishing equipment. On the heels of the boat show, the SOBE Wine and Food Festival heads our way in late February. The stars of the Food Network headline a bevy of lunches, dinners, tastings, and parties. If a mega-yacht is not on your shopping list, how about attending a burger bash hosted by Rachael Ray or an organic food fest highlighted by a musical performance from Ziggy Marley. There are still a few tickets left for some of these great events. The foodies will be out in force and the finest of libations will be flowing. There is never a shortage of fun exciting events on the beach but the month of February, while short on days, features the world’s best collection of boats and burgers.
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