Gold Medal Awards Seeking Firms Leaders Who Make Community Shine

Miami Today is accepting entries in the second annual Gold Medal Awards competition, which recognizes companies, institutions and individuals that are at the forefronts of their fields in South Florida.

The medalists and all entrants who have been honored in their respective industries during the past year will be prominently featured in Miami Today’s annual Gold Medal Awards edition March 15, 2001.

Respected judges will select gold, silver and bronze medalists among organizations and individuals.

Only those who have been recognized during the past year as leaders in their respective fields will be considered for the judging.

"We were overwhelmed last year by the number of highly qualified candidates in our inaugural awards competition," said Michael Lewis, publisher of Miami Today. "This gives us the opportunity to honor the best of the best and put them in the community spotlight."

Last year’s gold, silver and bronze medalists were Baptist Health Care Systems of Florida, St. Thomas University and United Parcel Service. Individual medalists were attorney Aaron S. Podhurst, Mercy Hospital President and CEO Edward J. Rosasco and John Hinson, president and CEO of Ocean Club Development.

Judging this year’s competition are:

nAdrienne Arsht, chairman of the board of TotalBank and chair-elect of the Beacon Council.

nPhilip Blumberg, president and CEO of American Ventures Realty Investors and chairman of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

nMario L. del Valle, president of Bank Atlantic for Miami-Dade County and chairman of the Beacon Council.

nAdolfo Henriques, president and CEO of Union Planters Bank here and chairman of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

nKimberly Kirschner, president of Kirschner Realty International and chairman of the combined commercial and residential associations of the Realtor Association of Greater Miami & the Beaches.

nPaul Sugrue, dean of the School of Business of the University of Miami.

nJ. Antonio Villamil, president and CEO of the Washington Economics Group and chairman of Florida’s Council of Economic Advisors.

Entry forms are available from Miami Today at (305) 358-2663, or by mail at P.O. Box 1368, Miami 33101. The deadline to enter is Jan. 5, 2001.

Winners will be honored as they receive their medals at a March dinner ceremony at the Ocean Club on Key Biscayne.