By: Chloe Cruz

On July 9, the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted an engaging luncheon at the Miami Lakes Hotel on Main, attracting over 100 local business professionals. The event featured an expert panel discussing key challenges for small businesses and how to prepare for the future. Tico Casamayor, President of Public Relations for the Chamber, moderated the conversation with a dynamic trio of panelists: Felipe Basulto, Market President of TD Bank; Nancy Batista-Rodriguez, CEO of Outpatient Services at Baptist Health; and Fred Senra, Partner at Miami Lakes AutoMall.

The luncheon offered insights into customer service, employee retention strategies, and the undeniable impact of new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). Here are the highlights of their conversation:

The panelists were unified in the belief that excellent customer service doesn’t end after the sale. Fred Senra shared a personal philosophy rooted in the idea that “all customers are golden.” As a car dealership owner, Senra’s commitment to his clients is evident, recalling a time when he helped resolve a client’s issue during a vacation in the Florida Keys. “Without customers, there is no business. Without customers, you don’t have a job,” he said.

Senra’s customer-first attitude is echoed by the other panelists. Basulto emphasized that, for industries like banking, law, and insurance, the role of customer support is to allow clients to focus on their own businesses. “We’re here to help you achieve your goals,” Basulto said, reinforcing the importance of being a reliable partner to clients.

Nancy Batista-Rodriguez brought a healthcare perspective, highlighting how Baptist Health’s new emergency center in Miami Lakes has drawn patients from across the county, thanks to their focus on elevating patient care. “When you give people the right care, they’ll find you, no matter the distance,” she said.

The panel also discussed the evolving workforce dynamics, particularly the need for flexibility in where employees work. Senra pointed out that businesses could save on overhead costs, such as rent, by offering employees the option to work remotely. This, in turn, enhances job satisfaction and promotes employee retention. By being adaptable to modern work trends, companies can cultivate a happier, more productive workforce while cutting down on unnecessary expenses.

As businesses become more reliant on technology, the conversation turned to the role of artificial intelligence. Batista-Rodriguez spoke about the positive impact of AI in healthcare, particularly in reducing the time spent answering routine questions and forecasting patient volumes. “For small businesses, AI can be a game-changer, especially when resources are limited,” she noted, emphasizing that the use of technology can level the playing field for smaller firms.

Basulto echoed her sentiment, calling AI “the most significant disrupter” of the coming decade. However, he also highlighted the risks associated with the rise of AI, particularly in the area of fraud. With AI tools becoming more advanced, fraudsters are also improving their tactics, making it easier for them to replicate websites and mobile apps to deceive customers. Basulto stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard business technology. “It’s vital to secure your systems, passwords, and even personal codes with your family,” he advised the audience.

Senra, whose business spans multiple generations, made it clear that businesses cannot afford to remain stagnant. “Running a business today requires an entirely different approach than 50 years ago,” he said. The panel agreed that businesses must adapt to new technologies and trends to stay competitive and sustainable.

The luncheon also had several notable attendees, including Miami Lakes Council Members Juan Carlos Fernandez and Angelo Cuadra Garcia.

The next Chamber luncheon will take place on August 13 at the Miami Lakes Hotel on Main, featuring James Kohnstamm, Director of Innovation and Economic Development at Miami-Dade County, as the guest speaker. Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., with lunch starting at noon. Tickets can be purchased through the Chamber’s website.

For more details or to secure your tickets for the next event, visit the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce website (https://www.miamilakeschamber.com/).