Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables, Florida Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables, Florida Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables, Florida Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables, Florida Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables, Florida Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Coral Gables, Florida
Visit Coral GablesLive and Work in Coral GablesCoral Gables Business DirectoryNews and Events in Coral GablesCoral Gables Chamber of Commerce InformationCoral Gables Chamber Members Only

Community Affairs Division

Division Vice Chair - Amy Donner, Miami's Communications Newspapers

This division focuses on issues of community-wide interest that impact the economics and the quality of life of Coral Gables businesses.

A) Business and Education
Melissa Sullivan, Gulliver Schools

Supports education, promotes academic excellence and positive awareness of our schools through programs that involve and connect students with our business community.

  • Provide member schools an opportunity to get in touch with businesses re: donations, classroom supplies, etc.
  • Explore establishing a partnership with KAPOW
  • Host a Meet & Greet with local Principals in the Feeder Pattern (possibly at a Trustee Reception)
  • Partner with the Cultural Affairs Committee to bring student culture/artwork to the Realtor Showcase in January
  • Explore supporting the $1.2 Billion Bond issue with MDCPS (21st Century Schools Program)
  • Reach out to other Chamber committees and get them involved in the Business and Education Committee
  • Create a Job Shadow Day to occur annually on February 2nd (Ground Hog Day); partner with businesses of the Chamber to create internships for students
  • Assist in the planning of the annual Education Month GMCG (November)

B) Cultural Affairs
Mindy Herris, University of Miami

Create an awareness of the vibrant, rich, cultural & historical community in Coral Gables and reinforce the image of the City Beautiful as a cultural destination and arts-friendly community.

  • Host a GMCG that focuses on the economic impact of the Arts (October)
  • Take the lead in procuring and scheduling Gables Acts of Culture for each GMCG breakfast
  • Assist in recognizing the 25th Anniversary of Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
  • Use video links on the weekly Chatter to support/raise awareness of the Arts
  • Increase committee participation by at least 5 members; partner with other Chamber committees on various initiatives
  • Create fresh and interesting programs that showcase the full cultural landscape of Coral Gables, further positioning the arts community as not only a tourism draw, but an economic engine
  • Educate the business community about the economic impact of the arts – work in progress
  • Re-visit an event at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens , possibly in conjunction with the opening of their new Café/Research Center
  • Explore All Access Arts Pass - Member2Member

C) RE-Connect
Yesenia Moreno, Albion Staffing Solutions, Inc.

The mission is to support members’ business-building activities by being a support group, mentoring and providing leads and focusing on best practices. 

  • Continue the monthly luncheon at a local venue to allow the group to expand and grow
  • Increase the monthly speaker fee from $50 to $75 per slot
  • Secure annual sponsor for the RE-Connect luncheon series
  • Utilize RE-Connect as an immediate plug-in point for new/newer Chamber members; target inactive members personally and invite them to the luncheon