miami beach news 9.8.2011

WW ith operations in 750locations in 60 coun-tries worldwide, JonesLang LaSalle is the

second-largest commercial real estate serv-ices firm in the world. The firm is a seri-ous player in Florida with a market leadingpresence in Miami. The firm providesservices to real estate investors, corpora-tions, public-sector organizations and cov-ers every aspect of the business. Its servic-es include tenant and landlord representa-tion, property management, project anddevelopment services, investment salesand financing, and consulting services. Allproperty types apply from office, industri-al, retail, hotels, to healthcare, sports stadi-ums, convention centers and specializedfacilities for life sciences companies.

Jones Lang LaSalle is no stranger tolarge projects that shape the community.The firm is renowned for its work in proj-ect management like the 2 million-square-foot renovation project it is co-managing atthe Moscone convention hall in SanFrancisco or as master developer for cam-pus projects for the Georgia Institute ofTechnology.

In Florida, Jones Lang LaSalle employs530 real estate professionals and has grownits team exponentially over the last year.

“We have added more than 120 new realestate professionals this year, including 13 inthe past month,” said Kurt Keaton, MarketDirector for Jones Lang LaSalle in Florida.“It’s not just our footprint across the state orthe City of Miami that makes us the leadingand most trusted commercial real estate firmin the region, but our commitment to the areaand our pledge to grow our business here.The state and the City of Miami are impor-tant strategic markets for our firm and a key

BY JASON LOEBChairman, Miami Beach Chamber

Among the things Iadmire most about MiamiBeach is its ability torebound. Despite periodictimes of hardship, the cityalways reemerges strongerand with more promiseand opportunities thanever. Nothing exemplifies this better than ourreal estate market. Last September, the MiamiBeach Chamber of Commerce Real EstateCouncil hosted a forum designed to help real-tors and other professionals uncover anyopportunity within the industry’s relentlessdoom and gloom forecasts. What a differencea year makes, as now the focus is on how tocapture and best serve a burgeoning market.

The Real Estate Council, under the leader-ship of Melissa Rubin, alongside the MiamiAssociation of Realtors have been workingdiligently to pull telling statistics of therenewed international demand in SouthFlorida real estate. This year’s annual event,titled “What You Need to Know” about for-eign real estate investing, highlights key mar-kets - most notably Venezuela, Canada,Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, France andMexico - and their role in setting the Miamireal estate market on the rebound track. Awell-rounded panel of experts representsevery sector of the industry to address variousissues and opportunities related to the trend.

In spirit of lifting the community, this eventis open to the public. I encourage my fellowChamber members, members of the MiamiAssociation of Realtors, local business peopleand entrepreneurs take advantage of thischance to gain insight from our industry’sbest. In addition, I’d like to recognize oursponsors - The W South Beach hotel as ourtitle sponsor and host of this event andKoniver Sterns as our presenting sponsor - forbelieving and supporting our mission.

The educational luncheon takes placeFriday, September 16, 11:00am at the W SouthBeach hotel. Reserving a space is as easy asvisiting www.miamibeachchamber.com. I lookforward to hearing all our council’s good realestate news with you then.

AAtt yyoouurr sseerrvviiccee,, JJaassoonn LLooeebb

SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 ––––––––––– www.communitynewspapers.com –––––––––––– Phone: 305-669-7355

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Letter from the Chair JJoonneess LLaanngg LLaaSSaallllee:: MMoovviinngg oonn uupp iinn FFlloorriiddaa

Foreign Real Estate investing – What you need to know

FF oreign investors have beenflocking to South Floridafor its real estate invest-ment opportunities for

decades, however, more so than theEuropean buyers, individuals fromCentral and South America have nowcome to the shores of Miami. SouthFlorida’s strategic location gives it aglobal competitive advantage whenattracting foreign real estate buyersspecifically from Brazil, Venezuela, andArgentina.

According to the Miami Association ofRealtors, Venezuelans have led the

Miami condo market resurgence,accounting for 28% of unit purchasesamong international investors in Miami.Currently, Canada stands at 10% of inter-national investment, followed by Brazilat 9%. These global investors are bring-ing capital to the local economy by pur-chasing both commercial and luxuryproperties, which has helped SouthFlorida’s revival in this market. From2010 to 2011, real estate purchases havetotaled to $82 billion in the United States,of which, 33% is in Florida.

––––––––––––––––– See REAL ESTATE, page 4––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See LASALLE, page 4

W South Beach hosts Real Estate Luncheon–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM September 8 - 21 , 2011

September 8 - 21, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Elsie Sterling Howard has had a lifelongcommitment to community servicethrough leadership. From her teen years, asan editor of both her junior high school andsenior high school yearbooks, through col-lege at the University of Pennsylvania,where, among other roles she was electedsecretary of her class and served as thePresident of Penn’s Panhellenic Societyuntil today, as the chairperson of theMiami Beach Visitors and ConventionAuthority, she has built and maintained areputation for visionary, strategic leader-ship. Although Howard “did not go toBeach High” (she attended CheltenhamHigh School outside of Philadelphia),Howard has had a long love affair with heradopted city, and says proudly that there isno better to place to live, work or vacationin the world.

Howard had a successful professionalcareer as a marketing consultant (foramong others- Tourneau) but has alwaysspent countless hours as a volunteer leader,involved in every facet of the organizationsand events she leads. She remains dedi-cated to institutional improvementachieved through strategic planning, con-sultative preparation, commitment andhard work.

Her list of committees, events and proj-ects is long and deep – with decades ofactive service to Miami Beach and to char-itable organizations. She has chaired theMBVCA since 2006, having also served asthe chair from 1999-2004. She is a co-founder and current chairperson of theMayor’s Blue Ribbon Taskforce onTourism and also serves on the Board ofthe Greater Miami Convention and VisitorsBureau. She is a member of the Universityof Miami Sylvester Cancer Center’s Boardof Governors, chairperson of theSylvester’s Board Services Committee andis the chairperson and founder ofUM/Sylvester’s WellBeingWell confer-ence. She is also the past chair of theCitizens Commemorative Coin Committeefor the United States Mint, serving foralmost a decade on this, the US TreasuryDepartment’s committee that launched thestate quarter program. Ms. Howard servedfor a decade as a Trustee of the Universityof Pennsylvania and she also was theChairperson of the Trustees Council ofPenn Women, served for five years asPresident of Penn’s International Alumni

Society, was on the Vet School’s and theSchool of Fine Arts’ Boards of Overseers,and served a term as the Chairperson of thePenn Alumni Admissions Resource Center.She is a Founder of Mount Sinai MedicalCenter and of the Sylvester Cancer Centerof the University of Miami and has been amember of Penn’s Benjamin FranklinDonor Societies for more than threedecades.

In 2010 Ms. Howard was honored by theMiami Beach Chamber of Commerce withtheir signature community leadershipaward. In 2009 Ms. Howard was recog-nized by the Miami Project as a “Womanof Substance & Style”. In 2003 shereceived the prestigious NationalVolunteer of the Year/Stewart Award fromthe Council for Advancement and Supportof Education (CASE). She received the2003 Red Cross Spectrum Award for vol-unteer leadership. She also received theHalperin Award from the University ofMiami Sylvester Comprehensive CancerCenter in November 2004.

Mrs. Howard is married to attorneyGene Howard (who did attend BeachHigh). She is the mother of Heidi Tandy(married to Aaron) and Liz Brown (mar-ried to Murray - who both graduated BeachHigh). She is the happy and proud grand-mother of Harrison, Jonathon and CateTandy and Sydney and Murray Brown andconsiders her grandchildren her primarypassion.

ELSIE STERLING HOWARD

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHTLEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHTELSIE STERLING HOWARD

part of our growth strategy.”While being able to call on its global

platform, Jones Lang LaSalle pridesitself on its local footprint with localexperts who understand the local market.“The depth of the firm’s expertise withinthe state is so important to our clientshere in Florida,” said Keaton. “We havea great brand that people trust; the levelof knowledge and experience of ourexperts is mind-blowing.”

Not only is demand from clients makingJones Lang LaSalle grow its team ofexperts, but its business wins have multi-plied too. The firm’s leasing and manage-ment portfolio has more than doubled in thepast year to a current total in excess of 25million square feet. In the past year, JonesLang LaSalle has been awarded a numberof significant leasing or management con-

tracts at some of the state’s most iconicbuildings including two Miami towers -Southeast Financial Center (1.2 millionsquare feet) and Miami Tower (600,000square feet). The company also specializesin energy and sustainability services and hashelped the owners of six Florida buildingsachieve LEED certification.

One of the proudest moments of theyear so far, Keaton says, was to be namedto Florida Trend’s ‘Best Places to WorkFor 2011’ list. To celebrate the win, JonesLang LaSalle has organized an event notonly to honor the team but to honor oneof the charities it supports. In September,the whole Florida workforce will gatherin Miami to present a check to the Make-A-Wish Foundation that will grant fourspecial wishes to four terminally ill chil-dren. “It is events like this which makesall the hard work worth it. This will be aproud day for us to give back to this veryimportant cause and to celebrate theteam’s spirit.”

LASALLE, from page 1 –

Florida offers an appealing platform forforeign investors with its culturally diversebusiness environment, international work-force, and prime beach front real estate. Thebest way to learn more about doing businessin this unique field is to hear it straight fromthe real estate experts at the upcoming“What You Need to Know” luncheon. OnFriday, September 16th, the Miami BeachChamber of Commerce in partnership withthe Miami Association of Realtor will hostthe “Foreign Real Estate Investing in SouthFlorida- What you need to Know,” RealEstate Luncheon at the W Hotel in SouthBeach from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This year’s panel includes Teresa KingKinney, Miami Association of Realtors,Kobi Karp, Kobi Karp Architecture anddesign, Jay Parker, Clear Title Group, JamesCampanella, City National Bank, JeffreyBlinn, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra,LLC and Madeleine Romanello, DouglasEllimen Florida. The panelists will sharetheir expertise with foreign investment inMiami to educate the local community of thepositive turn the market has taken and howto keep international investor’s eyes onSouth Florida.

It is the mission of the Miami BeachChamber’s Real Estate Council to shareexpertise and offer guidance to educate

Chamber members and realtors around theMiami-Dade community. Melissa Rubin,Vice President of Platinum PropertiesInternational boutique real estate firm andCo-Founder and Chair of the Chamber RealEstate Council, said, “The importance of thisReal Estate Luncheon is to discuss additionaltrends and provide tips to our business com-munity on how to capture and understand thevalue of foreign investments in Miami.”

Last year, the “The New Now” RealEstate Luncheon attracted over 250 atten-dees with a panel including W SouthBeach’s developer, David Edelstein. Thisyear’s “What You Need to Know” luncheonanticipates to be sold out as a result of lastyear’s success. All interested parties in theshould RSVP to reserve tickets by visitingwww.miamibeachchamber.com.

REAL ESTATE, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Florida offers an appealingplatform for foreign investorswith its culturally diversebusiness environment, international workforce, andprime beach front real estate.


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Miami Beach News6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980


BY COMMISSIONER MICHAEL GONGORA

On the morning of

September 11th, 2001,

terrorists hijacked four

commercial jet planes

attempting to fly them

into several U.S. targets.

One of these planes,

American Airlines Flight

11, crashed into Tower One of the World

Trade Center at 8:50 AM. United Airlines

Flight 175 crashed into Tower Two at 9:04

AM. As the world watched, Tower Two col-

lapsed to the ground at about 10:00 AM.

Worse still, this horrible scene was dupli-

cated at 10:30 AM when Tower One

crashed to the ground as well. In less than

three hours, life as Americans knew

it...changed forever. I remember vividly,

as I was attending a Miami Beach Bar

Association function, being stunned by the

news and wondering if any friends or fami-

ly had been on a flight that day. Every one

of us remembers where we were when our

precious Country was attacked. Our hearts

ached with those of the victims’ families

for the senseless loss of the victims them-

selves. This terrorist attack massacred

approximately 3,000 men, women and chil-

dren from varied nations around the world.

In the days and weeks that followed, our

Nation united in an unprecedented spirit of

community and commitment. Our nation’s

extraordinary response to the September 11

tragedy demonstrated that compassion for

those in need is a very powerful force. It

made us reflect upon how things change in

an instant and how precious life is.

I can hardly believe that this year marks

the 10-year anniversary of the September 11

attacks that left an indelible mark on our

Nation forever. Indeed time has passed but

the memory is most vivid, poignant and yes,

still painful. I can think of no better way to

commemorate this infamously tragic

moment in history than by once again unit-

ing as a community in shared reflection. I,

along with Mayor Bower and my fellow

Commissioners, have organized a 10th

Anniversary 9/11 Commemoration ceremo-

ny. It will be an opportunity for the Miami

Beach community to join together and

honor the legacy of those who lost their lives

that day as well as to appreciate the dedica-

tion and sacrifice of our troops, public

safety personnel and their families, who say

goodbye to these crucial defenders of the

United States every day, praying they will

return safely. Rather than traditional

political rhetoric, we will honor these

American heroes with short poems or

quotes.

The ceremony will take place at 3 pm

outside of City Hall near the flagpole. A cer-

emonial reading of the victims’ names will

begin at 3:15 pm. The ceremony will

include tributes by the Miami Beach Police

and Fire Department Honor Guard as well as

a tribute performance of the National

Anthem by Miami Beach’s own songbird,

Nicole Henry. Let us remember those we

lost on the tragic day of September 11 by

coming together to inspire others to help

build our community, our country, and our

world for good, for life, and for peace. For

more information please contact Diana

Fontani at (305) 673-7103.

God bless the USA and our great City of

Miami Beach!

COMMISSIONER’S CORNERMiami Beach will never forget 9/11

Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M.Florida Attorney

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Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again

Ly Espinol


BY ISADORE HAVENICK

Neon lights?

Pin striped suits?

Fedoras?

Think this is a

reality on Miami

Beach if a poker

room comes to

town?

Think again!

One doesn’t

have to look far

to see the pletho-

ra of gaming

options available in South Florida. At

each of these facilities poker rooms are a

mere silver of the overall gaming rev-

enues. Far far away from the neon lights

of the glitzy Vegas-style slots sit poker

rooms tucked away from the commotion.

These oases allow for a quiet safe envi-

ronment for friends to play cards. Rest

assured these aren’t typical Las Vegas

table games. There is no blackjack or

craps. These rooms only offer variations

of poker like Texas Hold’em, Omaha,

Badugi1, and 7 Card Stud. They do not

possess a large food component but

rather provide limited quality service in a

comfortable setting. Since the legaliza-

tion of card rooms in 1996, there has

been no increase in crime at pari-mutuel

facilities or Indian reservations.

In fact, the evolution of poker has

attracted a more affluent educated demo-

graphic. Poker is regarded as a thinking

man’s game. Opening a card room on the

Beach can be integrated with existing

businesses. It would complement the

offerings of local restaurants, bars, and

other nightlife. Tourists no longer would

have to travel off the island to existing

casinos. Shouldn’t Miami Beach have

the chance to capture some of the bene-

fits of the multi-billion dollar Florida

gaming industry without altering the cur-

rent fabric of our community? I say let’s

go ALL-IN for poker!

1 Badugi is a recognized card game by

Hoyle’s Encyclopedia of Card Games

and the State of Florida.

The $outh Florida Gaming ReportThe $outh Florida Gaming ReportThe Myths of a Poker Room

Daniel Santamaria was born in BatonRouge, Louisiana, was raised in Miami inthe 1980s and is of Nicaraguan descent.Before Internet and Xbox, Daniel grew upas an outdoors kid in South West Miami.Spending hours outside playing, discover-ing the neighborhood, inventing newgames, and running with the locals. Heenjoyed creating new ideas, games, andday dreaming He eventually joined CoralPark High School Wrestling team in the161 Weight Class and the Track & FieldDiscus & Shot Put Teams.

Daniel started thinking of business ideasat an early age. During the summertime atage 10 with a skate board, bucket, brushes,towels, soap he and 4 kids rode around thehot Miami neighborhoods offering $5 carwashes. This income allowed him to be

able to purchase comic cards and learndetails of super heroes and be able to tradefor cash and acquire favorite cards toincrease his collection of Marvel 90-92.At Age 15 he worked seasonally at MiamiDade County Youth Fair in the Pearls cornstand as a Corn Chucker and quicklyadvanced to Fire Pit then Sales.

He moved and attended Gainesville HighSchool where he was on the Track & Fieldand Swimming Teams. Daniel excelled atDiscus Breaking 3 High School records. Heearned MVP for the Field Division: Discusearning 15 first place medals and 5th in theUnited States. In Swimming, he swam the50m & 100m Freestyle and placed 3rd and6th at regionals.

In 1998-2005 he attended Santa FeCommunity College/University of Florida

earning a BA in Marketing. During thattime he worked seasonally at 5-7-9, TrafficShoes, Victoria Secret, Burdines, Dillard’s,and Helzberg Diamonds. During this time,He was able to hone in his sales experienceand learn different business industries.During the night, He began working in dif-ferent NightClubs starting off as a Bouncer,and quickly became a Bar Manager andpromoter.

From 2003-2005, he and two friendsbegan designing a prototype for a device totrain baseball players which allowed him tolearn about designs and patents.

In 2004, he worked as a Manager atAbercrombie & Fitch a multi-million dol-lar store with 140 employees. While work-ing there he was able touncover a large employeetheft scheme reducing thestores loss items from8.5% (30 items stolendaily) to 2.3 (8 items stolendaily).

In 2005, He started aTouring company toNicaragua for college stu-dents offering Volcano,Zipline over JungleCanopies, andBeach/Surfing Excursions.Daniel visited Nicaraguaevery year and alwayswanted to show the beautyof his country to all students. He has futureplans to adopt the small town of Huehueteand build a school, install internet access,and install solar panels.

In 2006, While watching BeerFest, themovie, he was struck with an idea to hiretwo actors to host the very first Beerfestevent in Gainesville, FL. The BeerFestevent brought in 2000 colleges studentsand he was able to meet and hang out withtwo of his favorite actors.

In 2007, He moved back to Miami andhe landed a dream job at Prestige ImportsAudi & Lamborghini where he received

Audi Certification and became the AudiR8 2010 representative for the MiamiBeach Convention Auto Show and drovethe Audi R8 to several upscale events forpresentation.

In 2007, Daniel began to design a proto-type for a new plastic flask and foundedwww.floridaflasks.com. Starting off with alow budget, Daniel had to learn basic WebDesign Principals and Internet MarketingStrategies. Florida Flasks are currentlystocked in 20 stores in Florida. He has a lovefor Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, andBiomimicry. He believes Biomimicry is thesolution for a sustainable future, which havealready been created by nature. His hobbiesare Swimming, Astronomy, Future

T e c h n o l o g y ,Nanotechnology, watch-ing Documentaries andStar Trek Episodes.

Early 2009, he beganworking at the NorthMiami Beach Chamberas a Director ofOperations where hereceived an award forIdeas/Planning of theDomestic ViolenceAgainst Women Parade.Daniel increasedChamber membership by60 businesses, assists inplanning Chamber

Networkers, and Business GrandOpenings. Daniel also worked closely withcity officials in order to better unite the citywith its residents.

When he moved to Miami Beach, he wasoffered a position as MembershipRelations Associate with the Miami BeachChamber of Commerce where he hostsNew Member Orientations every 3rd

Wednesday and Google AdWords TrainingClass every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Hereally enjoys meeting new members andbrainstorming on ways to increase theirbusiness.

CHAMBER STAFF – DANIEL SANTAMARIAMEMBERSHIP RELATIONS ASSOCIATE

SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT ONON......

DANIEL SANTAMARIA



Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday wishes goout to Michael Aller, “Mr.

Miami Beach”, Tourism andConvention Director andChief of Protocol for The

City of Miami Beach. As aMiami Beach icon, Michaelhas touched many lives inthe community. Happy 71stBirthday Mr. Miami Beach!

N

Letters to the Editor The Miami Beach News invites the local community and its supporters to send comments

to the Editor by e-mailing [email protected]. These submitted letters will bepublished under this new heading. We look forward to reading your messages to the Editor.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

TToo tthhee EEddiittoorr::

I attended Commissioner Jerry Libbin’s Town Hall meeting and stayed for the event’s dura-tion.

I found the format and information provided very useful and my time well spent.Commissioner Jerry Libbin has taken on this formidable task and plans to do something

about the Memorial Day weekend’s chaos and mayhem.I feel confident knowing that the Residents, Business Owners and Visitors of Miami Beach

can count on Commissioner Libbin.I must take issue with the handful of attendees who somehow felt slighted because they

weren’t given a microphone and feel compelled to cast negative tones.This is not productive and dilutes the true intent of this Town Hall Meeting. I would sug-

gest that they provide a proactive approach and seek to find a solution.Most issues and concerns were addressed and covered. Although there are many more, this

is a very productive start.I find that Commissioner Libbin has an open door policy to listen and discuss all issues and

concerns regarding Miami Beach and particularly this Memorial Day Fiasco.Commissioners Libbins vision to create a tribute honoring Memorial Day for the City of

Miami Beach is clear and concise.Change will come with the cooperation and participation of all concerned.I fully support and applaud Commissioner Libbins efforts. He has and will continue to pro-

vide outstanding leadership to the City of Miami Beach.

SSiinncceerreellyy,, RRoobbeerrtt FFaaiirrlleessss

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

TToo tthhee EEddiittoorr::

I want to thank Commissioner Jerry Libbin for taking the lead in putting a stop to the addi-tional public safety problems created during Urban Beach Weekend. It’s clear that he has donehis homework on the issue and how to address it. Currently this event is not sponsored or evensanctioned by the city. Commissioner Libbin did point out that the city can do a much strongerjob regarding enforcement of our laws and city code compliance violations, especially whenit comes to assuring the safety of all citizens. He also got the ball rolling on the city explor-ing the possibility of allowing promoters to present solutions for staging a diverse series ofcommunity based events during Memorial Day Weekend. This would be a win-win for resi-dents.”

SSiinncceerreellyy,, GGlleennnn CCoossttaalleess



The 2011 MiamiBeach Arts Gala is paint-ing and performing itsway to the Miami BeachConvention Center onSaturday, October 22nd.Launched in 2010, theMiami Beach Arts Galais a fundraiser to supportnon-profit local SouthFlorida artists whoexhibit and perform inthe City of Miami Beachthrough the MiamiBeach Arts Trust. TheGala serves as an avenueto recognize the biggestsupporters of the arts inMiami Beach and willhonor three key membersof our local arts commu-nity: George Neary,Cultural Arts Champion;Mary Luft, LifetimeAchievement Award; andNeisen Kasdin,Visionary Award.

“The Miami BeachArts Gala showcaseswhat a large role the artsplay in the City of MiamiBeach and places thespotlight on how we can continue develop-ing our cultural arts program,” said RayBreslin, Chair of this years Miami BeachArts Gala. “We are thrilled to have theopportunity of honoring some of our biggestsupporters of the South Florida ArtsCommunity and, at the same time, raisemoney for local arts groups that need itmost.” All the money raised at the Gala willbe given to Miami Beach’s Cultural ArtsCouncil to grant to organizations producingfree events on Miami Beach. Over $60,000was raised at the First Miami Beach ArtsGala last year and the Gala Committee hopesto double that amount this year. Breslin said“It take ‘you’ and community to accomplishthis goal, so make your reservations now.Get your friends together and buy a table.”

Walking into the reception, guests willview the artwork of Lou-Lou Davila-Hagopian, who also did the invitation art-work, and listen to the dulcet tones of DebbieOrta, one of Miami’s finest jazz vocalists.For your listening pleasure during dinner,Grammy-award-winning saxophonist FelipeLamoglia and his New Dimensions in Afro-Cuban Beats will keep you entertained, withDavid Siegel, veteran of Arturo Sandoval’sorchestra, playing the Steinway grand pianogenerously donated for the occasion by theMiami Steinway Gallery of Coral Gables.The music is provided by KCC Productions.

In addition, pianist Angel Perez, a gifted

13-year-old student from SoBe Institute of

the Arts will perform a Mozart piece. Last

October, Angel opened the Concert

Season for the Brampton Symphony

Orchestra. Brampton, Canada is a Sister

City of Miami Beach and both City’s

Mayors were on hand to proudly watch.

Other additions to the program will beOctavio Campos doing an excerpt from hisone-man show “Please Don’t Hate Me!”, anda performance by Pioneer Winter, who cho-reographed and co-directed 42: A StonewallProspective that was presented at the BassMuseum of Art thanks to a 2010 Gala grant.Throughout the rest of the evening there willbe further demonstrations of Miami’s finesttalent.

More than just another gala, you’ll be ableto support arts in our community, enjoy anevening of viewing, listening, and experienc-ing art; all while dining on world-class foodand beverage provided by Executive ChefJonathan Barnett.

Pictures from the 2010 Gala and honoreesalong with the list of grant recipients andsponsors are all available on the gala web-site. It is just a hint what you will experienceat the Gala this year.

For ticket information [email protected]; tableand individual tickets start at $300, which ispartially tax deductible, and can be pur-chased online by visitingwww.MiamiBeachArtsGala.com or byphone at 786-493-5962.

For more information regarding sponsor-ship opportunities, please contact RayBreslin at [email protected] or call305-772-5665

2011 Miami Beach Arts Gala

��CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM

After 18 years of being a moneymanager, I have consistently heardhow many people do not feel comfort-able with their investment decisions.Have you ever second-guessed the

investment decisions you have made?Do words like foolish, dumb, wrong,confused, guess, uncertain, frustrated,and overwhelmed describe your feel-ings? You are not alone in feelinguncomfortable about decisions youhave made.Would you like to feel better about

your investment decisions? If theanswer is yes, then here are somebasic steps to consider:

��If you need guaranteed stability, then

you are a saver. When the stock mar-ket is positive, many people say thatthey want to invest and that they arean “investor.” They say that they cantolerate the volatility of the stock mar-ket and that their investment time hori-zon is long term (greater than 10years).

Then 2008 comes along and thestock market (S&P 500) drops 34%and the “investors” now are running forsafety as “savers”. Their long-term timehorizon has decreased from 10 yearsto 10 minutes and the risk tolerancehas decreased from moderate to mini-mal. You need to be honest with yourself

as to what degree you are a saver oran investor. This is a personal decisionthat in a perfect world should not beinfluenced by your family, friends orcoworkers.

There are investments for savers andinvestments for investors. Before youselect from the thousand of choices,decide what will make you sleep atnight. Don’t rely on a sales rep to tellyou what your investment profile isbecause the sales rep may adjust yourprofile to fit the suitability of the invest-ment they are trying to sell you.

�� Do you need to put money away for

a rainy day? Make a “To Do List” ofitems that you want the money toattain such as vacation, education orwedding. Give each item a specificcost such as $5,000 for a vacation.Determine which item motivates you toattain it. Motivation that is ratcheted upis called passion. If you find a passionfor an item, that will be your top priori-ty. How quickly you want to attain theitem will help determine what invest-ment to consider. Again decide on thespecific purpose of the money andthen consider your options.

�� As an “investor,” you need to acceptthat you are prepared to lose part or allof your investment. If this risk is notcomfortable for you, then you are asaver.There are times when people haveborrowed on the equity of their homeand invest in the stock market becausethe potential gains offset the risk oflosing their home. People make reck-less decisions so that they can attainthe item they want quicker than what isrealistic. Plan so that if it takes a yearto attain an item, you give yourself twoyears to attain it. If you attain the itemin one year, that’s good but don’t beatyourself up if you don’t make yourdeadline. The important thing is tokeep working toward what you want.

��

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It’s early yet, but the new 2012 Audi A7is on my short list for “Car of the Year.”This automobile is really special.

From a purely technical standpoint, theA7 is a marvel of automotive engineering.It’s manufactured with aluminum, high-endsteel and other lightweight materials usinga hybrid aluminum construction that meldsthe lightweight metal with steel of variousstrengths. The A7 weighs about 15 percentless than a comparable all-steel body.

The A7 sits on a sporty, lightweight chas-sis and is powered by a highly efficientsupercharged 310 hp V-6 (18/28 mpg) thatis incredibly responsive and fast. It alsocomes standard with the latest generationof Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive and thelatest advanced driver assistance and multi-media systems. The A7 clocks 0-60 mph in5.4 seconds and has an electronically limit-ed top speed of 130 mph. All A7 models

come with a state-of-the-art, eight-speedTiptronic automatic transmission.

As for design, the A7 is a piece of auto-motive art on wheels. The five-door designcombines the appeal of a coupe with theprestige of a sedan and the functionality ofa station wagon. It is the next step in theAudi design scheme, with short overhangs,a long wheelbase, an expansive hood andlow-slung, sporty proportions.

With a low roofline and integrated reardoors, the A7 has a coupe-like silhouette, withframeless door windows and side mirrorsmounted on the doors. The C-pillar stretchesto the rear and flows into the shoulder, whilethe sharp tornado line begins at the headlights,extends across the fenders, over the doors andends in a slope toward the taillights.

An integrated spoiler automaticallyextends at 80 mph and then retracts at 50mph. It also can be deployed and retractedmanually via the push of a button. The twolarge, round tailpipes of the dual-branchexhaust system are incorporated seamless-ly into the bumper and benefit from anattractive chrome application.

The A7 comes standard with Audi’sxenon plus technology, complete with newall-weather lighting integrated into theheadlamp housings, including two radar

sensors in the air intakes for optional adap-tive cruise control. The signature LED day-time running lights are standard.

Optional full LED lighting blends visi-bility and style with low energy consump-tion and an extended service life. In addi-tion to the 18 LEDs used for the daytimerunning lamps and 11 LEDs employed forthe turn signals, two powerful LED unitscomprise the low- and high-beam head-

lamps on each side. Taillights are fittedwith LED bulbs, too.

Base price on our 2012 Audi A7 test carwas $59,250.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor forMiami’s Community Newspapers. He maybe contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext.261, or by addressing email correspon-dence to <[email protected]>.

2012 Audi A7 is a work of automotive excellence

LET’S TALK CARS

Ron BeasleyAUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

Audi A7 has a coupe-like silhouette, with a low roofline and integrated rear doors, frameless door windows and sidemirrors mounted on the doors.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


Tourism is Greater Miami and theBeaches’ #1 industry. From citywide con-ventions to marquee events like Art BaselMiami Beach, we want to keep our com-munity informed about tourism-relatednews and events. It’s our pleasure to sharethe GOOD news that tourism brings to oursun-drenched shores,especially jobs and theeconomic impact thatcontributes to building astrong local economy.

Recently, the GreaterMiami Convention &Visitors Bureau(GMCVB) workedclosely with MiamiBeach CommissionerJorge Exposito to bringthe United StatesHispanic Chamber ofCommerce’s (USHCC)32nd Annual NationalConvention & BusinessExpo to our community.This convention, which represents an eco-nomic impact of $1.7 million takes placeSeptember 18-21, 2011at the Miami BeachConvention Center with the FontainebleauMiami Beach serving as the headquarterhotel. The USHCC National Convention &Business Expo is the largest gathering ofHispanic business leaders in America. Weextend our thanks to CommissionerExposito for his efforts in working with theGMCVB to secure this convention forMiami Beach. We encourage members ofour community to reach out and work withus to bring more meeting and conventionbusiness to our destination. Conferenceattendees will have an easier time renting acar at Miami International Airport, thanksto the new MIA Mover connection to

Miami Rental Car Center, which opensSeptember 9th. Now, visitors can hopaboard the MIA Mover, a 1.25-mile-long,elevated people mover system, and rideover to the Miami Rental Car Center(RCC) in a few short minutes.

Another plus for conference attendees,visitors and evenlocals is our “Miamiand Beaches” iPhoneapp, soon to bereleased in Androidand iPad versions. Thisnifty little app pro-vides informationabout lodging, shop-ping, dining, arts andculture, special offersand much more.There’s even a miniwalking tour of the ArtDeco District!

With the GMCVB’s10th Annual MiamiSpice promotion taking

place through September 30th, we hope theUSHCC attendees (and locals, too!) willtreat their taste buds to a gourmet meal atone of Miami’s many fabulous dining estab-lishments. Reservations can be madethrough Open Table atwww.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.

It’s always nice to end on a high note.For the first seven months of 2011, GreaterMiami and the Beaches was ranked #3 inhotel room occupancy and #3 in hotel roomrate among the Top 25 U.S. Hotel Marketsby Smith Travel Research. Let’s all keepup the good work of treating our visitorswell and making sure that Greater Miamiand the Beaches maintains its status as apremier international destination forleisure and business travel.

Another plus for conference attendees, visitors and even

locals is our “Miami andBeaches” iPhone app, soon to

be released in Android and iPad versions. This nifty little

app provides information about lodging, shopping, dining, artsand culture, special offers and

much more. There’s even a mini walking tour of the Art Deco District!


Catch a fabulous show at the Miami BeachStage Door at the Byron Carlyle Theater andget a tasty deal at participating North Beachrestaurants with the new Miami Beach DiShpilot program.

DiSh (North Beach Dinner & Show) isdesigned to promote the new Miami BeachStage Door Theater at the Byron CarlyleTheater while stimulating business at themany diverse North Beach restaurants inclose proximity to the theater.

“It is sure to help fuel the revitalization ofthe North Beach area, and benefit both therestaurants and the theater. I am so gratefulto the city of Miami Beach for their support,”said Derelle Bunn, executive producer/artis-tic director, Stage Door Theater.

Participating restaurants will offer showticket holders a 15 percent discount on theirorder when visiting their establishmentbefore or after a show through October 31,2011. A valid ticket must be shown at time ofpurchase. In return, the City of Miami Beachwill promote the program at the theater andthrough promotional materials.

Day Longsomboon of Tamarind Thai, aparticipating restaurant, said, “In the long run,people will get to know this North Beach areaand they will revisit us if they like what theysee and what this area has to offer.”

Stage Door Theater was recently awardeda management agreement to bring large-scale musicals and family-oriented produc-tions to the City-owned Byron CarlyleTheater. “SUDS,” a bubbly ‘60s musicalabout romance in a wash-o-rama, runsthrough September 4. And a new show,“Song Man Dance,” begins September 10.

Present your ticket stub at any of the par-ticipating restaurants below to receive yourdiscount.*

Pizzafiore | 703 71st Street | www.piz-zafiore.net

Cantina 71 | 217 71st Street | www.canti-na71.net

Tamarind Thai | 946 Normandy Drive |www.tamarindthai.us

Norman’s Tavern | 6770 Collins Avenue |www.normans.biz

Sazon Cuban Cuisine | 7305 Collins

Avenue | www.sazoncubancuisine.comWine Market | 908 71st Street |

www.winemarket-miami.comGeorge’s Restaurant | 300 72nd Street |

www.georgesmiamibeach.comEl Rancho Grande | 314 72nd Street |

www.elranchograndemexicanrestaurant.comLou’s Beer Garden | 7337 Harding Avenue

| www.lousbeergarden.comValentino Sul Mare | 7330 Ocean Terrace |

www.valentinorestaurantmiamibeach.comMr. Taco Mexican Food | 6974 Collins

Avenue | www.mrtacomexicanfood.com*Discounts only valid on the show date

printed on your ticket.Miami Beach residents also receive a 10

percent discount on show tickets at theByron Carlyle. The theater is located at 50071 Street, Miami Beach.

For the “dish” on participating restaurantsand theater shows, visitwww.mbculture.com/dish.

Miami Beach’s DiSh serves delicious discounts before/after a showNew Program Perfectly Pairs North Beach Restaurants & Musical Theater



On August 19th, the Miami Beach

Chamber of Commerce hosted their 5th

Annual Champion of Business Panel and

Discussion Luncheon. Taking place at Trio

on the Bay, over 150 members and guests

participated in this business luncheon. At

this Champion of Business luncheon

young and notable business professionals

from around the community joined the

Emerging Leadership Council of the

Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Together guests were able to experience,

learn, and interact with the diverse panel

of champions in their particular fields.

The panelists who participated at the

luncheon included; Jerry Powers, from the

Plum Network a key figure in the develop-

ment of Miami Beach media, Shelia

Duffy- Lehrman- Tropical Survival an

innovator in modern marketing practices,

Dan Odess- East Coast Public Adjusters

who recently turned over a legacy compa-

ny into impressive profitability, and Bob

Drinon President and CEO of Premier

Beverage who started in the business at an

early age and climbed to the top of the cor-

porate ladder. Hosted by Brian Andrews a

former WSVN and CBS anchor and cur-

rently the English news anchor for RCN

TV Colombia, the panelists were asked a

series of questions to give the attending

insight as to how they reached their

accomplishments and goals. In addition,

the panelists also touched on obstacles

they have to overcome. During the lunch-

eon, there was also a question and answer

portion from the audience. This interactive

luncheon was both informative and educa-

tional for all those who attended.

The Emerging Leadership Council

(ELC) is a selective group of young pro-

fessionals who are leaders in their profes-

sion. Their role as council members pre-

pares them for future leadership roles

within the Miami Beach Chamber of

Commerce. The members reach out to new

members of the Miami Beach Chamber of

Commerce and work to promote, encour-

age and generate relationships through

strategic introductions.

The ELC was pleased to recognize the

winners of the New Generation and

Workforce Institute’s “Social

Entrepreneurship Bizplan Competition”.

The Generation Y-Not? Summer Institute

was designed to empower youth to instead

of always asking ‘Why?’ always ask “Why

Not?”, a program of UNIDAD.

The chamber hosts luncheons in order

for members to get affiliated with other

business professionals within the Miami

Beach community. Networking and build-

ing business to business relationships are

extremely important to the Miami Beach

Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on Miami Beach

Chamber events, visit online at

www.miamibeachchamber.com

ABOUT MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Miami Beach Chamber of

Commerce was formed in 1921 to promote

the economic well-being of Miami Beach's

citizens, to improve the quality of life for

the entire community, and to communicate

the view of the business community on

major issues of public policy.

Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Celebratedits 5th Annual Champion of Business Luncheon


BY PETER RATZAN

If you are the parent ofan 11th or 12th grader andhave been putting offdealing with this collegething until ‘after the sum-mer is over’ — considerthis your official sum-mer’s over wake-up call!

Below are some valuable college planningitems that parents of high school studentsshould consider as the school year getsunderway.

Parents of 12th graders: The awardsand financial aid offers that your child willreceive are based on THIS tax year (2011).That means you have just four months toposition your income, assets and personalfinances to get the maximum amount ofmoney from each school. Do you knowwhat this year’s asset allowance will be?Do you currently have money saved inyour child’s name? Are you planning onputting money into (or taking money outof) your retirement plan this year? Do youknow how much your pre-paid plan isworth? If you’re not sure what the answershould be to any of these questions, you’vegot to find out! Now. Remember, evenBright Futures (the state’s merit scholar-ship program), as well as many other non-need based merit programs, now requireALL applicants to file a FAFSA (FreeApplication for Student Aid) regardless ofwhether you expect any financial aid.

Parents of 11th graders: You are liter-ally ‘on the clock’. Since the offers yourchild will receive will be based on the 2012tax year, it is imperative that you start (andideally, complete) your college fundingstrategy BEFORE the end of this tax year.A simple mistake in how you handle yourfinances in the next year can easily costyou thousands in lost financial aid downthe road. Soon enough, if it hasn’t alreadystarted, you’re going to be inundated withcollege literature. Before either your childor you fall in love with a school, you needto take control of the process and under-stand how colleges set and discount prices,how financial aid works and how to com-pile a realistic list of schools that will meetyour child’s academic and social needs,and your family’s budget.

For 9th and 10th grade parents:Planning for college expenses can be astressful effort. College costs continue torise at a double digit clip. And whilefinancial aid is widely available, the rulesare complicated and most families leavethousands on the table because they don’t

understand the nuances of those rules. Byunderstanding the process and the rules ofthe game, middle class families can savethemselves thousands off a 4 year educa-tion. But this does not happen automati-cally. For most families, there are a num-ber of legal and ethical strategies to reducethe amount of money you will be expectedto pay for college. The earlier you start,the more strategies you will have at yourdisposal.

A college education is one of the largestinvestments you’ll make in your child. Toensure the greatest return on that invest-ment, it’s best that you make decisionswhile not in ‘panic’ mode with tuition billin hand.

No matter where you are in the process, thebest way to stack the odds in your favor is toarm yourself with information. I’m holdingtwo workshops in September on How to Payfor College in This Economy. The first is onThursday, September 15 at The SagemontSchool, Upper School Campus in Weston.The second is on Saturday, September 17 atTemple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach. Bothare free and open to the public and will bechock-full of current information abouttoday’s college process.

During the class, we’ll cover:

What to do if your 529 is not enoughThe biggest mistake parents make with

FL Prepaid PlansThe critical questions you must ask of

every school on your student’s listWhy it’s taking longer than 4 years to

complete college, and how to buck thistrend

How a pricey private college can costless than a cheaper state university (evenwith FL Prepaid and Bright Futures)

More!Registration is recommended so that

we can confirm your seat and ensure youreceive reading materials. If you are a highschool parent, you don’t want to miss outon this information. It’s free to attend, butignoring this message can end up costingyou thousands of dollars. To register, visitwww.EmergencyFinancialAid.com.

If your student has worked hard to earn aspot at a top college, then do your part tofigure out how to pay the bill.

Peter Ratzan is president of CollegeFunding Specialists, Inc., a Weston-basedfirm with offices in Coral Gables andAventura. The firm helps families tacklethe challenges of getting into and payingfor college in today’s competitive environ-ment. For more information, visitwww.CollegePlanningAdvice.com.

September wake up call for High School parents

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Parksman Sponsors (l-r) Benton Launerts, Marc Schumulian and Darryl Moore

Jason Loeb, Chairman, and Dr. Jodi Stoner

Rachel Levy andJaime Lasalle

BrendaVargas,

EmergingLeadership

Council Chair,introducing

Panelists

5th Annual Champions of Business Luncheon at Trio on the Bay

Brenda Vargas, ELC Chair and Valerie Rasken

PHOTOS BY CHANTAL GLOOR

See more photos next page

Audience at the

Champions ofBusiness

Luncheon


Panelist and Miami Beach Chamber Leadership

Premier Beverage Representatives: Vinny D’Auria, Matt Ashley, Eric Pfeil, Mark Schultz and Adam Ursprung

Jason Loeb, Chairman, with Executive Board members Anthony Noboa, Wayne Pathmanand Melissa Rubin

Dan Odess, East Coast Public Adjusters speak-ing to the audience

Representing the Boucher Brothers Diane Morelli and Lori Laquatra Chris Vanning and Amanda Masarjian from Spiderboost PHOTOS BY CHANTAL GLOOR

5th Annual Champions of Business Luncheon at Trio on the Bay

Panelists: Sheila Duffy Lehrman, Tropic Survival; Jerry Powers, The Plum Network; Bob Dronin, Premier Beverage; DanOdess, East Coast Public Adjusters


Cambean Hospitality announces its prop-erty, the Clifton South Beach, has been certi-fied by the U.S. Green Building Council(USGBC) for achieving LEED® Gold forNew Construction for its environmentallysustainable design and construction. Thehotel is the first Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design (LEED) certifiedbuilding in the City of Miami Beach, the firstLEED Gold hotel in the State of Florida, andthe only LEED certified hotel in Miami-Dade County.

The 35-room boutique hotel underwent amulti-million dollar renovation and re-opened in early 2010. Built in 1948, the post-war architecture of the Clifton incorporatesdistinct elements of the unique Art Decostyle that has defined the popular tourist andnightlife area for over six decades. While theproperty’s historic façade remains the same,the interior of the Clifton has been complete-ly transformed with modern and eco-luxuryfurniture, fixtures and equipment.

“Although the Clifton Hotel is a historicproperty that was operating at the time ofacquisition, we wanted to explore all the pos-sibilities of building and operating an eco-friendly and sustainable hotel. We made adecision to go beyond just an interior reno-vation or to focus on operations and mainte-nance. The opportunity to rebuild the prop-erty under the guidelines of LEED for NewConstruction allowed us to explore allavenues of sustainable design and opera-tions. We are committed to identifying andincorporating the most effective and efficientmeans of conserving energy, water and othernatural resources, while providing a uniqueand enjoyable eco-friendly boutique hotelexperience for our guests and a safer, health-ier work environment for our employees,”states Brian Scheinblum, President ofCambean Hospitality. “Our goal at theClifton is to prove that it is possible to be

environmentally responsible without sacri-ficing comfort or style.”

The Clifton’s renovation included a seriesof steps that were specifically designed toachieve LEED Gold certification standards.These include a high efficiency air condi-tioning system; an occupancy-sensing ener-gy management system; LED lighting; waterconserving dual flush toilets and high effi-ciency faucets; energy-efficient windows; aswell as carpet and fabrics made from recy-cled products. Energy is generated by a 14.6kW rooftop photovoltaic array. A customdesigned system produces hot water fromwaste heat generated by HVAC units used tocool the building. With these energy andwater conserving systems, the Clifton isexpected to achieve a 32% energy reductionand 30% water savings over a new codebuilding.

In addition, the project involved the care-ful rehabilitation of original historic buildingfeatures such as terrazzo flooring in theLobby and on the terrace as well as the his-toric neon sign which is now flanked byLED lighting. Interior design featuresinclude furniture which was custom madelocally using bamboo, which is also used forthe hotel hallways and stairways. Manymaterials such as fabric and carpeting werefabricated using recycled content. All interi-or paints contain zero volatile organic com-pounds (VOCs). Mattresses are composed of100% renewable materials and pillows arefabricated using recycled bottle material.For guest room artwork and mirrors, framesare produced from post consumer wood(recycled wood products) and recycled matboards. Additionally, water-based inks wereutilized for the production of the customGiclée photographic prints which were spe-cially commissioned to feature scenes of theFlorida Everglades to help bring guestawareness of the beauty of the area and high-light the importance it has to our region.

Guests are encouraged to becomeinvolved by sorting their recyclables in guest

room recycling bins. Guest room directorieshighlight green initiatives and feature someof our non-profit partners whose initiativeswork toward building a more sustainableenvironment and who impact the local com-munity in a positive way. One example ishotel partner, Clean the World, who takes theCambean hotels’ partially used soap amenityproducts and then recycles and distributessoap products to domestic homeless sheltersand impoverished countries.

“As a historic property, subject to therules and regulations of the city of MiamiBeach’s Historic Preservation guidelines,there were many additional challenges asso-ciated with rebuilding the Clifton and quali-fying for the necessary points required in theLEED for NC 2.2 system. Considering thoseadditional obstacles, it is extremely gratify-ing to have achieved this Gold level of certi-fication,” said Rob Hink, President of TheSpinnaker Group which provided LEEDconsulting and commissioning for the proj-ect. “With the Clifton, we had the opportu-nity to become familiar with sustainable,eco-friendly systems and have utilized thatknowledge to begin the long-term integra-tion of these practices and technologies intoall of our properties,” said Scheinblum.“Cambean Hospitality was the first carbonneutral hospitality group in the United Statesand we are researching more changes andlook forward to implementing additionalearth friendly features soon throughout all ofour hotels. We are committed to promotingtrue sustainability in the lodging industry.”

Cambean Hospitality also owns and man-ages three other historic boutique propertiesin Miami Beach, including the MajesticHotel South Beach, Lords South Beach atNash, and the Carlton Hotel South Beach.

For more information, please contactBrian Scheinblum at (305)455-2236 or visitwww.cambean.com.

ABOUT CAMBEAN HOSPITALITY HOTELSCambean Hospitality is a Miami Beach-

based hotel ownership and managementcompany that provides professional supportservices to independent hotel properties.Cambean Hospitality combines cutting edgetechnology services and prestige locations,incorporating high end yield practices tomaximize profits and streamline expensesthrough personalized strategies that focus onoperations, finance, sales and marketing, aswell as human resource management.Currently, Cambean Hospitality propertiesinclude the Carlton Hotel South Beach(www.carltonsouthbeach.com), MajesticHotel South Beach (www.majesticsouth-beach.com), Clifton Hotel South Beach(www.cliftonsouthbeach.com) and the LordsSouth Beach at Nash (www.lordssouth-beach.com). For more information, pleasevisit www.cambean.com or contact BrianScheinblum at [email protected]

ABOUT CAMBEAN EARTHThe mission of Cambean Hospitality’s

green lodging initiative, Cambean Earth, is topromote the growth and acceptance of sustain-able hospitality options worldwide, throughthe development and implementation of envi-ronmentally friendly systems and practices inall Cambean properties. To that end, weemploy innovative technologies and systemsthroughout our organization, and seek to edu-cate our guests, as well as our managementand staff, about the benefits of sustainability.

ABOUT LEED®The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design) Green BuildingRating System™ is a feature-oriented ratingsystem that awards buildings points for satis-fying specified green building criteria. Thesix major environmental categories ofreview include: Sustainable Sites, WaterEfficiency, Energy and Atmosphere,Materials and Resources, IndoorEnvironmental Quality and Innovation andDesign. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinumlevels of LEED green building certificationare awarded based on the total number ofpoints earned within each LEED category.LEED has also been adopted nationwide byfederal agencies, state and local govern-ments, and interested private companies. Formore information, visitwww.usgbc.org/LEED.

ORGANIZATIONCambean Hospitalityhttp://www.cambean.com1433 Collins AvenueUSA - Miami Beach, FL 33139Phone: 305-672-5858Fax: 305-675-9221

Clifton South Beach honored with LEED Gold Certificationfor its sustainable design

Clifton South Beach is the First LEED certified building in the City of Miami Beach and the First LEED Gold Hotel in the State of Florida


Tudor

Kobi Karp, Paola Rengifo and Alfred Karram, Jr.

Dr. Todd Narson and Dr. Corey Narson

Marc Miller, Tierney Boulay and Brenda Vargas

Pillar Reception at Dream South Beach

Jerry Libbin, President & CEO ofthe Miami Beach Chamber,

Peggy Benua, General Managerof Dream South Beach,

Michael S. Goldberg, PillarBoard Chairman and Eduardo

Molko, Warren Henry Auto

Jason Loeb, Chairman, Peggy Benua, General Manager of Dream South Beach, Ceci Velasco,COO of the Miami Beach Chamber and Michael S. Goldberg, Pillar Board Chairman

Dustin Symes, Ricardo Bandeira, Carrie Schaffer, Blanca Parets and Joseph Cross

Guest at the Dream South Beach Hotel

PHOTOS BYCHANTAL GLOOR

See more photos next page


Jaguar XJL awarded to Warren Henry Rising Star

Swimming Pool at the High Bar of Dream South Beach

Pool at the High Bar of Dream South Beach

Maurice Zarmati, Alicia DeMartino, and Dr. Ino HaleguaWinner of the Warren Henry Rising Star Award, DeAnne Graham with Eduardo Molko ofWarren Henry Auto

Dream South Beach and Tudor Representatives Virginia Diezand Jocelynn Carlos

Miami Beach Chamber Leadership

Pillar Reception at Dream South Beach

Michael Mandich and David Sacks, Vice-Chair of the Pillar Board

PHOTOS BY CHANTAL GLOOR


BY RANJAN DUARA, MD, FAAN

Alzheimer’s diseasewas first identified morethan 100 years ago andcurrently affects over 5.4million people.However, it’s been thepast 30 years that havebeen instrumental ingenerating research find-

ings that can help unlock this debilitatingdisease. Advances in our knowledge of thebiology of Alzheimer’s disease have provid-ed important insights about preventive meas-ures, the earliest possible stages of diagnosisand the best approaches available for treat-ment. This is why The Wien Center forAlzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disordersat Mount Sinai Medical Center remains com-mitted to the advancement and developmentof new diagnostic tools and treatmentoptions for Alzheimer’s disease throughactive participation in clinical research trials.

When Alzheimer’s disease progresses tothe point where symptoms manifest, areas ofthe brain become affected resulting in impair-ment of language, sensory perception, judg-ment, manual skills and emotional control.However, improvements in clinical assess-ment and brain imaging have enabled clini-cians to diagnose Alzheimer’s more reliably

and at an earlier stage which can result inimmediate medical intervention. The earliestabnormality in the brain in Alzheimer’s dis-ease is the abnormal deposition of a proteincalled beta-amyloid, whose amounts tend toincrease with age, but especially in those whowill ultimately develop Alzheimer’s disease.Very recently it has become possible to detectthe presence and amount of amyloid in thebrain, using a new type of PET scan.Shrinkage or atrophy of the hippocampus andneighboring brain structures, which are inti-mately involved with learning and memory,are also visible and measurable on MRI scansof the brain. Atrophy of these brain regionsare associated with impairment of memory,which can now also be detected at a very earlystage with specific cognitive tests. As a result,these tests are now being used to diagnoseAlzheimer’s, even before there are any symp-toms, especially among those with majorgenetic or other risk factors for the disease.

Being able to identify pre-symptomaticfeatures of Alzheimer’s disease means wecan begin to treat the disease early. Suchtherapies are likely to be more effectivewhen there is less pathology and secondaryproblems. Many disease-modifyingapproaches to treating Alzheimer’s diseaseare currently under intense investigation,especially those targeting the overproductionof amyloid, its removal from the brain (by

vaccines) or prevention of its toxic effects.Non-amyloid treatments targeting other pro-teins involved in Alzheimer’s, such as tau-protein, are also being devised and tested.

Not all individuals with these early markers ofthe disease will actually develop the typical symp-toms and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.However, genetic and medical risk factors such asuncontrolled high blood pressure, high choles-terol, stroke, diabetes, cigarette smoking, chronicinfections and inflammations can increase the like-lihood of development. Managing of these riskfactors coupled with regular physical and mentalexercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction and fre-quent social interactions can provide individualswith a window of opportunity, of as much as twodecades, to prevent or substantially delay the onsetof Alzheimer’s disease.

With an annual patient load of approximately500 new patients, 2,000 follow-up patients andover 20 active clinical trials and research proj-ects, The Wien Center is undoubtedly one of themost active centers, nationally, devoted to thediagnosis and care of patients with memory dis-orders. The Wien Center utilizes the mostadvanced cognitive and diagnostic tests, and dis-ease-modifying agents available in an effort totreat Alzheimer’s disease at the earliest stagepossible. In addition, The Wien Center providesfree memory screenings to anyone over the ageof 50 in an effort to help diagnose the earliestpossible stages of Alzheimer’s. Mount Sinai’s

free memory screening is a non-invasive, oraland written test available anytime throughoutthe year by simply making an appointment.

The Wien Center also hosts the annual MildCognitive Impairment Symposium - an interna-tional forum that attracts top doctors from allover the world to discuss the latest in diagnosisand treatment of the earliest forms ofAlzheimer’s. The Wien Center has also man-aged and operated The State of Florida BrainBank since its inception in 1985. By focusingon research and advancements in technology,we aim to improve memory and mental respon-siveness in Alzheimer’s patients, educate thecommunity on healthy aging, delay the onset ofAlzheimer’s disease and, ultimately, find a cure.

Dr. Ranjan Duara is the Medical Directorfor The Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Diseaseand Memory Disorders at Mount SinaiMedical Center. The Wien Center is current-ly recruiting participants who believe theymay be at risk of developing Alzheimer’s dis-ease for various clinical research trials.Clinical research trials provide patients withaccess to innovative treatments and medica-tions, at no cost, that are not yet available tothe public. For more information aboutAlzheimer’s disease, The Mount Sinai WienCenter, information on clinical research tri-als or to schedule a free memory screening,call 305-674-2543 or visit www.msmc.com.

Advances in the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM September 8 - 21 , 2011


Fifth Annual Virtuoso “Best of the Best”Hotel Awards Announced at Virtuoso’s23rd Annual Travel Mart Conference inLas Vegas.

Virtuoso, the industry’s leading luxurytravel network, has announced its “Best ofthe Best” Hotel Awards, and CanyonRanch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach isthrilled to have received the highlyesteemed “Best Spa” honor.

The prestigious “Best of the Best” HotelAwards are selected by top travel advisorsfrom a roster of more than 900 hotels andresorts from around the world - all withinthe Virtuoso network. The “Best Spa”award recognizes the hotel spa that offersthe most alluring environment for rest andrejuvenation, creative and therapeutictreatments, and highly skilled and knowl-edgeable therapists.

“Being named “Best Spa” by the mostelite network of travel industry leaders is atrue honor,” said Matthias Kammerer,Managing Director of Canyon Ranch Hotel& Spa in Miami Beach. “This recognitionreflects our continued dedication to provid-ing a first-class experience and one-of-a-kind product to every guest who walksthrough our doors.”

Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in MiamiBeach, which opened in November, 2008,has quickly established itself as a top hotelfor the healthful-minded traveler. Theworld-class spa and state-of-the-art healthcenter provides guests with an integrativeapproach to health and wellness in order to

create a life-enhancing transformation.“Best of the Best” award winners were

revealed at the Hotels & Resorts dinnerduring Virtuoso’s 23rd annual Travel MartConference. VIRTUOSO LIFE magazinewill feature the “Best of the Best” winnersin its September/October 2011 issue.

ABOUT CANYON RANCHCanyon Ranch pioneered the evolution of

wellness lifestyle and has been an industryleader for 30 years. Operating the world’smost celebrated collection of life-enhance-ment properties, Canyon Ranch has desti-nation health resorts in Tucson, Ariz., LenoxMass., and recently opened Canyon RanchHotel & Spa in Miami Beach, the nation’sfirst luxury wellness hotel and residentialcommunity. In addition, Canyon Ranchoperates SpaClub facilities (spa, wellnessand fitness facilities designed to give guestsa taste of the more intensive resort experi-ences) at The Venetian & The Palazzo inLas Vegas, Nev. and the newest CanyonRanch venture, Canyon Ranch SpaClub atSea, features facilities onboard ships thatmake up Oceania Cruises and Regent SevenSeas Cruises, as well as on board Cunards’Queen Mary 2 luxury ocean liner. In addi-tion, the company Canyon Ranch has beennamed the “Healthiest Spa in America” byHealth magazine as well as the “Best Spafor Food” by Gourmet magazine. Also,Canyon Ranch is the only 11-time recipientof the Condé Nast Traveler Best DestinationSpa Award.

Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa recognizedby Prestigious Virtuoso® Travel Network

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

Jeff Berkowitz has some salient advicefor aspiring young developers: “marrywell.” This Cornell graduate andUniversity of Miami degreed attorneybegan his career in 1978 while working ona West Kendall commercial developmentcampaign when the only area traffic wasmarauding cows and horses. He enjoyedthe process and challenges involved inbuilding burgeoning areas for future resi-dents through rezoning and collaborativeplanning so much he became a developerhimself. Today Berkowitz DevelopmentGroup owns and manages over one millionand a half square feet of office and retailspace including the successful new verticalretail outlets and restaurants on 5 Streetand Alton Road in South Beach.

“We took a blighted area, a local eyesorewith no pedestrian traffic, in fact a former-ly contaminated brownfield site and turnedit into a destination spot for locals andtourists alike. Today 5th Street and AltonRoad is a lively neighborhood with bikersand a tremendous amount of foot trafficenjoying the area. The addition of qualityrestaurants including The OriginalBrooklyn Water Bagel Company, PizzaFusion, Subway, and Red Mango with out-door seating on 5th Street including theirbright red and blue umbrellas has ener-gized the area. ” said Michael Berkowitzwho is now a partner in his father’s firmalong with his brother Andrew.

The vision began as a gateway to SouthBeach venue and evolved into what istoday 180,000 square feet of vertical retailspace, 1081 parking spaces on a 2.7 acresite that has already created over 500 jobs.Upon exiting the McArthur Causeway it isprominently visible with a modern designby Robin Bosco Architects and Plannersthat also incorporated the historic pharma-cy building built in the 1920’s.

The “Main and Main” 5th Street Alton Roadproject won Berkowitz Development Groupthe prestigious Urban Land Institute (ULI)Vision Award for 2010 Project of the Year. TheULI is a 33 year old not for profit organizationidentifying and promoting best practices in realestate development worldwide.

The activation of 5th Street and AltonRoad where over 100,000 vehicles drive bydaily according to Michael Berkowitz,took eight years to accomplish with manyroadblocks slowly surmounted over time.Approval by the Department ofTransportation zoning for outdoor seating,multiple design and redesign reviews by atleast ten different architects, historicpreservation clearance and art in public

places approval to name some of the chal-lenges.

It is clear entrepreneur Jeff Berkowitz istruly a philosopher at heart upon hearinghim reminisce about the challenges thatpreceded their many successes. “The natu-ral inclination for people when hearingproposals for something different or uniqueand out of the ordinary is to say no.Bureaucrats especially tend to fear some-how they will get in trouble if they say yes.It is like working on a big jigsaw puzzle:politics, financing, construction, environ-mental issues and zoning are all of the

pieces and eventually they have to fit intogether perfectly and on a timely basis forexecution to be complete. It is certainlynot an instant gratification business.”

Mr. Berkowitz goes on to explain thatover the many years as the business grewhe experienced the various cycles thatcome and go like the seasons and sayseventually one becomes so acquainted withthe cycles that patience and endurancethroughout the process are the best strate-gies to ride them out. “We like to treat noas foreplay,” he concludes.

None of the successful Berkowitz

Development Group pioneered projectshave come easy. The first big challengethat launched Jeff Berkowitz’s was theKendall Village Shopping Center took oversixteen years to finish with partners Alanand Robert Potamkin with whom the com-pany still works closely. Dadeland Stationvertical retail Center is another feather intheir cap that did not happen without strug-gles yet today enjoys a bustling commer-cial business scene.

The anticipated Gables Station projectbetween LeJeune Road and Ponce De Leonon South Dixie Highway with over330,000 square feet is expected to be com-pleted by the first quarter of 2014. Of theGables Station endeavor Mr. Berkowitzsays, “there have been lots of ups anddowns, changes, setbacks, curveballs andhidden agendas but ultimately we aregoing to get it done because it is a greatproject. That is the only way to keep goingafter thirty years.”

Main and Main on 5th Street and AltonRoad now boasts a 98 percent leased spacerate with classic consumer business drawslike Publix, Best Buy, TJMaxx, Ross Dressfor Less, Staples, PetCo and VitaminShoppe and four restaurants: Red Mango,Pizza Fusion, Subway and the OriginalBrooklyn Water Bagel Company. TotalBank will be joining them soon.

Red Mango is a top local franchiseyogurt chain, Pizza Fusion is out of FortLauderdale and is organic vegan foodfriendly and also offers gluten free beerand wine. The Original Brooklyn WaterBagel Company was listed in the NewTimes Best of Miami Finest Foods for2011 annual edition for their in-house fil-tering system that “Brooklynizes” thewater creating “soft, malty and yeastybagels inside with a crisp bronzed crustthat comes from being preboiled.” Theyalso offer iced coffee with cubasta cubes orcoffee ice cubes so that when the ice meltsthe coffee is not watered down.

Jeff Berkowitz says he lives life with thephilosophy that it is never too late to havea happy childhood. Now that he gets towork with his two sons Michael andAndrew on a daily basis he enjoys being amentor to them and growing together as afamily business. He also loves the fact thatwhen he takes off for his Maine summerhome they stay in town and keep the jigsawpuzzle pieces coming together.

To find out more about the BerkowitzDevelopment Group, the 5th Street andAlton Road project and others visitwww.berkowitzdevelopment.com, [email protected] or call305-854-2800.

5th Street and Alton Road: one of the many success stories behindBerkowitz Development Group

Crowds gather for an early dinner on 5th Street and Alton Road

Painting the town red on 5th Street and Alton Road–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY BENJAMIN E. WILSON Esq., Shutts & Bowen LLP

Since the enactment

of the Distressed

Condominium Relief

Act on July 1, 2010,

more real estate

investors have become

interested in acquiring

these condominium

units in a bulk sale and

taking advantage of the protections pro-

vided under the Act. While many condo-

minium bulk sales have occurred, opportu-

nities remain, and more will likely arise in

the future. This article is designed to high-

light some, but certainly not all, of the

unique issues that any potential bulk pur-

chaser must consider.

STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION: The quality of construction of the con-

dominium project must be evaluated by a

bulk purchaser prior to it being obligated

to proceed with a bulk sale. While the

Florida Condominium Act imposes

implied construction warranties from

condominium developers, contractors,

subcontractors, and suppliers, those war-

ranties may have expired or the party

responsible for those warranties may be

long gone or have little or no assets. If

that is the case, the costs of repairs would

be passed on to the bulk purchaser (to the

extent the repairs are necessary to the

condominium units being purchased) or

the bulk purchaser and the other unit

owners (to the extent the repairs are nec-

essary to the common elements of the

condominium), and this will certainly

affect the amount a bulk purchaser is

willing to offer for the property.

TO BE A “BULK ASSIGNEE” OR “BULKBUYER:” THAT IS THE QUESTION:

Upon the enactment of the Distressed

Condominium Relief Act, bulk purchasers

were provided with the opportunity to

qualify as either a “bulk buyer” or “bulk

assignee” and receive certain statutory

exemptions from liability imposed upon

condominium developers if the bulk pur-

chaser acquired more than seven units in

the condominium. Presently, the

Distressed Condominium Relief Act

applies to bulk sales occurring on or after

July 1, 2010, but before July 1, 2012; how-

ever, there are proposals to extend the

term of this act for as much as five years. There is a difference between being

classified as a “bulk buyer” or a “bulkassignee.” The decision of whether abulk purchaser should be a “bulkassignee” or “bulk buyer” depends uponthe facts of the particular deal and thegoals of the bulk purchaser. To qualifyas a “bulk buyer,” a bulk purchaser mustacquire more than seven condominiumunits in a condominium and receive anassignment of some or all of the follow-ing reserved “developer rights” under thecondominium declaration: (i) the right toconduct sales, leasing, and marketingactivities within the condominium; (ii)the right to be exempt from the paymentof working capital contributions to thecondominium association arising out of,or in connection with the bulk acquisi-tion, to the extent applicable, and (iii) theright to be exempt from any rights of firstrefusal that the condominium associationmay have over future sales. Unlike a“bulk assignee,” a “bulk buyer” is notliable for any duties or responsibilities ofthe developer of the condominium unless

the bulk buyer assumes those duties orresponsibilities in writing.

To qualify as a “bulk assignee,” a bulk

purchaser must acquire more than seven

condominium units in a condominium and

receive an assignment of “developer

rights” other than the three “developer

rights” that a “bulk buyer” is entitled to

receive. These additional developer rights

may include (i) the right to be exempt

from condominium association approval

of condominium unit sales or alterations

to a condominium unit, (ii) the right to

amend the condominium declaration,

and/or (iii) the right to assign limited

common element parking spaces. Unlikea “bulk buyer,” a “bulk assignee” assumesall duties and responsibilities of the devel-oper, but a “bulk assignee” is not respon-sible for (1) the implied construction war-ranties under the Florida CondominiumAct (though the exemption does not applyto work subsequently performed by the“bulk assignee”), (2) the obligation tofund conversion reserves or warrantiesunder Section 718.618 of the FloridaCondominium Act, and (3) the obligationto fund any amounts due under an assess-ment guarantee of the developer that mayremain in place, unless the “bulkassignee” elects to assume those obliga-tions. Further, a “bulk assignee” has the

option to assume control of the condo-

minium association’s Board of Directors

and assume no liability relating to the

prior actions of the developer-appointed

Board of Directors, though that controlperiod will be temporary.

CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION ISSUES:In addition to verifying if turnover of

control of the condominium association

has occurred, there are many other mat-

ters related to the condominium associa-

tion that must be verified by a bulk pur-

chaser prior to its purchase.

Have all assessments been paid by the

seller? Under the Florida Condominium

Act, condominium unit owners are joint-

ly and severally liable with prior owners

for past-due assessments, with certain

limitations applying to the liability of

acquiring first mortgagees.

What is the status of delinquent assess-

ments at the condominium as a whole?

This is a very important issue because con-

dominium unit owners may be subject to a

special assessment to cover any budget

shortfall. Further, a high delinquency rate

in assessment payments may affect the

ability of future purchasers of the bulk pur-

chaser to obtain loans to purchase condo-

minium units, or the ability to properly

operate and maintain the project.

Are all required insurance policies, serv-

ice contracts, and other association records

in place?

Was the funding of reserves for capital

expenditures (such as the roof and drive-

way) properly waived? If not, the seller

should be required fund its share of the

reserves prior to closing of the bulk sale.

As you can see, condominium bulk sales

are complex and present many time-con-

suming issues, including issues not raised

here (such as lien or land use/zoning issues),

that a bulk purchaser and its advisors should

address when contemplating a condomini-

um bulk sale.

If you have any questions regarding this

article or bulk sales in general, please feel

free to contact me at Shutts & Bowen at

305-358-6300, or by email at

[email protected].

Issues every real estate player should consider in condominium bulk sales

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BY MARTIN MENDIOLA [email protected]

For some inexplicable reason, theuse of the French word “terroir” hasbecome one of the most intriguingand perplexing concepts in the wineworld. Literally, the term means ter-ritory and it is loosely translated as a“sense of place”. We are all familiarwith what it means and represents,even if we do not recognize theword.

Everyone knows that we cannoteffectively grow apples in Florida,just like oranges do not grow inWashington State, because the typesof soil and climate or weather condi-tions are not appropriate. Soil andclimate are the two basic natural ele-ments beyond human control thatmake up the concept of terroir.

When we look at a map of theworld showing the main wine pro-ducing regions, we find it obviousthat most of them are between the30o and 50o latitudes in each hemispherewhere the mean temperatures are between10 and 20 oC (50 and 68 oF). The fartheraway from the equator (over 50o latitude),

the temperatures are too cold to ripen thegrapes, while the closer to the equator(below 30o latitude), the climate is so hotthat the grapes bake losing their flavors.

Looking at the map it is understandable

that these regions have different soil com-position and terrain which allow differentgrape varieties to thrive and different winestyles to be made. As different as theseregions may be, they are similar in that theyare not fertile. The roots of the vines mustreach the water table instead of dependingon the unpredictable precipitation. Becausethe roots have to dig so deep, the vinesgrow strong, last long and are the reasonwhy the best sites maintain consistent qual-ity year after year. Winemakers use themarketing term “from old vines” to implyquality and consistency.

A third factor beyond human control

also considered part of terroir, is topogra-

phy, which refers to the natural landscape

features like mountains, valleys, bodies of

water, etc. Topography affects how the cli-

mate interacts with the area; a great exam-

ple is when temperatures drop at night, the

heat stored in the water of rivers and lakes

during the day is released to warm the

vines. Because this type of interaction

takes place, some think of the regions’

topography as a catalyst versus it being

an independent factor. Either way, it is

important and definitely affects how

grapes grow in the area.

In wine making, the human con-

trolled elements of terroir are as impor-

tant and probably the most controver-

sial. Humans decide the grape variety,

whether or not to prune the vines, irri-

gate and when to harvest. They also

decide on how to make the wine and

how long to store it. No matter how

much credit we are willing to give the

environment, the truth is that without

human participation, wine would not

exist.

Wine purists belief that the role of the

winemaker is to bring out the flavors of

the terroir, not to change nor adulterate

it. Yet, it is interesting how many of

these wine purists who stand firm on

their beliefs, are the strongest supporters

of the world’s two major wine blends:

Bordeaux and Rioja. When the wine-

maker blends different wines to create a

product hoping that the sum becomes better

than its parts, the importance of terroir could

be questioned.

The concept of terroir represents that

wines from a particular region are unique

and impossible to duplicate. Terroir is the

base for the French wine Appellation d’o-

rigine controlee (AOC) that has been the

model for wine laws across the world.

Even in the new world where wine names

are based on grape variety, classification

laws take terroir into account to establish

the authorized areas of growth and produc-

tion. Terroir is the reason for the old world

tradition of naming wines for where the

grapes were grown rather than the grape.

As wine connoisseurs continue to argue

about a definition that best considers soil,

climate, topography and human interven-

tion to describe wines, we know that it all

boils down to the fact that we cannot grow

apples in Florida.

Terroir and Florida Apples


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SICK PALM SPECIALIST

The Whitefly Specialist

BY JACQUE HERTZ Miami Beach Visitor and Convention

Authority Board Member

Over the past years

Miami Beach has

become a mecca for

world-renowned chefs

and the Miami Beach

Visitor and Convention

Authority (MBVCA)

has been at the helm of

introducing its residents to many such

chefs through the granting of events such

as the South Beach Wine and Food

Festival, the Peruvian Gastronomic Fair,

the Miami International Wine Fair, and the

Florida International Wine Challenge to

name a few.

The mission of the MBVCA is to proac-

tively recruit, develop and financially sup-

port and partner with event, festivals, pro-

grams and activities that are innovative,

high quality and representative of our City.

These events bring world-wide recognition

through local, national and international

media outreach awareness such as ads in

major, local and national publications as

well as radio and television commercial

spots, to name a few, and enhance the

image and reputation of Miami Beach,

bringing thousands of tourists year-round

to our shores, significantly impacting our

hospitality and culinary businesses.

Now you say, how have these events

impacted our magnificent city? I am glad that

you asked so that I can tell you the stories.

Let’s start with the South Beach Wine

and Food Festival. Ten years ago, Lee

Schrager had a dream to bring the sandy

shores of Miami Beach a first class wine

and food festival. With the weather during

February in most of the country being cold

and miserable and being absolutely glori-

ous here, an event was planned and execut-

ed to bring to our magnificent city some-

thing so grand that it is now world

renowned and even has opened the doors

as a format for other venues throughout the

country. The South Beach Wine and Food

Festival, set against a backdrop of palm

trees, art deco and swanky hotels, white

sand and our beautiful Atlantic Ocean, was

created and now has become one of the

world’s premier gathering of chefs. During

the four day event held in February many

of the greatest chefs from around the world

will gather and offer those attendees, who

also come from all over the country and the

world, culinary delights created for the

yearning palate. This vision was brought

before the MBVCA and, with embracing

arms, we became a partner in what has

become an event so sought after that tick-

ets are purchased at an unprecedented pace.

The event not only brings to Miami Beach

favorite celebrity chefs and culinary per-

sonalities but also serves as a charitable

event and has become a huge success.

With an ever-increasing Peruvian popu-

lation and the explosion of Peruvian restau-

rants in our area, the MBVCA was

approached by The Peruvian American

Chamber of Commerce and then helped in

the sponsoring through a grant of the first

Peruvian Gastronomic Fair – “Taste of

Peru” which gave all residents living in our

area the ability to enjoy the smells and

tastes of Peru and to learn more of their

culture. You might say this was a mini

Mistura (Peru’s Food Fair of the Gods).

The Annual Miami International Wine

Fair, celebrated in 2010 its 10th successful

year. It has grown in the last 10 years to

become the leading wine trade show in the

United States, showcasing over 1,800 wines

from 20 countries in over 80,000-square-feet

of exhibitor space. Thousands of wine

importers, distributors, retailers and restaura-

teurs from across the United States, Canada,

the Caribbean and Latin America attend the

Fair annually looking for new exciting wines

to add to their portfolios while filling our

hotels, restaurants and shops.

Coming back for its 7th year, the

MBVCA is proud to have helped another

premier international wine competition

return to Miami Beach – the Florida

International Wine Challenge. Wineries

from around the world will be showcased

and a strong competition with worldwide

impact is anticipated. This event is dedicat-

ed to helping wine producers and trade asso-

ciations from around the globe penetrate the

US market. Hundreds of wineries from at

least 16 countries enter the competition

every year for an opportunity to earn one of

the coveted medals awarded by the FIWC

Board. With Miami Beach as its host, this

event becomes an increasingly useful tool to

increase wine sales in America.

Both the Miami International Wine Fair

and the Florida International Wine Challenge

benefit from economies of scale and greater

marketing influence, dramatically increasing

the benefits and exposure for participating

wineries, including our local wineries, as well

as showcasing our beautiful City.

And, it is great to say that with the grants

provided, Miami Beach is the first to taste

the fruit of the vine…

Now to the excitement of Miami Spice.

All along the streets of Miami Beach and

into the Cities of Miami, Coral Gables, and

South Miami you will see banners promot-

ing a culinary event that I anticipate all

year long. The MBVCA has contributed to

these banners promoting this very success-

ful event throughout the years in hopes that

the residents and tourists of Miami Beach

and all those living across the bay take

advantage of this epicurean delight. Our

local chefs have a reputation to uphold and

are always coming up with exciting menus

to satisfy any craving you might have.

Local participating Miami Beach restau-

rants showcase just about every cuisine

found in the world and, at the price you just

can’t refuse. The only drawback is that at

the end of this season my scale says “Tilt.”

All of these events, set against the beau-

tiful beaches of Miami Beach, made it pos-

sible to embrace the diverse cultures of our

world through these multi-sensory experi-

ences. These events were in the past, and

will continue to be, a huge success and the

MBVCA is proud to have been a part of it

all. We look forward to many more of our

residents and visitors culinary dreams com-

ing true.

Food, Glorious Food AKA, GASTRONOMIKA


I am writing today simply to raise aware-ness regarding Miami Children’s Hospital.As a father in Miami Beach it is importantfor me to ensure that my son receives thebest medical care possible, if needed. It wasjust last year when I was informed that if myson Julian were ever to require hospitaliza-tion he would be sent the Miami Children’sHospital, as it is the closest facility with full-time, comprehensive pediatric care.Unfortunately, Julian has needed services atthe hospital and I have since become veryinvolved in both fund- and awareness-rais-ing through MCH’s Diamond SocietyFoundation and Young Ambassadors Board.

Without telling any tear-jerkers or pullingat heart-strings, I can simply share mythoughts regarding Miami Children’s andencourage you to think about supporting itfinancially. Miami Children’s Hospital has289 pediatric and neonatal beds, the largestchildren’s cancer center in the region, morethan 40 pediatric specialties and subspecial-ties, South Florida’s only free-standing pedi-atric trauma center and the largest clinicalneurology program in the nation. MCH

offers multiple outpatient centers - Doral,Miami Lakes, Palmetto Bay, Weston, WestKendall and Palm Beach County - to accom-modate the increasing demand for pediatricoutpatient and specialty services in variouscommunities throughout South Florida, andthere are talks of opening an urgent care cen-ter in Midtown to better accommodateMiami Beach families. Miami Children’s isa non-profit facility and also dedicates a largeportion of it’s services to Medicaid patients.

The hospital needs your help and I encour-age anyone to get involved in both the YoungAmbassadors Program and/or The DiamondSociety Foundation. I will be hosting anevent for MCH here in Miami Beach withmy good friend Louie Aguirre (WSVN, DecoDrive) on Friday, September 9 from 7pm-10pm at The Well, 441 41st Street (formerlyGlass, adjacent to The Forge).

Miami Beach City Commissioner JerryLibbin will be making a presentation to the hos-pital at this event and both myself and the MCHstaff will be available to provide more insightregarding MCH and how you can get involved.I look forward to seeing you all there.

Miami Children’s Hospitaland the Beaches


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School year 2011-2012 will be one of thetoughest ever. Our education budget inFlorida was cut by almost ten percent.Teachers are asked to do much more withmuch less. It is up to our Miami Beach com-munity to help fill in the gaps. “It takes a vil-lage” is truer now than ever before.

Volunteers are needed at Miami BeachSenior High School to help with Reading,Math and Media Center

One hour of your time can change the lifeof a child. Based on your schedule, opportu-nities to volunteer are available in the fol-lowing areas:

Reading Tutoring: Assist teachers withindividuals and/or group reading assign-ments in the classroom.

Math Tutoring: Provide Math homeworkhelp and/or Math FCAT, SAT, or ACT prepa-ration assistance in the classroom or in ourAfter School Program.

Media Center: Assist our Librarian byhelping with assisting and monitoring stu-dents and with general library duties.

Please contact Volunteer CoordinatorChris Druckman at 305-218-5223 or [email protected] or PTSAPresident Laurie Kaye Davis at [email protected].

All prospective volunteers must have level1 clearance and will be background checked.

Following is more detailed informationregarding our volunteer opportunities (thisinformation can also be found on our website at:

http://miamibeachhigh.schoolwires.com/6

2779211217502/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=54553

POSITION TITLE: MBSH VOLUNTEERACCELERATED READING TUTOR/ MEDIACENTER

Accountable to: Reading Specialist- GailSlatko, Librarian- Frances Scuirba,Volunteer Chair- Chris Druckman orPrincipal- Dr. Rosanne Sidener

Objective: To work with students for aminimum of one class per week. To helpmotivate and guide students, challengingthem to increase their reading skills and aca-demic success.

Duties: Commit to a regular and consis-tent schedule of at least one period one day aweek.

Assist individual students or small groupswith the Accelerated Reader Program. Helpthem identify and locate appropriate booksby level and proctor quizzes taken when thebook is finished.

May be asked from time to time assist theHead Librarian with shelving and monitor-ing other students in the Library.

Be a role model. Help motivate studentsto improve reading skills, self-esteem, andgoal attainment.

Communicate with teachers and VolunteerCoordinator regarding student needs and progress.

Qualifications: Reliable, patient, andflexible

Have a desire to motive students to readBasic knowledge of reading and writing

skills Effective communication skills Ability to maintain confidentiality Complete a background check Benefits: The personal satisfaction of

helping students Make a positive contribution to your com-

munity Gain valuable interpersonal skills and

work experience The chuckle you get when your own child

refuses to acknowledge you

Training:

Orientation/tutor training is provided Additional Info: Tutors must volunteer a

minimum of one hour per week (more isgreat if you are available) during classroomhours. Days and times are flexible

POSITION TITLE: MBSH VOLUNTEERCLASSROOM READING TUTOR

Accountable to: Reading Specialist- GailSlatko, Volunteer Chair- Chris Druckman, orPrincipal- Dr. Rosanne Sidener

Objective: To work with students for aminimum of one class per week. To helpmotivate and guide students, challengingthem to increase their reading skills and aca-demic success.

Duties: Commit to a regular and consis-tent schedule of the length of the class.

Assist individual students or small groupswith reading assignments and reading needsin the classroom.

Be a role model. Help motivate students toimprove reading skills, self-esteem, and goalattainment.

Communicate with teachers regarding stu-dent needs, progress, and tutoring strategies.


Have a desire to motive students to learn Good knowledge of reading and writing

skills Effective communication skills Ability to maintain confidentiality Complete a background check Benefits: The personal satisfaction

of helping students Gain valuable interpersonal skills and

work experience Make a positive contribution to your com-

munity The chuckle you get when your own child

refuses to acknowledge youTraining:

Orientation/tutor training is provided Additional Info: Time commitment is a

minimum of one period (1 ? hours) per week

but due to block scheduling the class will beon one day one week and an alternate day thefollowing week.

POSITION TITLE: MBSH VOLUNTEER AFTER SCHOOL MATH TUTOR

Accountable to: Program Director- MikeLorenzo, Volunteer Chair- Chris Druckman,or Principal- Dr. Rosanne Sidener

Objective: To work with students fora minimum of one session per week. To helpmotivate and guide students, challengingthem to increase their math skills and aca-demic success.

Duties: Commit to a regular andconsistent schedule of the length of the tutor-ing session.

Assist individual students or small groupswith math needs. Tutor and mentor studentswho seek homework help, or help withFCAT, ACT, and SAT.

Be a role model. Help motivate students toimprove study skills, self-esteem, and goalattainment.

Communicate with teachers regarding stu-dent needs, progress, and tutoring strategies.


Have a desire to motive students to learn Strong knowledge of math skills Effective communication skills Ability to maintain confidentiality Complete a background check Benefits: The personal satisfaction of

helping students Make a positive contribution to your com-

munity Gain valuable interpersonal skills and

work experience The chuckle you get when your own child

refuses to acknowledge youTraining:

Orientation/tutor training is provided Additional Info: Time commitment is a

minimum of one day per week (more is greatif you are available) Monday, Wednesday, orThursday from 2:30 to 3:30

You can make a differenceMIAMI BEACH SENIORHIGH SCHOOL PTSA2231 Prairie AvenueMiami Beach, FL 33139


The board of directors of the recently-reor-ganized Miami Beach Taxpayers Associationhas called on the city commission to initiate aMentor Program to help new and current busi-nesses obtain permits, licenses and contracts.

Similar programs are in effect in Chicagoand New York City.

The board also said the city should marketa current Business Academy LeadershipProgram more aggressively.

The board sharply criticized the currentlevel of salaries and pensions for all levels ofMiami Beach city government, saying theywere appreciably higher than comparable fig-ures in the private sector. In particular, thegroup said too many consultants were addedto already inflated salary structures.

A new position advocated by the boardwould be dedicated to securing more businessfor the Miami Convention Center and torecruit new businesses to locate in MiamiBeach.

The board stated that some $55 million issitting in a fund waiting to be used by theMiami Beach Convention Center, and said thefunds should be used to add state-of-the-arttechnical facilities to the Center.

The board asked that firms which lease out

bicycles to the public be granted the right tosell advertising on or adjacent to their racks,providing such advertising is patrolled as isadvertising on city bus shelters.

The group said the city’s building and plan-ning departments need extensive revampingto be moe informative and friendlier to newand existing businesses.

The board sharply criticized the state of citystreets, which are torn up in large sectionswithout a timetable for repair or renovation.The board also said fees for such repairs arebased on no solid research and should bereduced.

The board recommended that the city hireeither an Inspector General or Special CityAuditor to supervise the setting of fees andrequirements for remodeling, expansion orestablishment of businesses in Miami Beach.

The board authorized the Miami BeachTaxpayers Association to schedule debatesamong all mayoral and commission candi-dates, with dates which do not conflict witheither the Chamber of Commerce or TuesdayMorning Breakfast Club.

For additional information, please tele-phone Gerald Schwartz, Secretary, at 3057929711 or at [email protected].

Board of New Miami Beach Taxpayers Assc.calls for Mentor Program to aid businesses

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM September 8 - 21, 2011

miami beach news 9.8.2011

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