Fred Senra, President, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce

In an interview with Invest:, Fred Senra, president of the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce, discussed the chamber’s recent achievements, including community involvement, attracting younger members, fostering business growth, supporting economic development, and promoting collaboration through networking and events.

What have been the most significant achievements for the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce in the past year?

I would highlight our involvement not just in the business community, but in the broader town as well. For example, recently, we sponsored a political forum featuring mayoral candidates and one council seat candidate. This was our first time participating in such an event. At our monthly luncheons at the Miami Lakes Hotel, we also made changes this year. We invited three sheriff candidates for informational purposes. This was important because our county hasn’t had a sheriff in many years. A big step for the chamber is our international connections. Recently, we met with the mayor of Seville, Spain, and signed an agreement to support each other. Their main goal is to establish a direct flight from Miami to Seville, and we’re working on this with people in the airline industry. Previously, the chamber was limited to luncheons and a few events, but we realized that to be a true chamber of commerce, we had to offer full service. I believe we’ve accomplished that.

How has membership growth evolved in the chamber, and what do you see as the main driver behind this growth?

We are well-known in the community, largely due to our social media presence. In the past three years, we’ve posted over 600 times. Our membership continues to grow each year, despite the occasional loss of members due to business closures. Overall, we’ve seen steady growth. One achievement we’re proud of is attracting younger members, something we hadn’t done before. About three years ago, we formed the Young Professionals Committee, which includes people from real estate, banking, dentistry and investment firms. This committee has been crucial to our success. Young professionals are the driving force behind the chamber, attracting others and keeping things moving. Unlike some organizations where the same people stick together, we’ve worked hard to break that mold and be inclusive.

What strategies does the chamber employ to help businesses navigate the challenges posed by today’s economic climate?

We’re always available to assist businesses with whatever they need. Having been in business for many years, I offer a lot of expertise. In many ways, we serve as mentors, especially for young professionals and new business owners who may have the passion but lack practical experience. We also bring in guest speakers at our monthly luncheons, ensuring they represent a variety of industries. The goal is to provide relevant insights and support to our business community. For example, a young man with an advertising agency asked to meet with me weekly for advice. For about six months, he’d come to my office, prepared with questions and ready to learn. I’m not claiming to know everything, and neither does our board, but we’ve been in business a long time. I started young and have had my share of successes and failures. This experience allows me — and the chamber — to serve as a living encyclopedia of business operations. We’re here to help however we can.

How do the networking opportunities provided by the chamber benefit local businesses, and what success stories can you share?

While I can’t document outcomes in every instance, we’ve facilitated countless connections between local business owners. Whether individually or through events, we help people explore collaborations or partnerships. Every month, we host a networking event at a local business — this could be a restaurant, salon, doctor’s office or clinic. These events, along with ribbon cuttings and monthly luncheons, have been very successful in fostering relationships. Interestingly, not all attendees are chamber members, but many join afterward. Seeing the chamber’s focus on business and community, rather than just being social, encourages membership. It’s all about people. No matter the business, people are the most important factor. In today’s digital age, where so much happens online, personal interaction is more valuable than ever, and these events foster human connections that technology can’t replace.

How is the chamber supporting economic development and redevelopment efforts in the area?

Right now, developers are building upward due to limited land availability. For example, the Graham Companies just completed nearly 300 rental apartments and are starting another 300-unit project. A few years ago, they completed another development along Main Street with about 400 luxury apartments. This growth is great for Miami Lakes — it’s a renewal of our town. More young professionals are moving in because it’s more affordable to rent here than in places like Brickell. Despite occasional commuting hassles, our location near major highways like the Palmetto, I-75 and the Turnpike is ideal.

Miami Lakes is maintaining its small-town atmosphere while reinventing itself. Many businesses are investing in this growth. Of course, some businesses fail, often due to a lack of knowledge or proper coaching. Just having money isn’t enough — you need to understand the business. Overall, our community is filled with professionals, with many children and grandchildren of original residents returning. A great example is the Cao family, owners of Vicy Bakery, with around 35 locations across South Florida. Families like the Olivas, known for their cigars, and former Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas also live here. Miami Lakes has a unique attraction not found in many other communities.

What are your top priorities for the chamber in the next few years?

One of our top priorities will be electing a new president next year. I firmly believe leadership must evolve — you need new blood and fresh ideas. We’re preparing for an election in January, and while I’ll stay on as an advisor for a year or two, I’m confident the chamber is in a stronger position than ever due to our community involvement. A couple of years ago, we began awarding scholarships, something the chamber had never done before. This year, we hosted two major events — a masquerade ball and a golf tournament — planned quickly and held just five days apart. Despite that, we made a profit on both events. Rather than keeping the money, we donated it to local nonprofits, including the Arc of South Florida, Gigi’s Playhouse, 4KIDS, Zonta Club of Miami Lakes, and Angels Reach Foundation. We plan to continue these events and are already working on next year’s golf tournament and another masquerade ball.

Innovation is key. We don’t want to get stuck doing the same thing year after year. We aim to keep things moving, maintain synergy with the community and collaborate with entities like the Economic Development Committee and BNI. Unlike in some places, where organizations don’t communicate well, we all work together here, coordinating networking events to ensure everyone benefits from shared efforts.