President's Message

Hola -

Two weeks ago, to celebrate my seventh anniversary in Ybor City, Michele and I decided to see Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the Straz. Next to Ybor, the Straz Performing Arts Center is my favorite place in Tampa, because there we get to experience the best from other parts of the country. After chateaubriand for two at Malio's, we strolled around the Gasparilla Music Festival - it appeared to be a very nice event for a first time effort.

Although my acquaintances in "live music" call jazz a four letter word, since it's hard to make a buck promoting it, I still enjoy the genre immensely. I'm partial to trumpet, having played as a kid. I've had the good fortune to hear five of the best: Al Hirt, Maynard Ferguson, Chuck Mangione, Arturo Sandoval and now Wynton Marsalis. And, you meet the nicest people at a jazz concert like Andrea White, Chair of the Board of the Ybor City Chamber - cool is not a coincidence.

Being of Irish heritage and, as Vince calls me, "a river rat," we just had to take-in the Mayor's River O' Green Fest this past weekend. Actually, we had a preview as dedicated City workers tested the process up river - not as easy as you might think to make the Hillsborough "kelly green." After a ride on the river with some of our friends from downtown, our next stop was at Ybor's own Irish pub, the James Joyce, for a pint of Harp and a shot of "Powers" Irish whiskey. This has become a family tradition, since I am named after my Daideo, Tommy Powers.

It was home for corned beef and cabbage. I know we should have stayed for the parade, but seven in a row is a pretty good track record. Seven Galas, seven Guavaweens, seven Fiesta Days...you get the idea. Don't forget we have our Sixth Annual - Ybor Aficionados Days coming-up the weekend of April 14th and 15th. Aficionados has grown to be Ybor City's most up-scale event - where in the world can you be chauffeured along a Tapas Trail of over a dozen restaurants for $40. Feel like a king or queen; join us in Ybor - Tampa's authentic Latin experience.

Ciao, Tom Keating

**This Thursday** March 22- PM Networking Event, Thurs. 5:30PM- 7:30PM-  While the weather still meets "Chamber of Commerce" standards, the chamber would like to invite members to a PM Networking Event in the Ybor City Museum State Park garden. Come out and get acquainted with not only this unique museum & park but also fellow chamber members. 813.248.3712 x25

April 10- Ybor Chamber Membership Luncheon, Tues.11:45AM- 1PM- Mark your calendars for what members are calling "the best luncheon to network." Take a break from your regular schedule and get the inside scoop on upcoming projects.  813.248.3712 x 22 

April 14 & 15- The 6th Annual Ybor Aficionado Days- Sample the best Ybor has to offer in tapas, hors d'oeuvres, antipasti and mesa during the Aficionado Tapas Trail, and cap the night at the After-party/Smoker at the Italian Club.  Sunday, enjoy contemporary jazz and a lavish traditional Spanish Brunch buffet at the Columbia Restaurant, while witnessing the annual Tapas Cooking Challenge judged by local celebrities & food critics. 813.241.8838  

May 21- The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, Mon. 11:00AM-The Ybor Chamber will once again spending a day out on the green with our member golf player in a shot gun start four person scramble. Get in on the fun by registering a team or sponsoring the event. For more details call 813.248.3712 x21