Chamber times march 2014 by South Dade Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Times www.chamberinaction.com

February March 2014 2014

Volume 25 Issue 3

20th Annual Chili Cook-Off & Outhouse Race Saturday, February 22nd at Harris Field Pavilion, US 1 & Campbell Drive Homestead We would like to especially thank all the volunteers, Chili Cook Teams and Outhouse Racers for your contribution towards this community event. Thank you to our sponsors who made it possible. You all made it a very special Homestead experience!

And the Winners Are….. Chili Winners Overall Theme & Presentation Florida Power & Light Dade Educational Center Culinary Art Team Professional Category Most Edible Hot 1st Place Cheyenne Chili Company 2nd Place Stick & Stein Sports Rock Café Tastiest 1st Place Homestead Hospital/ Baptist Health South Florida 2nd Place Chef Myrna Betancourt/South Dade Education Center Culinary Team

Amateur Category Tastiest 1st Place The Keyes Company Realtors 2nd Place Buy N Rent Realty Most Edible Hot 1st Place Chef Myrna Betancourt/South Dade Education Center Culinary Team 2nd Place SOC South REDFAM – Spouses Group Most Unusual 1st Place 482nd FW – HARB 2nd Place Homestead Main Street Wimpiest 1st Place FPL 2nd Place Compass Self Storage

Outhouse Race Winners 1st Place South Dade (FFA) Future Farmers of America 2nd Place SOC SOUTH

Outhouse Theme & Presentation Winners

1st Place South Dade High Construction Trades and Technology Class Woodshop 2nd Place Homestead Hospital/ Baptist Health South Florida

Thank you to Our Wonderful Sponsors! Jalapeno Sponsors: Homestead Hospital/ Baptist Health South Florida Homestead Homestead-Miami Speedway South Dade News Leader Thunder Country 100.3 FM Tabasco Sponsors: Compass Self Storage Dade county Farm Bureau Florida City Centre

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy Investor Panel Presentation March 19th, 2014 5:30 pm: Meet and Greet Reception with the Young Entrepreneurs 6:00 pm: Business Plan Presentation Miami Dade College Homestead Campus 500 College Terrace Room F222 Homestead, FL 33030-6009 Join us for a welcome reception and presentations by the Young Entrepreneurs to a panel of local investors in order to obtain funding for their new businesses and social movements. It's like Shark Tank but for students! Personal investments are not expected. Reception catered by: Chef Jodrick of Chefs on the Run For more information about the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, please contact Rosa Brito, President, Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce at 305) 247-2332, or rbrito@chamberinaction.com

Welcome New Members in the Month of February 2014 ! Two Brothers Construction

Barriosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Education Services Inc.

Lissa Terese LLC

Steve Bateman

Eliette Barrios

3140 Fairways Drive

3150 Fairways Drive

34 SW 4th Road

Homestead, FL 33035

Homestead, FL 33030

Tele: 305-731-4094

Tele: 305-219-6419

Tele: 305-245-0793 Email: barrioseducation@mathservices.net

Email: lissaterese13@msn.com

Email: scb3150@aol.com

Website: www.lissaterese.com

Website: www.mathservices.net

Floridian Hotel Marco Majia 27501 So. Dixie Hwy, #402 Homestead, FL 33032

Kreative Prints Lucas Belmontes 180 N Homestead Blvd.

Tele: 305-247-7000

Homestead, FL 33030

Fax: 305-612-9001 Email: floridianhotel.gm@gmail.com

Email: info@kreativeprints.com

Tele: 305- 245-0793 Website: www.kreativeprints.com

Thank you for renewing in the Month of February 2014 ! Atala Montessori School &

Hazard Insurance Agency

Soroptimist Int'l of Homestead

Foundation Heights Roofing Inc. B & K Installations, Inc.

Southland Mall

Leif Gunderson Chris Himmel Maas, John P. Attorney at Law Coopertown Airboat Rides & Restaurant

Mario's Family Restaurant

Corradino Group, The

Pioneer Museum, Florida

Davina Medical Care, PA

Royal Palm Real Estate Services

DiMare Homestead, Inc.

Shield Pest Control

Support your chamber members! Buy local, stop in and say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those business around!

Spotlight Congratulations to Chefs on the Run! Winner of the for the coveted Miami New Times Best Bites on the Beach award at the 2014 South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Sunday's Grand Tasting Village saw a lot of eating, drinking, and celebs. From Geoffrey Zakarian to the triumphant return of Paula Deen, a fantastic, rollicking time was had by all. Of course it's pretty difficult to not have a great time when the wine is flowing, the music's playing, and 40 restaurants are serving up some of the best food in South Florida. Each restaurant, of course, was vying for the coveted Miami New Times Best Bites on the Beach award, where festival goers chose their favorite food at the Grand Tasting Village by texting their vote. Located in the Historic Business District in Homestead FL, Chefs on the Run Assorted Cuisine brings to the local scene a new way to enjoy your eating experience, where you can that meal you've never had, a cuisine style not yet executed Chefs on the Run Assorted Cuisine, Best Bite - Decadent maple-bourbon bacon pork skewers with smoky chipotle in town. From our Stuffed Mofongos, (Angus Churrasco, Chicken & Pork) Citrus mac and cheese. Chimichurri Churrasco, Lemon-butter chicken, Honey Miso glazed salmon, healthy friendly options such as: Greek Taboulieh appetizer, California chicken wrap, Chef La salad, Mango chutney turkey burger and more right here. Chefs on the Run Assorted Cuisine 10 E Mowry Dr. Homestead Fl, 33030 Phone: (305) 245 0085— http://chefsontheruninhomestead.com/

Miami-Dade's Carvalho National Superintendent of the Year Miami – AASA, The School Superintendent’s Association, announced today that Miami-Dade Public Schools’ Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho was selected as National Superintendent of the Year. The announcement was made at the organization’s national conference in Nashville, TN. In December, Carvalho was named Florida’s Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), representing the Sunshine State for consideration as national superintendent of the year. Carvalho was among four finalists vying for the coveted honor. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the program which recognizes school systems leaders throughout the country. ““Being named National Superintendent of the Year is truly a great honor, but I realize it’s not simply an honor for me,” said Carvalho. “Today’s recognition reflects the dedication, sacrifice, and work of every member of our education family, as well as the guidance and direction of our School Board, and I share this award with every teacher, student, employee, and community partner of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.” In just over a year, Miami-Dade County Public Schools has been honored with an unprecedented trifecta of national awards, including The Broad Prize for Education, AP District of the Year, and AASA's National Superintendent of the Year. The AASA National Superintendent of the Year program is open to all U.S. superintendents who plan to continue in the profession. The applicants and finalists were measured against the following criteria: • Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system. • Communication – strength in both personal and organizational communication. • Professionalism – constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team. • Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/index.php?news=242

To download forms visit the Chamber's website at www.chamberinaction.com - Events

February Chamber Networking Events

Phillis Oeters Corporate Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Baptist Health South Florida; Joe Hovancak, Vice President, One Community One Goal (OCOG)Strategic Planning & Market Development; George Foyo, OCOG Co-Chair; Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer, Baptist Health South FL; Chamber Chairman Bill Duquette, CEO Homestead Hospital, Baptist Health South FL, Rosa Brito, President Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce - February 27th, 2014 Chamber General Membership Luncheon at the Olive Garden Restaurant Homestead, FL

Chair Bill Duquette presents New Member Plaque to Bertha Morales, Manager of the Florida Hotel during February’s General Membership Luncheon held at the Olive Garden Restaurant, Homestead.

Bill Duquette presents New Member Plaque to Lou Ann Scott of Atlantic Bail Bonding LLC during February’s Networking Breakfast at the Hotel Redland and Whistle Stop Restaurant, 5 South Flagler Avenue Homestead, FL.

Sherry Sierveld of S&S Design Studio and Chair Bill Duquette present New Member Plaque to Ellie Barrios of Barrios' Education Services Inc., during the February 13th Networking Breakfast at the Hotel Redland and Whistle Stop Restaurant, 5 South Flagler Avenue

Bill Duquette presents New Member Plaque to Muhiz (Claude) Condo Owner of Homestead Community Pharmacy during February’s Networking Breakfast held at the Hotel Redland and Whistle Stop Restaurant, 5 South Flagler Avenue Homestead, FL.

A prime benefit to Chamber Members is the opportunity to network with other Members, and networking, of course, helps Members expand their world of customers and suppliers.

Check out more photos on Facebook A ''Jake'' Jacobsen, Chris Himmel, and Ron Mongole of Complete Energy Solutions, LLC at the February 19th Business After Hours Networking event held at the Longhorn Steakhouse 2531 NE 8 Street Homestead, FL

https://www.facebook.com/chamberinaction/photos_albums

Can you do business without Turn on your computer and get started now! go to www.chamberinaction.com Join the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page! 9

Making the Chamber of Commerce Work For You

On-Line Business Directory Members can log into their on-line listing and edit/update their information, add employees or representatives. Choose what information you would like to display, Add a 200 character description, hours of operation, driving direction, keywords for better search placement. Add Hot Deals, list Job Postings and much more. See who's taken advantage of the Hot Deals Page on our website: http://business.chamberinaction.com/hotdeals Contact the chamber office for login information 305-247-2332 or email info@chamberinaction.com Enhanced Directory Listing: Members can upgrade their on-line listing. DIRECTORY LOGO: Your logo next to your listing in the Business Directory or any search result. WEBSITE LINK: Your Website Link next to your listing in the Business Directory or any search result. ENHANCED LISTING & PRIORITY PLACEMENT: Priority Placement *Enhance your Information Page: - 1600 character description - eight photos - five bullet points - logo - map link - 20 keywords. For more information about this and other marketing packages available call the chamber at 305-247-2332 or email info@chamberinaction.com Visitor Information Center - Business Information: Come by the Chamber office and drop off information about your business, brochures and business cards or coupons if you have them. Every month, tourists as well as locals visit the Chamber it's a great way to gain exposure for your business. (Brochures should be rack card type or Trifold). Coupon Packs: The Chamber Visitor Center is distributing coupons to area visitors and new residents. A GREAT way to reach tourists and locals that come thru our office and get them into your business... Bring us your coupons! Value or Discount Coupons should be no larger than 4x9 and supply us with at least 50. Coupons can be for discounted items or buy one get one type deals. Questions call Wanda Brown at 305-247-2332 10

Saving Money on the Things Your Business Needs To enhance our ability to serve our members with increased benefits we are one of many local chambers throughout Florida who have partnered with the Florida Chamber. As a member of a participating Chamber of Commerce, you have the power of more than 137,000 members and 3 million employees working together. Using the influence of the entire business community, we get you and your business savings and discounts on services that matter to you. We invite you to review our benefits and then do what thousands of other growing businesses have done – take advantage of the time and money you will save by using Chamber endorsed services. As you’ll soon discover, we’re much more than Florida’s best business advocate – helping you and your bottom line is what we do best. To sign up for chamber perks follow the link: http://www.chamberperks.com/Perks.asp? AccountID=128

The Homestead Florida City Chamber Health Savings Card This card includes programs that offer discounts on prescriptions, vision, hearing, diabetic supplies, and much more.

Florida Has Potential to Create 198,000 New Jobs in 2014 TALLAHASSEE, FL (February 11, 2014) – The Florida Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2014 agenda for jobs – a legislative agenda focused on making Florida’s business climate more competitive and lowering the cost of living for Florida’s families and small businesses. Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce Chairman Bill Duquette, CEO Homestead Hospital, Baptist Health South FL, and Rosa Brito, President Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce along with the leadership of Coral Gables, and the Greater Miami Chambers met with elected officials, partner agencies and other legislative leaders advocating for our members and our Chamber’s 2014 business agenda. Coral Gables, Greater Miami, Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce Delegation @ Florida Chamber Board Of Governors Capitol Days …At Capitol Building with , Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera — Florida State Capitol –February 11, 2014

Click here to see a video recap of our visit.

2013-2014 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Executive Board:

Chairman’s Appointees Term Expires 2014

Chairman: Bill Duquette, Homestead Hospital

Brad Bettelli, TD Bank

Chair Elect: Renee Reichling, Community Bank

Kametra Driver, WeCare of South Dade, Inc.

President: Rosa I Brito

Kevin Gregory, Homestead Miami Speedway

Treasurer: James Pierce, Pierce & Bowen CPA’s Operations: Corey Gold, Homestead Hospital Past Chair: Elizabeth Moscynski, Keys Gate Communications

Members by Virtue of Office

Chair Government Affairs: Tony Garcia, The Keyes Company

Dade County Farm Bureu

Chair Economic Development: Michael Kiley

City of Florida City Mayor or Designee City of Homestead Mayor or Designee

Directors

Homestead Air Reserve Base Commander

Dale Machesic , South Dade News Leader

Miami Dade County Public Schools Local Region

Danielle Torres, Hampton Inn & Suites

Special Operations Command South Commander

Debbie Albert, The Title Company of Homestead

Tropical Everglades Visitors Association

Dr. Jeanne Jacobs, PhD ., Miami Dade College, Homestead

Homestead Main Street

Campus Felecia Vescera, Florida City Centre

Active Past Chairs

George Mirabal , Heartland Payment Systems Larry Roth, The Keyes Company

David Peyton, 1st National Bank of South Florida

Roxanne Jeghers, Royal Palm Real Estate Services

Julie Romero, Community Bank of Florida

Sharon P Haxton, Chapman Partnership

Robert Jensen, 1st National Bank of South Florida

Sharon Wilson, Community Bank of Florida

Susan E. Newman, The Keyes Company

Tony Fiore, Cruises Unlimited - Intelmar USA Inc.

Steve Shiver, Global Management

Only Two Months Left of the Free Guided Trolley Tour to the National Parks

The Team Homestead Appreciation Day featured a free lunch, compliments of the Miami Marlins baseball team, and an autograph signing session at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., Feb. 13. Also headlining the event was a U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. The Blackhawk touched down just outside the event, located at the new Community Activity Center. During the appreciation day festivities, Marlins athletes signed autographs, Outdoor Recreation supplied bounce houses and a pitching station, and the 482nd Force Support Squadron prepared the free lunch for Team Homestead. 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs 2/14/2014 - HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE Fla. --

The Miami Marlin’s baseball team poses for a photo with members from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in front of the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during the Team Homestead Appreciation Day at Homestead ARB Feb. 13. (U.S. Air Force photo by/Senior Airman Jaimi L. Upthegrove)

Up-coming Chamber Events Calendar Networking Breakfast Thursday, March 13, 2014 8:00am - 9:00am @ Longhorn Steak House 2431 NE 8 ST Homestead, FL 33033

Customer Service 101 Business Essentials Workshop Series March 20, 2015—6:00pm—8:00pm @ Miami Dade College Homestead Campus Register at www.mdc.edu/ce/homestead or 305-237-5159

Business After Hours Wednesday, March 21, 2014 5:30pm - 7:30pm @Courtyard Marriott 2905 NE 9 ST Homestead, FL 33033 General Membership Luncheon Thursday, March 27, 2014 11:30am - 1:00pm @ Redland Golf & Country Club 24451 SW 177 Ave, (Krome) Homestead, FL 33031

RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE IN THE 2014-2015 BUSINESS DIRECTORY & COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE CALL THE CHAMBER AT 305-247-2332

Community Events Calendar—www.Chamberinaction.com Part of Dade County Farm Bureau’s mission is to connect the dots between the farm gate and the dinner plate. This can be achieved by supplying fresh, locally grown produce for consumers to purchase. So how do we define local produce? Local produce is produce that is grown or produced anywhere from 100 miles away or even within the state of Florida. The buying local movement is capturing the attention of consumers and they are seeking the best source for fresh produce for their families. By supplying local produce, our carbon footprint can be reduced. Purchasing produce from the closest source also helps retain its nutritional value. Produce eaten within the week of harvest contains much more nutritional content than produce that is eaten weeks after harvest. It begins losing nutritional content from the moment it is picked. It is our goal to ask our local grocery stores to buy locally grown produce! Agriculture ranks as the #2 industry in Miami Dade County. Did you know that $8.3 billion is spent on local food? Florida consumers like local food and local farmers, and appreciate the value local food adds to their economy. According to research by UF/PIE Center, the average household annually spends $1,114, or about 20 percent of their food purchases, on local food. The City of Homestead has over 65,000 residents, think of the possibilities. We appreciate going into our local grocery store and finding fresh, safe, affordable, and abundant food. As a consumer we hope that you will seek locally grown produce from one of the many growers here in Miami’s Countryside. For more information please visit www.piecenter.com/toolkit/localfood/story.html. The tutorial “Selling Local Food: Your Market Next Door,” guides producers through the opportunities that exist surrounding local food markets. Sincerely, Your Local Consumer

Justin Unger Selected for Deputy Superintendent, Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks Everglades National Park Superintendent Dan Kimball announces the selection of Justin Unger as Deputy Superintendent for both Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks effective March 3, 2014. Unger was formerly the Chief of Administration for the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “Justin brings a unique blend of park experience, academic study, and work in municipal governments that make him an ideal partner for our local communities and leader of our diverse team of talented park professionals,” says Kimball. Unger is a Kansas native and holds two degrees from the University of Kansas: B.S. in U.S. history and M.P.A. in city management and urban policy. After seasonal work at Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial, he worked for the cities of Lenexa, Kansas and Lee’s Summit, Missouri in positions of increasing Justin Unger, Deputy Superintendent for both management responsibility. In 2005, Unger joined the National Park Service (NPS) as Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks a Program Analyst with the Office of Strategic Planning and served as point of contact between parks, regions, and Congress to develop the agency’s annual budget and analyze NPS performance in achieving annual goals. He became the Chief of Administration for the National Mall and Memorial Parks in 2009, which required execution of $33 million annual base budget and providing support to over 350 federal employees, as well as multiple partners. Unger also served as Acting Chief of Administration at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska and as Acting Superintendent at Assateague National Seashore in Maryland. "I’m truly honored to have been selected as the Deputy Superintendent for Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks! These resources are incredibly unique and important units of the National Park Service and I am excited to become part of the distinguished management team and dedicated employees that work so diligently at protecting these important resources, providing memorable visitor experiences, and supports the much broader everglades restoration effort” Unger says. “I hope to continue the trend of providing excellent service to the visitors as well as further developing relationships with our gateway communities.” Everglades National Park spans the southern tip of the Florida peninsula and most of Florida Bay and is the only subtropical preserve in North America. The Everglades National Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance. Dry Tortugas National Park is almost 70 miles west of Key West and includes Fort Jefferson, one of the largest coastal forts ever built. Together, these South Florida treasures are served by over 270 FTE with a budget of $19 million.

Congratulations to Special Operations Command South on their new headquarters facility! They officially opened the multi-million dollar facility during a ribbon cutting ceremony February 21, 2014

The traveling wall, which is six feet tall at the center with each wing 144 feet long, pays tribute to more than 58,000 Americans who died, or who are listed as Missing In Action, during the Vietnam conflict from 1959 to 1975. The traveling wall is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifices made by American men and women during the Vietnam War. It was made to help Vietnam veterans and their families and friends heal from the pain and suffering of the war and to rekindle friendships of long ago in a place so far away. It allows Americans, not able to make the trip to Washington, D.C., a chance to see what the memorial is really like. And for those who have already seen the wall, it is an opportunity to again pay tribute to those who were lost. The Wall will be erected by volunteers at Key Largo Community Park in the upper Florida Keys during early April, 2014. The site will be open to the public April 11 – 14, from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm daily. Admission is free. The opening ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, April 11, 2014. The closing ceremony will take place on Monday, April 14, 2014 at 6:00 pm. Please note that we will make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. We hope your visit to The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be healing, educational and profoundly moving. Please remember that many visitors lost friends and family members during the war. They are visiting the Memorial to pay respect to those who served or lost their lives during the war. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for the Memorial Display. If you are interested, contact us for more information or call 305-852-3872. Don’t miss this opportunity to remember those who fought for our Country. Take part in honoring the “courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty and country” of all who answered the call to serve during the long Vietnam War.

Trustees of the Chamber The Chamber Trustees are leaders in our community who recognize that their business success and failure is tied to the area around them. In taking a leadership position, the Trustees are insuring their future success by reinvesting in the local business community through the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber Trustees voluntarily contribute more than required because they believe in the important programs of the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. They understand that the prominence of their organization makes it appropriate for them to assume the role of a substantial participant and contributor to the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operation. Members like this refuse to let the burden of improving the business climate and our local quality of life fall on others. Trustee contributions make it possible to maintain the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day to day operations with an efficient and professional staff who, in turn, bring more and better programs to the business community.

Plan your month ahead! The Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly calendar is on our website. As a member, you can promote your own events! go to... WWW.CHAMBERINACTION.COM

Click on Calendar of Events You can post job openings and Hot Deals, too! 17

Advertise with Your Chamber Times! Your Chamber Times e-newsletter advertising rates are nearly half the price of printed newsletter advertising. The Chamber Times is a monthly e-publication that features Chamber events, economic development issues and community activities. It is emailed as a link to over 500 businesses, individuals, and public officials and appears on the Chamber’s website, www.chamberinaction.com. The site averages 117,000 hits per month.

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Some Helpful Websites Homestead/Florida City Chamber Small Business Administration City of Homestead City of Florida City Miami Dade County Public Schools Small Business Development Center Miami-Dade County Non-Partisan Elections Site SCORE Counselors to Small Business State of Florida Information Tropical Everglades Visitors Center

Chamber of Commerce 455 N. Flagler Avenue Homestead T. 305-247-2332 F. 305-224-9101 Toll Free 888-352-4891 Mail to: P.O. Box 901544 Homestead, FL 33090

www.chamberinaction.com 19

www.chamberinaction.com www.business.gov www.cityofhomestead.com www.floridacityfl.us www.dadeschools.net www.floridasbdc.org www.miamidade.gov www.voteforflorida.org www.score.org www.myflorida.com www.tropicaleverglades.com