As Vice Mayor of Miami Beach and new CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Libbin wears two hats – and comfortably, he says.

The businesses that make up his chamber ‘constituency’ are in many cases also the residents he serves as a commissioner, in Mr. Libbin’s view.

“It’s very easy because the relationship is a tight one and the goals are symbiotic in many respects,” he says.

He sees a long-awaited Miami Beach Convention Center revamp and impending construction of tunnels to the Port of Miami as two of the biggest issues facing the Beach’s business community today.

A top goal, Mr. Libbin says, is to step up the chamber’s advocacy role when it comes to addressing community issues and initiatives.

At the same time he’s brainstorming new programs for members and working toward eliminating the need to fundraise for chamber operations, Mr. Libbin as a commissioner is also grappling with city budget concerns.

He discussed the ins and outs of his dual role in an interview with Miami Today staff writer Risa Polansky.