Dear Chamber Members,
As we embrace the approach of fall and the familiar sight of students returning to school, it serves as a compelling reminder that here at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, it's not only "back to school" but also "back to business." We opened our fall programming with the unveiling of our refreshed branding, comprising of a refreshed logo, and color palette, giving the Chamber a modernized look and reflecting our unwavering commitment to a dynamic and evolving future. Furthermore, we are excited to announce a significant partnership with Florida International University's Metropolitan Center, embarking on a community-wide workforce needs survey directed at a large sample of businesses in Miami-Dade County to analyze what businesses are seeking in their employees now, and in anticipation of future needs. The world is changing at a rapid-fire pace and our institutes of higher learning, as well as public education are looking for feedback from the business community as to what they are looking for in terms of new employee skill sets that are seeking today as well as in the future. This community-wide survey will assess the current state of our workforce and the future workers our businesses will need. The survey will ask business leaders, CEOs, top-level managers, human resources directors and other hiring decision-makers what kinds of people skills, technical skills and learning skills we need to anticipate from the future workforce. The survey is open now and will remain open until the end of October. Once the data has been collected and analyzed, results will be shared with educational institutions and the business community at large to help inform future curriculum refinement and enhancements to meet the current and future business needs. I invite all CEO’s, Hiring Decision Makers and managers to actively participate and have your voices heard. See the next page of this report for details. Your valuable input will play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce of Miami-Dade County. The Chamber’s Committees are currently meeting to finalize 2023-2024 Committee Priorities for the upcoming legislative sessions at both the State and Federal level. I encourage your active participation in this process. We will be taking a delegation of chamber members to Tallahassee November 7-9, 2023 to champion the priority areas of our Chamber as part of our ongoing efforts to amplify our influence and impact within the community. For additional details on how to participate in Chamber Committees visit https://www.miamichamber.com/committees or contact Chief Program Officer, Tania Valenzuela at TValenzuela@miamichamber.com. For additional details on our upcoming Tallahassee Fly In, contact VP of Governmental Affairs, PJ Campbell at PCampbell@miamichamber.com. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being an integral part of our Chamber family, where change is not just a notion; it's a collective journey. Together, we are actively crafting a brighter future for Miami-Dade County— one filled with promise, progress, and lasting transformation.
Best regards,
Alfred Sanchez
President & CEO, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
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.
Leadership Miami®
Leadership Miami® Fall Class 45 has begun! This program is all about creating impact, and these dedicated participants are ready to make a difference in our community. Last month’s Opening Conference featured inspiring speakers, engaging activities, and informative sessions, all aimed at empowering our future leaders. With just 100 days ahead, program participants, divided into small teams, will turn their visions into reality for local nonprofits. Follow them on the Chamber’s social media feeds as we share their incredible journey and be a part of shaping a brighter future for Miami-Dade County. Learn more about our Leadership Miami® program: bit.ly/3Lqf9bt
Senior Executive Orientation®
In partnership with Miami-Dade County, The Chamber has revamped its exclusive onboarding program tailored for Presidents and CEOs of recently relocated Miami-based companies. The objective is to equip executives with knowledge, connections, and opportunities, facilitating their transition to Miami and unlocking a promising future in this vibrant city. The program is currently offered in the Spring and Fall. Biweekly gatherings cover topics that help participants get a quick and deep dive into understanding Miami, it’s top issues and players, at important venues across the County. Topics covered include: Local Government & The Economy, International Business, Community Involvement, Arts, Sports & Leisure and Miami 2050. These photos were taken at the final session, "Miami 2050," of our summer program where participants explored Miami's potential as a city of the future and the role of technology in addressing pressing challenges. This session ignited lively discussions, delving into the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in urban development, healthcare, and more. Participants discovered that AI is not just a concept; it's a powerful tool that provides Miami with advantages such as tech talent, innovation, and adaptability. The Fall 2023 Senior Executive Orientation Program begins September 21st. Discover more about the Chamber’s Senior Executive Orientation® program here: https://bit.ly/3Pq8ErX
Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery Tour
Our Chamber's leaders recently embarked on a visit to the Miami Center For Mental Health & Recovery, a beacon of hope, addressing the pressing challenges in mental health care. Under the guidance of the visionary 11th Judicial Circuit Judge, Steve Liefman, we had the privilege of witnessing their comprehensive approach to these critical issues. Florida faces a mental health crisis, ranking 43rd in national access to care, with the 4th highest rate of uninsured adults dealing with mental illness. This situation underscores the urgent need for change. Once completed, the Miami Center For Mental Health & Recovery will provide specialized care for those battling severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders, often caught in justice and acute care cycles. The Center's mission doesn't stop there. It will also serve as a hub for research, education, and the implementation of best practices. Their commitment extends to community outreach and advocacy, with the aim of forging a healthier, more compassionate, and fiscally responsible Miami-Dade County. Learn more about our Healthcare Committee: https://bit.ly/3PnQeGR
United Stated Department of Homeland Security Miami
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Governmental Affairs Committee meeting in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Miami. This session provided valuable insights into efforts to safeguard our community and businesses. Special Agent in Charge, HSI Anthony Salisbury, and his exceptional team led the discussions, offering insights into crucial programs and issues, from cybersecurity to human trafficking. At the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to advance the Greater Miami Business Community through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Partnerships with agencies like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are vital to our mission, and we anticipate more fruitful engagements in the future! Learn more about our Governmental Affairs Committee: https://bit.ly/43PdGTk
22nd Annual Nonprofit Business NOVO Awards
In recognition of our commitment to fostering positive change in Miami-Dade County, the Chamber hosted its 22nd Annual Nonprofit Business NOVO Awards. This prestigious award celebrates organizations in our community that exemplify innovative excellence and showcase the best practices of nonprofit businesses. Among the distinguished winners were The Key Clubhouse of South Florida and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., while Natasha Lowell received the esteemed Outstanding Board Leader award. Our President & CEO, Alfred Sanchez, shared several significant updates including the unveiling of our refreshed branding, the announcement of a valuable partnership with Florida International University's Metropolitan Center for a groundbreaking workforce survey, and the highly anticipated launch of the Chamber's 2023 Member Directory, reinforcing our commitment to providing valuable resources to our members. Additionally, Ron Book, Chairman of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, delivered a compelling presentation on 'The State of Homelessness in Miami-Dade County,' underscoring our steadfast commitment to addressing this critical issue within our community. Discover more about the Nonprofit Business NOVO Awards: https://bit.ly/3Pq8ErX
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.
Olga Ramudo
Senior Vice President of Florida & Latin America Gray Dawes
Meet Olga Ramudo, the Managing Partner of Express Travel, a company embarking on an extraordinary journey. With an impressive 32-year track record as a minority and woman-owned Hispanic enterprise, Express Travel recently achieved a momentous milestone. It joined forces with Gray Dawes Group, a distinguished family-owned business from the UK with a heritage dating back to 1927. Olga has taken on a pivotal role as Senior Vice President for Florida & Latam at Gray Dawes. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both organizations, propelling Express Travel onto the global stage while allowing Gray Dawes to expand its presence in the United States. We applaud Olga for her visionary leadership, which has guided Express Travel toward international horizons. We eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of Express Travel within the Gray Dawes Group as they embark on this exciting new chapter!
Angel Bosch-De Leon
Managing Director Dade County Medical Association (DCMA)
Meet Mr. Angel Bosch, our distinguished board member making waves in the medical field. He's the Managing Director of the Dade County Medical Association (DCMA) and was recently elected Chair of the Conference of Florida Medical Society Executives (CFMSE) and appointed to the Florida Medical Association (FMA) Board of Governors as Medical Society Executive of all Medical Societies in Florida. Mr. Bosch is making history as the first Hispanic to lead both DCMA and the Miami Orthopaedic Society (MOS). His unwavering dedication to healthcare sets a high standard for our community. Congratulations to Mr. Bosch for his groundbreaking achievements! We look forward to his continued positive impact on our community.
