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Alex Odio and Anne Knowles. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Andria Hanley and former Mayor George Corrigan. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Ann Espinosa offers guests samples of Tyku sake. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Brian Barakat and Cindy Birdsill. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Cindy Birdsill, Anabella Smith and Volker Anding. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Dr. Jose Gurevich and Andria Hanley, executive director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Former Mayor George Corrigan, former Commissioner Jim Barker, former Mayor Don Slesnick and former chamber President Ron Robison. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Jeannett Slesnick and Ron Shuffield. Photo by Betty Alvarez

John Allen, Commissioner Ralph Cabrera, Jose Abreu and former Mayor Don Slesnick. Photo by Betty Alvarez

John Knowles, Ruben Acosta, Sergio Barrera and Commissioner Ralph Cabrera. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Marco Ibarra and Sergio Barrera. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Chamber President & CEO Mark Trowbridge, Jose Abreu, Mary Young and former Mayor Don Slesnick. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Martha de la Pena, Michael Loeb and Dr. Jose Gurevich. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Sushi Maki servers with delicious appetizers. Photo by Betty Alvarez

Founded in 1993, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s Flags on Ponce program recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary with a special reception at Sushi Maki.

The event, held Thursday evening, Feb. 7, welcomed more than 30 guests and honored dignitaries who were instrumental in bringing this stunning display of flags along Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

As guests enjoyed bites and sake tastings, chamber leadership presented proclamations to past Chairmen Jim Barker and Ron Shuffield and past chamber President Ron Robison and recognized former Mayor George Corrigan for their roles in the formation of the city’s International Affairs Coordinating Committee and ongoing support of the program.

The Flags on Ponce program showcases the significant number of international businesses in Coral Gables, which is home to and over 20 consulates and more than 150 multi-national corporations, including Bacardi, Del Monte, HBO Latin America, and IntelSat.

In honor of the Flags on Ponce program’s 20th anniversary, the Coral Gables City Commission on Tuesday, Feb. 5, presented the chamber with a proclamation.

A colorful tradition in the Gables, the flags fly high along Ponce de Leon Boulevard each year from January until June. The chamber works closely with the city to maintain the program and to install the flags each year right after the New Year.

The Flags on Ponce program is sponsored this year by Florida Blue, University of Southernmost Florida, Artigiano, Baptist Health South Florida, Barakat Law, PA, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., Coral Gables Community Foundation, Coral Gables Country Club, Darla Thompson, Eliptek Technology Group, Esslinger Wooten Maxwell, Laura L. Russo, Esq., LLC, Montica Jewelry, Nero Immigration Law, Pao Town, Right Space 2 Meet, Smiles & Sonrisas, Sushi Maki, TotalBank and the University of Miami School of Business.

Photos by Betty Alvarez / Events Photographer