Details

Published: May 07 2012

L to R: Luis Capó, George Yap, Alberto Perlman, Laurans Mendelson, Harry Kraemer (Keynote Speaker), Michelle Bernstein, Nelson Fernandez, Alberto Gil and Al Fernandez.

500+ Attendees Participated in the Second Annual Event Which
Connected Emerging Business Owners with Successful Entrepreneurs & Experts

HOLLYWOOD, FL – (May, 7, 2012) Entrepreneur Summit 2012, presented by Hispanic Unity of Florida (HUIF), was recently held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino with more than 500 people participating in the successful day-long learning and networking event.
 
Attendees included a mix of business-owners, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 companies, economic development specialists, small business experts, educational institutions, media and corporate partners and others interested in entrepreneurship. The second annual event offered excellent networking opportunities with seasoned experts providing attendees with a variety of resources to help grow their businesses.
 
Eloy Rodriguez, graduate of the HUF/SCORE Emerging Entrepreneur program said, “For someone who is trying to build from scratch, the Entrepreneur Summit gives you strong insight and a feel for how much work you have to put into the development of your business and the steps you need to take to make it happen.”
 
Jane Wooldridge, executive business editor, Miami Herald kicked-off the early morning Plenary Session with a riveting presentation to 175 guests entitled Dream the Future. Joining Jane for the session was HUF’s 2011 American Dreamer honoree, Mark Llano, CEO
Source One Distributors, Inc. This was followed by four workshops, each attended by 150 attendees, which delved into Financing, Digital Marketing (in English and Spanish) and Selling.
 
“Thank you for giving BrowardSCORE the opportunity to participate in such a well-organized event. We are proud of our partnership,” commented Eric Thompson, Chairman, BrowardSCORE.
 
The day also celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments of business leaders. Outstanding South Florida entrepreneurs were recognized during the American Dreamer Awards Luncheon. Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr., executive partner with Madison Dearborn, one of the largest private equity firms in the United States and a professor of management and strategy at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management gave an enlightening keynote speech based on his book, From Values to Action. He touched upon the four essential principals for real success – self reflection, balance, true self confidence and genuine humility.
 
Congratulations on an outstanding event! It was well run, educational, and very inspiring,” said Janet Goldstein, Director, Hudson Center of Entrepreneurship and Executive Education, H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University.  
 
The 2012 American Dreamers honorees were individuals who stood out for their steadfast success, business acumen and community service, included:
 
ANF Group, Inc., Al Fernandez, Nelson Fernandez and Alberto Gil, general contracting and construction management services; Michelle Bernstein, one of South Florida’s most well-respected and successful chefs/restaurateurs; Luis Enrique Capó, president of El DORADO Furniture; Alberto Perlman, CEO and co-founder of Zumba Fitness, LLC, Laurans A. Mendelson, CEO of HEICO Corporation one of the 100 Best Small Companies by Forbes Magazine and L. George Yap, Chairman and CEO, LEASA Industries Co., Inc.
“South Florida continues to be a leader in new business startups and second stage expansions as more entrepreneurs venture out with dreams of starting their own business. The Entrepreneur Summit provides resources and tools to help them succeed,” said Josie Bacallao, President and CEO of Hispanic Unity of Florida.

Entrepreneur Summit 2012 was made possible from the support of Sponsors: ANF Group, Inc., Ambit Advertising and Public Relations, Ana G. Méndez University System, AT&T; Bank of America; Baptist Health; BB&T; Citrix Systems; Coventry Healthcare of Florida; Credit Suisse Securities USA, LLC; Cupcake Clara; Flowers by Malena; Humana; JM Family Enterprises, Inc.  and Southeast Toyota Distributors; J.P. Morgan Chase; Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University; Maroone, an AutoNation Company; MasTec, Inc.; Montero Law Center; Nova Southeastern University; NuPress Printing; Regions Financial; Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; State Farm,  Wells Fargo; and Zeno Office Solutions.
 
Media Partners included: Comcast; Ciudad Weston; el Venezolano; La Familia of Broward; Portada; Salud al dia; el Sentinel; Univision 23; enUSA, WSVN Channel 7 News and Weston Lifestyle.
 
Marketing Partners included: ACCION USA; Black Chamber of Palm Beach County; Broward College; Broward SCORE; City of Miramar Economic Development;
City of Hollywood; City of Pembroke Pines Economic Development; Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce; Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce; Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce; Florida Small Business Development Center in Broward; Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; GBS Group, Inc; Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; HBIF of Florida; Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce; Hallandale Chamber of Commerce; Italy American Chamber; La Familia de Broward; Latin Chamber of Commerce of Broward County; Margate Chamber of Commerce; Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce; North Miami Chamber of Commerce; Puerto Rican/Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Broward County; Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce; Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency;  Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce and Weston Business Council.
 
Hispanic Unity was founded 30 years ago by community leaders to ease the acculturation transition for newcomers from other nations. Today this nonprofit provides assistance through 21 programs - in three languages - to Broward’s diverse community.  Hispanic Unity remains the county’s largest agency dedicated to the immigrant population, providing them with the tools they need to build a new life. In 2011, the agency served 20,000+ clients, from toddlers to adults. The agency offers assistance in six Broward County sites. Its mission is: Empowering Hispanics and other members of the community to become self-sufficient, civically engaged and lead productive lives.