For CEO Roundtable, a call for nominations: Nominations for the Business Monday CEO Roundtable (see Page 8 of this magazine) are now being accepted. To qualify, applicants must be the chief officer of a South Florida-based business and be willing to answer questions emailed by Miami
Herald staff. Deadline to apply is Friday. Email businesseditor@MiamiHerald.com if you are interested.
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This week’s question: Do you support Univision’s decision to dump Donald Trump’s Miss Universe Pageant after his comments about Mexican immigrants?
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Every company should have clear principals and should feel no hesitation in sticking to them. Today’s consumers look more closely at how companies behave, and it influences their purchase decisions.
Christine Barney, CEO, RBB Communications
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I am a very proud American from Latin parents and appreciate Mr. Trump's patriotism, but he was wrong by phrasing it incorrectly. He unfairly pointed out just Mexicans when there are illegal immigrants coming into the U.S. from other countries as well through the Mexican border. I do not support Univision's decision to dump the Miss Universe Pageant. It's unfair to all the contestants with the pageant now having much reduced exposure. And this wasn't a good business decision either for Univision not to broadcast this very popular program with high viewership that brings in good advertising money.
Richard Behar, Founder and CEO, Capitol Clothing Corp.
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Yes. He is officially running for president of the United States. Any offensive comment or innuendo about any ethnic group should be condemned and punished. That was an insult to our democracy.
Carmen Castillo, president and CEO, SDI International
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I think that Donald Trump’s statements were irresponsible and insulting to a large segment of Univision’s audience and clientele. As business owners, it is Univision’s complete right to make the best decision for their company. In addition, as a television station that plays an important role in influencing public opinion, canceling the Trump's pageant sends a clear message that Univision does not support anyone that summarily declares people to be criminals based on their nationality and circumstances related to immigration, having nothing to do with violence. I think Univision acted in a responsible and honorable way.
Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, managing partner, Cervera Real Estate
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Yes, I support Univision and any other divestment plans to create a just society through how people spend their money. Conscious capitalism is spreading, and people have always and should continue to spend with people who support their community.
Pandwe Gibson, executive director, EcoTech Visions
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I absolutely support Univision’s decision. Donald Trump’s comments were shocking, outrageous and antagonistic. His arrogance and lack of grace have no place on a pageant stage, let alone a presidential stage.
Julie Grimes, managing partner, Hilton Bentley Hotel
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YES! Donald Trump is a disgrace and an embarrassment. My only question was why it took them so long to respond.
Ann Machado, founder and president, Creative Staffing
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Yes — his comments were flat-out wrong and unfair, which surprised me for such an intelligent and successful man I otherwise admire.
Victor Mendelson, co-president, HEICO
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It’s incredible to watch in real time the snowball effect of Mr. Trump’s comments. Any time you make sweeping statements about people, especially if you’re in the public eye, you put yourself in jeopardy. I think Univision did what it thought best to represent and respect its broad audience — Mexican and Latinos alike.
Abe Ng, founder and CEO of Sushi Maki
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I support freedom. That means Donald Trump can say moronic things, and Univision can react. Each of these actions may have civil consequences. Donald Trump was born the son of a very rich real estate developer. I wonder if his opinion would be the same if he was born the son of a poor immigrant trying to make a better life for his family.
Todd Oretsky, co-founder, Pipeline Brickell
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I wholeheartedly support Univision’s decision. It’s now NBC’s, too. When things said and actions taken are so insensitive and misguided, you have to. As president of the higher education institution with the largest undergraduate enrollment and that awards the most degrees to Latinos in America, I am especially resolute in my support for Univision and NBC.
Eduardo Padrón, president, Miami Dade College
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Absolutely!
Darryl K. Sharpton, president and CEO, The Sharpton Group
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Yes, I do support their decision. However, in general, I am not in favor of Miss Universe pageants as they are dated and out of place.
Gillian Thomas, president and CEO, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science
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To make generalizing, derogatory comments about any race, religion, culture, etc. can be ignorant and dangerous. While I’m not in a position to comment on the choice of a private corporation, I’m in full agreement with the reasoning of their decision that there is a “…responsibility to speak up for the community we serve.” I am the grandson of Mexican immigrants. My grandparents immigrated from Saltillo, Mexico to Eagle Pass, Texas, with a first-grade and fourth-grade education. They built businesses, created jobs and raised their children in a loving household, the way my parents raised my brothers and me. My mom was a teacher and my father was in the communications field after serving his country in Vietnam. Both [are] hard-working, tax-paying citizens who raised men who would also become a veteran and police officer, as well as two sons who would serve their community by putting food on the table for others. I’d say that’s direct proof of the positive impact immigrants can make.
Paco Velez, CEO, Feeding South Florida
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I believe Univision was in an awkward position and had to act fast. My overall position on this is neutral.
Marlon Williams, founder and CEO, Fenero
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I agree with Univision’s decision because Mr. Trump’s comments were in direct conflict with what I would assume is the mission of an international beauty pageant, to break down racial and nationalistic barriers and encourage an appreciation of other cultures. Mr. Trump was perpetuating a stereotype that Latin Americans, Univision’s audience, have long battled.
John Wood, president, Amicon Construction
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