The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce welcomed James Kohnstamm, director at Miami-Dade County Innovation and Economic Development, at its Aug. 13 luncheon.
Kohnstamm spoke before 80 business owners and most of the town council at Miami Lakes Hotel on Main.
“I lead the office of Innovation and Economic Development that is a program within the mayor’s office, to sustain our economic growth,” Kohnstamm said.
The office focuses on economic development, economic opportunity and economic innovation, he said.
Kohnstamm noted investments by corporations, including MSC Group’s headquarters in downtown Miami; more manufacturing businesses in south Dade and Carnival Cruise Lines’ new headquarters south of Miami International Airport.
“In the pipeline, we have aerospace manufacturing coming to town …we have financial services growing as well,” Kohnstamm said.
The office wants to strengthen international relations with Canada and Germany and support the agriculture industry.
The county had 350 [media] productions in 2025, which resulted in 17,000 jobs, he said.
Strive305 promotes Dade County Federal Credit Union’s RISE program, which offers loans to small firms.
“This is a program the mayor created in her first term …We’re meeting them where they are,” Kohnstamm said.
For innovation, his office is working to improve county services in transportation, access to housing and waste diversion.
The next luncheon is Sept. 10, with guest speaker María Carla Chicuén, executive director, Cultural Affairs, Miami Dade College.
On Oct. 17, the organization will host its inaugural black-tie gala, with fine dining and entertainment and a silent auction to benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets: $185 early-bird ticket until Sept. 10 and $225 after Sept. 10; $200 program sponsor; $350 silver sponsor; $1,800 table sponsor. Miami Lakes Hotel on Main, 6842 Main St. 6:30 p.m. To register go to MiamiLakesChamber.com or call 786-663-5448.
The group also announced plans for its 25th Annual Networking Business Expo. To be held Nov. 5 at Miami Lakes Hotel on Main, it’s free and open to the public.
Chamber members may purchase a display table at a discounted rate; there will be $1,000 in prizes given away to those who are present. In addition to the exhibitors, complimentary food from local restaurants will be served. The Expo will run from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Register for the next chamber lunch or the Expo at MiamiLakesChamber.com.