By Geri Powell and Judy Reid
July 14, 2008

On June 21 in Miami at the Mayors and Business Council Plenary Breakfast, America’s mayors and members of the Mayors Business Council came together to highlight the importance of cities and the business community working together side by side in partnership to bring innovative solutions to the challenges facing cities. The breakfast was sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation.

Chair of the Mayors’ Business Council Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman emphasized the Conference’s goal to "create a strong and engaged business community inside the organization, sharing and working with mayors on visions of success to make our cities - and ultimately our nation — economically stronger."

After recognizing USCM President Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer for his leadership on the USCM 10-Point Plan and its theme of strong cities, strong families and a strong America, Goodman thanked Palmer for his passionate support of the Mayors’ Business Council and his strong promotion of cities and businesses working together to strengthen the Conference and our nation’s cities.

Palmer addressed the mayors and business community, highlighting the importance of metro economies, and pointing out that "U.S. metro economies continue to spur the economic growth of our national economies, contributing 207 billion dollars or 92 percent of all economic growth."

Palmer also emphasized the importance of mayors and the private sector working closely in the area of climate protection. "Climate protection is an even greater area where business and cities can work together to reduce energy, conserve costs, and create environmentally-friendly metro areas," he said.

Conference CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran greeted the mayors and business leaders underlining the importance of entrepreneurial mayors, "walking every step of the way with business." He also recognized the platinum partners, as well as the fourteen newest members of the mayors Business Council, bringing the total Business Council membership to more than 100 members. Cochran commented that, "When business stands with us we are stronger as an organization, as cities, and as a nation."

After Cochran’s greetings, the new 2008-2009 Mayors’ Business Council Steering Committee was announced. Outgoing Co-Chair Lynn Cutler, Senior Policy Advisor, Holland & Knight LLP, was recognized for her two years of outstanding service as 2006-2008 Co-Chair of the Mayors’ Business Council Steering Committee. Cutler in her parting remarks announced that Lucinda Crabtree, President, Crabtree - Co., Inc. will serve as the new Steering Committee Co-Chair along with Co-Chair Everett Bass, Vice President Community Relations & Public Sector Services for Waste Management, Inc.

The breakfast concluded with the presentation of Excellence in Community Trees Awards sponsored by The Home Depot Foundation.