Archive for March, 2011
Statistics Show
Mar 23rd
In these hard economic times, I have heard many questions as to the value of joining a Chamber of Commerce. It is a good thoughtful question that each business owner should ask before making any investment. Membership is an investment after all. 
Overall, has membership been a direct impact on the bottom line? I came upon a recent study by The Schapiro Group, Market St. entitled “The Real Value of Joining a Local Chamber of Commerce”, and there were some compelling statistics that support membership. For instance, 59% of consumers think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy. It is 29% more effective for communicating to consumers that a company uses good business practices and 26% more effective for communicating that a business is reputable. If a company shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber, consumers are 12% more likely to think that its products stack up better against its competition.
Is this why I became the Chairman of the Board? I have to say that I am very invested in this community and feel strongly that through the chamber I have forged long lasting, solid relationships, both business and personal. However, having participated at the chamber for many years now, I know that you get out of it what you put into it. The more active, the more visible, therefore – the more visible, the more opportunities for your business to be the “buzz” with the local community.
The study shows that consumers are 44% more likely to think favorably of a small business who is a chamber member, and 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future. As you plan your business strategy, keep this study in mind and contact the Chamber to “Experience the Power of Membership”.
Jason Loeb is the Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and owner of Sudsies Dry Cleaners. For more information regarding the Chamber or for a copy of the full study, please contact 305.674.1300.
At your service,
Jason Loeb
Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Follow
Charity
Mar 23rd
No matter the square footage of our homes, there’s always one room that never seems to be big enough…the closet. Fashionista or not, we’ve all faced closet battles, dodging falling hangers, scouring for a shoe’s mate and balancing towering sweater stacks before quickly squeezing the doors closed. For those with closets threatening to explode, I have good news: your favorite area dry cleaners are now making garment purging that much easier. Sudsies.com Dry Cleaners and Laundry, Sir Galloway Dry Cleaners and Rey’s Cleaners have partnered with Camillus House to collect wears for distribution to local individuals and families in need.
Getting involved is easy. All three cleaners distribute specialty collection bags to patrons to fill with gently used clothing, shoes and accessories. These bags can be returned to any of the five Sir Galloway and 23 Rey’s Cleaners locations across Miami, or can be picked up directly from your home, condominium or office via Sudsies’ complimentary dry cleaning pick-up and delivery service. The cleaners then hand over your donations over to Camillus House, where they are sorted and given to their new owners. One of the few with a pristine closet?…
I encourage you to join our cause in ensuring that every Miamian has clothes on his/her back. The initiative is ongoing, so even those who get a late start on Spring cleaning can still participate. Communities are built on people – helping one another creates a positive environment in which everybody can live and thrive. By giving straight from your heart (and closet), you are providing someone a little more confidence as they strive to regain a stable home and life. It’s a simple garment to you, but is a school shirt for a child, an interview suit for a critical job opportunity or a much-needed pair of shoes for bare feet.
About Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry
Based on Miami Beach, Sudsies is full-service dry cleaning company dedicated to clean clothes, clean service and a clean environment. An industry pioneer for South Florida home pick-up and delivery services, the Sudsies fleet of bubbly, blue and yellow vans offer prompt service to every nook and corner across the tri-county area, while a team of highly-trained specialists care for garments and customers with a smile. The vast range of services includes ecological dry cleaning and laundry processes, alterations and tailoring, clothing restoration, bridal gown storage or alteration and knowledge of specialty items such as couture garments. At Sudsies, customers look and feel their best, while sister company Rugsies Carpet & Drapery ensures customers live in the best with on-site home or office cleaning for carpets, drapes furniture and other home items. For more information about Sudsies, please call 305 864 3279 or visit www.sudsies.com.
At your service,
Jason Loeb
Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Live, Love, and Laugh
Mar 7th
Recently, I lost a good friend of mine. Sean Peart was just 44 years old and 
leaves behind a loving wife and wonderful family. As I reflect on the good times and many laughs we shared since our high school days, I realize that he has also taught me so much. He had the courage to fight and to live the life. While his future prognosis was scary, he focused on what he could better accomplish today, nurturing his relationships and taking nothing for granted. His attitude made him an inspiration to his friends, family and even those who didn’t know him well.
Imagine if we translated this philosophy to our business. Business is scary, with time, money and a lot of harsh realities involved. Growing our companies seems like a daunting task, but it is the courage to take risks that rewards with big payoffs. Otherwise, we’ll continue on paralyzed – and we may do OK, but never to the level of greatness we really desire.
We can muster this needed courage by developing a plan. While it’s important to look towards the future, focus on how today can get you there. Perfect each component of your business before moving onto the next. Unfortunately, there will be bad days, but instead of getting discouraged, remember that each day gives you a whole 24 hours to turn it around.
Like my friend, don’t take anything for granted. Celebrate even the small victories to maintain a positive mindset as you continue to simultaneously chip away at capturing the big break. Most importantly, value your staff, supporters, partners, even new contacts and their contributions to your success. Solid businesses aren’t built on transactions, but relationships.
Sean was taken much too soon. Yet in his short life, he managed to create an everlasting legacy. In loving memory of him, I urge you to live as he did: love, laugh, fight and simply enjoy the moments.
At your service,
Jason Loeb
Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.
