What is significant about the year 2000 to everyone in Miami Beach? That is the year that the City began focusing on the fact that something had to be done to improve our convention center. Since that time, the City has had multiple studies performed by experts in the convention center industry and the overriding result has been consistent. If we want to attract the best and most desirable conventions to Miami Beach, the center must be improved, starting with a ballroom and an on-site convention center hotel.
Let me tell you loud and clear that this is not about politics. I know that we have many races going on currently for the mayor and commission seats in November and that is exciting! However, our convention center is not a political issue! It is an economic issue to every person that works, lives and plays in Miami Beach. Convention centers are designed to attract a lot of highquality people from all over the country and world to come and promote the economic well-being of their area. And our Miami Beach Convention Center has done just that for many years. However, too many great conventions have been declining the Miami Beach option for too long. Why? We must update the convention center by adding a ballroom and an on-site hotel. And these great conventions will not come back until it happens. Even worse, more conventions will decline our option in the future.
The time has arrived. We have the opportunity to get it done! Imagine getting groups like Microsoft back to Miami Beach every year. They would occupy our hotels, shop in our stores, dine in our restaurants and drive greater revenue to the City. This provides more benefits, resources and possibilities to all of us who enjoy this great world class city!
Just a quick reminder that June 1st is our Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 91st Annual Dinner Gala where we will honor Michael Aller, Alberto Carvalho, Phil Goldfarb and Phillip and Patricia Frost. How fitting that the theme is Miami Beach…where the world meets! Louis Aguirre from Deco Drive will be there to emcee the event. This is shaping up to be our grandest gala ever! For tickets to the event, call the Chamber at 305-674- 1300 and come experience the power of membership.
At your service,
Alan A. Lips
