Joe Chi is an entrepreneur and economic developer, specializing in the international business sector, with extensive experience in Europe, Asia and the Latin American region.

During his career he has represented various governmental entities on an honorary basis, in many diplomatic, cultural and commercial areas. Born in Cuba, of Chinese heritage and U.S. educated, Joe has traveled the world non-stop since 1970. His 30 year track record in the food, industrial products, industrial materials, energy and mining sectors has positioned him to act as a multilateral bridge between the commercial, diplomatic and cultural communities in the United States, Asia, Europe and the Latin American region. Locally, Joe has tackled complex socially responsible issues such as economic development for the disadvantaged, welfare, unemployment and nutrition. Entering the Senior Health Care field as Vice President of FADSA, the Florida Adult Day Care Association, he organized a comprehensive effort between major governmental, academic and senior healthcare entities, to develop solutions for senior healthcare, through high tech innovations.

Under-graduate and post-graduate education

A.S. Degree, Engineering, Miami Dade College, 1977

B.S. Degree, Accounting, Barry University, 1987

Coursework towards Master’s Degree, Harvard University

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 1988-1990

Joe lives in Miami, Florida with his wife Mercy and his two children.

His hobbies include reading about commerce, history, economics, politics and organizing commercial, social and cultural events in our community and throughout the Americas.

Expertise

Problem Solving and Crisis Management ability combined with a diplomatic operating style. Trilingual capacity in   English, Spanish and Chinese. Business experience in international business development.

1976-2007/Maxim’s Import Corporation grew food business to a substantial multinational enterprise setting up and conducting multi-million dollar transactions in the USA, Latin America and Asia.  Sold the company in 2007.

April 2003/President, Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Jan 2007/Founder China Latin American Trade Center to focus on Asian Business Development

Additional Joe has served on numerous boards and worked with many organizations.

1996-2002

Board Member, Wages Coalition Region 23, in charge of placing over 65,000 welfare recipients into productive jobs in the Dade and Monroe. Coalition was co-chaired by Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas.

1997-2002

Highlights

2000 March/Elected Chairman of the WAGES Coalition in charge of a budget of US $120 million dollars to transition over 65,000 welfare recipients in the Miami area. 

Elected Vice Chairman of the Jobs and Education Partnership Board. [Precursor to South Florida Workforce]