It’s really hard for me to believe, but there has been one major community presentation that we have now produced for a straight 35 years: the Goals Conference “kick off” video presentation for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. It’s a project that needs to be fresh, unique, and reflect the personality and achievements of the organization, as well as those of the outgoing chairman each year.

When we did the first Goals Conference more than three decades ago we used dozens of slide and film projectors, all chained to a computer-controlled system, and spread over giant panoramic screens. Each was quite a major  video production, and when we packed up we used a large truck to carry all the specialized gear we needed.

Over the years we developed themes like Momentum, Chamber Survivor, Teamwork Works, How the Chamber was Won (a western), Sgt. Lachers Lonely Heart Club Band(a Beatles parody), Superman, Goalsmember (Austin Powers parody), and Addicted to Goals. We touched on timely topics like hurricane Andrew, and casino gambling, just to name a few.

We’ve seen Miami and the Chamber through good times and tough times, and have always taken the approach of keeping it positive and funny. Parody seems to work well for us, having a little fun with each outgoing chairman. We have combined video production with live singers, choruses, and built elaborate sets over the years.

Our video crew even closed Biscayne Boulevard one Sunday morning a few years ago, as outgoing Chairman Alan Harper (playing a Sherriff) rode down the street on horseback. But we always also sneak in some real information about the Chamber’s achievements of that year. This year show was no different.

Outgoing GMCC chairman Phillis Oeters (Baptist Health VP of Governmental Affairs) was an amazing sport, as we parodied Katy Perry, and made Phillis change into numerous costumes, wigs, and ran her all over town for the key shooting sessions.

Fabulous dance sequences were choreographed by Marissa Alma Nick, and dancers backed up Phillis’ dance moves. Location shots were done all over downtown Miami, and new Multivision aerial videography was debuted as well.

Executive Producer, Concept, Lyrics – Bob Berkowitz
Producer and Editor – David Marin

Senior Editor, Graphics and Animations – René Borroto
Videography – David Marin, Scott O’Brien, Rafael Maza
Choreography – Marissa Alma Nick
Aerial Photography – Paul Bart
Wardrobe – Maria Roa, Luiza Renuant
Makeup Artists – Alexis Renny, Jenny Pérez
Music – Reed Fasse, Michael Montuori
Indoor Fireworks – Pyrotechnica
Narration – Sheila Hart
Production Assistant – Laura Becerra