Committee Corner: Chamber Committee Activity Through COVID-19
Here’s what the Chamber’s committees have been up to in the past month.
updated August 21, 2020
Banking
Commissioner Eileen Higgins talked to the Banking Committee about RISE Miami Dade Fund, a $25M fund to help the economic recovery of local small businesses. Learn more about the fund here.
Education
The Miami Foundation’s De’Sean Weber shared the foundation’s Workplace Asset Mapping Project which identifies opportunities for living wage jobs in Miami. Based on certain criteria, viable living wage jobs include electricians, plumbers, and medical secretaries. Read more about the project here.
HYPE
HR Committee Chair Patrick F. Martin gave HYPE members insight on the HR Committee's role in the Chamber.
Healthcare
Dr. Alvaro Mejia-Echeverry, Medical Epidemiologist at the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade, gave considerations for preparing for the flu in light of COVID-19 this fall. The committee was also joined by Christine Kotler (Baptist Health), Mary Elizabeth Lanham (University of Miami Health System) and Matthew I. Pinzur (Jackson Health System), who shared insights on the planning of the Caring For South Florida multi-hospital PSA campaign. Learn more about the campaign here.
International Business
The International Business Committee was joined by Pedro Agustin Valencia Laserna, Consul General Colombia, and Carolina Rendeiro, Honorary Consul of Portugal.
New World Center
Miami DDA Executive Director Christina Crespi shared initiatives in place to support Downtown Miami’s business during the pandemic including Go Local, Go Direct, which offers consumers a discount on delivery orders placed directly with Downtown restaurants.
Nonprofit
Leah Donelan McDermott of Florida Nonprofit Alliance gave a presentation on the importance of advocacy for nonprofit organizations and the dos and don’ts of lobbying. The Nonprofit Committee will be partnering with the Governmental Affairs Committee to develop a framework that will focus on creating messaging for engaging newly elected local/state officials.
Technology
LanInfotech President Michael Goldstein provided IT tips for working at home, from upgrading computer systems to being alert about phishing. In addition, Edwin Sanchez spoke about how drones have been used globally to disinfect, deliver food and medication, and detect infection symptoms.
Transportation
Tri-Rail Executive Director gave an update on the Tri-Rail Downtown Miami Link Project and Vicky Lieva gave a MDX update.
Resilience
The Resilience Committee Happy Hour featured a discussion on the role our local Chief Resilience Officers have assumed during the current pandemic. Topics included other resilience issues that have surfaced and perspectives on good recovery from the effects of COVID-19.
-Jane Gilbert, Chief Resilience Officer, City of Miami
- Amy Knowles, Chief Resilience Officer, City of Miami Beach
- Jim Murley, Chief Resilience Officer, Miami-Dade County
Workforce Housing
Jaimie Ross, CEO of Florida Housing Coalition and Facilitator of Sadowksi Coalition, gave insight on how StateHousing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP) funds can be used as part of a disaster strategy to provide financial assistance for renters who have lost their jobs. Visit the Florida Housing Coalition website for more info.
