The Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce provides leadership for the advancement of the economic vitality, civic affairs, and quality of life of the total community. We are an organization of active members who share a vision to create strong relationships within our community, local businesses and beyond. We serve as advocates for the three village area to foster pride, recognition and economic growth. As community members and business owners, we cultivate an energetic and vibrant neighborhood which attracts new businesses, programs and organizations that ensure our personal and professional growth. From the start the Chamber has charged membership dues to support our efforts, programming, and staff expenses. Advertising revenue now also forms an important piece of how we fund our efforts. As the Chamber evolved, we have recognized the desire of our local businesses to reach the residents perhaps foremost. As a result, our primary communication piece, the monthly Egret magazine in existence since at least 1963, is geared to local residents and distributed to over 6,400 homes, apartments, and businesses in Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Quayside, and nearby communities. The Chamber now also maintains a database of local residents and e-mails them monthly. The Chamber is run on a day to day basis by our Executive Director and a small group of part-time staff and paid consultants. Staff is overseen by an Executive Committee and a board of directors that numbers between ten and thirty individuals. In addition to our publications, communication vehicles, and Website, we offer events and programming throughout the year, such as regular Member breakfast and lunch events, our Annual Dinner, Outstanding Student Awards, Green Day street fair, and more. We also maintain a retail operation in the front part of our offices, the “Shores Shop”, that sells clothing, books, and gift ideas, most with a Miami Shores logo or theme.