The Business Improvement District of Coral Gables (BID) has announced its 2015-16 board of directors elected on Dec. 16. Mindy McIlroy of Terranova Corporation will serve as president.
“We have a very strong board of directors this year composed of merchants, restaurateurs and property owners of all sizes who are dedicated to the future of Downtown Coral Gables,” said Marina Foglia, executive director of the BID.
“The board’s leadership will be essential this year, as we embark upon the long-anticipated streetscape improvements to Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue and implement additional initiatives such as the Overlay District.”
Two new members joined the board — retailer Craig DeWald of Uvaggio Wine Bar and property owner Truman Skinner of McBride Properties.
The mission of the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables is to promote commercial vitality to Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables and to act as a strategic catalyst for the overall improvement of the area. Through the implementation of marketing and advertising programs and engagement in the form of advocacy, this collective organization of property owners and merchants positions Downtown Coral Gables as a desirable place to shop, dine, play, live and do business.
The 2015-16 board members are as follows:
President, Mindy McIlroy, Terranova Corporation;
Vice president, Barbara Tria, property owner;
Secretary/treasurer, Venny Torre, Torre Development, and
Member at large, Denise Erwin, Bulla Gastrobar.
Officers:
Craig DeWald, Uvaggio Wine Bar;
Zeke Guilford, property owner;
Erica Guzman, Aragon 101;
Jorge Kuperman, JSK Architectural Group’
Matt Lahiff, Westin Colonnade Hotel;
Carolina Rendeiro, eMerge Americas;
Truman Skinner, McBride Properties;
F. Michael Steffens, Neville Steffens Architects, LLP, and
Helena Ulloa, I. Designs Optical.
Ex-Officio (non-voting seats):
Commission liaison, Jeannett Slesnick, Coral Gables Commission;
Chamber liaison, Jillian Hornik, Jae’s Jewelers, and
Resident advisor, Joseph Hernandez.
The Business Improvement District of Coral Gables was incorporated in July 1997 and encompasses 19 blocks of Downtown Coral Gables, including Miracle Mile. As an advocate of downtown issues, property owners and businesses, the BID empowers district members with a single-unified voice, speaking collectively to governmental and civic organizations as well as the general public in order to bring prosperity to the district.
Its mission is to promote commercial vitality for Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables through marketing and advertising, and to act as a strategic catalyst for the overall improvement of the area.
Downtown Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with more than 150 property owners and over 350 merchants including restaurants. Infused with a chic European feel, tree-lined streets and Mediterranean architecture, the historic area boasts some of Miami’s finest boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and lively cultural venues. Downtown Coral Gables, with its Miracle Mile, is an elegant and sophisticated destination to live, shop, play and work. It is Miami’s charming gem that locals like to keep secret and visitors fall in love with when they find it.
For more information and a directory, visit www.ShopCoralGables.com and follow @ShopCoralGables on all social media channels.
