Week 8/20/25 Newsletter - Coral Gables Turns Green:SFLHCC 7th Annual Sustainability Conference & Green Visionary Awards
- Aug 20
- 7 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Coral Gables Turns Green:
SFLHCC 7th Annual Sustainability Conference & Green Visionary Awards
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Sustainability was the hottest ticket in town as the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) rolled out the green carpet at its 7th Annual Sustainability Conference & Green Visionary Awards Luncheon, hosted in timeless style at The Biltmore Hotel on August 15, 2025.
Presented in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, this year's theme, "Confronting Global Climate Change for a Better World: Shaping a Resilient Tomorrow with Energy, AI, and Waste Reduction," had attendees buzzing with eco-enthusiasm.
Panel with Some Serious Green Credentials. No snooze-fest here! The panel brought together an all-star lineup: Peter Yeo from the UN Foundation (global perspective, anyone?), Katherine Cue Fuente (PepsiCo's local sustainability star), Ron Magill of Zoo Miami fame (and flamingo favorite), digital detective Jovianna Gonzalez, waste wrangler Mike Fernandez, and Ford's sustainability driver Al Collazo. Jorge Hernandez, beloved news anchor from Televisa Univision Miami, guided the lively discussion, adding a dash of star power and Miami flair.
Awarding the Brightest Green Lights. The highlight? The Green Visionary Awards celebrate South Florida's heroes of sustainability. From the zero-waste strides of Sneaker Impact to the untiring cleanup crew of the Mendieta family and education crusaders at Barry University's Earth Jurisprudence Center, applause echoed for:
STARS Foundation - Egleevelyn Nunez-Sancristobal
FPL - Armando Frnando
South Beach Wine & Food Festival - Ashley Shapiro
Sneaker Impact - Moe Hachem
Commissioner Micky Steinberg, District 4
United Nations Foundation, Better World Campaign - Peter Yeo
Carnival Cruise Line - Benton Lobo
Coastal Cleanup Initiative - Skyler, Elle, Nicholas, and Alex Mendieta
Ford Motor Company - Albert Collazo
Center for Earth Jurisprudence, Barry University - Jonathon J. Keene, Esq. & Margaret R. Stewart, Esq.
Blue Missions - Danny Rodriguez
Birds and iguanas can also rejoice: The SFLHCC Foundation presented the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment with a $7,500 check, continuing support for Florida's wildest residents.
Thank You, Sponsors and Supporters! None of this would have been possible without dedicated sponsors and engaged attendees, proving that a cleaner and more innovative future is just the beginning when South Florida's business community joins forces.
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Celebrating Black Business Month:
Honoring Innovation, Resilience, and Entrepreneurship
 August is National Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Black-owned businesses and their integral role in uplifting local economies and enriching our communities. At the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC), we believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and mutual support among all business owners, regardless of background. Black entrepreneurs have a rich history of overcoming challenges, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing significantly to the economic landscape. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 3.12 million Black-owned businesses nationwide, generating hundreds of billions of dollars in annual revenue and inspiring future generations. Throughout August, SFLHCC encourages our members to: 1. Support Black-Owned Businesses: Make a conscious effort to shop at Black-owned businesses locally or online. Simple acts like purchasing from a Black-owned restaurant or service provider help empower entrepreneurs and foster a more inclusive business environment. 2. Network and Collaborate: Reach out, connect, and partner with Black business owners. Diverse partnerships enrich our professional experiences and open doors to new opportunities and ideas. 3. Share and Learn: Use this month to learn about the history and achievements of Black entrepreneurs. Amplify their stories, celebrate their successes, and promote their businesses through your networks. 4. Attend Community Events: Look for local events highlighting Black businesses and entrepreneurs. Participation shows support and builds a stronger, more unified South Florida business community. By championing Black Business Month, SFLHCC reaffirms its commitment to promoting equality, inclusivity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our region forward. Let’s continue to lift each other and celebrate the diversity that makes South Florida thrive! Happy Black Business Month from the entire SFLHCC family! |
   | SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez Joins Esteemed Leadership Panel for Poder TalksSFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez was pleased to participate in an invitation-only panel discussion at the recent PODER Talks event, “The Future of Leadership!” The private session brought together an esteemed group of three CEOs and a select audience of senior executives to discuss the transformative challenges and opportunities facing leaders today. During the interactive panel, Lily and fellow prominent figures shared their personal experiences, explored emerging trends, and discussed how leadership is evolving for the 21st century. The event featured a dynamic exchange of ideas and created valuable networking opportunities for all attendees. SFLHCC thanks the organizers and looks forward to continuing these critical conversations on leadership and innovation. |
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The Scouting Joining Season is Upon Us
If you know some youth that need to get outdoors, meet new friends, and explore life, now is the time.
In South Florida, there are over 200 groups throughout the area.
Programs start at Kindergarten and go through age 21.
Boys and Girls!
When you are a part of the Scouting family, a network of great properties also opens up across the nation and world, but check out the local camps in Davie, Homestead, and the Florida Keys
To find a program near you, please visit
Or
New Business and Economy Data Webpage
Introducing the new Business and Economy Data webpage (census.gov/economicdata), where users can find a useful variety of economic statistics, data stories, and visualizations.
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Register for Our Upcoming Events!
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SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez Awarded with the Fútbol Americano NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award in 2016
 | Facts About Cuban Exiles (FACE) Announces New Chairman Nelson Albareda, Honors Outgoing Chairman Mario Murgado Facts About Cuban Exiles (FACE) proudly announces a new chapter in its leadership as Nelson Albareda, Founder and CEO of Loud And Live, steps into the role of Chairman. A Cuban-American entrepreneur and GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, Albareda brings visionary leadership and a legacy of innovation to the organization. |
SFLHCC Quick Read
SFLHCC Annual Sustainability & Green Visionary Awards Luncheon Featured in Miami Herald
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CHAMBER MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
HCA Florida Mercy Hospital Invites Community to 75th Anniversary Mercy Mass
Diamond Jubilee celebration returns outdoors, bayside at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital
HCA Florida Mercy Hospital will host its 75th Anniversary Mercy Mass on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, the hospital’s patroness. This year’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration will be held outdoors, bayside at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital, returning to its traditional setting after several years indoors due to COVID precautions.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with the Holy Rosary, followed by Holy Mass at 6:30 p.m., celebrated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski. The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy is observed annually by Catholics worldwide, recognizing her intercession as a source of strength for those facing physical, psychological or spiritual challenges. The community gathering unites patients, families and neighbors in prayer and reflection.
“The Mercy Mass is a tradition that reflects our mission to care for the whole person — body, mind and spirit,” said Allyssa Tobitt, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. “We look forward to welcoming the community to join us in honoring Our Lady of Mercy.”
The community is invited to attend this special celebration. Registration is available at http://bit.ly/4nOVzY1.
The Women's Fund of Miami-Dade Impact Collaborative: "No Trafficking on the Road to the World Cup Games: A Global and Local Collaboration"
Date & Location: Thursday, September 4th, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Virtual event via Zoom Webinar
Description: Major international sporting events like the World Cup bring visitors, excitement, and economic opportunities to our region, but they can also create heightened risks for exploitation and trafficking, especially for vulnerable women and girls. The Honorable Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, The Office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, the Consulates General of Canada, France, and Mexico, and more partners to be announced join your Women’s Fund Miami-Dade as we invite you to this special virtual Impact Collaborative that will bring together local leaders, consular corps, community partners, and experts, to share best practices, spark solutions, and protect potential victims of exploitation. As Miami prepares to host the world, it’s critical to work together, share best practices, and coordinate meaningful action to keep our residents and guests safe. Anchored in our Freedom from Violence pillar, this important conversation will highlight how we can collectively prevent and address human trafficking before and during these global sporting events.
Link to get registered: RSVP for free: https://womensfundmiami.org/event/september-impact-collaborative-no-trafficking-on-the-road-to-the-south-florida-games-a-global-and-local-collaboration/
Pricing: Free Zoom webinar. Donations are always welcome: https://womensfundmiami.org/donate/
Any Contact Info to include: daniella@womensfundmiami.org
Goodwill South Florida Presents Rythm &Threads:
A celebration of People and Purpose
WOW Experience 2025
This WOW Experience invites you to celebrate not only our amazing individuals, but also YOU — the champions who bring love, joy, life, and color into every inch of our campus.
This unforgettable night brings together our community to raise vital funds that empower over 200 adults with developmental disabilities to lead meaningful, independent lives. It’s not just an event — it’s a celebration of purpose, progress, and the incredible spirit of our WOW individuals.
Remember to Maximize Your Benefits
Survey Closes August 29, 2025
We Need Your Voice! Take the Survey Today 🌟
As part of our ongoing commitment to support local businesses and our workforce, SFLHCC is seeking YOUR input. This short survey will help us understand current workforce challenges, potential layoffs, skills gaps, and areas for new growth so we can better advocate for you and connect our community to training and employment resources.
(Estimated completion time: 5 minutes; responses will remain confidential.)
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) has announced an exciting partnership with CareerSource South Florida to deliver enhanced services to its members. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and resources of both organizations to benefit businesses and job seekers within the community.
 Santiago Gaitán Fajardo Project Manager and Digital Strategy Americancol |
Schedule your Appointment for the New Year Now!
Thursdays with Lily
Chamber Member Announcements
Do you have an Ad or content you want to display in the SFLHCC Newsletter? Email info@sflhcc.com for the requirements and availability |
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A"Business Minute with Lily Lopez"
"A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring Marco Rubio, US Senator (FL) | A "Business Minute with Lily Lopez" Featuring US Senator Rick Scott (FL) |
Click below to access "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" on YouTube
