CEOs see some good news and bad for the rest of 2020

CEOs were asked: In just a few sentences, what is your business outlook for the rest of 2020, assuming there is not another COVID-19 shutdown in the fall?

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I think it’s in the fabric of who we are as Americans, and Miamians, to rise to the occasion. Despite the fact that 2020 has presented us with unprecedented challenges, we are stepping up to address them with new solutions. I believe there is a lot of opportunity for creativity and growth in business overall; as we move toward a new post-COVID-19 normal, particular verticals — namely travel and tourism — that are vital to Miami will rely on innovations to products and experiences. The talent landscape is poised to see a boost as well. With companies like Twitter allowing teams to work remotely indefinitely, and other companies needing to find more cost-efficient work locations than, say, San Francisco, we become a very attractive option. Our homegrown talent pool is working to up-skill as we see growth in online courses offered by local organizations like General Assembly and Wyncode. Finally, America is at its best when it embraces the power of diversity. Our businesses thrive when we elevate the voices of people of color and take notice of staff diversity metrics to build more inclusive teams.

Michelle Abbs, Miami director, Mana Tech

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As I look into the next six months, I think that our economy will be soft. You simply can’t start and stop on a dime. There are too many variables that come into play. As a media owner, my company lost several advertising accounts due to COVID-19. However, very slowly they are starting to come back. Unfortunately I don’t predict a full recovery until 2021 or until a vaccine is discovered. In South Florida, we depend on tourism as our number one industry. It is very difficult for me to see our hotels, beaches, bars nightclubs and restaurants back to pre-coronavirus days until after 2021.

Dexter Bridgeman, CEO, founder, M•I•A Media Group

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My business outlook for the rest of 2020 is an uptick in real estate activity as the investors and lenders that have been sitting on the sidelines during the stay-at-home orders return to the playing field. Although there is typically some stagnation in the third and fourth quarter of election years, I expect the remainder of 2020 to reverse prior trends as the public returns to work, businesses adapt to the new normal, and we gain further information on a potential vaccine for COVID-19. During the second half of the year, we should also expect an increase in bankruptcy filings and distressed transactions tied to assets and companies that depend upon business travel.

Luis Flores, managing partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr’s Miami office

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With the sudden and dramatic impact of COVID19, we have significantly lowered our earnings outlook. We are working closely with our clients to better understand how the virus will impact them personally and their businesses. We anticipated significant impact on real estate values, as the ability for commercial and residential tenants to meet contractual obligations will be difficult. The despair of record unemployment is challenging for our community.

Veronica Flores, executive vice president, First National Bank of South Miami

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It’s important, though sometimes difficult, to remain positive, optimistic and resilient during this time. At Guy Harvey, we had strong e-commerce sales going into the COVID-19 shutdown and have seen a surge in online shopping and engagement since then. We expect that to continue through 2020. We have also used this downtime in traditional retail to implement new data analytics and management strategies so that our brick and mortar retailers can hit the ground running with new products and partnerships as businesses reopen.

Guy Harvey, founder, Guy Harvey Enterprises

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In South Florida, for black-owned businesses, a pandemic has been occurring for years. The coronavirus will be the catalyst that will take the life from so many of us by the year’s end. Local small businesses, especially black-owned businesses, were struggling prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of opportunities afforded to area small businesses from local municipalities and anchor institutions coupled with social distancing, new operational requirements, and the inability to secure sufficient capital, will not only devastate our ability to remain open but may bring closure to so many other struggling small and black-owned companies. After years of advocating for and discussing with local leaders regarding small and black business inclusion, Miami-Dade County finally approved a Small Business Task Force to tackle the eye-opening disparities resulting from systemic exclusionary tactics, but this may have come a little too late. The state of emergency the pandemic caused is still allowing procurement officers locally and nationally to ignore existing small business contracts. Diversity and inclusion can no longer be feel-good words in South Florida, but must become a local imperative. Operating hospitality, entertainment venues and events at 25-50 percent guest capacity will make it extremely difficult for many of us to remain open. The business outlook for area small businesses, especially black-owned businesses, looks bleak. There must be a razor sharp focus by elected officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders in developing economic programs and resources to support small businesses operating in disadvantaged, under-served communities. Until there is a COVID-19 vaccine, local inclusion in procurement opportunities, and the ability for our local economy to safely operate at full capacity, we will be fighting for our survival.

Darryl Holsendolph, president, CEO of Holsen Inc. Merchandising

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For real estate, if June new contracts are a good indicator, 2020 will exceed 2019 numbers. The low interest rates, surge of movement from the northeast and the desirability of “home” due to COVID-19, are putting a solid wind in our sails. Written contracts are up 30 percent for the first nine days of June — with our mortgage, title and insurance companies experiencing the same.

Mike Pappas, president, CEO, The Keyes Company/Illustrated Properties

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We remain optimistic about the last quarter of 2020. Our company is nearing completion of River Landing Shops & Residences on the Miami River and currently transitioning into our retail opening phase. Publix Supermarkets is working toward opening in July/August to help meet the demand for grocery service in our immediate neighborhood. Our other anchor retailers, such as TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, Burlington Stores, Hobby Lobby, Five Below, Chase Bank, AT&T and Old Navy, are working now to set their opening dates in either fall of 2020 or in early 2021. As our community’s quarantine ends, and the fear of the epidemic subsides, we believe there will be a surge of demand for in-person, in-store shopping, dining, entertainment experiences as shoppers seek retail therapy particularly in open-air environments such as River Landing.

Coralee Penabad, principal, Urban-X

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As a member-owned cooperative financial institution, the remainder of 2020 will see targeted efforts to work closely with members negatively impacted by the stay-at-home orders. Many incomes have been reduced or eliminated in the tri-county area and we stand ready to assist our members as they navigate the financial rough waters. As
we monitor our financial numbers through the phases of re-opening thus far, we are very encouraged by material improvement, in terms of commerce transaction activity via credit/debit cards, and loan application volume. In addition, we have seen very strong deposit growth on our balance sheet via stimulus funds, reduced spending activity, and a general increase in the savings rate often seen in crisis situations. The extremely low interest rate environment, uncertainty of how long these deposits will remain idle, and unknown level of loan losses, all combine to challenge us to prudently maximize our return on loans/investments in order to maintain our healthy deposit account rates and very competitive loan rates, while preserving the safe, strong, and sound institution our members have enjoyed for decades.

Allan Prindle, president, CEO, Power Financial Credit Union

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COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd has opened many wounds, exposing generations-old underlying, unhealed systemic wrongs. Women and communities of color have a long road ahead not only TO recover, but to thrive economically and socially. YWCA’s mission outlook is clear in our work to eliminate racism and empower women through services that provide equitable access to healthcare, economic justice and educational opportunity. The nonprofit business outlook for the remainder of 2020 is skewed by the ability of those who care about these issues the most to be able to financially support them. Foundations, governments, donors, and program participants will all feel the squeeze of the unstable market, between small businesses closing, hurricane season looming, and corporate and tourism uncertainty. This will most certainly color how we serve for the remainder of the year.

Kerry-Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA Greater Miami-Dade

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I believe that there will be a lot of enthusiasm for “home grown” retail. With limitations and uncertainty around travel, I think the community will be anxious to get out and spend money. The virtual sales experience may be wearing thin and direct interface with material and people will be a refreshing and needed change.

Mindy Solomon, owner, director, Mindy Solomon Gallery

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For the culture and tourism sector, I would describe our business outlook as cautious. We are in a wait-and-see mode, but we expect business to slowly recover over the summer and fall season. We still anticipate a seasonal dip in the fall, but we remain optimistic about the winter season, particularly as tourists began to travel again and visit the market. However, we are still planning for the rest of 2020 to be much softer than prior years.

Frank Steslow, president, CEO, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

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THE MIAMI HERALD CEO ROUNDTABLE IS A WEEKLY FEATURE THAT APPEARS IN BUSINESS MONDAY OF THE MIAMI HERALD. RECENT QUESTIONS TO THE ROUNDTABLE HAVE INCLUDED:

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▪ For some CEOs, COVID-19 crisis is an unknown challenge

▪ CEOs trying to protect the bottom line without layoffs

▪ Most CEOs don’t anticipate changes to tax preparation this year

▪ All eyes on politics: CEOs watching national and local races

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▪ CEOs discuss their approach to holiday spending

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▪ Should Facebook be regulated? CEOs weigh in

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▪ CEOs spill the beans on how they get their news

▪ CEOs’ one simple rule for social media: Don’t be an embarrassment

▪ CEOs: Best holiday gifts bring cherished memories

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▪ What is the future for commuter rail in South Florida?

▪ CEOs discuss South Florida’s cost-of-living issues

▪ CEOs in new class share their greatest professional achievements

▪ Ride an e-scooter? Most CEOs haven’t — yet

▪ CEOs offer diverse ways of luring and keeping good workers

▪ CEOs: Local schools equip some students with skills they’ll need for workforce

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▪ What should organizations do with scandal-tainted donations?

▪ CEOs moving forward, not scaling back

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▪ Recession? CEOs say that so far, it’s a no-show in South Florida

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▪ Too cold? Too hot? Let’s talk workplace temperatures

▪ CEOS: Working remotely is often a great alternative

▪ If the economy falters, local companies are prepared

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▪ CEOs are planning for climate change and sea-level rise

▪ Efforts to boost low wages may ease affordability crisis

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▪  Here’s how CEOs would advise a high school senior class on its last day

▪ South Florida CEOs offer suggestion to address America’s student loan debt

▪ Supervisors often were the greatest influence on CEOs’ careers

▪ CEOs address Miami’s racial wealth gap

▪ CEOs discuss transforming healthcare in America

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▪ CEOs split on encouraging marijuana sales in Florida

▪ Unlocking state funds for affordable housing is the right move, CEOS said

▪ CEOs try to lasso healthcare costs, but more needs to be done

▪ CEOs agree that tax breaks are needed to lure businesses to Florida

▪ Technology led to significant changes in 2018 for most CEOs

▪ What are CEOs doing to attract and retain workers?

▪ Most CEOs say salaries will increase in 2019

▪ Most CEOs are in ‘growth mode’ with plans to hire more

▪ CEOs’ 2019 economic forecast offers differing views

▪ How CEOs are trying to attract ‘Generation Z’

▪ Most CEOs say PortMiami should expand more, without hurting the fragile eco-system

▪ Should financial institutions reach more ‘unbanked’ people?

▪ Tech scene throughout South Florida is building momentum

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▪ Recession ahead? CEOs divided on whether they see signs of one

▪ CEOs: Amazon’s strong look at Miami for HQ2 made the region look hard at itself

Biggest influence on CEOs’ careers? Most say it was a parent

▪ Jobs available? CEOs look at their companies

▪ CEOs keep an eye on Miami’s cost of living

The key to retaining employees? Start with good pay and benefits

▪ Live-work-play? More employees opt to live closer to workplaces

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▪ Here are some issues CEOs hope lawmakers keep top-of-mind this election year

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▪ Local firms are doing their part to be more eco-friendly

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▪ CEOs help employees stsruggling with long commutes

▪ Despite airline woes, CEOs are not changing traveling habits

▪ CEOs have diverse opinions on Trump’s tariffs and other actions

▪ CEOs feel pressure to keep wages competitive

▪ South Florida CEOs say that Miami can sustain David Beckham’s soccer team

▪ CEOs hope common-sense control on assault rifles happens soon

▪ Will Amazon open HQ2 in Miami? Maybe, maybe not, but city’s profile rises, CEOs say

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▪ Extra guards, added security measures protect staff and clients

▪ As automation advances, CEOs say humans are still needed

▪ Holiday parties celebrate employees and the year’s successes

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▪ How CEOs address hostility in the workplace

▪ Good storm planning can stave off disruptions, CEOs find

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▪ Planning, preparation are keys to disaster recovery, CEOs say

▪ CEOs say students who improve certain skills are better prepared for future jobs

▪ Uncertainty about the Affordable Care Act on the minds of CEOs

▪ In a year of challenges, CEOs took risks, learned and grew

▪ CEOs believe community should be involved in making public schools better

▪ Best bosses we ever had inspired, challenged and cared, say South Florida CEOs

▪ South Florida CEOs try to evaluate the nation’s top CEO: President Trump

▪ CEOs’ advice to college students: Network! Internships! Research!

▪ Affordable housing a cause of concern for CEOs

▪ Communication, cool heads key to avoiding public relations nightmares

▪ Meet the new Miami Herald CEO Roundtable

▪ Ahh, the first job. CEOs learned valuable lessons on the bottom rung

▪ It’s getting harder for employees and CEOs to disconnect while on vacation

▪ Florida’s legislators must act on economy and education, CEOs say

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