Dynamic CDC

News 13 At The Summit On Puerto Rican Affairs
Saturday, May 22, 2010 11:11:31 PM

KISSIMMEE -- About 200 people showed up in Kissimmee, attending the Summit on Puerto Rican Affairs: “A Vision of the Future.” In its three years, this was the first time in the Orlando-Kissimmee area. The main event would have been the keynote speaker, Gov. Charlie Crist, but he was a no-show. A few hiccups in the program with that. Gov. Crist sent a recorded message via DVD -- but that DVD was empty! However, at the end of program, it seems there was technical difficulty, and the recorded message did appear on the screen after all -- but at that point, a lot of attendees had left, and other politicians on the podium had poked fun at the fact that Gov. Crist did not show up in person.

A Surprise Guest

State Rep. Darren Soto was at the podium, and announced a surprise guest: Florida’s chief financial officer -- and a candidate for governor -- Alex Sink. She spoke and got a few standing ovations during her 20-minute or so speech, where she spoke about hot topics such as oil drilling, the economy, special interests, etc. I was the emcee at this luncheon, and I could see that many took pictures with Alex Sink to the side of the stage, and back-to-back I was able to introduce the keynote speaker: U.S. Senate candidate Maurice Ferre. His name recognition is unmatched -- all due to his political pedigree. The crowd erupted into applause when he exclaimed in a raised tone of voice, “I am running for us!”

The Issues
Future Political Status of Puerto Rico

Ferre said: “The future of Puerto Ricans should be determined by Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico, and only then should the U.S. Congress handle it. By the way, I believe in statehood.”

Back to Ferre the Candidate
When it comes to immigration, he said: “It’s unfair. This is not a partisan issue. Do not vote for any politician who changes his mind so fast. I am talking about Crist, Marco Rubio -- they flip-flop depending on how the political winds blow.”

On Latinos in Florida
Speaking to the crowd regarding who is registered to vote, Ferre said some 600,000 (The actual number he said is closer to 530,000) Latino Democrats are registered to vote.

On Voting
“Si no votas no te respetan,” meaning: “If you do not vote, you will not be respected.”
He touted his experience of 12 years as mayor of Miami, plus his 25 years in the business world.
He recalled how he got 64 percent of African-Americans’ votes in 1981, and felt very proud of that.
Ferre added that he feels so many Puerto Ricans don’t vote in the U.S. because they do not feel motivated.

Also In Attendance

Representatives from the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, in Old San Juan
Bill Segal, Orange County commissioner running for county mayor
Linda Stewart, another commissioner running for county mayor

Many other candidates were there as well.
By the way, in case you were wondering what was served for lunch: Arroz con gandules, chicken, plantains and flan for dessert.


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News 13 At The Summit On Puerto Rican Affairs Saturday, May 22, 2010 11:11:31 PM *Reported by* *Ybeth Bruzual* KISSIMMEE -- About 200 people showed up in Kissimmee, attending the Summit on Puerto Rican Affairs: “A Vision of the Future.” In its three years, this was the first time in the Orlando-Kissimmee area. The main event would have been the keynote speaker, Gov. Charlie Crist, but he was a no-show. A few hiccups in the program with that. Gov. Crist sent a recorded message via DVD -- but that DVD was empty! However, at the end of program, it seems there was technical difficulty, and the recorded message did appear on the screen after all -- but at that point, a lot of attendees had left, and other politicians on the podium had poked fun at the fact that Gov. Crist did not show up in person. A Surprise Guest State Rep. Darren Soto was at the podium, and announced a surprise guest: Florida’s chief financial officer -- and a candidate for governor -- Alex Sink. She spoke and got a few standing ovations during her 20-minute or so speech, where she spoke about hot topics such as oil drilling, the economy, special interests, etc. I was the emcee at this luncheon, and I could see that many took pictures with Alex Sink to the side of the stage, and back-to-back I was able to introduce the keynote speaker: U.S. Senate candidate Maurice Ferre. His name recognition is unmatched -- all due to his political pedigree. The crowd erupted into applause when he exclaimed in a raised tone of voice, “I am running for us!” The Issues Future Political Status of Puerto Rico Ferre said: “The future of Puerto Ricans should be determined by Puerto Ricans in Puerto Rico, and only then should the U.S. Congress handle it. By the way, I believe in statehood.” Back to Ferre the Candidate When it comes to immigration, he said: “It’s unfair. This is not a partisan issue. Do not vote for any politician who changes his mind so fast. I am talking about Crist, Marco Rubio -- they flip-flop depending on how the political winds blow.” On Latinos in Florida Speaking to the crowd regarding who is registered to vote, Ferre said some 600,000 (The actual number he said is closer to 530,000) Latino Democrats are registered to vote. On Voting “Si no votas no te respetan,” meaning: “If you do not vote, you will not be respected.” He touted his experience of 12 years as mayor of Miami, plus his 25 years in the business world. He recalled how he got 64 percent of African-Americans’ votes in 1981, and felt very proud of that. Ferre added that he feels so many Puerto Ricans don’t vote in the U.S. because they do not feel motivated. Also In Attendance Representatives from the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, in Old San Juan Bill Segal, Orange County commissioner running for county mayor Linda Stewart, another commissioner running for county mayor Many other candidates were there as well. By the way, in case you were wondering what was served for lunch: Arroz con gandules, chicken, plantains and flan for dessert.		(L-R: Art Otero, John "Q" Quinones, Darren Soto, Luis DeRosa, Luz Weinberg, Amy Mercado, James Auffant, Patricia Silver, and Mike Rios)
		(L-R: Jorge Franchi, Luz Fonseca, Raul Gaya, Ramon Ojeda, Samuel Lopez, Bill Segal, Jacqueline Centeno, Belinda Ortiz, and Jose Bosque)
		(L-R: Edward Hernandez, Esq.; Marisol Gomez, Esq.; Edgardo Bigas, and Mike Rios)
		(L-R: Luis DeRosa, Don Fisher, Miriam Martinez, Jacob Gill, and Celeste Brown)
MESSAGE FROM LUIS DEROSA, OUTREACH OFFICER ! Estimados Amigos: I am taking this opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make the “Summit on Puerto Rican Affairs – A Vision for the Future” a success. I am proud to announce that we had participants and attendees from New York, Florida, Puerto Rico, and California. Actual business “matchmaking” meetings were held during the Summit. I wish to thank the following for participating in the first Workshop on Puerto Rican demographics and community empowerment. Commissioner John Quiñones (Osceola County), Commissioner Art Otero (City of Kissimmee), Representative Darren M. Soto (FL House of Representatives) and Commissioner Luz Weinberg (City of Aventura) shared their experience and provided a balanced view regarding the power of the vote. Joining them were James A. Auffant Esq. (FL State Committeeman), Research Associate Patricia Silver of the Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, and Amy Mercado, Candidate for Office in Orange County. This workshop, moderated by Mike Rios (President, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County), exceed our expectations. The second Workshop, whose theme was Promoting Entrepreneurship and Education, was also well received. Moderated by Jorge Franchi PhD, both participants and attendees were drawn into meaningful discussions. Panelists in this Workshop were Samuel Lopez Sr. (Chairperson, Florida Puerto Rican / Hispanic Chamber of Commerce), Raul Gaya, (President, Cámara de Comercio de Puerto Rico in San Juan); Ramon Ojeda (President, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando); Belinda Ortiz (Executive Director, City of Kissimmee, Economic Development Office) and Jacqueline Centeno (Candidate for School Board, Orange County). Over 150 persons attended the Luncheon Business Meeting to hear Keynote Speaker Maurice Ferre speak of the power of the vote and the importance of participation in the electoral process to ensure representation in the halls of power. We thank Mr. Auffant for arranging a surprise visit by Alex Sink, Chief Financial Officer of the State of Florida. I also thank Ralph Suarez, President of SUA Advertising, for his professional assistance and securing the participation of Ybeth Bruzual, anchorwoman of Channel 13, to serve as the luncheon’s Master of Ceremonies. During the Summit, we distributed Surveys which are being tallied and analyzed. I am sure that some may not have been satisfied- we hope the constructive criticism offered on the Survey Sheets will enable us to do better the next time. When this data is available, I will email to you. The goal of this Summit was to start a dialogue among community leaders and between business leaders and the larger Puerto Rican community. The quality of the professionals and officials who attended to discuss the issues of the day – community and economic empowerment, greater political involvement, addressing representation through redistricting, entrepreneurship and education as key factors in the successful future of our community – convinces us that our goals are attainable and that “we can make it happen.” Of course, we understand that differences of philosophy and political and party affiliation may separate us on specific issues, yet being respectful of each other’s opinion, we can work together on the larger issues which face us as a community. Let us unite against the “nay-sayers” and pessimists who have often succeeded in separating our community. I want to acknowledge several participants and organizations which contributed to the success of the summit. They are: Ralph Morales, Executive Director, New York State Senate Puerto Rican / Latino Caucus; Carmencita Colon, Kissimmee / Osceola County Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Council; Geraldo Morillo, Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce, Richard Lozada, Director of Corporate Alliances AGMUS; the National Coalition of Puerto Rican Chambers of Commerce; Manuel Benitez, Rums of Puerto Rico; Boricua.com; Maritza Beltran, Marketing Coordinator at Banco Popular; Edward Hernandez Esq., incoming Chairman of ASPIRA of Florida, and Marisol Gomez Esq., President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida. I wish also to acknowledge the attendance of Mr. Donald S. Fisher, Acting County Manager of Osceola County. A special thank you to Sylvia Caceres PhD, Jose Ismael Bosque and Javier Rivera, who assisted in reaching out to the community and press, and to Ms. Dora Toro, publisher and CEO of La Prensa. Last – but in no way least – I must mention our sponsors whose generosity made it possible to arrange this summit: Banco Popular, Ana G. Mendez University System, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Goya Foods of Florida, Rums of Puerto Rico., Ms. Diana Font, President of DM Font Events – for providing professional oversight of the entire event, and many others who worked “behind the scenes” such as Wilfredo Seda, representing PROFESA, Jackie Colon, representing NALEO Education Fund, and Miriam Martinez , President of International Business Consultants of Puerto Rico, Inc. Together, we “can make it happen” = 2011 Luis De Rosa Dynamic Community Development Corporation President, South FL Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce VP, National Coalition of Puerto Rican Chambers of Commerce
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MESSAGE FROM LUIS DEROSA, OUTREACH OFFICER !