Writer: Jerrica DuBois
2 min read September 2023 — South Florida will continue to be a leader and one of the most innovative markets in the country, according to business and political leaders gathered today at the official, in-person launch conference for the eighth edition of Invest: Miami, published by Capital Analytics Associates.
Held at the Scott Galvin Community Center in the city of North Miami, the conference highlighted insights and perspectives on the region’s business climate. The event featured three panel discussions centered on the professional services sector, decision-making in today’s economic climate and how to continue and sustain Miami’s growth.
In her opening remarks, Capital Analytics’ CEO Abby Melone provided an overview of the current economic climate of Miami. The region is booming, and there are several factors that make it attractive to the business community and investors, she said.
“Miami is where we started with our very first report and we are extremely pleased to share this latest edition here with you,” said Melone. “A diverse and tax-friendly business environment, a young and diversifying population, diversity in educational offerings — it all adds up to economic success – and not just from the region’s tourism juggernaut. The steps taken to broaden Miami-Dade’s appeal to new businesses is apparent in Miami’s growing reputation as an entrepreneurial and innovation hub. In fact, the Kauffman Index again ranked Miami No. 1 for startup activity in the nation. It is also among the Top 10 most attractive metro areas for investment, according to the CBRE.”
The first panel of the conference, Adaptation & Ingenuity: What the professional services industry is doing to adapt to the now and prepare for the future, was moderated by Scott Brandman, managing partner for Miami-New York of Baker Mckenzie. Panelists Albert Primo, chief innovation officer at Kaufman Rossin; Ray Jimenez, vice president of sales – LATAM & U.S. South at Check Point Software Technologies Inc; Craig Armstrong, managing partner of Hancock Askew and Co LLP; and Jeff Watts, head of corporate banking for Florida and Alabama of Valley Bank discussed the importance of embracing AI and its potential impact.
The second panel, Future Focused: How decisions being made in the present will affect the county’s future, was moderated by Arden Karson, CEO of Karson & Co. Speakers Jason Spiegel, co-founder and managing partner of Freebee, Neil Hall, the interim executive director of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, and Mayor Alix Desulme of the city of North Miami discussed transit challenges and the importance of collaboration.
The final panel, Innovation & Sustainability: Understanding what will be the keys for sustained economic success in an uncertain future, was moderated by Mayor Howard Weinberg of the city of Aventura. Jonathan Hage, founder, president and CEO of Charter Schools USA, Daniel Salas, vice president and general counsel for SoLé Mia, and Reinaldo Borges, principal and CEO of Borges & Associates, shared their thoughts on the defining characteristics of South Florida.
For more information, visit: https://www.capitalanalyticsassociates.com/
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About Capital Analytics & Invest: Miami 2022-2023
Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.
Invest: Miami 2022-2023 is an in-depth economic review of the key issues facing the region’s economy, featuring the exclusive insights of prominent regional leaders. Invest: Miami 2022-2023 is produced with two goals in mind: 1) to provide comprehensive investment knowledge on Miami-Dade County for local, national and international investors, and 2) to promote Miami-Dade County as a place to invest and do business.
The report conducts a deep dive into the top economic sectors in the region, including real estate, construction, infrastructure, banking and finance, legal, healthcare, education and tourism. The publication is compiled from insights collected from more than 200 economic leaders, sector insiders, political leaders and heads of important institutions. It analyzes the leading challenges facing the market and uncovers emerging opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.
For more information, contact:
Max Crampton-Thomas
Regional Editor – South
305-523-9708 ext. 233
