President Tim Ryan called the meeting to order and welcomed all to the Rotary Club of Miami. He then read an amusing anecdote.
Curt De Greff gave the invocation and President Tim led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Shirley Pardon introduced our Guests and Visitors:
- John Harrison, a returning member.
- Maria and Ivana Van Orsdel, guests of Don Van Orsdel.
Juan Torres collected Happy $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
President Tim gave a short report on the RLI training that several members attended the previous Saturday. Based on the information received at the training, he then held a short quiz on Rotary origins and numbers.
Announcements
- The Board will meet on September 3rd.
- There are openings for speakers on 10/8, 10/15, 11/12, and 12/3.
- There will be a Raffle for the Lexus fund raiser.
- The 6990 District Conference will be held at Club Med the weekend of November 13th.
- The Peace Conference Committee meets September 19th at Diane’s home 9:00-12:00.
- The Club’s weekend cruise is set for February 19 th.
- The 2016 Rotary International Convention will be held in Seoul, South Korea.
The Rotary Club of Miami has a new mailing address:
P.O. Box 43-1466
Miami, FL 33143
Speaker
Norman Kassoff introduced our guest speaker, Barry Johnson, CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Johnson gave an interesting fact filled address on the early beginnings of the Miami Chamber of Commerce in 1907 to the committees spawned from the MCC – Beacon Council (1980) and Tourism Council (1927) . He described the rise of Miami from the second city in South Florida (Key West was the first) to the global International mega city it is today. It is the second largest Regional and Metro Chamber in the U.S. representing four counties and touching more than 400,000 small businesses – the core value of the highly entrepreneurial Chamber. Mr. Johnson stated that the biggest problem facing Miami today is the traffic! Transportation is going to be critical in the wake of all the new development spread throughout the tri-county area. In order to produce an effective system money is going to be required from the State, which they are reluctant to do. He pointed out that Technology is the Industry of the Future. Miami is becoming the Tech Center of the Americas. The goal of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is to make Miami the best place to work, rest and play!
Mr. Johnson finished his address by stating the Five Floors of progress for the city:
1st Floor – Tourism
2nd Floor – Economic
3rd Floor – Port
4th Floor – International Banking & Finance
5th Floor – Real Estate appreciation
President Tim warmly thanked Mr. Johnson for his interesting and inspiring speech on Miami and asked for questions.
On the subject of destination gambling. Mr. Johnson said it would bring with it some negativity but also create jobs and more high end travellers. The debate will remain open!
Mr. Johnson was presented with a certificate showing that 3rd grade students would receive a dictionary in his name.
Renel Noel sold 50/50 tickets. Randy Litchman won the first prize of the money which he donated back to the Club in a generous gesture.
The meeting closed with The Four Way Test, led by John Harrison.
