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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C o n n e c 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 30, 2011
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Art Basel Miami Beach 2011: Celebrating the 10th Edition
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rom December 1 through 4, Miami Beach, Florida, hosted the 10th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach, the most prestigious art show in the Americas. More than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa participated, showcasing works by more than 2,000 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. To mark its 10th edition, Art Basel Miami Beach inaugurated a new collaboration with the Bass Museum of Art on the Art Public sector, which transformed Collins Park with unique artworks and performances by renowned artists and emerging talents. For the first time, Art Video was presented on the large-scale outdoor projection wall of the New World Center, designed by Frank Gehry. The free public viewings were part of a number of special events and performances taking place across Miami Beach for the duration of the show to celebrate the 10th edition. Over the past ten years, Art Basel Miami Beach rapidly developed from a vibrant newcomer on the global art scene to the leading international art show in the Americas. The list of participating galleries, chosen by the Selection Committee, makes Art Basel Miami Beach the most prestigious art show of the Americas, featuring both established and emerging galleries. By redefining and optimizing its sectors, Art Basel Miami Beach has constantly responded to the evolving needs of its galleries. –––––––––––––––––– See
ART BASEL, page 4
Miami Beach International Bridal Week shines as it Changes the Face of ‘Bridal’
BY SHARI LYNN ROTHSTEIN-KRAMER
S
obol-Perry Fashion P r o d u c t i o n s , I n c . has done it again! As the producers and masterminds behind Miami Beach International Bridal Week (MBIBW), Beth Sobol, and her business partner, A a ro n P e r r y, successfully debuted the newest and what could be considered, the most important bridal show the wedding industry has ever seen. Held this past weekend (November 26 and 27) at the Eden Roc Renais s ance M i a m i B e a c h, more than 500 people made their way through the two-day extravaganza, where all things beautiful, and of course bridal, prevailed.
Taking its cue from Sobol’s signature Miami Beach International Fashion Week, an event recognized as one of the world’s top five fashion events, MBIBW brought to life a world of wedding fantasy. From the Eden Roc’s outstanding cuisine and champagne tastings by M o ë t Hennessey to the multiple couture bridal fashion and lingerie runway shows and lovely jewelry designs, there was something for everyone. Show highlights included elaborate “pavilions” designed by MBIBW’s creative director, M a rc Silverstone of E q u i l i b r i u m Events. Discerning brides - and grooms-tobe were swept away by fairytale wedding ––––––––––––––
See
BRIDAL WEEK, page 4
Phone: 305-669-7355
Letter from the Chair BY JASON LOEB
Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber Time to finalize your wish lists - the holidays are here. I always love this time of year, as it reminds me of all I have to be thankful for. But why reserve gratitude for the month of December? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone maintained the warm-and-fuzzy holiday spirit year-long? Spirit is the backbone of everything. It’s what drives us to work, pursue our passions and connect with each other. People identify not with your product or services, but with the culture of the organization. Business comes with a lot of responsibilities, but any good company should also mind its social responsibility to the community in which it thrives. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is certainly an organization with plenty of spirit, enabling us to see huge impacts in so many sectors. This year, I urge you to direct some of that powerful spirit to giving. Even small acts given with sincerity and purpose can make a huge difference. Select a cause that is aligned with your organization’s mission, and therefore more likely close-to-heart for everyone within. Giving comes in all forms - discover the real needs to fulfilling your cause and get as creative as you want, whether it be monetary or time donations, partnerships, or sustainable programs. Most importantly, get your people involved. Allowing them to use their talents and skills for a greater cause can renew their passion for work and uplift the overall human spirit of your organization. As I mentioned above, ongoing and continued philanthropic support is so much more impacting than larger one-off moments. I’ll close with a fond farewell to 2011, but also a spirited welcome to 2012. May it be filled with even greater achievements and fulfilling moments that we’re so proud to have experienced thus far, but may we also reciprocate our good fortunes with our support of community causes. A safe and wonderful holiday to all!
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December 1 - 14, 2011
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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT JOSE SMITH —
MIAMI BEACH CITY ATTORNEY Jose Smith is a 50 year resident of Miami Beach. A 1967 graduate of Miami Beach Senior High School, Jose played baseball under legendary coach Skip Bertman. While at Beach High, Jose also coached youth baseball for the Miami Beach Recreation Department Jose graduated with honors in 1973 from the University of Florida College of Law. After gaining considerable trial and appellate experience in a downtown Miami civil litigation firm, he founded his own firm in 1983, Smith & Supraski, P.A., in North Miami Beach. Shortly thereafter, Jose became actively involved in city government, serving on the Miami Beach Tourist and Convention Center Expansion Authority (1986-1991), the Miami Beach Charter Review Board (1992-1993), the Community Development Advisory Committee (1994-1996) and the Planning Board (1996-1997). Jose was also a founding member of the Normandy Shores Homeowner’s Association, establishing its special taxing district status in 1994 to protect and preserve the beauty and security in this waterfront community. In 1997, Jose was elected to the Miami Beach City Commission where he served with honor and distinction until 2005. He wrote and sponsored legislation involving ethics, as well as campaign and procurement reforms. While a commissioner, Jose chaired the city’s Finance Committee and led delegations to all 3 Wall Street rating firms. His presentations resulted in several upgrades to the city’s bond ratings. He also worked closely with then City Attorney, Murray Dubbin, to protect the city’s legal interests in pending litigation. He also testified before U.S. Congressional Committees and before State of Florida officials to help secure grants and funding for city projects. Perhaps his proudest legacy was working with his colleagues on the City Commission to make the city a world class destination dedicated to the arts, culture, great architecture and historic
JOSE SMITH
preservation. He led the original city delegation to Basel, Switzerland. Along with many other community leaders, Jose helped bring Art Basel Miami Beach, the world’s greatest art festival. Jose was appointed City Attorney in 2006 by a unanimous vote of the City Commission. He has served the city well, enhancing the prestige and reputation of the office. He has been recognized in the “South Florida Legal Guide”, as one of “South Florida’s Top Government Attorneys”. Last year he was featured in Florida Trend Magazine as a top government attorney in “Florida Legal Elite”. Jose has published law review articles and is a frequent lecturer at South Florida universities. He often assists other cities draft or interpret legislation on issues of public importance. As a member of the Dade League of Cities Legal Advisory Committee he helped publish its “Elected Officials Handbook”. Jose is married to Sara Kesner Smith, a realtor. Jose and Sara met on Lincoln Road while students at Miami Beach High School. They will soon celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. They are blessed with 3 sons, Kevin, Neil and Daniel.
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ART BASEL, from page 1 Between 2002 and today, Art Basel Miami Beach has gradually extended its footprint by over 50 percent, and increased the number of exhibiting galleries from barely 200 galleries in 2002 to more than 260 galleries at this year’s edition. Outside the halls, public art works have repeatedly transformed numerous locations across Miami Beach. The decade has also marked a time of great transformations in the cultural scene of South Florida and Miami Beach. Major private collections including De la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space, CIFO, Rubell Family Collection, World Class Boxing, and the Margulies Collection enlarged their presence in Miami Beach and their reputation across the world. In addition, public institutions
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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– such as the Miami Art Museum and MOCA North Miami are extending their scope with new building projects, scheduled for completion in 2013. Many observers have called this decade ‘a cultural renaissance’, that made the Greater Miami area an exciting destination for the international artworld. The show has likewise helped catalyze the evolution of the Latin American art scene, serving as an annual meeting point for its existing players and its new collectors. The rapid surge in the numbers of collectors from the entire continent – and the steady pace at which they have broadened the scope of their collections – have made the show a true nexus between the art scenes of Europe, North America and Latin America.
BRIDAL WEEK, from page 1 – scenes that included a gold-plated mandap, which gave way to a world of color for an elaborate South Asian wedding; a black, white, and red-themed setting for the GLBT community; and a sophisticated contemporary Jewish ceremony, complete with Chuppah. Great music from J avier Montes of DJ Connection filled the air, while gorgeous floral creations by Mauricio Duque of Concept Flowers were present almost everywhere the eye could see, furthering the perfectly dreamlike environment. A masculine groom’s Lounge, created by Sandy Espinosa of Twenty7 Events, provided a place for groom’s to relax while their brides-to-be explored. Bridal couture fashion and lingerie shows the absolute draw for many attendees - exemplified MBIBW’s international flavor and Sobol’s expertise. She presented an elite collection of designers including Rania Hatoum, a bridal couture designer from Egypt, Fadila Kihel of Algeria, Umar Sayeed from Pakistan, and the Patuna Bushyhead Fashion House from the Republic of Georgia. Jewelry designers including Aurum Collections, Jennii fer Diaz, and Maleku put the finishing touches on models, as ensembles were accented with unique and exquisite original designs. The hottest luxury bridal lingerie and loungewear trends were presented by Bloomingdale’s. Interactive seminars including “Dancing with the ‘Miami Stars”, “Beyond the Cake – Wedding Champagne Trends”, Financial Planning for your Future, and “Bridal Bootcamp” presented by The Style Network’s TV Host and Celebrity Wedding Planner, Ana Cruz ran throughout the show. Timely and poignant, Miami Beach City Commissioner Michael Gongora, the divine Elaine Lancaster, and CJ Ortuno, Executive Director of SAVE Dade, shared personal stories on the politics and human nature in the fight for marriage equality and ceremony trends for GLBT couples. “I am thrilled with the huge success of the first annual Miami Beach International Bridal Week. It was an honor to serve on the panel discussing same
December 1 - 14, 2011
sex marriage issues and ceremony trends for GLBT couples,” said Gongora. “I am proud of the founders of Bridal Week, Beth Sobol and Aaron Perry, for bringing this issue to the forefront. The more we discuss this issue, the more change can occur in the State of Florida beginning with the City of Miami Beach.” Media coverage was abundant, including NBC-6 Live Miami, Telemundo’s Acceso Total, CNN, Ted Turner’s new fashion & lifestyle network, Glitz TV Latin America, which covered the entire event and plans a one hour special to serve its 20 million viewers. Noteworthy guests included actor Vincent De Paul, who launched his new line of men’s formalwear ties and Ronnie Rothstein, owner of renowned Manhattanbased Kleinfeld Bridal, who was said to be thrilled by MBIBW’s selection of suppliers and International bridal designers. Ceci Velasco, Chief Operating Officer of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, was also on hand to comment: “The Miami Beach International Bridal Week was a spectacular opportunity for the bridal industry to capitalize on Miami Beach as a premier wedding destination with the cosmopolitan flair that Miami Beach is known for. We are the gateway of all things international and Bridal Week offered everything from simple elegance to couture.” Perry, Managing Partner for Sobol-Perry Fashion Productions, Inc., could not have been more humble. “I can’t give enough thanks to the entire Eden Roc staff led by its General Manager, G reg Cook, and Director of Event Management, Mary Jo Ferrazza, for doing a spectacular job as hosts of the event. We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful hotel to showcase Miami Beach as a premier wedding destination,” said Perry. “Of course, this event could never have taken place without the support of the City of Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau,” Sobol added. “Additionally, I’d like to give a special thanks to the Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority’s board chair, Elsie Sterling Howard and executive director, Grisette Roque-Marcos, whose vision for the event and for Miami Beach as a world-class wedding destination, was a true inspiration for the creation of Miami Beach International Bridal Week.”
December 1 - 14, 2011
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The $outh Florida Gaming Repor t
A Wynning Hand? BY ISADORE HAVENICK
Steve Wynn has a fondness for Miami Beach. Does Miami Beach have a fondness for Steve Wynn? He has spent portions of many winters here basking in the sunshine. His first date with his wife Elaine was at the Fontainebleau Hotel. Wynn recalls the glory days of the Beach when Sinatra and Gleason were the headliners. Wynn reinvigorated the gaming industry in the desert oasis of Las Vegas and is recognized as a man who sets the industry standards and then breaks through the very standards
he has set. Next to the Dos Equis beer man, Steve Wynn might be the most interesting man in the world. Now Steve has apparently set his sights on the Beach and in particular the Miami Beach Convention Center and surrounding property. More importantly Wynn has put the spotlight back on the Beach and in some way residents must deal with an issue that is not going away any time soon. Gaming wrapped in some sort of saleable package and neatly topped with ribbons and bows is coming to mainland Miami. It might not be today and maybe not even tomorrow but sooner or later the roulette wheels will spin in the Magic City. It is time, we, as Beach residents start to deal with the issue.
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Get into the Holiday Spirit at North Beach Nights & Lights Free Entertainment & More on Friday Nights
Miamii Beach h News
6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355 • Fax (305) 662-6980 PUBLISHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant & Michael Miller ASSOCIATED PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy Donner WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albie Barnes, Roberta Bergman, Beatriz Brandfon, Celia Canabate, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diane Chasin, Enrique Chau, Sharon Christian, Lori Cohen, Dianne Maddox, Denzil Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Georgia Tait, Walter White PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek PRODUCTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Ortega, Catalina Roca, Vera Salom, Marie Scheer, Isabel Vavrek PUBLISHER EMERITUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Miller 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. Every issue of the Miami Beach is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers. Using artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers. MILLER PUBLISHING and COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS are proud to publish the following newspapers: Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Community Newspapers, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens, Opa-locka Review, Palmetto Bay News, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park News. See us at www.communitynewspapers.com
Celebrate the holiday season every Friday night for five weeks at Miami Beach’s Normandy Fountain beginning November 25. Free entertainment (live performances, karaoke, dancing & music) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. will get audiences into the festive spirit. A new holiday lighting display will also be introduced at the historic fountain. While in the area, visit the magical holiday displays at North Beach restaurants and merchants (part of a holiday window display competition – winner announced on December 16). “As part of our economic development efforts in North Beach, we are funding several events and initiatives to stimulate business in this unique international neighborhood of Miami Beach,” said Kevin Crowder, economic development director, City of Miami Beach.
Be happy. TV & Internet
Presented as “North Beach Nights & Lights,” the City of Miami Beach approved additional funding to enhance the holiday lighting campaign by installing a series of lights at the fountain and entertainment. Other initiatives in the planning stages include Movies in the Park, Friday Night Skates and other presentations at North Shore Bandshell, and the expansion of DiSh (the dinner and a show discount program in collaboration with the Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre and area restaurants) through June 2012. Normandy Fountain is located at 71 Street and Normandy Drive. Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in Recreation Review, call 305.673.7730 or visit our website at www.miamibeachparks.com.
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December 1 - 14, 2011
BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME
HOW’S BUSINESS Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality Industry JOBS reached a RECORD high for October with an increase of +2.3% in October 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. This is the 17th consecutive month of increased employment in Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality industry. In October 2011, a RECORD 109,300 people were employed in Greater Miami’s Leisure and Hospitality sector compared to 106,800 for October 2010. Sampling of Recent & Upcoming Meetings… Meeting: America Society for Periodontology Date: November 13-15, 2011 Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center Attendance: 5,500 Meeting: International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Date: November 20-23, 2011 Venue: Fontainebleau Miami Beach Attendance: 500 Meeting: Art Basel Miami Beach Date: December 1-4, 2011 Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center Attendance: 10,000+ MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN One of Miami Beach’s green treasures, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, has just enjoyed a fabulous re-design which was unveiled in October. The Office of Capital Improvement Projects, in partnership with the Miami Beach Garden Conservancy, oversaw the $1.3 million renovation. The new space, designed by
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Raymond Jungles, transforms much of the landscaped space into a more verdant garden oasis. New features include a wetland with red mangrove and pond apple trees, an expansive water garden with cascading oolite fountain, enhanced lighting and pathyways, a welcoming entrane plaza, and a diverse collection of flowering trees, palms, cycads, orchids, bromeliads and Florida native species. Locals and visitors alike should make time to enjoy this beautiful urban green space in the heart of South Beach. ART BASEL MIAMI BEACH Taking place December 1-4, 20011 at Miami Beach Convention Center, Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau will staff a booth at Art Basel Miami Beach with information on Greater Miami’s museums, galleries and cultural venues. The booth will provide tourists and visitors an opportunity to collect brochures, flyers and maps with general information about the destination. For more information, visit www.ArtBasel.com. MIAMI LIVE MUSIC MONTH The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Miami Live Music Month, which runs through November 30, 2011, celebrates our destination’s dynamic live music scene. Miami’s live music venues will host performances featuring rock, jazz, R&B, bossa nova, Caribbean and much more. During Miami Live Music Month, consumers can participate in a text-to-win contest or check-in to music venues/festivals through a FourSquare promotion for a chance to win a weekend at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach during the Bleau Live concert series to see Ricky Martin, concert tickets, Bayside Rocks Festival tickets or iTunes gift cards. For details and a list of live music events, visit www.MiamiLiveMusicMonth.com.
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YOU HAVE DEFENSES But only if you assert them
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305-256-3002 The law office of Dennis R. Haber P.A. has been providing legal services to our community for over 25 years, however this information is of a general nature and is not intended to answer any individual’s legal questions. Do not rely on information presented herein to address your individual legal concerns. If you have a legal questions, you should consult an attorney experienced in that area of the law. Moreover, the hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you hire an attorney, you should request information about attorney’s qualifications and experiences.
December 1 - 14, 2011
December 1 - 14, 2011
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December 1 - 14, 2011
Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney
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December 1 - 14, 2011
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DESIGN MIAMI/ 2011
HITS MIAMI BEACH WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN GALLERIES AND CULTURAL PROGRAM FOCUSED ON ARCHITECTURE Design Miami/, the global forum for design, will hold the 2011 edition of its show November 30 - December 4, in a custom structure, erected adjacent to its sister fair Art Basel Miami Beach. The fair boasts a newly expanded gallery program with choice exhibitors from America, Europe, Asia and Africa presenting important works of 20th and 21st century design, including furniture, lighting and objets d’art. This year’s fair will see a 50% increase in participating galleries and will host a program of Talks, Satellite Exhibitions and custom commissions exploring the relationship between design and architecture. Design Miami/ has become the destination for collectors seeking both established and cutting-edge emerging design for private and museum collections. Each fair presents a competitively curated selection of international galleries – all top specialists in their fields – representing important works by French architects of 40s and 50s, Brazilian and California Modern, Scandinavian MidCentury, Postmodern Italian design, the French 60s and 70s, Korean craft, artists’ and
designers’ jewelry and a large spectrum of experimental contemporary work fromboth lauded established and emerging designers. The fair’s list of prestigious exhibitors draws influential collectors, institutions, designers, critics and industry luminaries from around the world. Design Miami/ maintains a consistent roster of the world’s most active design galleries, including: • Galerie Patrick Seguin (Paris), Galerie kreo (Paris), Carpenters Workshop Gallery (London & Paris), Demisch Danant (NY), R 20th Century (NY), Johnson Trading Gallery (NY), Jousse Entreprise (NY) and Cristina Grajales Gallery (NY). This Miami fair also welcomes back Galerie Downtown – François Laffanour (Paris), Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery (Zurich & Paris), Hostler Burrows (NY), moss (NY), Magen H. Gallery (NY) and Galerie VIVID (Rotterdam). First-time exhibitors include Didier Ltd (London), Galerie Maria Wettergren (Paris), Galerie Pierre Marie Giraud (Brussels), Mark McDonald (Hudson, NY), Modernity (Stockholm) and Novalis Fine Arts (Turin).
In addition, the Design On/Site program, the showcase for small-scale yet high-level exhibitions of new work by individual designers or studios, will include Design Miami’s first ever participant from Africa, Southern Guild (Wilderness). Alongside these venerable galleries, Design Miami/ organizes a cultural program that profiles established and up-and-coming designers, commissions new architectural and design work and brings together luminaries from the worlds of design, art, fashion and architecture to discuss their influences and process. A highlight of this December’s show is the site-specific installation by Designer of the Year Award winner, UK-based architect David Adjaye. As his award commission, Adjaye will create a pavilion, entitled Genesis. Adjaye calls Genesis his first work of “giant architectural furniture” that combines structure, seating, windows and doors into a single gesture. For the second consecutive year, Design Miami’s Design Talks series will be moderated by W Magazine Editor-in-Chief Stefano
Tonchi. Over the course of three days, these conversations will include a selection the world’s top architects, discussing their careers, collaborations and passions. As part of the show’s series of satellite exhibitions, the Miami Design District presents in collaboration with the Buckminster Fuller Foundation, utopian architect Fuller’s 1970s Fly’s Eye Dome alongside Lord Norman Foster’s reconstructed Dymaxion car. The fair also welcomes a capsule exhibition of the french design show Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity presented by The Wolfsonian Museum. Design Miami’s ambitious curatorial program and investment in bringing the most exciting names in design to the fair would not be possible without the generous commitment of its partners. Audi, Design Miami’s Exclusive Automotive Sponsor, Fendi and Swarovski Crystal Palace will unveil new design projects at the fair; Veuve Clicquot and Cappellini also continue their support with the 2011 show.
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Miami Beach Senior High 2011 Hall of Fame Luncheon What a class of Inductees: Ann Curless Weiss ’82, Rabbi Ronald Kronish, Ph.D. ’64, Stuart K. Jacobs ’47, Barry Grosskopf, M.D. ’63, Hon. Paul D. Novack ’76, S. Mitchell Harman M.D. Ph.D ’60, Burton Young ’45. The day began with the traditional ceremony in the school auditorium before the students and faculty – thanks to alumni member Scott Ross. The Miami Beach Chamber was represented by Past Chair Aaron Perry, Immediate Past Pillar Chair Michael Goldberg and President/CEO Commissioner Jerry Libbin, who presented certificates to the inductees on behalf of the Chamber. Then Wendy Unger, ’66 , Jeanne Westphal and Valerie Rasken went to the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay for the Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon where they were entertained by the Beach High band and cheerleading squad. Everyone was pleased to see Jeanne Hart Wolf ’57, former Hall of Famer return to serve as Emcee for the event. Former principal Dr. Sol Lichter and popular hall of famer and music director Doug Burris also were big crowd pleasers.
Russ family and Rosalinda • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • LEFT: Rabbi Ronald Kronish RIGHT: Paul Novack
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National Planning Corporation celebrates 60 years in business For the past 60 years, National Planning Corporation (NPC) has developed deep roots in the South Florida community, promoting the belief that long-term financial well-being starts with a strong foundation of protecting their clients’ most precious asset….FAMILY. Established in 1951, NPC has been one of the leading agencies of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (a Fortune 500 company) and Park Avenue Securities. Jeffrey E. Newman, along with his son Robert B. Newman and their strong team of advisors in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton, have continued to build a reputation for excellence with a comprehensive financial approach – from wealth management and business planning to insurance, retirement, and estate planning - that goes beyond the narrow limits of product agenda. “We take into account the way clients’ business and personal lives are interconnected to help them make the most of both,” said President, Jeffrey Newman, who joined the firm in 1972. He also added “Guardian has consistently provided its participating policyholders with strong dividend performance over their 150 plus year history with the current dividend interest rate increasing to 6.95% for 2012.” It’s with this history and performance that NPC continues to stay strong in the market-
place. “We all go through stages in our lives from college graduation, marriage, becoming parents or having to deal with the loss of a loved one. I’m passionate about what I do because I am able to help clients through those stages in their lives, and realize their goals and dreams,” adds Managing Partner Robert Newman, who sits on the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors. “We also provide our team of advisors an opportunity to build a long- lasting career and be part of our professional family.” NPC has a unique client offering that sets them apart called, The Living Balance Sheet®, a state-of-the-art financial planning tool. It provides clients with a detailed, holistic view of their financial world at any given time and helps NPC’s team of advisors work with clients to model and address a variety of financial scenarios and outcomes. “Our clients love it because it allows them to see all of their financial holdings in a real-time convenient snapshot,” said Adam Sendzischew, a financial advisor who has been with NPC since
Robert B. Newman and Jeffrey E. Newman
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2007 and sits on the Pillar Trustee Board. With the company’s well–established foundation, no one better understands the importance of building soundly for the long-term – be it a reputation, a relationship, a family legacy or a financial plan that will endure for tomorrow and the years to come. NPC is currently expanding their team of
financial advisors in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton offices. If you have a passion to help others achieve financial success, have an entrepreneurial mindset and are a person of high integrity, please send your resume to Brooke Brown, Marketing& Recruiting Director at brooke_brown@npcfinancial.com.
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AT&T presents $75,000 gift to United Way of Miami-Dade the best wireless coverage worldMaria Johnston, regional wide of any U.S. carrier, offering director for external affairs for the most wireless phones that work AT&T, presented a $75,000 in the most countries. It also offers check to Harve Mogul, president advanced TV services under the and CEO of United Way of AT&T U-verse® and AT&T Miami-Dade. The gift repre?DIRECTV brands. The company’s sents AT&T’s annual corporate suite of IP-based business commudonation in support of United nications services is one of the most Way’s work in education, finanadvanced in the world. In domestic cial stability and health – the markets, AT&T Advertising building blocks of a good life. By Solutions and AT&T Interactive are investing in United Way, AT&T known for their leadership in local and its employees are working search and advertising. together to help create a more Additional information about educated, prosperous and healthy AT&T Inc. and the products and Miami-Dade. services provided by AT&T sub“AT&T and our employees sidiaries and affiliates is available have a 135 year history of buildat http://www.att.com. This AT&T ing stronger communities news release and other announceanchored in the knowledge that ments are available at people matter to each other, to our http://www.att.com/newsroom and communities, and to our compaas part of an RSS feed at ny. This belief goes to the core of www.att.com/rss. Or follow our our business to provide our comnews on Twitter at @ATT. munities with the most innovative © 2011 AT&T Intellectual products and services along with From left to right: Sheryl Lemon, Jacquie O’Malley and Harve Mogul of United Way of Miami-Dade; Maria Johnston of AT&T; Francesca Property. All rights reserved. investing our time and money in Borbon and Anthony Bonaventure of United Way of Miami-Dade –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mobile broadband not available in organizations like United Way of all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo Miami-Dade County” says Maria lies alike – all whose lives are enhanced by www.facebook.com/UnitedWayMiami or and all other marks contained herein are Johnston, AT&T Florida Regional Director, this kind of caring.” www.twitter.com/UnitedWayMiami. trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property “Our workforce, our business, and the comand/or AT&T affiliated companies. munities that we serve are all stronger as a ABOUT UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE ABOUT AT&T result and are a better place for all of us to AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier comFor 90 years, United Way of Miamilive and raise our families.” Dade has been an innovative force in the munications holding company and one of ABOUT PHILANTHROPY AT AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is committed to The corporate gift is in addition to con- community with a long and successful the most honored companies in the world. tributions generated by employees of track record of responding to emerging Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T oper- advancing education, strengthening comAT&T and its bargaining units. Last needs and transforming people’s lives. ating companies – are the providers of munities and improving lives. Through its year, AT&T’s combined donation to United Today our work is focused on education, AT&T services in the United States and philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long Way – corporate, employees and bargain- financial stability and health—the building around the world. With a powerful array of history of supporting projects that create ing units – totaled almost $500,000. blocks of a good life. We invest in quality network resources that includes the nation’s learning opportunities; promote academic “AT&T is a valued partner in this com- programs, advocate for better policies, fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is and economic achievement; and address munity and continues to lead by example,” engage people in the community and gen- a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high community needs. In 2010, more than Mogul, said. “AT&T’s generosity will be erate resources. To learn more, give, speed Internet, voice and cloud-based serv- $148.2 million was contributed through felt throughout the community by young advocate or volunteer, visit www.united- ices. A leader in mobile broadband and corporate-, employee- and AT&T children, older adult and struggling fami- w a y m i a m i . o r g , emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers Foundation-giving programs.
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Mount Sinai Medical Center welcomes Nirat Beohar, M.D. Mount Sinai Medical Center has appointed heart to treat structural heart disease. Additionally, he has had experience with Nirat Beohar, M.D., director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory at Mount Sinai Heart percutaneous therapies for peripheral vascular Institute and the Columbia University Division disease. Dr. Beohar completed a fellowship in interof Cardiology at Mount Sinai in Miami Beach. ventional cardiology at the He is also medical director of Feinberg Medical School and the hospital’s Structural Heart a cardiology fellowship at Disease Program, and George Washington Program Director of the interUniversity in Washington, ventional cardiology training D.C. He also was a visiting program. fellow at the Laboratory of Board certified in intervenMolecular Cardiology at the tional cardiology, nuclear carNational Heart, Lung, and diology, CT angiography and Blood Institute, and completed cardiology, Dr. Beohar also is post graduate training in interan associate professor at the nal medicine at the Baylor College of Physicians and College of Medicine in Surgeons of Columbia Houston, Texas. University. Prior to joining Dr. Beohar has had considMount Sinai-Columbia, he erable experience with translawas an interventional cardiolNirat Beohar, M.D. tional and clinical research and ogist at Northwestern –––––––––––––––––––– has published extensively in Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and associate professor of medicine at major medical journals including the Journal Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Medicine. He previously was the director of the Circulation, and the Journal of the American cardiac catheterization laboratory at the College of Cardiology (JACC). Veterans Administration Lakeside Hospital in ABOUT MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER Chicago. Dr. Beohar has devoted his career to the use Founded in 1949, Mount Sinai Medical and development of catheter-based therapies Center is the largest independent, private, notfor the treatment of heart disease. He has for-profit teaching hospital in South Florida. extensive expertise in implanting catheter- Mount Sinai’s Centers of Excellence combine delivered heart aortic valves and is an expert in technology, research and academics to protreating complex coronary conditions such as vide innovative and comprehensive care left main and multi-vessel disease, as well as throughout its various centers of excellence. chronic total occlusions. Dr. Beohar has One of only six statutory teaching hospitals in expertise with devices to close atrial septal the state, Mount Sinai is the hospital of choice defects, PFOs, and other intracardiac shunts. for those who seek the level of expertise and For patients in cardiogenic shock, he implants care that only a teaching hospital can offer. left ventricular assist devices such as the The medical center’s commitment to quality Tandem heart and Impella. He also is skilled in has garnered prestigious recognition, includtransseptal catheterization, a highly specialized ing designation as one of America’s Top technique used to access the left side of the Hospitals for by U.S.News & World Report.
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AT T E N T I O N M E D I C A R E B E N E F I C I A R I E S : ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD ENDS DECEMBER 7 TH , 2011
This star gives you 5 plans to choose from. At Medica HealthCare Plans, we’re always looking for ways to offer you more benefits and better choices. With five different plans to choose from, you’ll find a plan that’s best for you. Join the fastest growing health care plan in South Florida* and see why more and more people like yourself are getting more out of life and worrying less about the cost of health care.
YOUR HEALTH PLAN CAN INCLUDE BENEFITS SUCH AS: • No referrals to see specialists in plan • Up to a $96.40 credit each month for your Part B premium • Point of service benefit that allows you to see providers outside the network with no maximum plan coverage amount • Complete prescription drug coverage (No coverage gap)
• $0 copay for transportation with unlimited trips to plan approved locations • Comprehensive dental benefits (Including coverage for dentures) • $45 monthly credit towards over-the-counter products • Silver & Fit®gym membership • Recovery@HomeSM personal care (Includes meals delivered to your home)
OUR STAR-STUDDED HOSPITAL NETWORK IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: • • • • • • • • •
Aventura Hospital and Medical Center Baptist Hospital of Miami Coral Gables Hospital Doctors Hospital Hialeah Hospital Homestead Hospital Jackson North Medical Center Kendall Regional Medical Center Larkin Community Hospital
• • • • • • • •
Mercy Hospital Metropolitan Hospital Mount Sinai Medical Center North Shore Medical Center Palm Springs General Hospital Palmetto General Hospital South Miami Hospital University of Miami Hospital
Learn why more and more Medicare beneficiaries like yourself are joining the fastest growing Medicare Advantage Plan in South Florida.*
For more information, call a State-Licensed representative today:
305-267-5267 • TTY 305-448-3407 Benefits vary by plan and by county. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits and/or copayments may change on January 1, 2013. Medica HealthCare Plans is a health plan with a Medicare contract. *Based on CMS enrollment data for total enrollment growth in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties from January, 2007 - August, 2011. H5420-MHP10124 File & Use 10/30/2011
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Head Restraints or Head Rests? It is not a head rest... The head restraint in a vehicle does not help you rest your head, as a matter of fact it helps you not to break your neck in case of a collision. It is always attached to the top of the car seat. They are only good and effective when properly positioned. Where should they be? It is the head restraint that will reduce neck injuries in case of a collision, and so it is important to have your head aligned with the headrest, but not the neck alone, as this would be extremely dangerous in case of collision. Most cars have manually-adjustable head restraints, but they all have to be 27.5 inches above the seat reference point by law. How do you adjust them? But how should these restraints be adjusted? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to be effective, the top of the restraint should lie somewhere between the top of your ears and the top of your head. If the restraint articulates for horizontal adjustment, it should be placed so that it’s as close to your head as possible, without pushing your head forward or causing the height of the restraint to drop. The position of your seatback is also important - less is better when it comes to reclining. A more upright seatback means that the head restraint will likely be in a safer position - one that’s closer to your head. “Let our Family Help you and your Family.”
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305-662-6178 6950 N. Kendall Drive Miami, Florida 33156 Telefax: (305) 662-9472 • 1-800-PANTERLAW www.panterlaw.com
December 1 - 14, 2011
MDGLCC Calendar Listings for the month of December 2011 Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce 1130 Washington Avenue, 1st Floor North, Miami Beach, FL 33139 In Historic Old City Hall - In the Heart of South Beach SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2011 DOLPHINS GAME WATCH & TAILGATE — Join the MDGLCC as we support the Miami Dolphins beat the Raiders. Sun Life Stadium (2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, 33056). Lower bowl shaded seating and admission to pregame tailgate which includes all-you-caneat, grilled-to-order buffet & open bar (beer, wine, soda, water), entertainment (live music, comedians, Dolphins Cheerleaders), Q&A with favorite Dolphins alumni, special appearance by TD, Fins Force & other game day characters, fun games (QT toss, and more), weather-protected and shaded area with private restrooms. $142 per person. RSVP required: 305/673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011 BUSINESS BUILDERS LUNCHEON — MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at Seasons 52 Restaurant, 321 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305/442-8552. Registration 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1 p.m. Cost: MDGLCC members ($30), Potential Members ($40, $10 applied to new MDGLCC membership). Includes seated style lunch limited to 25 persons. Street parking or $7 valet. Please bring a friend. RSVP requested: 305/6734440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net. DECEMBER 11, 2011 THE 3RD ANNUAL TASTE OF MIAMI — (Benefitting the MDGLCC Foundation Scholarship Fund and the LGBT Visitor Center) on Sunday, December 11, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall C, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. Join the MDGLCC Foundation as we enjoy tastes from some of Miami’s finest restaurants, sip signature cocktails, spend time with friends AND support the
MDGLCC Foundation Scholarship Fund and the LGBT Visitor Center. Individual Tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door. Want to join our host Committee? $450 gets you a listing as a host and 6 tickets for the evening. Sponsorships available from $500 to $5,000. Information and RSVP to: cindy@thecenergysolution.com, 305.397.8914 DECEMBER 14, 2011 MDGLCC/GALLA (GAY & LESBIAN LAWYER’S ASSN.) LUNCHEON — A monthly networking program tailored for attorneys, judges and legal professionals held on the middle Wednesday of each month. Guest speaker: TBD. Truluck’s Restaurant at 777 Brickell Avenue, 305-579-0035. Parking on adjacent structure. Registration 11:30am with luncheon/networking from noon to 1 p.m. Cost: MDGLCC members ($35), Potential Members ($50). Includes seated style lunch limited to 20 persons. RSVP requested: 305/673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2011 “LGBT COMMUNITY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AND TOY DRIVE” — LGBT Visitor Center (sponsored by MetLife) at 1130 Washington Ave, 1st Floor North; 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Join us for a fun night to celebrate the Holiday Season as a community with free food, drinks, music, entertainment, and surprises. Admission = an unwrapped toy as contribution to the Miami Beach Police Department’s Toy Drive effort. RSVP requested: 305/673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net. O N BEHALF O F T H E M IAMI -D ADE G AY & L ESBIAN C HAMBER O F C OMMERCE , ITS BOARD O F DIRECTORS AND STAFF, A VE RY H APPY & S AFE H OLIDAY SEASON TO O NE AND AL L .
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Hustle and hard word is how “YOUR AD HERE — BIG you make your success happen YELLOW SCHOOL BUS” BY KAREN ARONOWITZ, President, United Teachers of Dade
Imagine the yellow school bus so covered with ads that we smack right into the back of one, our attention diverted by 3D, strobe-lit, hologram movie ads, flashing, pulsing lights for caffeine-laden power drinks, logoencrusted sportswear, and other trinkets and trash we sell to move our economy. It’s the American way! All supposedly G-rated, although what passes for G in our overly sexualized consumerism makes the letter blush like a scarlet A. Still, our schools are so cashstrapped from the decrease in funding to public education that school boards are putting out the for-sale sign themselves. No space need be uncovered. Will students pay any attention to the work teachers place on white boards, smart boards, or, in a few impoverished public schools, chalk boards, when bells and whistles from advertisers compete for their attention? It is not philanthropy that drives companies into our schools. It’s
the thrill of a captive audience, an audience that will have no Parental Control button to screen what’s seen in a school, an audience that is just learning to think about the the credibility of a source, an audience that, by age and maturity, will believe what is placed before them. One does not challenge authority until enough learning has taken place. We will abandon four-year olds and fourteen-year-olds to the hands of advertisers. I suppose the next step is to make each teacher responsible for selling enough advertising to “endow” their position. A sort of commission sales requirement to add to the idea of “pay-for-performance.” It’s not surprising that the hallowed halls of our schools will be turned into the inside of a casino, where the lights are low, there are no windows or clocks so that no one knows whether it’s night or day, and flashing, strobing lights, bells and whistles convince even the losers they’ve won. Lock up your children, folks. Throw them an iPad, a Twinkie, and a bottle of water and call it home schooling. You might not be there, but it could be a safer space than school. The United Teachers of Dade represents 35,000 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.
BY DEBORAH SHANE
“Business used to move itself. We are now solely responsible for moving business where we want it to go” Do you sometimes just wish you could sprinkle some Fairy Dust and wave that Magic Wand and business would all just happen? It’s become pretty clear that there are NO shortcuts, Cliff notes or cutting corners to success today. Everyone that I know is putting in some serious time, effort and energy to make their business success happen. There are no guarantees of success even if you have a hot product or service anymore. Just look at Borders or Croc’s. Never take your eye off the ball, if you want to get a piece of it. According to data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics most failures of new businesses occur within two years of their existence. The data also shows that across different sectors 66 percent of new businesses were still operating 2 years after startup. After 4 years 44 percent were still operating. These rates of survival are consistent across various industries. Here are 5 key areas that can greatly impact a small business making it past that two year mark and hopefully that 4 year mark especially in today’s business landscape. Having a product or service that has a clear need to fill. Although people are spending less, they are still consuming. People are still buying and using the staples and basics, so focus on providing innovative, value based ways for people to save time, save money, be more efficient and create a fun experience. Being ready to accept business. Make sure your website, communications chain and response systems are in place, so people can do business with you in an easy, seamless, timely way. Having an integrated marketing plan.
You must blend the traditional and social marketing platforms to extend your reach and be where your customers are. Email marketing, Blogging, Facebook and Twitter are not negotiable anymore, they are a must. Hire someone to help you with this. Creating a consistent sales strategy. Building relationships and networking is how we earn the right to ask people for their business. Match your solutions with customer needs and solve problems, fear and fill needs. Network as much and as often as you can in-person and online. The importance of networking in person and online is more important today than ever before. Turning connections into actionable, tangible sales or referrals is directly related smart networking. Join, engage and connect others. Take an honest inventory of your process NOW and make whatever changes, improvements and innovations are necessary for you and your business to be relevant and ready to survive and thrive. Deborah Shane is the Author of Career Transition-make the shift, a media host, speaker and branding consultant and strategist. She hosts a weekly Blog and is in her third year of hosting a weekly business radio show on blogtalkradio.com, which has over 32k downloads. She writes for several national business, career and marketing blogs, and websites including smallbiztrends.com, careerealism.com, BusinessInsider.com, Personalbrandingblog.com and blogher.com. Deborah delivers smart, no-nonsense ideas and solutions, which make her a popular goto resource for clients, national media and influential blogs. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Blogtalkradio @Deborah Shane, or on the web at DeborahShane.com, or DeborahShaneToolBox.com.
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Tudor House Pillar Dinner Series at Dream South Beach
Miami Beach Chamber Pillar Members networking • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Rolee Eggert and David Cohen
Miami Beach Chamber Pillar Members at Tudor House
See more photos next page
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Tudor House Pillar Dinner Series at Dream South Beach
Alfred Karram Jr, Paola Rengifo, Maria and Juan Palerm
Judy Holmes, Jerry Libbin, President & CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber and Peggy Benua, General Manager of Dream South Beach
Ken Hendel, Greg Mangram, David Sacks, Pillar Board Chairman and Elizabeth Padron
James Anderson, Peggy Benua, General Manager of Dream South Beach David S. Sacks, Pillar Board Chairman and Claudia Di Gino Miami Beach Chamber Pillar members at Tudor House
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What you can donate: Used bike(s) in good-to-perfect condition Used bike(s) that need repair New bike(s) Bike accessories (helmets, locks, etc.) BikeForLifeUSA is a Florida nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring youth to ride bicycles as an alternative and affordable transportation and to promote health, fitness and a green way of life. Children will benefit if you make a donation. Bike For Life is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • What you can donate: Bar soap, liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, body wash and gently used bar soap Clean the World recycles soap and saves lives. Clean the World has a two-part mission: 1. Reduce the waste created by discarded soap and shampoo products. 2. Prevent the millions of deaths caused by hygiene-related illnesses every year. Clean the World distributes recycled soap products, along with appropriate educational materials, to impoverished countries worldwide, and to domestic homeless shelters. Clean the World is a Florida not-for-profit corporation under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • What you can donate: Used or new blankets, sheets, and towels H.I.P. for Pets connects the Hospitality and Animal Organization worlds with referrals, resources and research that support lodging industry sustainability initiatives while helping all adoptable animals find a lifetime loving home. Animal Organizations qualify to be included in the H.I.P. for Pets database through a vetting process to ensure humane, safe practices. Guiding Philosophy: All adoptable animals should be given a chance and a life filled with love and happiness. H.I.P. for Pets is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation that connects Hospitality Industry resources with Animal Organizations working to end the unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable pets.
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Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV
We all love the holidays on Miami Beach, but, if you’re a busy exec, you know that they bring an added load of stress as well. Stress can trigger heart disease and heart attacks. In fact, a new study by Harvard-affiliated researchers found that stress is one of the conditions that can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and sudden cardiac arrests? How does it do this? When faced with stress, the body responds with what is known as the “fight or flight response, during in which a number of different hormones are released. These hormones raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and also suppress the immune system. In addition, they contribute to the body’s inflammatory response. Stress also tenses muscles, which worsens chronic pain problems. In addition, stress can also contribute to a number of other health problems as well, including these: • Skin conditions, including shingles, psoriasis • Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease • Immune disorders, including flare-ups of multiple sclerosis and lupus • Nervous system problems, like anxiety, depression, insomnia • Pain disorders, including arthritis, back
pain and muscle spasms • Since no one wants their holidays disrupted by an unwanted illness, here’s some tips for a less stressful holiday: • Take time to honor the spiritual meaning of your holiday • Underestimate, not overestimate, what you can do • Put off anything you can put off doing until after the New Year • Concentrate on creating a few treasured moments for your loved ones • Resist the urge to waste time finding the “perfect gift,” especially if it means a trip to the mall • Ask family members to pitch in • Shop “small,” particularly patronizing our friend’s businesses at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (okay, shameless plug, but really, if you can’t find the gift or service you’re looking for from one of us than, really, what could it possibly be?) Don’t neglect your exercise regimen. Exercise is a great “stress buster” Happy Holidays!
Charlotte Libov is a Chamber member and a health author and speaker whose work appears nationally. She also stays fit at Equinox South Beach. You can reach Charlotte at char@libov.com. For information on Equinox, contact Robin Conn at (305) 673-1172 or visit www.equinox.com.
Find us on
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ECOMB (The Environmental Coalition of Miami & The Beaches) in Partnership with Commissioner Jerry Libbin Host an ECO-Double Feature: The Clean Bin Project and One Beach
ECOMB’s Cinema Green Series continues to show important films that educate, motivate and inspire the way we think about our environment What: ECOMB in collaboration with Commissioner Jerry Libbin, and sponsors Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and Surfrider Foundation, joins the Miami Beach Cinematheque for its environmental film series, Cinema Green presenting a double feature: “The Clean Bin Project and “One Beach” – a short film. The screenings will be followed by discussions with both Barbara Devries (One Beach) and invited guest Commissioner Jerry Libbin. Commissioner Libbin, a long-time supporter of the environment and preserving Miami Beach’s natural beauty, will localize what viewers saw by examining the cigarette butt pollution that plagues Miami Beach. In addition, the commissioner will have his “Smoke-Free Beach Zones Petition” on-hand for those interested in rallying behind the cause.
“The Clean Bin Project” poses the question: Is it possible to live completely waste free? Partners Jen and Grant go head to head in a competition to see who can swear off consumerism and produce the least landfill garbage in an entire year. Their light-hearted competition is set against a darker examination of the sobering problem waste in North American society. Even as Grant and Jen start to garner interest in their project, they struggle to find meaning in their seemingly minuscule influence on the largescale environmental impacts of our “throw-away society”. Featuring interviews with renowned artist, Chris Jordan and marine pollution expert, Captain Charles Moore, The Clean Bin Project presents the serious topic of waste reduction with optimism, humor, and inspiration for individual action.
FILMS:
WHERE:
“One Beach”, presented by Barefoot Wine, tells the personal stories of people who are using creativity and innovation to help keep the world’s beaches “barefoot friendly.” Directed by renowned surf filmmaker Jason Baffa and produced by Farm League, the film profiles six passionate people who are working to help fix the global beach trash problem. The first installment of “One Beach” debuted on Facebook on September 20, 2011, with subsequent episodes posted weekly for five weeks following the premiere. The beach enthusiasts featured in “One Beach” are making waves in their respective fields and their work caught Barefoot Wine’s attention. Additional footage for One Beach was captured on International Surfing Day, an annual worldwide event founded by Surfrider Foundation and SURFING magazine that celebrates the sport of surfing while raising awareness through beach cleanups, paddle outs, rallies and more. Barefoot Wine was the presenting sponsor of the 2011 International Surfing Day and has been a supporter of Surfrider Foundation for more than 15 years.
Miami Beach Cinematheque, 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
WHEN: Thursday, December 8, 2011; 7 and 9 pm – Two separate showings
TICKETS: Miami Beach Cinematheque Member - $7.00 (USD) MIFF Member - $7.00 (USD) with code Non-Member - $10.00 (USD) become a member and get a discount Senior - $8 (USD) 62 and over Student - $8 (USD) with current ID ECOMB Members - $7.00 (USD) – Must present ECOMB’s Green Card
SPONSORS: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and Surfrider Foundation
About Barefoot Wine & Bubbly: Barefoot's awardwinning California wines are attractively priced and can be found in bottles bearing the fun, iconic footprint label. Barefoot's still wine portfolio ($7 for 750-ml bottles, $12 for 1.5-liter bottles) includes twelve unique offerings: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, Sweet Red, Moscato, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Zinfandel. Barefoot also offers six delicious sparkling wines: Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee, Extra Dry, Pinot Grigio, Moscato Spumante, Rose Cuvee and NEW Pink Moscato. Barefoot Bubbly is the most awarded California Sparkling Wine under $20 in the US and retails for $10. About Surfrider Foundation: The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. The Miami chapter was started by Wyatt Porter Brown and T.C over 10 years ago.
About ECOMB: ECOMB is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Florida corporation founded in 1994 to promote clean beaches, waterways and wetlands. Each year ECOMB coordinates events and programs that encourage responsible behavior and awareness in the Miami Beach vicinity. About Commissioner Jerry Libbin: Jerry Libbin has spearheaded several major environmental initiatives as a Miami Beach City Commissioner. The Environmental Coalition of Miami and the Beaches (ECOMB) recently honored him with the prestigious Emerald City Award. In addition, he lead a crusade to keep beaches clean with the “NO LITTER, NO BUTTS” campaign and created the Adopt-a-Beach program with 17 adoptees to date.
THE GIVING TREE
Needle Arts and Gifts 248 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 305-445-3967
One Stitch! One Knitter! One Beautiful Gift! There is still time to create a high fashion ruffled scarf for holiday giving! Free class/instructions with the purchase of materials
DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE NEW ARRIVALS OF: Romero Britto Plush; Jim Shore; Precious Moments – and a plethora of unique gifts!
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The 15th Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference 2011-12 BY MARTIN MENDIOLA
Mendiola@USGourmet.US With 12 pavilions from different countries and over 350 exhibitors displaying more than 5,000 unique products, the 15th Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference took place at the Miami Beach convention Center on November 14th and 15th. Considered the most respected “Americas” focused trade show in the Western Hemisphere, it provides the largest selection of foods and beverages from around the world targeting the taste of America’s consumers. It also exposes products from the Americas to the rest of the world hoping to increase two-way trades within and outside the western Hemisphere. Among the many benefits derived from the show, visitors get the opportunity to attend seminars and participate in the Americas Chefs competition while discovering new products, ideas, and innovations in the food and beverage industry. The seminars were diverse, interesting and practical. They were presented by qualified firms and individuals who covered topics such as “Complying with U.S. Import Food and Beverage Entry and Safety Requirements” and “Global Food Flavor Trends for 2012”. As expected, the best attended workshops were the ones on how to get products onto the Walmart shelves called “Are you ready for Walmart?’ and “How to export products from Costco”. There were different competitive levels for chefs and students. Ray Rutenis,
Associate Dean at Le Cordon Bleu, College of Culinary Arts was very proud of the students who won the challenges and highly complimented the show’s staff and Ricardo Flores from Razzmatazz Consulting for keeping the competition in order and on time. “A complete success” is what he called the competition. With many diversified challengers, the top 3 prizes stayed in Florida. The team of Nora Galdiano and Wendy Lopez of the Ilesworth Golf and Country Club in Windemere, Florida won first place. Second place went to Damian Gilchrist and Philippe Reynaud of the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo and the third place winner were the team of Paul Evans and Michael Priola of Lakewood Ranch and Country Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. In the large exhibits area, visitors found the pavilion from Thailand among the most exuberant. This was partly due to Kanya Amorntheerakul, Director of the Thai Center – Miami whom along with Maria Sariol and Louis Stinson, Honorary Consuls, were enthusiastically promoting the country and its products. While Singha, the award winning lager beer and the Thai Hom Mali, better known as jasmine rice do not need much promoting, new products like Mangosteen Juice ca use a stronger introduction. Mangosteen is an almost unknown fruit in the United States because of an import ban (lifted in July of 2007) due to a fruit fly problem that was finally solved. Still, the fruit does not travel well and it is almost impossible to find in the Western World. Legend has it that some time back Queen Victoria offered a handsome reward to anyone who could bring her the fresh fruit; since then mangosteen has also been known as the Queen of Fruits. We are now beginning to find it frozen and in juices. It is said that the fruit and therefore the juice is a “fabulous antioxidant due to a powerful substance it contains called xanthone which provides outstanding nutritional health support”. Some say that mangosteen is better and the very least rivals açai in its nutritional contents. A few years back, Dr. Nicholas Perricone basically secured Oprahs’ endorsement of açai as the number 1 superfood because it is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, this high energy berry is said to be the most nutritious and powerful food in the world. It is currently used in many dietary and energy drinks. In the Brazilian pavilion, there were many products that use açai; everything from juices to rejuvenating creams. There were two products using açai that were most interesting: Frootiva, tiny pieces of dehydrated fruit and Sabor da Terra’s açai flavored soya bean extract which is tastier and much cheaper to make than the soya milk found in supermarkets.
Frootiva is a tasty, crunchy product made with dehydrated pulp and is 100% natural. It claims to offer the energetic and antioxidant properties of the natural berry and can be easily added to ice cream, cereals, salads and/or anything that is enhanced by fruit flavors. We were told by the Blue Macaw representative who handles Frootiva, to keep our eyes open for the upcoming introduction of new products made from the cupuaçu fruit. They promise to be revolutionary. Another interesting product from Sabor da Terra product was the coconut oil. This oil is sold in cylindrical containers because it turns solid and cannot be poured. An interesting feature is that it is refined and lacks the coconut aroma found in other brands. The Sabor da Terra coconut oil is 100% natural and extensively used by vegans. It was impossible to leave the Brazilian pavilion without trying some of the many different cachaças on display. After being told we had to try some pleasure, we were taken to the Prazer (Brazilian/Portuguese for pleasure) de Minas booth. There we sampled the Prazer Estojo Gold and the truth is that pleasurable it was. After the distillation in copper alembics, it is aged for 5 years in oak barrels. The result is a smooth, aromatic cachaças meant to be enjoyed neat and certainly not one to be used for caipirinhas. The most practical product for home use found at the show, came from Colombia. The El Rey Company is manufacturing a series of pastes in a small pouch with a nozzle that can be resealed and saved in the refrigerator for future use. The packaging, the shelf life and the paste within are of exceptional quality. At the show we had the opportunity of trying the Red Bell Pepper and Basil pastes in a dip that was simply made by mixing a bit of the paste with some cream cheese. It is a quick and simple appetizer perfect for last minute emergencies. Over the week end we used some of the El Rey Red Bell Pepper blend to make a shrimp
creole recipe an old friend from New Orleans gave us and it turned out as good as when we make the sauce from scratch. We found that unlike the old, clumsy tomato paste cans, the pouches are easy to handle and store. No refrigeration is needed until the package is open and once open, it will stay fresh fr a long time. Many great new products were presented at the show, but none better than the new 1492 Rums from the Dominican Republic. Everything about this rum is meticulously well done; the packaging, the presentation, the labels and most important of all, the rum itself. It is a smooth explosion of flavors with a full body that is meant to be enjoyed and not explained. Each individual person will arrive at their conclusions, and once tried it may be understood. We were told it will not be available to the public for another month, so those who missed the show will have to wait. This was another benefit available only to those who attended the 15th Americas Food and Beverage Show and Conference.
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Thankful… Grateful… Appreciative… Comforted… Satisfied… Refreshed… BY JACQUE HERTZ Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Board Member
And that’s just the beginning of what living in Miami Beach means to me…and a host of other happy South Floridians! Let’s begin with why we came here. More important…why we stayed! Our families journeyed from various cities and countries both big and small. Everyone was searching for warm sunny weather, miles and miles of glorious beachfront, and all manner of opportunities to advance professionally, financially…and even personally. Fresh starts on shiny new lives. A constant, continuing migration from the North, South, East and West transplanted thousands to our little paradise set on the southern waters of the Atlantic Ocean. All new arrivals had stories detailing exactly what brought them here. You certainly know your story…and even the stories of many others. But why did so many make Miami Beach
their permanent home? What’s kept them here? After all, the past 70 years have produced monumental changes on Miami Beach. What started as a small, sleepy village grew to be one of the Entertainment Capitals of the World featuring fun- and sun-filled activities for young and old. Though as years passed…its’ glamorous, glittery luster became less so. But now, Miami Beach has again become one of the hottest vacation destinations in the world as well as an exciting place to live and prosper all year round! We have 15 distinct neighborhoods each having their own points of interests, 8 great public schools, many private schools, a college campus on Lincoln Road, culinary cuisines that tantalize your palate with tastes from around the world, and outdoor activities that are a way of life in Miami Beach with the city parks playing a significant role in providing a broad range of recreation facilities to the public. From beach parks with boardwalks to the renowned Ronald W. Shane Watersports Center, Miami Beach residents and visitors alike can enjoy the many resources offered on Miami Beach. This season of celebration and giving thanks is the perfect time to reflect on and truly appreciate all the unique, multi-cultur-
This season of celebration and giving thanks is the perfect time to reflect on and truly appreciatee all the unique, multi-cultural venues and unending stream of events available to us every year, evv ery month, every week... al venues and unending stream of events available to us every year, every month, every week…and nearly every day, many of which have come through grants available through the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). Let’s look at some of them here that have been incubated, nourished and have grown because of the MBVCA and that will be showcased within the next 3 months … You can feel the anticipation in the air. Art Basel Miami Beach, a contemporary art exhibition, is held each December and is now celebrating its 10th Year. This is a sister event to Art Basel in Switzerland. The Miami Beach exhibition has been held annually since 2002, as a city-wide event. Along with promoting adjoining fairs and associated events, organizers of Art Basel Miami Beach boast that it has eclipsed the original Art Basel in size and popularity, if not importance. ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon and Tropical 5K - Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be famous? Find out this coming January (2012) at the 10th annual ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon and Tropical 5K where you will find 22,000 star runners in one of the fastest growing marathons in the country. Miami Beach’s palm tree lined boulevards and balmy ocean breeze are the perfect backdrop for this winter race. It is amazing that the runners are able to concentrate on the race with all of the visual distractions encountered along the way. The Discover Orange Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played at Sun Life Stadium and has been played annually since January 1, 1935. The South Beach Wine and Food Festival, now going into its 11th year, is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. The festival benefits FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Teaching Restaurant that has raised more than $12 million to date for the School and has grown from 7,000 guests attending a series of dinners, seminars, a Grand Tasting Village and live Auction to over 50,000 guests to this four-day event becoming one of the largest and most wellknown festivals of its kind in the country. It
has garnered an unprecedented amount of media coverage, earning more than 1 billion media impressions through its integrated marketing and public relations plan. The Customer and You Leadership Program which runs throughout the year bridges the gap between our service industry and the patrons (both local and tourist) they serve bringing a higher degree of service and customer satisfaction. No wonder people are now expressing how “friendly” Miami Beach is and how eager they are to return. And the events continue throughout the year with “happenings” such as The South Beach Comedy Festival, many local and foreign Film Festivals, the multi-media art festival known as Sleepless Night Miami Beach, The Miami International Salsa Congress, The Winter and White Parties, other marathons/triathlons, Beach Polo, to name a few, all in part, supported by the MBVCA. So the next time you say to yourself, what is there to do on Miami Beach, turn on your computer and link to the MBVCA site to see what wonderful events are happening throughout our exciting City. But don’t just stop there. Become a tourist in your own City and enjoy all the culture and excitement that Miami Beach has to offer from the Art Deco District, to the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, which allows visitors not only to enjoy the performances from within, but also to experience select events throughout the season at the half-acre outdoor SoundScape through the use of visual and audio technology on a 7,000-square foot projection wall, to the Miami City Ballet, the Miami Beach Bass Museum of Art, The Holocaust Memorial and a wonderful stroll down Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road – nationally known spots for outdoor dining, bicycling, rollerblading and shopping featuring unique shops and galleries of wellknown designers, artists and photographers. Where else but Miami Beach can you find all this ….. and more?? With gratitude for all that Miami Beach gives me and mine, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and I wish you and yours a wonderfully joyous, healthy, peaceful and happy holiday season and new year filled with all of life’s greatest treasures.
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Financial Planning During the Holidays? Aree youu a spenderr orr a saverr during thee holidays? To a lesser or greater degree, we are either savers or spenders. The commercialization of the Holiday season is certainly there to constantly remind us to spend as much as we can. May I suggest that you keep your bearings with your financial condition during these frenzied shopping days. What you have minus what you owe equals what is Rick Tonkinson left over. If the left over is a positive number then you are still on track toward financial stability. How w doo youu approachh holidayy giftt giving? In terms of gifts, does the person you are buying for really need another sweater in Miami? Perhaps a gift of letting them know how special they are to you and how they make the world a better place would stay in their heart long after the sweater is worn out. As for saving, I suggest that you can be kind to yourself by improving your financial condition by opening or adding to your IRA as a Holiday present to yourself. There’s more excitement in paying down on those credit cards rather than adding to their balances. There’s no one there to say thank you for doing it, but your peace of mind should not need the compliments of others. The road to financial independence is unfortunately the road that is less traveled, especially in the “spending season”. How w willl yourr giftt givingg givee “meaningg too thee season”? May I respectfully suggest that you look beyond your needs and desires to think of a person less fortunate than you. You do not have to think a lot to realize that your life would be happier if you stopped your routine to provide someone some kindness. Then you will have a real gift that no store or online service can provide. Rickk Tonkinsonn iss a CERTIFIED D FINANCIALL PLANNER™ ™ Practitionerr who startedd hiss firstt jobb ass a paperboyy att agee 12.. Rickk Tonkinsonn andd his familyy focuss onn thee financiall planningg needss off workingg people.. Tonkinsonn Financiall Inc.. iss locatedd att 23988 Southh Dixiee Hwy,, Miami,, FL. 305-858-1628. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered by Tonkinson Financial Inc. are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.
Happy Holidays! from Tonkinson Financial
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2011 Nissan Quest is a step forward for minivans Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS I’m not a big fan of minivans; they’re just not something I enjoy driving. That said, let me say a few nice words about the all-new fourth generation 2011 Nissan Quest. I don’t drive a lot of minivans — probably because the suppliers know of my distaste for them — so, when I say that my week in the Quest was an enjoyable experience, the thought occurs that perhaps the minivan has been improved by all manufacturers and maybe I should drive more of them. But then I just shake my head and say, “Nah! Not gonna do it.” However, Nissan is billing the new Quest as “an entirely new take on the minivan — with bold styling, an extensive list of family friendly innovations and amenities a family can enjoy together.” I have to admit that much of what they say holds water. I especially liked the onetouch power sliding doors, the quick release fold-flat seats, the Advanced
Climate Control System and the rear storage well. I also like the more-than-adequate 260 hp 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 (19/24 mpg) that develops 240 pounds-feet of torque. Quest is available in four models: Quest S — Has 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; rear roof spoiler; six-way adjustable driver’s seat; front door map pockets, wood-tone trim (instrument panel, front doors and sliding door window switch); fold-flat second and third row seats; permanent rear storage well; first and second row center consoles; Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, and AM/FM/6CD audio system with four speakers. Quest SV — One-touch power sliding side doors; 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; Tri-Zone Auto Temperature Control; power driver’s seat lumbar adjustment; six speakers; fog lights; Conversation Mirror; 4.3inch color audio display; USB port with iPod connectivity; Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System with steering wheel controls; RearView Monitor, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Quest SL — Leather-appointed seating and door trim; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; power liftgate; eight-way poweradjustable driver’s seat; Quick Comfort heated front seats; HomeLink Universal
The new Quest is offered with power sliding side doors with one-touch open/unlock feature and power-opening windows.
Transceiver; auto-dimming inside mirror with compass; roof rails; auto on/off headlights; leather-wrapped shift knob; Quick Release fold flat third row, and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. Quest LE — Nissan Navigation System; Bose Audio System with 13 speakers; XM Satellite Radio; memory system for driver’s seat and outside mirrors; auto tilt-inreverse outside mirrors; second and third row manual blinds; four-way poweradjustable front passenger’s seat; eightinch VGA color display (dash mounted); DVD Entertainment System; rear 11-inch
display for DVD Entertainment; Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto recirculation; Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights. Base price on our 2011 Nissan Quest LE was $41,360, although Quest S prices start at $27,750.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
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