A Note of Appreciation To Renewed Members

May Days Ahead

The transition from April to May marks the end of one program year and the beginning of another for the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce.  I'm not sure why this specific date was chosen - could be that "pro bono accountants" are more available after tax season.  

This has been the best spring in my half-dozen years with the Ybor City Chamber.  We have had a wonderful series of events from Fiesta Day in late February to Ybor Aficionado Days last month.  Our leadership team is proud that we have been able to bring thousands of visitors to our National Historic Landmark District, while engaging our business members more fully than ever before.

We are excited that Ybor City is continuing to build its "creative industry cluster" with three digital production companies, several advertizing and PR firms and a top-level talent agency.  We have also been recognized as a "great place" for high-tech companies to do business.  Savtira, a cloud-based start-up, has joined Innovaro, one of the country's top innovation experts, and the Lions Eye Institute, host to several national research partners, as new stars in Tampa's constellation of emerging technology companies.

Now more that ever, Tampa and the Bay Area need the authentic cultural and creative advantages that a place like Ybor City offers.  While Tampa may no longer be the terminus of a high-speed rail line, we are in a unique position to take advantage of the building of the I-4 Cross-town Connector, the development of the Encore Project and the establishment of the USF Center for Advanced Medical Learning & Simulation (CAMLS).

One of my favorite sayings is "hope springs eternal."  Young people are the key to Tampa Bay's future - thank heavens for that!   

- Tom Keating

Chamber Happenings

May 10 - Annual Installation Luncheon, Tues. 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM - Join us Tuesday, May 10^th for our Annual Installation Luncheon.  This is the one time of the year when the Chamber recognizes its own.  New Officers and Directors will be sworn-in by Mayor Bob Buckhorn and the out-going and in-coming Chairs will speak.  This once-a-year changing of the guard has been conducted for 81 years.  The Installation is a formal sit-down affair where Past- Chairs & Presidents are recognized for their service.  Register on-line when you receive your e-notice.

May 16 - The Ybor City Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament, Mon. 11:00 AM -  For the golfers in our ranks, this is your opportunity!  The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce's Annual Golf Tournament is being held for the third-year at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club. There are only a few spots left.  Sign up by close of business on Friday, May 6th by calling Anna Ramos at 813.248.3712 x22.

June 14- Ybor Chamber Membership Luncheon, Tues. 11:45AM- 1:15PM- Joe Lapano, Executive Director of Tampa International Airport will be our guest speaker in June.  Hear about Tampa's national gem, and find out about new routes to your favorite destinations and what the plans are for expansion.  The June luncheon is sponsored by Argosy University. Look for the luncheon registration in your email.

June 23-  PM Networking Event at Blue Dog Bistro, Thur. 5:30- 7:30PM-  Cool down this Summer with the chamber at our next PM Event. Blue Dog Bistro (more on Blue Dog Bistro in our Member Spotlight), formerly known as Rock-N-Sports, will be hosting the event. Mark your calendars for drink specials, complimentary nibbles, and making new business partners.  

One of Ybor's favorite restaurants has a new name - Rock-n-Sports Bar & Grille is now the Blue Dog Bistro, American & Cajun Cuisine. You can still watch your favorite sports team on one of their 37 televisions, while enjoying your old favorites or some serious Louisiana food.

Proprietor, Franja Eastling, a New Orleans native, has brought the Big Easy to Ybor City. You can enjoy her Cajun specialties such as Pasta Jambalaya, St. Louis Style Ribs, Gumbo Ya Ya or Gator Po Boys, and on Sunday's you can experience their Jazz Zydeco Brunch, featuring "Max the Sax Man."

The name, Blue Dog Bistro, comes directly from New Orleans, where famed artist, George Rodrique, created his Blue Dog series of paintings. When asked why she changed the name, Franja said that she wanted to broaden her clientele and promote her establishment first as a restaurant that serves good food and second, as a place to watch sporting events.

The Blue Dog Bistro is Tampa's home for the New Orleans Saints and a great weekday happy hour. Not only can you enjoy drink specials from 4 - 7 pm, Monday - Friday, but you can also choose from 15 appetizers at $5 each.

EAT, DRINK, REPEAT DAT! Now that's a motto.

Franja Eastling

Blue Dog Bistro, American & Cajun Cuisine

Centro Ybor

1600 E. 8^th Ave., E-200

Tampa, FL 33605

813-242-6220

www.rocknsportsbar.com