As the first quarter of 2022 comes to an end, The Chamber continues in a path of transformation. Change, in form and function, has been a common denominator.

Many of you already know that The Chamber is now located on 1 SE 3rd Avenue, steps away from Brickell and in the heart of the growing tech hub downtown.

Along with a new location, starting with this President's Report, content has been structured with a focus on the issues that impact our audiences. You will also see a more dynamic layout.

Likewise, some of our programs and events have been restructured and adapted as The Chamber evolves into a new era. We are also strengthening our advocacy efforts, and resuming our international missions. The goal, as ever, is to enable business and economic growth.

A promising year.

Alfred Sanchez
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

New Location

Yes. We moved! The Chamber is now located on the 14th floor of the SunTrust International Center, steps away from Brickell. Please take note of our new address.

1 SE 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33131

 

A Legacy

Early Childhood Development

David Lawrence Jr. honored with the 2021 Sand in My Shoes Award®

The Chamber started March with the most prominent recognition of the year, honoring David Lawrence Jr. with the Sand in My Shoes Award®. His legacy as one of the greatest advocates for early childhood development and readiness in South Florida will continue to resonate for years to come.

Thanks to generous contributions from sponsors, philanthropists, friends, and family, funds in excess of USD 1 million were raised. Special thanks to Florida Blue, our title sponsor, and to Baptist Health and the University of Miami, our presenting sponsors.

The event received ample media coverage, including David Lawrence’s acceptance speech, a gift of twelve life lessons.

Lawrence's work in Early Childhood Development has strongly influenced an inclusive education agenda in the county. The Chamber has supported his work since the early years and continues to advocate for quality early learning funding from our state legislature.

"Be a lifelong learner and reader. Read widely. Read wisely. Deeply. Closely. Then make up your own mind." - David Lawrence Jr.

 

Advocacy 

Our Government Affairs Committee has been advocating in Tallahassee during the 2022 Legislative Session that came to an end on March 11, engaging with state officials and monitoring the development of issues that are crucial to businesses and the communities of South Florida.

The Chamber's legislative priorities -including healthcare, transportation, resiliency, tourism, education, and workforce development-, all had important bills associated to them for many municipalities, including the City of Miami and Miami-Dade. In particular, several priority projects in transportation, resilience, healthcare, and education, were funded, as were our higher education institutions like Miami Dade College and Florida International University.

As a relevant resource to our members, The Chamber prepared a legislative review, which also indicates the status of each bill. Click below to see how they fared.

 

Leadership 

New partnerships. New program. New class.

Leadership Miami® was revamped in February, enabling participants to benefit from cutting-edge leadership training from local universities and colleges.

The Chamber partnered with Barry University, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, the Miami Dade College, St. Thomas University, and the University of Miami, to develop a curriculum designed by renowned faculty aimed at providing a more robust experience. Classroom size was reduce by half and two classes were added each year to satisfy a higher demand.

The opening Ceremony of the 43rd Class was held on February 11 and 12. Close to 50 participants were selected for the program that aims to develop and strengthen the skills of our future leaders. Miami-Dade Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, was among the leaders presenting at the inauguration.

 

International 

America’s Mission to Israel

On March 25, a mission of approximately 60 delegates will embark to Israel. The journey, organized by The Chamber and co-led by the Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, aims at exchanging know-how and exploring business opportunities between the Miami-Dade County and several cities in Israel.

South Florida has the second largest Jewish population outside Israel, and it has opened its doors to many businesses, particularly in the technology and innovation sector, where Israel is a world leader.

 

Convening 

During the month of February, The Chamber had an active agenda, convening members on a number of issues through its committees, including Human Resources and Professional Development (February 1), Education and Workforce Development (February 9), Resilient Solutions (February 10), Healthcare (February 10), Non-Profit Business (February 16), New World Center (February 17), and Technology and Innovation (February 25).

In addition, our Trustee Lunch was held on February 2, with a discussion centered around the Miami International Airport and the Seaport. On February 16, a Trustee Member networking event was held at Ch'i.

Greater Health Trust

The Greater Health Trust is an insurance program created by The Chamber and AvMed for small business members. We are the only Chamber of Commerce in the state of Florida to offer this kind of program that provides large employer group health benefits at prices small businesses can afford.

If you are a small business with 2 to 50 employees, find out how to subscribe and save money on your health insurance, without having to wait for the next enrollment period. Benefits will also make businesses more competitive as employees take advantage of the program.

Click on https://www.greaterhealthtrust.org to speak to an AvMed broker.

And if you know small businesses that might qualify, spread the word. Member companies are seeing a 20% to 30% reduction in their coverage costs.

"For the first time in years we were able to save 20% on our healthcare cost and shared the savings with our staff." -Jonathan Cuesta, President, Dade Construction Corporation

 

2022 South Florida Economic Summit

The 2022 South Florida Economic Summit, will be held on March 30. Major actors in Fintech, technology and innovation will be present. Tom Hudson, Vice President of News at WLRN, and Saif Ishoof, founder of Lab22c, will moderate the afternoon panels. Take a look at the agenda and register now.

 

View PDF of March 2022 President's Report

Top Investors

Baptist Health South Florida
CareerSource South Florida
Carlton Fields
fiserv.
Florida Power & Light
TD Bank
UHealth
University of Miami
Wells Fargo