MIAMI – The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce will host its 4th Annual Holiday Gala, “Progress: The New Currency,” on Saturday December 5, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Miami.
A cocktail reception will begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and an award ceremony following at 7:30 p.m. The Gala has become “the event” of the holiday season, honoring the accomplishments of professionals and businesses in the South Florida community. The “progressive” theme for the night is a tribute to the Chamber’s continuous efforts to move forward in this time of economic uncertainty.
The high-profile social event is expected to draw over 700 of South Florida’s savviest and most successful business.
Among the festivities, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce will honor three of South Florida’s most well-respected business and philanthropic leaders throughout the night.
Receiving the H.T. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions of community leadership and philanthropic endeavors is famed attorney and community activist, Dr. Larry R. Handfield.
Larry Handfield
The Distinguished Service Award will be awarded to the president of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Bill Talbert, who has demonstrated community leadership, sparked inspiration and spearheaded a successful international effort to drive unprecedented economic development in Miami’s hospitality and travel industry.
Bill Talbert
Finally, the Citizen of the Year Award will be presented to former Dade Community Foundation president, Ruth Shack, whose selflessness, foresight and guidance has contributed immeasurably to the quality of life in our community.
Ruth Shack
Keeping Gala attendees grooving will be the Leesa Richards band, a nine-piece top 40 musical ensemble, led by popular chanteuse, Leesa Richards.
“This is the event of the year for the minority business community. We will celebrate the many accomplishments we had in 2009 and look forward to new partnerships for 2010. The Chamber invites all business, civic and community leaders, elected officials and budding entrepreneurs to join us and celebrate the Chamber’s successes, especially our progressive efforts and activities on behalf of small, minority and women-owned businesses,” stated President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Bill Diggs.
Bill Diggs
The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce Holiday Gala has earned a well deserved reputation as one of the most anticipated corporate and social events of the holiday season, featuring stellar entertainment, fine food and a diverse mix of South Florida’s corporate leaders. Attendees can expect to enjoy an elegant and fun evening of networking, dining and dancing.
Please join us for an unforgettable evening, a celebration of true excellence and extraordinary entertainment. Businesses may purchase corporate tables for $1,500, while individuals may purchase tickets for $150 each. For tickets and more information please contact Beverly James at 305-751-8648 or visit www.m-dcc.org.
This year’s top corporate sponsors include Macy’s, Carnival Cruise Lines and FP&L.
