The McKafka Group, a joint venture partnership between G&D Developers and European Property Development, shared expertise about creating global business partnerships at an Aventura Marketing Council Chairman’s Roundtable Luncheon featuring internationally acclaimed guests: Ian McCluskey, CEO of Thought Leadership International and former publisher of AmericaEconomia magazine; David Adams, editor of Miami and U.S. editions of Poder Enterprise magazines as well as online content for Poder360.com; and Doreen Hemlock, Sun- Sentinel business writer.
Bob Hollander of Brown & Brown Insurance, standing in for AMC Chair Cliff Schulman of Weiss, Serota, Helfman helped welcome business and community leaders to Christine Lee’s at Gulfstream Park. Fernando Levy Hara and Stephan Gietl, partners in The McKafka Group, were pleased to host the event focusing on how the formation of international partnerships has become a powerful force driving today’s economy.
Quickly capitalizing on strategies for international business success, The McKafka Group already has 64 condo units under contract in downtown Fort Lauderdale, just one block from Las Olas Boulevard; as well as many other real estate ventures currently being negotiated.
“We’re very optimistic about the future of this country and the global perspective of the economy,” Levy Hara said. “Although this is a tough time, this is still the land of opportunity and the strongest economy in the world. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy real estate in the U.S. at better prices than anywhere else in the developed world.”
Also recognizing the vast potential associated with forging foreign alliances, the Aventura Marketing Council formed an International Committee co-chaired by Levy Hara and immigration attorney Roger Bernstein. The mission of the AMC’s International Committee is embodied in Ian McCluskey’s vision for Thought Leadership International, comprised of “the world’s very best executive coaches, trainers, workshop facilitators and speakers, with years of experience in bringing about change for individuals and corporations worldwide; recognizing the global condition; and pioneering new ways of thinking, acting, understanding and being.”
Award-winning veteran reporter David Adams, editor of Miami and U.S. editions of Poder Enterprise magazines and Poder360.com, explained Poder is written for a global audience of influential senior business and political decision-makers. Its in-depth, cutting edge editorial coverage and exclusive insider access and information on the U.S. Hispanic market and Latin America have made it an influence in the social, economic, political and cultural arenas.
For over a decade, Sun-Sentinel business writer Doreen Hemlock, considered one of the best international business reporters in South Florida, has also been covering international business, tourism and other business areas, working in the U.S., Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Peru.
During a panel discussion, Hemlock, McCluskey and Adams spoke about the economic benefits of international partnerships: Last year in South Florida, we had $80 billion worth of global trading coming out of our airports and seaports. For 15 years running, we’ve been the only area in the country with a trade surplus because of our exports to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Florida’s economy is driven by foreign visitors and buyers. Tourism drives business and in Miami-Dade, about fifty percent of tourists come from overseas. Florida also has the highest share of real estate buyers from overseas than any other state. Both big and small companies involving foreign investors are the fastestgrowing sector of the U.S. economy.
International business – we only see it growing and South Florida is a fine example of that…Today, the trend is all about ‘going global.
For more information about The McKafka Group, call 305-466-4243. (All photos courtesy of Andrew Goldstein)
