Last Friday, we convened at PortMiami to converse about energy resilience in South Florida, a key issue in The Chamber’s agenda, particularly relevant in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Resilience, we know well, requires a triple bottom line approach and bringing together multiple constituencies if we are to advance lasting solutions in Greater Miami. Hurricanes like Ian underscore the importance of our Urban Community Growth Group, whose leadership works at the intersection of resilience, transportation, workforce housing, and education and workforce development issues.

The agenda and panelists of last week’s event showcased why Miami-Dade County’s path to Net Zero requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Facilitating dialogue between the public and private sectors, advocating at the local, state, and federal levels, sharing research and resources, and bringing awareness to the community is at the heart of what The Chamber does. Moreover, partnerships with local government organizations and our members, like Black & Veatch, FIU, and FPL, are critical in South Florida’s path towards Net Zero.

Tomorrow, at our October Trustee Luncheon, we will honor the outstanding contributions to the development of the core of Miami business, made by individuals and organizations that embody unique and legendary leadership. During the event, the Red Cross will provide an update on Hurricane Ian’s relief and recovery efforts.

We had an unforgettable evening aboard the Sea Fair Mega Yacht, our Chair’s inaugural reception. In addition, I am proud to share this year’s South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEO Awards with our Vice-Chair, and three of our members.

We have more news to share in the pages that follow.

Alfred Sanchez

 

 

Leadership 

September was a great month for our leadership. Our Chair had his inaugural event, and our Vice-Chair, President and CEO, and three members were distinguished with the South Florida Business Journal 2022 Ultimate CEOs.

 

Chair's Inaugural Event aboard the Sea Fair Mega Yacht

Our Chair’s Inaugural Event was one the most engaging events of the second half of the year. Elite Family Office captured highlights of the evening here, and the event received ample social media coverage.

 

Leadership Miami®

Thanks to TD Bank sponsorship, the 44th class of Leadership Miami® had its Project Pitch Night on October 3rd. Be on the look for the South Florida Business Journal Giving Guide on November 4th. We have asked that all donations to the South Florida Progress Foundation be aimed at supporting this program that, since 1979, has created opportunities for over 4,000 alumni that today are at the forefront of major corporations and civic organizations in South Florida.

 

2022 South Florida Business Journal Ultimate CEOs Awards

We are thrilled to share that four Chamber members have been recognized as the South Florida Business Journal's 2022 Ultimate CEOs.

Out of the 15 honorees, four Chamber members are among this year’s award recipients: Christine Barney, 2015-2016 Chairwoman, CEO and Managing Partner, RBB Communications; Matthew A. Love, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nicklaus Children’s Health System; Thomas P. Murphy Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Coastal Construction Group; and The Chamber’s 2022-2023 First Vice Chair, Hector J. Ponte, South Florida Region Bank President, Wells Fargo. Alfred Sanchez, The Chamber’s President and CEO joined the list.

As we publish this President's Report, we are waiting for two member spotlights to share with you.

 

 

International Business

We hope to see you this afternoon at our Consular Corps and Trade Representatives Annual Reception, generously sponsored by Baptist Health, an event that The Chamber has hosted for decades to recognize the work of diplomatic bodies, the first point of entry for businesses looking to relocate or expand into South Florida. One of the highlights of the month was the $300,000 donation of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami to the state of Florida to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

The International Business Committee hosted or participated in several delegations during September, including a mission from Brazil led by the Governor of Brasilia, on September 6th; a delegation from Hungary, on September 8th; a keynote speech delivered by our Senior Vice President of International Business at the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones Annual Event, on September 12; a mission with over 50 delegates from Latin America, on September 14th; a discussion with Reta Jo Lewis President and Chair of the Export Import Bank, hosted by eMerge Americas, on September 16th; a reunion for the 44th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan and Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations, on September 22; and a delegation of 25 visiting companies from Argentina, on October 3rd.

 

 

Energy Resilience 

On August 11th, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that PortMiami had become the beneficiary of a $16 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant for its NetZero: Cargo Mobility Optimization and Resiliency Project. The NetZero Program is a visionary plan to convert the entire cargo movement chain to a carbon neutral operation, from PortMiami’s channel to its final distribution site.

It was no coincidence that The Chamber chose PortMiami to converse about Miami-Dade County’s Plan for Net Zero, Port Miami’s Shore Power Transition, and the Future of Electric Vehicle Transportation.

Moderated by Matt Haggman, attendees learned about PortMiami’s plan to Net Zero, Miami-Dade County’s Strategic Plan to get to Net Zero by 2050, funding available for public and private transportation projects, NextEra’s plan to lead decarbonization, and the decarbonization of the power system, including sustainable energies like solar, nuclear, and wind. It was great to hear from FIU and Black & Veatch.

How does the future look like in mobility? Is the goal to Net Zero for the private sector aspirational? Where is the private sector investing? How to enhance people’s experience in urban mobility? Join the conversation here.

 

 

Membership 

Awards and Rankings

We are glad to share that U.S. News ranked FIU fastest-rising university in the country, and PR News recognized rbb Communications as one of the 2023 agency elite top 100 nationwide.

 

View PDF of September 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