SOUTH FLORIDA AUTO DEALERS ASSOCIATION HOSTS OCTOBER LUNCHEON
 October 28, 2010

By Bill Adam,  Photos by Pepe Delfino

​The October SAMA luncheon meeting was held at the world famous Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant on South Beach, to the culinary delight of approximately 50 members and guests. The legendary tastes and success of this establishment are totally justified, and the sounds of crab claws being devoured were proof of universal agreement.

​President Paul Borden opened the meeting at approximately 12:30 with a sincere thank you to the South Florida Auto Dealers Association for their sponsoring our luncheon, and a welcome of (president) Rick Baker, Debra Koebel and Marisa Osborn.

​As secretary, I gave a brief talk about our upcoming Rides N Smiles event, which will be held Saturday, November 27 at the Homestead Miami Speedway. This year, we have had an amazing response from almost every manufacturer and the field of cars is sure to create wide eyes and huge smiles on the children and their parents alike. Stars like the Dodge Viper, Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Shelby GT500 are but a few of the magical names that will be on hand. A reminder went out to all that the best way we can thank the manufacturers for their generosity is through publicity and photographs in your various publications, so please attend and publicize these people where ever you can. With both Baptist Memorial Hospital AND Miami Children’s Hospital sending/bringing children down, we’re going to have a very busy, but very rewarding day!

​Treasurer Marcello Serrato then gave a financial report about the costs of the upcoming SAMA Christmas party.

​A break in the action meant that it was time for the claws to come out – crab claws that is! The flavor of these is something quite special and even the delicious Key Lime pie dessert was paled by comparison. If you haven’t been to Joe’s, you haven’t had the best!

​After lunch, Paul Borden then introduced John Kiskinis, who brought us up to date on next weeks auto show. Press day is going to be an extremely busy day, but to assist us, he said that their web site will list times for all press conferences. Also, the old gripe of parking has been once again addressed as parking charges will be reimbursed.

​John and Paul both welcomed SFADA president Rick Baker to address our group. Rick spoke of how 2009 was a black hole for the auto industry but that it currently is “10% above terrible” – in other words, still not good, but showing definite signs of improvement. The fact that sales are climbing – not falling – is the good news! All signs point to a much higher attendance at the show this year, so let’s all do our bit by showcasing this auto show to the best of our abilities.

​Rick talked of more of the show features this year, including the Green Way, a special exhibit for both hybrid vehicles and eco friendly technology, as well as the Miami Street Rides area for both tricked out cars and the super exotics & concepts.

​Finally, with elections coming up, nominations were taken and they are

Treasurer​ Marcello Serrato (also current treasurer)

Secretary Jaime Florez

​Bill Adam​ ( also current secretary)

​Juan Robbin

Vice President ​Bill Adam

​Jaime Florez

​Ric Green

President ​Paul Borden ​(also current president)

​Please consider these options and vote when ballots are called for.

​Finally, our organization is continuing to grow but for our growth to continue with health, we need input from all members. Please do you part to assist all of us to better serve the automotive community AND each other.
 

 

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