A council member introduced a proposal to advertise at Miami International Airport and Opa-locka Executive Airport to attract visitors to Miami Lakes. They highlighted the potential benefits of reintroducing these promotional activities, drawing from historical examples of successful advertising efforts. The member referenced a past discussion with Mayor Manny Cid about the Economic Development Committee’s (EDC) previous advertising campaigns at airports. Given Miami International Airport’s larger traffic volume, it was deemed a more strategic location for increasing awareness about Miami Lakes.

The council expressed interest in further exploring this idea, discussing the feasibility of reintroducing similar advertising strategies. One member remarked that advertising at Miami International Airport could help attract Miami residents to visit Miami Lakes. Recalling a successful past advertisement in an American Airlines magazine, members agreed that such efforts could boost the town’s visibility. However, concerns about budget constraints and the need for strategic planning were raised, with one member suggesting regular budget updates to avoid last-minute spending and ensure effective resource allocation.

Shifting focus, the council deliberated on the budget allocation for an upcoming networking event and business boot camp. They debated how to distribute the $2,000 designated for these events, proposing that $1,000 be allocated for the networking event and $600 for the boot camp. Discussions included providing goodie bags with promotional items, managing costs, and securing sponsorships. One member suggested adjusting the networking event’s budget to $600 to better manage expenses, with $400 set aside for gifts.

Members emphasized the importance of effective and transparent fund allocation. There was a consensus to put $1,000 towards the networking event and reserve $600 for the boot camp. A motion was made to approve these budget allocations, which was seconded and supported by those present. The council expressed gratitude for unexpected sponsorships, particularly from Florida Blue, which eased financial pressures for the business boot camp.

The council also discussed logistical challenges related to using town facilities for events, including waiving facility fees and ensuring adequate support services. A potential sponsorship from Memorial Healthcare for a year’s worth of events was mentioned, which seemed to alleviate some concerns regarding expenses. Plans for a walk-through of the event site were proposed, and there was a request for headshot bios and logos for promotional materials. The expected number of attendees for the event was projected to be around 80 to 100, with discussions of potentially increasing the cap based on past attendance patterns.

In terms of promotional strategies, the council considered utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for advertising the business boot camp event. They debated the effectiveness of different platforms and the potential reach of each, ultimately deciding to allocate the remaining marketing budget for a business marketing campaign. One member emphasized tying advertising efforts directly to event registration to maximize outreach and engagement.

Towards the end of the meeting, the council discussed recognizing a long-serving committee member who was retiring. Suggestions were made to draft a letter of appreciation and invite the retiree to the upcoming networking event in September. Plans to formalize the recognition through a proclamation were also discussed, with coordination efforts to ensure proper execution.

Finally, the council set dates for upcoming events, including a meeting on August 22 and the business event on September 20. There was a sense of optimism about the budgeting and sponsorships, with members acknowledging that they had more resources than originally thought. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was met with agreement from those present.