Dear Members,
Tuesday, November 6, was not only an important day for our country but for Miami Beach as well. The six Miami Beach initiatives passed, which sent a clear message that voters want to invest in the future of our City.
Many of the Chamber’s leaders and members worked tirelessly to get these important initiatives passed and I want to recognize a few of them, including Michael S. Goldberg, Member of the Convention Center of the Advisory Board and Immediate Past Chairman, Bill Talbert, President of the GMCVB and valued partner during the election, Ceci Velasco, Executive Director of the Ocean Drive Association and key champion of the convention center Hotel, Wendy Kallergis, President of the Hotel Association and Peggy Benua, Chamber Board Member, for their support. From presenting at community meetings and Chamber councils to campaigning door-to-door as well as calling and/or emailing their colleagues, family and friends – we all worked as a team to achieve this success and We are very proud of the work we did.
For years, the Chamber has helped to reinforce the message that the Miami Beach Convention Center needs a hotel to do business and attract high end conventions and events to this city. We are happy to report that the residents heard us loud and clear. There was an overwhelming amount of votes to approve using the rent payments received by the City from the Convention Center Hotel Lease to fund stormwater projects (in lieu of rate increases); traffic reduction measures; and education. According to City of Miami Beach Dan Gelber, “The new revenue stream will provide funding for our City, our schools, our children, and our quality of life.”
In the time that the city has been contemplating the development of a convention center hotel, the City, with the help of the Chamber, has solidified its brand as an international destination for tourism, arts and culture, shopping, dining and entertainment. This privately-funded hotel will now make us a highly competitive convention destination that is anticipated to generate millions in annual revenue to benefit our residents
Additionally, the Chamber was instrumental in getting business leaders and residents educated on the General Obligation Board. Chamber President & CEO Jerry Libbin was on the task force that gave recommendations on how to maximize the funding and which projects should be selected. The proposed $439 million General Obligation Bond will address critical infrastructure needs for the city’s parks, recreation facilities and cultural facilities ($169 million); neighborhood and infrastructure ($198 million); and police, fire and public safety ($72 million). Miami Beach’s future looks brighter than ever – thanks to you!
We want to thank the City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, the commission, especially board member Mark Samuelian, and City employees for their efforts and all the Chamber members who dedicated countless hours to campaigning and educating our residents.
Together, we show the Power of membership!
Best,
Robin Jacobs
Co-Chairperson
Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
