Tooting the Horn - Beep Beep!

At the Chamber, we are always promoting Ybor City and as my Vice Chair of Events, David Alvarez says, "We should toot our own horn once in a while."  A little over a week ago, I was installed as Alcade de Ybor and while this is not a Chamber program per se, it allows me to promote Ybor City in new ways.  Perhaps most importantly I am helping to carry-on an Ybor tradition that is 58 years old (almost as old as me).

My first duty was to rally the forces for the Ybor Alcalde Naval Invasion - the traditional precursor to Gasparilla.  Next, I got to wear my formal attire (wardrobe by Men's Wearhouse) as a member of the Host Committee for our Concierge Reception last week at The Ritz Ybor.  I'm still not sure which "alter ego" I prefer - Alcalde or just plain-old El Presidente. 

I had two other opportunities to represent Ybor City this weekend; attending a Gasparilla Reception for professional meeting planners and corporate relocation consultants.  The topic of Ybor always adds sizzle to recruiting conventions and while I considered Ybor City my vocation, business development is my avocation.  I was pleased to be invited to share a pre-view of the new Whiting Street Streetcar Station with our colleagues at HART, THS Board and the Federal Transit Authority.  I never miss a chance to pitch our community or lobby for that matter - cigar anyone?

My next gig, as Alcalde, will be riding in the Sant' Yago Knight Parade followed by a "tour de force" in the Rough Rider's St. Patrick's Day Parade (I'm thinking green top-hat band).  However, our next big event for the Ybor Chamber and our members is our 64^th Annual Fiesta Day coming-up, Saturday, February 26^th.  Join us for this free, family-oriented street-festival.  Presented by BB&T Bank, this year's edition features our Sabor de Ybor gourmet street food and a new juried Arte de Ybor for up and coming young artists.

If you like dancing in the streets you will love the Main Stage line-up with the Sombras Flamencas flamenco show, Danny Lozada's salsa group and Supernatural, a Santana tribute band.  And, don't forget to check-out the best in young talent on the Centro Ybor Stage featuring top magnet-school performances and our own HCC Jazz Ensemble.

- Tom Keating

10Connects Broadcasts From Ybor

In a segment called "Why Do They Call It That?," Channel 10 will broadcast live from the Centro Ybor Courtyard on Wednesday, February 9th. Local businesses, krewes, groups and residents are encouraged to come out and get involved- show the bay area what makes our National Historic Landmark District a place to stop in and share with friends & family! 

 Build Relationships & Business

Register to come out and meet with our member businesses at this year's Winter Ybor Expo: Business Showcase Tuesday, February 8^th.  Expo is the best way to get to know what valuable services our member businesses have to offer.

Ybor Expo allows members to "showcase" their businesses by demonstrating what they can do for you and your colleagues  through the use of photo displays, brochures and live demonstrations.

Join our sponsors GTE Federal Credit Union, Bright House Networks, Hampton Inn & Suites- Ybor, New Urban Suites & Business Club and the Tampa Tribune for this twice-a-year Ybor City business event; there just might be a business opportunity waiting for you!  Contact Anna Ramos at 248-3712 x22 or aramos@ybor.org for more details.
 

Chamber Happenings

February 8- Winter 2011 Ybor Expo: Business Showcase, Tues. 11:30AM- 2PM- The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its Winter Business Expo at the Columbia Restaurant in lieu of its regular luncheon. Exhibitors are lined-up and waiting to meet you at this great business to business function. Be sure to register by contacting Anna Ramos. 813.248.3712 x 22

February 26- Fiesta Day, Sat. 11AM- 6PM- Celebrate this annual

tribute to the Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Jewish and German immigrants that came to Ybor City in the late 1800's. This free event pays homage to Ybor's forefathers through the observance of cultural art and cuisine in a street festival format.  And to add to the day's events, the Ybor Saturday Fresh Market will once again be hosting Flan Fest in Centennial Park. 813.241.8838

March 8- Ybor Chamber Membership Luncheon, Tues. 11:45AM- 1:15PM- Join the Ybor Chamber and guest speaker Wit Ostrenko, President of the Museum of Science and Industry (MoSI), at the March chamber membership luncheon. See what is in store for the museum over the course of this year and what their visitors are saying about them. The March luncheon is sponsored by the Ybor City Museum Society. The luncheon registration notice will be in your email by the end of the month.
 

March 17- PM Networking Event at Club Skye, Thurs. 5:30-7:30PM- Mark your calendars now for networking on St. Patrick's Day! It just might bring you some good luck!

Events & Announcements Around the District

February 10- Wine and Chocolate Tasting at The Italian Club, Thurs. 7PM- 9PM- In the spirit of Cupid, celebrate pre-Valentine's day at the Italian Club with your significant other.  Take a break from your regular schedule and relax while sipping on some wine and a variety of chocolates. 813.248.3316

February 11- Swing Time at Centro Asturiano Tampa, Fri. 8PM- 1AM- Join Blair Carman & the Belleview Boys for an authentic 1950's rock and roll experience. Come out and take a swing dance lesson and then rock the night away. This is an all ages smoke free event. '50's attire encouraged. 813.840.3715

February 17 thru 27- Stageworks Presents "The MOMologues"- Come out and watch how the mother of all jobs can be sassy, irreverent and loving, and how it can be overwhelming, exhausting, yet funny! For details on tickets call 813.251.8984
 

February 21 & 23- HR Certification Classes at the HCC Collaboration Studio, Mon. 8:30AM- 4PM- Let HCC's Center for Continuing Education help you meet your company's HR needs.  Certification classes are limited to 25 participants. Call 813.259.6508 to learn more about this opportunity and to register.
 

February 25- The Big Lebowski Fest: Tampa Movie Party at the Ritz Ybor, Fri. 7PM- Dude it is time to kick on your flip-flops and find your rug...and maybe head on down to the Ritz Ybor and have a beer.  Come out to celebrate the anniversary of this cult classic and save the bowling ball polishing for after the party. 813.247.2555

March 23 thru 27- HCC Ybor's Festival of the Moving Image- FOMI is looking for all Florida filmmakers that would like to screen at their annual event. Amateurs and professionals are encouraged to submit and compete for merit awards. Deadline for submission is March 1st. for more details visit the web at www.yborfilmfestival.com or call 813.259.6419.

Art on 19th Street- Join the shops of 19th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) every 1st Saturday of the month. Stop in for discounts specials and other happenings. 813.247.2787

Streetcar Extension Open For Service- HART and the TECO Line Streetcar System proudly unveiled the newest section of trolley system this Monday.  The new stop is located convienently next to downtown's parking garage and drops off in the heart of downtown Tampa. Downtown, Ybor, and Channelside, what a ride!