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
APR. 19 - MAY 3, 2012
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New Direction in Community Policing BY CHIEF RAYMOND A. MARTINEZ
Miami Beach Police Department
As the new chief of police for the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD), my commitment and part of my charge is to regain the public trust. I firmly believe there is no better way for our officers to build trust than to forge strong ties with the community we serve. A major change designed to put feet on the ground is a return to the fundamentals of community policing. This shift is intended to foster long-term organizational effectiveness and accountability by focusing on two simple goals – to continue to lower crimes rates and to enhance Police-community partnerships. Every shift, officers are assigned to specific geographical sectors, and as a result, give them ownership of the areas they serve and provide for increased accountability of our officers. New walking beats in our commercial corridors are getting the officers out of their cars, walking, interacting with the community. They will get to know the residents, businesses, and the issues that go on in that sector, making them better able to address both crime as well as quality of life issues. This new approach also means more police resources within these specific geographical sectors, and as a team, our officers are discussing and analyzing trends and how to proactively lower crime in their areas. Moreover, they are actively engaging the community in pre–––––––––––––––––––
See
POLICING, page 4
Mount Sinai Medical Center achieves positive net income for third consecutive year
Aerial view of Mount Sinai Medical Center –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
F
or the third year in a row, Mount Sinai Medical Center’s mission-driven operations have brought positive earnings and reinforced the medical center’s strong image as a healthcare leader and community resource. Mount Sinai’s 2011 audited net income was $13.3 million prior to a one-time charge resulting from the sale of the 4701 North Meridian Avenue hospital campus. Mount Sinai’s Net Revenues were $539.4 million in 2011,
up from $521.3 million in the prior year, and Mount Sinai’s Days Cash on Hand grew from 137 to 147 days. The Mount Sinai Heart Institute, a partnership with New York’s Columbia University, continued to produce strong cardiac surgical volume, showing an increase of 2 percent. In addition, diagnostic cardiac catheterization procedures increased by 6.5 percent. The Florida Agency for Health Care –––––––––– See
MOUNT SINAI, page 4
Phone: 305-669-7355
Letter from the Chair BY JASON LOEB
Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber
In business, community and personal relations, education is the binding element that allows for growth in each these sectors of life. What’s so neat about education is that it’s a neverending process, no matter how much knowledge you obtain. Even more important are the relationships you develop with your teachers along the way. It’s more than learning just facts, but experiencing life lessons that inspire you. Education is an incredible process that every student should have ready access to and that every teacher should be able to readily impart. In an effort to jumpstart quality learning for our children, the Miami Beach Chamber Education Foundation was created to support our public education system. As a community, we should be building up to our schools, not cutting their resources. Part of this process includes highlighting the individuals within who excel in nurturing our youth. April 27th marks our the presentation of the annual Elayne Weisburg Excellence in Education Award. One teacher from Miami Beach Senior High School, as well as from each of its feeder schools - Treasure Island Elementary School, North Beach Elementary School, Ruth K. Broad K-8 Center, Nautilus Middle School, South Pointe Elementary School, Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center and Biscayne Elementary School - has been nominated for his/her outstanding work. I’m pleased to announce that this year’s nominees are: • Jacqueline H. Adler, Biscayne Elementary School • Olga Bichachi, Treasure Island Elementary School • Gussie Bowen, Miami Beach Senior High ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
LETTER, page 4
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April 19 - May 2, 2012
April 19 - May 2, 2012
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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT LAURIE KAYE DAVIS President of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)
Laurie Kaye Davis has over twenty-five years of successful business management experience in a broad spectrum of industries as well as extensive leadership participation in civic and community organizations. Some of her career highlights have been managing a mentor program for a nonprofit with a budget over seven million dollars, a ninety office executive suite business, a leasing program for multi-million dollar mall renovation, and a retail department in United State’s largest sale per square foot mall. Davis is the principal of LKD Consulting and specializes in project management and program development, however, over the past three years she has not taken on paying clients. While she has had a successful professional career, her passion lays in volunteer service, especially in education. When her daughter decided to leave private school to attend Miami Beach Senior High (MBSH), Davis told her husband, “If Catherine goes to public school, so do I”. What started as two days a week volunteering in the media center quickly became a full time volunteer job. Among other things, Davis created and still runs the Peer 2 Peer Mentor Program for the Scholars Academy whereby incoming freshmen are mentored by upperclassmen. Within the first month of her daughter’s freshman year, Dr. Sidener, Principal of MBSH recruited Davis to take on the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) board role of Volunteer Coordinator. That led to President Elect and her current position as President of the PTSA. Davis oversees a board of thirty and their biggest fundraiser, Boat Show Parking. This fundraiser generates over $100,000 and allows PTSA to fund teacher grants for much needed supplies and materials that the classrooms, clubs and sports teams would otherwise go without. In addition to her commitment to MBSH, Davis is the Church Chair of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Miami Beach, is the VP of Alton Road
LAURIE KAYE DAVIS Homeowners Association, is on the City of Miami Beach’s Community Relations Board, and is on the board of St. John’s Montessori Academy. Some of her previous volunteer work has been with Guardian Ad Litem, Children’s Home Society, The Daily Bread Food Bank, Miami Children’s Hospital with the Hugs & Kisses Committee, and Mt. Sinai Hospital with the Cancer Lifeline Board Davis has always given countless hours as a volunteer leader and lives by John Wesley’s Rule “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can”. Mrs. Davis grew up in Michigan, but moved to Miami in 1980 after receiving her degree from the University of Florida in the School of Business. She has resided in Miami Beach since 1992 and wouldn’t consider living elsewhere. She is married to Boies Schiller & Flexner lawyer, Steve Davis. She is the mother of Miami Beach Senior High School junior and IB Diploma student, Catherine Davis and the stepmother of Diane and Michelle.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Captain's Walks in the Collins Park Neighborhood (L to R) Officer Deborah Doty, Katherine Martinez (Homeless Outreach Coordinator), Captain Mark Causey and Ray Breslin.
vention tactics. To support these efforts, police captains are now assigned to specific areas, instead of being assigned to shifts. This change gives our residents and businesses one face and one name to become familiar with to address their concerns. Whether it is a crime issue, a quality of life issue, traffic, whatever the case may be, area captains own whatever goes on in that area. A new initiative, called the Captains’ Neighborhood Walks, was developed by the area captains as they wanted to go out and meet the neighbors, and walk the neighborhoods with their teams. This is an initiative firmly tied to our efforts to forge a productive bond between our department and our residents. The Captains’ Neighborhood Walks are scheduled in coordination with homeowner associations and business owners. I encourage all of our residents and businesses to engage their area captain and provide us with their observations and concerns, so that we may better address the issues for their areas. As we continue to implement the necessary reforms to move to MBPD forward, I am certain that the partnerships forged between our officers and the members of this community will bolster our efforts to ensure the public safety. Captain David De la Espriella (North Beach) daviddelaespriella@miamibeachfl.gov Area 3/Sectors 7 & 8, and beats north from 63 Street, north to 87 Terrace, east to the Atlantic Ocean and west to Biscayne Bay, including the island and waterfront communities.
Captain Richard Clements (Middle Beach) rickyclements@miamibeachfl.gov Area 2/Sectors 5 & 6, and beats from Dade Boulevard on the south, north to 63 Street, east from the Atlantic Ocean and west to Biscayne Bay, including all the waterfront communities and the Julia Tuttle Causeway to the City of Miami. Captain Mark Causey (South Beach) markcausey@miamibeachfl.gov Area 1/Sectors 1, 2, 3, 4, and beats south from Government Cut, north to Dade Boulevard, east to the Atlantic Ocean and west to Biscayne Bay.
April 19 - May 2, 2012
MOUNT SINAI, from page 1 Administration (AHCA) data shows that Mount Sinai continues to be the area’s leader in cardiovascular care. Mount Sinai has the best surgical outcomes in Florida among facilities that perform the highest volume of complex cases. In addition, Mount Sinai’s cardiac surgeons perform the most heart valve surgeries in the state. Mount Sinai’s emergency room visits increased by 3 percent, as compared to 2010, driven by the freestanding emergency room in Aventura which showed a 4.4 percent increase in visits over the prior year. Additionally, Mount Sinai’s satellite facilities in Hialeah, Coral Gables and Key Biscayne experienced continued outpatient growth. Philanthropy has always been an important part of Mount Sinai’s history and success, and the Foundation’s net assets grew to $92.1 million in 2011. In 2011, Mount Sinai was once again recognized by U.S.News & World Report among the best hospitals in America and the only high-performing heart hospital in Miami-Dade County. The Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center recently received the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) Outstanding Achievement Award for the third consecutive time. The CoC created this award to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care. Only 23 out of more than 1,500 CoC-accredited cancer programs in the U.S. have received this award three times in a row, and Mount Sinai is the only Florida hospital on the list. Mount Sinai was also the first hospital in South Florida to receive accreditation in radiation oncology by the American
LETTER, from page 1
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• Dorothy Brochey, Nautilus Middle School • Benjamin E. Groff, South Pointe Elementary School • Onil F. Rodriguez, Ruth K. Board Bay Harbor K-8 Center • Anat Schwartzbaum, North Beach Elementary School On behalf of the Chamber, I extend congratulations and heartfelt appreciation to our nominees.
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College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. Fewer than 10 percent of radiation oncology programs nation-wide are accredited. The medical center continues to be a leader in lifesaving research and remains committed to its teaching program, training 160 residents and fellows in 17 medical specialties. Consistent with its mission, Mount Sinai provided $42 million in charity care in 2011, compared to nearly $40 million in 2010. Mount Sinai remains dedicated to the health and wellbeing of the South Florida community, demonstrated by its ongoing efforts to make healthcare more accessible, while providing the latest treatment options as a world-class healthcare provider. 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 Centers of Excellence combine technology, research and academic, to provide innovative and comprehensive care in cardiology, neurology, oncology and orthopaedics. One of a select few statutory teaching hospitals in the state of Florida, 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 ongoing designation as one of America’s Top Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report.
The winner will be announced at the April 27 luncheon hosted at the Palms Hotel & Spa. Speaking from my personal experience last year, it will be incredibly difficult for our panel of judges. We would be proud and honored to have any of these educators teach our child, or even ourselves for that matter. Should you like to support these teachers on their special day, visit www.miamibeachchamber.com/cm_Events .php for registration details. At your service, Jason Loeb Chairman
April 19 - May 2, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
The $outh Florida Gaming Repor t
A Helping Hand BY ISADORE HAVENICK
What good is a casino to the local community? Do they add anything positive? These are two of the most often asked questions usually by opponents of gambling. It is interesting to note that when the City of Miami and Miami Marlins put out the call for off-site parking to help diffuse the outcry over lack of parking at the stadium it was the Magic City Casino that stepped up to the plate. There is little for a casino to gain by giving up 500 parking spaces. Not only did the casino give up the spaces but also is allowing free parking and has outsourced a stadium shuttle service to a third party provider that
charges just $5.00 per person. When the City of Miami police department needed space to train their motorcycle division, once again Magic City Casino offered their parking lots free of charge. Several of the Dade and Broward regulated, voter approved casinos also serve as hurricane response staging stations for FP&L. These examples are just a few of the many ways that the pari-mutuel venues offering slot machines have made their facilities available free of charge to local municipalities and service providers. They have integrated themselves into the fabric of their surrounding local communities and in many cases heavily support local charities. Do they deserve a medal of honor for being good corporate citizens? Certainly not, but are they good for the local community and do they add anything positive? The answer to that question is a resounding YES!
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April 19 - May 2, 2012
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ROCK ENSEMBLE Celebrates 40th Anniversary Concert On Saturday, April 28th, 2012, Rock Ensemble will perform a very special concert commemorating 40 years of the music program created by Doug Burris at Miami Beach Senior High School. The concert will feature special performances by groups made up of past members from the last 40 years! The Miami Beach Senior High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rock Ensemble was established in September, 1972, by Doug Burris, who had received his Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Music Education in January of 1971 from the University of Miami. With a passion for classical guitar, Burris was hired by Dr. Solomon to teach his principle instrument to the Beach High Students. Since its creation this musically talented group of students has won many honors, and has been featured on several media outlets such as CNN, CBS, MTV, SOBE TV and Numerous Newspapers. The Rock Ensemble has consistently won TOP Honors for Miami Beach Senior High at competitions in Lakeland, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, Atlanta, Georgia, New York, New York, Chicago, Illinois and Orlando, Florida. In April of 1999 the group was invited to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. They were awarded a plaque commending the ensemble for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Planet Since 1972.â&#x20AC;? The Miami Beach High School Guitar Ensemble has established itself as one of the premier high school musical performing groups in the United States. With the success of the Rock Ensemble, Mr. Burris was awarded by the Miami Beach Senior High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame on November 10, 2000. Burris was honored because of his Achievements, contributions to society and his continuing success with the Miami Beach Senior High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rock Ensemble.
In addition to the Rock Ensembleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many â&#x20AC;&#x153;Superiorâ&#x20AC;? ratings and first place trophies, the Guitar Ensemble has performed with other groups from Perth, Australia,
Milan, Italy, Changsha and China. Also, in October, 2001 the Guitar Ensemble was awarded a grant by the State of Florida, the City of Miami and the City of Miami
Beach. This grant enabled them to travel and perform in many cities throughout Japan including the International Peace Summit in Kagoshima. Throughout the years, the Miami Beach Senior High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rock Ensemble and Mr. Burris have received recognition from a variety of businesses and organizations. In 2003, Mr. Burris and the Rock Ensemble received the National Multiple Sclerosis Society National Achievement Award, presented at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Convention. Also on February 10, 2005, the Opperman Citation For Outstanding Accomplishment In Teaching And Leadership, presented by the Florida State University School of Music Faculty, honored Mr. Burris for his outstanding contribution to the Miami Beach Senior High School music education program. On September 7, 2006 Mr. Burris was also awarded by the Miami-Dade County League of Cities for 35 Years of Dedication to Music Education at Miami Beach Senior High School. A year later, the town of Surfside Proclaimed June 12,2007 as Doug Burris Day in recognition of his commitment to the musical education of the students of Miami Beach Senior High School. Last but not least, the City of Miami Beach Proclaimed April 11, 2012 as Doug Burris Day in recognition of his 40 years of commitment to the musical education of the students of Miami Beach Senior High School, the Arts and Entertainment Industry, and serving as a Beacon of Accomplishment for Others with Multiple Sclerosis and to the City of Miami Beach Community at Large. Please join the Miami Beach Senior High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rock Ensemble on Saturday, April 28th, 2012, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the music program! For more information, visit: www.rockensemble.com or call 305-519-1657.
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April 19 - May 2, 2012
April 19 - May 2, 2012
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COMPETITION TO DESIGN NEW GATEWAY TO MIAMI BEACH FINALE Public invited to help developers choose best design for SoBePark. BY ANNE NEWPORT ROYALL
Crescent Heights and Paragon Outlets will host the finale of their Design Charrette Competiton for the development of the 500-800 blocks of Alton Road on Thursday, April 26, 2012. The public unveiling of the design teams’ work will be held beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Miami Beach City Commission Chambers, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. Three of the worlds most renowned architectural firms traveled to Miami Beach in February to vie to design this signature project at the gateway to South Beach. Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Gensler and Benoy + Add, Inc. participated in three days of meetings with the community punctuated with local tours and work sessions. “Never has a private development been so public,” Crescent Heights Managing Principal Russell W. Galbut said to Miami Beach News, “We hope for even more public input when the final designs are revealed.” When Galbut first approached the City of Miami Beach with plans to build a 400 thousand square foot retail center with a 200 thousand square foot high-end residential tower, the administration made some requests of their own. “We were asked to solve the pedestrian and bicycle connectivity issue between the Marina walk and the Bay walk. Currently, it is almost impossible to cross Fifth Street on foot at Alton Road.” Galbut said. The design teams were eager to bring more life and street activation to such an important artery. Each team embraced the challenge and took special care and attention to designing signature gateway bridges that connect the two westernmost walkways along Biscayne Bay over the Macarthur Bridge. The designs also featured stunning residential towers and underground parking. However, it was the rooftop gardens and park, evoking New York City’s acclaimed High Line that impressed the development partners the most. “Many of the designs featured Centers enhanced by an elevated park!” exclaimed
RWG works with the team from SOM in the ballroom of the Shelborne Hotel during the February Design Charette for SoBePark.
Development partners, from Left: Bob Brvenik or Paragon Outlets, Russell W. Galbut of Crescent Heights and Salem LaHood of Paragon Outlets listen to a presentation at the February Design Charrette for SoBePark, held at The Shelborne Hotel. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Bob Brvenik, Principal of Paragon Outlets. “It was a dynamic and forward thinking approach to an urban retail shopping experience. The first of its kind.” In fact, one design by SOM created more Public Park than would be possible if all the land on the ground was made into a street-level park. Between February and April, when the design teams return to present their refined and final designs, conversation focused on the Flyover that carries much of the traffic off of the Macarthur onto Miami Beach. “It became clear, as the designers addressed the practical issues surrounding their designs that the Flyover would have to change,” commented Galbut. Benoy + Add, Inc., proposed a rebuilt flyover, with a cantilevered, organic design that would carry twice the number of cars onto Alton Road as well as offer a dedicated ramp into the public parking garages. However, after discussions with the Florida Department of Transportation it became clear that removing the Flyover might be the best solution for Miami Beach. “As a member of the Project Development and Environmental study for the Alton Road reconstruction project, I knew that a lack of available right-ofway was the major factor in FDOT’s inability to address the Flyover,” Gabrielle Redfern, Project Manager at Crescent Heights told the Miami Beach News, “Russell Galbut and Crescent Heights was willing to provide what no other developer had ever been willing to provide before to ease the congestion: Land.” As part of the mixed-use development, Crescent Heights will propose providing an easement for additional lanes that will lessen the congestion coming onto Miami Beach as well as aid emergency evacuation. “I can’t wait to see what the designers have done with the new opportunities,” gushed Galbut. “We need the Community to come out and help us decide what is the best design for our project and the best answer to fix Alton Road.” For more information on SoBePark, or to RSVP to the presentation, contact SoBePark@CrescentHeights.com
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Saraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homestay Quality Student Housing Around the World
April 19 - May 2, 2012
April 19 - May 2, 2012
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Arts and Culture Council (PRE)view and (RE)view Live Painting with Wyland, May 3 and 4 BY JUDY HOLM Vice Chair of the Arts & Culture Council, Miami Beach Chamber Pillar member
–from his iconic artwork portraying idyllic oceanic scenes, to his important foundation that promotes water conservation worldwide. Globally recognized for his work The Arts and Culture with large-scale murals, Wyland’s work is Council, in conjunc- held in private collections and public tion with the Wyland places in over a hundred countries. His Foundation, is prepar- public works are viewed by an estimated ing a unique live paint- one billion people each year. ing experience – the The educational component of this projWyland Art Mural ect is key – each of the six Miami Beach Project of Miami public schools will participate, as well as Beach. On Thursday the Hebrew Academy, with the fourthMay 3rd and Friday May 4th, internation- grade students helping paint the murals. ally acclaimed artist and conservationist, Additionally, prior to the event, the schools Wyland, will mentor the Miami Beach will participate in the Wyland Foundation Public School Students with the live paint- “Mayors’ Challenge” for conservation. ing of a ninety foot mural. This project is During the month of April, students are open to the public, and will take place from working in their science class to collect and 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. both days, at 410 conserve rain water, in water barrels decoand 420 Lincoln Road, directly in front of rated with a Wyland design, which will be the FIU College of Architecture + the Arts. used to irrigate the schools’ gardens. “We are honored to be a part of this “We are thrilled with this opportunity to wonderful collaboration between the partner with such an important artist and Wyland Foundation, the Arts and Culture conservationist. Wyland and his Wyland Council and Miami-Dade Public Schools,” Foundation provide a great platform to said Brian Schriner, Dean of FIU College help communicate the mission of our Arts of Architecture and the Arts. “Hosting the and Culture Council,” stated Jerry Libbin, live mural painting in front our Miami President of the Miami Beach Chamber of Beach Urban Studios is preCommerce and Miami cisely the vision behind Beach City establishing this space as a Commissioner. “ And, creative environment that the great part of this ultimately contributes to the project is that it touches good of our community.” the lives of so many We invite the public to young folks in a meanjoin us as we conduct this ingful way and incorpoimportant undertaking – rates Art, Culture and from the first brush strokes Education.” to the finishing touches. This project will Art, conservation, education achieve many wonderand fun will come together ful benefits- not only in a highly visible and memthe involvement and orable production. For two education of the Miami days, the artist and the stuBeach students, but it dents of Miami Beach will will create a means to Wyland paint this gigantic mural, raise funds for three ––––––––––––––––––––––––– right on Lincoln Road Mall. pertinent charities In advance of the live –each of which will receive one third of the painting, Wyland will conceptualize the revenues. The completed murals can be work in his studio, producing a painting purchased for $50,000 each, with all prothat will then be recreated with the students ceeds benefitting these charities that supin the form of a large mural consisting of port the environment, public education and two panels. The panels (each measuring the arts. Signed lithographs of the murals ten feet tall and forty five feet wide) will along with branded t-shirts will also be depict indigenous marine life of South sold to raise funds. Florida. This unique painted homage to Perhaps our greatest desired outcome for Miami Beach and its natural habitat will this project is to showcase to residents of help remind us of the fragile aspect of Miami Beach, and to the general public, nature, and the importance of environmen- that we encourage the arts and conservatal conservation. tion; and that we actively support educaWyland’s accomplishments are prolific tional efforts in our community. We are
Wyland painting with kids
Kids painting
(Photo credit: Judy Holm)
honored and proud to work with Wyland and his Foundation – with the hope that through this project, more of our children will nurture their artistic talents, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation. The partnership between the Arts and Culture Council and the Wyland organization is founded on much generosity by all of the team members, in particular as the artist and his Foundation team are donating much of their personal time, and project costs. We thank Wyland for sharing his vision, his talents, and in demonstrating leadership and commitment to the future of our planet. We appreciate the generous commitment of our partners, and thank our sponsors,
including the Sagamore Hotel, Fast Care, Mango’s Restaurant, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and FIU College of Architecture + the Arts. Press conference and live painting in front of 410 and 412 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach FL33139 May 3 10 a.m. Press Conference 10:15 a.m. until 2:30p.m. Miami Beach 4th Grade Students painting May 4 10:15 a.m. until 2:30p.m. Miami Beach 4th Grade Students painting
For more information, contact Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Arts and Culture Council, 305-674-1300.
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April 19 - May 2, 2012
Polo and Soccer... on the beach... in the sand! Electrifying. Exhilarating. Positively Sensational.
BY JACQUE HERTZ
Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Board Member Just at the point in time when the traditional South Florida “season” is drawing to a close…two phenomenal world-class athletic events step in to re-energize Miami Beach and focus world-wide attention on its magnificence. Each spectacular sports challenge transforms Collins Park Beach (between 20th and 22nd Streets off Collins Avenue) into an exciting “sandy” international arena during the last week in April and the first week in May! What could possibly draw and stimulate more enormous, enthusiastic crowds of Beachites and tourists alike? What could possibly capture more extensive and explosive mass media coverage prior to, during, and after these electrifying events from local, regional, national and international news and other broadcasting venues and outlets? While soccer and polo are two of the world’s most powerful sports; playing them on the beach changes everything. It raises the thrill and excitement (not to mention the complexity of these games) to entirely new heights! Dazzling, brilliant sports performances are guaranteed to delight the expected crowds of ten to twelve thousand people from all corners of the globe! After you’ve noted the amazing details surrounding each unique event, you’ll surely want to mark your calendars and make plans to attend…and bring your friends too! Life on Miami Beach is always a party; polo and soccer on the beach just makes the fun quotient skyrocket!
IN APRIL… THE MIAMI BEACH POLO WORLD CUP VIII WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25 – SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2012 Six international men’s teams will compete for “La Martina Trophy” honoring the winner of the Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII while eight international women’s teams will compete for the South Beach Women’s Polo Cup IV. Sponsored by Maserati, a total of 18 events are scheduled to take place in Miami Beach during these activity-packed five days. They include: • South Beach Women’s Polo Cup IV Women’s Welcome and Cocktail Hour • Miami Beach Polo World Cup Press Conference • South Beach Women’s Polo Cup IV
Match Play and Award Ceremony • Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII Player Unveiling and Kick Off Party with a Fashion Show by La Martina • Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII Match Play, plus a Private Event, Fundraiser, and a Fashion Show by La Martina • Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII “Invitation Only” event with a Fashion Show by Blank Silk • Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII Final Play-Offs, Cup Finals, and Awards Ceremony • Miami Beach Polo World Cup VIII Farewell Party Visit the website (www.miamipolo.com) for comprehensive data about all dates, times, and venues plus regularly updated announcements about world-renown VIPs slated to appear and special news program coverage. Please note: Attendance at all matches is open to the public…and it’s FREE! Access tickets to VIP tents can be purchased onsite; prices range from $100 to $150.
IN MAY… BEACH SOCCER WORLDWIDE MIAMI CUP 2012 FRIDAY, MAY 4 – SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012 Top-notch athletes from Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the USA—all members of the top world ranking national beach soccer teams— will travel to Miami Beach to compete in this most dynamic version of soccer. Three emotionally-charged and physically-challenging days featuring two matches per day will yield a Miami Cup 2012 winning team that will have truly earned the ecstasy of the victory! Visit the website (www.beachsoccer.com) for soon-to-be-updated data about all dates, times, and venues surrounding this magical sports event. Hope to see you all at each of these incredibly exciting events! The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) proudly supports the aforementioned events. For more information on MBVCA-sponsored events, please visit www.miamibeachvca.com
Please note: Attendance at all matches is open to the public…and it’s FREE! 100 special VIP tickets will be available for purchase.
April 19 - May 2, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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The Miami Choral Academy and Seraphic Fire Keep the Music Alive
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Full MCA ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The young singers of the Miami Choral presents their final concert of the year, the Academy will not soon forget the standing Miami Choral Academy Spring Choir ovation they received Wednesday, March Festival, on June 1 at St. Martha’s Church in 28th at the New World Center on Miami Miami Shores. The event is free and open to Beach. MCA’s 200 members—all in ele- the public. mentary school—sang beautifully at Keep Seraphic Fire will continue its 10th Season the Music Alive, a benefit concert of opera April 18th – 22nd with performances of arias for the Miami Choral Academy. Dances of the Americas: The Pulse of a New The Miami Choral Academy, now in its World by its Firebird Chamber Orchestra. second year, is an initiative of Miami’s pro- The program will feature Aaron Copland’s fessional choir, Seraphic Fire. Based on the stunning Hoe-Down alongside works by belief that music is a powerful tool for social John Adams. Dates, times & locations below. and academic growth in children, MCA proWednesday, April 18, 7:30pm vides a tuition-free afterschool music educaSt. Jude Melkite Catholic Church tion to students in four public elementary 126 S.E. 15th Road schools located in economically disadvanMiami, FL 33129 taged communities of Miami-Dade County. By involving the students’ parents and makThursday, April 19, 7:30pm ing links to other subjects such as math, sciSt. Gregory’s Episcopal Church ence and history, MCA aims to affect posi100 N.E. Mizner Blvd. tive academic and social change in particiBoca Raton, FL 33432 pating students’ lives. Friday, April 20, 7:30pm In their own set, the 26-member MCA First United Methodist Church Honors Chamber Choir Making made their 536 Coral Way Miami Beach debut with their moving perCoral Gables, FL 33134 formance of The Greatest Love of All. The finale brought to the stage all 200 Saturday, April 21, 8:00pm members of the Miami Choral Academy All Saints Episcopal Church alongside the professional vocalists of 333 Tarpon Drive Seraphic Fire. MCA first accompanied sopraFort Lauderdale, FL 33301 no Misty Bermudez to perform the famous Sunday, April 22, 4:00pm Habanera, from Bizet’s opera Carmen. Miami Beach Community Church From there, and with Seraphic Fire’s Artistic 1620 Drexel Avenue Director Patrick Dupré Quigley at the piano, Miami Beach, FL 33139 the children sang Quigley’s stunning arrangement of Steal Away with countertenor, Reggie Mobley. The evening concluded with the children accompanying soprano Kathryn Mueller for a magnificent performance of The Way Old Friends Do. The Miami Choral Academy
18090 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 (Directly Across the Street from Trump Int’s. Hotel) 11:00 am - 11:00 pm • 7 Days
Honor Choir
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65,000 H-1B Visas Spring into Action BY JACOB RATZAN Officially beginning on March 20 this year, springtime in South Florida means beautiful weather, music festivals, spring training baseball, the Sony Ericsson tennis tournament, and a flock of lively beachgoers from cold climates. There is certainly ample opportunity each spring for people in South Florida to relish in recreational activities. But businesses in South Florida (and around the country) can also take delight each spring in the renewed opportunity to hire foreign nationals in professional positions under the H-1B visa program. Every year, on April 1, there are 65,000 H-1B visas released for an employment start date of October 1. Of the visas, 5,800 are specifically allocated to citizens of Singapore and Chile. An additional 20,000 visas are available to foreign nationals who have earned a Masters or higher degree from a U.S. graduate school. Finally, some employers are exempt from the H-1B cap, such as institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, and governmental research organizations. To obtain an H-1B visa, a foreign national must be coming to work in a “specialty occupation,” which is defined as a job that at a minimum requires attainment of a bachelor or higher degree, or its equivalent, for entry into the position. A specialty occupation is one that also requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. Some of the jobs that can qualify as specialty occupations include engineers, market research analysts, construction managers, accountants, computer programmers, financial analysts, teachers, human resource managers, management analysts, statisticians, and sales engineers, to name a few. To work in a specialty occupation, the foreign national must meet the minimum requirements for the position by possessing the bachelor or higher degree, or its equivalent, required for the occupation. With respect to “equivalency,” a foreign national may qualify to work in the specialty occupation through a combination of education, specialized training, and/or experience in a related field. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will count three (3) years of relevant experience as one (1) year of education. As for procedures, an employer must submit an I-129 petition with supporting documentation to USCIS to classify a foreign national as an H-1B employee. If approved, the H-1B employment will be authorized for an initial period of three years with the sponsoring company, and can be extended for an additional three years. After six years in H-1B status, the foreign national must return abroad for one year before he or she may be readmitted to the U.S. in H-1B status. However, an H-1B employee may extend status for a seventh year and beyond if, upon or after expiration of the six year period, a PERM or other employmentbased green card process has been pending on behalf of the foreign national for at least 365 days.
Dependent spouses and children under 21 years old of H-1B employees may apply for and obtain H-4 status to remain in the U.S. lawfully while the principal H-1B employee maintains his or her H-1B status. Currently, foreign nationals in H-4 status are not eligible for work authorization. Once granted H-1B status, a foreign national may change employers and continue to maintain legal status as long as the new employer files a petition on behalf of the foreign national. The H1B employee is authorized to work for the new company upon filing of the H-1B petition. In other words, the employee need not wait until the new petition is approved before he or she can start working with the new company. University graduates currently employed with Optional Practical Training (OPT) may file an application to change status to H-1B before their OPT expires. In such a case, if the OPT expires before October 1, the foreign national is permitted to work and remain lawfully in the United States during the period after expiration of OPT and before H-1B employment begins on October 1. The H-1B regulations impose certain legal requirements on employers. For example, the employer must make the following attestations when submitting the H-1B petition: (1) to pay the foreign national the prevailing wage or employer’s actual wage for the position, whichever is higher; (2) to provide working conditions for nonimmigrants (e.g., H-1B employees) that will not adversely affect U.S. workers similarly employed; (3) there is no strike, lockout or work stoppage in the H-1B occupation at the place of employment; and (4) the employer complied with specific notice requirements regarding the availability of the job opportunity. Moreover, the H-1B employer must maintain a Public Access file with specified H-1B related documents to comply with record-keeping regulations. The H-1B visa fills a critical need for U.S. businesses to fill positions with educated and experienced foreign nationals in complex and specialized occupations. It also provides great flexibility for foreign nationals to change employers and pursue a green card. So, each year on April 1, when 65,000 H-1B visas “spring” into action, U.S. businesses and foreign nationals have yet another reason to celebrate the change in season.
Mr. Ratzan represents applicants for citizenship, lawful permanent residence, and nonimmigrant visas before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in Immigration Court, and in Federal Court. Mr. Ratzan is admitted to the Florida Bar (2006), New York Bar (2006), and United States District Court, Southern District of Florida (2007). Since 2009, Mr. Ratzan has served on the Board of the South Florida Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Currently, Mr. Ratzan is South Florida AILA’s liaison to the USCIS Miami District Office. Mr. Ratzan earned his Juris Doctorate from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City in 2005. Prior to that, in 1997, Mr. Ratzan obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in International Relations from Tufts University. Mr. Ratzan is fluent in Spanish, having lived in Spain and Chile.
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Miami Beach Chamber ‘The Power of Email Marketing’ event at the Botanical Gardens
Audience at “The Power of Email Marketing” Event at the Botanical Gardens
Keynote Speaker Lisa Sparks, Constant Contact
PHOTOS BY ANAELY DELGADO
Snacks sponsored by Costco Keynote Speaker Lisa Sparks, Constant Contact
The Power of Email Marketing” Event held at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens
Sculptures at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens
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World Erotic Art Museum names new art director
BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV
Chamber member and World Erotic Art Museum Owner Naomi Wilzig announces the appointment of internationally known art critic Helmut Schuster as the museum’s new art director, who is charged with enhancing the already famous collection and helping to create new relationships with other area museums. This is an important step for the museum, which is aimed at not only expanding the collection, but also taking it into a direction that will help foster the world’s appreciation of erotic art and it’s important place in history, Wilzig said. The two met when Schuster curated the recent exhibit, “Bunny Yeager Retrospective to the Future,” at Dezer Schauhalle Miami. The show celebrated Yeager, the Playboy modelturned-famous photographer, who is credited with discovering pin-up girl Bettie Page. “I liked what he did with the Bunny Yeager exhibit, and so we talked about the museum and what he thought we could add. Since we seemed to be in agreement over the direction the museum should be going, I thought he would be a good addition,” Wilzig said. “I think this place is special. I’ve never seen anyplace like it in the world. It does need more of a museum structure but, on the other hand, I also like what Naomi has done here,” said Schuster. Schuster said he holds great admiration for Wilzig, who began collecting erotic art more than two decades ago and, with no artistic training, created the world’s largest private publicly displayed collection, which is now known throughout the world. “I completely respect what Naomi has done without artistic training. There are some wonderful things, there are some kitschy things, but this balance is what gives the
museum its soul,” he said. “What I really like is that, at her age, she is eager to learn. She is unique, she is good for a surprise, and I look forward to working with her,” he added. Wilzig, who dropped out of college to marry and raise a family in the 1950s, is a self-taught expert in erotic art, who, last fall, was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Institute for the Advanced Human Sexuality for her work to preserve this important art form. Curator of independent exhibitions since 1990, Schuster, director of both the Gallery Schuster Berlin and since 2009, director of Gallery Schuster Miami, has also been involved in the film world as director of “Scissors and Glue,” a film about the Miami cultural scene screened in 2011 at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival. Founder of the art talk show, “Art Personality” which had its debut at the Guggenheim Museum Berlin, Schuster, along with Kahfield Architects Berlin, also designed the project study for the Schauhallen Berlin and, in addition to the Yeager exhibit, curated an exhibit called “Ich Bin Ein Berliner.” As the museum’s art director, Schuster is charged with securing unique collections from all points of the globe to enhance the already worldwide reputation of the museum, and also to forge new alliances with other institutions. To foster this goal, Wilzig invited representatives from other museums to meet the new director, including Joanne Hyppolite, PhD., chief curator of HistoryMiami, the premier museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of the city. “I’m impressed. I didn’t know the museum was so big,” said Dr. Hyppolite, after touring the collection, “There is quite a comprehensive display of materials. There are a number of different cultures, mediums and time periods represented and she tells the story it wants to tell about eroticism in human culture,” she added. She also enjoyed the museum’s set-up, which enables visitors to discover for themselves the story of erotic art, instead of telling them what it is, which is the more oldfashioned way that museums used to be organized. “This museum does what museums are supposed to do. It allows you to experience its story, engage the topic, gives you something to think about and leaves you inspired to learn more,” she added.
For more www.weam.com Dana Keith and Helmet Schuster ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
information,
(Photo Credit: Henry Perez)
Naomi Wilzig with (l-r), Harvey Burstein, publisher, MiamiArtzine.com; Dana Keith, executive director, Miami Beach Cinematheque; Ed Bell, host, South Florida Arts Beat, WLRN and Charlie Cinnamon, arts and culture public relations expert.
L-R, J.C. Harris, manager, World Erotic Art Museum, Homer Randle, Joanne Hyppolite, PhD., curator, HistoryMiami, and Helmut Schuster –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Miami Beach Chamber’s Education Foundation presents $9000 Check to City of Miami Beach
LR: Second row- Commissioner Deede Weithorn, Commissioner Michael Gongora, Commissioner Jonah Wolfson, Commissioner Edward Tobin, Commissioner Jorge Exposito, City Attorney Jose Smith and City Clerk Robert Parcher. Front row- Aaron Perry, Immediate Past Chair of the Miami Beach Chamber, Michael S. Golberg, Immediate Past Chair of the Miami Beach Chamber’s Pillar Board, Jason Loeb, Miami Beach Chamber Chairman, Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, Commissioner Jerry Libbin, Aaron Tandy, Advocacy Council Chair, and City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
On Wednesday, April 11, 2012, the Miami Beach Chamber’s Education Foundation presented a $9000 check to support the International Baccalaureate Programs of the City of Miami Beach. The Chamber’s Foundation helps 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 for organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of Miami Beach, Miami Beach Senior High School International Baccalaureate Program and to fund schol-
arships for graduating seniors from Miami Beach Senior High School. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted its 16th Annual Miami Beach Golf Classic on Friday, March 9th, at the Miami Beach Golf Course sponsored by Boucher Brothers Management and presenting sponsor The Cardiology Center, which allowed the Chamber to present this check to the City of Miami Beach. The success of this golf tournament resulted from all sponsors that participated in the event.
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Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again
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InSense Miami Moves into New Office, Takes Business to the Next Level in 2012 InSense Miami, one of the fastest growing social media firms in South Florida, moved into their new office on Miami Beach in November 2011. Then in December 2011, the company hosted their monthly networking event in the office to introduce the new space to friends, supporters, and colleagues. Since then, InSense Miami hasn’t slowed down a second as they continue to make strides toward making 2012 the best and most successful year yet.
THE OFFICE: InSense Miami’s new office is located at 800 West Avenue, Suite C-2 in the South Bay Club on Miami Beach. Complete with beautiful concrete floors, a chic sofa, a modern conference room table, cool fish tank, and even a cowhide rug, this area is definitely NOT your usual office space. If a stunning water view is more your cup of tea, the lobby is the epitome of open and airy, as there is not one wall or door to block one’s view of the tropical pool deck and beautiful bay with jet skiers racing back and forth in the background. The paradise feel definitely helps the creative juices flow as InSense Miami is constantly coming up with new ways to market their clients via online social media efforts and offline events. NEW CLIENTS, NEW EVENTS: Adding to their already impressive roster of clients, InSense Miami has added several new clients since January 2012, including Epicure Gourmet Market & Café, Sloane Square, and The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. InSense Miami helps these businesses manage their online social media strategies and organize offline events. During the 2012 South Beach Wine & Food Festival, InSense Miami helped Epicure coordinate the amazing Party Impossible event, voted one of the best 2012 SOBEWFF parties by Haute Living. In true InSense Miami style, some of the company’s own monthly networking events have been held at some of the swankiest restaurants in Miami; including Dolores, but you can call me Lolita in January, Tantra in February, and db Bistro Moderne in the JW Marriott Miami in March. These networking events bring together anywhere from 40 to 80 industry professionals, business owners, and executives for the purposes of networking and making valuable business contacts for their company or venture. INSENSE MIAMI SERVICES: InSense Miami can assist with all facets of brand building including inception, legalization, marketing and repositioning. For those who realize the importance of social media but just don’t have the time, they have the resources to create and maintain a company’s social media presence
across the array of social media mediums, from social networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, FourSquare) to virtual blogs (such as WordPress, Blogger, or YouTube.) InSense also has experience organizing events such as product launches, store openings, social media boot camps, networking events, and seminars. InSense Miami helps clients with the following services:
SOCIAL MEDIA: Social Media Management Brand Building and Repositioning Profile Publicity Product Placement Directory Listings Traditional Media Integration Twitter/You Tube Backgrounds Custom Facebook Fan Pages Email Campaigns Landing Pages Wordpress Designs Minisites & Microsites EVENT SERVICES: Networking Events Social Media Seminars Trade Shows South Florida Events Creative Speakers Store Openings Launch Parties Summits BUSINESS CONSULTING: Management and Small Consulting Sales Training Crowdsourcing Business Boot Camps Teambuilding
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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 FEBRUARY 2012 RESULTING IN INCRE EASES IN GREATER MIAMI’S TOURIST-RELATED TAX COLLECTIONS The February 2012 Convention Development Tax (CDT) collections for Greater Miami and the Beaches of $6,798,365 compared to $5,826,004 for the same period last year represents a +16.7% increase. The Miami-Dade Resort tax collections (excluding Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) for February 2012 totaled $2,403,,025 compared to $2,147,475 in 2011 for an increase of +11.9%. In February 2012 the 2% Food and Beverage tax collections from hotels in Miami-Dade (excluding Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside) generated $782,859 compared to $716,313 in 2011, an increase of +9.3% CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT TAX COLLECTIONS February 2012 February 2011 $6,798,365 $5,826,004
% Change +16.7%
RESORT TAX COLLECTIONS February 2012 $2,403,025
% Change +11.9%
February 20011 $2,147,475
2% FOOD and BEVERAGE TAX COLLECTIONS February 2012 February 20011 $782,859 $716,313
% Change +9.3%
RECENT & UPCOMING MEETINGS… American Association of Neurological Surgeons Meets at the Miami Beach Convention Center April 14-18, 2012 More than 6,700 convention attendees will be in Greater MIAMI and the Beaches this week for the 80th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). This scientific and educational Association has over 8,000 members worldwide and is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. The conference will be held at the MIAMI Beach Convention Center and is expected to generate over 13,000 total room nights with an estimated economic impact of greater than $8 million for the destination. Please help us roll out the “red carpet” for this very important convention and say hello to our meeting visitors and make them feel welcomed. Meeting: Date: Venue: Attendance:
Paragon EventsPsi Leadership 2012 April 12-19, 2012 Fontainebleau Miami Beach 800
Meeting: Date: Venue: Attendance:
Experimental Nuclear Magnetic Resonance—Annual Conference April 13-20, 2012 InterContinental Miami 1,100
GMCVB’S MIAMI GOLF MONTH IN FULL SWING! The GMCVB has launched the first-ever Miami Golf Month during April. To kick off the month, a series of consumer interactive stunts throughout April has been organized by the GMCVB to provide consumers with promotional giveaways and additional information on the month’s offerings. The first took place at WrestleMania Pro-Am Golf Tournament with other events to follow in the coming weeks. As home to some of the most spectacular, challenging and desirable golf courses in the world, golfers will be able to take advantage of special offers, discounts and hotel packages throughout the month of April. More information can be found at www.MiamiGolfMonth.com. SAVE THE DATE: U.S. Travel Vote Travel Bus Tour and Industry Rally to Take Place in Miami onn April 30, 2012 On March 21, 2012, U.S. Travel launched its “Vote Travel Bus Tour”, a coast-to-coast tour of destinations across America to raise awareness about the economic impacts of travel in every state and Congressional district. The bus tour started on March 21, 2012 at the “Get America Moving Reception” in Washington, D.C., and is proceeding to nine other rallies across the country – including events in Las Vegas, Dallas, Orlando, Philadelphia, MIAMI and Nashville. Mark your calendar for April 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. for the MIAMI VOTE TRAVEL RALLY to be held on Miami Beach on Ocean Drive between 8th and 9th Streets.
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SOUTH BEACH’S ONLY 5-STAR MARINA GOES GREEN Sunset Harbour Yacht Club Unveils Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Practices to Protect the Environment in Celebration of Earth Month Strung along two acres overlooking the beautiful waters of Biscayne Bay, Sunset Harbour Yacht Club (SHYC), South Beach’s only private, five-star yacht club, is setting an unprecedented benchmark for green, environmentally friendly marinas across the country. In celebration of Earth Month this April, management announced recent sustainable upgrades and new infrastructure designed to further prevent marine pollution and preserve surrounding wildlife. As a designated Clean Marina by the State of Florida, SHYC has already taken a proactive approach to environmental stewardship by complying with a set of green (a.k.a clean) policies designed to protect Florida’s waterways. These measures address critical environmental issues such as sensitive habitat, waste management, storm water control, spill prevention and emergency preparedness. R e c e n t l y, SHYC has taken extraordinary and costly measures utilizing state-ofthe-art technology to exceed current guidelines including: SHYC has contracted with a private firm to install a water quality monitoring device that can track water flow, sediment build up, chemical and biological factors and alert local agencies if there is a spill (oil, etc…) of any kind. In addition, local municipalities such as the U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security will benefit from the possibility of real-time tracking of vessels through high tech infrared cameras which can be utilized in drug trafficking surveillance. SHYC management is pursuing wind and water generation devices that would meet the self-sustaining needs of the Marina and foster the creation of additional energy. SHYC has switched from wood to ecofriendly, fiberglass composite pilings manufactured by Pearson Pilings which are stronger than wood, steel or concrete pilings and have a life span of 100-plus years because they do not rot or rust. In addition, these piling do not contain chemical preservatives that eventually leach into the water. Current pressure-treated wood decking is being replaced with Marine Hybrid Deck Panels, which are 100 percent recyclable, composed of 55 percent rice hulls and 45 percent recycled plastic. SHYC has contracted with Waste Management to provide recycling services, including two 90-gallon bins on property. Future plans for SHYC include possibility of creating a natural reef under SHYC docks as a wave attenuation device that will benefit Biscayne Bay.
“SHYC is setting a precedent in the marine industry by partnering with several organizations to implement stronger measures to protect the environment,” said Doug Mason, general manager of SHYC. “These socially responsible initiatives will not only reduce SHYC’s carbon footprint but preserve our waterways for future boating generations.” Nestled on two acres along the beautiful Biscayne Bay, just a mile and a half north of Government cut, SHYC features fixed, concrete docks and 125 deep-water slips with 10’ depths to accommodate 45 to 160 ft. sport cruisers, sail boats, catamarans and mega yachts up to 65’ height. SHYC offers a unique equity club membership program where owners and shareholders share a piece of the prime, waterfront real estate. In addition to their wet slips and a gated covered parking space, new buyers are granted membership privileges including use of private fitness center, heated Olympic-size pool, high power electrical service, fresh water, phone, internet digital satellite TV and a personal dock box.
ABOUT SUNSET HARBOUR YACHT CLUB Voted best marina of Miami Beach in 2008, 2009 and 2010 by the U.S. Local Business Association, the Sunset Harbour Yacht Club, located in the heart of South Beach, is a full service marina featuring 125 wet slips accommodating vessels from 45 to 160-plus feet. The member-owned slips are combined with two acres of prime waterfront property in an equity club membership program which includes a parking space and access to a fitness center with heated, Olympic-size pool. According to Superyachts.com, there is only one yacht club in the U.S. that ranks among the Best in the World: Miami’s Sunset Harbour Yacht Club. For more information, call General Manager Doug Mason at 305.398.6800, or visit http://sunsetharbouryc.com. Sunset Harbour Yacht Club, Inc. does not offer real estate for sale. It offers membership in the Yacht Club. Interested parties must apply for membership and, if accepted by the Club at its sole discretion, may purchase an equity interest in the Club that will entitle the party to exclusive use of a boat slip and (in some instances) a parking space, all subject to the Club’s Articles, By-Laws, Membership Plan and Rules and Regulations. Nothing herein should be construed as a sale of fee simple title to any real estate owned by the Club or any of its members.
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Miami Beach Convention Center
BY PEGGY BENUA Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Board Member
Miami Beach is an iconic brand for the domestic and international tourist. Our city enjoys a reputation as a unique tropical destination offering fun and sun along with urban amenities such as shopping, world class dining and entertainment. This combination affords Miami Beach a competitive advantage over many destinations both domestic and international. In 2010 over 12.6 million visitors came to South Florida and generated over $18.8 billion for our local economy. In Miami Beach, tourism generated $36.6 million in resort tax. The average visitor stays over 6 nights, is 42.6 years old and spends about $200 per day or $1400 in expenditures during their visit. Tourism is Miami Beach's number one industry. The Miami Beach Convention Center is a very important demand generator for area hotels and other businesses which rely on visitors and their spending power. The Convention Center is home to major annual shows such as the South Florida International Auto Show, Miami International Boat Show, and North America's most important contemporary art fair, Art Basel Miami Beach. Additionally, the facility hosts local and national corporate meetings of all sizes. In 2011, 30 meetings were held in the MBCC with an economic impact of over $138 million. The Miami Beach Convention Center enjoys a rich history. In 1964 Mohammed Ali defeated Sonny Liston to become the youngest world boxing champion in history. In 1968 and 1972 the city hosted the Republican National Convention and in
1972, the Democratic National Convention. But the current condition of the Convention Center puts our competitive advantage as a destination at risk. Last renovated in 1989, the Miami Beach Convention Center has not kept up with other markets in terms of size and modernization. In the last six years, the facility has had over $35 million in continuing upgrades; however, these improvements have not kept up with newer and larger convention centers in other markets. While still attractive to some meetings, other high end groups that have stated that they will not return until the center has been either modernized or expanded. The local hotel community has been waiting 10 years for a Convention Center expansion since it was first suggested to add a ballroom to the existing facility. With the risk of losing more meetings accelerated by proposed projects across Biscayne Bay, the Center has gained additional focus and urgency; enthusiastically endorsed by local business leaders and hoteliers. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Miami and Beaches Hotel Association are working together to support an increase in the Miami Beach resort tax by 1%, solely dedicated to Convention Center improvements. This effort has been supported by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Convention Center Advisory Board. These groups have requested that the Mayor and City of Miami Beach Commission approve this as a voter referendum to be included on the August 2012 ballot. Referred to the City of Miami Beach Finance Committee meeting scheduled for April 19th, it is their hope that this referendum will then be approved by the City Commission at the May 9th meeting. The resort tax increase, paid by tourists, not residents, is a critical part of the overall plan to renovate the existing convention center and protect tourism on Miami Beach.
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THE DONOWAY CENTER FOR CANCER TREATMENT AND PREVENTION Surgical Oncology Associates of South Florida Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Surgical Oncology & Breast Surgical Oncology Practice Specializing in Cancer of Breast, Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Melanoma, Sarcoma, Thyroid and Parathyroid, Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment, Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgical Oncology, Endocrine, and Laparoscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Image Guided Tumor Surgery, Genetic Cancer Counseling
ROBERT B. DONOWAY, M.D. Medical Director Institute for Breast Cancer Prevention
21110 Biscayne Boulevard • Suite 400 • Aventura, FL 33180 3800 Johnson Street • Suite 400 • Hollywood, FL 33021 17884 N.W. 2nd Street • Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Phone: 954.986.6366 • 305.682.4993 • Fax 954.986.4355 www.TheDonowayCenter.com
April 19 - May 2, 2012
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April 19 - May 2, 2012
April 19 - May 2, 2012
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Advice for getting through a divorce BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ
Divorce Coach
My kids are taking advantage of the divorce by using the “I’ll go live with Dad” tactic to get what they want. How do I stop this? You cannot be held hostage by the fear of losing your kids to living at dad’s house nor can you give in to the feeling of guilt from the divorce to give them everything they want. Ask yourself: If I were still married, would my answer to their request be any different? If the answer is yes, take some time to figure out why that is. Is it because you feel guilty trying to win them over, being their friend instead of their parent or the fear of them moving to dad’s? None of the above is a good enough reason to deviate from your rules. The best thing you can do for your child is keep your home life consistent and that includes the rules. Do not allow yourself to be held hostage by the fear of anything. Let your children know that just because of the divorce the way you parent has not changed and the rules are the rules. You are sorry they feel that way, but nothing has changed. Don’t let them see that glaze of panic in your eye when they mention moving or they will have you forever. Take a deep breath and realize they are just testing you to see what their new boundaries are. Don’t fail the test! Now that I’m divorced, I can’t afford the vacations my kids are used to. However, my ex-husband can and I feel like I’m missing out on memories with my kids. Memories aren’t just built during vacations. Try not to get caught up in that mentality; plan special times at home or locally. Start a tradition that you didn’t have when you were married. Your divorce is not a competition. You might be surprised that some of their most special memories are you reading them a book, tucking them in at
night, Taco Night on Thursday or the special notes you leave them in the morning on their mirror. Put your energy into being creative instead of being jealous.
I have bouts of sadness when I see “families” at restaurants, events, etc. I always thought that would be me. It’s been five years; I thought this would be over by now. Well, my friend, it’s over when you say it’s over. Yep, you’re the one in control. Yes, you wanted that life, but there is another plan for you. Start dreaming of your new life. Quit rereading the old story, write the new one! The old adage is worth repeating: Count your blessings. My ex hurt me in so many different ways that I find myself always daydreaming about ways to get even with him. I know this isn’t healthy, but I just can’t get past it. Don’t waste time daydreaming of getting even, visualize ways to get ahead. In the words of a very wise man, “And that’s all I have to say about that.” — Forrest Gump Note To Self: My attitude will move me forward or move me backward; I choose forward. Debbie’s Library: Power Thoughts by Louise Hay; Attitude of Gratitude by M.J. Ryan; The Power of Attitude by Mac Anderson
Debbie Martinez is a Certified Divorce Life Coach. She has given workshops on divorce and women’s issues and has offices in South Miami. For more information, call 305-984-5121 or go to <www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>.
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Panter’s Pointers for Spring Swim Safety Spring is here! While the water appears warm and inviting, it is host to unseen dangers. Every day, around ten people unintentionally drown. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional death for people of all ages. Children ages 1 to 14 have the highest rate of drowning deaths, and more than one in five deaths from drowning are children under the age of 14. Supervision is key. Children in water whether in a pool or a bathtub should always be supervised by a responsible adult while in the water. Drowning is a silent killer. Children who are drowning may not be able to call for help because they are expending all their energy to keep their head above water. All children should have some form of swimming lessons. Studies have shown that formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88% in children. Sometimes supervision is not enough. Among children ages 1 to 4 years, most drowning deaths occur at home. Most children who die in home swimming pools were only out of site for five minutes. Barriers such as pool fences can prevent children from accessing the pool while out of site. There is significant reduction in the risk of children drowning with a four-sided pool fence. Adults should also invest in CPR training. In the time spent waiting for an ambulance to arrive, CPR can save someone’s life. Adults, alcohol and swimming can be a dangerous mix. In half of adult drowning deaths alcohol is a contributing factor. Alcohol adversely affects balance, coordination, and judgment, all necessary faculties for swimming safely. Alcohols’ effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat, which spring in intensity with the spring season. Panter’s Pointers for Spring Swim Safety: 1) Supervision, never leave children alone in the water. 2) Consider investing in a pool fence if you have a swimming pool at home. 3) Learn to swim, take a lesson. 4) Learn CPR, you might save a life. 5) Avoid alcohol, or drink moderately and responsibly. “Serving Our Community For More Than 20 Years”
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
305-662-6178 6950 N. Kendall Drive Miami, Florida 33156 Telefax: (305) 662-9472 • 1-800-PANTERLAW www.panterlaw.com
BABY BOOMERS and SENIORS
INSURANCE PRODUCTS ANNUITIES FINAL EXPENSES CANCER POLICY LONG TERM CARE MEDICAL ADVANTAGE PLANS MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS HOME OWNERS/RENTERS POLICY KENNETH FRIEDMAN, CLU STANLEY CORENBLUM 305-945-3523
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April 19 - May 2, 2012
Community Association Beat
Upgrade your community with new CAM education BY MITCH DRIMMER, CAM Community Association Manager
Most condominium and homeowner associations are managed by a licensed manager, either through a management company, or individually-managed. Such managers are the “CEO” of the association, and although answerable to a board of directors, each must be licensed and should be well-versed in attendant responsibilities. Florida requires community association managers to be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The manager’s license is called a CAM (Community Association Manager), obtained after taking an 18-hour course at an approved school and passing a state test. However, there‘s a good deal more to know about association management than what can be taught in just a few days, even in the best schools. Licensed CAMs are required to take a certain amount of Continuing Education Units (CEU) during their tenure, allowing them to renew their license. But that, too, is still wanting in knowledge needed for the increasing complexities involved in managing Florida communities. Enter: A new initiative just rolled out to prepare association managers for the daunting task of managing more efficiently. Florida Community Association Professionals, a Florida initiative, is dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among managers. A new educational concept it offers is brilliant as it is simple: service providers to community associations will provide Florida-specific training at all levels of the community association industry. Without a sales pitch involved, these experienced service providers gathered together in one place will instruct managers in their specialized fields. The concept brings together association servicing experts with CAMs for an unparalleled learning opportunity. Ms. Betsy Barbieux, the program founder, developed the concept with the cooperation of the Florida Community Association Journal.
“Boards of Directors and professional regulators are unhappy with the quality of education of new managers,” said Ms. Barbieux in a recent interview. “Actually, no education is required, not even a GED diploma. They simply need to be 18 years old and complete an 18-hour pre-licensing course that prepares them to sit for the state exam. “They are not required to have any background in accounting, human resources, budgeting, construction, maintenance or law. Currently, the Regulatory Council is reluctant to legislate more education in today’s economy,” she pointed out. And that’s why there is most definitely a need for this education. Managers, management companies, and associations should make this investment in their time, not just among current managers but to upgrade association knowledge, as well. This 40-hour advanced studies program was created to bring a new level of excellence to an industry that is getting more and more complicated. Most significant about this educational opportunity is that it is Florida-specific and that is what makes it stand out. So there you have it – board of directors! A new way to ensure that your manager is up to date and properly- versed in the details of managing your community association. To learn more about the program, go to <www.fcaponline.net> or tel. 561-2778152 to get more information. Background yourself on this opportunity to keep your association on top of community management by having your management better informed. Having been selected as an instructor at this school, I hope to see your manager take part in this outstanding opportunity. Mitch Drimmer, a licensed CAM and FCAP instructor, is Vice President of Association Financial Services, an accredited collection agency specializing in finance, business process outsourcing and community association management. For more information, visit <www.associationfinancial.com> or tel: 305-677-0022, ext. 804.
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April 19 - May 2, 2012