ByTheHotspotorlando
June 2019
From Our Desk We are here again for our June edition. We are very Keep informed for our next networking event by visitpleased to announce our upcoming event The Brazil ing our Social media or our news site America Summit 2019. Panels, lots of information, great speakers. It is an event organized for the community with the support of several organizations and sponsorship from Boi Brazil Steakhouse, and RadioTV www.brazil-america.com CNB, Thank you The Brazil America Council is proud to be a part of the Have a great Month! Orlando Community and we are very excited that we can offer the community such a great opportunity Laiz Rodrigues BAC The event website is http:// brazilamericasummit.com Executive Director where you can find details, sponsorship opportunities and registration.
Partnerships To Last a Lifetime Phone #(407) 505-0519
Laiz Rodrigues Executive Director BAC
5668 International Drive, Orlando-Fl 32819 For reservations please Call (407) 354-0260
Who We Are
We are an entity created to build the bridge between cultural and business aspects of doing business in the United States of America and Brazil. We are located in Central Florida, famous tourist region where Disney parks and so much more is located. Our primary objective as a Council, is to provide our community information, direction and introduce solutions that would assist with their needs be it in business or personal development. We are our members. Brazil America Council is a voice in the community, a gathering place of ideas and culture which enhances the principle that together we are stronger. With offices in the Central Florida and in Sao Paulo – Brazil, we want to make sure the synergy between the Americas is experienced by our members at our events, bringing our community closer together. Our Brazil America Council aims to showcase our local artists to introduce their work and other aspects of their national culture throughout the many regions not only of Brazil but of the Americas. Brazil America Council envision also to be forum of ideas, to discuss and promote growth and to be a voice in the community. We promote network events with our sister chambers located in Central Florida, business seminars and business luncheons.
Visit Our Site: http://brazilusa.org Visit Our News Blog: www.brazilamericacouncil.com
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BRAZIL AMERICA SUMMIT 2019 September is Brazilian Independence Month, on September 7, 1822, Don Pedro proclaimed Brazilian Independence by The Ipiranga River in SĂŁo Paulo. We celebrate this year 197 years of Independence. With that in mind, one of the things we are proud of is our diverse culture and the way all this Diversity has influenced how we live. The most important aspects of Brazilian History is how we relate to other countries and the many Partnerships we have. This is why we are celebrating our partnership with the USA.
The theme for our Summit will be a Look into the Partnership Between Brazil and the USA. We are offering local speakers who will give this community event a success. Our main speaker will be Brazilian Senator Alvaro Dias. We have also, UCF Incubator Jim Bowie, Ricardo Villar-Florida Cup, CFITO and Enterprise Florida among others. If you have interest in participate or to learn about sponsorship opportunities write to, info@brazilusa.org, or to me, answering this email. You can also reach me directly calling 407-406 4900
The Brazil America Summit is an informative event, suitable for all We hope to see you there, here is who are involved with the com- the registration link munity. This year, the event will be at the Hyatt Regency Orlando on September 5, 2019. From 11- http://brazilamericasummit.com 5:30 PM. Registration starts at 10 AM
Confirmed Panelists
Alfredo Scaff Filho Scaff International Consulting
Brazilian Senator Alvaro Dias
Rick Singh OC Property Appraiser
Chris Leggett CFITO Program Manager
Regional Vice President at Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC)
Kim King Maysonet Business Development City of Orlando
Michael Schiffhauer Enterprise Florida VP Intl Trade Field Opeations
Jim Bowie UCF Incubator Program
Carol Palacio Orange County Economic Trade & Tourism Development
Terry Olson Director Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs
Luis Perlingeiro Westchester Financial Group
Samantha Cornelius Port Canaveral
Álvaro Dias was born in Quatá, in the countryside of São Paulo state, to farmer Silvino Fernandes Dias and housewife Helena Fregadolli. He was raised in the city of Maringá, Paraná, and attended the State University of Londrina, where he graduated with a degree in history in 1967
a councilman, state representative, a Congressman and Governor of Paraná, named the best governor of Brazil, before he became a Senator and Candidate to the Presidency in 2018.
Indicated by the DIAP in recent years, as one of the most influential parliamentarians in the country, was In the present, he is in his fourth senatorial term - he also chosen through a vote held by the Congress in Foco was reelected in 2014 with almost 80% of valid votes - site, the country's best senator in 2006. he is the current Leader at his party Podemos. He was Senator Alvaro Dias holds a degree in History from the
Senator Alvaro Dias
Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of the State University of Londrina. In July 2007, he received an honorary doctorate in Doctor of Government Administration from Southern States University in San Diego, California.
corruption. At the moment, the people of Brazil await in three important reforms, Criminal Justice Package, Retirement Package and The End of Political Privilege to Elected Officials, this one by the Senator.
We will be honored to have him at our event, and hope Senator Alvaro Dias is a man in tune with his times, many will have the opportunity to see him speak, when in Brazil, right now, is so important to be transparent, reliable and honest, he has made his flag the fight for a better Brazil, more responsible and fighting
quarter end supply variations, which has made it more Preparing for the Effects volatile than LIBOR. Also, for SOFR to truly replace LIBOR, of a Disappearing Lending larger volumes of trades are needed in order to develop longer term SOFR based reference rates. Benchmark FAREWELL TO LIBOR:
By: Michael P. Carolan, Esq. For decades LIBOR (short for London Inter-bank Offered Rate) was one of the most commonly used benchmark interest rates for financial transactions. Derived from a daily survey of about 20 large banks, it was intended to reflect the interest rate at which banks lent to one another. However, confidence in LIBOR as an accurate reflection of market interest rates was shattered when investigations concluding in 2012 uncovered criminal manipulation of LIBOR markets by certain reporting banks. Despite attempts at reforming the system, in 2017, it was announced that LIBOR will be effectively phased out at the end of 2021. While efforts to develop a replacement for LIBOR have been ongoing for years, financial markets have yet to settle on the replacement benchmark rate with different countries coming up with various alternatives, but no one proposal is gaining clear traction as the universal benchmark rate. In the United States, the Federal Reserve and United States Treasury have introduced the Secured Overnight Finance Rate (SOFR) as the proposed LIBOR replacement and began publication of that rate in April 2018. The SOFR is a rate derived from market data on overnight loans collateralized by Treasury securities. Some of the primary differences between SOFR and LIBOR are that SOFR is based on real transactions from a range of firms versus the reported expectations of a small set of bankers on which LIBOR was based (making SOFR more transparent and less susceptible to manipulation), and SOFR reflects the interest rate for collateralized loans which are now more common, whereas LIBOR reflected an unsecured interest rate. One concern with SOFR is that it has been susceptible to price swings tied to Treasury Bill issuance and month/
With US banks currently holding an estimated $10 trillion in LIBOR benchmarked loans, there are major potential implications for the elimination of LIBOR and transition to a new interest rate benchmark. At the end of 2021, LIBOR benchmarked loans will fall into two general categories: (1) non-problematic loans containing an adequate replacement benchmark rate provision that either identify a specific, and viable, alternative benchmark rate, or allowing the lender to choose the alternative benchmark rate; or (2) those that do not. Lenders with LIBOR benchmarked loans that do not have adequate benchmark rate replacement language could face significant loan administration issues including possible loss of interest income and increased risk of litigation. In order to mitigate this potential risk, lenders should consider consulting with counsel to evaluate existing loan portfolios for inadequate language and incorporating new replacement benchmark rate provisions in connection with any borrower requests for modifications, waivers or any other concession. Michael P. Carolan, a shareholder with WHWW, is Board Certified in real estate law by The Florida Bar and an AV rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell. In his practice he represents lenders and borrowers in a wide range of commercial and financial transactions, buyers and sellers in all aspects of the purchase and sale of real estate, and landlords and tenants in all aspects of commercial leasing. Mike holds his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Duke University. He is currently the ChairElect of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of The Best Lawyers in AmericaŠ (2018 & 2019), designation in the area of real estate.
Andrew Roy Named WHWW WHWW Becomes a 2019 CREW National Sponsor Shareholder The firm is pleased to announce that it is the 2019 Bronze National Sponsor of the Commercial Real Estate Women C. Andrew Roy (CREW) Network. This year, CREW Network Convention and Marketplace will be held in Orlando, September 25WHWW recently named Andrew 27, 2019. WHWW CREW members include Nikki CaroRoy a firm shareholder. Andrew lan, Mya Hatchette, Heidi Mitchell, and Lauren Reynolds. serves as general counsel to business clients and also practices in the areas of bankruptcy 407.423.4246 // whww.com / restructuring, state and federal litigation, including appeals, and corporate transactions. He is the incoming President of the Orange County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, a Past President of the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association and a co-author of the Bankruptcy Case Law Update and View from the Bench, produced by The Florida Bar. He received his J.D., M.S., B.S. and B.M. degrees from the University of Florida.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Gerrard Grant Named to FL Bar Executive Council Gerrard L. Grant Gerrard L. Grant was recently nominated to serve as CoChair of the IRS Collection Activities Subcommittee of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar Executive Council for 2018 – 2019. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Brazil America Council #fromlocaltoglobal Ph# (4070 505-0519 www.brazil-america.com (news) http://brazilusa.org/Eniam, unum utem apeci publius publiur populeg erfiribus esid ia ina, norternitam te adeessi milictus mis nihiliq uiderid emorunumus pos estil us rem in addum deris labulis. Valatre ndactam traelibus vidit, quam elus ius remo te me iamperi
Investing in Brazil Business Consulting Legal Support
International Business, Consulting and More Phone # (407) 815-5566/(407)432-2853
5472 International Dr. Orlando-FL 32819 Call (407) 447-8946
Choro das 3
Who They are: Corina Meyer s part of Choro das 3, a Brazilian musical group, an ensemble of 3 musician-sisters: Elisa (mandolin, clarinet, piano + more!), Lia (7-string guitar), and Corina (flute), plus their father, Eduardo, who accompanies them with pandeiro (percussion). They have been playing professionally for the past 18 years and have released 9 albums. They have performed on several major TV shows in Brazil and have videos with over a million views on Facebook. What is Choro music? Their CD3 plays mostly Choro (also known as Brazilian Jazz) and other styles of instrumental music . Choro or Chorinho, not well known in the US, but very respected, adored musical form in Brazil dates back to the 19th century. It has been referred to, by musicians here as “the greatest music you never heard of”, I hope you will watch some of our music videos on the Internet (see links below). We are on Youtube and Facebook, and we have our own Website at http://www.chorodas3.com.br/. You will see that Choro is a very rich and complex music that borrows techniques, forms and complexity from classical music (especially baroque), adds the swing and freedom of African music and has textures similar to American traditional forms such as New Orleans jazz, ragtime and bluegrass. Prior US Tours During heir previous tours, hey drove across the en-
tire US, performing in more than 50 concerts along the way. The group had wonderful gigs at jazz clubs such as The Jazz Showcase (Chicago IL), The Jazz Station (Eugene, OR), The Metropolitan Room (NYC - with Howard Alden), The Nashville Jazz Workshop (Nashville, TN). We have had residencies at US Universities such as Roger Williams University, Western Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University, Rhodes College, Hope College, University of Memphis and The University of Tennessee at Martin. They also performed at the wonderful Shalin Liu Performance Center near Boston, at Old Town School of Folk Music (Chicago, IL) and at The Freight and Salvage (Berkeley, CA). Played festivals such as MusikFest (Bethlehem, PA), Festival International of Louisiana (Lafayette, LA), Stowe Jazz Festival and David Grisman and Mike Marshall's Mandolin Symposium (Santa Cruz, CA). Performed at over 100 clubs, concerts, private events, house concerts and workshops all over the US. Our 2019 Tour Choro das 3, will be coming from Sao Paulo, Brazil to start their 7th tour of the US starting in June, 2019. This year, they will be in Florida as late July, 2019 What other musicians say: Mike Marshall, the world-renowned mandolinist, says “Choro das 3 plays,… some of the most inspired and inspiring music… the highest level of musicianship and presentation… the highest quality of Brazilian Choro music that can be heard any place today."
Marilyn Mair, Professor of Music at Roger Williams University, says, “The group ‘Choro das 3’ is a truly extraordinary example of traditional Choro performance practice, and the 4 performers are all virtuosos on their instruments... Their recordings and expertise have established them worldwide as important advocates for this musical style.” Here are some videos links which illustrating their music: Choro das 3 at Shalin Liu Performance Center https://youtu.be/HoOQ_Gr_tO8 Choro das 3 at Nashville Jazz Workshop - Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhdHg5zqay0 Choro das 3 at The Jazz Showcase - Live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5gQegwJBhs
Choro das 3 - Original - Studio - Caxanga https://youtu.be/-OPCJYOjJ2o Choro das 3 - Original - Studio - Floreio https://youtu.be/zFdwOF2s4Aw Choro das 3 - Canoa Jazz - Brazilian TV live streaming https://youtu.be/29Kr4_XxzLw?t=53m
Asian Cultural Fest
www.orlandotaikodojo.com
The month of May is known as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and during this period, Asian Americans celebrate their culture and heritage. This year’s celebration will showcase a wide variety of Asian American cultures and talents from Central Florida’s Asian American ethnic groups. There will be booths to showcase business vendors, ethnic cuisines and merchandise that are representative of Asia. A cultural show will be presented by the various Asian countries, such as China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. Your sponsorship of the Asian Cultural Festival will also benefit the Asian Student Achievers’ Scholastic Awards, scheduled to be held in November 2018 during which we will honor and recognize deserving Asian American students for their academic excellence and outstanding community service. The Festival was at Enchanted Nights Balroom and held many supporters, verdors, presentations of Music, Dances and Cultural Presentations. Indonesian Dancers and Japanese Drums. The Festival looks to support Cultural Excellence. The Orlando Taiko Dojo was present and closed the activities for the day. It was a very beautiful, fulfilling Festival.
Asian Cultural Festival
We are proud to be part of the Steering Committee for the Fusion Fest 2019
2019
Come Together Come Together FusionFest celebrates the many heritages of Central Florida — and our common FusionFest celebrates theidentity. many Heritages of Central Florida — and our common identity. BY G.K. SHARMAN
C
entral a melting pot. No surprise Central Florida is aFlorida meltingispot. No surprise there — we see the proof there — we see the proof every day in every day in offices, stores and supermarschools andschools offices, and stores and supermar kets. In all, our area is home to more than kets. In all, our area is home to more than 140 different nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, heri140tages different nationalities, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. heritages and backgrounds. And we’re not shy about celebrating our roots. We
To full of people andand cultures, Tohave haveroom roomfor fora world a world full of people cultures, thethe festival would have to be big. And different. And festival would have to be big. And different. And inclusive. It would have to be — no one had a word for inclusive. It would have to be — no one had a word for it, so the event planning committee coined its own: it, so the event planning committee coined its own: diversitastic. diversitastic The result is FusionFest. Presented by the Dr. Phillips Center, FusionFest The result is isFusionFest. a project of the Downtown Arts Presented byDistrict the Dr. Phillips (DAD) Center, with support from Orange County government what FusionFest is a project and of the Downtown OlsonArts termed “a growing grassroots District (DAD) with support from movement.” Orange County government and what Olson is not only“a the event’sgrassroots “chief Olson termed growing instigator” — that’s really his title movement.” Olson is not only — the event’s he has also been chief instigator of “chief instigator” — that’s really his title OCACA since it was created in 2001. has for alsoanbeen chief instigator Theheidea international festi- of OCACA since was created 2001. val had been floating around foritseveral years,inbut ideaTeresa for an Jacobs, international festival had then-Orange CountyThe Mayor near the beenwas floating around for several years, end of her second term, the one who pushed to but make it a reality, says Olson. DAD “is thrilled to be with the FusionFest then-Orange County working Mayor Teresa Jacobs, near theend of
have Puerto Rican parades, Asian
And we’re not shyfood about celebrating our roots. festivals, Latin and wine events, Scottish highland WeOktoberfests have Puertoand Rican parades, games. Asian festivals, Latin food and all, 62 ethnic or cultural wine Inevents, Oktoberfests andevents are held each year in Central Florida. Scottish highland games. In all, 62 “There reallyevents are that many,” says ethnic or cultural Terry Olson, director of Orange are held each year in Central County Arts & Cultural Affairs Office Florida.“There really —are that to all (OCACA). “I know I went many,” says Terry Olson, director of them.” of OrangeCounty Cultural But what if weArts had&one event that included everyAffairs (OCACA). “I knowall —of the places we come one?Office Something to celebrate fromtoasallwell as the ways we are I went of them.” But what if building a community together? we had one event that included every one?
her second term, was the one who pushed to make it a reality, says Olson.
Something to celebrate all of the places we comefrom as well as the ways we are building a community together? DAD “is thrilled to be working with the FusionFest ORLANDO ARTS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
22
COURTESY OCACA (ALL)
BY G.K. SHARMAN
ORLANDO ARTS MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018
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team as fiscal partner,” says Director Barbara Hartley.“This meets our mission to promote arts activities and stimulate the economy of downtown. We welcome all of the arts and encourage bringing culturestogether.”
membership, began meeting in November 2016 to address the question: How do groups share their heritage?
Food, of course. And dancing and parades, but also fashion and popular entertainment and interactive At Mayor Jacobs’ request, Olson took the lead on activities such as learning a few words of a foreign the creation of FusionFest. He, in turn, put together language. FusionFest has them all, plus contests for asteering committee of about 40 people from chefs, fashionistas and filmmakers and a film various backgrounds to brainstorm ways for groups pavilion that features short documentaries about to share their heritages. how people came to be Central Floridians. “We all have heritage,” FusionFest is scheduled for Nov. says Olson, who went to — the weekend after Thanksgivhighschool in Alaska — a ing. The dates were specifically place that is not like the chosen because they’re memoLower 48.“Your heritage is rable, Olson says, and they’re big whatever you say it is.” entertainment days. An estimatOrganizers hope Fusioned 20,000 people are expected to Fest is a real reflection attend. of the region. Central FlorHartley says she hasn’t seen an ida attracts two million event quite like international visitors a year, Olson says. Many of the FusionFest. area’s new residents come from overseas, and they arechanging the face of the community. “People can experience everything at one time in one location,” she says. “There’s nothing that brings In 2000, according to Olson, the area was 58 percent everything together at one time like this.” white and English-speaking and 42 percent diverse. She and Olson hope the event can introduce local Today, those numbers have basically flipped, and residents to their neighbors and help bridge the the region is building a new consensus. gaps between cultures. “FusionFest is very much about showing off who we “I have friends from Morocco and Ghana,” Hartley are as Central Floridians,” he explains. “It’s about says. “Learning about their traditions has been a how we influence each other as we create our own real blessing in my life.” uniqueand innovative Central Florida identity.” G.K. Sharman is a freelance writer based in Sanford, Florida, and a regular contributor to Orlando Arts The multi-ethnic and diverse steering committee, Magazine which soon grew beyond its original 40-person
You can’t have a party without music — which is why an event as distinctive as FusionFest needs its own theme song. “I Can Be Me Here,” an anthem to Central Florida’s diversity, was penned by musicians Damon and Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, with input from their daughter Chelsea and songwriter/Broadway orchestrator Kenny Seymour. “It was inspired by the various nationalities we have here in Central Florida,” says Withers-Mendes, who was chosen by Oprah to play Shug Avery, the principal character, in the original Broadway cast of The Color Purple. Withers-Mendes was nominated for a Grammy and a Tony for the role. “My husband was trying to think of something that would be universal,” she says. “We have different skin colors and come from different places and eat different foods, but we all have one thing in common. We all have a heartbeat.” Shown, from left, are: Musicians Damon and Elizabeth Withers-Mendes with Thali Sugisawa, a source of inspiration for “I Can Be Me Here,” and Thali’s husband Matt Duarte, the song’s producer
Seymour heard the heartbeats and put some AfroCuban beats to it. The first verse goes like this: A wise decision. A voice so glad I listened. Make our home here, a walk of faith our mission. The sun brought us here. With a beat that’s forever sweet rhythm in my ear. I can be me here. I can be me here. The song will be performed both days of the festival and is available for download at www.fusionfest.org
If You Go When: Nov. 30/Dec.1, beginning at noon both days Where: Seneff Arts Plaza at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orange Avenue and City Hall Commons, downtown Orlando
Cost: FusionFest is free. Parking is available at the City Commons Parking garage, other downtown garages and street lots, and on the streets. Food tokens may be purchased at the Food & Drink Court. More Details: Visit fusionfest.org
These are the guidelines to support FusionFest 2019. We will be glad for your interest and support. Please Contact hello@fusionfest.org