Chamber Councils

Improve your business’ chances of success by getting advice and guidance from leaders in your industry or enjoy the amazing opportunities that come from being recognized as an industry leader in the community.


Advocacy Council



Chair: Matis Cohen, KP Kahunah Properties

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Advocacy Council is to monitor, inform and educate Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s membership on governmental issues that affect our businesses. To communicate and cooperate with the City Administration in vetting ordinances that affect the business community. To harness & leverage our resources, affecting policy and advocating for our membership. Our goal is to be prepared and respond in a proactive manner that will benefit and enhance the quality of life in the community at large.

For more information on the Advocacy Council, please contact Enid Rodriguez, Council Liaison.

Education Council



Chair: Maria Cruz, Kiwanis Club of Miami Beach
Chair: Maia Mediavilla, Atlantic Broadband

Mission Statement:

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Education Council works closely with principals, teachers, parents, administrators, students and Chamber businesses. The Council provides a forum where education issues can be discussed among school system decision makers and local businesses in order to improve Miami Beach’s public and private schools. The mission of the council is to unite the business and education communities of Miami Beach for the benefit of the City’s businesses and residents.

Some of the Council’s accomplishments include an educational brochure for realtors, formation of the Miami Beach High School Construction Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Governmental Affairs Committee (now Advocacy) and awarding the Annual Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Award to the Miami Beach Feeder Pattern’s Educator(s) of the Year. The Chamber was named to the 2003 Miami Today Best of Miami regarding Education.

COUNCIL PROGRAM:
Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by FPL
Educators from all nine Beach High feeder pattern schools are honored each year, with one teacher chosen as Educator of the Year. This event takes place in late April.

For more information on the Education Council, please contact Wendy Unger Schapira, Council Liaison.

Emerging Leadership Council



Co-Chair: Kimberly Cohen, Sapoznik Insurance & Associates
Co-Chair: Linsey Lovell, Pardo Jackson Gainsburg, PL

Mission Statement:

The Emerging Leadership Council (ELC) is a selective group of young professionals who are leaders in their profession. Their role as council members prepares 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. They work to promote, encourage and generate relationships through strategic introductions. The members reinforce the value of the Chamber membership and agree to always represent the business community in a highly professional manner.

COUNCIL PROGRAM:
Champions of Business Panel Discussion
The Champions of Business Panel Discussion is an annual panel luncheon that is a forum for attendees to meet and learn from pillars of business from South Florida and beyond.

For more information on the Emerging Leadership Council, please contact Gabriella Marques, Council Liaison.

Health & Wellness Council



Co-Chair: Michael Baum, Baum Chiropractic.
Co-Chair: Tom Bliss, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation

Mission Statement:The mission of the Health and Wellness Council is to facilitate communication between and among the members of the Health and Wellness community and the Miami Beach community at large in order to (a) increase awareness of the health and wellness issues that impact individuals and businesses and (b) identify and create business opportunities between them.

COUNCIL PROGRAM:
Chamber Active
Series of monthly interactive and experiential networking events that have included sunset paddling, indoor cycling, boxing, etc.

For more information on the Health & Wellness Council, please contact Shiereen Ahram, Council Liaison.

Law Council



Co-Chair: Morgan Ben-David, AXS Law Group
Co-Chair: Jason Blilie, Blilie Law

Mission Statement:The mission of the Law Council is to facilitate communication between and among the members of the legal community and the Miami Beach community at large in order to (a) increase awareness of the legal issues that impact individuals and businesses and (b) identify and create business opportunities between them.

COUNCIL PROGRAM:
Dinner with Speaker
The professional dinner aims to bring together like minded individuals to network and gain insights from legal professionals.

For more information on the Law Council, please contact Randi Silberman, Council Liaison

Millennial Action Council



Millennial Action Council
Co-Chair: Sari Libbin, Douglas Elliman
Co-Chair: Jamie Maniscalco, Keyes Commercial

Mission Statement:The mission of the Millennial Action Council is to generate new perspectives, keen insights, and action-driven strategies from young professionals that focus on issues related to the business community in order to foster collaboration and bridge the knowledge gap between thought-leaders and decision-makers across generations.

For more information on the Millennial Action Council, please contact Danny Diaz, Council Liaison

In support to the young entrepreneurs in our community, Miami Beach Chamber offers the Millennial Membership to those individuals born between the year 1982 and 1995. Membership offers the same benefits as the General Membership but includes only 1 representative. Valid form of ID will be required.



Professional Advisors Council



Chair: Andrew Schultz, Managing Director, Wealth Management Morgan Stanley

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Professional Advisors Council is to serve as a resource for our professional community in Miami Beach and to facilitate deeper relationships. Our goal is to become a valued community resource for new and existing Miami Beach residents and businesses.

COUNCIL PROGRAM:
Bi-Monthly Dinners
The professional dinner aims to bring together like minded individuals to network and gain insights from.

For more information on the Professional Advisors Council, please contact Monique Woodland, Council Liaison

Real Estate Council



Co-Chair: Susan Askew, RE:MIAMIBEACH
Co-Chair: Seth Feuer, COMPASS Real Estate
Mission Statement:

The mission of the Real Estate Council is to act as a resource to members of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce who serve the local Real Estate community. We will support our members by sharing expertise, offering guidance and knowledge, exploring new educational opportunities and facilitating communication within the industry and community. Miami Real Estate faces unique challenges and The Council provides the resources to enable development of unique solutions. By sharing resources everyone in our industry and community achieves more.

COUNCIL PROGRAMS:
Real Estate Luncheon
Partnering with the Miami Association of Realtors, this event is open to individuals interested in learning about the upcoming news regarding the real estate market. Panelists are featured to explain their views on the market and provide insightful information for guests. Past topics have included The New Now: Making Business Happen in South Florida, Foreign Investments: What you need to Know, and Selling Miami to the World: The Diverse Faces of Today’s Buyers. This event is held in September.

City National Bank Better Beach Awards
This event sponsored by City National Bank honors the Real Estate Community of Miami Beach.

For more information on the Real Estate Council, please contact Danny Diaz, Council Liaison.

Technology Council



Co-Chair: Sheila Duffy-Lehrman Tropic Survival Advertising & Marketing
Co-Chair: Jansen Pennock eMerge Americas

Mission Statement:

To educate about and promote the benefits of technology by keeping Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce members informed of the latest technology developments impacting their businesses and the local community. To foster connections and communication with the Tech Eco-System in Miami Beach and beyond.

For more information on the Technology Council, please contact Kia Dyson, Council Liaison.

Tourism Council



Co-Chair: Craig Carter, irevu
Co-Chair: Ceci Velasco, Ocean Drive Association

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Tourism and Hospitality Council is to be a resource for local companies on how to increase travel and tourism business. Through social communication online and in person, the council will support chamber members by conducting educational workshops and webinars, networking, forums with industry leaders, a travel and tourism trade show.

COUNCIL PROGRAM:
Luncheon Aboard a Cruise Ship
Informative program with Industry experts.

For more information on the Tourism & Hospitality Council, please contact Jenny Hernandez, Council Liaison.

Book an appointment to get customized access and guidance with our Membership Concierge.


Women’s Business Council



Chair: DeAnne Connolly Graham Avenue Planet
Mission Statement:

The mission of the Women’s Business Roundtable of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is to promote women’s businesses, women in business, educate, empower, and mentor, while fostering civic responsibility and building membership for the Chamber. Through these activities, the Women’s Business Council and its members will become a highly recognized and empowered group leading to enhanced quality of life and economic growth.

COUNCIL PROGRAM:
The Women’s Business Council hosts different types of events throughout the year to help empower and promote women’s businesses to advance in the community. Men and women both attend and learn how to market to women, enhance your business skills, or empower groups to enhance quality of life and economic growth. Some of these events include:

The View Series
The View Series is a unique signature event of the Women’s Business Council, which follows the format of the popular television show “The View.” While enjoying elegant breakfast or lunch, attendees have the opportunity to hear and get to know influential women in our community as well as nationwide.

Wine, Cheese & Expertise
This event is an evening filled with wine, cheese and an expertise ranging in topics from “Love is in the Air” to “Victory Through Challenges.”

For more information on the Women’s Business Roundtable, please contact Wendy Unger Schapira, Liaison.