Miami Beach News 4.4.2013

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APRIL 4 - 17, 2013

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Inaugural City National Bank Better Beach Awards Recognize Local Real Estate Industry Leaders

he Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural City National Bank Better Beach Awards on Thursday, March 21st, honoring influential, trendsetting leaders in the local real estate industry. A total of 16 awards were presented, recognizing the best in sustainability, architecture, design, marketing, restoration, and preservation. Tony Goldman, the “Visionary King of Ocean Drive,” was memorialized with a series of three awards for Historic Preservation. The Lincoln Theatre, James Royal Palm, and Parc Vendome Condominiums were awarded this honor for preservation of a commercial, hotel, and residential property, respectively. All three winners were touched by the

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Chamber President & CEO Jerry Libbin, Madeleine Romanello, Teresa King Kinney, Melissa Barragan — Miss South Beach and Chamber Chairman Alan Lips.

AWARDS, page 6

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5th Annual Women’s Conference Highlights Progress BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV

uch has been accomplished during the 40 years of the founding of the Women’s Movement, but much more still needs to be done, a national speaker’s panel said at the 5th Annual Miami Beach Women’s Conference. The program, which was held on March 22, in observance of Women’s History Month, was led off by nationally known feminist Patricia Ireland. While Ireland said she was asked to speak on the history of the women’s movement, she said that she found it difficult to focus on the past when so much more progress is needed. “My sales pitch is do not become complacent because we are not where we were but (L-R) Dona Zemo, Sherry Roberts, Elizabeth Schwartz, Patricia Ireland, Mayor Matti Bower, Jersey Garcia and Wendy Doherty.

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CONFERENCE, page 6

Phone: 305-669-7355

Letter from the Chair BY ALAN A. LIPS

When I first became Chairman, I spent a lot of time scratching my head trying to digest the number of events and meetings that take place at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce on an annual basis. With more than 250 functions each year, including signature events such as the Dinner Gala, lunches, breakfasts, networkers, coffee with the chamber, council and board meetings, I was convinced that it was time to reduce the number of chamber activities. But after great feedback, positive comments and the addition of a Real Estate Council signature event, it became clear to me that the community thrives on the activity and restructuring the Chamber calendar did not make sense! Last week the Real Estate Council hosted its inaugural Better Beach Awards event. We had approximately 150 nominees vying for fifteen awards. The demand for tickets was so great that the ballroom at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, with a capacity of 300, was sold out two weeks prior to the event. And what an energetic crowd it was. The excitement was constant as the finalists waited in eager anticipation to hear the winner for each award. And, as customary for the Chamber, the networking was superb. Everyone in the room congratulated the finalists and winners with great warmth and pride. I’m so proud of our Real Estate Council, the Board of Governors and Chamber staff for accomplishing another dynamic and successful event! It really takes a lot of hard

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LETTER, page 6


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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

BRUCE TOWNSEND

From being the youngest assistant manager at the world’s then busiest McDonald’s to being the Social Catering Sales Manager for Centerplate at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the career part of Bruce Townsend has always centered on hospitality and customer service. Born and raised in Cape May, NJ, Townsend attended college in Milwaukee, WI, majoring in four foreign languages. His desire to get back into customer service oriented business found him taking the entrepreneurial path as one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the area when he purchased a floral production company. At 22, he turned the business around and drove strong sales for the next 15 years. But when his family moved to South Florida 30 years ago, he knew exactly where he would eventually end up. Arriving in South Florida in 2003, Townsend fit right into the vibrant and active lifestyle here. After working with a national specialty linen company for seven years, he had the opportunity to meet the upper management of Centerplate at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The rescinded ordinance prohibiting social sales at the Convention Center was his destiny. Townsend joined Centerplate in May 2010 and in his first year there, he was able to secure seven new social events at the Convention Center, including a destination wedding for 800 guests. He continues to drive the social business at the Convention Center fully maximizing all of the six available ballroom spaces. Never content to sit still, his general manager recognized the potential of his sales and customer oriented skills. Townsend was asked to take on shows that had a more social feel, such as Winter Music Conference and Miami International Fashion Week. “Clients and guests should feel as comfortable here as they do at home. After all, this large place becomes their home during their shows,” said Townsend. “What I do is unique in the convention world and by listening to the details of their programs and events, just as you need to do for a wedding or a Mitzvah, each event is better planned and organized. Clients end up being much happier!” But even taking on these social shows and events, Townsend still finds time to search for more opportunities for business at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Last August, a golden opportunity arose that was just too good to pass up. That opportunity became the Miami Beach-Miami LGBT Sports & Cultural League, Inc., which was formed to write a bid for Miami Beach and Miami to host the World Outgames in 2017. Townsend became co-chair and along with Ivan Cano,

BRUCE TOWNSEND the other co-chair, and a volunteer board of 10 other civic and community leaders, the League submitted a bid to the World Outgames organizing body, the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association, shortly thereafter. Miami Beach-Miami soon became one of two finalist cities in the running to be host city. Then, last February, Townsend and the League’s presentation team – including Mayor Matti Bower and Vice Mayor Michael Gongora – traveled to Antwerp, Belgium to give a live streaming pitch to the worldwide GLISA membership. The team won the bid to host the 2017 games. The 4th World Outgames Miami BeachMiami 2017 will put Miami Beach in the limelight for the next four years globally as the cities promote themselves as the Game’s host. Ultimately, the Games will deliver to the city and the community a substantial economic impact, estimated as much as $125 million. During his “free time” Townsend practices for upcoming Country & Western dance competitions. Within the next few months, he will be competing in Seattle at the International Country & Western convention, as well as at the 3rd World Outgames in Antwerp this summer. Besides being active in local networking events, Townsend is also the vice chair of the International Gay & Lesbian Country & Western Dances Clubs and President of GLISA North America. He is very active with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and will be active with the upcoming 91st Gala on June 1st.

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CONFERENCE, from page 1 because we are not there where we need to be. There is always something you can do to make a difference,” said Ireland, who is now a labor lawyer in Miami. The next speaker, Elizabeth Schwartz, who heads the Miami Beach Bar Association, expressed her shock that issues raised 40 years ago remain unsettled, especially when it comes to abortion. “It’s shocking we are still talking about reproductive rights, pay equality and now marriage equality. I am shocked that the anti-choice folks are still out in force. There are incredibly dangerous laws still being enacted,” she said. The third speaker, Jersey Garcia, executive director of Mi Lola, the National Latina Institute of Reproductive Health, told how her maternal grandmother had borne 22 children, but that her mother, “searching for the American dream,” had emigrated to the U.S. When Jersey first joined the Women’s Movement, she said that she saw the stories of other women portrayed, but none that reflected her culture. “We are forging a diverse and inclusive world where all of us matter. We need to connect across our differences and unite our inconsistencies,” she said. The panel was moderated by Sherry Roberts, after which the participants proceeded to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, where the chefs and caterers participating in “Lunch in the Garden” offered an array of delicious dishes in the spectacular outdoor setting. During the luncheon, State Sen. Gwen Margolis was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. “I can tell you that I owe it all to the Women’s Movement and people who cared about me,” said Margolis, who was first elected to the Florida legislature in the 1970s, and has been reelected three times, most recently in 2010. She is the only woman to serve as president of any U.S. Senate.

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State Senator Gwen Margolis ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Also at the luncheon, Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower was honored for establishing the conference, and for ensuring that the speaker’s portion had remained a free event. Bower founded the conference five years ago, during her first term in office as the city’s first woman mayor. Although she is now serving her last year in office, she spoke of her desire that the conference will continue. “I hope we can grow at the same momentum and get even bigger,” she said.

AWARDS, from page 1

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recognition and mentioned Tony’s influence in their acceptance speeches. “Having the chance to honor the late Tony Goldman for all of his contributions to this great city is truly precious. He will always be remembered, and we hope these Historic Preservation awards help keep his memory alive. Thank you to Tony’s family for allowing us to honor his memory,” said Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Chairman Alan A. Lips. Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the MIAMI Association of Realtors, was presented with the Progressive Industry Leadership Award for her exceptional contributions of community leadership and philanthropic endeavors that have improved the quality of the real estate industry in Miami Beach. The 25,000 member association boasts the largest local International Real Estate Council and Congress in the U.S. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce also recognized individuals that demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in giving back to the community. The Better Beach Citizen Award included three categories for Citizen at Large, Real Estate Agent, and Real Estate Broker and went to George Lindemann Jr., Debi Quade, and Lyle Stern, respectively. THE REMAINING AWARD RECIPIENTS WERE: • The Clifton Hotel: The Green Award, Sustainable Commercial Property • 2020 Alton Road: The Green Award, Sustainable Residential Property • Borges & Associates – The Webster: Innovative A rchitecture Award • Todd Tragash – Estiatorio Milos: Innovative Designer Award • Pietro Belmonte from Douglas

LETTER, from page 1

Elliman: Most Innovative Method of Marketing Award, Real Estate Agent • Beth Butler from ONE Sotheby’s: Most Innovative Method of Marketing Award, Real Estate Broker • The Forge: Most Spectacular Restoration Award, Commercial P roperty • Dream South Beach: Most Spectacular Restoration Award, Hotel • The Temple House: Most Spectacular Restoration Award, Residential P roperty “The Real Estate industry is essential to Miami Beach, and it’s exciting to see the innovation and growth within every aspect from design to architecture and sustainability. The City National Bank Better Beach Awards helps further our tradition of recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding business professionals who continue to strengthen our community,” said Jerry Libbin, Miami Beach Chamber President and CEO. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was delighted to host an event to highlight leaders in an industry so vital to the Miami Beach economy. In partnership with title sponsor, City National Bank of Florida, presenting sponsors, Pathman Lewis, LLP, Northwestern Mutual—Laser Financial Group and Noon Dalton, and venue sponsor, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, the chamber created an event that is sure to grow and continue to honor the Miami Beach real estate industries. Hosted by CBS4 News Chief Meteorologist David Bernard , the event celebrated successes from the present but also honored a pioneer of the past, the late Tony Goldman.

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work and energy to successfully put together a first time event like this! I want to take my hat off to Madeleine Romanello and Melissa Rubin for their incredible contributions to the event as well as to the chamber and our community at large. And congratulations to each of the finalists and winners! And I also want to commend the Chamber’s world-class staff. This group of devoted employees embraces every challenge with a per-

fect attitude and endless energy, ensuring that every function is enormously successful and that each member has the best opportunity to accomplish their goals. I am so proud to be the Chairman of such a dynamic and successful chamber. I encourage you to come to an upcoming chamber event so you too can experience the power of membership. At your service, Alan A. Lips


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Ladies ‘Spring’ into action on Miami Beach this year Spring is for the ladies of Miami Beach as a slew of activities and events that cater to female residents and travelers take place across the city from April to May. From the Ocean Drive Girlfriends Getaway Weekend at the Loews Hotel to a Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, there is something for everyone here. “Miami Beach is the perfect destination for female travelers,” says Jeff Lehman, Chair, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “Not only are there fun, inclusive and entertaining events here but our city is safe, clean and very walk-able, a cinch to navigate so that you can cover as many events as possible in a short period of time.” To that end, please see below a list of upcoming Spring events on Miami Beach that may be particularly appealing to women travelers and residents who want to put their Spring into high gear this year. Miami Beach Polo World Cup April 24-28, 2013 Want to see men riding horses on the beach? Then come to this international polo tournament featuring teams from around the world. The event kicks off with South Beach Women’s Polo Cup V Women’s Welcome and Cocktail Hour at the James Royal Palm. http://www.miamipolo.com/index.php/

• Clarke’s • The Front Porch Cafe • Palace bar

miami-beach-polo/schedule/ Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend: A Weekend of Sipping, Shopping, Spa-ing, Indulging and more April 26-28, 2013 Ocean Drive Magazine and Loews Miami Beach Hotel bring the 4th annual ultimate Girlfriends’ Getaway Weekend! Girlfriends to South Beach. Ladies looking for some much-needed girl time will enjoy a three day/two night stay with all the activities that will nourish the girlfriend spirit both inside and outside. http://www.loewshotels.com/en/specials/hotelspecials/girlfriends Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival April 26 - May 5, 2013 Screening outstanding films that provide perspectives on the GLBT experience.

The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival encourages a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer varied perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. The festival has grown from a 3 day event in which 25 films were presented to the current format of 10 days with over 65 films. http://www.mglff.com/films/program/da tetime Mother’s Day Events in Miami May 12, 2013 Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in Miami Beach with brunch and other relaxing activities on Miami Beach. BRUNCHES • Oliver’s • 660 @ The Angler’s

SPAS • The Standard Spa, Miami Beach • Elle Spa • The Palms Hotel & Spa • Nirvana Spa • The Setai • All-Suite Oceanfront Hotel & Spa Miami Beach OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES • DecoBike Miami Beach • New World Symphony - Wallcasts™ • South Pointe Park • South Beach Kayak Aqua Girl, A Party For a Cause May 15-19, 2013 The 13th year of Aqua Girl® continues to attract women from around the world. At Aqua Girl® there is something for everyone. There are dance parties, a comedy show, live music, pool parties, a bowlathon, a jazz brunch, a dine-out event, a VIP reception, celebrity meet-and-greets, and so much more. http://www.aquagirl.org


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Inaugural City National Bank Better Beach Awards at Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Registration Area at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel Wayne Pathman and George Lindemann Jr.

Robert Arkin, Saul Gross and David Bernard

Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Damian Santos, Debi Quade, Scott Diffenderfer, Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach, Madeleine Romanello and Melissa Rubin

William Lai, Irene Fister, and Wayne Grabein

Photos by Jonathan Hall

Damian Santos and Debi Quade Madeleine Romanello and Melissa Rubin

Chamber President & CEO Jerry Libbin and Reinaldo Borges

Robert Arkin and Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach

SEE MORE PHOTOS NEXT PAGE


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Inaugural City National Bank Better Beach Awards at Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Shareef Malnik, Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach and Francois Frossard

Irene Fister, Wayne Grabein, and Mirielle Enlow

Melissa Rubin, Teresa King Kinney and Madeleine Romanello

Mirielle Enlow, Michael Capponi , Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach, Daniel Davidson, Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, and Madeleine Romanello

Karol Jimenez, Ricardo Tabet, and Jim Larschan

Photos by Jonathan Hall

Wendy Doherty, Saul Gross and Dona Zemo Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Keith Menin, Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach; Max Sturman, and Mirielle Enlow

Guests networking

SEE MORE PHOTOS NEXT PAGE


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Inaugural City National Bank Better Beach Awards at Loews Miami Beach Hotel Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Eve Scheinblum, Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach and Madeleine Romanello

Chamber COO & EVP Ana Cecilia Velasco, Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Lyle Stern and Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach

Chamber Chairman Alan Lips, Daniel Davidson, Ralph Choeff, Reinaldo Borges, Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach; William Lai, Mirielle Enlow and Melissa Rubin

Photos by Jonathan Hall

Mirielle Enlow, Michael Capponi , Saul Gross, Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach and Chamber Chairman Alan Lips

Madeleine Romanello, David Bernard, Melissa Barragan – Miss South Beach and Chamber Chairman Alan Lips


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Creating a Hollywood Wedding Video Production Probably anyone who has ever sat through a boring hour-long VHS video of a wedding that was poorly lit and terribly shot is glad those days are over — or at least, almost. Now that high definition video cameras are available to consumers in all price ranges and sizes, most people have a better understanding of just what high-quality video should look like. This means the average event video producer needs to up their services and offer consumers something they cannot do themselves, even with the latest high definition camera. Today’s state-of-the-art HD cameras include high-grade lenses and capture beautiful images in almost every scene. The question consumers need to ask is this: what can a professional with a professional HD camera do that the average person with the same equipment cannot? The answer to this is perfect composition, excellent lighting and professional editing and audio engineering, which results in a breathtaking and truly cinematic experience that anyone can be proud to share. No one will be bored sitting through a well-shot wedding versus the old-fash-

pendent crews who specialize in wedding videos also have access to the same filmmaking tools previously unknown in the event production industry. The biggest trend today in wedding videos is short versions of the wedding with beautifully shot highlights that have been edited to resemble a long movie trailer or to tell a love story and show the best elements of the big day. This creates truly breathtaking results and more wedding photographers in Miami are jumping onto this latest trend. This trend doesn’t just apply to weddings, either; it’s become a popular Miami video production method for engagement parties, baby showers and bar/bat mitzvahs as well. Consumers interested in learning more about modern, HD video photography can contact Zip In Media at zipinmedia.com. ioned VHS tapes of the past. The best professional wedding photographer will also have a background in either film production or film studies. One tip for consumers looking for a great video producer is viewing the INcard offers to find good deals on video production for an

upcoming wedding or any other event. Today, it’s easy to find lightweight and affordable Steadicams as well jibs, cranes, dollies and even remote-controlled helicopters, which can be equipped with the 5D camera to get the same effect as a large Hollywood film crew. Many small inde-

ABOUT ZIP IN MEDIA The professionals at Zip In Media have more than 20 years of experience in print, web, film, video and interactive media and use this industry experience to conceptualize, produce and edit breathtaking wedding videos and other event videos.


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Artist Arno Elias’ Worldwide Solo Photographic Journey Enchants South Florida Art and photography aficionados gathered at a special and never before seen exhibit by renowned French Artist Arno Elias, who is also known for his exemplary work as composer, producer and musician of Buddah Bar music. The exclusive cocktail event and art exhibit featuring his new work, The Lost Series, was held at Markowicz Fine Art Gallery, located at 114 Northeast 40th Street, in Miami’s Design District. Art collectors, gallery clients, special guests and the media attended the event on March 5th. Elias’ thrilled those in attendance with his beautiful display of images from his solo world photographic tour of countries such as Kenya, Guatemala, Thailand, Egypt, India, France, England and the USA. “I want people to see the beauty of those cultures, to feel the depth of their people, the mixed emotions of pain and joy, and the diversity of our world”, said Elias about his work. The Lost Series is a crystallization of Elias’ mixed-media techniques and features powerful images he captured while he was “lost” in different cultures from the five continents. “The expressions on the images Elias’ captured transport us and make us feel as if we’re there, sitting right next to a subject who’s halfway around the world”, said Bernard Markowicz, owner of Markowicz Fine Art Gallery. From Sari-clad women on

Elias’ paintings and photographs have been featured in prestigious art fairs such as Art Basel in Switzerland, Art Chicago and San Francisco Art Market. Elias has also worked with fashion icons, Jean Paul Gaultier and Mario Testino. Elias is known as a world-renowned artist, not only for his photography, but for his work in new age, Buddha Bar music. Elias has worked with Latin recording artist, Shakira, and composed the score for multiple worldwide campaign videos for UNICEF. For more information about Elias, visit www.arnoelias.com.

the streets of India, to a boy in the mountains of Tibet, to an elephant on Africa’s Savannah, Elias’ images evoke emotion and capture a montage of his adventures. Guests toasted with champagne and enjoyed appetizers during the event. They

also got to meet and interact with Elias, whose artistic career began as a teenager. His work is on permanent exhibit in a number of art galleries around the country such as Pop International Galleries in Soho NYC and Mouche Gallery in Beverly Hills, California.

ABOUT MARKOWICZ FINE ART GALLERY Markowicz Fine Art is owned by French gallerist, Bernard Markowicz. The Markowicz Fine Art Gallery is home to the Mourlot estate in Florida. The Atelier Mourlot, located in Paris, is one of the largest printers of artistic posters in the world and widely visited by artists who create original graphic works of art there. The Markowicz Fine Art Gallery also features works by Pop Art legends such as Andy Warhol and Tom Wesselmann and is a permanent home to Arno Elias’ art work. For more information about the gallery, please visit www.markowiczfineart.com or call 786.362.5546.


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Park Chan-wook’s ‘Stoker’ takes you on a creepy, stunning journey BY LAUREN COHEN

When you hear the title “Stoker,” it’s normal for your mind to automatically spring to vampires. However, if you’re expecting a tale about the bloodsucking creature, you’ll find yourself to be somewhat mistaken. You see, “Stoker” is indeed a vampire movie…just minus the actual vampires. The movie begins with a somber start: we find out that India’s (Mia Wasikowska) father has just passed away in a terrible auto accident on her 18th birthday. When we meet India, right off the bat it’s evident that she’s not your average teenage girl. She’s the kind of dark and sullen teen that dresses as if she was plucked out of the Victorian era; the kind of girl who remains completely unfazed as she watches a spider slowly crawl up her leg. At the funeral, a family member India never even knew existed shows up: the mysterious Uncle Charlie (Matthew Goode). As quickly as he appeared, the man starts charming both India and her unstable mother Evelyn (Nicole Kidman), who invites him to come live with them in their big Connecticut home. But despite his charming façade, it doesn’t take India long to realize

MOVIE REVIEW

Matthew Goode and Mia Wasikowska in Stoker –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– there’s something much darker brewing may not have been prepared to confront — like an exploration of the nature of evil, as beneath his surface. Perversely intoxicating, “Stoker” isn’t for well as a focus on India’s sexual awakening. the faint of heart — and it certainly isn’t While Kidman is the film’s biggest name, as scared to explore daring topics. Penned by a character she comes off as more of an afterWentworth Miller (best known as the star of thought. The real stars here are Wasikowska TV’s “Prison Break”), this a story that sort of and Goode. Goode’s Uncle Charlie is suave, creeps up on you; you may go in thinking charming, attractive…and more than just a you know too much about the plot, but as the hint menacing. And that’s where he most story slowly unfolds, you find topics you soars in the role. There’s something notice-

ably off about him, yet it’s not difficult to understand why these two women are so drawn to him that they blindly invite him into their lives. He may not have fangs and a penchant for drinking blood, but those are just about the only characteristics that set him apart from a vampire. “Stoker” is a slow burn, but the end result is all the more effective because of it. This is a film that heightens your senses; every noise is deliberate and intensified —- such as the sound of the shell being cracked off a hardboiled egg or the sound of a pencil being shaved. It’s visual antics are the same, and they happen to be the most rewarding aspect of this haunting journey. The film is so imaginatively shot, that each individual frame functions as part of this gorgeous visual puzzle. It may not all make immediate sense logically, but that’s not what this film is about; it’s so rich visually and thematically that if you’re honing in on plot holes and inconsistencies, then you’re not opening yourself to the full picture. And what a sumptuous, unforgettable picture it is. Rating: B+


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BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME

HOW’S BUSINESS RECORD ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD SERVICE JOBS IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REPORTED FOR JANUARY 2013 – MARKING 37 MONTHS OF CONSECUTIVE JOB INCREASES Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service jobs increased +4.7% in January 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. This marks 37 months of consecutive increased employment in Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service Industry. In January 2013, 108,500 people were employed in Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service sector compared to 103,600 in January 2012, a +4.7% increase. GREATER MIAMI LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY JOBS January 2013

January 2012

108,500

103,600

% Change +4.7%

Miami Design Preservation League’s (MDPL) Spring Lecture Series is taking place now through May 9th at the Art Deco Welcome Center on Miami Beach. The theme is “Architects on Architects: Today’s Architects and the Historic Architects Who Influenced Them”. For the complete schedule, visit www.MDPL.org. GMCVB’S MIAMI GOLF MONTH RUNS THROUGH APRIL Greater Miami has plenty to brag about when it comes to golf courses. We feature some of the most difficult courses in the world, and some courses have been rated in the top 10 courses by Golfweek. Join us during April for special offers at our renowned golf resorts and courses. For details, visit www.MiamiGolfMonth.com. GMCVB’S 22ND ANNUAL H.O.T. CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT IS MAY 3, 2013 AT DORAL GOLF RESORT & SPA GMCVB’s 22nd annual H.O.T. Challenge is May 3, 2013 at Doral Golf Resort & Spa. GMCVB’s H.O.T. Challenge Golf Tournament benefits the Black Hospitality Initiative of Greater Miami’s (BHI) African-American Scholarship Fund. The BHI is a not-for-profit organization that was established in 1991 by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to increase and expand the participation by African Americans in Miami-Dade County’s visitor industry. To date, the BHI has awarded 182 scholarships. For details, visit www.HOTChallenge.com.

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M ia m i - b a s e d G u e r r a M a r k e t i n g M a k e s H u ge St r i d e s i n t h e S o u t h F l o ri d a M a r k e t p l a c e Emi Guerra is a name most know in South Florida or, many think they know him. The reason being, Emilio, “Emi” as he prefers to be referred, comes from a lineage of family who’ve been successful (all in the arena of dealing with the public). His siblings, three other brothers, all have had fruitful careers in hospitality and nightlife. It’s no wonder he took his talents, perhaps one might say “in the genes” and launched a powerful marketing firm, Guerra Marketing Group. Emi Guerra is known as one of the biggest names in nightlife and hospitality in Miami. But this young entrepreneur has huge aspirations that go way outside of the Miami lines. He and his siblings have each helped to change the Miami and South Beach landscape with their unique areas of expertise and positive contributions. Respectively, Emi has run some of the top nightlife hotspots and consulted for many of Miami’s most respectable venues. So the Guerra name means (in this case) success and not “war” as its direct translation in Spanish. For close to two decades, Emi Guerra has been leading the way in the highly competitive Miami entertainment market through his company, Guerra Marketing Group (GMG) by creating some of the most recognized brand and music driven large scale events. From indoor to outdoor events featuring top talent and some of the most anticipated headliners, Guerra Marketing Group has become synonymous with music, brands and special events. During this year, the firm’s 8th anniversary, the market has seen this small yet very effective shop crank out huge campaigns. With a deep rooted appreciation for the entertainment scene, Emi and his dynamic team of young marketers have devised a perfect formula to success for their event marketing and brand-driven activations. Carefully having selected a group of assertive and well-schooled social media and event strategists, he specializes in revenue and traffic generating programs for venues via innovative grassroots marketing concepts. Guerra and his team of social media marketing specialists and web developers take interactive dialogue to a new dimension, using innovative platforms that assist in the power and growth of the ever-changing digital world. This can be seen through campaigns they have launched in the last few years and recently at such local hot spots as Club Space, Nikki Beach Miami, Chalk Miami Beach, The Hoxton Beach House, the Mondrian Hotel and new spot TSL Lounge located in

Emi Guerra ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

the Wynwood Arts District. What does it all mean? With an overflow of marketing and advertising agencies in Miami, Guerra Marketing has found a niche. Emi and his staff have perfected the use of technology in its most up-to-date capacity, and matching it with a massive team of guerrilla marketing troupes, all who understand goal-planning. It’s a perfect blueprint for their client’s success. Although different teams, they are all working under the tutelage of someone who has been part of the creation of the landscape Miamians all see today, as it relates to entertainment, nightlife and special events. Today, the Guerra Marketing Group at the helm of Emi is constantly reinventing and constantly creating, Emi is focused on continuing to serve up results-driven marketing initiatives for brands he collaborates with, as well as helping create and grow successful large scale events for brands across the map, who want to reach an audience through “experiential marketing.” Through his belief and proven track record of creating brand loyalty within specific demographics, via, what other than showing them a great time. Guerra Marketing approaching an 8th anniversary will now launch a new website that will include new services the firm now offers such as strategic planning, corporate events, public relations, and media buys. For more information on Emi Guerra or Guerra Marketing Group please contact Creativas Group. You can follow Guerra Marketing Group and Emi Guerra on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @EmiGuerra99.

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The $outh Florida Gaming Report The Question of Regulation BY ISADORE HAVENICK

The Florida Legislature has been busy the past few weeks, taking proactive steps to outlaw internet sweepstakes cafes in the state of Florida. Many of these facilities were operating under the guise of benefitting charitable organizations, including the Allied Veterans Foundation. An investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement uncovered that a minimal amount was actually going to the charities with the vast majority of the profits from these operations being diverted for personal and private gain. The venues tried to claim that they serviced the elderly as a social hall of sorts, offering food and drink and a safe gathering place for senior citizens. In reality, they were allowed to prey upon the elderly with no regulations governing the amount of money that was

required to be paid back to the patrons. In addition, these so called amusement only centers were illegally offering cash and gift cards in excess of legal limits. The chasm between the highly regulated casinos in Dade and Broward County and the virtually ignored illegal “amusement� centers was certainly brought to light. At the regulated facilities in South Florida a minimum of 85% of the monies played in slot machines must be returned to patrons. A close look at the statistics maintained by the Florida Division of Business and Professional Regulation shows that all the facilities return over 90% to their patrons with some returning close to 94%. This was not the case in the unregulated facilities where some claims have surfaced that as little as 25% of the cash placed in the machines was being returned to patrons. The bottom line is that the State of Florida is protecting their citizens in the highly regulated Dade and Broward voter approved facilities and the truth about the internet cafes has finally been revealed and will now be dealt with accordingly.

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Sunset Harbor

Luxury condo and shops bring renewed appeal to Sunset Harbour ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Within a mere three-block span, Sunset Harbour has become one of the most up and coming nooks in Miami Beach. What was once a despondent setting filled with tow lots and abandoned buildings, has now become a lively area idyllically located between Alton Road and the Venetian. With the advent of the Pubbelly restaurant chain that exploded on to the scene the last couple years, to the new parking garage designed by Arquitectonica and Büro Miami shared office space welcoming tenants the likes of GILTCity Miami and real estate company Domus Group, Sunset Harbour seems to be the next new neighborhood. It seems that Sunset Harbour is no longer just a weekend destination for gourmet foodies and new office addresses, but also one of the most sought-after residential areas with incredible views and basic conveniences like Fresh Market.

With limited inventory, it’s also becoming hard to get in – with the exception of one new opportunity that just came on line with the recent announcement of the luxury condominium, Palau, developed by SMG Management LLC. The 50-unit residences will be designed by Kobi Karp and start at around $500,000. Mark’s Cleaners is soon coming down to make way for the high-design, low-rise, boutique residential building, offering a renewed entrance and aesthetic (including Raymond Jungles’ landscaping) to match the sophistication of this burgeoning micro neighborhood. And beloved stores such as Panther Coffee and Ice Box are opening in the area, and are expected to bring their loyal followers. With so much on the horizon for Sunset Harbour, this neighborhood is quickly becoming one of the most coveted destinations in Miami Beach.

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Mount Sinai Launches Women’s Centered Care Program Recognizing that women have unique healthcare needs that they often push aside to meet the demands of family and work, Mount Sinai Medical Center recently launched a new program to make it easier for women to get the care they need, when they need it. On Friday, March 8, Mount Sinai Medical Center celebrated International Women’s Day with the inauguration of a new Women’s Centered Care Program. Designed to meet the specific healthcare needs of women, this program will make it easier for female patients, and their family, to access the excellent medical care that Mount Sinai provides. The program features a multidisciplinary network of physicians and healthcare professionals who understand these needs and work together to optimize women’s health and well-being. This dedicated team will provide diagnosis, treatment and support services that are tailored to each individual patient. Key physicians in the program are trained in gender-specific medicine to fully understand the unique medical challenges that women often face. “While most people are certainly aware of the obvious differences between men and women,” said Dr. Veronica Rodriguez McCloskey, cardiologist with the Mount Sinai Heart Institute and part of the network of physicians in the Women’s Centered Care

Mount Sinai Women’s Centered Care Program is designed to meet the specific healthcare needs of all women. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Program, “They may not be aware that men and women react differently to some medications and that women are more vulnerable to some diseases and may have different symptoms than men.” “For example, a man and woman may experience severe chest pressure, when hav-

ing a heart attack, but women also can experience a heart attack without chest pressure,” she said. “Their symptoms often are more subtle.” Mount Sinai’s Women’s Centered Care Program includes physicians who see patients on the hospital’s main campus in Miami

Beach, as well as its satellite centers in Aventura, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables and Hialeah. The doctors’ specialties include cardiology, oncology, urology, endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders, diagnostic imaging, psychiatry, and more. In addition, a healthcare navigator will assist patients by helping find doctors, scheduling appointments, answering health-related or financial questions and coordinating services between subspecialties throughout the medical center. The navigator also will facilitate communication between the patient and her physicians. “The healthcare navigator is a unique feature of our program and a personalized service we are proud to offer our patients,” said Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, oncologist in the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center and chair of the Women’s Centered Care Program. “Here at Mount Sinai we want to make the experience of going to a healthcare facility – getting appointments and coordinating their care among all their physicians easier and hassle-free.” To learn more about The Mount Sinai Women’s Centered Care Program, visit online at www.MountSinaiWomensCare.com, email WCCNavigator@msmc.com or call 305-6742131.


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Jewish Museum of Florida: ‘The Jewel of South Beach’

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The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU (JMOF-FIU) is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of 250 years of Florida Jewish heritage, arts and culture. MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, the Museum’s core exhibit, depicts the Florida Jewish experience through photographs, artifacts, documents and oral histories from pioneer families to the state’s most recent arrivals. The exhibition was an 8-year statewide grassroots collecting effort, led by JMOF Founding Executive Director Marcia Jo Zerivitz. MOSAIC traveled to 13 cities from 1990-1994. The traveling exhibit generated so much interest that by 1995, MOSAIC evolved into the Jewish Museum of Florida and the traveling exhibit became the Museum’s core exhibit, which is continuously updated to reflect Florida’s growing history. JMOF-FIU collects, preserves and interprets the material evidence of the Jewish experience in Florida that began in 1763 in Pensacola, when Jews were first allowed to live in the state. Since opening in 1995, the Museum has mounted and hosted more than 65 world-class temporary art and history exhibits, and regularly attracts visitors from all over the world. JMOF also presents cultural and educational programs, houses a Collections & Research Center reflecting Florida Jewish history and communicates Jewish history, values and issues to Jews and non-Jews alike in an informal manner. The Museum is located in two former adjacent synagogues that housed Miami Beach’s first Jewish congregation, Beth Jacob. Both synagogues, built in 1929 and 1936, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The latter building, which underwent a two-year restoration from 19931995, was designed by architect Henry Hohauser and boasts art deco features, a

Moorish-style copper dome, marble bimah and 80 stained-glass windows. The 1929 original shul was renovated in 2007. In 2008, Bessie’s Bistro made its debut as a center court and interior connection between the two buildings and the Orovitz Museum Store was expanded. The Jewish Museum of Florida spent $4 million on restorations to adapt the historic structures to create a stateof-the-art museum space. JMOF-FIU is accredited by the American Association of Museums, an honor awarded to less than five percent of the nation’s museums. JMOF-FIU has been recognized with many accolades, including being named the “Jewel of South Beach,” and “Best Museum” by Miami New Times. The Museum has become a leader in the field, initiating such projects as legislation for an annual Florida Jewish History Month in January and a national Jewish American Heritage Month celebrated each May. In Fall 2012, the Museum became part of Florida International University. The historic partnership strengthens awareness of JMOF’s internationally recognized institution, broadens its academic offerings and increases scholarly research of its collections. FIU will utilize the Museum’s facilities and collection to implement an academic plan consistent with JMOF’s and FIU’s shared educational, research and outreach missions. The Jewish Museum of Florida is located at 301 Washington Avenue in South Beach. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays, civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults/$6; Seniors/$5; Families/$12; Members and children under 6/Always Free; Saturdays/Free; Wednesdays and Fridays/Free for Miami Beach residents with valid ID. For more information: 305672-5044 or www.jewishmuseum.com.


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BY MICHAEL LOVE

Dark Chocolate Cake in a Cup This is a great spontaneous dessert for the kids, or you can fancy it up by using ramekins instead of a coffee mug. The better the ingredients, the better this cake will taste so use the best chocolate powder and the best vanilla you can find. Makes 1 coffee cup.

Epicure with Love Specialty Chef Epicure Gourmet Market & Café

C h o c o l a t e , Chocolate and Chocolate! Chocolate is one of the most popular foods and flavors in the world. The different types of chocolate (milk, dark, etc.) contain varying amounts of cocoa solids and cocoa butter as well as other ingredients such as fats, milk, sugars and additives. The darker the chocolate, the more actual cocoa solids and less fats and sugar. This is why many people have claimed that dark chocolate is the healthiest of all varieties. There are many studies that have suggested that chocolate, specifically dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and can reduce high blood pressure as well as the risk of other cardiovascular problems. Studies have also shown that as part of a low-fat diet, chocolate can reduce your cholesterol. For me, I just LOVE it…in all its forms even white chocolate, which actually contains no cocoa solids but does have cocoa butter. My number one selling item at Epicure is my “Ultimate Dark Chocolate Brownie” followed by my “Hazelnut Milk Chocolate XTREME Brownie with Nutella and Mixed Nuts,” at number two. One of my favorite chocolate dishes is chocolate cake, but I rarely have the time to bake one. Solution: 2 minute chocolate cake in a coffee mug. This recipe is quick, unbelievably delicious and is very flexible in terms of flavors. Add espresso powder, almond extract, cinnamon, dried cherries or shredded coconut…the choices are endless.

Ingredients 3 tablespoons flour 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder Pinch of salt 1 egg 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted butter) 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (white, milk or dark) 1/2 teaspoon orange zest 1 teaspoon Grand Marnier (or any flavored liqueur) Blend all dry ingredients in a coffee cup using a fork. Add egg, oil, chips, zest and liqueur and mix. Place cup in microwave and cook for 90 seconds. You will see the cake rise above the rim of the cup but it won’t spill over. When done, sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy! Michael Love is the Specialty Chef at Epicure Gourmet Market and Café and the creator of “Epicure with Love,” an all-natural gourmet line of food including soups, prepared entrées and desserts. Michael is also available for private and group cooking instruction and can be hired for dinner parties and events. Contact: Michael@epicuremarket.com. (PHOTO BY LYNN PARKS)


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Living on the Cutting Edge: How to Get the Most Bang for Your Company’s Buck BY DANIEL WHALEN

In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, businesses are hard pressed to stay up-to-date. Financial practices and processes are constantly changing and new technologies and programs boast more efficiency, more profit, better organization — the list goes on and on. The fact is that all the technology and infrastructure is there to help grow your small business, however most small businesses do not have the time to truly explore these opportunities and maximize growth. Another principal concern of any small business is trust — how can they be sure a company can be trusted? Oftentimes, the best way to ensure trusted business practices is by referral; if you are referred by a trusted source, it is that much more likely that the new partner can be trusted as well. However, making those initial connections can be challenging for small businesses trying to get established. Finally, local partners are both more likely to be reputable and more likely to understand the business challenges of a specific local market. The Miami Beach community is lucky enough to have a company which will truly put local small business owners at ease as they search for partners. Merchant Data Systems (MDS) was founded in 1997 on the principals of delivering outstanding service as well as a commitment to innovation and excellence with our merchants and sales partners. MDS is a full-service payment processing company offering a robust suite of small business solutions designed to help businesses improve financial results. Specifically,

they offer a wide array of services to all business types including Credit Card Processing, Debit Card Processing, Check Guarantee, Payroll Services, Electronic Check Acceptance, Electronic Benefits Transfer, Equipment Sales & Leasing, 24/7 Customer Service and Technical Help Desk, Merchant Cash Advances, Gift Card & Loyalty products, heavy equipment financing, internet marketing & SEO services, easy and merchant-friendly IRS and PCI-DSS Compliance and EMV solutions. The best way to take advantage of everything MDS has to offer is to set up an appointment and go over all your concerns. They can direct you to the best solutions and keep you within your budget. In the words of MDS COO, Spero Lyons, “Merchant Data Systems employs industry experts at every level with proven track records of excellence and manages its staff to high levels of personal client interaction, creating a value system and genuine concern for its clients.” MDS is a veritable one-stop shop for all payment processing and business growth needs. In addition to the services and products above, they offer smartphone applications, merchant payroll services, sophisticated reporting capabilities and proprietary residual software. MDS will set you up with the technology and network of business allies that you need to catapult your business to the next level. To learn more about the services that MDS has to offer or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.merchantdatasystems.com and call Seth Markowitz at (305) 323-0802, or toll-free at 1-888994-9969 Ext 302.

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