Badia commited to Doral

Whenever a new business is installed in Doral, it is a great satisfaction because it states that they trust in our city, a place to invest and to grow as well as to settle in this beautiful land in family.

Just as new openings arise, there are those who have been growing. Most importantly these growths seem to compromise them every day with their people, with their employees, with their environment, and maybe even their clients.

This is the case of Badia , a company founded in Doral in 1999 and that today occupies a national and international leadership.  I recently visited their new facilities where I was greeted by the businessman Jose “Pepe” Badia , president of Badia Spices. A man of extraordinary human quality, that together with his family stimulates the business, initiated in 1967 and that he has successfully launched worldwide.

If there is something that amazed me during the course of this visit, were its people, its labor force, which go hand in hand with the same values and principles in which “Pepe” acts as a businessman in charge, with his nearby community, and his neighbors.  It is with pride that I emphasize that Badia Spices employs 187 workers in his distribution centers with headquarters in Miami.

More than 350 different products are prepared, packed and sent to 70 countries as well as all of the United States.  I could also observe the production process during this visit.

It has two facilities in Doral.  One is 110,000 square feet storage and another one is the production building with 100.000 sq. feet.   Its production is based on packages and Badia’s Species mixtures which add up to more than100 species, herbs, dehydrated vegetables and other articles with which they develop more than 700 for the retail industries and food service.

During the visit he was showing us the manufacturer, some of the products are placed to the service of the community. Products that go out to market for a social cause. The fight against cancer, scholarships to students among other works. He understands, do to his human qualities, the commitment that he has with his people.

Communities of South Florida have been benefiters.  Even though we know that on a national scale his name has been placed on a top level. His family, together with him, has embraced organizations that work with the communities that are most in need.  Badia Spices follows the example of this tireless man.  It is an attempt of the Badia’s family to improve and strengthen the communities where in addition his employees live and their families grow up and play.

If there is something that surprised me was that they, his family circle, are the ones at the head of not only their customers, but also bring the social projects to effect with those who come to them to do work of charity. To name just a few, Dan Marino’s Foundation, Foundation against Breast Cancer, as well as Florida’s International University.

It was rewarding and I feel honored that they have allowed me to enter every corner of this important Food Company. We will continue supporting them…

Women: Managers of God’s gifts

I was recently invited to a meeting with Business Women, event which took place here in Doral, and where I could once again confirm the strength they have when I heard from them some of their ideals, goals and accomplishments.

I had the privilege, among all these women, to address a few words. As a man of faith, and feeling that it was the proper occasion, I spoke about the importance of women in the management of three fundamental aspects of their lives: the Management of their Families, of their Social world and of the resources provided for their Stewardship.

Because, without a doubt, women have received from the Almighty His favor and Grace.If there is something that God demands from them it is that they make the best use of what He puts in their hands. From there also derives a principle, which is what I really wanted to leave with them. God loves the joyous giver. There is a verse in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:6 that reads:

 “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Why are these words important? Because we are surrounded by many people in need; some, as public servants, through Foundations; others, through resources. Let’s look around us and see where we can sow what God has given us. As you sow, you will be rewarded by the Almighty.

Don’t forget, immersed in your professional activities, of the commitment God has given you inside your home. I am proud of the woman that has walked by my side for so many years, the best wife and mother of my two wonderful children. Today, because of her, her fortitude, her energy, I am here after a serious illness, years ago, from which God healed me.The role she played during that time helped me recover, and today, here I am fulfilling my functions as Mayor, but especially as husband, father and grandfather.

You, women, shouldn’t neglect the role you play in your homes, regardless of how professional you are. You have a commitment to your children, with your husbands or by yourselves; but the home should never take second place, no matter how business focused you are. Ask for wisdom, I know it isn’t easy, but God will know how to help you to manage your time.

Finally, remember that in your social lives you can play a very important part. You cannot imagine the contribution you, as leaders, can make to those groups where you have social engagements. Act wisely. Don’t forget that, above all, the principles God has given us should reign in every “good time”.