Division Vice Chair - Rosemary Guilfoyle
Planning Consultants Group
This division is charged with improving and fostering services and programs that create new business and provide opportunities for expansion of existing business. Identifi es and encourages emerging industries that are compatible with Coral Gables.
A) Women’s Business Network
Barbara K. Norland, CHARLEE Homes for Children
Meets monthly for a luncheon featuring informative and entertaining speakers that empower women with the latest information on business, self improvement and family. Established as a platform to make business contacts.
• Increase attendance at the monthly luncheons to an average of 70 attendees
• Obtain all monthly sponsors for the luncheons no later than November 1st
• Pair speakers/topics and sponsors for each luncheon in advance
B) AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards
Marianna Rados, AXA Advisors, LLC
Developed to recognize women in the community who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, as well as a commitment to serving as role models for other women. Any woman living or working in the county or is member of the Chamber is eligible to be honored.
• Identify and recognize exceptional women in business
• Continue the AXA Advisors Businesswomen of the Year Awards and increase Chamber member participation
C) Diamond Awards presented by Montica Jewelry
Dixie McDaniels de Andrade, Andrade Ventures, Inc.
Developed to recognize businesses from our community that excel in business performance, commitment to the community and in other criteria such as customer service. Categories are for Small, Medium and Large Businesses, Non-Profit, Minority-Owned Business, Ideal Workplace, Diamond in the Rough Award for emerging businesses. Participating businesses should be located in Coral Gables or be a member of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.
• Continue to grow the program so that it reaches over $10,000 in annual net revenue
• Expand on our media partnership with South Florida Business Journal for wider exposure
• Make the application process online and easier, beginning earlier
• Explore the expansion/reconfi guration of categories to honor additional Chamber businesses
• Ensure that all award categories are sponsored by September 1st each year
D) Small Business Committee
Alex Sirulnik, Law Offices of Alex D. Sirulnik, P.A.
Offers existing members educational tools and seminars that allow them to maximize their participation in the Chamber, as well as develop leadership skills to benefit their business performance.
• Develop a series of compelling workshops that off er educational assistance to our small business members; partnership opportunity with FIU
• Explore creation of a non-profi t sub-committee
• Grow our retail membership and convene this industry segment quarterly
• Add best practice resources to our website for small businesses to use; explore the creation of on-line webinars aimed at small business
E) RE-Connect
Yesenia Moreno, Albion Staffing
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
• Invite a fellow Chamber member/leader to open each RE-Connect Luncheon with a “best practice” lesson
• Host a happy hour for the RE-Connect group