International Affairs Division

Division Vice Chair Deirdre Nero, Nero Immigration Law, P.L.
Mission: To foster close relationships with International Businesses, Sister Cities, Consulate offices and Bi-National Chambers of Commerce in order to secure new members and advance awareness of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and its benefits to all members, while working closely with other International Committees at the various organizations in South Florida. Enhance both the general public and community’s and the Chamber membership’s general awareness of the International Affairs Division and their activities and achievements. Engage local business with international business and vice-versa; through the alliances generated with the Consulate offices and Bi-National Chambers.

A) Gables Global Groove
Alex Hunt, Professional Translating Services

Goals for 2009-2010:

• Hold an International Business Reception, the “Gables Global Groove”, to engage Chamber members and members of the international business community. More effectively promote and market the event and get more involvement from Consular Corps. and the other local international organizations and bi-national Chambers.

B) Sister Cities/Missions
Misha Mladenovic, M2E

Goals for 2009-2010:

• Plan, organize and execute an Outbound International Mission to France and specifically our Sister City of Aix-en-Provence, as well as other major business cities such as Paris, Lyon and Nice. Work in conjunction with the Beacon Council on the Mission and involve as many committee and Chamber members as possible.

• Fully fund the Flags On Ponce program and hold an event in conjunction with the City of Coral Gables to celebrate the raising of the Flags with sponsors, Consular Corp, City and Chamber leadership and the international business people in the Gables. Rethink the program by developing a new and fresh approach by including incentives for sponsors and possible art contest with the schools that are Chamber members within the Coral Gables area.

• Host the International Business Forum with a powerful panel of experts. Secure sponsors by February 2010.

• Partner with other Chamber committees, bi-national Chambers, International organizations to promote and again visibility for the committee and its events.