Dear Chamber Members,
I trust this message finds you in excellent health and high spirits. As we take a moment to reflect on the ongoing journey of the Chamber and its unwavering dedication to our beloved community, I am delighted to spotlight the key areas where our efforts continue to have a profound impact on South Florida. A standout initiative was our collaborative endeavor, the Education and Workforce Development Forum, conducted in partnership with Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. This event underscored the pivotal role played by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in the realm of education. In conjunction with FIU's Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center, we have been actively encouraging our business community to participate in an ongoing survey addressing both current and future workforce needs in our county (closing on October 31). Dr. Dotres passionately emphasized the importance of local businesses engaging in this survey, recognizing the critical role it plays in shaping the future workforce of Miami-Dade County.Our mission goes beyond education. Dr. Dotres reiterated our commitment to providing a wide array of educational opportunities, thereby equipping students for the challenges of the present and the dynamic future that lies ahead. This commitment is integral to our vision of a more vibrant and flourishing community.Furthermore, we took great pride in hosting the 2023 Sand in My Shoes® Award Gala, a night dedicated to honoring the exceptional contributions of Alberto Ibargüen, a true champion of our community. Mr. Ibargüen's remarkable contributions to our community and his outstanding work in the field of publishing exemplify the caliber of individuals we celebrate, whose influence reverberates throughout Miami-Dade County. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and committee members, whose unwavering support made this event a reality.Lastly, I had the privilege of participating in the Department of Defense's Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, an experience that provided profound insights into the challenges and missions of our dedicated service members. This experience reinforces our commitment to understanding and supporting our military, a cornerstone of our national security. Follow my Linked In profile to see some of the amazing experiences we had.In conclusion, our unwavering focus on these core areas stands as a testament to our dedication to shaping a brighter future for Miami-Dade County. Our impact resonates through our work in education, community recognition, military support, and our steadfast commitment to the well-being of our community. Together, we continue to make a tangible and enduring difference, and I eagerly anticipate the lasting impact we will leave on our cherished community. I offer my deepest gratitude for your steadfast support and unwavering commitment to our shared vision.
Warmest regards,
Alfred Sanchez
President & CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
Education and Workforce Development Forum
Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres, at a recent education forum, emphasized the essential role of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in the education sector. Teaming up with FIU’s Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center, the Chamber is conducting a pivotal survey to address both current and future workforce needs in Miami-Dade County. Dr. Dotres encouraged local businesses to actively participate in this survey, recognizing its importance in advancing our educational landscape. The survey offers a powerful tool for gaining insights into and meeting the educational and workforce requirements of local businesses. It empowers individuals and enterprises to contribute to the Chamber's educational initiatives, ultimately benefiting our entire community. Additionally, Dr. Dotres celebrated the school district's remarkable achievements, including impressive state exam scores, top-ranking school police force, and an increase in graduation rates from 88% to 92%. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of Miami Dade College in providing high school students with college credits toward teaching degrees, expanding opportunities for our youth. While acknowledging these accomplishments, Dr. Dotres addressed future challenges and the commitment to offering diverse educational opportunities, ultimately preparing students for the present and future. We extend an invitation to CEOs, hiring decision-makers, and managers to engage actively and ensure your voices are heard. Please refer to the following page in this report for more information. Learn more about our Education and Workforce Development Committee here: https://bit.ly/3qBbj7T
Workforce Development Survey 2023
We are pleased to announce a crucial initiative in collaboration with Florida International University 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! 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: 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 on December 6, 2023. Please note that the deadline for survey completion is October 31, 2023. Don't miss your chance to contribute and potentially embark on an unforgettable adventure! 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.
Sand in my Shoes® Honoring Alberto Ibarguen
The Chamber proudly hosted the prestigious 2023 Sand in My Shoes® Award Gala, a night that shone with distinction. This remarkable event was dedicated to honoring the outstanding contributions of Alberto Ibargüen, an esteemed community champion. During the evening, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava presented Mr. Ibargüen with a proclamation, an eloquent testament to his remarkable influence on South Florida. As CEO & President of the renowned John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, Alberto Ibarguen was granted the prestigious 'Sand in My Shoes' award, a fitting recognition of his unwavering dedication to journalism, the arts, technology, and the vibrant city of Miami. This award celebrates exceptional achievement by a single community leader in South Florida, recognizing their significant contributions to the region and their deep love for South Florida as the ultimate place to live, work, and play. We were honored to stand among South Florida's influential leaders as we celebrated Alberto Ibargüen at the 2023 Sand in My Shoes® Award Gala. The event left an indelible mark and sets the stage for our continued commitment to recognizing those who enrich our South Florida community. Stay tuned for more updates and events from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as we actively contribute to the flourishing South Florida community. Learn more about Sand in my Shoes: https://bit.ly/45OrgXn. The Chamber expresses its heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed top sponsors and the distinguished Honorary Host Committee for their generous support of the 2023 Sand In my Shoes® Awards.
Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB) Mission
The Chamber has been actively advocating for the long-term viability and importance of the Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB). During the Tallahassee Fly In, we engaged with senior military leaders at the Pentagon to highlight HARB's national defense role and its significant $800 million annual economic impact and 5,000 jobs. GMCC received a grant from the Florida Defense Support Task Force to support HARB's fighter aircraft mission and presented its accomplishments to HARB in September. Securing additional funding is crucial to prevent base closure. We strongly support the military community and urge Congress to maintain HARB funding. HARB houses key military units and is strategically located, serving a vital regional role. Efforts have been made to protect HARB's original mission. The Preserving Options for Everglades Restoration and National Defense in the Straits of Florida Act safeguards HARB's military focus and prevents compromises to national security. In collaboration with various stakeholders, GMCC is dedicated to supporting the military community and preserving HARB's mission and importance. Learn more about our Governmental Affairs Committee: https://bit.ly/43PdGTk
Department of Defense Joint Civilian Orientation Conference
The Chamber President and CEO, Alfred Sanchez, recently participated in the Department of Defense’s Joint Civilian Orientation Conference, a prestigious outreach program sponsored by the Secretary of Defense. This program provides a select group of American business and community leaders with an immersive experience alongside the dedicated military personnel of the Department of Defense. During the program, Alfred embarked on a week-long journey that included various activities such as visiting an Army Ranger & Jump School and a Marine Corps Day. The immersive experience allowed him to gain valuable insights into the lives and challenges faced by service members, both on and off the battlefield. The core objective of the DoD Joint Civilian Orientation Conference is to bridge the gap between the civilian and military worlds. Participants like Alfred play a crucial role in this mission by sharing their experiences and knowledge with the American public. This sharing of insights contributes to strengthening the vital civilian-military relationship that is essential for our nation's security and unity. Alfred's participation in this program provided him with a firsthand understanding of the roles and missions of the Department of Defense. It also highlighted the rewards and challenges faced by our brave men and women in uniform. Through activities like rappelling and shooting instruction, he gained a deeper appreciation for the meticulous training that service members undergo. Alfred's involvement in the DoD Joint Civilian Orientation Conference underscores the Greater Miami Chamber's commitment to supporting and understanding the work of our military and its role in national security. Learn more about our Military Affairs Council: https://bit.ly/3S2ay3v
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.
Verizon
Verizon, a valued member of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, recently marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of their Coconut Grove store. Beyond contributing to job opportunities and economic growth in Coconut Grove, Verizon's vision extends to larger community initiatives. With a $3 billion commitment to bridge the digital divide, ambitious goals like achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035, and their dedicated employees who've contributed over 1 million service hours since 2019, Verizon's impact is truly remarkable. As a 2023 Verizon Non-Profit partner, Breakthrough Miami, was highlighted during the ribbon-cutting event, underscoring Verizon's dedication to our community. With a generous $10,000 donation, Verizon is championing STEM and Career Readiness programs that benefit nearly 200 Scholars. Additionally, Verizon's investment of $10,000 in the Idea Center at Miami Dade College's Scale Up Miami program will help local small businesses enhance their digital capabilities through informative bootcamps. Verizon's grand opening embodies their comprehensive commitment to our community's growth and advancement.
Florida East Coast Realty
In our Member Spotlight, we shine a well deserved light on Florida East Coast Realty (FECR), a real estate powerhouse with a remarkable 70-year history founded by Tibor Hollo. FECR's imprint on Miami's landscape is undeniable, having crafted over 60 million square feet of iconic structures, including the awe-inspiring Panorama Tower and the upcoming One Bayfront Plaza, set to reshape Miami's skyline at a towering 1,049 feet.FECR extends their influence well beyond construction, demonstrating a deep commitment to community enrichment. Their contributions include the serene Tibor and Sheila Hollo Park in Brickell and an educational commitment exemplified by the prestigious Tibor and Sheila Hollo School of Real Estate at Florida International University. FECR's dedication to education extends further through their support of the University of Miami School of Law's Real Property Development program. We're honored to have FECR represented on GMCC's Board of Directors and Executive Committee through their COO, Austin Hollo, and celebrate their enduring success and unwavering commitment to Miami's growth as a valuable chamber member.
