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Front Page » Business & Finance » Merger of Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber pushed

Merger of Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber pushed

Written by on October 4, 2016
  • www.miamitodayepaper.com
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Merger of Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber pushed

A merger would benefit the Beacon Council and Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as a shared CEO and resources streamlined and strengthened economic development efforts, some leaders are saying.

County Commissioner Xavier Suarez said publicly this week that he agrees with a Sept. 8 Miami Today editorial that timing is perfect to search for just one CEO now that both groups are seeking one. The editorial said a merger could better lure top talent, sharpen focus and command more government respect.

In a formal meeting with Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava to discuss Beacon Council efficacy, Mr. Suarez told council Chair Jaret Davis that the $3.7 million a year the council gets from the business surtax would be more effectively used if the council and chamber merged.

Ms. Levine Cava said she shares the concerns of many that the county might not be getting the full value of the business tax and would like the Beacon Council to explain more clearly what it does. She’s talked to people on both sides of the merger idea, although she said most don’t favor it.

Mr. Davis said the Beacon Council will investigate a merger. Several people have proposed it, he said. “We are open to the idea.”

In a written statement Tuesday, Mr. Davis said the Beacon Council has considered strategic partnerships with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and similar entities for years. “We recognize that the simultaneous vacancies in chief executive positions provide a natural catalyst to revisit these talks. As part of our fiduciary duty to our stakeholders, we are having informal discussions with local leaders.”

But, he said, “before any serious discussions of any strategic partnership may occur, we would need to analyze the risks and benefits.”

2 Responses to Merger of Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber pushed

  1. Jose Pepe Cancio

    October 5, 2016 at 8:15 am

    I’m glad that the great idea of Michael Lewis on September 8 of possible merger between the Beacon Council and Miami Chamber of Commerce, will be brainstorm,discuss,analyze and maybe implemented in the future, cost and benefits are the name of the game in any move or merger, as I made a comment published in Miami Today, regarding this issue 3 weeks ago

  2. Dinah

    October 6, 2016 at 5:20 am

    Yes! Finally someone writes about SPOOLER.

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