Community Affairs Division

Division Vice Chair
Frank Fernandez, U.S. Century Bank
This division focuses on issues of community-wide interest that impact the economics and the quality of life of Coral Gables businesses. These issues include cultural affairs, education and higher education.

A) Business and Education
Tom Kernan, College Admissions Assistance
Mission: To develop partnerships and programs to enhance and establish new educational opportunities for both Academia and Businesses; therefore cresting a competitive edge for Coral Gables in the global community

Goals for 2009-2010:

• Education: Support programs that recognize excellence and exemplary business partnerships; provide opportunities for students to interact with the business community; celebrate the successes of our schools and communicate their many positive  achievements to the business community  and to the greater Coral Gables community. Contributing organizing efforts for the November Education Good Morning Coral Gables Breakfast

• Business Education: Organize and conduct a series of professional development presentations focusing on business development, business planning, career advancement, and professional development. Offer discounted fees for specified business courses conducted at Miami-Dade College. Offer training classes for Chamber members (in conjunction with Small Business Committee) through the Center for Service Excellence and fellow Chamber members.

• Academia & Business Partnerships: Develop a communication program that recruits Chamber Members to participate in Coral Gables Chamber Member’s School programs that promote business learning. To partner with existing organizations that reach-out to Coral Gables Chamber Member schools for mentoring and role modeling opportunities.
• Adopt –A Classroom
• Teach –A- Thon
• Boss for the Day
• Job Shadow Program
• Principal for the Day
• Realtor Showcase

B) Cultural Affairs
Nikki Deas, Vine Communications, Inc.
Create an awareness of the vibrant, rich, cultural & historical community in Coral Gables and reinforce the image of the City Beautiful as a cultural destination and arts-friendly community.

Goals for 2009-2010:

• Seraphic Fire –A performance focused event where we can host a reception or dinner before or after the performance to enhance the event.

• Theatre Night - Theatrical Events at Member Theatres around Coral Gables.

• International Event surrounding the Chamber’s Mission to France – April/May 2010. Partner with the International Affairs Committee and the local international organizations to explain different industries in the region that the Chamber will be visiting during the Mission.

• Winter Solstice – This event will be hosted by the Village of Merrick Park and will entail stops at various Chamber member locations. Each stop will have a cultural presentation while networking.