OREANDA-NEWS. The Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (FCBF), the Sunshine State's foremost industry group for international trade professionals, has named Miami International Airport its '2015 Firm of the Year'. The award recognizes MIA's commitment to providing quality customer service to members of Florida's international trade sector, forging lasting relationships with those business partners, and promoting Florida's trade and logistics industry. A panel of FCBF members selected MIA for the honor from among more than 300 trade industry businesses and organizations.

"Congratulations to the entire MIA team for earning this distinction from a recognized statewide industry leader," said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "The importance of international trade to our community can't be understated - it drives job creation and supports hundreds of local small businesses - and MIA is central to its overall success."

MIA ranks as America's busiest airport for international freight and is currently served by 40 all-cargo carriers, 16 of which are based outside of the United States. In all, MIA's cargo operations drive trade between Miami-Dade County and more than 90 international destinations from the Caribbean to Hong Kong. Working with FCBF member businesses and partner airlines, the airport handles a variety of international cargo ranging from electronics to precious metals, and from textiles to perishables.  On the perishables side, MIA handles 55% of U.S. fish imports by air; 77% of U.S. fruit and vegetable imports by air; and 91% of U.S. flower imports by air.

"We are deeply honored that the FCBF has selected MIA as its '2015 Firm of the Year' and we are equally proud to work with their member businesses each and every day," said Miami-Dade Aviation Director Emilio T. Gonzalez. "Together, we are moving Florida's economy forward and supporting our community in a meaningful way."

FCBF was founded in 1960 by a small group of freight brokers and forwarders in Miami. Now based in Doral, it has grown to include hundreds of member businesses across 52 distinct sectors that support trade and logistics in Florida. MIA will formally accept the '2015 Firm of the Year' award at FCBF's 56th Annual Gala Installation Dinner on April 25.