January 2010 SAMA monthly lunch
SAMA RECOGNIZES PRESTIGE AT FIRST MEETING OF NEW YEAR
By Juan G. Robbin
Mondongos,
the fabulous Colombian restaurant in Doral, was the site of the January
2010 monthly luncheon hosted by Prestige Auto and the Serrato brothers.
Prestige is celebrating is 25th anniversary this year, a significant
milestone in this day and age, and it was fitting that we recognize
Marcello, Angelo, Tony, and the guys not only for that achievement but
for all their help throughout the years.
Our new vice president, Jaime Florez, presented Marcello with a special
drawing he had been holding for more than a year awaiting just the right
opportunity to come along.
The framed, hand-colored art work was done by a little girl describing
the experience of participating in the ride-and-drive for individuals
who are part of the CHC program back in December 2008, an event that
Jaime and Marcello coordinated.
Our new SAMA President, Paul Borden, brought the meeting to order with
39 members in attendance. Paul announced new board members as appointed
by the officers. They are Giselle “Gigi” Delgado, John Kiskinis, and Dr.
Ray Mummery.
In addition, Jose “Pepe” Delfino has accepted a new position of IT/Media
Director for the organization. Pepe is looking to upgrade the website to
include a Facebook page and possibly a chat room that would be limited
to members. Anyone who is interested in collaborating with Pepe
regarding the SAMA website additions please contact him at
pepedelfino@yahoo.com
Marcello Serrato, who is the new SAMA treasurer, is also heading up the
membership committee. Committee members are Johnny Tapanes and Pepe
Forte.
A future SAMA member has been introduced to the world! Teresa Bravo has
had a bouncing baby boy. His name is Lucas, born December 28, 2009.
Congratulations, Teresa!
Among other items on the agenda for our initial meeting:
-- Paul reminded all of us that yearly dues are due! Please make out
your check to SAMA and send it to Marcello Serrato. Thanks to all of you
who brought your checks to the luncheon. Marcello has invoices available
for those who require them. In case you do not know how much you owe,
there is information on the dues schedule on the SAMA website.
-- John Kiskinis announced the dates for the Fort Lauderdale Auto Show.
This regional show will be held March 18-21, 2010, at the Broward County
Convention Center. Please give this event as much support as possible as
it benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County.
-- Jaime also announced we will be having a series of smaller gatherings
with members to get input on what they would like to see for SAMA for
2010 and in years ahead. Any member interested in taking part in one of
these meetings may contact Paul Borden at
pborden41@yahoo.com or
Jaime at jflorez@premsainc.com
. We also will be contacting members ourselves to set up these
committees.
-- Juan G. Robbin updated the members on the upcoming “Green Vehicle
Event,” which he is heading up. The event is tentative scheduled for
late April 2010 to coincide with the monthly SAMA lunch. We are still
looking for a convenient and affordable venue.
FIU and University of Miami are being contacted. Any suggestions? Juan's
e-mail is juan@skymartsales.com
Our plan is to invite manufacturers that sell vehicles in the U.S. to
make presentations on what new technology is in the works and have them
bring what they consider to be a “green vehicle” -- including diesels,
hybrids, plug-in electrics, even fuel cell vehicles -- for ride-and-drive
sessions as well as technical walk-arounds by factory reps. Even if they
do not have a vehicle on-site they will be welcome to make a
presentation on what their company has planned for the future.
Invitations to all paid-up SAMA members will be sent out soon.
Additionally, we plan on inviting key community people as well as some
state VIPs and politicians.
Finally, here’s a save-the-date. The next SAMA luncheon will be February
24 at the scenic Rusty Pelican restaurant. Michelin will be the sponsor.
More details will be coming in an e-mail, as usual.
We welcome suggestions from members for future luncheon sites.
Until then, keep the shiny side up!
