What a thrilling time of year in Miami Beach! You can still feel the buzz as the City says goodbye to Art Basel and we welcome the holidays.
I want to thank everyone that made it to the Links Project Ceremony on December 16. Chamber history was made as we commemorated raising thousands of dollars for the Miami Beach Chamber Education Foundation’s Link Project. It was exciting to see the students from Miami Beach Senior High and members of the business community standing shoulder to shoulder holding paper links symbolizing the strong link between the community and business owners. The funds will be provided to teachers, from the eight feeder pattern schools, in the form of grants that they can use to enrich their students learning experience. To donate and for more information, visit online at www.miamibeachchamber.com.
On another note, we are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bob Balsam. His commitment and service to the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, the City of Miami Beach and, in fact, to the entire hospitality community will never be forgotten. To that end, the Miami Beach Chamber Board of Governors has established a permanent $1,000 scholarship, which will be known as the Bob Balsam Academy of Hospitality and TourismScholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving Miami Beach Senior High Student graduating from the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and planning to attend a college or university to further their career goal.
Finally, The Chamber will be collecting unwrapped toys for various nonprofits in the City during the month of December. If you would like to give a toy, call the Chamber at 305-674-1300 for more information.
Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Michael S. Goldberg
