Chairman - Drew Kern, Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors
This division operates under the direction of the Chairman and focuses on areas that affect the entire membership and the long-range future of the Chamber. Task forces may be formed at the discretion of the Chairman as needed.
A) Good Morning Coral Gables
Drew Kern, Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors
Monthly general membership breakfast featuring outstanding community leaders held the third Th ursday of each month at The Biltmore Hotel. Each table is hosted by a Chairman’s Ambassador who facilitates introductions and promotes an exchange of business opportunities.
B) Travel & Tourism Committee
Mike Wurster, The Westin Colonnade
Works with the City, Beacon Council, Meeting Planners Association, Village of Merrick Park, Business
Improvement District and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to showcase Coral Gables.
• Design year-round programs and activities that provide annualized support for Miami Romance Month (June) so that Coral Gables is the epicenter of the initiative
• Solicit and secure more Familiarization Tours (FAMs) that showcase our Coral Gables Community, with specific focus on retail, restaurants, hotel properties, amenities, arts, culture, golf, and more
• Work closely with the Florida Marlins and the new ballpark (opening in April 2012) to position Coral Gables as the closest downtown/municipality to the stadium for visiting teams, visitors, and associated businesses
• Expand our partnership eff orts to include more engagement and involvement with national and global events that come to Greater Miami and the Beaches
• Produce Burgerliscious! in November 2011 with a focus on our restaurant community, with strong engagement with our tourism partners
• Focus on the arts as a major tourism/visitor draw to Coral Gables
C) Strategic Planning Committee
Darla Thompson, Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.
Responsible for review, evaluation and update of the Chamber’s strategic plan.
D) Retail & Restaurant Initiative
Wayne Eldred, Tarpon Bend Bar & Grille
This initiative works toward promoting a healthy retail environment and promoting restaurants and retail
stores in Coral Gables.