P u b l i s h e d i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h T h e M i a m i B e a c h C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– S u p p o r t i n g L o c a l B u s i n e s s e s s i n c e 1 9 5 8
NOVEMBER 17 - 30, 2010 ––––––––––– www.communitynewspapers.com –––––––––––– Phone: 305-669-7355
Chamber Board Calling for Full Support of Miami Beach Letter from the Chair Convention Center – Without Distraction
T
he Master Plan for a proposed expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is well underway and nearly complete. Meanwhile, a study for a “conference” center is being proposed by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), as presented at the November meeting of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Although the study hasn’t been done, in the report presented to the Chamber, the DDA’s initial findings show the cost to the consumer would be lower compared to the Miami Beach Convention Center. This could hamper the GMCVB efforts as the conference center would be pitting “us against them” for the smaller business. Not only the Miami Beach Convention Center, but Regional Hotels such as the Loews, Fontainebleau, Four Seasons, Hilton Omni and the Downtown Marriott would be in the mix. Of the panel members, the only hotel represented on the DDA’s ULI Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) is the Mandarin Oriental, a hotel without comparable conference facilities. The Board of Governors felt that by just considering a new project distracts focus on the major issue of the Miami Beach Convention Center which had Regional impact for South Florida. “The stakeholders in this region need to pull together behind the development of the Miami Beach Convention Center which clearly provides the greatest benefit to the region as a whole and does not distract from the focus of completing this project already in progress” stated Aaron Perry, Past Chairman of the Chamber. “I implore this board to take a position against this project which will ultimately be bad for both the city and the region”. The ULI TAP report dated July 7, 2010, brings several concerns which local stake-
––––––––––––––––––––– See
SUPPORT, page 4
Port of Miami Project Serves as Economic Growth for South Florida
Aerial view of the Port of Miami ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY CHANTAL GLOOR
ill Johnson, Director of the Port of Miami, presented on the Port of Miami’s Deep Dredge Project to the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Board of Governors meeting held on November 9th. The Deep Dredge is one of the most important projects currently being designed in Florida and has a nationwide significance in supporting international trade and commerce. Now in the planning stages, this project requires the Port of Miami to
B
Bill Johnson, Director of the Port of Miami
–––––––––––– See
PORT OF MIAMI, page 4
I’
m fascinated with history. From world events to individual journeys, the stories that continually unfold within stories draw me in with their messages of hope, determination, obstacles, triumphs...and usually a little drama in between. Hopefully, we grow from our past experiences and move forward, but every once in awhile, it’s important to go back to your roots. Recently, I started reflecting on the history of Miami Beach. At the turn of the 20th century, this island captivated several prominent businessmen, who envisioned their next great venture in a paradise setting. The completion of the Venetian and MacArthur causeways officially connected the land to the Miami mainland, and marked the catalyst for its incorporation into the City of Miami Beach in 1915. Thus, ensued the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, founded by five visionaries led by T.J. Pancoast in July 1921. Their first objective was to install lighting on the county causeway, which had accrued a significant record of nighttime accidents in its year-old lifespan. Their humble offices consisted of a table and umbrella on the corner of Alton Road and Fifth Street, where they shared their ideals for the new city with anyone who came over the causeway. Within just five months, its membership grew to 350 residents, civic leader and business owners (more than half of the Miami Beach population!). The charming sandbox boomed into a glamourous playground known for its landmark structures, balmy winters and beautiful patrons. With the help of the Chamber, Miami Beach stepped from the shadows of its
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
LETTER, page 4