May 8 , 2008

LAST CALL "FORE" TEE SPONSORS AT 5TH ANNUAL CHAMBER CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT -- PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THE RIGHT COURSE!

Next Thursday, May 15 the fifth annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament will provide a day of golf, fun and networking at the Miccosukee Golf & Country Club. With two courses full of foursomes, getting your company's name out there is a smart and inexpensive choice for your business to be seen on the green. Tee signs are just $200 (test drive a vehicle at Williamson Cadillac Hummer to receive a $100 discount). Get your logo on shirts, bags or caps starting at $2,500. For information, contact Jeff Greene at 305-577-5462 or sales@miamichamber.com.

To download sponsorship form click here.

 

SELL THE CHAMBER -- EARN SALES COMMISSION AND A TRIP TO VEGAS

Support your Chamber by getting involved in our $1 million, "Campaign for a Stronger Chamber."  It is not just about selling memberships -- it's a total resource campaign -- sales include event sponsorships and advertising in Chamber publications. Benefits of participating in Campaign '08 include cold hard cash every week you make a sale; a trip to Las Vegas when you sell $10,300 during the campaign (sell $13,300 and bring a friend); and commissions paid on renewals next year that are sold during this campaign. For information, visit www.miamicampaign.com.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

• 2008 Goals Conference

• Business Continuity and Hurricane Outlook 2008

 

NETWORKING, REWARD$ AND A THEATER PERFORMANCE...OH MY!

Join us at 6 p.m. on May 22 for the Campaign's next Reward Session at Actors' Playhouse at The Miracle Theatre. For information or to RSVP, contact Gioconda Davis at 305 577-5478 or sales@miamichamber.com.

 

WELCOME OUR NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

Chairman's Circle of 100: **rbb Public Relations

Trustees: *Badia Spices; Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm

General Members: A.I.C.P. - Association Of Independent Commercial Producers; Compendium Business Solution, LLC; M.D. Moody & Sons, Inc.; MMG Equity Partners; Oren Development Corp.; RT Capital Partners

** upgrade to Chairman's Circle of 100       * upgrade to Trustee

 

CHAMBER NEEDS ASSESSMENT FINDS THE GRIM REALITY OF WORKFORCE HOUSING IN THE COMMUNITY

This past Tuesday, the Greater Miami Chamber released the findings of its Miami-Dade County Housing Needs Assessment which identifies and quantifies the gaps in housing needs in our community. As part of the "Forum on Attainable Living: Workforce Housing" public briefing and discussion, municipal leaders, members of the public and private sectors, and the community at-large were presented with key findings:

• The current "existing" median single-family home price (306,100) remains unaffordable to approximately 85 percent of Miami-Dade County's households
• Miami-Dade County's 2007 median annual wage for all occupations was only $26,873
• Cost-burdened households in Miami-Dade County include 60.6 percent of all renters and 49.9 percent of all homeowners
• Approximately 78 percent of all households in Miami-Dade County (83.6 percent of renter households) earning less then $35,000 annually are cost-burdened

The Chamber would like to acknowledge the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for funding the study prepared by The Metropolitan Center of Florida International University; and Baptist Health South Florida, The Continental Group, AT&T, BAC Florida, Miami Children's Hospital, Florida Power & Light, Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing, Wachovia and WaMu for their contributions. To learn more about the Chamber's ongoing initiative, "Roadmap for Workforce Housing," contact Marina Foglia at 305-577-5464 or advocacy@miamichamber.com.

For a copy of the study in its entirety and forum presentations, visit the Chamber's online Workforce Housing Resource Center.

 

JUST THREE WEEKS TO GOALS CONFERENCE -- BEST CHAMBER EVENT OF THE YEAR!

The most important two days of the year for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce are just three weeks away -- May 30 and 31. Those are the dates for the 2008 Chamber Goals Conference at Doral Golf Resort & Spa. The conference is a joint celebration of the year's accomplishments and planning for the upcoming Chamber year that begins that weekend. Terrific special events -- Good to Great Awards, Martinis and Mojitos Reception, Spotlight on Capitol Hill and A Salute to Miami's Leaders -- offer terrific client entertainment and networking. Register to participate today by contacting our Special Events team at spevents@miamichamber.com and, consider making a weekend out of it by staying at the Doral. Save gas, have more fun!

To download conference information and registration click here.

To download sponsorship opportunities click here.

To download a list of activities and promotions click here.

 

PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS AND OTHER FUNDING ALTERNATIVES FOR LOCAL PROJECTS

On May 13 the Greater Miami Chamber's Global Business Briefing explores "Infrastructure & Project Financing in a Global Environment" with a panel of senior executives discussing public private partnerships and other alternative funding mechanisms for local transportation and infrastructure projects. For information, contact Crystal Renta at 305-577-5486 or international@miamichamber.com.

To register online click here.

 

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE CHAMBER'S HURRICANE GUIDE

Lack of information and preparation are common factors among all major hurricane disasters. Being aware of vulnerabilities and the actions to take may reduce the consequences. As part of Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25-31, the Greater Miami Chamber will release an updated version of its Hurricane Guide, a resource that provides essential planning for individuals and includes marine information. The Hurricane Guide is about preparedness -- minimizing stress during hurricane season and maximizing safety and protection. Advertise in the Chamber's Hurricane Guide. Deadline for inclusion is May 16; target publication date is June 1. For information, contact Nitza Escalera at 305-577-5441 or nescalera@miamichamber.com.

 

PERU AND CHILE MISSIONS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 2008

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Jay Malina International Trade Consortium of Miami-Dade County (ITC) will conduct a first-ever joint mission to Lima, Peru and Santiago, Chile. The mission will represent both the services sector as well as merchandise trade. Business and government meetings are currently being planned. Part of the Americas Linkage 2008 outbound program, which facilitates business development opportunities between Florida and Latin America, the missions feature country briefings, seminars and networking opportunities.

Americas Linkage Missions:

May 19-20 -- Panama City, Panama   Download registration form here.

September 22-23 -- Lima, Peru

September 25-26 -- Santiago, Chile

European Linkage Mission:

October 10-19 -- Spain   Download registration form here.

For information on Americas Linkage 2008, contact Juan P. Gonzalez at 305-577-5477 or international@miamichamber.com.

For information on European Linkage 2008, contact Liane Ventura at 305-577-5445 or international@miamichamber.com.

 

LEADERSHIP MIAMI CLASS #29 COMES TO AN END

The Greater Miami Chamber's Leadership Miami program added 98 participants to its alumni list. A special reception was held at Dave & Buster's and Greater Miami Chamber Chairman-Elect Carlos Fernandez-Guzman provided the commencement address.

Thank You Leadership Miami Sponsors: Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Florida; Archdiocese of Miami Development Corp.; AT&T; Bank of America; BankUnited, FSB; Baptist Health of South Florida; Boies Schiller & Flexner LLP; Burger King Corporation; Camillus House, Inc.; Carey Limousine South Florida; Carlton Fields, P.A.; Caterpillar Inc.; Catholic Community Foundation; CB Richard Ellis; Cherokee Enterprises, Inc.; City of Doral; Colonial Bank, N.A.; Flagler Dog Track; Florida International University; Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust; Gold Coast Beverage Distributors, Inc.; The Graham Companies; Grant Thornton LLP; Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce; Grossman Roth, P.A.; Hands On Miami, Inc.; Holland & Knight LLP; HospiceCare of Southeast Florida, Inc.; Integrated Outsourcings Solutions, Inc.; Jackson Health System; John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Miami Children's Hospital; Miami Parking Authority; MIAMI TODAY; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; Northern Trust, N.A.; PBS&J; Pollo Tropical; Project Challenge; rbb Public Relations; Regions Bank; Royal Caribbean Cruises, LTD.; Skanska USA Building Inc.; Sonshine Communications; Stearns Weaver Miller Weisler; Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.; SunTrust Bank; Switchboard of Miami; United Way of Miami-Dade; University of Miami; Wachovia; and Williamson Cadillac Hummer.

Attention: All Leadership Miami Alumni!

On May 14 Leadership Miami alumni will get together from 7-9 p.m. at Cremata Fine Art, 1646 SW 8 Street, Miami to network and share their experiences. Raul Cremata will be signing limited edition lithographs for all who attend. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Invite your colleagues and friends to learn more about the program. To RSVP, contact Michelle Joubert at 954-801-8121 or mrjoubert@gmail.com.

 

GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK

Technology Alternatives: Recycling

While electronic devices enhance your lifestyle, they do -- because of the host of toxic materials within them -- come with an environmental price tag. Instead of sending your gadget to the landfill, find a computers and electronics recycler to recycle your gadget or donate its value to charity.

Brought to you by the Going Green Taskforce. For information on the Going Green Campaign or to submit a "green tip," email advocacy@miamichamber.com.

 

NEXT WEEK'S COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Transportation & Infrastructure

May 12 | 11:30 a.m. | Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Tania Valenzuela, 305-577-5491 | regbusdev@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

Healthcare & Bioscience

May 13 | 8:00 a.m. | Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Tania Valenzuela, 305-577-5491 | regbusdev@miamichamber.com

Business to Business Information Sharing Group

May 14 | 8:00 a.m. | Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Jennifer Sanchez, 305-577-5451 | regbusdev@miamichamber.com

New World Center

May 14 | 11:30 a.m. | Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Tania Valenzuela, 305-577-5491 | regbusdev@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

Nonprofit Business

May 14 | 3:00 p.m. | United Way

Contact: Jennifer Sanchez, 305-577-5451 | regbusdev@miamichamber.com

Workforce Housing

May 16 | 11:30 a.m. | Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Marina Foglia, 305-577-5464 | advocacy@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

 

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

May 21 -- Sports Sponsorship Seminar: Engaging with the Consumer through Sports

Contact: Jennifer Sanchez, 305-577-5451 | regbusdev@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

May 22 -- Bagels with the Boss

Contact: Carlos Onate, 305-577-5446 | sales@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

May 23 -- Networking by the Bay

Contact: Gioconda Davis, 305-577-5478 | sales@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

NEW: June 11 -- Board of Governors & Trustees Luncheon

Contact: Special Events at 305-577-5433 | spevents@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

NEW: June 17 -- Business Continuity and Hurricane Outlook 2008

Contact: Nitza Escalera, 305-577-5441 | nescalera@miamichamber.com

To register online click here.

 

MEMBER NEWS AND HAPPENINGS

Women's Spa & Wellness Day -- May 10

The Belafonte TACOLCY Center and Sister to Sister will host a Women's Spa & Wellness Day from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., for those aged 18 and above. The event will feature free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose and body mass index, as well as stress reduction, exercise and pampering. Speakers will provide interactive sessions on exercise, nutrition and stress reduction, with an emphasis on preventing heart disease. Belafonte TACOLCY Center, 6161 NW 9 Avenue, Liberty City. Space is limited. For information, contact Chantell P. King or Akua Scott at 305-751-1295, or cking@tacolcy.org or youneedtoknow@aol.com.

Merrill Lynch-NFTE South Florida Regional Youth Business Plan Competition -- May 14

NFTE's top students will showcase their winning business concepts to compete for venture capital and the chance to fund their start-up. Students will present business plans to a panel of South Florida's top community and business leaders. See the evolution of South Florida's entrepreneur economy through the eyes and minds of a new generation of dynamic young student entrepreneurs. Merrill Lynch-NFTE presents the 2008 South Florida Regional Youth Business Plan Competition from 5-8 p.m. at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, 300 NE 2 Avenue, Building #1, 2nd floor auditorium, room 1261. For more information or to RSVP, contact Michelle Vautier at 786-216-3390 or michelle.vautier@nfte.com.

music@MiaSci -- May 29

Join young professionals, science aficionados, art enthusiasts and other 21-45 year olds for a happy hour alternative in a non-traditional setting. Enjoy an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and exhibits while listening to the sounds of Spam Allstars. Every month the focus changes to include a short program dedicated to an art form. From dance to poetry to the visual and culinary arts, @MiaSci will keep you entertained and enlightened. For information, visit http://www.miamisci.org/www/music_miasci.php.

Storm Prep Expo 2008 -- May 31-June 1

It has been three years since South Florida has had any significant storm activity. Thousands of new people have moved into the area with no hurricane preparedness experience. Storm Prep Expo 2008 is a great opportunity for you to promote your products and services to the 15,000 to 20,000 estimated Expo attendees who will be searching for information and products to prepare their property and themselves for an oncoming storm and its aftermath. Storm Prep Expo 2008 will feature special guests, police and fire-rescue demonstrations, first aid courses, the Florida Marlins Mermaids and family activities.

To download information flyer click here.

 

BE SEEN BY TWO MILLION EYEBALLS EACH MONTH

MiamiChamber.com offers a unique opportunity to position your company in the pages of the premier business website in Greater Miami. With over 1,000,000 hits per month MiamiChamber.com is the ideal place for advertisement. Space is available in several formats to fit your budget and hit your target. For information, contact Nitza Escalera at 305-577-5444 or nescalera@miamichamber.com.

To download advertising guide click here.