Pictured are members of the GAVEL CLUB, former ChamberSOUTH Chairman who continue to serve: Joe Corradino, Jeff Flanagan, Peter Jude, Don Marx, Phil Lyons, Richard Horton, Bob Gallaher, newest member Claudia A. Cancio, Zak Hall, JoAnn Parns, Carol Alexander, Ricardo Forbes and Dr. John Gentile, Gavel Club Chair.
“Escape to the Tropics” was the theme for the ChamberSOUTH 86th Annual Chairman’s Reception held at Sonesta Bayfront Hotel in Coconut Grove. Members and guests enjoyed a splendid evening honoring outgoing Chairwoman Claudia A. Cancio and incoming Chairman Joseph R. Gallaher who will lead the organization through Fall 2017.
Each year, the Chairman’s Reception is a virtual Who’s Who of business leaders, public officials, and other south Dade luminaries, including Florida State Senator Dwight Bullard who served as Master of Ceremonies. The sold-out event also featured a silent auction, cocktails, and dancing – and played host to the organization’s Annual Awards Ceremony honoring five ChamberSOUTH members and community leaders.
Recognized for their exemplary leadership and commitment to the South-Dade community were: Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Commissioner District-8 received the Annual Steven J. Cranman Professional Public Service Award; Zoo Miami Communications Director Ron Magill “escaped” with the L. Russell Norton Service Award; and emerging young professional Mariano Martinez, Vice President of US Century Bank, received the Rising Star Award. A new Chairman’s Award for outstanding service was presented to Karen Nercess of All-Star Event Photography and John Edward Smith, SOMI Magazine publisher.
The newly appointed members ChamberSOUTH 2016-17 Board of Directors also were introduced at the gala: Karyn Cunningham, UTD and Village of Palmetto Bay; Stephen Foster, Foster Financial Services; Allison Polk, National Planning Corporation; Dailen Rodriguez, Dadeland Mall, and Alex Schreer, Grass River Properties, The Shops at Sunset Place.
First National Bank of South Miami served as the presenting sponsor, with event sponsors Baptist Health South Florida and Florida Power & Light. Corporate sponsors included Biscayne Bank, Buffalo Wild Wings, Credomatic, Gallaher & Birch, Dr. John Gentile, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, InSource, Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition NAI Miami, Muller Lebensburger & Schwartz, The Green Companies, Inc., and Williamson Automotive.
ChamberSOUTH maintains a leadership role in the community through programs, services, and events that enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of South Miami, Kendall, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Greater South Dade.
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- Claudia A. Cancio acknowledging the attendees
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- State Senator Dwight Bullard presenting the gavel to incoming Chair Joe Gallaher
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- Honorees Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava and Ron Magill.
For more event photo gallery go to:
