On March 28 over 160 business leaders gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Doral Golf Resort and Spa to commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the Doral & Airport West Chamber of Commerce.

The evening's speakers linked their remarks to the two major awards being presented, one for entrepreneurship and the other for community service.

Our congratulations to Carlos Rodriguez of Cardel Hospitality on being named "Entrepreneur of the Year", and to Ryder System for being awarded the "Corporate Community Service Award" for their decades long policy of giving back to our community.
It would be difficult to summarize the evening's comments--instead let me thank those whose participation made the dinner a success.

Thank you to: Medhi Gomeshi, President, Bank United; our keynote speaker Ralph Arza; Carlos Rodriguez, chairman, Cardel Hospitality; Gregory Swienton, president and COO, Ryder Systems; Tony Burke, president, the Tower Group; Pastor Steven J. Alessi, Metro Life Worship Center; the United States Southern Command Joint Color Guard; and our host for the evening, Beatriz Canals, WSVN 7 News.

Besides recognizing business accomplishments, the evening also recognized two outstanding members of our community.

Detective Gilbert Correa, who is based in the Doral District of the Miami-Dade Police Department, was named "Officer of the Year."

The "Lifetime Achievement Award" was presented to Barbara Thomas, president of ImagExpress and also a founder of the Chamber, who has given her time and energy ceaselessly for the past decade.

The evening was also a poignant moment for the Chamber--our dear friend and outstanding Executive Director Milton Piedra had announced his retirement.

For the past 10 years Milton has been the workhorse of the Chamber. The legendary "man behind the scenes" was thrust into the spotlight as he was presented with a proclamation issued by Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas citing him for all his accomplishments and naming March 28, 2000 as "Milton D. Piedra Day".

Chamber Registers Opposition to Proposed Juvenile Detention Center in Doral

The Chamber sent a letter to Governor Jeb Bush opposing a plan to lease state land to build a Juvenile Detention Center here in Doral. The proposed facility would be located on NW 97 Avenue between NW 25 Street and NW 33 Street.

We are confident that the Governor will recognize the devastating impact such a facility would have on our community.

Chamber Supports Recreational Facilities in Doral

The Chamber Board of Directors voted to support the development of parks and recreational facilities in the Doral area.

While much work has been already done in this regard to make the location of the parks are reality, Miami-Dade County claims it does not have the funds to put in the needed recreational facilities.

The Chamber will be announcing the first of many fundraising events to help make these facilities a reality.

To contact the Doral & Airport West Chamber of Commerce call 305 592 5141 or e-mail us at dawcc@msn.com.