What do you get when you connect young professionals with an online search engine for dating, friendship and business building…add a source of empowerment and inspiration…then mix in a scenic ocean setting? The recipe behind the success of the most recent Aventura Young Professionals (AYP) event co-hosted by Jmerica.com at the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort celebrating the launch of Being Magazine. To spice up philanthropic volunteer opportunities, non-profit organizations were also invited to highlight worthy causes.

Michael Yavner of Northern Trust Bank, who serves as chair of the AYP - the committee comprised of "under 45" Aventura Marketing Council members, helped greet a great turnout of guests along with Alan Sonnabend, vice president of Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort; Billy Goldfarb of Jmerica.com; and Jen Pilla, editor of the new Being Magazine.

While enjoying hors d'oeuvres at the resort's renowned restaurant, Neomi's Bar & Grill, AYP members met new acquaintances and also got to know more about the missions of the United Way, YWCA, Center for Positive Connections, Hebrew Free Loan Association of South Florida, JNF and City of Hope.

During the event, the inaugural issue of Being Magazine was distributed to readers fitting the target profile: Intelligent, informed, individualistic and involved. "Being Magazine is for people making an authentic positive difference in their relationships, families and communities," Pilla said.

Attorneys from Hager Schwartz and Zee focusing on personal injury litigation especially appreciated a Being Magazine feature on "Being Responsible" and another article about "Being a Great Listener" was also of special interest to friends from Aventura's new Cold Stone Creamery, committed to getting the scoop on everyone's favorite ice cream flavors.

Leaders from Aventura Magazine/Aventura Phonebook were impressed by the on-line magazine now on the Jmerica.com website designed to help "American Jews looking for good news and a good time" connect and communicate. Financial experts from UBS and Florida Savings Bank also applauded Jmerica.com's generous offer: "You don't have to pay a single penny to use our site."

Dream home specialists from Macken Realty, Trust USA and Prudential Florida WCI agreed the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort's condo/hotel concept was a sensational way to attract international jetsetters. Colleagues from GDG Solutions, Biotronics and Z-Media also planned to check out "checking-in" to take advantage of great rates for Memorial Day Weekend as well as Bed & Breakfast, Room for Romance, Family Getaway and Aquanox Spa packages.

Farrey's Lighting & Bath, Source One and Barr & Associates commended "Trump Miami style" amenities including 22,000 square feet of meeting space, an oceanfront ballroom with views of the $6 million pool complex; four restaurants and lounges; an 8,000 square foot spa with state-of-the-art exercise equipment; private beach club; an on-site business center, retail shops, game room and; "Just Us Kids" program.

In keeping with award-winning tradition, Trump Grande Ocean Resort & Residences recently received 18 awards from the Builders Association of South Florida and for the second year in a row, co-developer Gil Dezer was presented with a Personal Achievement Award for Sales Director of the Year. Trump Palace, a 278-unit, 55-story residential condominium, will be completed in 2005; and Trump Royale with 391-units is scheduled for occupancy in 2007.

And so, as the sun set on yet another successful networker, everyone who had a wonderful time agreed there would be at least four ways to meet again soon: Either at another Aventura Young Professionals event; at the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort; on-line at the www.jmerica.com web site; or at the mailbox, eagerly awaiting the next issue of Being Magazine (for a complimentary subscription, log on to www.beingmagazine.com).

Event Pictures