Selling Miami’s brand globally as best-in-class is a valid aim according to the panelists of Miami Today’s Jan. 28 Roundtable discussion. Approaching the subject of Miami’s quality in the areas of its education system, business environment, healthcare and quality of life were the focus of the discussion.

Beacon Council president Frank Nero said that one of the biggest challenges Miami faces is marketing the community. He believes that even though there has been progress, Miami is still the world’s best kept secret.

Mark Rosenberg, president of Florida International University says defining what is “best in class” as a global standard of quality is key.

Brian Keeley, CEO of Baptist Health of South Florida, said it’s challenging to prove Miami has best-in-class healthcare, education or anything without cold hard facts. He says Baptist is transitioning from reputation-based medicine to evidence-based medicine.

William Talbert, CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the challenge is to find the financial resources to build the quality in Miami. Without the resources, Miami will fall behind.