Business Networks - FIU College of Business

Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame ceremony celebrates a different kind of green.

2008-07-02T13:19:00.000-05:00

View video tribute to Malcolm Butters.

Each year, the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame (EHOF) induction ceremony and luncheon, the College of Business Administration’s largest alumni event of the year, makes a glittering mark. On May 8, 2008, 450 guests—including many alumni and former inductees—celebrated the tradition for the ninth time.

Malcolm Butters (MBA ’83), president and co-founder of Butters Construction & Development, Inc., was inducted in the founder category; and Ignacio Urbieta Jr. (MBA ’85), co-owner and CEO, Urbieta Oil Company, was named the inductee in the builder category. In addition, Sergio Pino, chairman and president, Century Partners Group, received the 2008 South Florida Entrepreneur of the Year award. A well-known South Florida entrepreneur, Pino has established thirteen successful companies bearing the Century name.

“The 2008 inductees into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame demonstrate how entrepreneurship can be combined with a concern for environmental issues.”

—Joyce J. Elam, executive dean

View video tribute to Ignacio Urbieta.

The focus underlying the ceremony wasn’t only on the green representing monetary success, but also on how entrepreneurship and a concern for the environment can go hand in hand.

Executive Dean Joyce Elam commented on this relationship, noting that, “The 2008 inductees into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame demonstrate how entrepreneurship can be combined with a concern for environmental issues. Butters now designs all buildings to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification standards, so that they will be ‘green’ ones that benefit their occupants and have minimal effect on the environment, and Urbieta’s firm was the first E85 ethanol provider in South Florida.”

For Monique Catoggio (EMBA ’03), director of advancement and alumni relations, the office that organizes this event, the annual gathering brings excitement, with this year’s enlivened by two alumni from the 1980s, who prompted her to reflect on what makes the EHOF ceremony so special.

Two alumni bring the idea of sun and heat to the event.

“Our first inductee into the EHOF, Bob Bell (BBA ’81), founder of Banana Boat Suncare and chairman and CEO of Sea & Ski Corporation, joined us and promoted his best-selling book From Lifeguard to Sun King: The Man Behind the Banana Boat Success Story, published in April, 2008,” she said. “In addition, alumnus Mike Baiamonte (BBA ’86), Voice of the Miami Heat, energized the audience like never before. Their presence reminded me how very special our alumni are and how they have not only transformed their lives via their talents and businesses, but also how they have helped to build the strong community that we are today.”

View video update about Erica Courtney's (EMBA '07) firm-Biodiversity & Company-and its accomplishments since she won the New Venture Challenge in 2007.

Erica Courtney (EMBA ’07), president of Biodiversity & Company and winner of the 2007 New Venture Challenge, also attended and provided an update of her venture’s progress over the past year.

A panel of judges that includes past inductees as well as event sponsors and business leaders in the community selects the inductees. The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, WorldCity, NBC 6, and Telemundo 51 were among the media sponsors. Financial sponsors included SunTrust Bank, Miami; Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLP; and Adorno & Yoss. The ceremony took place at Jungle Island on Watson Island, Miami, Florida.

Innovative web sites capture major prizes in 2008 Entrepreneur Challenge Business Plan Competition.

2008-07-02T13:14:00.000-05:00

View video highlights of teams and team members competing at the 2008 Entrepreneur Challenge Competition.

With rich cash awards and a forum for budding entrepreneurs to pitch their business and investors to speak about what they want out of a start-up opportunity, the Entrepreneur Challenge Business Plan Competition, hosted by the Eugenio Pino and Family Global Entrepreneurship Center at Florida International University, consistently creates excitement and opportunity.

On May 13, 2008, twenty of South Florida’s leading entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts evaluated the business plans of ten finalist teams, with a total of $25,000 awarded to the winners and runners-up in the investment track and a new social track. Concepts embraced non-profits and for-profits in industries such as Internet, green technology, social networking, education, and entertainment.

Winning companies seek to empower others.

From left, Go Global Education team leader Archie Jeter with Mike Tomás of The ASTRI Group and president of the Eugenio Pino and Family Global Entrepreneurship Center’s Board; Colleen Post, associate director of the Center; and Alan L. Carsrud, executive director of the Center

Web site Go Global Education, provider of standards-based online global education programs to U.S. public, private, and charter schools, won the investment track, which the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation sponsored.

“The inspiration came from my passionate belief in the importance of having a global perspective,” said team leader Archie Jeter (MIB ’06). “I’m from a small city in the Midwest but had the opportunity to live in Spain, Australia, and Peru. Broadening your horizons, opening up your vision, and increasing your knowledge of the world empowers you.”

From left, My Daily Cause team leader Justin Vizaro with Lorenzo Lebrija of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Alan L. Carsrud, Pino Center executive director; and Karym Urdaneta, Pino Center program assistant

My Daily Cause, a web site that aggregates charities and other non-profit organizations in a way that allows individuals to donate in small increments via a click-through business model, captured the social track prize. Justin Vizaro, a twenty-year-old International Business Honors student, led the team.

“A tremendous number of people want to be involved with non-profit organizations or charities, but lack the extra time or money,” he said. “Our idea is to get college or high school students to put some of their daily computer time to use, empowering them to make a difference in the non-profit world, and getting them involved with organizations that make a difference.”

First-time judge Lorenzo Lebrija (MBA ’07, BA ’00), program director, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which sponsored the social track, was impressed with the event and with what he heard from the competitors.

“The presentations were innovative in the issues they were tackling and their approaches to those issues were good,” he said “The idea behind My Daily Cause was so simple that we all thought ‘Wow, why didn’t I think of that. This really seems to work!’”

The Miami Herald and HSBC Private Bank provided additional support for the event. The traditional investment track of the competition is open to all Florida International University students or alumni, with the social track open to all South Florida residents.

Groundbreaking study tracks the distinctive characteristics of social entrepreneurship.

2008-07-02T13:11:00.001-05:00

Colleen Post

Ashoka, the global association of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs, has elected more than 2,000 leading social entrepreneurs as Ashoka Fellows, providing them with living stipends, professional support, and access to a global network of peers in more than sixty countries.

In examining the work of these Ashoka Fellows, a question comes to mind: How do social entrepreneurs compare with commercial entrepreneurs?

A recent research project conducted by Colleen Post (MBA ’03, BFA ’00), associate director, Pino Center, and adjunct professor in entrepreneurship, management, and international business; and her colleague, Moriah Meyskens, a PhD student studying management and international business in the College of Business Administration, took on this query and in the process created a database of social entrepreneurs.

“Our research is one of the few larger-scale empirical studies of social entrepreneurs,” Post said. “Much case work has been done, but the field needs more quantitative research. We hope this database will help drive it in that direction.”

The study focuses on identifying patterns and relationships surrounding the strategies employed by social entrepreneurs and their ventures and comparing them to existing patterns and relationships previously identified in commercial entrepreneurship-related literatures.

The findings, which indicate that social entrepreneurs demonstrate similar patterns to commercial entrepreneurs, are assessed through two different lenses of analysis—alliances and knowledge management. Statistically significant relationships were found between alliances, funding sources, innovation, and ease of replication.

The research report, entitled “Social Venture Strategy from a Global Perspective: An Exploratory Study Assessing Ashoka Fellows,” was accepted for presentation at the prestigious 2008 Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference held June 4-7, 2008, at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

International MBA offers exciting support for prospective, incoming, and graduating students.

2008-07-02T12:56:00.000-05:00

A group of seven admitted IMBA students participated in the first “IMBA for a Day,” meeting in the Special Events Center with present and former students and program personnel.

Thirty-five years ago, David R. Parker, chief operating officer, The Archstone Partnerships, and chair of the Florida International University Foundation Board of Trustees, received a life-changing opportunity upon completing his graduate work at the Harvard University Business School.

“Rather than leaping right into the workforce, I took advantage of a Frederick Sheldon Traveling Fellowship that enabled me to combine travel and study at points throughout Europe during a seven-month period,” said Parker, who studied the automakers in each country—during the volatile period of the early 1970s—while getting a sense of each culture and gaining confidence that helped him later operate at the highest corporate levels.

With ties to Harvard and Europe, Parker opts for donating to his local public university.

A move to Miami, which brought him in contact with the university, prompted his interest in creating a similar opportunity for graduate students in the College of Business Administration’s International MBA (IMBA) program.

“As a citizen of Miami, I wanted to contribute where I lived, and to do so in a way that matched what I had experienced as part of my graduate work.”

—David Parker, chief operating officer, The Archstone Partnerships and chair, Florida International University Foundation Board of Trustees

“Public universities are incredibly important, as I know from personal experience,” he said. “I would have been unable to obtain my undergraduate degree otherwise. As a citizen of Miami, I wanted to contribute where I lived, and to do so in a way that matched what I had experienced as part of my graduate work.”

Tomislav Mandakovic, associate dean, Chapman Graduate School of Business; Paola Moreno (MBA ’03), associate director, International Graduate Programs; Jessica Aristizabal (MBA '07); and Tania Frederic, program coordinator, International Graduate Programs, meet with students at third “IMBA for a Day” on June 25, 2008.

Over the past several years, fifteen IMBA students with at least a 3.25 GPA have benefited from $1,000 awards from the endowment Parker established.

“The students select the schools they want to attend over the summer, with the Chapman Graduate School having established some guidelines for the programs, including the opportunity for the students to take courses, make company visits, study the language, and sightsee,” said Paola Moreno (MBA ’03), associate director, International Graduate Programs.

Each student writes a short report about his or her experiences to fulfill Parker’s modest requirement that he “be able to see how the study-abroad was useful to them.”

According to Dana Farrow, professor, Department of Management and International Business and IMBA faculty director, who also sees the reports, “All who go feel the experience is very important in giving them a different academic view and immersing them in another culture.”

New scholarships expand opportunities and reward excellence for graduate students.

Parker’s scholarship stands alongside two others that the Chapman School has more recently secured to help attract students with high GMAT scores to both the IMBA and Master of International Business (MIB) programs. Former Chapman School Dean José de la Torre was committed to expanding the number of scholarships the Chapman School offers.

“Thanks to the generosity of Espirito Santo Bank and Mercantil-Commercebank, we will be awarding at least three scholarships to outstanding students entering these programs,” Moreno said.

International MBA students get a taste of what awaits them.

Seven admitted students for the International MBA (IMBA) program in the fall of 2008 received “an opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to be an IMBA student,” said Paola Moreno (MBA ’03), associate director, International Graduate Programs, of the inaugural “IMBA for a Day” event on April 8, 2008.

The group met with an IMBA graduate; a current student; Tomislav Mandakovic, associate dean, Chapman Graduate School; Dana Farrow, professor, Department of Management and International Business and IMBA faculty director; and program administrators.

Tamara Benitez called it “a great eye opener. Speaking to the administration and the IMBA students gave me a much better picture of what to expect. Meeting my peers and sitting in on a class gave us a sense of unity, and the program hasn’t even begun. I left feeling excited and scared but more motivated than anything else.”

Sean Wiborg found it “extremely helpful in making my final decision, and I had a good time getting to know everyone.”

A second “IMBA for a Day” took place on May 28, 2008, with Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam participating. The day’s agenda included a Q&A session, lunch, a tour of the new building complex, and the chance to interact with program personnel as well as with current and past students. A third session took place on June 25, 2008.

Two new books take larger-than-usual view of global competition.

2008-07-02T12:42:00.001-05:00

Watch Jerry Haar’s discussion of his two new books.

Within one week, Jerry Haar, associate dean for international affairs and projects, and professor, Department of Management and International Business in the College of Business Administration, saw the publication of two books he co-edited: Can Latin America Compete? Confronting the Challenges of Globalization with John Price; and Small Firms, Global Markets: Competitive Challenges in the New Economy, with Jörg Meyer-Stamer. They are number thirteen and fourteen in Haar’s active publication history.

Orientation of the books gives broad perspective . . . outside the firm and beyond borders.

The timeliness of the subject matter and the thrust of the content have quickly secured a high profile for the books.

“Instead of looking at what goes on only within the firm or at the macro level, Can Latin America Compete? explores all the prerequisites necessary for firms to compete in the global economy.”

—Jerry Haar, associate dean for international affairs and projects, and professor, Department of Management and International Business

“Instead of looking at what goes on only within the firm or at the macro level, Can Latin America Compete? explores all the prerequisites necessary for firms to compete in the global economy,” said Haar, who has another book and a number of journal articles underway. “The book covers what I call the plumbing and electrical circuitry of competitiveness: taxes, education, logistics, judicial reform, human capital, the ability to harness technology, and the physical infrastructure.”

It has drawn praise from reviewers in the online version of Time, America Economía magazine, and Foreign Affairs, the principal publication of the highly respected Council on Foreign Relations. Already in its third printing, a paperback version, which will make it more accessible for use by professors, journalists, policy analysts, and the public at large, is due out in the early fall.

The second book focuses on small firms and whether they can survive globalization. The authors answered with a resounding yes.

“Using cases from Mexico, India, Spain, Italy, and Nigeria,” Small Firms, Global Markets applies a global rather than a regional focus to see what it takes for small players to compete.”

—Jerry Haar, associate dean for international affairs and projects, and professor, Department of Management and International Business

“Using cases from Mexico, India, Spain, Italy, and Nigeria,” Small Firms, Global Markets applies a global rather than a regional focus to see what it takes for small players to compete,” Haar said.

From Haar’s perspective, the book demolishes many myths, including the notion that smallness hampers success. In fact, in many ways, it’s an asset.

“Small firms have access to much of the same technology that larger firms do, so the questions are how they make use of it and how innovative and entrepreneurial they are,” he said.

New research direction further broadens Haar’s vision.

Both volumes fit with the general direction of Haar’s research, which has involved “the nexus between the business environment and corporate strategy, structure, and operations,” though he notes that his research “is now moving in the direction of looking at themes that directly affect this linkage, such as national innovation systems.”

Student volunteers put tax expertise to work for Sweetwater residents.

2008-07-02T12:27:00.001-05:00

VITA volunteers from Florida International University with Manny Morono, mayor of the City of Sweetwater at the podium, and Sharon Lassar, director, School of Accounting, to his right. The students had completed twenty hours of volunteer work in the VITA program for 2008, many at Sweetwater’s VITA sites, and were able to participate in the IRS’s “National Stimulus Day,” during which taxpayers could have their economic stimulus returns prepared free by VITA volunteers. The event took place on March 29, 2008. View interview with Ana M. Raposo, IRS Senior Tax Consultant.

This tax season, 288 taxpayers in Sweetwater, Florida, got the help they needed to prepare and file their 2007 tax returns, thanks to a group of tax-savvy Florida International University students who participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA offers free tax help to low-to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. To qualify for the program, 26 students—twenty from the College of Business Administration and six from the College of Law—took the necessary training and certification exam, then held multiple sessions in Sweetwater.

Steven Vogel, visiting instructor, School of Accounting, served as faculty advisor and helped coordinate activities with the School of Accounting, whose director, Sharon Lassar, offered “encouragement and moral support.”

As part of the program, the students worked closely with three Sweetwater VITA site coordinators, including Katrina Valiente, who has overseen the completion of more than 900 tax returns in the past three years.

“Working with the students was a privilege,” she said. “They were always motivated to help and gave a 100-percent effort.”

According to Lassar, participating students earned extra credit for the accounting course of their choice.

“This provided added incentive and reward for a great group of students who volunteered their time and talents to help others handle the often-daunting tax preparation task,” she said.

VITA volunteers help a community and gain career insights.

“...while what we did for the people in Sweetwater seemed so simple, it was always greatly appreciated.”

—Asma Hood, student and VITA volunteer

Asma Hood, a senior majoring in accounting and management, found participating in VITA to be rewarding and motivating.

On May 7, 2008, the college hosted a reception for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers. Sharon Lassar, director of the School of Accounting, front row left, and the students were joined by Ana M. Raposo, IRS Senior Tax Consultant, and Ronald W. Albert IRS Territory Manager, far right.

“I was debating whether to pursue a career in accounting or taxes,” she said. “But after the VITA program, the choice seems clear. What can I say . . . I like figuring taxes!”

She added that “while what we did for the people in Sweetwater seemed so simple, it was always greatly appreciated.”

A special VITA volunteer recognition ceremony was held on the University Park campus on May 7, 2008, during which Ana M. Raposo, senior tax consultant with the IRS office in Miami, thanked the students and site coordinators.

“You all worked hard this tax season to provide a valuable service,” she said. “I am sure the university is very proud of the caliber of students you are setting forth to represent your school. And I would like to thank you for our valued partnership and hope to continue to bring free tax preparation services to the residents of our county by providing more students the opportunity to reach out and lend a helping hand to those who need it the most.”

Jesse Miller (MBA ’06)

2008-07-02T12:21:00.004-05:00

View full interview with Jesse Miller (MBA ’06).

Jesse Miller (MBA ’06)

Manager, Equipment Rental

Midtown Video

After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan with majors in philosophy and computer science, Jesse Miller (MBA ’06) was pursuing career opportunities in California in 2003 when he received a call from his father asking him to return to Miami and help his family’s business “on the management side.”

He’d devoted his summers since 1984 to working for the company, Midtown Video, and figured that his undergraduate education, particularly in computer science and information technology, would be helpful. So he returned to Miami.

When he learned about the college’s new Downtown MBA program, he jumped at the chance to enroll because of Florida International University’s excellent reputation and because the program was so “convenient, would take less than two years to complete, and would give me the information I needed to know: finance, legal issues, HR, supply chain, and customer relations.”

Transfer pricing holds clues to international money laundering, terrorist financing, and more.

2008-07-02T12:13:00.001-05:00

View entire video interview with John Zdanowicz.

Combine an economist, a detective, and a pioneer and you end up with John Zdanowicz, professor and Florida International Bankers Association Chair, Department of Finance and Real Estate in the College of Business Administration. For years, he has followed an investigative path that began with a study of international trade patterns, moved to international trade pricing, and recently has focused on transfer pricing and trade financing.

“The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) created the term transfer pricing, which has to do with abnormal pricing, such as overvaluing imports and undervaluing exports,” he said. “It focuses on transactions between what the IRS calls ‘related parties,’ such as a subsidiary dealing with a parent company, or two subsidiaries dealing with each other.”

“As an economist, I believed that in an efficient market, the same product should not sell for two different prices in two different markets.”

—John Zdanowicz, professor and Florida International Bankers Association Chair, Department of Finance and Real Estate

Zdanowicz the economist first looked at international trade flows, but the detective in him awakened quickly.

“As an economist, I believed that in an efficient market, the same product should not sell for two different prices in two different markets,” he said. “When I began to look at the pricing parameters of various products traded internationally, I discovered some significant discrepancies. I also discovered that no one had a price list for the world, and that’s where my research eventually led.”

New web site brings together years of data in highly usable form.

The data he has assembled interests many sectors, including banks that must show a process that ensures they are not inadvertently financing illegal international transactions, and law enforcement agencies. His recently launched web site, www.internationaltradealert.com, enables interested parties to check prices and determine if they are out of line.

“No one can scrutinize the price of every product going in and out of every country to detect pricing anomalies,” he said, “but the site enables users to characterize the risk of transactions and examine suspicious ones.”

Research attracts attention from U.S. Senator from Michigan.

Recently, Elise Bean, staff director, permanent subcommittee on investigations for U.S. Senator Carl Levin, contacted Zdanowicz for more information about his pioneering work.

“The subcommittee conducts investigations into money laundering and offshore tax abuses, among other topics,” she said. Noting that she has “followed your work over the years on transfer pricing as a mechanism for money laundering, tax evasion, and capital flight,” she asked him to point her to studies of his that would show an estimate of “the annual tax revenues lost from corporate transfer pricing abuses.”

The Florida International University’s Center for International Business Education and Research (FIU-CIBER) has helped fund such research by Zdanowicz.

What are the best tax strategies for 2008? Plan ahead.

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Sharon Lassar, director, School of Accounting. View full interview to
learn more.

Death and taxes. Both are unavoidable, as the old saying goes. But with careful planning, businesses and individuals can take steps now to reduce—or at least better manage—the pain when next year’s tax deadlines roll around.

According to Sharon Lassar, director, School of Accounting in the College of Business Administration, it’s not too early to start reviewing 2008 tax strategies—especially in light of the current economic downturn.

What every business should consider . . .

“Whether your business is making or losing money, now is a good time to talk to your financial advisor,” she said. “Your CPA or tax accountant can help you make the best business investment, purchasing, or expensing decisions as you move through the year. You can explore different ways to borrow money or raise capital to reach your desired objective while minimizing your tax situation. Taking the time to discuss options now gives you the opportunity to think through decisions before you fully engage them.”

Certainly, the state of today’s economy combined with the credit crunch comes into play for businesses of all sizes.

“This is a good time to re-evaluate your current business tax strategy and make appropriate adjustments,” Lassar said. “You might, for one thing, consider slowing down deductions and adjusting the depreciation rate on capital additions for longer-term benefits.”

Actions individuals can take.

For individuals, Lassar recommends taking the time to review your personal 2007 tax situation closely and compare it with predicted 2008 income, expense, and investment opportunities.

“If, for example, your income is decreasing, you should re-evaluate your withholding allowances so that you don’t end up paying too much toward taxes this year,” she said.

Lassar stresses one key bit of advice for individual taxpayers: always remember to pay yourself first.

“Take advantage of any opportunities to save for retirement,” she said. “Next, consider saving for your children’s college education. If you are able, you also can think about gifts to other family members.”

“Be sure and check in with your financial advisor in the summer months or early in the fall to review your personal tax situation, as this gives you time to change direction if your situation has shifted.”

—Sharon Lassar, director, School of Accounting

Other suggestions?

“This year, we’ve already seen a downturn in stock portfolios,” Lassar said. “Now is a good time to review and restructure your stock investments. You might consider selling some investments and recognizing losses as a way to offset potential gains.”

She also suggests that individuals review itemized deductions and consider alternating itemized and standardized deductions from one year to the next.

Bottom line, no one likes taxes but everyone has to pay them.

“You can’t make taxes go away, but you can plan proactively to minimize the tax bite,” Lassar said.

Executive Dean’s contributions are crystal clear.

2008-05-12T15:47:00.001-05:00

The traditional 10th anniversary gift is tin; the modern, aluminum.

From left to right: philanthropy award winner Irela Bague, entrepreneur award winner Patricia Thorp, AXA Advisors sponsor Luis Chiappy, Coral Gables Chamber Chair Carolina Rendeiro, public service non-profit award winner Virginia Jacko, Coral Gables Chamber President Mark A. Trowbridge, corporate award winner Penny Shaffer, and international business award winner Joyce J. Elam. Photo courtesy of Alberto Romeu Studio.

However, with her tenth anniversary as executive dean of the College of Business Administration approaching, Joyce J. Elam received an exquisite crystal vase on April 4, 2008, as one of the five winners at the AXA Advisors 2008 Businesswomen of the Year Awards.

Though not an anniversary gift per se, the timing made the recognition—from the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce—even more special.

“I was honored to be selected for this award from among so many outstanding women,” said Elam, who also is James L. Knight Professor of Management Information Systems and vice provost of FIU Online.

Now in its fifth year under the sponsorship of AXA Advisors, the Businesswomen of the Year Awards recognize women who live or work in Miami-Dade County, who are members of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession and a commitment to serving as role models for other women.

Elam won in the international business category, sponsored by Regions Bank. The other categories were entrepreneur, corporate, philanthropy, and public service/non-profit. Wanda Trouba, Regions Bank vice chair, business and economic affairs division, presented the award and read the citation.

Elam’s achievements show range of her commitment to quality.

The citation noted that Elam is “a recognized expert in the strategic uses of information technology, management of the IT function, and uses of IT in individual and group decision making and learning . . . has published extensively in academic journals, has had experience in executive development programs and consulting, and is a frequent speaker on management information systems topics as well as on women in leadership topics at national and international meetings.”

“We are extremely proud of her and the impact her leadership has had and will continue to have on our community.”

—Irma Becerra-Fernández (PhD ’94), Knight Ridder Research Professor, Department of Decision Sciences and Information Systems

Two-time Emmy Award winner Laurie Jennings, anchor and reporter on WPLG–Local 10, emceed the event, which fifteen finalists and approximately 200 supporters attended.

“The competition was arduous, but our dean clearly emerged as the most deserving winner, and we are extremely proud of her and the impact her leadership has had and will continue to have on our community,” said Irma Becerra-Fernández (PhD ’94), Knight Ridder Research Professor, Department of Decision Sciences and Information Systems. Sharon Lassar, director, School of Accounting, noted, “It was good to see that the community recognizes her leadership in developing world class international business programs at the university. We are proud and fortunate to have such an innovative leader.”

Terry Witherell, associate vice president, University and Community Relations, Florida International University cited Elam’s “outstanding work toward bringing the status of our international programs to the highest level. Due to her perseverance and vision, we are now credible players in this arena. This renown serves to float our institutional balloon ever higher toward a goal of perceived excellence for our university.”

She shared the enthusiasm of the two faculty members concerning Elam’s leadership.

“Whether she realizes it or not her day-to-day leadership has a profound influence on many of us . . . her village of admirers,” Witherell said.

Miriam Lopez, chief executive officer, TransAtlantic Bank; Julio Ramirez, executive vice president of global operations, Burger King Corporation; and Toni Randolph, Randolph Family Foundation, were the judges.

Lectures grace spring calendar.

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View McKinney’s entire lecture.

Two recent lectures in the College of Business Administration drew audiences that may have differed in their business interests, but not in their enthusiasm for what the speakers presented.

On March 24, 2008, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor, Harvard Business School, spoke about “Leadership Skills for Changing Times: Creating Innovative Businesses and a Prosperous America” to an audience of approximately 75. Two days later, real estate “artist” Frank McKinney, a builder of homes with price points in excess of $50M captivated a similar number with an energetic message aimed at the members of the sponsoring organization, the Real Estate Student Association (RESA), and the Finance and Real Estate Department.

McKinney gives audience insights into selling wisely to the wealthy.

For Sam Kantor, president of RESA, McKinney’s appearance was a personal validation of persistence—a good skill in any business field. McKinney came to campus thanks to Kantor’s follow through after inviting him. It also was a chance for Kantor to hear how McKinney has built a business selling to the ultra-wealthy and to learn where he sees the market going.

“McKinney stressed the need to know the market for your product, to understand risk, and to give back to the community.”

—William Hardin, associate professor, Finance and Real Estate Department and director, real estate programs

Sam Kantor

According to William Hardin, associate professor, Finance and Real Estate Department and director, real estate programs, “McKinney stressed the need to know the market for your product, to understand risk, and to give back to the community.”

“I was happy to see RESA becoming active and look forward to more events like this,” said John Zdanowicz, professor, Department of Finance and Real Estate and director of the Jerome Bain Real Estate Institute, which funded refreshments and is financially supporting RESA.

Kanter lecture explores principles of leadership.

“Kanter provided a rich perspective on how to foster and nurture the next generation of leaders in the global environment,” said Sumit Kundu, Knight Ridder Center Research Professor, Department of Management and International Business. “She drew on ideas set out in her latest book, America the Principled: 6 Opportunities for Becoming a Can-Do Nation Once Again.”

Rosabeth Moss Kanter

The idea of “can-do” suggests winning, so it was no surprise that Kanter explored many aspects of winning—including its relationship to hard work and discipline; the importance of tapping the talent of teams; the notion that “winners think small and big”; and effective ways to handle losing. She also explained “the Kanter Law”: “Everything can look like failure in the middle.”

In response to a question from Kundu on succession planning, she urged attendees to participate in their communities, which she does through her involvement—partially as a member of the board of trustees—in City Year, a one-year service opportunity for people from all backgrounds. Two members of City Year Miami, Aaron Gougis and Jennifer Godinez, attended the lecture and embodied the idea of sustaining leaders by investing in youth.

“I was inspired by her saying that young individuals can change the world,” Gougis said, “and I have gotten the chance to grow and lead through City Year.”

For Godinez, the City Year experience, falling between undergraduate and graduate school, is giving her the “chance to lead a large group of youth and meet with community leaders.”

The Kanter lecture was part of the Herbert A. Wertheim Lecture Series, which has brought distinguished speakers and experts in business leadership and entrepreneurship to Florida International University since 1993.

Global Energy Forum stimulates discussion of factors shaping global energy demand and supply in The Americas.

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Olivier Lazare, vice president, new business development in The Americas, Shell Oil Company, was keynote speaker at the Forum. View his address.

With a vested interest in the energy debate, representatives from the public and private sectors came together to attend the “Global Energy Challenges: Implications for The Americas” symposium held on April 15, 2008, in the Special Events Center in the College of Business Administration Complex at University Park.

Florida International University’s Energy Business Forum, the Council of the Americas, and event sponsor Shell Oil Company hosted the lively discussion.

Opening keynote speaker Olivier Lazare, vice president, new business development in The Americas, Shell Oil Company, presented a global energy outlook based on his company’s experience and perspective.

Two panel discussions followed. The first, “Meeting Energy Challenges in The Americas,” featured Karen Harbert, former assistant secretary for policy and international affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy and current executive vice president and managing director of the Institute for 21st Century Energy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She was joined by Michael Warren, national manager of the Latin American research group at Toyota Motor North America; Murray Smith, a member of the energy advisory board at TD Securities Canada; and Luis Alvarez Poli, chief executive officer of Andes Energy.

The second session, titled “Potential for Biofuels in The Americas,” offered shared perspectives from Matthew T. McManus, division chief of energy producer affairs at the U.S. Department of State; Brian Dean, acting executive director of the Interamerican Ethanol Commission; Richard Vogel, manager of environmental and regulatory affairs at Vecenergy; and Doug Durante, executive director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition.

Energy discussion resonates with attendees.

Fred Cartaya (MSME ’98, BSME ’86), vice president, Biodiesel of South Florida LLC, welcomed the symposium as a chance “to meet and discuss potential opportunities with other stakeholders of renewable energy.”

“Everyone in the community spectrum—from governments, to private companies, to academia—needs to work together to resolve energy-related challenges in a collaborative fashion.”

—Rafael Jaén Williamson, regional manager for policy, government, and public affairs, Latin America, Chevron Corporation

Eric Farnsworth, vice president, Council of The Americas. View his remarks.

According to Rafael Jaén Williamson, regional manager for policy, government, and public affairs, Latin America, Chevron Corporation, this symposium “reinforced the fact that everyone in the community spectrum—from governments, to private companies, to academia—needs to work together to resolve energy-related challenges in a collaborative fashion.”

Williamson has attended previous Energy Business Forum events, finding them to be “very valuable, with a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives.”

Ed Glab, clinical professor, Department of Management and International Business, director of the Knight Ridder Center for Excellence in Management, and co-director of the Energy Business Forum, welcomes the feedback.

“We are uniting the people who conduct the research, make the investments, and determine the regulations needed to tackle the realities of today’s energy challenges head on,” Glab said.

To learn more about the Energy Business Forum, visit: http://krcem.fiu.edu/Energy.html.

Karen Harbert, executive vice president and managing director of the Institute for 21st Century Energy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. View her remarks.

Luis Alvarez Poli, CEO, Andes Energy. View his remarks.

At Commencement, graduates learn they have much to be proud about.

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Graduates at Chapman Graduate School and School of Accounting Commencement on April 28. View video highlights of the ceremony.

Spring Commencement took place on April 28, 2008. The ceremony for College of Business Administration’s Chapman Graduate School and School of Accounting occurred in the afternoon, with undergraduates from the Landon School receiving their diplomas in the evening.

Approximately 607 undergraduate students and 208 graduate students participated.

Executive Dean of the college and Vice Provost, FIU Online, Joyce J. Elam, addressed both audiences, focusing many of her remarks on the impressive achievements of students—individuals and student organizations—as well as on the business school’s consistent strengths in the rankings and its noteworthy new building complex.

She conferred the degrees on those graduating from the Landon School and the School of Accounting; Tomislav Mandakovic, associate dean, Chapman Graduate School, handed the diplomas to those receiving their master’s degrees or doctorates. Among the latter were four from the college’s International Executive MBA (IEMBA) in Jamaica: Corine Bolton, Karen Gardener, Vivia Newman, and Jacqueline Simpson.

FIU Medallion winner underscores the sense of pride, with a dose of adaptability added to the mix.

Modesto A. Maidique, Florida International University president, and Ronald M. Berkman, executive vice president and provost, presented Timothy J. Ellington (MBA ’77) the FIU Medallion as “Outstanding Alumnus” during the evening ceremony.

“I am very proud of the school.”

—Timothy J. Ellington (MBA ’77), managing director/principal, Bear Stearns Inc.

Jimmy Plannett (MSMIS ’06)

“When I got my master’s degree and was fortunate enough to teach at the university for a couple years, it was a new school in an area that was not well developed. I have seen it grow into a major university that has experienced high growth. I am very proud of the school,” said Ellington, a member of the college’s Master of Science in Finance Advisory Board and currently a managing director/principal with Bear Stearns, Inc., who will join JP Morgan Chase in a similar position post-merger.

Speaking from experience, both as a member of an army family and as a professional, he also touched on adaptability.

“The business environment today is more transitory and global than ever, and that trend will continue,” he said.

Life after graduation proves value of MSMIS degree.

When Jimmy Plannett (MSMIS ’06), senior business systems analyst, Norwegian Cruise Line, decided to pursue a graduate degree, he wanted a program “focused on IT, business, and management” and opted for the Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MSMIS) in the college because the four other Florida universities he considered “were more specific to computer science, security or network administration.” His said his decision has enriched him—in knowledge and financially.

“Because I have an MIS degree from a business school, I can bridge the gap between business and IT better than others.”

—Jimmy Plannett (MSMIS ’06), senior business systems analyst, Norwegian Cruise Line

“Because I have an MIS degree from a business school, I can bridge the gap between business and IT better than others,” said Plannett, noting that “I can tell I have a different perspective because of my knowledge, and that really brings benefits to the table when I meet with different departments inside of IT, vendors, and especially, business owners.”

Though a systems engineer when he began the program, he left shortly before completing it “to pursue a more business-facing role” and received a “significant salary increase.”

Building on that powerful combination of IT expertise and business background at the core of the MSMIS program, Plannett is pursuing an MBA in the college through its joint degree program.

“Having either degree puts me ahead of the competition” he said. “I think having both degrees and my experience singles me out in a good way.”

Community benefits from recent reaffirmation of College of Business Administration’s AACSB-International accreditation.

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The College of Business Administration is among the seven percent of elite business schools worldwide accredited by the AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
See what AACSB International accreditation means to you.

After years of hard work on the part of faculty, staff, and administrators to strengthen the quality of the business school, and after months of preparing complex, in-depth reports, the College of Business Administration hosted an AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—peer review team from January 27-29, 2008. The reviewers’ task: to determine if the college continues to meet the rigorous standards required to carry the prestigious AACSB-International-accredited designation.

Everyone’s dedication paid off.

Based on the report from the peer review team, the AACSB Business Accreditation Committee informed Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam that the business school and the School of Accounting would receive reaffirmation of their accreditation for another five years with no conditions. Fewer than seven percent of the world’s business schools have achieved business and/or accounting accreditation from AACSB, putting the college and the School of Accounting in very elite company. The accreditation applies to the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.

More than a symbol, the college’s AACSB accreditation positively affects the business community.

“AACSB accreditation ensures that our business school is meeting the highest standards of management education,” Elam said. “Because we are an AACSB-accredited business school, the business community can be assured that the college is offering current and relevant academic programs, that our faculty are highly qualified—with the majority having terminal degrees and being actively involved in research, consulting, and board membership—and that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of educational accountability.”

According to her, these positive aspects of accreditation, which are valuable to business partners everywhere, are “of particular importance to our local business community because they either currently employ or hire the majority of our graduates.”

Commitment to continuous improvement will propel the college onward.

Within the context of its highly complimentary report, including praising the college for its development of international business as an area of strategic focus, the evaluation team encouraged the college to continue to focus on being a leading internationally-oriented business school.

“We will develop a more comprehensive, well-defined concept of what it means to be an internationally educated student and the implications of this effort for faculty, staff, and students,” Elam said.

Two student groups bring national honors back to College of Business Administration.

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View what some of the winners had to say. From left, Michael Jadoo, Alpha Kappa Psi president; case competitors Maria E. Sabando, Isselle Medina, Jaime Montalvan, and Anthony Munyaka, and Lenroy Jones, director, Career Services and an advisor to the organization, with a check for the business school.

April proved a month to remember for members of two student organizations in the College of Business Administration— Alpha Kappa Psi and the American Marketing Association (AMA). They competed at the national level and scored impressive victories.

Alpha Kappa Psi wins prestigious Johnson & Johnson case competition.

A five-person team from the College of Business Administration’s Alpha Kappa Psi chapter won the national Johnson & Johnson Case Competition, held at the company’s corporate headquarters in New Brunswick, New Jersey on April 10-11, 2008.

“The judges told us that our having done a weighted SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis . . . worked in our favor.”

—Isselle Medina, J&J case competition team member

Jaime Montalvan, Isselle Medina, Anthony Munyaka, Maria E. Sabando, and Matthew Ohashi bested teams from Bucknell University, La Salle University, Pennsylvania State University, Rider University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, University of Florida, University of Illinois, and Villanova University.

“The judges told us that our having done a weighted SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, rather than a simple SWOT analysis, worked in our favor, as did the fact that we performed a Porter’s five forces analysis,” Medina said.

Between winning the campus competition on March 24, 2008, at which two teams from the college’s Financial Management Association and one from the Florida International University Accounting Association also competed, team members could not make any changes to their presentation. However, they were allowed to polish how they presented the information, and they devoted about thirty hours to doing so.

Michael Jadoo, chapter president, provided input to Alpha Kappa Psi’s team prior to the campus event and accompanied them to the finals. James Bussey (EMBA ’99), chief of staff, Executive Dean’s Office and founder, three years ago, of the Yellow Rose Toastmasters club on campus and himself a winner of many speaking contests, serves as advisor to the fraternity and helped team members refine their presentation skills.

AMA remains solidly in top tier of collegiate chapters nationwide.

The college’s chapter of AMA was the second-largest collegiate chapter to attend the 30th Annual International AMA Collegiate Conference, held from April 3-5, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

With more than 300 chapters in AMA’s collegiate division, the college’s placement in the Top Eight netted them a “Distinguished Chapter” award at the 30th Annual International AMA Collegiate Conference, the theme of which was “Absolutely DIG-IT-AL,” held from April 3-5, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“This is the sixth consecutive year the chapter has been in the Top 10,” said faculty advisor Tim Dugan Birrittella, lecturer, Department of Marketing, who has overseen the chapter’s rejuvenation and who was appointed to the AMA’s Collegiate Chapters Council for three years, including as conference co-chair for the 2008 event, and again for 2009.

AMA members Lyssette Gonzalez and Mariana Lopardo with two of the items that contestants advertised.

Also, the chapter’s entry in the exhibition competition won the “Student’s Choice” award, representing the chapter’s first such award.

“Our booth—“Digital Idol”—was an American Idol meets an on-the-spot sales competition” said David Velez, chapter vice president, who coordinated the group of students who developed and built the concept.

Through a series of fundraisers, students amassed more than $21K to help subsidize the majority of the trip for the 37 members who attended—the second largest student contingent present.

Students step up to the challenge at regional SIFE competition.

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From left to right: SIFE members Kathleen Ade, Farrel Liger, and Obed Morales, faculty advisor Deanne Butchey; SIFE members Sharlita Millington, and Monica Kakanis

Often, a trip to Orlando conjures up images of theme-park fun and adventure. In April, 2008, four students from the College of Business Administration’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization traveled to Orlando for a very different reason: to participate in the regional SIFE competition and demonstrate their commitment to making a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders.

The students presented five projects: three financial literacy projects; a small business digital literacy project; a “good citizenship” campaign to educate student voters; a new business—called “Store My Dorm”—bringing storage options to dormitory residents; and a résumé-building workshop.

The financial literacy projects targeted three community groups: new immigrants unsure of the business ethics involved with buying a first home; university students needing help in corporate finance topics; and low-income inhabitants ready to complete their tax returns and open to participating in a seminar about credit responsibility.

Obed Morales, a senior business management major, presented the mortgage-related business ethics project.

“Our students returned to Miami ready to share what they learned to help implement new project ideas and to refine their presentation skills.”

—Deanne Butchey (PhD ’05), instructor, Department of Finance and Real Estate

“Our group taught individuals to keep their eyes open when purchasing a new home and to be aware of the differences between fixed costs and variable rates,” he said.

Competition provides a motivating learning experience.

This year marked only the second time the university’s SIFE chapter has competed in the regional competition. What’s more, according to Morales, the students had been working on their projects for only two months prior to the event, so they all felt “a bit rushed.”

“The top teams from across the country had participated in numerous other competitions, so their presentations were very well choreographed,” said SIFE faculty advisor Deanne Butchey (PhD ’05), instructor, Department of Finance and Real Estate. “Our students returned to Miami ready to share what they learned to help implement new project ideas and to refine their presentation skills.”

“We’ve really gotten the ball rolling . . . We gained valuable experience to help us prepare for future competitions.”

—Obed Morales, SIFE member

The university’s team came in fifth in the competition, with the judges noting, “the level of performance given by this group was remarkable, considering the short time they have been working together.”

Post competition, SIFE team members connected with the SIFE project support office for guidance in developing a project handbook.

“The handbook covers every project phase—from creating an overview statement to conducting pre- and post-project surveys, “ said Sharlita Millington, SIFE member on track to earn her degree in finance in December, 2008. “It will help our SIFE group build on this year’s momentum.”

Morales sees the SIFE chapter’s future as “very bright.”

“We’ve really gotten the ball rolling,” he said. “The Orlando competition gave us the chance to absorb what other schools have done as projects. We gained valuable experience to help us prepare for future competitions.”

Isis Roque (BBA ’95)

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Isis Roque

What year did you graduate and what was your degree and area of study?
I graduated in 1995 with a BBA and a double major in marketing and international business.

Can you tell me about your company and your role there?
I started On Call Resources Group (ORG) in 2006 based on a colleague’s need for outsourced human resources services. Initially recruiting for the telecommunications sector, we now focus on business specialties—finance, accounting and marketing—across several industries. The more we grew to know our clients, the more they relied on us for auxiliary services such as contract staffing and corporate events. My role is that of setting the pace and maintaining the values of the company. I take part in everything, but primarily focus my efforts on the recruiting side—working with the clients and candidates. I take the time to meet everyone in the process and understand current and future needs. It’s very much like putting the pieces of a puzzle together.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
As in any industry, we are exposed to external pressures—economic, competitive (from existing and new entrants), and changes in corporate structure. Recruiting and contracted services are very much tied to economic changes. We need to adapt and be flexible to the needs of our clients. Maintaining good relationships and building trust help as well.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
My philosophy is, “What can I do for you?” Throughout the years, I’ve accumulated much experience in marketing and business in general. Whether it be with a client or candidate, I usually end up helping more than I intended. My interest is in helping them achieve some measure of success. I’ve seen candidates realize their true potential in new industries. I’ve also been part of practically building a department from scratch. I am not sure you can put a price tag on that.

How did your business education help you succeed?
In a sense, I grew up at FIU. The courses were challenging and inspired my entrepreneurial spirit. I can’t say enough about the career center during my time there.

Are there any special memories about FIU you would like to share?
I took advantage of the summer abroad program during my junior year. That was a defining experience for me— seeing life through a different lens. It generated an incurable interest to travel and learn about new cultures. For more than ten years, traveling was a part of my job working in various areas of marketing. It is my value now in Miami— being able to bridge that gap, working with clients and candidates.

Are you involved in the community?
I am involved with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as well as with Junior Achievement. My interest is in inspiring young adults. Our community is so diverse, with people of such different backgrounds and stories. I believe every young adult deserves the chance to envision possibilities.

Is there any advice you would give students?
Take advantage of the resources that are available to you at the school. Ask questions, get to know your classmates, and get involved with other activities outside of school. They broaden your horizon and give you an opportunity to place yourself for an opportune moment. I am also a big proponent of having tangible work experience before graduation. I still use some of the skills I learned at my first job during college.

What else would you like to mention about your company or yourself?

It is a little difficult to separate my own work ethic from the deliverables that we provide at ORG. In the end, I care about the results, and everyone, including me, bends over backwards to ensure that the clients’ corporate events or the resources we provide them exceeds their expectations.

Business Alumni Conference focuses on hot business issues.

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On March 27, 2008, South Florida executives, business alumni, students, and faculty attended the third annual Business Alumni Conference, sponsored by Microsoft. For many, it was their first visit to the college’s new building complex—a state of the art facility at University Park.

The event began with a luncheon and an opening presentation by Dmitry Vasilevsky, from Microsoft, which was followed by panel discussions on current topics such as the state of global business, e-marketing, and recruiting during hard economic times:

The How Governance, Risk, and Compliance Overlap. Managing the New Standards and Expectations panelwas moderated by Sharon Lassar, professor and director, School of Accounting. Panelists were: Kara MacCullough, partner, Holland & Knight; Paul Stebbins, chairman and CEO, World Fuel Services, and Alfredo Cepero (BACC ’88), audit partner, BDO Seidman.
The Creating Loyalty: E-Marketing Magic! panel was moderated by Luis Casas, director of marketing and recruiting. Panelists included Leonel Azuela, founder and CEO of Quaxar; Tatiana Lopez, marketing manager for MySpace Latino, and Andrea Arnau, managing director, AlmaDDB Interactive.
The Recruit, Retain and Release: Managing Human Capital in Troubled Times panel was moderated by Robert Garcia (MBA ’99), director, executive and professional education. Panelists were Ana María Lopez, Motorola; Ariel Regatky, Citigroup; Catalina Bajenaru, AT&T, and Tom Tannehill, FedEx Express.
The Web 2.0: Social Networking and its Impact on Today’s Business World. The Future of the Web 2.0, 3.0 and Beyond panel was moderated by Zameer Upadhya (BACC ’03), co-founder and CEO, BabySpot.com. Panelists included: James Rivera (BACC ’01), COO and co-founder, BabySpot.com; Bob Hunter, CEO and founder, StorkAvenue.com; Brian Breslin, CEO and founder, Infinimedia.com; Alex de Carvalho, CEO and founder, StartPR.com; and Irma Becerra-Fernandez, Knight Ridder Research Professor, in the college.
The State of Global Business and the Decline of the Dollar panel was moderated by Dr. Jerry Haar, associate dean of international affairs and projects. Panelists included Hector Tundidor (BACC ’92), TS partner, Ernst & Young; Tony Villamil, CEO, The Washington Economics Group; Ian McCluskey, publisher, WorldCity; and Arturo Neto, president, Neto Financial Group, Inc.
The Spotlight on Entrepreneur: Demian Bellumio (BBA ’00) takes the Digital Entertainment Industry by Storm with Cyloop.com. This session was moderated by Joyce J. Elam, executive dean of the college and vice provost, FIU Online.

Following the conference, Haar noted that it was “a very successful event. My panel was superb—thoughtful, provocative, and engaging. [There was] terrific interaction among panelists and attendees.”

Mireya Bender (BBA ’00), advancement coordinator for the School of Accounting, said she “was impressed with the quality and usefulness of the information discussed at the conference. The speakers were excellent, and the content was relevant to the issues we currently face.”

“It offered a great opportunity to learn about today's current economic and technology issues from experts,” Upadhya added. “It was great not only from a personal development perspective but also from a business development perspective. Our company generated some new business opportunities from our participation. It was great to see the facilities and learn how much the college truly has become a beacon of leadership.”

The conference concluded with a networking reception in Commons Courtyard. Microsoft graciously provided an XBOX 360 and a Zune for raffle prizes.

Art of Networking series concludes at Cremata Fine Art.

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From left, Raul Cremata (BBA ’82), owner, Cremata Fine Art; Tammy Taylor, Gulf recruiting manager, Progressive Insurance; Juan Carlos Hernandez (BBA ’02), incoming president of the Business Alumni Chapter; Monique Catoggio (MBA ’03), director of advancement and alumni relations, and Manny Matalón (MACC ’03, BACC ’00), current president of the Business Alumni Chapter

On April 17, 2008, the three-part Art of Networking series concluded at Cremata Fine Art. The series was created to provide a cultural venue at which alumni and friends could come together and learn practical, valuable information about the importance of business networking.

The finale boasted a substantial turnout. Raul Cremata (BBA ’82) opened his gallery for the group and showcased his own work. Howard Shore (MBA ’96, BACC ’91) of Activate Group, guest speaker, discussed three accelerators to a person’s success: integrity, knowledge, and network.

“The series was a huge success, and we plan to continue to offer value-added events next year,” said Michelle Joubert, assistant director of alumni relations.

The partnership between presenting sponsor Progressive Insurance and the Business Alumni Chapter proved mutually beneficial to both organizations.

"We strongly value our relationship with the college and look forward to building upon this foundation,” said Tammy Taylor, Gulf recruiting manager at Progressive. “Our firm prides itself on the caliber of its employees, and FIU has been a strong ally in our continuing efforts to recruit exemplary candidates.”

Taylor noted that the firm’s “ultimate goal is to become an Employer of Choice in this community. We are confident that our alliance will continue to foster this very important initiative for us."

“Over the course of the three networking events, we’ve learned tips that, over time, have proven their worth,” said Business Alumni Chapter President Manny Matalón (MACC ’03, BACC ’00). “On our journey to becoming more effective networkers, we realized that networking is, indeed, an art: just as an artist takes the time to pick up a brush and create his/her art, a networker must pick up that brush and create his or her own networking canvas. This is the message we wanted to convey.”