Marina Foglia Named Exec Director of Gables BID

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - April 3, 2014 - PRLog -- The Business Improvement District of Coral Gables (BID), whose mission is to promote commercial vitality for Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables, has named marketing and economic development executive Marina S. Foglia as its Executive Director.

“Marina Foglia is an outstanding collaborator with strong communications, marketing, event planning, fund raising and economic development skills,” said Burton H. Hersh, AIA, President of the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables. “She is well-known in the community in the real estate, tourism and international business sectors and will be a tremendous asset to the organization as it embarks upon several major growth initiatives in the next three years.

As Executive Director, Foglia is responsible for promoting the interests of the BID through lobbying efforts and networking, establishing a long-term vision and plan for growth and expansion of the BID, financial oversight of budgets and forecasts and oversight of marketing, public relations, communications and special events planning on behalf of the BID. Among her highest priorities is to work with the City of Coral Gables on the planning and implementation of the proposed $18 million Streetscape improvements plan for Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue in Downtown Coral Gables.

Foglia succeeds Mari Gallet, the BID’s previous Executive Director who held the position for nine years and led the organization through two re-elections in 2012 and 2005, developed new branding efforts as an upscale, sophisticated dining and shopping destination and created many iconic events and programs in use today.

Prior to joining the BID, Foglia was a Senior Manager of the Community and Industry Growth Group with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce where she was responsible for establishing relationships with other economic development organizations, trade associations and chambers of commerce that created opportunities for members and volunteers locally, statewide and in the region. During her 11-year accomplished career at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, she collaborated with tourism, governmental and private sector organizations; developed and executed new initiatives; and organized and promoted significant events for the Chamber’s Community & Industry Growth, International Business Development and Advocacy Group divisions.

Foglia is an active member of Switchboard of Miami’s Women’s Leadership Council, and she is tri-lingual in English, Spanish and Portuguese. In 2009, she received the Housing Initiatives Award of the Year from the Realtors Association of Miami. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Florida International University.

About the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables
Created in 1997, the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables’ (BID) mission is to promote commercial vitality for Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables, and to act as a strategic catalyst for the overall improvement of the area.   Downtown Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with more than 160 retailers and over 70 restaurants.  Infused with a chic European feel, tree-lined streets and Mediterranean architecture, the historic area boasts some of Miami’s finest boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and lively cultural venues.   Downtown Coral Gables, with its Miracle Mile, is an elegant and sophisticated destination to live, shop, play and work.  It is Miami’s charming gem that locals like to keep secret and visitors fall in love with when they find it.  For more information and a directory, visit www.shopcoralgables.com, become a fan www.facebook.com/ShopCoralGables or follow us on Twitter @ShopCoralGables (http://twitter.com/shopcoralgables).