Dear Chamber Members,
I trust this message finds you well. As we reflect on the recent Alvah Chapman Awards, a beacon of visionary leadership, it becomes evident that our community is propelled forward by the dynamic spirit that defines us as a Chamber. In the footsteps of Alvah H. Chapman Jr., we continue to carve transformative paths through our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our collaboration with Miami Dade College in the AI forum underscores our pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape through Artificial Intelligence. The impact of AI extends far beyond innovation, influencing the very fabric of our community. As we close out the end of the year 2023, our ongoing community-wide education and workforce survey, in collaboration with FIU's Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center, reaffirms our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our businesses and workforce. With the survey deadline approaching on January 30, let us actively contribute to shaping the future of education and workforce development in Miami-Dade County. Turning our attention to resilience, the recent Resilient Committee event marks a historic milestone for Miami, highlighting our key role in steering the city towards becoming a global Climate Tech Hub. Our commitment to sustainable and resilient infrastructures positions us as leaders in navigating challenges posed by climate change. Together, we embrace growth opportunities, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. The escalating costs and limited availability of workforce housing present a pressing challenge for our community. The dedicated efforts of our Workforce Housing Committee reflect our proactive stance in seeking solutions. We are gearing up to release the third edition of a resource guide in January, offering practical insights and strategies to address this critical issue as we transition into the new year, cognizant of the impact of legislation, necessary improvements, and providing valuable feedback to legislators. Moreover, our impact on transportation has been substantial. The Better Bus Network (BBN), a community-led redesign of our county’s bus system, launched in November. Championed by the Chamber and our Transportation Committee, this initiative represents the first major realignment of the County’s Metrobus system in almost 40 years. The redesigned network significantly improves, providing quicker connections for residents to major employers, educational institutions, and healthcare providers – all in 45 minutes or less. To encourage residents to try transit, they are offering free fares across all modes until December 31. In conclusion, as we close out the end of the year 2023, our impact resonates profoundly, reaching every corner of our community. From education and healthcare to resilience, corporate compliance, workforce housing, and transportation, we are the architects of positive change. Let us persist in our unity, innovation, and leadership as we collectively shape the future of Miami-Dade County. I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment to the Chamber and the flourishing future we are building hand in hand.
Sincerely,
Alfred Sanchez
President & CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Award of Excellence
The 10th Annual Alvah Chapman Awards recently showcased exceptional contributions to the evolution of Miami's business core, celebrating individuals whose leadership mirrors the legendary vision of Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Dating back to 1976, when Chapman initiated the Chamber's New World Center Committee, the Alvah H. Chapman Jr. awards honor those who continue to propel growth in downtown Miami. This year's awardees included Ronald Book, recognized as the Outstanding Individual, Nitin Motwani, awarded the Young Leader, and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, honored as the Outstanding Organization all embody visionary leadership. Their collective efforts drive the growth, culture, education, beautification, and preservation of Miami's downtown, paying homage to Alvah Chapman's enduring legacy. The awards serve as a testament to the Chamber's ongoing commitment to shaping the urban hub's future and making a lasting impact on the community it serves.
Learn more about Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Awards: Click Here
Artificial Intelligence Forum Presented by Technology and Innovation Committee
The AI forum, hosted by Miami Dade College, highlighted the Chamber’s influential role in reshaping the community’s educational landscape through Artificial Intelligence. President Madeline Pumariega, emphasized the college's commitment to integrating AI into the curriculum, aligning education with the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. The event illuminated AI's transformative impact across sectors, cultivating a culture of continuous learning and adaption. Attendees not only acquired practical strategies for leveraging AI in business but also explored tangible outcomes and opportunities. The forum successfully brought together a diverse community, bridging seasoned business leaders with future AI pioneers—our students. Their collective presence underscored the pivotal outcome of harnessing AI's power to meet the specific needs of employers and businesses within the community. As the Chamber remains steadfast in transforming education and workforce development sectors, solidifying its central role in steering the community towards a tech-driven future. The Chamber continues to urge our local business community to participate in the community-wide education and workforce survey, a collaborative effort between FIU's Jorge M. Pérez Metropolitan Center and GMCC. The survey, now extended until November 30, will guide efforts to meet current and future business needs in Miami-Dade County. Your responses are instrumental in shaping a dynamic and tech-forward community.
Learn more about our Education and Workforce Development Committee: Click Here
Workforce Development Survey 2023
We are pleased to announce a crucial initiative in collaboration with Florida International University’s Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center that directly impacts the future of Miami-Dade County. Together, we are launching a community-wide education and workforce needs survey, and we need your participation before January 30, 2024! Are you a business decision-maker, CEO, or hiring manager in Miami-Dade County? Your insights are invaluable! By participating in this survey, you have the opportunity to:
- Help identify the current state of our workforce
- Share your experiences and challenges in workforce recruitment
- Contribute your thoughts on internship programs
- Shape the future workforce of Miami-Dade County
Your input will be instrumental in shaping the strategies to address the needs of our dynamic business community. The results will not only benefit us but will also be of great value to educational institutions and the wider business community. Completing the survey is a breeze, taking no more than 15 minutes of your time. As a token of our gratitude, participants will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win an exciting 7-day cruise. The drawing is scheduled to take place at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Trustee Luncheon in February. Please note that the deadline for survey completion has been extended to January 30, 2024. Don't miss your chance to contribute!
Take the Survey Today: https://bit.ly/3Ex9SuO
Thank you for being an integral part of our mission to shape the future of business in Miami-Dade County. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community.
HEALTH CRISIS THE NEXT PANDEMIC?
In response to the global mental health challenges, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Healthcare Committee orchestrated a compelling forum on Mental Health Crisis, The New Pandemic, held at the renovated Miami Dade College Medical Center Campus. Driven by the World Health Organization's acknowledgment of World Mental Health Day, the event addressed the pervasive impact of mental health conditions, particularly on the youth aged 18-25. The forum, moderated by Healthcare Committee Chair, Dr. Eneida Roldan, tackled critical issues exacerbated by the post-pandemic mental health crisis. It garnered widespread attention and engagement, reflecting the pressing concerns within our community, such as the scarcity of mental health providers. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Miami Dade College Medical Center Campus, attendees were granted an exclusive tour of the cutting-edge facilities, emphasizing the transformative role of the Center for Learning, Innovation, and Simulation (CLIS). This central hub for the College's health sciences programs showcased the future of medical education, particularly the Hospital Simulation area, offering valuable insights into training the next generation of healthcare providers. By spotlighting mental health challenges and healthcare innovations, the Chamber actively contributes to a transformative approach, aiming to enhance mental health outcomes in our community. This event vividly demonstrated the Chamber's commitment to shaping a healthier, more resilient workforce, ultimately fostering the well-being and success of individuals and businesses alike. Learn more about our Healthcare Committee: Click Here
Climate Tech Resilience Spark-2.0
The recent event hosted by the Chamber's Resilient Committee not only marked a significant moment for shaping Miami's future but also underscored the Chamber's pivotal role in driving the city towards becoming a global Climate Tech Hub. Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sustainable and resilient infrastructures, the event emphasized the Chamber's dedication to seizing opportunities amid climate change challenges. Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Esq., emphasized a transformative perspective on climate change, framing it not merely as a threat but as a lucrative opportunity. With a $4.1 billion investment in resilient solutions, the Chamber showcased its commitment to advancing technology and resilience, aiming to position Miami as the next Tech Capital while ensuring an equitable transition to clean energy. Just days later, the U.S. Department of Commerce designated the South Florida Climate Resilience Tech Hub, spearheaded by Miami-Dade County and guided by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's Future Ready Strategy. This Hub, focusing on Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure technologies, secured its position among the nation's 31 Tech Hubs. This recognition opens doors to substantial funding, projecting $9 billion in new revenue and 23,000 jobs for South Florida over the next decade. As one of the Tech Hubs, South Florida can apply for $50 million to $75 million in “phase two” funding, driving innovation, workforce development, and ongoing investments in tech equity and energy transition. This remarkable success underscores a decade of dedication and progress, positioning South Florida as a leader in climate tech resilience. The Chamber remains at the forefront of this movement, actively engaging in climate education to empower individuals, businesses, and communities towards a sustainable and resilient future.
Learn more about our Resilience Committee here: Click Here
South Florida named a National Climate Tech Hub: Click Here
Julia Tuttle Award for Community Involvement and Corporate Citizenship
Congratulations to Bilzin Sumberg for being honored with the Julia Tuttle Award for Community Involvement at the 36th National Philanthropy Day 2023 hosted by AFP Miami Chapter. Established in 1986 and presented by the Chamber, this prestigious award recognizes Bilzin Sumberg as an exemplary for-profit business with outstanding corporate giving and outreach policies in South Florida. The Julia Tuttle Award symbolizes commitment to corporate citizenship and has long been a mark of recognition for businesses contributing to South Florida's betterment. Bilzin Sumberg's receipt of this accolade reinforces its role as a community support model. Through diverse legal services in real estate, government relations, and finance, the firm has made a significant impact on regional and international commerce. Congratulations to Bilzin Sumberg for this well-deserved recognition, highlighting its dedication to being a positive force in the South Florida community.
Learn more about the Julia Tuttle. Awards: Click Here
Florida Enforcement Summit
In collaboration with Holland & Knight, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, we recently hosted the Florida Enforcement Summit. This event underscored the crucial role that chambers play in ensuring corporate compliance. Focusing on guiding companies facing investigations, the summit concentrated on Dos and Don'ts, reaffirming our dedication to assisting businesses in navigating legal complexities. Distinguished speakers, including the recently appointed Markenzy Lapointe (U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida), Eric Bustillo (Director of the SEC’s Miami Regional Office), and Julie Chaikin (Deputy Statewide Prosecutor of Florida), provided valuable insights into enforcement priorities at both state and federal levels. The summit served as a testament to our commitment to empowering businesses with the knowledge required for effective navigation through investigations. Key takeaways emphasized the significance of promptly addressing internal issues, seeking legal counsel, and cooperating fully with authorities. These principles align with our role in advocating for proactive compliance strategies. Additionally, the summit shed light on the escalating threat of cyberattacks and the integral role chambers play in raising awareness about regulatory requirements. In essence, the Florida Enforcement Summit exemplified our commitment as indispensable partners in the corporate community, providing resources and knowledge essential for businesses to thrive in a dynamic regulatory landscape.
Learn more about our Financial Services Committee: Click Here
Workforce Housing Committee Forum
Over the past four years, the median sale price of homes in Miami-Dade County has surged by over 70%, presenting a pressing challenge for residents. Recognizing this critical issue, the Chamber's Workforce Housing Committee, led by Manuel del Cañal and Anthony De Yurre, is actively seeking solutions to the escalating costs and limited availability of housing in the county. Through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, businesses, universities, and government entities, the Committee is dedicated to advocating for and creatively addressing workforce housing challenges. In a recent forum on October 18th, the Committee hosted Miami-Dade County’s Director of Public Housing and Community Development, Alex Ballina, who plays a key role in utilizing county funds to develop affordable and workforce housing. Alongside Nathan Kogon, Assistant Director- Regulatory and Economic Resources-Community Development Services, Miami-Dade County, they shared the department's vision, programs, initiatives, and the progress made in building more affordable and workforce housing. Looking ahead, the Workforce Housing Committee is gearing up to release the third edition of a resource guide in January. This guide aims to identify existing resources supporting the development of workforce housing units, serving as a roadmap to leverage Chamber resources for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in support. Stay tuned for the Live Local Act series in early Spring, where the Committee will delve into the impact of legislation, necessary improvements, and provide valuable feedback to legislators.
Learn more about our Workforce Housing Committee: Click Here
To access the Workforce Housing Resource Guide, Click Here.
To explore the County’s housing programs and initiatives, Click Here.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Unlock the spotlight for your achievements and recognitions! Contact communications@miamichamber.com for your chance to shine in Member Spotlight and share your success with our chamber community.
In this Member Spotlight, we highlight Banesco USA, a dynamic Florida state-chartered bank with assets totaling $3.57 billion. Since its founding in 2006, Banesco USA has been dedicated to serving the commercial real estate sector, small and middle-market businesses, and individuals. Committed to providing personalized service, they offer a comprehensive range of financial products, including SBA loans, CRE loans, commercial lines of credit, business checking, savings, and money market accounts. The bank is expanding its footprint in South Florida, recently inaugurating a state-of-the-art headquarters in Doral. With plans to hire 140 local professionals within three years, Banesco USA is not only growing its team but also investing in the local community. The bank's strategic move to Doral, following a $250 million equity investment from the US Department of Treasury's Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), underscores its commitment to supporting minority communities and fostering growth in the region.
Becker, a distinguished multi-practice commercial law firm headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, has been an invaluable member of the Chamber. Since its establishment in 1973 by founders Alan S. Becker and Gary A. Poliakoff, the firm has played a crucial role in supporting the growth and success of the Miami-Dade business community. Becker's noteworthy contributions include shaping laws for shared ownership housing in Florida, active participation in government outreach through Tallahassee and Washington, DC Fly-Ins, and a deep commitment to community service, earning recognition as a top corporate philanthropist in South Florida. The firm, with 11 locations in Florida and additional offices in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C., provides a comprehensive range of legal services, including corporate, litigation, government relations, construction, real estate, and community association. Beyond legal expertise, Becker upholds a legacy of philanthropy, endowing the University of Miami School of Law with the Alan S. Becker and Gary A. Poliakoff Leaders in Law Speaker Series and celebrating its 50th Anniversary with generous donations to organizations like The United Way, The Urban League, PanCAN, and Becker's Helping Hands—an initiative bringing joy to disadvantaged Florida children facing lifelong and life-threatening illnesses. Becker continues to embody excellence, commitment, and community impact in its five decades of service.
View PDF of December 2023 President's Report
