On Wednesday, June 8 members of the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce and their guests gathered for the monthly membership luncheon. Hosted at the Miami Lakes Hotel, the luncheon had over fifty attendees all eager to hear guest speaker and long-time Miami Lakes resident, Christopher Norwood. Businesspeople from every corner of the community were in attendance, including doctors, attorneys, business owners, accountants and more. Members and their guests networked in the lobby of the ballroom while anticipating the start of the luncheon. After about a half hour of building connections, Chamber members and guests entered the ballroom and took their seats. The Miami Lakes Hotel provided a delicious full course lunch, which all attendees enjoyed while waiting for the guest speaker. Each member and guest were given the unique opportunity to present themselves and their business to all in attendance. Shortly following member introductions, guest speaker Christopher Norwood, was introduced and began his presentation.
Christopher Norwood, 23-year resident of Miami Lakes, attended graduate school at Cornell University’s Institute for Public Affairs as well as Hampton University’s Social Work Program where he now serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the School of Liberal Arts and the National Treasurer for Hampton University’s National Alumni Association. In 2000, he began working with the South Florida Council of Boy Scouts, which is headquartered in our very own Miami Lakes. In 2003 he began the Norwood Consulting Group, Inc. to assist organizations in developing public affairs programs, where his first client was The Children’s Trust. Since moving here, Christopher has been very involved in the Miami Lakes community. He served as the chair of the Youth Activities Task Force and started the Movies in the Park series, which is now a staple of Miami Lake’s community events. He is also a member of the Miami Lakes Optimist Club.
Mr. Norwood focused his speech on being a successful businessperson and what “ships” helped carry him to where he is today as a community member and businessperson. Namely, “relationships, “scholarships” and “workmanship.” He offered insightful information for members and guests on how to leverage each one of these “ships” for their individual businesses. Mr. Norwood emphasized the importance of building strong business relationships and tapping into your local business community through local organizations such as the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce. He emphasized how communities like Miami Lakes can help you to grow your businesses but only when a business owner takes the time to truly become a part of the community and give back. The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their next membership luncheon on Wednesday, July 13 at the Miami Lakes Hotel with guest speaker Sabrina Hernandez-Cano, registered and licensed dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and nutrition counselor.
