Global Miami Magazine

The January/February 2025 issue of Global Miami is here—available in print and online! Inside this issue: ?? MIA’s $9 Billion Makeover – Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveils a bold plan to transform the airport’s future. ?? International Banking & Finance – How South Florida is strengthening its position as a global financial hub. ???? Miami & Mexico – A deep dive into growing trade and investment ties between these economic powerhouses. Stay informed—subscribe and follow Global Miami Magazine for more! #GlobalMiami #MiamiBusiness #Trade #Finance #Aviation #SouthFlorida #EconomicGrowth #MiamiAirport #InvestMiami #MIAExpansion #MiamiTrade

Carlos Ignacio Ya?es, CEO of Miami-based OIS & Associates, is on a mission to transform the way spirits are aged. Traditional oak barrels have long been the gold standard, but with rising costs and dwindling supplies, innovation is key. Enter the Infusion Spiral—a revolutionary technology that maximizes wood exposure, imparting the same rich flavors in a fraction of the time. In our conversation, Ya?es explained how different species of wood influence the color, aroma, and taste of alcoholic beverages, with French oak standing out for its exceptional qualities. His approach? A spiraled infusion method that extracts the best of these flavors efficiently, challenging the industry’s deep-rooted traditions. With global distribution deals already in place, could this be the future of aging spirits? Read more about this entrepreneur in our feature, "A New Twist" here: https://lnkd.in/edfd_K7Y #GlobalMiami #Innovation #SpiritsIndustry #MiamiBusiness #TechMeetsTradition #Entrepreneurship

Construction is advancing rapidly on the Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences Miami, the city's first supertall tower, set to reach 1,049 feet. This architectural marvel will feature 387 private residences and 205 luxurious guest rooms, all with breathtaking 360-degree views of Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. With one floor completed every ten days, the project is already 19 stories high, and the team has begun work on the pool and amenity levels. Offering a wealth of exclusive amenities, Waldorf Astoria will deliver a resort-style pool deck, a world-class spa, fine dining, private lounges, and cutting-edge smart-home technology for residents and guests alike. This stunning development is poised to redefine Miami's skyline and provide a new level of luxury living. #WaldorfAstoriaMiami #MiamiRealEstate #SupertallTower #MiamiSkyline #LuxuryLiving #ConstructionUpdate

Global shipping and logistics leader CMA CGM is investing $20B over the next four years to strengthen its U.S. presence across maritime, air cargo, and logistics. The investment includes: ?? $8B for containerships to triple its U.S.-flagged fleet to 30 vessels ?? $7B for logistics to expand warehouse capacity to 400 facilities across the U.S. ? $4B for ports to digitize and enhance connectivity, including in Miami ?? $1B for air cargo with new Boeing 777 freighters at Chicago O’Hare CMA CGM has also launched the CMA CGM California Bridge Service, a weekly first-stop route at PortMiami connecting Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. West Coast. The $20B investment will create 10,000 new U.S. jobs and establish an R&D hub in Boston, focused on advanced robotics and automation. With a fleet of over 650 vessels and operations in 160+ countries, CMA CGM is driving the future of global trade and logistics. #GlobalTrade #Logistics #Shipping #CMA_CGM #Maritime #AirCargo #Miami #SupplyChain #Infrastructure

For the first time, the North American Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Association (NATCCA) held its annual meeting in South Florida, underscoring the region’s growing role in global trade. With over 500 members across the U.S. and Canada, NATCCA connects Taiwanese business leaders with North America and beyond. Arthur Chen, President of NATCCA, emphasized the organization’s goal of creating business opportunities, expanding partnerships, and driving growth. The event focused on Taiwan’s expertise in high-tech industries, green energy, and medical innovation. Notably, the U.S. has overtaken China as Taiwan’s largest export market, influenced by geopolitical shifts. Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor Dean Trantalis welcomed the gathering, highlighting the city’s transformation from a retirement hub to a center for international commerce. The Miami Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce played a pivotal role in organizing the event, facilitating collaboration between Taiwanese businesses and South Florida. Taiwanese companies like BioTissue, Acer, and WPG Holdings Limited 大聯大投資控股(股)公司 already have a strong presence in the region, paving the way for deeper business ties. Read more about the NATCCA’s impact and Taiwan’s growing influence in South Florida: https://lnkd.in/eqMY22Wy

Canada is one of Florida’s top trade partners, with over $11 billion in annual trade. South Florida’s connection to Canada is particularly strong, with 150,000 Canadians residing in the area year-round, most notably from Québec. This bond is evident in Broward County, home to “Little Québec” on Hollywood Beach, where French is widely spoken. Québec has now expanded its presence in Miami with a new office, marking a key step in its decades-long relationship with Florida. This office will focus exclusively on Florida and U.S. trade. Québec contributes $3 billion annually to Florida’s economy, particularly in aerospace, aluminum, and tourism. Aerospace giants Bombardier and CAE employ 1,000 Floridians, while Québec’s aluminum exports to Florida are substantial. Tourism also plays a key role, with 250,000 Québec snowbirds visiting Florida yearly, contributing over $2.5 billion to the economy. Québec has invested $9 billion in Florida real estate since 2000. As Florida grows in political and economic influence, Québec’s expansion in Miami signals a stronger commitment to deepening trade, investment, and cultural ties. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eRYmZb_Q #QuébecMiami #GlobalTrade #FloridaEconomy #QuébecBusiness #AerospaceIndustry #InternationalRelations #MiamiTrade #CanadaFlorida #GlobalMiami #TourismEconomy

EVI Industries, Inc., a Miami-based provider of commercial laundry equipment, is set to acquire Girbau North America (GNA), the North American distributor of Girbau commercial laundry machines, in a $43 million deal. This acquisition, funded through EVI’s revolving credit facility and an increase in credit agreements with Bank of America and Wells Fargo, will expand the company’s reach in the laundry industry. GNA, which generated $75 million in revenue last year, will continue operating under its current name and leadership. Girbau, a Spanish corporation, will benefit from an increased presence in the U.S., with Girbau Chair and CEO Mercé Girbau stating, "This long-term relationship will strengthen our presence in North America and allows us to continue innovating in a key market." EVI’s strategy is to further enhance its operational capabilities in strategic sourcing, logistics, and technology, positioning both companies for continued growth. #MergersAndAcquisitions #EVIIndustries #Girbau #BusinessExpansion #CommercialLaundry #IndustryGrowth #StrategicAcquisition #GlobalMiami?

Happy 305 Day! ?? Miami may be young, but its impact is undeniable. The city has rapidly grown into a global hub for business, trade, and culture, attracting visionaries shaping its future. As Miami continues to expand, we’re on the ground—attending key events and gaining insights on trade, real estate, ports, retail, dining, lifestyle, finance, healthcare, and more—to keep you informed. Follow for in-depth coverage and access to a real-time digital platform that serves as the hub for Miami’s thriving international business community. #Happy305Day #MiamiBusiness #The305 #MagicCity #InternationalTrade #MiamiRealEstate #PortMiami #Finance #GlobalHub

Saudi Arabia’s decision to open its second U.S.-based investment office in Miami underscores the city’s growing significance as a global business hub. Operating under INVEST SAUDI, the kingdom’s initiative to attract investment, the office will serve as a gateway to both the U.S. and South America, leveraging Miami's expanding innovation ecosystem. This strategic move strengthens Miami's position in the global trade landscape, opening new avenues for investment. Announced during the Future Investment Initiative Institute Priority Summit, the office aligns with a global push for clear legal and regulatory frameworks, cementing Miami's role as a bridge between the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East. Stay up to date with the latest developments in Miami’s role in global business and investment. Follow and subscribe for more insights. #GlobalMiami #MiamiBusiness #InvestSaudi #MiamiInvestment #InternationalTrade #FutureOfInvestment #Vision2030 #MiamiGateway #SouthAmerica #SaudiArabia

CRUISE UPDATE: Miami-based Royal Caribbean Group is expanding its Icon series with Legend of the Seas, set to launch in 2026. Currently under construction in Turku, Finland, the ship will debut in Barcelona before homeporting year-round at Port Everglades. ?? Read more in this week’s Business Monday newsletter. Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eQBxeunj #GlobalMiami #BusinessMonday #CruiseIndustry #RoyalCaribbean #PortEverglades #MiamiBusiness