Dear Chamber Members,
As we enter the fourth year of our strategic plan, I am thrilled to report we have made significant progress on our 5-year plan to focus more on our members, help members succeed, and to cultivate a thriving business environment in South Florida. I wanted to highlight a few accomplishments in our four priority areas for this year.
Transportation has been a major focus and the Chamber has played a key role in the promotion of what is now the SMART Program. The Bus Rapid Transit system along US 1 was one for which we greatly advocated. Our Transportation Committee toured the project with Transportation and Public Works Director Eulois Cleckley. Progress was substantial and impressive, and we were happy to see it incorporate ample parking along with future transit-oriented development that includes workforce housing.
Workforce Housing is another top priority for the Chamber. The Workforce Housing Solutions Summit welcomed experts from Universal Studios who shared innovative approaches for companies to provide affordable workforce housing to the entire community. The Chamber was in Tallahassee for the State Legislative session supporting the "LIVE LOCAL ACT" sponsored by our Senator Alexis Calatayud. SB 102 successfully secured over &700 milion for affordable and workforce housing, and incentivizes transit-oriented development, an essential to increasing housing while keeping traffic in check.
Workforce Development is an area of present and future concern for all of us. Currently, there are 400,000 jobs looking to be filled in Florida, many because there is a lack of trained workers to do them. Our Education & Workforce Development and our HR & Professional Development Committees remained focused on the issues of educating our future employees for the jobs that will await them and retraining and upskilling our current workforce for their positions today. However, preventing job losses is also crucial, and when our Military Affairs Council learned of looming budget cuts to the Homestead Air Force Reserve Base (HARB), they teamed up with the Governmental Affairs Committee to visit the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The mission was successful in restoring $40M in Air Force funding for the 2025 budget, saving 570 jobs.
The last pillar of our priorities is Resilience. The resilience efforts in our community were showcased at the 8th Annual Resilience Solutions Summit, where we celebrated Governor Ron DeSantis' $3.5 billion investment in Everglades and water quality restoration, made possible through the dedication of individuals like our Chief Bay Officer, Irela Bague.
In rounding out the Chamber year, we checked in with the partners who attended our trade mission to Israel. We were extremely pleased to find out that several major economic opportunities grew from that trip, co-led by Major Daniella Levine Cava. Companies like MOBI-Mobility Insight is providing smart streetlights for the county and IDE Desalination working in Broward County on water treatments have contributed to our region's growth, to name but a few.
For 116 years, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce has remained "the Chamber where it happens!" So many exciting initiatives and projects are underway. We invite you to actively participate in the work of our 13 committees as we continue to champion transportation, workforce housing, workforce development and resilience.
Sincerely,
Alfred Sanchez
April trustee luncheon: The Future of Education
The Chamber brought together distinguished presidents and representatives from South Florida's most prominent educational institutions highlighting the importance of collaboration between academia and the business community to ensure that South Florida’s educational institutions are producing graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving workplace. The Chamber will be conducting a survey aimed at helping the higher education institutions identify the specific needs of the local business community which will enable educational institutions to better align their programs and curriculum with the requirements of the job market. Learn more about our Education & Workforce Development Committee: https://bit.ly/3o5Qhgs
HR Insights
The Chamber recently hosted a Human Resources Insights Summit, bringing together professionals from diverse industries to discuss the latest trends and opportunities in HR, including adapting to changing work practices and legal landscapes due to COVID-19. The event also highlighted topics such as the H-1B lottery and the use of technology to enhance employee growth and support. Additionally, the summit recognized HR professionals who have made significant contributions to their respective industries in the 2023 HR Ring of Honor and concluded with a fireside chat with Amazon on the significance of employee relations for a company's success. Learn more about our Human Resources and Professional Development: https://bit.ly/3CHLLc9
eMerge Americas
The Chamber had the incredible opportunity to be an exhibitor at the eMerge Americas conference, which was a true Super Bowl of tech! The event brought together some of the most influential figures in the tech industry attracting venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and technology innovators worldwide providing a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of technology. The Honorable Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami Dade county highlighted the importance of collaboration, partnerships and commitment to fostering an environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and the city's key role in driving success in making Miami a thriving innovation hub. Read more about our Technology and Innovation Committee: https://bit.ly/3KU9ivk
Resilient Solutions Summit
The Chamber's 8th Annual Resilient Solutions Summit explored the role of nature in fostering community resilience, innovative strategies, and connecting with community leaders for a sustainable future. The Honorable Daniella Cava Mayor of Miami Dade County inspired action towards building resilience and working together to make a difference in our community. Learn more about our Resilience Committee: https://bit.ly/412qXGy
Smart Plan Bus Tour
The Department of Transportation and Public Works Director & CEO Eulois Cleckley invited members of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce to join a special Bus Tour of the SMART Plan South Corridor Construction Project which will connect some of the fastest growing communities in Miami-Dade County with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) option.
The tour aimed to provide participants with an opportunity to witness the progress of the project firsthand and experience how the project will ease traffic congestion and cut commute time significantly between Miami’s Central Business District and Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead and Florida City that will change the transportation landscape for our community once completed. Read more about our Transportation Committee: https://bit.ly/41PHKO3
Washington D.C. Fly In
The Chamber of Commerce Washington D.C. Fly-In took place over three days and included a series of meetings, briefings, and engagements with key policymakers, experts, and government officials aimed at addressing key issues and advocating for Chamber priorities. The Fly-In showcased the power of collective action and left participants inspired to continue advocating for our community's needs and shaping a brighter future. Learn more about our Government Affairs Committee: https://bit.ly/43PdGTk. Washington D.C. Fly In Package : https://bit.ly/3L89zuN
Health Care Heroes
The Chamber recently hosted the Health Care Heroes®, a prestigious event that honored exceptional individuals and organizations in the healthcare industry for their lasting impact on our community. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Equitable Advisors Lifetime Achievement Award to Daniel Armstrong, PhD, for his outstanding contributions to the field.
"Equitable Advisors was the originator of the Health Care Heroes Award and we have seen incredible growth in the program since partnering with the chamber. The great heroes we recognize here make it one of the most important events of the year" shared Luis G Chiappy,, CFP® , CLU, ChFC, LUTCF; Equitable Advisors President
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the honorees and express our gratitude to the first responders who served our community during Hurricane Ian. for their exceptional service during challenging times. Learn more about our Healthcare Committee: https://bit.ly/43wQqcL . Event Recap , Honoree Videos , and Video Tribute to All First Responders for Hurricane Ian: https://bit.ly/3L89zuN
Goals conference 2023
The 2023 Goals conference was a successful event that brought together chamber members, industry leaders, State Senators, and House members to discuss the new laws impacting businesses in Florida and how to make a lasting impact on our community. This annual meeting allowed members to build connections, gain insights into legislative changes, and reflect on the chamber's achievements throughout the year.
This year's event showcased the highlights of the year and Multivison provided a Year in Review Video in which he captured and and celebrated the chamber's accomplishments and the collective progress made as the Champion for the Greater Miami business community followed by the passing of the Chair's gavel from Roberto Munoz to our incoming Amy Furness and the installment of the board of directors. Learn more about Goals Conference: https://bit.ly/3Pq1FPV
Senior Executive Orientation®
The Chamber’s Senior Executive Orientation® Program kicked off with a session focused on "Local Government and the Economy” which allowed participants to connect with local government officials to gain a deeper understanding of the county's governance structure and how it operates. including Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, who shared valuable insights on the county's achievements and future vision, leaving participants inspired by the opportunities Miami offers.
The program also included an International Business Session highlighting Miami’s significance as the “Gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean” at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, where experts from various fields contributed their insights, and participants enjoyed a private of the museum, where they explored exhibits on weather and technology, visited the planetarium, and were captivated by the fascinating aquarium. Learn about the Senior Executive Orientation® Program: https://bit.ly/3Pq8ErX
Leadership Miami®
Leadership Miami® 44 Spring celebrated the successful completion of its transformative program which has provided each participant with invaluable opportunities to connect with exceptional leaders, gain a deeper understanding of community challenges, and develop vital leadership skills. The five teams collaborated on 5 nonprofit community projects all supporting an initiative for the children in Miami contributing 5,495 volunteer hours and raising an impressive $81,668.84 in funds.
Prior to graduation we had the exclusive opportunities to visit the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, exploring the Marine Coral Lab and the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. SUSTAIN Laboratory, which houses the worlds largest hurricane simulation tank. Their dedication and hard work will have a profound and long-lasting impact on the community, making it a better place for years to come. Learn more about our Leadership Miami® Program: https://bit.ly/41PHKO3
The University of Miami selected to prestigious Association of American Universities
The University of Miami has achieved a significant milestone by being selected to join the esteemed Association of American Universities (AAU), an invitation-only organization consisting of the top advanced research universities in North America. This recognition places the University of Miami in the top 3% of American universities, showcasing its excellence in research and higher education. It is a remarkable achievement for the university and a proud moment for the entire South Florida community. Let us join in celebrating this historic accomplishment for the University of Miami. Read more about this recognition: https://bit.ly/3pFRcoM
View PDF of June 2023 President's Report
