This week marks marks by final message to you as Chairman. I hate to get sentimental (actually, I admittedly love it), but it has been a true honor to lead the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
You have taught me so much over the past two years and I can only hope that I succeeded in helping each of you in some way. Reflecting on my tenure, I pulled up all past messages and wanted to reiterate what I think makes this organization so great.
History: In 1921, five visionaries created our Chamber to position Miami Beach as a great city with global influence. It’s important to look ahead, but remember the core beliefs and values that got you here in the first place.
“A rising tide lifts all boats”: Perhaps my favorite business mantra of all time. What is good for the city, is good for its citizens. As businesspeople and citizens, we need to stick together to accomplish the great. This includes giving back, even if you don’t directly receive anything in return.
Commitment: This is the trait that enlivens the mission statement. It transforms the unfathomable to the obtainable.
Accomplishment: In two years, our membership has increased by 35%, gala attendance jumped 31%, and the number of councils and size within steadily rose. We launched the new state-of-the-art Visitor Center, and the Convention Center continues to morph into a world-class destination for business and entertainment. Our influence contributed to the easing of U.S. Travel Association passenger visa policies, entry and screening processes as well as the passing of the new Miami Beach resort tax to fund the continued development of the Convention Center. Within the community, we’ve installed education programs to ensure the next generation succeeds in both business and in life. We work so hard and sometimes it’s nice to stop and celebrate these successes
Remembering and honoring the exceptional:
Thank you again to our gala award winners, educational award nominees and winners, stellar members and chamber staff. It’s so important that impacting efforts never go unnoticed.
Relationships:
In my very first letter, I shared a hope that the Chamber would provide more than networking opportunities, but a relationship forum. I believe that we succeeded, as none of the above is possible without working together in a genuine, productive and caring manner. This Chamber proves the notion of the power of relationships.
Thank you for all your hard work. Following this month, I’ll step into a new role, but no less passionate and committed to my fellow members than before. With that, I welcome incoming Chairman Alan Lips and look forward to supporting him on the exciting initiatives and continued success he promises to bring.
At your service,
Jason Loeb
