I would like to take the time to thank you for making this year one of the best in Chamber history. It has been a pleasure helping the business community with their goals, and we look forward to serving you all again in the new year. I am proud to tell you the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce worked diligently on two ballot initiatives this year and were successful in both campaigns. The first initiative focused on increasing the floor area ratio (The FAR) in town center in North Beach. This was an important first step in bringing about real change that has been needed in North Beach for decades, and it will now provide the impetus for the North Beach Master Plan to move forward. Additionally, we assisted in defeating the potential ban of alcohol sales on Ocean Drive at 2:00 a.m. This initiative, if passed, would have been detrimental to our tourism-based economy. This year, we had some amazing events like our Gala, which was a glamorous affair with close to 1,000 people in attendance; our City National Bank Better Beach awards, which honored amazing professionals and we created our popular Chamber Active series, which are fun interactive networking events. Additionally, we hired a Member Concierge, which is responsible for connecting members to prospective partners and assisting them in maximizing their membership.
Looking to next year, the Chamber will host its annual Champions of Business Awards, which honors a small business, a woman in business, a champion in business and we will be recognizing our Chair-Elect Robin Jacobs with the James McDonnell Outstanding Board of Governor Award. Additionally, our annual Miami Beach Chamber Golf Classic will be happening on Friday, February 16t at the Miami Beach Golf Club. The event, which sells out every year, will have 150 golfers and over 30 sponsors to entertain golfers on the course with contests, promotional displays, cocktails, activities and more.
At the Miami Beach Chamber, we have made the Real Estate community a priority by creating the City National Bank Better Beach Awards. The awards celebrate those individuals, and firms alike, that have helped mature this city that we live in, work in and play in. in the coming weeks, individuals can submit Better Beach nominations for realtors, architects, developers, designers, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs that are making significant contributions. Please take a moment and think about submitting a nomination for someone you know that deserves recognition for projects in Miami Beach. More information on this event to come.
Again, I want to thank you for making this year incredible! If you would like any more information regarding the aforementioned events. Please contact the Chamber at 305-674-1300.
Happy Holidays!
Jerry Libbin
President & CEO
Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
