About the Conference
It is with great enthusiasm that we once again host our Annual Conference! Alongside our Chair-Elect Maria D. Garcia, we have curated a program for you that packed with valuable takeaways, applicable to any industry. In line with our theme Forward. Together. The Intersection of Business & Government, we’ll be discussing the preservation of Florida’s environment, hosting our State of Florida Legislative Round-Up, get an outlook on the future of transportation, and more (see below)! Mark your calendars and purchase your tickets because we can’t wait to see you on August 21st and 22nd!
#AC2025 Co-Presented By:
Get a glimpse at what’s happening at #AC2025!
Maria D. Garcia
Chair-Elect | Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
Partner | Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton
Meeting the Chair-Elect
Greetings fellow Chamber members, colleagues, and community leaders!
My name is Maria D. Garcia and in addition to being partner at Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, I am your Chair-Elect of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.
It is with great pride that I invite you to experience a glimpse of what is sure to be an impactful year at our Annual Conference on August 21st and 22nd at the historic Biltmore Hotel. It’s here that we’ll hear from speakers spanning a variety of topics supporting our theme, Forward. Together. The Intersection of Business and Government.
Serving as your Chairwoman is more than just a professional milestone — it’s a deeply personal one, rooted in a lifelong love for this extraordinary community.
I look forward to engaging with each of you at our Annual Conference!
Sponsors
Speakers
Featuring:
Raymond Rodriguez-Torres
Chair of the Board | Live Like Bella
Friday, August 22, 2025 | 7:30 AM
Good Morning Coral Gables
Kickoff Breakfast
Breakfast Sponsored By: 
Raymond Rodriguez-Torres is a highly accomplished executive, bestselling author, and renowned TEDx speaker. Born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in Miami, Florida, Raymond’s life was shaped by a powerful quote he encountered at age nine: “God’s gift to you is who you are; your gift to Him is who you become.” This guiding principle has fueled his success in both his professional career and philanthropic endeavors.
9:30 AM
Breakout Session I
Preserving the Florida Environment
Breakout Session I
Preserving the Florida Environment
10:20 AM
Breakout Session II
State of Florida Legislative Round-Up
Breakout Session II
State of Florida Legislative Round-Up
11 AM
Breakout Session III
The Future of Transportation
Breakout Session III
The Future of Transportation
Featuring:
Jay Collins
Lieutenant Governor | State of Florida
Noon
Keynote Luncheon
Luncheon Sponsored By: 
Newly appointed Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins will take center stage at #AC2025. Collins served in the United States Army from 1995 to 2018, including as member of the United States Army Special Forces. His military awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Legion of Merit, Soldier’s Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other personal, unit, and service awards. He is also a recipient of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s Major General John K. Singlaub/Jedburgh Award.
He was elected to the Florida Senate in November 2022 and on August 12, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Collins Lieutenant Governor.
1:50 PM
Breakout Session IV
Doing Business With the County & City
Breakout Session IV
Doing Business With the County & City
2:35 PM
Breakout Session V
President’s Perspective: A Fireside Chat
Breakout Session V
President’s Perspective: A Fireside Chat
3:20 PM
Closing Session
Gooooal! 2026 FIFA World Cup
Closing Session
Gooooal! 2026 FIFA World Cup
