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In honor of Earth Month, learn about how the Miami Beach Convention Center is investing in our venue and planet with the latest sustainability efforts. Earth Month takes place during April every year to raise environmental awareness and create consciousness around the issues that affect mother nature.
The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. The event was organized by Gaylord Nelson, a United States Senator from Wisconsin. He was inspired to action after witnessing the damage caused by an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969. Nelson realized that there was a need for everyone to become more environmentally aware and active in preserving our planet. He hoped that Earth Day would be a way to educate people about the importance of environmental protection.
The theme for Earth Day, Earth Week and Earth Month 2023 is , “Invest in Our Planet.” The focus is on engaging governments, institutions, businesses and the community to do their part because everyone is accountable. The theme calls on people around the world to recognize our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the planet and help accelerate the transition to an equitable, prosperous green economy for all.
The Miami Beach Convention Center and Campus is Miami Beach’s re-imagined centerpiece for meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and tradeshows. The newly $640-million-dollar renovated 1.4 million square feet venue includes a 60,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom with a 18,000 square-foot pre-function space, approximately 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 99,000 square-foot Grand Lobby, 84 breakout rooms, approximately 800 roof deck parking spaces and 9 acres of public green space with curated public art. Famed Fentress Architects and Architectonica collaborated to create a state-of-the-art sustainable design and eco-conscious operational procedures. Recycled materials are embedded throughout the building, with more than 20 percent of materials sourced locally in South Florida. Ninety six percent of construction waste was recycled, diverting more than 38,000 tons of waste recycling for this Silver LEED-certified facility.
In March 2023, the Convention Center team launched an Herb & Vegetable Garden, in partnership with Compost for Life Miami. The program takes leftover organics from the venue’s conventions and events and converts the waste into compost. This compost is then used in the herb and vegetable garden, creating a sustainable food system that reduces waste and provides real garden-to table dining. The goal is to create a calm environment for the culinarians and convention center team to tend, nurture and educate the community on gardening and sustainable practices. The vegetables currently planted include carrots, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, and the foliage is used for table garnishes and decorations. Moreover, solar powered lights illuminate the wooden fence surrounding the garden, which is made from recycled wood pallets from food shipments.
“We’re thrilled to bring this garden to life at Rum Room and Venu (and Convention Center Campus) to not only have access to fresh vegetables for our dishes, but to also extend our sustainability program at the convention center into these two new spaces in an exciting way,” said Danny Medina, Regional Vice President, Sodexo Live! – Miami Beach Convention Center food and beverage management.
The Convention Center is continuously working on how to make the venue more accountable. To that end, the team is working on building a robust sustainability plan that meets, supports and encourages meeting planners and show organizers expectations, including, rainwater harvesting, and solar tube installations.
Earth Day is held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, and Earth Week is held from Sunday, April 16 to Saturday, April 22, 2023.
For more information, including a free Earth Day 2023 Business Sustainability Toolkit – please visit https://www.earthday.org/
For more information, please visit http://www.miamibeachconvention.com/sustainability
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Women’s History Month, which dates back to the first Women’s Day in 1909, is one of the many moments in the year when the City of Miami Beach celebrates and highlights the contributions of women to our community and beyond.
The 2023 Women’s History Month theme, designated by the National Women’s History Alliance, is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” – honoring women who have devoted their lives and talents to making a difference.
This month we celebrate chef Samantha Cruz, the first chef of, the soon to be launched, Rum Room and Venu, located in the Miami Beach Convention Center campus in Collins Canal Park. Chef Cruz is a culinary dynamo and is bringing her innovative and creative style of cooking to Miami Beach Civic Center.
There is an old saying that “women make good cooks, but men make better chefs.” Setting aside this statement is false, it does give us a snapshot of how the culinary community has looked at the role of men and women in professional kitchens. With over 147,434 chefs currently employed in the United States, 25.2% women and 74.8% men, there is room for growth.
Sadly, women have had to fight for equality in the kitchen. However, equality is finding a seat at the dining table and making a meaningful positive impact. Inspiring female chefs and restaurateurs are showing the world they are capable of thriving and driving creativity in the culinary community. They have been tenacious and are now prospering and exerting influence within a male dominated industry.
Chef Samantha Cruz’ twelve (12) years of experience in fine dining and sports entertainment hospitality is rooted in her determination and resolve to do the unexpected with local produce and multi-cultural flair. A South Florida native, raised in Allapattah by a single mother, Chef Cruz is the eldest of nine siblings and was introduced to cooking by making lunches and dinners for her family. Raised on family recipes that reflect her American, Cuban, Peruvian, Dominican Republic and St. Croix heritage, Chef Cruz’ distinctive flavors are unique and familiar to South Floridian palates.
Chef Cruz’ professional career started after high school, as a restaurant food runner. Thereafter, her curiosity and ambition progressed from front and back of house to working as an Executive Sous Chef at hospitality powerhouses 50 Eggs Hospitality Group (Swine, Yardbird, and Kong River House), Grove Bay Hospitality Group (Big Easy and Glass and Vine), and as Chef de Cuisine at PLANTA in Coconut Grove.
Chef Cruz is passionate about food preservation, specifically the concept of preserving and pickling food naturally. Learned in her grandparents’ kitchen, preservation drives her old-world rustic style gastronomy. “We are using local and regional grown ingredients to make special food to delight residents, visitors and tourists,” says Cruz. “The Rum Room and Venue signature dishes range from the best version of everyday comfort food to the eccentric and extraordinary.”
Upscale menus, inspired by traditional Miami dishes and South Florida’s Caribbean roots, are inspired by the Rum Room, a 60-seat restaurant with tropical, 1920s Florida decor. Rum Room cuisine will incorporate Spanish features, like beans and sofritos, a nod to the Spaniards passing through Miami Beach in the early 20th century. Mixing Haitian, Latin, and Central American influences, Chef Cruz and her kitchen team are creating one-of-a-kind experiences – with authentic dishes such as “media noche” sandwiches made from sweet plantain dough, pan con bistec, croquetas, and tamales.
The Venu, formerly the 1916-built Miami Beach Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse, will give Chef Cruz opportunities to customize imaginative food and beverage menus for small gatherings, business meetings, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and more.
“Everything feels natural to me in the kitchen,” shares Chef Cruz. “I love cooking, making people happy, and being a role-model to the next generation of female chefs.”
The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is located at 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Rum Room is on the northeast corner of the MBCC Campus Center, where Washington Avenue meets Dade Boulevard. Venu is located in the 1916-built former Miami Beach Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse at 2100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Rum Room will be open for lunch and dinner and launch a Sunday brunch in early 2023.
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Simona Quispe, owner of Celmas Dry Cleaners, has been working in Miami Beach since the 80’s. A Bolivia native, Simona moved to South Florida and found her first job working at a dry cleaner located at Collins Avenue and 27th Street. With little or no experience in the dry cleaner industry, Simona found her passion and worked to develop her operational and management skills on the job. After a few years, Simona’s boss approached her with the news that he was moving abroad and offered her an opportunity to take over the dry cleaner. The self-described risktaker and proud and determined immigrant, jumped at the proposal, borrowed the money to buy the business and didn’t look back.
Celmas Dry Cleaners, currently located on 4111 Sheridan Avenue, has been serving the community for over 25 years. Offering several services including, but not limited to, professional dry cleaning and laundry, tailoring and alterations, and accessory and shoe repair. With a unique and creative vision and mission Celmas consciously strives for excellence, quality customer service, and delivering value to the community.
Celmas Dry Cleaner, like many, did not escape the negative impact of the global pandemic. Fortunately, Simona found relief via the City of Miami Beach Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus Emergency Small Business Reimbursement Grant Program, an initiative designed to assist businesses affected by the pandemic. Thankfully, Celmas Dry Cleaners remained open as an essential business although sales dropped significantly. The grant enabled Simona to cover a portion of her rent and upgrade to more efficient equipment.
In addition, as a participant in the Miami Beach program, Simona received business assistance from Prospera, a non-for-profit organization focused on providing capacity building support for businesses seeking to survive and thrive by learning how to focus and prioritize their goals and operations. With customized one-on-one assistance from a Prospera business consultant, Simona discovered the importance of having a digital marketing strategy to promote her business online and attract new clients while also engaging existing patrons. Simona attended the Spanish-language webinars, presented by the City of Miami Beach and Prospera on Business Continuity, helping develop business resiliency strategies that will allow her to be better prepared for future unforeseeable surprises.
Prospera worked with Simona to navigate and identify services such as educational training sessions, business advanced consulting, and access to capital. The strategy is strengthening Celmas Dry Cleaners’ ability to grow, prosper and contribute to Miami Beach’s small business ecosystem.
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Simona Quispe, owner of Celmas Dry Cleaners, has been working in Miami Beach since the 80’s. A Bolivia native, Simona moved to South Florida and found her first job working at a dry cleaner located at Collins Avenue and 27th Street. With little or no experience in the dry cleaner industry, Simona found her passion and worked to develop her operational and management skills on the job. After a few years, Simona’s boss approached her with the news that he was moving abroad and offered her an opportunity to take over the dry cleaner. The self-described risktaker and proud and determined immigrant, jumped at the proposal, borrowed the money to buy the business and didn’t look back.
Celmas Dry Cleaners, currently located on 4111 Sheridan Avenue, has been serving the community for over 25 years. Offering several services including, but not limited to, professional dry cleaning and laundry, tailoring and alterations, and accessory and shoe repair. With a unique and creative vision and mission Celmas consciously strives for excellence, quality customer service, and delivering value to the community.
Celmas Dry Cleaner, like many, did not escape the negative impact of the global pandemic. Fortunately, Simona found relief via the City of Miami Beach Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus Emergency Small Business Reimbursement Grant Program, an initiative designed to assist businesses affected by the pandemic. Thankfully, Celmas Dry Cleaners remained open as an essential business although sales dropped significantly. The grant enabled Simona to cover a portion of her rent and upgrade to more efficient equipment.
In addition, as a participant in the Miami Beach program, Simona received business assistance from Prospera, a non-for-profit organization focused on providing capacity building support for businesses seeking to survive and thrive by learning how to focus and prioritize their goals and operations. With customized one-on-one assistance from a Prospera business consultant, Simona discovered the importance of having a digital marketing strategy to promote her business online and attract new clients while also engaging existing patrons. Simona attended the Spanish-language webinars, presented by the City of Miami Beach and Prospera on Business Continuity, helping develop business resiliency strategies that will allow her to be better prepared for future unforeseeable surprises.
Prospera worked with Simona to navigate and identify services such as educational training sessions, business advanced consulting, and access to capital. The strategy is strengthening Celmas Dry Cleaners’ ability to grow, prosper and contribute to Miami Beach’s small business ecosystem.
Romina Orozco-Encio has been linked to Miami Beach for over 30 years and is the current business owner of Abbott Florist on Normandy Isle. Abbott Florist started in 1990 when Romina and her family came to Miami Beach from Argentina where her father had previously owned and operated a flower shop. Naturally, his first inclination was to open one of his own in the United States. After some time, the business was then handed down to Romina where she continued to operate it as a family-owned business.
As with any business that has been open for an extended period, Abbott Florist has endured and survived tremendous hardship. Abbott Florist has survived the recession post-dot com bubble, the 2008 Great Recession, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. As with many other businesses, Abbott Florist was closed for 5 months during the pandemic and times were looking grim. Unable to generate any sales, they were beginning to have trouble making the rent for the shop and were also unable to purchase any additional inventory since flower suppliers were also closed across the world.
But, as with any times of hardship in life, there are opportunities to give back. At the height of the pandemic, Miami Beach Commissioner David Richardson, hosted food drives for the residents of Miami Beach that were struggling to make ends. At those food drives, came the opportunity. Romina had been walking by the food drives and had inquired on how she would be able to assist with the effort. She was told that there was a flower supplier that was looking to get rid of their inventory. Romina contacted the supplier and was able to secure those flowers and used them to provide decorations for the long lines and people at the food drive. Such was the impact felt by the community that 2 years later, people still show up to Romina’s store and thank her for decorating the line with flowers and giving them at least a moment of happiness during those dark times. By giving back to the community, people still go and buy from her shop which in turn helps her business.
During this time of recovery, Romina was able to find assistance with the help of the City of Miami Beach and from Prospera. The City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department offered Miami Beach businesses a Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus or CDBG-CV grant that was designed to assist small businesses that had to shut down or were impacted due to the pandemic. Romina was able to apply for this grant and was awarded $20,000 of CDBG-CV funds that were used to catch up with rent and to purchase additional inventory now that her business was back up and running.
Through the Miami Beach Business Academy, Romina also received technical assistance help from Prospera free-of-charge. Prospera is a not-for-profit organization focused on providing technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs so they can better achieve their business goals. Romina attended one of the monthly webinars on capacity building, and in-person training sessions held over 4 days by Prospera focused on teaching entrepreneurs how to apply technology to their businesses, the fundamentals of technology, digital marketing, and cyber security. By attending the training sessions, Romina also had the opportunity to network with other businesses, community partners, banks, and won a laptop computer for her business.
Through the assistance of community partners such as the City of Miami Beach and Prospera and Romina’s entrepreneurial fortitude, Abbott Florist remains open for the community of Miami Beach, providing joy and flowers for the foreseeable future.
Miami Beach is a food and hospitality hub and Sandy Sanchez is an important ingredient in our culinary palate. Born in Hialeah, to Cuban parents Maribella and Rafael Sanchez, Sandy’s palate has always been infused with and influenced by Spanish, African and Caribbean spices, techniques and flavors. Sandy’s journey began in the 1950s, when her uncle, Frades Sanchez, migrated to the United States to play for the New York Yankees. After a career ending injury, Frades moved to Miami, and Sandy’s parents fleeing Cuba in 1960, joined him and settled in Hialeah. Maribella and Rafael, like many Cuban immigrants, were able to obtain factory jobs. Sandy remembers living in Hialeah across the street from the factory where her father worked and the sweet smells of her mom cooking in the kitchen. Mrs. Sanchez, an early entrepreneur, started cooking lunches for the factory workers and Sandy fondly recalls her home becoming a special place for workers, neighbors and the needy to come and enjoy homemade authentic Cuban food.
“I was inspired by my mom. She had an entrepreneurial spirit and shared her love of cooking with our community,” states Sandy. “My mom’s kitchen became a welcoming destination to gather, share, love, laugh and enjoy the best food in the neighborhood.”
Though Sandy moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, it was meeting the love of her life, husband Chef Benoit “Ben” Rablat, that is her warmest memory of her brief stay in California. They met in the Silverlake neighborhood, and it is there that they learned the joys of food and wine and fell in love with hosted dinner parties for our friends. It was also where the seed to one day opening a restaurant was planted.
Sandy and Ben’s first restaurant, La Fresa Francesa, a highly popular French eatery in Hialeah, is an intimate French bistro with a bohemian vibe. Following seven successful years as restauranteurs, the gastronomic risk takers sought to expand to Miami Beach….and Silverlake, a loving celebration of their affection for each other and food, was born in North Beach.
“The opening of Silverlake was a gamechanger for us and North Beach. We introduced a hot new restaurant with a warm and refreshing neighborhood aesthetic and North Beach gained a walkable family-friendly bistro. The combination of Ben’s delicious food and Sandy’s style and personality made Silverlake destination dining!” states David Sexton, president of the Normandy Fountain Business Association.
Sandy has poured her heart and soul into every detail of Silverlake, from music, artistic wallpaper, fun trinkets, and warm greetings for every customer. “We want to keep the place as humble as possible. I want it to feel like you are eating in my mom’s home or eating in your grandma’s home,” said Sandy, “There are no magical recipes, just the right combination of spices, love, warmth, culture and hard work.”
Favorites include Ben’s mom’s original French recipe for blue cheese, white wine, shallots and scallions mussels and the Silverlake burger, a double patty topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, steak sauce and aioli. Silverlake Bistro is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and brunch on Sunday. For more information, you can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/silverlakemiamibeach/. Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!
This August we spotlight Benefits Design Resources (“BDR”), a Black-owned independent insurance agency. Bill Warren, founder and owner, formed the agency to provide peace of mind and financial security in South Florida. Bill, who is originally from Virginia, has resided in South Florida for over 35 years after serving in numerous executive roles throughout his career.
Bill is a graduate of Virginia State University – Bachelor of Art (BA) and the University of Miami – Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), and is a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). With an impressive education and corporate career with several notable insurance companies including, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and Humana, it was a role with Travelers that brought Bill to Miami and eventually Miami Beach.
Bill boldly opened BDR, located at 407 Lincoln Road, in 2005. His vision was to create a Miami Beach-based insurance company specializing in the sales and management of health care, life and disability insurance products for businesses and individuals.
After 17 years in Miami Beach, BDR continues to focus on employee benefits and cater to small and medium-size businesses. The firm assists businesses with the marketing, operations, and management of employee benefits (such as health, dental, vison, life insurance and supplemental plans) and finds the best solution to meet business needs. Bill’s philosophy is to maintain quality employees, especially in a post-pandemic environment where employers have to adjust their benefits priorities to retain and attract top-tier talent. “My niche is to find the best employee benefits insurance solution for my clients by identifying the right balance from a cost/benefit perspective, “states Bill.
The global pandemic challenged and tested all small businesses, including BDR. Though Bill is thankful BDR survived and continues to provide employee benefits to assist clients struggling to motivate remote employees…it was not easy. Attracting new clients was BDR’s biggest hurdle, but fortunately Bill’s years of actively participating in the Miami Beach residential, social and business networks served to sustain the Black-owned small business.
An active member of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Bill is confident that his community engagement and local clients are a major element to BDR’s success. He is grateful that he can return to face-to-face meetings and in-person networking events, and continue to advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the South Florida business community.
A consummate volunteer, Bill supports numerous local not-for-profit organizations, is active with the Unity on the Bay nondenominational church and is a Miami Beach Democratic Club board member. Bill enjoys Miami Beach’s vibrant culture and energetic and diverse lifestyle that continues to welcome and challenge him to embrace change and innovation. A passionate supporter of sustainability and the environment, Bill barely uses his 3-year-old car and has only driven 6,000 miles with it. Bill prefers the ease of the Miami Beach trolley and using Citi Bike to explore the city including Flamingo Park, where he enjoys all the facilities and activities to round out his work life.
Bill’s message to other Black-owned businesses, this National Black Business Month, is to (1) embrace the unknown, (2) seek out a community where you are a part of a positive movement, and (3) make connections, a difference, and have fun. Success will follow.
The creation of James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz, Harry’s Pizzeria marks a return of the nationally recognized chef to the Miami Beach culinary community with his South Beach eatery in the heart of the Civic Center and Lincoln Road neighborhood. Schwartz dishes on his Miami Beach venture below:
Q: Why did you choose Miami Beach to open a pizzeria?
Schwartz: Thirty years ago, I made Miami Beach my home, so I have always had a soft spot for Miami Beach. As I watch Miami Beach grow and evolve as a youthful, vibrant and engaging community, it was only natural that I open a pizzeria in my backyard.
Q: What is your signature or most popular dish?
Schwartz: Pizza, of course! Though Harry’s Pizzeria has an expansive menu, including chicken wings, salads, mozzarella sticks and desserts, pizza is what we do best. Two favorite pizzas are the Short Rib pizza, which dates to the original Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink restaurant in 2007, and our Black Truffle pizza, which is a beautiful assortment of truffles and gooey fontina and taleggio cheese action going on.
Q: What do you want Miami Beach residents and visitors to know about Harry’s Pizzeria?
Schwartz: Harry’s Pizzeria is a quintessential neighborhood staple. We love being a meaningful member of the Miami Beach business community and providing great food, beverages, memories and more.
The City of Miami Beach Business Newsletter has a new look! After a comprehensive marketing and media analysis to attract local, regional, and national businesses, we are proud to unveil Make a Bold Move. The campaign focuses on marketing Miami Beach to companies of all sizes as a top destination that caters to the evolving lifestyle expectations of employees and employers who are in search of a better life-work balance.
Our new masthead is the first step of an ambitious Make A Bold Move campaign. The city’s Economic Development Department webpage, MBBiz.com, will reflect and embrace this new messaging and share regular insights into what Miami Beach is doing to attract businesses and higher-wage jobs through the city’s more flexible and balanced lifestyle.
The imagery and messaging behind Make a Bold Move will strive to influence businesses with aspirational and memorable content that embeds Miami Beach as a best-in-class business destination. The campaign aims to entice more business expansions to our shores and strengthen the overall Miami Beach portfolio of incentive programs, which continue to create, promote and nurture business opportunities.
Make a Bold Move amplifies the nationwide trend of companies relocating and expanding to more livable cities as the appeal of alternative work options and telecommuting continues to redefine the workplace. Flexible options have proven to be effective in attracting talent and business leaders as the world recovers from the impact of the global pandemic. Make a Bold Move leverages this mindset and promotes the new professional workplace landscape to build a more diverse economy and highlight Miami Beach’s many amenities, potential investments and opportunities. Our primary target audience is made up of founders, owners and C-suite decision makers in the technology and financial services industries. These firms have been generally located in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Connecticut in the past. The secondary target audience is made up of professional services firms and the hospitality, tourism, film and entertainment industries. Make a Bold Move emphasizes that opening or relocating to Miami Beach may seem like a daring move, but it also makes business and financial sense based on our incentives and tax structure.
Make A Bold Move is grounded in the fact that the work culture has changed. The ability to live a full life outside of work is becoming the norm, and companies that do not adapt will be left behind. The campaign encourages stepping away from the computer to inspire productivity and innovation. A place where work-life balance is non-negotiable. A city where you can catch a sunrise over white sand beaches by day, then is electric by night. It is not just a move – it is a solution. Miami Beach offers the perfect work-life balance, with excitement and experiences around every corner….it is time to Make a Bold Move…..for Better Opportunities……Better Lifestyle…..Better Inspiration…..Better Everything…..in Miami Beach.
HATS OFF TO TIM SCHMAND FOR A MAGNIFICENT JOB ON LINCOLN ROAD
After some time, Tim put on another hat as part-time security guard at the Historical Museum of South Florida, where after two years he was promoted to Associate Director of Marketing, Publications and Communications, and served as Manager of the museum store. Also an aspiring writer, Tim pursued and obtained a Master of Fine Arts. This academic achievement led him to his next chapter as a grant writer for the Science Museum (now the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science), Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and Bayfront Park Management Trust.
While working on a Shakespeare Festival grant for the Bayfront Park Management Trust, Tim was asked to assist with the operation of the Shakespeare Festival. This new hat led to a 25 year career as executive director of the Bayfront Park Management Trust, where Tim managed all aspects of Bayfront and Museum Parks. Under Tim’s leadership, the parks achieved $7.5 million in net revenue between 2003 and 2016 and attracted 8.5 million attendees to concerts, special events and community activations. One of his major accomplishments is the 2008 Ultra Music Festival in Bayfront Park that garnered numerous accolades, including inclusion in the Rolling Stone magazine Top 10 Concerts of the 20th Century in the United States—an honor shared with Woodstock Music and Art Fair (1969) and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, although he had been thinking about retiring, Tim picked up his hat in 2017 and joined the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District as Interim Executive Director, where he lent his expertise and knowledge to the transformation of the business corridor.
Tim attributes his interest in urban placemaking and vast knowledge of energizing outdoor spaces to, “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces”, a book by William H. Whyte. Tim credits the Whyte book, which launched a mini-revolution in the urban planning and design of public spaces, to guiding and transforming his views and management acumen on how public spaces contribute to the wellness of a community.
In 2017, Tim upgraded his hat to serve as the executive director for the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District.
“I bought my first gift for the love of my life on Lincoln Road,” shared Tim. “We bought our wedding rings on Lincoln Road, before we were married in old City Hall. Lincoln Road will always hold a special place in my heart.”
With his hat and heart in hand, Tim has led the mini economic revolution of Lincoln Road in his 5-year tenure. He has nurtured and built an internationally known destination robust with art and culture, world-class cuisine and retail, and family friendly programming. During the pandemic, Lincoln Road was severely impacted, like every global business district. Yet Tim embraced the challenge and his cultural experience to exhibit 13 monumental Botero sculptures on the pedestrian promenade from fall 2019 through spring 2020 — encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy Lincoln Road’s open space and engage with merchants offering take-out and socially distanced artistic entertainment.
When asked about his legacy, the soft spoken, charming, stylish and affable Tim shared that he wants to be remembered for being an urban and open space champion who dedicated his professional life to assisting merchants and evolving spaces from simple urban placemaking into memorable and near perfect commercial and outdoor spaces. Likewise, he hopes his influence has inspired residents, businesses and tourists.
“I am pleased and proud that Lincoln Road has emerged as an inviting urban public space with sun, shade, food, trees, fountains, entertainment and people,” said Tim. “As Whyte wrote 30 years ago, public spaces bring people together and Lincoln Road serves as an excellent sustainable example that continues to thrive. I am proud that, during the recent pandemic, the Lincoln Road leaders, members, team, and community opened and curated spaces that changed lives by uniting, engaging, and healing this community. Lincoln Road is special – it is where two strangers can meet and have a conversation, a couple can leisurely stroll, teens can enjoy a pizza, colleagues can have a cafecito, and everyone can partake in retail therapy.”
A graduate of State University College of New York, Tim also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Vermont College. Tim plans to add to his collection of books he has authored and published – “Just Johnson; The London Delivery,” and “The True Tales of Bad Benny Taggart.”
Hats off to Tim for everything he has done for the City of Miami Beach and Lincoln Road. His contributions and accomplishments are celebrated and we wish him well in his next chapter!
