Economic Development Division

Division Vice Chair -  Brian Barakat
Barakat, Jacobs & Associates, P.L.

This division is charged with improving and fostering services and programs that create new business and provide new financial opportunities for expansion of existing business. Identifies and encourages emerging industries that are compatible with Coral Gables.

E.M.P.O.W.E.R. ALL PARTICIPANTS
•Educate - Share and expand knowledge
•Market - Cultivate business and support networks
•Partnerships - Develop personal and professional relationships
•Outreach - Connect to the community
•Women - Promote and reach out to women in business
•Engage - Foster opportunities to engage members
•Recognize - Acknowledge pioneers and contributors

A) Women’s Business Network
Rosemary Guilfoyle, Public Adjusters Incorporated

Meets monthly for a luncheon featuring informative and entertaining speakers that empower women with the latest information on business, self improvement and family. Established as a platform to make business contacts.

Goals

Goal #1: Secure the host sponsorship from the Village of Merrick Park for the 2nd Annual Trend Show.

Goal #2: Secure luncheon sponsors for the commitment amount of $850 each, as well as a commitment for the in-kind sponsorship of speaker gifts, printing and any other perks that are given to attendees. Grow the attendance of the luncheons by 10%. Create a dynamic pool of speakers. Conduct a survey of members at September luncheon for suggested speakers and topics of interest. Incorporate a panel discussion into one of the luncheons with respect to a popular topic: such as business trends, health & wellness, the green movement (possibly in conjunction with the Go Green Task Force).

Goal #3: Secure confirmation from AXA Advisors for the Businesswomen of the Year Awards as the title sponsor again. Reach out to and secure award sponsors by January 2010. Create a high level pool of nominees for the awards, which will recognize five outstanding businesswomen who are leaders in our community in the following categories: Corporate, Entrepreneur, Non-Profit/Public Service, Philanthropy and Retail/Restaurateurs. Confirm the Mistress of Ceremonies by January 2010. Explore adding an award to honor our first female chair.

B) Diamond Awards
Dixie McDaniels de Andrade, Mom Corps

Developed to recognize businesses from our community that excel in business performance, commitment to the community and in other criteria such as customer service. Categories are for Small, Medium and Large Businesses, Non-Profit, Go Green, Minority-Owned Business, Multi-National Business and Diamond in the Rough Award for emerging businesses. Participating businesses should be located in Coral Gables or be a member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.

Goals:

• Secure all sponsorships for each award by mid-September
•Create a list of outstanding nominees and send the applications out in August
• Grow luncheon attendees, sponsors and nominees by 25%

C) Small Business Committee
TBA

Offers existing members educational tools and seminars that allow them to maximize their participation in the Chamber, as well as develop leadership skills to benefit their business performance.

Goals:

• Small Business Workshop series Covering pertinent topics for all phases of the workforce

D) AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards
 
Developed to recognize women in the community who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, as well as a commitment to serving as role models for other women. Any woman living or working in the City or a member of the Chamber is eligible to be honored.

Goals:

• Secure all sponsors by January 2011
• Secure a list of nominees to solicit to submit an application
• Confirm the emcee for the event by January 2011

E) RE-Connect
Ralph Remy, AmTrust Bank, A division of New York Community Bank

Mission is to support members' business-building activities by being a support group, mentoring and providing leads and focusing on best practices.

F) Retail & Restaurant Initiative
Wayne Eldred, Tarpon Bend

G) Information Technology Task Force
Humberto Comellas, Ulltium Consulting Inc.