When I first became Chairman, I spent a lot of time scratching my head trying to digest the number of events and meetings that take place at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce on an annual basis. With more than 250 functions each year, including signature events such as the Dinner Gala, lunches, breakfasts, networkers, coffee with the chamber, council and board meetings, I was convinced that it was time to reduce the number of chamber activities. But after great feedback, positive comments and the addition of a Real Estate Council signature event, it became clear to me that the community thrives on the activity and restructuring the Chamber calendar did not make sense!
Last week the Real Estate Council hosted its inaugural Better Beach Awards event. We had approximately 150 nominees vying for fifteen awards. The demand for tickets was so great that the ballroom at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, with a capacity of 300, was sold out two weeks prior to the event. And what an energetic crowd it was. The excitement was constant as the finalists waited in eager anticipation to hear the winner for each award. And, as customary for the Chamber, the networking was superb. Everyone in the room congratulated the finalists and winners with great warmth and pride.
I’m so proud of our Real Estate Council, the Board of Governors and Chamber staff for accomplishing another dynamic and successful event! It really takes a lot of hard work and energy to successfully put together a first time event like this! I want to take my hat off to Madeleine Romanello and Melissa Rubin for their incredible contributions to the event as well as to the chamber and our community at large. And congratulations to each of the finalists and winners!
And I also want to commend the Chamber’s world-class staff. This group of devoted employees embraces every challenge with a perfect attitude and endless energy, ensuring that every function is enormously successful and that each member has the best opportunity to accomplish their goals. I am so proud to be the Chairman of such a dynamic and successful chamber. I encourage you to come to an upcoming chamber event so you too can experience the power of membership.
At your service,
Alan A. Lips
