Ribbon Cutting: BNI Lakes Connect

Business By Alexandra Herrera, Reporter Friday, September 19, 2025

     BNI Lakes Connect, the second chapter of the international networking organization to open in Miami Lakes, celebrated their formation with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Chela’s Cocteleria in Miami Lakes on Sept. 4. Business professionals have multiple places to make contacts and look for business opportunities: BNI Lakes Connect; BNI Miami Lakes and the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, who all sponsor training, events and networking parties in town.  

    Shown from left: Tico Casamayor, president of public relations, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce; Julio Menendez; Suhaill Morales, Esq; Matthew Casamayor, chair, Miami Lakes Economic Development Committee; Joey Sennett; Maria Carla Reyes, Esq., vice president, BNI Lakes Connect; Attorney Gloria Garcia, chapter president, BNI Lakes Connect; Ray Palacios, president, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce; Katherine Puig, treasurer and secretary, BNI Lakes Connect; Yaimet Palacios, member, Young Professionals Committee, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce; Councilman Juan Carlos Fernandez; Mayor Josh Dieguez; Councilman Alex Sanchez; Luis Luigi Gonzalez, BNI Lakes Connect  and Jessica-Lynn Zaldivar, member young professionals committee, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce. 

    Present but not shown: Vice Mayor Bryan Morera, Councilman Ray Garcia and Rodolfo Blanco, legal counsel Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce.