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For my Chairman letter this month, I wanted to write something a bit more personal and share with you all why the Chamber of Commerce has been so important to helping me make an impact in our community and hopefully encourage others to embrace the benefits that come with involving yourself with our community leaders through the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1996, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce turned 75. That same year, I married my wife, Heidi, at the then Wyndam Doral on Collins Avenue in the Starlight Room (which I understand many people have fond memories of for weddings, anniversary parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras or other parties). Even though Heidi and I were living in New York at the time, we married on Miami Beach because Heidi was born and raised on the Beach and her parents, Gene and Elsie, were living on the Beach. Yes, for those who didn’t realize – I did not go to North Beach (although my children did), I did not go to Beach High (though my father-in-law and sister-in-law did) and when I got married I never thought I would be living on Miami Beach. But like many others who are part of a “mixed” marriage (a native Beacher and someone from somewhere else), we ultimately found ourselves moving to this community which has now been our home for over a quarter of a century. It is my honor to be the Chair of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, and apparently unofficial historian for the organization, even though I had no idea I would be taking on either role when I first moved to Florida.
When I first moved down I was encouraged by people like former Mayor Neisen Kasdan (whom I am told was actually at my wedding) and my mother-in-law (herself a transplant) to join the Chamber because it would provide me with the opportunity to make strong connections with both long-time residents and transplants like myself, all of whom wanted to make a positive impact on the community where I was now going to raise my family. It was good advice. The Chamber has provided me — similar to how it has provided many of you — with a chance to manifest a positive and hopefully lasting impact on our city’s educational programs, businesses and programs for residents and visitors alike during my two decades plus involvement. It has also allowed me to form lasting friendships with a wonderful and diverse group of thought leaders, some of whom like past chairs Wayne Pathman and Michael Goldberg grew up on the Beach and give back to their hometown and some like Robin Jacobs and our President Jerry Libbin and others are like myself transplants who have adopted Miami Beach but are no less committed to making it a great community now and into the future.
And really that is one of the most unique aspects of our community. For all of its wonderful sophistication and exceptional comforts which attract visitors from around the world, for residents and our business community Miami Beach is really a small town. It is a small town that has embraced generational leaders like our current Mayor Dan Gelber as well as embracing people from “away” — our newer permanent residents like Commissioner David Richardson and late Commissioner and Chamber Board Member Mark Samuelian. It is a place where you can walk around the town or into City Hall and find people you know. It is a place where many of our civic leaders shop together at Publix or run into each other at the movies or while dining out. It is a place where most of us are separated by less than three people in terms of having friends or acquaintances in common and where many of our children can still enjoy recreational sports at the various public parks in our neighborhoods. It is also a place where the Chamber of Commerce plays an active and important role in shaping the dialogue and vision of our City along with residents and municipal employees.
Best of all, for those who want to make an impact, the Chamber offers a readily available platform and support to channel that civic spirit. Reach out and join the Chamber in making a difference in our shared community. Become part of a council or take advantage of a perk of membership. Get out and meet your fellow members and community leaders and share your vision for what our collective “home town” can and should be. It is all waiting for you here at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. And I hope when you do you will find like I have that your time with the Chamber is enriching on multiple levels professionally, personally and communally.
