Hola -

Just got back from a long Mother's Day weekend in Houston - our girls set this up for Michele. Nik and her boy friend flew in from Nor Cal. When we finish-up something big at the Chamber, like the Program Year, we like to reward ourselves with a brief trip. Houston is not only the home of our youngest daughter, but also the fourth largest city in the Country and very proud of it.

There was a cool story on Houston in the Southwest Airlines Magazine (Houston is their home base). It focused on how well-rounded the city is with a focus on cultural amenities, good restaurants, quality medical facilities and good jobs. Sounds like a good model for us. As you walk through the airport, you see posters that say "Houston loves museums."

Of course, we stuck to many of the stereotypical things: kolaches, local barbeque and great TexMex. However, we also got to visit their Natural History Museum, which I noticed is on the same "visiting exhibit" rotation as Tampa Bay. We also got to take advantage of their wonderful medical services (we have a very active three year-old grandson).

With barely a deep-breadth, we are headed into our new Program Year at the Ybor Chamber. Congratulations to our new Chair, Andrea Gonzmart - the Installation Luncheon was very well attended and we had turn-out of fourteen Past Presidents and Chairs and one Director Emeritus to help us celebrate this important transition.

The next major item on the agenda is the Chamber's 7th Annual Golf Tournament - Monday, May 21st at Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club.

Ciao, Tom Keating 

Chamber Happenings

When you think of cigars the first thing you think of is Ybor City, followed closely by Arturo Fuente cigars. Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company, owned and operated by cigar name sake Arturo Fuente, Jr. has recently moved his retail store from the original cigar factory on 22nd Street, where it was housed for 17 years, to 1603 E. 6th Avenue. Located across from the Centro Ybor Parking Garage on 16th Street and 6th Avenue, "The Yellow House" welcomes you to choose your favorite cigar and smoke it on the porch.

Arturo Jr., his daughter Kristin, and nephew Josh proudly sell their family's Dominican handmade cigars. Every cigar is manufactured by Tabacalera A. Fuente, a name recognized all over the world by cigar aficionados for its fine quality and prestigious reputation. You can purchase a beautiful cigar purse designed and made by Martha Fuente or sit down with Arturo Fuente, Sr. and reminisce about the good old days. Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company is truly a family business.

What is exciting is that "The Yellow House" is not the final home for Tampa Sweethearts. It is only a respite until Tampa Sweetheart's new headquarters can be developed at the old Orpheum location at 1902 Avenida Republica de Cuba, next to Ybor Square. Besides premium cigars such as Hemingway's and Diamond Crowns, their final home will include an upscale cigar lounge and bar. Tom and I can't wait to make Tampa Sweethearts our favorite after work hangout to enjoy a smoke and a drink (or two).

- Michele Keating 

Arturo Fuente, Jr.

Tampa Sweethearts Cigar Company

1603 E. 6th Avenue

Tampa, FL 33605

813-247-3880

 www.tampasweetheart.com 

Events and Announcements by Tom Favata