The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) announces the launch of Committee for a Greater Miami, a nonpartisan Political Action Committee (PAC) created to educate political leaders about the needs of Miami-Dade businesses and to support leaders who help satisfy those needs.
Operating separately from the GMCC, the PAC is in the stages of being finalized and will serve as a voluntary, nonprofit, incorporated organization designed to advocate on a local and state level for issues that reflect the legislative priorities adopted by the GMCC Board of Directors.
With the purpose of promoting good government and sound public policy, the PAC will be led by an experienced board appointed by the Executive Committee of the GMCC. The inaugural chair will be Tony Argiz, one of the community’s most respected and trusted professionals. The GMCC’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Spencer Pylant, will be coordinating the effort.
The inaugural board members include:
• Chair Tony Argiz – BDO USA, LLP
• Vice Chair Manny Reyes – Pereira Reyes Consulting, Inc.
• Chamber President & CEO Alfred Sanchez
• Chamber Chair Rick Beasley – CareerSource South Florida
• Chamber First Vice Chair Roberto Muñoz – The Global Financial Group
• Myles Pistorias – Miami Dolphins
• Freddy Balsera – Balsera Communications
• Javi Correoso – Uber
“As Miami-Dade continues to grow demographically and economically, the launch of Committee for a Greater Miami will give our businesses a leading edge statewide as we work with local officials that understand their vision for growth in a changing economy,” said Alfred Sanchez, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. “Our mission is to continue serving as a strong advocate for the Greater Miami business community. This PAC and its seasoned inaugural board will be the
catalyst that propels local enterprise with a cohesive voice that effects positive change throughout our community.”
After years of advocating in Washington and Tallahassee on behalf of Miami businesses, the new PAC will serve as the GMCC’s next stage of evolution following a string of legislative wins including:
• 2018
o City of Miami voter approval of Jungle Island park enhancements and hotel construction
o Approving the Kendall Parkway Extension
o Bringing a Formula 1® race to Miami
o Securing Gold-standard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along the SMART Plan South Corridor
• 2019
o Keeping Ultra Music Festival in Miami
• 2020
o Passage of House Bill 115, which prohibits any state authority from suspending or revoking a professional license based solely on the licensee being behind on payments or defaulting on a student loan
o Including 501(c)6 organizations in Payroll Protection Program (PPP) eligibility
• 2021
o Securing COVID-19 Liability Protection for Miami businesses
o Securing recurring funding for resilient infrastructure and septic-to-sewer conversion
Priorities for Committee for a Greater Miami will be steered by the board as well as input by GMCC members across a variety of industries. Such priorities include education, environmental issues and housing, to name a few.
For more information, please visit www.MiamiChamber.com.
