Miami Beach Chamber hosts 6th Annual Champions of Business Luncheon

Nearly 200 young and notable business professionals from around the community joined the Emerging Leadership Council of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce on Friday, August 24th to listen and learn from the best of the best at the 6th annual “Champions of Business” Luncheon sponsored by National Planning Corporation. Held at The Forge Restaurant and Wine Bar’s extravagant yet intimate venue, guests enjoyed a delicious meal while interacting with a discussion panel of industry champions from various fields. This year’s panelists included Alex Havenick of Magic City Casino, Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, an award winning businesswoman, Brad Meltzer of Plaza Construction, and Josh Wallack of Mango’s Tropical Café.

Moderated by the energetic Michelle Villalobos of Mi Vista Sales & Marketing Training, Consulting & Speaking, the afternoon’s festivities gave insight into what it takes to grow a business from a vision to success story. “There is always a lesson to be learned from mistakes- trial and error is a good thing,” panelist Josh Wallack told the audience. “Be willing to work hard for what you believe in.”

Calling upon his career growth within Magic City Casino working each day alongside his family, Alex Havenick emphasized that “family is key.” He encouraged entrepreneurs to both focus on ways to help the community, and have a mentor or other close friend to talk to about business.

Mirroring his fellow panelist’s emphasis upon relationships, Brad Meltzer, who currently offers a weekly bootcamp for all of his employees, encouraged the audience to “focus on your people; take care of them always.” Transitioning into business branding and specialization, Meltzer also stressed the importance of knowing and focusing on what makes you different from everyone else in your industry. Seasoned businesswoman Lucy Morillo- Agnetti’s top tips included stay true to oneself, always do something you love, be informed and constantly learn about your industry, and look the part by dressing to impress.

This highly-anticipated event was made possible by the collaboration of the members of the Emerging Leadership Council, as well as additional presenting sponsors Benton Launerts of Parksman Parking and Jimmy Morales of Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. More than networking and learning a few friendly tips, the annual luncheon aims to give guests upclose- and-personal insight into the minds and business practices of industry leaders; as the ELC’s guiding principle goes, “Tomorrow’s Leaders, Leading Today.”

With the Forge’s own Shareef Malnik, Misha Gomez of Misha’s Cupcakes, Barton Weiss of Barton G., and Dr. Arthur Agatson of the South Beach Diet among the event’s past panelists, “Champions of Business” shows no sign of slowing anytime soon!

Miami Beach Chamber

Miami Beach Chamber

Miami Beach Chamber


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