As a father, I have high hopes for my two daughters and the contributions they will make in the business and local community one day as adults. Everyday, I become more amazed with how quickly the younger generations grasp new knowledge and apply it to their everyday lives. Yet during this journey, it’s so important that we provide them our support and guidance. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, along with City National Bank and Communities in Schools, Inc., recently co-hosted an event that I think is incredibly valuable and worth highlighting: the Real Money Business Boot Camp.

Held at Jungle Island, 70 students from Miami Beach Senior High and North Western Senior High learned about the many financial decisions they will face upon graduation. Helping us were several local businesses covering a range of sectors includingFIU Career Center, State Farm Insurance, The Continental Group, Warren Henry Auto, Best Buy, Hiperfit and more, all of which set up educational stations. Each student was given a budget upon arrival. At each station, the students were presented with real life expenditures covering housing decisions, to car lease payments, to recreational options such as laptops from Best Buy and/or gym memberships. Representatives from each company gave the students detailed options on how they could allocate their money and the different ways they might be able to save in using their services. It was an eye opening experience for these young adults, as they experienced first-hand the day-to-day expenses that will soon be upon them. However, they each ultimately found a successful balance within their budgets. Following, their hard work was some play, as Jungle Island hosted a bird show for theattendees and gave them an hour to tour the park.

I think we can all remember our first time out on our own… Slowly, but surely we forged our adult lives, but I wish I was able to experience a program such as this back then. Mentorship is so important at every age, but informing these kids now will certainly mold them into savvy adults, both personally and professionally. I really look forward to watching them grow and succeed.

At your service,

Jason Loeb, Sudsies

Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce