Ybor City Chamber Installs New Board of Directors

David Alvarez sworn-in as 75^th Chair of the Board

The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce installed its new Board of Directors today, Tuesday, May 14^th, 11:45 AM at its Annual Installation Luncheon at the Columbia Restaurant.  David Alvarez was sworn-in by his father Leo Alvarez.  David is a Financial Center Manager for BB&T Bank and is the Multi-cultural Liaison for the Region.  David Alvarez has served on the Chamber's Board of Directors and on its Executive Board as both Vice Chair of Events and Chair-elect. 

 "I am excited to lead the Ybor City Chamber during these challenging times," said David Alvarez, new Chair of the Ybor Chamber.  "My family's roots run deep in Ybor City.  My great uncle owned and operated a popular restaurant on 15^th Street and my great grandparents rolled cigars at what is known today as the Cuesta Ray Factory."

He will be joined on the Executive Board by Chair-Elect John Trujillo, GTE Financial; Vice-Chair Membership Richard Chad, Highland Properties; Vice-Chair Events David Kemper, Stantec; Vice-Chair Marketing Shari Middleton, USAmeriBank; Treasurer Larry Wilder, Wilder Architects; Secretary Ken Soule, Verizon; and Immediate Past-Chair Andrea Gonzmart, Columbia Restaurant Group.

"David brings a unique blend of youthful creativity and seasoned experience to the Chamber's Board," said Tom Keating, Chamber President & CEO.  "He is a talented young leader with broad experience in the financial services industry and in-depth understanding of Ybor's business community."

New Board Members include: Copeland More, La Segunda Central Bakery; AJ Grimaldi, Grimaldi Insurance; and Tom DeGeorge, Crowbar. Elected for new 3-year terms are:  Kevin Baker, Florida Business Interiors; Will Betancourt, G.J. Betancourt, CPA, PA; JoAnn Cornelius, Tampa Digital; and Andrea White, Bright House Networks.  The mission of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce is to preserve and promote Ybor City - Tampa's National Historic Landmark District.  The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce has been Ybor City's champion for 83 years.

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