Event will honor extraordinary business and civic leaders in both regions
October 14, 2016 - Tampa, Florida. The Brazil-Florida Business Council (BFBC) will host the 2016 Brazil-Florida Business Awards Luncheon on November 15th at the Tampa Club. Ambassador Adalnio Senna Ganem, the newly appointed Brazilian Consul General in Miami will deliver the welcome address at this year's most anticipated international business event.
"I would like to congratulate the Brazil-Florida Business Council on selecting two outstanding civic and business leaders on receiving this prestigious award, said David Neeleman, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Azul Brazilian Airlines and the 2015 honoree of the Brazil-Florida Business Award. "Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Blue Tree Hotels President Chieko Aoki are model citizens central to the fabric of our communities and the backbone of the economies of both regions."
Sueli Bonaparte, the BFBC Founding President & CEO, highlighted the importance of the ceremony, stating that "every year we bring together representatives of the business community in Florida and Brazil to recognize and celebrate two individuals who are making remarkable and sustainable contributions to the economies of Brazil and Florida."
Florida honoree Mayor Bob Buckhorn has been championing Tampa Bay as one of the hottest markets in the country for corporate expansion and relocation for its cost-competitive business environment, a high-tech workforce, world-class infrastructure and enviable lifestyle. His vibrant and contagious personality and southern charm have also helped to attract global corporations, such as the North American shared services headquarters of Johnson & Johnson, to Tampa. Mayor Buckhorn is also credited for the strategic expansion of the Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay, two critical logistical partners essential to attracting investment, as well as domestic and foreign trade.
"Mayor Buckhorn is a great ambassador leading our efforts to expand trade and international business," states Paul Anderson, President & CEO, Port Tampa Bay. "Brazil is Port Tampa Bay's largest trading partner and our number one export market for cargo tonnage. As a member of the Port Tampa Bay Board of Commissioners, the Mayor plays an active role in support of this important relationship and in spreading the word about Port Tampa Bay's advantages across the globe."
University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft praised Mayor Buckhorn for being at the forefront of Tampa's rapid emergence as a new global city. "His passion, vision and dedication to building connections between Tampa and Brazil maximizes our shared business, cultural, historical and social ties while setting the stage for future endeavors," she said. "The future belongs to those who work to seize its potential, and under Mayor Buckhorn's leadership the great relationship between Tampa and Brazil is even stronger and better."
The news of Brazilian honoree Chieko Aoki's selection for the award was received with
enthusiasm within the Brazilian business community. Considered an icon in the hotel and tourism industry and synonymous with innovation in the sector, she transformed Blue Tree Hotels into one of the most renowned hotel chains in Brazil, notably for its excellence in international standards and service. According to Forbes, Ms. Aoki is ranked as one of the most influential and powerful businesswomen in Brazil.
Among Ms. Aoki's many admirers, the newly elected mayor of São Paulo João Doria, Jr. was thrilled to learn she has been acknowledged for her contributions to the hotel industry by setting high standards in the sector. Prior to becoming the mayor of the largest city in Latin America, Mr. Doria was the Chairman and CEO of LIDE - an internationally known group composed of business leaders. When he created the LIDE Women in 2006, he invited Ms. Aoki to lead his new initiative "to highlight the attributes of female management and inspire leadership, and she led this group with strength and determination," said Doria.
Businesswoman Luiza Helena Trajano, Chairman of Magazine Luiza, added that "Chieko is one of the most important professionals in her sector, creating jobs and contributing to the Brazilian economy. She has become a role model to countless businesswomen."
To meet and congratulate the 2016 Brazil-Florida Business Awards Honorees, register for this special event by visiting brazilfloridabusiness.com/events