Chamber and IBOPE Inteligência Announce Collaborative Effort
New Brazilian Economic Index and Florida Small Business Tracking Surveys to be Unveiled in May
A new and exclusive index of the Brazilian economy, along with a survey of small business owners in Florida, are slated to be released in May courtesy of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce through collaboration with IBOPE Inteligência, a premier market research and polling firm.
The Brazilian National Index of Consumer Expectations (BNICE) is a direct look inside the one of the world’s fastest growing economic powers, shining a light on the factors that shape Brazil’s economy, thus impacting those conducting business in Latin America from the US.
“This index, which includes the voices of about 2,000 Brazilians each month, shows the macro economic factors that influence one of the world’s most vibrant economies,” said IBOPE Inteligência US CEO Kjell de Orr. “We are proud to be working with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce to bring this valuable information to the multitude of businesses that rely on trade with our South American neighbors.”
And while it is important to look to South America for economic news, the state of Florida small businesses are the other component to an overall economic picture provided by the Chamber and IBOPE Inteligência. The tracking survey of small business owners gives an impression of what those owners are expecting from the economy in the coming months, and how it may impact their operations in the future.
“This collaboration affords the Chamber strategic insight into two critical sectors of South Florida’s economy, international and small business. While economic challenges will indeed remain, the prospect that small businesses are showing momentum in 2012 is an encouraging step,” said Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce President/ CEO Barry E. Johnson. “Additionally, the Brazilian index will serve as a resource for companies who may be looking overseas for expansion or trend indicators that may help shape future business.”
CEO Armando Olivera Outlines FPL’s Commitment to Economic Development and Clean, Affordable Energy
In a keynote speech to hundreds of business leaders at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Florida Power & Light Co. Chief Executive Officer Armando Olivera described how FPL is promoting business and job creation in the state by offering some of the most affordable and reliable energy in the nation and a new rate program to encourage economic development.
The average FPL residential customer has a bill that is the lowest among Florida’s 55 electric utilities, and about 25 percent lower than the national average, said Olivera. “In fact, over the course of an entire year, our typical customer saves an average of $357 compared to what they would pay in other parts of Florida. FPL’s business customers also have electric bills that are among the lowest in the state and well below the national average.”
The FPL chief executive told the audience at the Chamber’s Trustee Luncheon how his company is building on its commitment to help Florida businesses by offering an “Economic Development Rate.” With the approval of the state’s Public Service Commission, eligible commercial and industrial businesses can now receive reduced utility rates. The rate is available to new or expanding businesses that add at least 350 kilowatts of new demand on the grid and 10 new jobs per 350 kilowatts. According to Olivera, this economic growth initiative means an additional savings of up to $12,000 for the first year for a typical eligible customer.
Olivera noted that the Chamber, like Miami itself, has evolved and grown dramatically over the course of its long history. “Forty years ago the population of Miami-Dade County was a little more than 1.2 million people; today, it has more than doubled to nearly 2.5 million,” Olivera told the Chamber members. “And just like the County and its economy, the Chamber has grown – and diversified.”
FPL’s technology advances are paying big dividends for customers, according to Olivera. “The future of affordable and reliable energy in our service area is being built as we speak,” he said.
Before leaving, Olivera had one final message for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce – a message of thanks: “When I am at a Chamber event, I am not only spending time with leaders of the community, but also with great customers – and friends.”
2012 Awards Season in Full Swing
It’s awards season in Tinsel Town. While the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammys and Oscars all salute the rising stars and acclaimed greats in Hollywood, it’s also that time of year for the citizens of Chamber land! Beginning this month with Sand In My Shoes, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce will reveal nominations and present a myriad of award receptions that celebrate individual and industry heavy hitters.
The following are the criteria for the Chamber’s annual awards held during the first half of the year:
- HYPE Awards: This awards program singles out top performing young professionals for innovation and achievement and will be announced March 14, 2012 at a reception at The Four Seasons.
- Top 100 Minority Business Awards®: This award program applauds South Florida’s minority business community and celebrates our region’s rich diversity and spirit of entrepreneurship. Winners will be announced and the Top 100 finalists will be recognized on March 22, 2012 at Jungle Island.
- Technology Leaders of the Year: The awards highlight individuals and organizations with extraordinary technological hands-on experience whose management of technology resources and/or technological innovations have made outstanding contributions to their organization and the community. Recipients will be recognized on April 27, 2012 at Jungle Island.
- Nonprofit Business NOVO Awards: The award is open to not-for-profit organizations and recognizes programs that have made a difference in the lives of the people they serve, produce outcomes that exemplify innovative excellence and feature best practices of not-for-profit business. Recipients will be recognized on May 2, 2012 during the Trustee Luncheon at Jungle Island.
- South Florida R.E.A.L. Awards (Real Estate Achievers & Leaders): The awards highlight Real Estate Achievers and Leaders who have achieved success in the field while also being leaders in the community. Candidates are any professional in the real estate industry that meets the award category criteria and whose projects or transactions are based inSouth Florida. Recipients will be recognized on May 11, 2012 at Jungle Island.
- Health Care Heroes® Awards: The award recognizes the collective actions of the individuals, institutions and programs that have made an extraordinary impact in the South Florida healthcare community and whose acts of heroism represent a display of dedication to excellence beyond the scope of their profession. Recipients will be recognized on May 22, 2012 at Jungle Island.
- South Florida Good to Great Awards®: The award showcases businesses throughout the tri-county region that have achieved greatness in their mission and established themselves as industry leaders. Presented during the annual Goals Conference, it is open to all for profit businesses that show a pattern of solid performance to great performance over a four year period. Recipients will be recognized on June 1, 2012 at the Hilton Miami Downtown.
Event details and registration are available online at www.MiamiChamber.com.
Economic Summit Offers Industry Roadmaps, Chamber Insights
The Greater Miami Chamber’s Economic Summit returns to Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Now in its second year, attendees will be able to meet and ask questions to some of South Florida’s senior-level executives and hear more on a variety of industry trends projected for 2012.
The Economic Summit will focus on four key pillars: Healthcare; Banking & Financial Services; Real Estate & Construction; and Travel, Tourism & International Trade. These discussions provide an ideal starting point for Miami-based businesses, their executives, and employees to begin the New Year with a clear snapshot of where the economy stands and how they can implement strategies to finish with a fruitful 2012.
One of the panels I will be attending includes, Banking & Financial Services. For years, Miami banks were heavily involved in the betterment of our community and strong supporters of our civic organizations. However, in the past several years, their focus on their own bottom lines have resulted in diminished support that has impacted the health of the greater economy. I am interested in hearing how, or if, this will change in 2012.
For those who are non-members, the Economic Summit will show first-hand how the Chamber plays in contributing to the local community. I’m a prime example of a business owner who spent decades not realizing the benefits the Chamber could provide to me and my business. Since I took an active role four years ago, participating in Chamber events and volunteering for committees, I’ve reaped tremendous rewards that have helped me learn from my peers, make a difference in Miami’s economic progress and gain new clients for my own small business.
Alberto Dosal, Chair, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s 2012 Economic Summit
Chairman of the Board
Compuquip Technologies
NOTE: For more information or to register for the 2012 Economic Summit click here or contact Cornelia Pereira, 305-577-5432 or cpereira@miamichamber.com.
Alberto Dosal was interviewed by The Miami Herald about the Chamber’s 2012 Economic Summit — read the interview here.
