Entrepreneurs from northwest Miami-Dade County gathered at the Miami Lakes Hotel on Main for the 24th Annual Business Expo, presented by the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
“We feel great, we are about to have if not the biggest, one of the biggest attendances for any of the expo’s we have done,” Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce President Fred Senra said.
Participants enjoyed presentations from more than 40 businesses and sampled bites from four restaurants. Exhibitors won prizes for creative displays. Raffles happened through the evening, with items donated by business owners. The winner for having the best table this year was Hemisphere Title Company whose owners President Patricia M. Gonzalez and Vice President Natalee M. Lima chose a tropical motif; Hemisphere also won in 2023, with a cowgirl theme.
Specialty Smiles won second place, with a pink and blue design that matched their logo.
First Origin Mortgage Lenders brought back their 360-video booth and won third place.
Master of Ceremonies Mario Ramil helped give away prizes and handed out wine; champagne; gift certificates for services from vendors; branded merchandise; food baskets and even a domino table.
Ramil, a comedian and Miami Laker, also donated four tickets to his upcoming show at the Miami Improv, another prize from the chamber.
The businesses brought their best efforts to create a fun and festive atmosphere, and energy in the ballroom was high.
“We’re very proud, we have a lot of new businesses,” Senra said of the participating companies.
Children from Our Lady Lakes Catholic School chorus performed for the crowd.
A non-profit, 4Kids Inc., presented their services at a chamber luncheon this year and has received donations from the chamber.
4Kids Inc. helps kids and teens in the foster care system find homes, especially young adults who have aged out of the system.
“Very definitely we made great contacts” said Martha Gonzalez-Rovirosa, partner engagement officer for 4Kids Miami. “It’s very helpful for what we’re trying to do in Dade County.”
Gonzalez-Rovirosa said 4Kids Miami will attend next year’s expo.
“Miami Lakes has been a blessing to us in many ways,” Gonzalez said.
The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon in December. To reserve a seat and for more information go to MiamiLakesChamber.com.