On the morning of Tuesday, August 22, 2023, an enlightening networking event unfolded at Casacuba South Miami, orchestrated by Michael Miller and Grant Miller of Community Newspapers. This gathering commenced with a stimulating address by Alonzo Highsmith, the esteemed General Manager of the University of Miami’s football team. The event, which commenced at 7:15 AM, fostered an atmosphere of conviviality and interaction among attendees, as smiles and handshakes were exchanged in the spirit of networking.
A brief interlude occurred at 7:30 AM, when an unforeseen power outage cast a momentary shadow over the event. Swiftly adapting to the situation, the staff of Casacuba promptly introduced candlelight to illuminate the tables, effectively sustaining the ambiance. Displaying commendable leadership, Grant Miller astutely relocated the proceedings to the establishment’s front porch at 7:45 AM, transforming a challenge into an opportunity for engagement.
The resourceful Karen Nercess, tasked with capturing the essence of Community Newspapers events through her corporate photography, artfully documented the event, adding to its allure. By 7:50 AM, pastelitos were distributed on the porch, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of the attendees in the face of unexpected circumstances.
Kicking off the proceedings with a motivational spark, Grant Miller invoked a football metaphor to inspire attendees, likening the current phase of the event to the decisive fourth quarter of a victorious game. The day’s weather, a balmy 83° Fahrenheit, seamlessly integrated tradition as Mike Carricarte and Wilbur Bell led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance and a rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
The event was proudly sponsored by Albert Rose of the University Credit Union, whose welcoming remarks resonated with attendees, fostering a sense of community. This sentiment was further amplified by the robust turnout of over 100 participants, all eager to glean insights from the featured speaker, Alonzo Highsmith, a luminary in his capacity as UM Football’s General Manager.
Yet, amidst the momentum, a hiccup arose at 8:15 AM as an aroma of burnt electronics emanated from the restaurant’s kitchen. Evacuated once again, this time for safety reasons, the event’s closure coincided fortuitously with its natural conclusion. Through adaptable leadership and collective resilience, what could have been a setback evolved into a testament to the event’s unwavering spirit.
In summation, the morning unfolded as a testament to the power of adaptability and community cohesion, encapsulating both the challenges and triumphs inherent in the realm of networking events.
