MIX & MINGLE WITH CHAMPIONS IN THEIR FIELD AS MBCC HOSTS THE 4th ANNUAL “CHAMPIONS OF BUSINESS” LUNCHEON AT THE NEW FORGE RESTAURANT|WINE BAR
August 13 at 11:30 am
The event is open to the public and tickets are available starting at $60 for Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce members and $75 for guests, with sponsorship opportunities starting at $700.

Individuals who register prior to August 6th will have exclusive access to “The List” so make sure to reserve your seat today.

For more information or to RSVP, please call Valerie Rasken at 305-695-6833 or valerie@miamibeachchamber.com.

Young and notable business professionals from around the community will join the Emerging Leadership Council of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce (MBCC) to experience and learn from the best of the best at the 4th annual “Champions of Business” Luncheon. On August 13, 2010, individuals will have an opportunity to not only enjoy the divine creations of the newly improved and most iconic restaurant in town, The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, but interact with a discussion by a panel of champions in their field.

“Tomorrow’s Leaders, Leading Today,” is the Emerging Leadership Council’s guiding principle and with Chairman Jason Hagopian, Principal of TSAO Design Group, they have created an event that will teach individuals what it takes to grow a business from vision to success story.

This year’s 2010 “Champions of Business” panelist discussion will begin at 11:30 am and will be moderated by Michelle Villalobos, principal of Mivista business skills training, and Willard Shepard, investigative reporter for NBC 6. Panelists include:

· Ricky Arriola, President & CEO of Inktel Direct Corp, a leading service provider in the direct marketing industry, specializing in call center, ecommerce, distribution, operations, consulting and database marketing services, is a leader in his field. Ricky has been selected as one of Poder Magazine’s 23 leaders under 40 years of age making a difference in South Florida and has received the 2010 “Ultimate CEO Award” from the South Florida Business Journal. Among other things, Ricky is Chairman of the Board of the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and serves on President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and on the National Finance Committee of the Democratic National Committee.

· Misha Kuryla-Gomez, owner and creator of Misha’s cupcakes. Misha began her empire from the comfort of her own home and, through word of mouth and business administration expertise, grew to flourish as a pillar in the South Florida area. While continuing to spread the sweet aromas of her confections, she opened a location in South Miami and is continuing to distribute a wide variety of local restaurants, markets, hospitals, and salons, with custom creations available. Having newborns in the house, it was difficult for Misha to stay away from her children, so she pursued her passion and creativity and has built an empire with plans to expand internationally.

· Shareef Malnik, owner of The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar, is a dynamic entrepreneur whose principal desire is to redefine the dining experience. Growing up with a father who loved fine food, wine, and hospitality, Shareef got his first taste of the restaurant business as a busboy at his father’s restaurant, eventually becoming the sole proprietor in 1991, creating an true dining and entertainment experience. As the Forge approached the 40th anniversary in 2009, Shareef decided to take his culinary grande dame into a new era and has now created a living space where people can enjoy a five-course meal with wine pairings or order a burger and a glass of wine by the fire. He is an avid adventurer and active in the community and while serving on numerous arts and civic organizations, including Chairman of the InterContinental Make-A-Wish Ball, he continues to provide a venue with a history and a future.

The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1921 to promote the economic well-being of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community, and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy.