Thursday, Sept 19 EDC meeting to feature Jackson Health CEO, Carlos A. Migoya

The EDC of South Miami-Dade invites you to attend
the Community Outreach Speaker Series  Luncheon

Guest Speaker:

Jackson Heath System
Carlos A. Migoya, CEO

Topic:
"Upcoming ballot item VOTE regarding general-obligation bonds

for Jackson Health System "
 
Open to the public
 
Program details:
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Networking: 11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Palmetto Bay Village Center, Palm Room
18001 Old Cutler Road
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

Lunch Catering by Chef David
Please RSVP for lunch or request more information at info@edcsouthdade.com
or call 305-378-9470

Thursday, August 29 EDC meeting to feature 2013 Florida Session update.

The EDC of South Miami-Dade invites you to attend

the Community Outreach Speaker Series  Luncheon
 
Guest Speakers:

State Senator Dwight Bullard
State Senator Gwen Margolis

Topic:
"2013 Florida Session Update"
 
Open to the public
 
Thursday, August 29, 2013

Networking 11:30 a.m.
Speakers Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Palmetto Bay Village Center

18001 Old Cutler Road

Palm Room

Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

 

Lunch Catering by Chef David

  Please RSVP for lunch at info@edcsouthdade.com

or call 305-378-9470

Governor Scott Vetoes local water money. $250K not going to Palmetto Bay, $400K not going to Cutler Bay. EDC veto is $50K

The veto list is out and the news is not good for Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay.  Both saw their local water projects vetoed.

Here is the link to the 2013 veto list:

http://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Veto-List-2013.pdf

The veto lists Palmetto Bay's $250,000.00 on page 4 of 5. Line 1640 C, Project  62. 

 

Cutler Bay suffered the same fate as its $400,000.00 appropriation on local water money was cut as well. See page 3 0f 5, line 1640 C, project 11. 

 

The EDC's had $50,000.00 in the state proposed budget for Economic Development Council of South Miami Dade - Business Training Program & Life Skills Training Program.  The EDC veto is listed on the same page, 4 of 5,  line 2160 A, project 1 

 

More will follow on breakdown down what the vetoes mean for South Dade, but I wanted to get this breaking news out to the community.

May 23rd EDC meeting to feature Robert Cruz, PhD, Chief Economist, Miami-Dade County

The EDC of South Miami Dade invites you to

Attend Speaker Series Community Outreach Luncheon

Guest Speaker;

Robert D. Cruz, PhD

Chief Economist, Miami-Dade County

Topic:

"Miami-Dade's Economy and Short-Term Outlook"

Thursday, May 23, 2013

11:30 a.m. Networking
Speaker Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Palmetto Bay Village Center

18001 Old Cutler Road

Palm Room

Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

Open To the Public

 Lunch Catering by Chef David

  Please RSVP for lunch at info@edcsouthdade.com

or call 305-378-9470 by May 21st

Reminder - US1 Express Toll Lane Project meeting Wednesday

Reminder!  The Pinecrest Town Hall Meeting will be held this Wednesday, November 14, 2012,at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest, FL.

The purpose of this meeting is a discussion of the proposed US1 Express Toll Lane Project.  This project will profoundly impact the US1 traffic and our neighborhoods.  You should be aware of what is going on in advance and not wait for the plan to become a 'done deal' before you decide whether this project benefits or harms our communities.

Pinecrest leaders want to inform South Miami-Dade residents area about proposed plans to replace the South Miami-Dade Busway with a toll road from Dadeland Mall south, possibly all the way to Florida City.  Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner has taken the leadership role, stating that the meeting is aimed at informing the surrounding community of unofficial plans to ease traffic on US1.

See the Miami Herald article, Meeting to discuss toll road next to U.S. 1 in South Dade, by Ashley Lopez, for more information.  "... (R)ight now, only a few people even know there are plans for projects on the Busway, which is a two-lane highway that only buses can use."  “I want to start a dialogue,” Lerner said. “The general public is completely unaware of what’s being prepared.”

Who is involved?   Chambersouth, EDC, Pinecrest, and Cutler Bay is engaged and participating, but sadly, Palmetto Bay is not.  I recommend that Palmetto Bay residents pay attention to the progress of this plan.  Palmetto Bay councilman Howard Tendrich had been championing this issue for Palmetto Bay residents.

See prior post Another tax, this time to use the bus lanes on US1? Pinecrest takes lead and hosts an important informational meeting. for more information.  CLICK HERE to download the meeting informational flier. 

There will be an informational reception from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. The Town Hall meeting will start at 7:00 PM and is scheduled to run through 9:00 PM.  There will be a panel discussion led by moderator Honorable Katy Sorenson. 

Appropriate recognition for the work of the EDC. Dr. Lawrence Feldman presents proclamation recognizing EDC | Cutler Bay

Dr. Lawrence Feldman presents proclamation recognizing EDC | Cutler Bay
Congratulations to both Dr. Lawrence Feldman, Miami-Dade School Board vice chair, and the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade (EDC).  As reported in the Community Newspapers, Dr. Feldman presented Dr. James A. Thomas, chair of the EDC, with a proclamation recognizing the EDC for its contributions to and support of the residents and communities of South Miami-Dade County. I am pleased that real South Dade Leaders such as Dr. Feldman have embraced the efforts and value of the EDC

The council’s primary objective is to support the expansion and retention of existing businesses, to increase the overall economic vitality of local communities, and to attract new, diversified businesses and new jobs to the area.

This is apparently not a goal shared by the current Mayor and Vice Mayor of Palmetto Bay.  Both Shelley Stanczyk and Brian Pariser have refused to participate in providing even non-financial support, even though Mayor Stanczyk sits on the EDC board.  I am publicly puzzled why an elected official such as Mrs. Stanczyk would sit on a board of an organization she refuses to support.  See Tuesday, March 20, 2012, post, Mayor and Vice Mayor need to put politics aside and participate with EDC and our sister cities for the good of all South Dade

Founded in 1992, the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade is a local not-for-profit economic development corporation encouraging the kind of development that creates a better future for both business and residents. The EDC provides numerous business training programs, including in partnership with Miami-Dade College.  See: Moving forward on business development - Miami Dade College has teamed up with the Economic Development Council (EDC) of South Miami-Dade for a new “Business Training Program”

To learn more, visit online at www.edcsouthdade.com.

Moving forward on business development - Miami Dade College has teamed up with the Economic Development Council (EDC) of South Miami-Dade for a new “Business Training Program”

Attention any current or prospective new business owner.  Miami Dade College has teamed up with the Economic Development Council (EDC) of South Miami-Dade for a new “Business Training Program” for area residents interested in starting a business, growing the business they have or sharpening their present skills.  This exciting new business development program is being offered right here in Palmetto Bay (but is not sponsored or supported by the current government of Palmetto Bay) Read: EDC announces new business training partnership with MDC, by Gary Alan Ruse, currently posted online.

I keep wondering why Palmetto Bay wants to be left out of economic development.  This is not a time to go it alone, especially without a plan of their own.  While Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Pariser continue to snub participating with the EDC (they were 2 of the 3 “no” votes against partnering with the EDC while other Palmetto Bay council members voted to participate) and despite the fact that the neighboring communities of Pinecrest and Cutler Bay are in full support of the EDC - read a prior post of March 20, 2012: Mayor and Vice Mayor need to put politics aside and participate with EDC and our sister cities for the good of all South Dade. You can CLICK HERE to view other prior South Dade Updates articles regarding the EDC.

The EDC is not sulking or waiting on the current Palmetto Bay leadership, but continues to work with the existing  municipal partners and pick up new partners such as Miami Dade College in moving forward on its positive mission of economic revitalization.  Good for the EDC and good news for those looking to improve their business through the EDC programs.  

The classes will take place at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Road.

Dr. James A. Thomas, MBA, EDC board chair advises that there are a total of nine classes, each from 60 to 90 minutes long, taught by successful local business leaders and academicians. The program covers the following topics:

EDC presents important updates on the Green Corridor from Joe Spector, Director of Operations for Ygrene Energy, Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Interested in the status of the Green Corridor?  Make plans to attend the EDC Community Outreach Meeting, on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to hear from Joe Spector, Director of Operations for Ygrene Energy.

Cutler Bay’s Mayor Ed MacDougall appeared before the Palmetto Bay Village Council Monday, May 7, 2012, and presented the current Palmetto Bay mayor and village council members with an update on the status of the Green Corridor.  Additional information is now available not only from Mayor MacDougall, but in partnership with the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade (EDC). 

This meeting will be held at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Road, Palm Room (3rd Floor), Old Cutler Road at SW 184th Street.

There is no charge for this meeting. 

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:   Joe Spector, Director of Operations for Ygrene Energy, responsible for leading the implementation of PACE programs throughout the state of Florida.

YGRENE ENERGY FUND FLORIDA, LLC:  Ygrene has been selected as the administrator of the PACE program for the country's first ever PACE district, known as the Green Corridor.

Additional information about going green and the Green Corridor and PACE program, is available on the Cutler Bay official town website (Going Green section) at http://www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/going-green/index.html

More information on this meeting as well as general information on the EDC and its mission can be found at http://www.edcsouthdade.com/

The Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade Announces The Business Training Program

Looking to start your own business or want to update your business skills?  The Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade has announced its next Business Training Program (Click to view the Constant Contact information).

Dates:                   April 19, 2012-June 14, 2012
                              Every Thursday Night from 7pm to 8:30pm 

Location:              Palmetto Bay Village Center, located at Old Cutler Road at SW 184th Street

Cost:                      $100.00

The business training program is designed for those who want to start a business, grow a business, or simply sharpen their business skills.

These classes are taught by successful, local, community business leaders and academicians.

Course Syllabus includes:

How to Prepare a Business Plan

How to Prepare a Marketing Plan

Negotiating Contracts and Leases

Leading Your Company

Technology 101

Growing Your Business

Finance Primer

How to Prepare a Loan Package

Introduction to Accounting

Space is limited so call 305.378.9470 for more information, or e-mail inquiries to info@edcsouthdade.com

Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade | 18001 Old Cutler Rd. Suite 647 | Palmetto Bay | FL | 33157

Mayor and Vice Mayor need to put politics aside and participate with EDC and our sister cities for the good of all South Dade

My advice as founding Mayor of Palmetto Bay to current mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser is that you cannot have a positive impact on the future of South Dade if you don’t take a seat at the planning table.   It was sad to watch County Commissioner Dennis Moss rally the South Dade municipalities during his appearance before the EDC Tuesday morning (3/20/2012) and observe that Palmetto Bay was not a participating member.  Commission Moss thanked Cutler Bay for their participation in the economic development work in the area surrounding the new South Dade Performing Arts Center – the County and City working together to create economic revitalization and an outstanding destination   Pinecrest’s Mayor Cindy Lerner made a presentation on Pinecrest’s efforts, including their work in community fundraising to improve the area public schools.  There was no presentation for Palmetto Bay.  That is not how it used to be.  The residents of Palmetto Bay deserves leaders who lead, not blend into the background and wait to gobble up leftovers from those sister cities who are now setting the standards.

As Palmetto Bay’s first Mayor, I was there when the initial council involved area residents. Businesses and professional planners in planning events like the US1/Franjo Triangle and Burger King (Palmetto Bay Village Center) Charrettes – efforts that resulted in specific zoning design districts as well as the efforts for the County to design and install water and sewer infrastructure – the EDC was there.  This was all part of a plan.  Placement of Village Hall, creation of active and passive parks / green spaces and leading by example are all part of those initial plans.  It is a shame to see those efforts come to an abrupt end with this current mayor and vice mayor.  We spent years of planning and working with our sister cities.  It is more important than ever that we take an active role at the planning table to achieve a positive impact on the future of South Dade.

We need leaders to work together to accomplished goals for the public good.  It should not matter who gets the credit because we all look good when we all work together to achieve positive results for all our communities. 

Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser should not make the mistake of thinking that nothing outside the municipal boundaries can positively or negatively impact Palmetto Bay.  We are not an island.  You cannot wall yourself off from the surroundings.  These simple, but undeniable realizations lead to the formation of the South Dade Municipal coalition that I started with Councilman Joe Coradino of Pinecrest and Councilman Tim Merbott of Cutler Bay. This cooperation had huge results and was the start of the Green Corridor moving from a dream of then Mayor Vrooman of Cutler Bay, becoming a catalyst for that idea reaching far beyond one city’s boundaries. 

I call upon Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser to revisit the resolution expressing council support of the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade (EDC) in its goal to create a long term strategic plan to provide business assistance, business training and economic development for the South Miami-Dade and its surrounding communities.  This resolution should be co-sponsored by all five members of the council in a spirit of unity for the public good, not just by its original sponsor Howard Tendrich.   The efforts should not stop at the passage of this resolution.  The council should put aside individual differences and work together to follow through on the original council efforts and bring positive economic development to the areas.

Prior blog articles for background on this situation:

A text book example of bad leadership, Thursday, March 15, 2012, 

Why are Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser anti-economic development?  Tuesday, March 13, 2012

EDC meets this Tuesday, March 20, 8 to 9 AM, County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss to speak

Notice of meeting - Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade (EDC)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

NEW VENUE!!!

Palmetto Bay Village Center
Palm Room (3rd Floor)
Old Cutler Road at SW 184th Street

Keynote Speaker:  Commissioner Dennis C. Moss 

Cost: No Charge

Topic: Current Issues Impacting Our County
View the official EDC web site for more information: http://www.edcsouthdade.com/

A text book example of bad leadership

The prior posting Tuesday, March 13, 2012, Why are Mayor ShelleyStanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser anti-economic development? Has generated significant interest and response telephonically, by e-mail and even anonymous blog posts to this article.  This action of denial by Shelley Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser is a text book example of bad leadership and here is why:

The denial was no mistake. Mayor Stancyzk knows the details of the resolution as sources reveal that Mayor Stancyzk was a participating member of the EDC board of directors and participated in the discussion of the strategic plan and the FIU proposal.  I have learned that the Mayor and Vice Mayor are apparently now trying to double back and rewrite the history of the resolution.  As one anonymous poster indicated: “Voting against a resolution that merely expressed support for creation of a plan is akin to voting against motherhood, apple pie and the US Flag.”  I have no clue as to why this issue may need to be discussed at an upcoming committee of the whole meeting (COW) other than to try to rewrite history and try to make it appear that more information was needed.  Was this the case, the Mayor and Vice Mayor could have simply tabled the resolution and brought it to a COW.  There is precedent for this type of action – it is actually quite common, but instead, it was denied 3- 2 with only the sponsor council member Tendrich and council member Patrick Fiore voting in favor. 

The issue of the denial is more troubling as this same source advised that Mayor Stancyzk should also be able to explain EDC vision of desired municipality involvement since she volunteered to be on the EDC’s Economic Development Arm for South Miami-Dade County and Municipalities committee.  This committee is chaired by Cutler Bay Mayor MacDougall.  The responsibility for this committee is fostering support from the municipalities within the EDC’s service area.  The proposed resolution, sponsored by Councilman Howard Tendrich, was the stated mission of the EDC Economic Development Arm for South Miami-Dade County and Municipalities committee upon which she volunteered to participate. Mayor Stancyzk needs to either honor her commitments or get off the EDC and turn official participation over to someone else on the council who understands commitment and who does support economic development. 

This selfish and ill-advised action can cause rifts between inter-municipal cooperation.  We need leaders to work together to accomplished goals for the public good, not spite on another at our expense.  This is very troubling indeed and a full explanation and accounting is required

Why are Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser anti-economic development?

Howard Tendrich sponsored a seemingly innocuous, but important, resolution at the March 12, 2012, regular meeting of the Palmetto Bay Council.  This resolution expresses council support of the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade (EDC) in its goal to create a long term strategic plan to provide business assistance, business training and economic development for the South Miami-Dade and its surrounding communities.  There is no commitment of money sought from the Palmetto Bay council and the only result could be the improvement of the business corridor which in turn would create a healthy business environment and help businesses contribute more tax dollars to Palmetto Bay, which in turn would take a greater share of the tax burden off the backs of the residential taxpayers. (Click on the photo to view the full proposed resolution) This assumes of course, that the Mayor and Council actually pass the savings on to the residential taxpayers, that they don’t find a need to spend that new money on other projects.

The EDC is looking for partners to work on the large picture regional issue of revitalizing South Miami-Dade County.  They are looking to create a strategic plan.  A plan.  This current Mayor and Council do not have a plan for economic development.  A quality plan is sorely needed and the EDC is offering a gift horse looking the Mayor and Vice Mayor in the mouth.  

I worked with the EDC while Mayor of Palmetto Bay.  Palmetto Bay is not sufficient in size to open and fund a separate office of Economic Development.  Outsourcing with a regional partner is important as cost effective, especially where we incur very little if any cost.  But it requires a Mayor and Vice Mayor who are willing to teamwork with other entitles and share credit.

I am shocked to learn that this resolution was voted down by a 3 – 2 margin, with the current Mayor and Vice Mayor leading the denial. 

To the current Mayor and Vice Mayor:  In case you haven’t noticed there is an economic downturn in our communities and creation of jobs/development of resident friendly businesses should be a high priority.  I am at a loss to fathom any reason not to support the EDC in its effort to revitalize the area. 

EDC Meeting this Tuesday - Update by SFWMD on Deering Estate Flow-Way Project

Community Outreach Meeting

South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to present an update on the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project - Phase 1, Deering Estate Flow-Way Project

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, March 15th at 8:00 a.m.

TOPIC: Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project - Phase 1

Deering Estate Flow-Way Project

SPEAKER: Ed Hernandez, Director of the South Florida Water Management District

The Deering Estate Flow-Way Project is an investment of nearly $4.2 million. This project will:

•           Restore water to the historic Cutler Creek.

•           Result in a more natural overland flow of water.

•           Redistribute excess freshwater runoff.