My Fellow SKALleagues,

Trust the New Year has begun well for you and business is improving!

SKAL Miami started the New Year on a high note for our January event with a tradition of honoring past presidents of which there were more than a dozen in attendance. Our reception and dinner was beautifully created at the Villa Woodbine on “Millionaires Row” in Coconut Grove by our very good friend and generous supporter Bill Hansen and his catering company colleagues. The weather was perfect with warm tropical breezes, a full moon lighting the mansion and outdoor patio with a full open bar all evening, passed hors d'oeuvre specialties followed by choices of entrée and dessert! This Mediterranean-Renaissance style mansion is leased to the Hansen’s who continue sharing it for special events such as ours for which we are most appreciative.

For our upcoming SKAL Miami February 8th event another tradition is celebrated with our annual invitation to the renowned Johnson & Wales University in North Miami. We will be feted by their culinary students and faculty professionals to a reception and dinner on campus entitled “Aceituna” overseen by our fellow SKALleague Alan Seidman, Chair of The Hospitality College. We are limited to the attendance and are close to a sell out so please don’t delay if you have not yet registered on evite.

Your officers and board look forward to seeing you all there

With Best Wishes and Yours in SKAL!

The March Dinner aboard the Biscayne Lady will also be SKAL Miami’s 2011 Annual General Meeting and installation of Officers and Board. At the meeting a President’s Report will be given that will include a 2010 financial report, proposed 2011 budget, and Auditor’s report.

Your Officers & Board for 2011/2012 are:

OFFICERS:
President: Haley Sofge
Vice President: Lupe Castillo
Secretary: David Ross
Treasurer: Barry Alipour

COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Communication & Membership: Robert Burke III
Programs: Xavier Lividini
Media: Laurel Herman
Public Relations: C.L. Conroy
Hotels: Robert Lacle
Restaurants: Ivette Day
Air: Robert Conser
Travel Insurance: Vince Grubb
Travel Agents: Nina Meyer
Govt Tourist Offices: John Lynch
SIUSA Reps: Robert Burke, (Carry over from 2010 election–2 yr term) and Bruno Perez
Sergeant at Arms: Luis Sanchez
Auditor: James Connell* (Carry over from 2010 election – 2 year term) Robert Garrity*
Executive Secretary/Treasurer: Jerry Eastep*
* non voting