Recap: Face The Chamber featuring Mayor Bob Buckhorn
Tampa Mayor delivers an encouraging state of the city address to Chamber members
 Yesterday, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn was placed in the proverbial hot seat as he was presented with tough questions from the local business community in an innovative segment called "Face The Chamber." Members were able to submit important issues and concerns via Twitter, email and video for the Mayor to address.
"The state of the city is good, but not without challenges," said the Mayor as he began the luncheon with an impassioned speech that explained his view of Tampa today and where he hopes to bring the city in the near future. Topics during the Q & A session that followed ranged from his speculated run for governor to the projected completion of the city's Riverwalk. He concluded the program, compelling Chamber members to have an active role in the development of the city, "Get involved, sit on committees, be an advocate for business." Special thanks to the luncheon's presenting sponsor, Saint Leo University.
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Leadership Tampa's Class of 2014 Information Sessions
Learn more about Tampa's premier leadership program
 Since 1971, Leadership Tampa has been introducing class members to major facets of the greater Tampa community through an intensive nine-month course. The Leadership Tampa program challenges members to see the Tampa Bay Community as they never have before while preparing candidates for the next step in their leadership journey.
The selection process is both rigorous and competitive for the 50-60 seats available in each class. Come find out how to be a successful Leadership Tampa candidate while learning about the history and benefits of the program at these upcoming informative sessions. The hour-long sessions are on April 15, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and April 23 beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Click here to register for the April 15th session. Click here to register for the April 23rd session.
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Chamber recognizes our own  The Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) is pleased to announce today's induction of three distinguished women, Dottie Berger MacKinnon, Deanne Roberts (posthumously) and Juel Shannon Smith, into the 2013 class of the Hillsborough County Women's Hall of Fame at the Tampa Convention Center. Deanne Roberts, former Chamber chair and founder of Emerge Tampa Bay, served as an advocate for creating business opportunities in Tampa Bay and as a mentor to young professionals .  On March 19, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Vincent Cassidy, the Chamber's Public Policy committee co-chair, to the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority. Cassidy is the chief executive officer of Majesty Title Services, a founding board member of Gulfshore Bank in Tampa and a member of the National Exchange Club of Tampa.  Also on March 19, Felicia Harvey, the Chamber's Director of Communications, was recognized as the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida's inaugural Woman of Promise. She is the current chair of Bridges, a United Way Suncoast leadership initiative, member of the UNCF Tampa Bay Area Leadership Council and past president of the Tampa Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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Florida Chamber's Quarterly Small Business Index SurveyIdentify the issues most important to you and your member businessesThe State of Florida is experiencing a significant economic transition and many in the small business community continue to experience challenging obstacles and tough issues. In order to secure Florida's future, it is critical that we know what issues are most important to you, and which obstacles present the toughest challenges to your business. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey and give us your opinion in the Small Business Index Survey. The purpose of this survey is to obtain the most accurate information about the business climate in Florida to strengthen the 2013 Florida Business Agenda. Your personal information will not be shared.
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Lawmakers Repeal International Driver License Law
Florida's tourism and hospitality industries can continue to count on the business of international tourists, which adds revenue and creates jobs
On March 27, the Florida Legislature fully passed a Florida Chamber-backed bill that repealed a state law that was wreaking havoc on international drivers. Record numbers of international tourists visited Florida in 2012, adding almost $72 billion to Florida's economy. Passage of HB 7059 will ensure Florida is in line with international driving laws and saves foreign tourists the expense and hassle of getting an international driving license before traveling to Florida. Final passage of this important bill took place that afternoon in the Florida Senate.
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Sequestration: How has it affected your business? Has your business been affected by sequestration? We want to hear from you! Submit your story/information to Carlye Morgan, Sr. Dir. of Government Relations, at cmorgan@tampachamber.com on how you have been impacted. She wants to share local information with our Congressional delegation. Click here to view an infographic detailing sequestration by the numbers.
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Member Orientation
Wednesday, April 3, 2013 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
Member Orientation is the first step to getting the MOST out of your Chamber membership! We will cover topics such as events and registration, marketing and communications, member benefits and leadership programs. There will be an opportunity to network so bring your business cards! There is no charge for this event! Download the event flyer or register here!
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Get Connected
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
DeVry University, 5540 W. Executive Drive
Get Connected is a formal networking program designed to give members the opportunity to create business relationships with other members. Free for FITs One and Two, $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Sponsored by DeVry University. Click here to register!
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Return on Relationships
Monday, April 22, 2013 | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 North Franklin Street, Suite 201
Creating great sales people and growing business revenue goes beyond selling techniques and encompasses a focus on behaviors and attitudes. During this interactive session, expert Clint Babcock will use his sales experience as well as the Sandler Sales program of training to teach you how to get the most out of the networking opportunities at Chamber events.
Free for FIT One, $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Click here to register!
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Tampa Bay Rays Chamber Luncheon
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N. Tampa Street
Come find out what the Tampa Bay Rays have in store for Chamber members this year at a special luncheon featuring Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg, Manager Joe Maddon, and several Rays players and executives. Don't miss out on our first sports luncheon of the year! $50 for Chamber members and $60 for potential members. (Valet parking is available at the Hilton. Self Parking is available at Fort Brooke Parking Garage.) Download the event flyer or register here!
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Competitive Edge Series:
"Presenting Yourself Powerfully"
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
How do you show your knowledge and application powerfully when with others? How does one capture their audience with style, wit and stories? How can a speaker infuse passion into their topic and when are questions allowed? Join the Chamber for our monthly Competitive Edge Series to hear from Debbie Lundberg and learn the key elements to presenting effectively before crowds of all sizes. Free for FIT Two, $35 for Chamber members and $50 for potential members. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Business After Hours
Thursday, April 25, 2013 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. GC ClaimCo, 3001 N. Rocky Point Drive
Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and network with your fellow Chamber members. Free for members, $15 for non-members! Hosted by GC ClaimCo. Click here to register!
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Emerge Tampa Bay's Inaugural
"Connect for a Difference" Nonprofit Volunteer Fair
Saturday, April 27, 2013 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
USF Marshall Student Center Ballroom, 4103 Cedar Circle
This is your opportunity to to discover summer internship and service opportunities to solidify your passion and career goals! Come out to learn more about your local nonprofit and community service organizations and make your summer plans! Join the social media conversation by using the hashtag #Emerging2013 when tweeting about the event! Download the event flyer or register here!
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Chamber welcomes New Members! Please give a warm welcome to the following companies who have recently become Chamber members: IGBO Association Tampa Bay, Inc. - Non-profit Organizations
MB2x - Software Consultants Shilling Contracting, Inc. - General Contractors
South Tampa Financial Group - Financial Services
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Chamber Celebrates Ribbon Cuttings
Members Mark Milestones with Chamber Ambassadors!The Chamber would like to congratulate the following members who recently celebrated a grand opening of a new facility. Members interested in having a Chamber ambassador participate in their grand opening should contact Amanda Muley at 813.276.9464.  Jackson's Slice & RiceJackson's Slice & Rice - Inspired convenience! Serving pizza, sushi and calzones with free delivery! Also delivering beer, wine and liquor.
Call today: (813) 233. 0003
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 | Chamber Members will receive a special discount. Use offer code "bolts" when purchasing tickets.
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