Prosper Azerraf - Accent International
Lynda Peeler

Paris, France was the birthplace of Prosper Azerraf. He was schooled in Paris and in his early 20's began a business in travel and tourism. Upon graduation from college he worked for Iberia Airlines.

He came to the United Stated, settling in Buffalo where he had two AM-FM radio stations; these he sold in 1983 when he headed South. He wanted to remain in advertising so worked for the National Media Network who bartered for TV and radio time, banking the space and reselling it in packages. In the process of doing this business he met an optometrist who wanted to advertise and gave him an idea. Prosper bought the company and it was to become the first company to do mail-order for contact lenses; now Lens Express.

Prosper fell in love with Sunny Isles. He helped the late Mayor Samson by going door to door to get support for the town to become the city of Sunny Isles Beach. He serves on the Sunny Isles Beach Civic, Cultural and Beautification Trust; being on the "in" of the great plans for the community.

Another dream coming into action is Azerraf's desire to begin a merchant's organization or Chamber of Commerce. He believes that the time is right to bring the merchants together to support one another. He sees breakfast meetings with motivating speakers; networking; he envisions business seminars; he believes there are ways to promote business from without the community into Sunny Isles Beach; discover ways to put Sunny Isles Beach on the map. "This is one of the few communities where people still walk to do their shopping, go to the beach, and to entertainment.and we have so many excellent and ethnically different restaurants," said Azerraf. He went on to say that there is great potential to create an image of welcome and caring for new residents of Sunny Isles Beach that will bring them out to the local merchants. There is much to be done and it is very exciting, and the timing is right. It is no longer a dream; it will soon be a reality.

"By the end of the year we will have a Chamber of Commerce or Merchant's organization of some kind," said Azerraf, with great determination. A man of vision, he sees the obstacles, and is undeterred. If you want information on this business organization, call Prosper Azerraf at 305-944-5665.


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