Recap: Public Policy Roundtable featuring Port Director Paul Anderson
Tampa Port Authority CEO and Port Director Paul Anderson delivered a strong message, "Building Tampa Bay's Future," on the impact of the Port of Tampa to our region at the Chamber's Public Policy Roundtable on April 30, 2013. He provided historical context for the importance of seaports, noting that "America is a seafaring nation, with our path to greatness having been built on the backs of sailors." He further commented that "America's great cities have grown up around seaports," and today, "cargo is the currency of the world." He focused on how investments in Port of Tampa infrastructure will be delivering "generational" impacts, such as the "Tampa Gateway Rail" project. Mr. Anderson highlighted the diversity of the Port of Tampa's commercial portfolio as one of the Port's greatest strengths, along with ample land on deepwater available for future development and expansion. Mr. Anderson noted that the Port's container business is poised for significant growth, and that growth will be supported by the soon-to-be completed I-4/Selmon Expressway Connector. Mr. Anderson thanked the Chamber for its support and for being such a strong business partner. His presentation can be viewed by clicking here. Special thanks to the Roundtable's presenting sponsor, Shutts & Bowen.
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Your opportunity to interact with your state senators and representatives
The 2013 Legislative Session is coming to a close, with the Florida Legislature discussing important issues such as education, healthcare, innovation, economic development, and infrastructure. Join the Chamber on May 21 as we welcome our state senators and representatives for a review of the recent session and our 2013 State Legislative Agenda. We'll hear from them as they recap the highlights, the issues and the accomplishments. Confirmed representatives to be in attendance are Mark Danish, James Grant, Jake Raburn, Dan Raulerson, Ross Spano and Dana Young. Sponsored by Tampa Electric. Click here for more information.
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Are you in need of small business assistance?
Chamber hosts Small Business Information Center appointments monthly
The Small Business Information Center (SBIC) is committed to supporting economic development by assisting entrepreneurs in the creation or expansion of small, minority and women-owned businesses throughout Hillsborough County. SBIC provides free business consultations to help clients start and grow their business. Clients receive assistance with developing their business idea, business plan, marketing plan; answer questions about business structure, zoning, permitting, taxes, insurance, bonding and registering your business.
The Chamber hosts monthly appointments with SBIC on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Appointments are required, if you would like to schedule a free one-on-one consultation appointment or register for a free workshop(s), please call (813) 914 - 4028 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/sbic to register online.
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Leadership Tampa's Class of 2014 Information Session
Learn more about Tampa's premier leadership program on May 8 at 4PM.
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. Click here to learn more about the information sessions. Click here to register for the May 8th session. Leadership Tampa 2014 applications are now available here.
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Advertise your business on the Chamber's new websiteTake advantage of these great opportunities today and save 10% 
The Chamber is pleased to announce the launch of our new website, designed and developed by Bayshore Solutions. The new website will showcase that the Chamber is Minding YOUR Business by featuring member testimonials and highlighting ways for members to get involved and connected with us.
Our site provides opportunities for your business to take advantage of cost-effective advertising - a great way to reach potential customers.
In addition to our website, we also offer advertising in our weekly electronic newsletter - eView, which reaches over 12,000 subscribers. For more information about advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Staci Fraser at (813) 276-9453.
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Learn how to do business with our local military
Join us for Doing Business with MacDill & U.S. Special Operations Command
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MacDill Air Force Base is Tampa's city within a city - encompassing more than 5,700 acres and providing more than 13,000 jobs to the Tampa Bay area. There are more than $8 billion in capital assets on base and more than 5 million square feet of facilities. It is also home to more than 1,200 active duty military and their dependents. With such an extensive infrastructure, MacDill often relies on outside contractors to keep the base in top shape. Join us June 6 and hear directly from base executives about their needs and step-by-step instructions to get your company connected with MacDill. Click here to register.
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Emerge Tampa Bay presents:
Love me or Hate me, Just check my Calendar!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-Downtown, 513 S. Florida Avenue
Another double-booked Saturday night? Meeting with a client vs. dinner with that special someone? Think your 9-to-5 (which is really a 9-to-9) will leave you as a lifelong member of a dating site? Work/Life balance is a common issue in today's society. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks while Emerge Tampa Bay's panel of four successful duos share their secrets, such as when to turn work off and how to maintain a healthy relationship while climbing the corporate ladder. The featured panelists include: Greg Celestan & Joanne Tremont, Chris & Katie Krimitsos, Seth & Phoebe Kushner, and Steve & Julie Weintraub. Download the event flyer or register here! |
Buzz-ness After Hours (Joint Emerge/Chamber Event)
Wednesday, May 8, 2013 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Westin Tampa Bay, 7627 Courtney Campbell Causeway
Come find out what all "The Buzz" is about! Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and network with your fellow Chamber & Emerge Tampa Bay members! Free for members, $15 for non-members! Hosted by Westin Tampa Bay. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Get Connected
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Microsoft, 5426 Bay Center Drive, Suite 700
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. Hosted by Microsoft. Click here to register!
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New Member Coffee Connection
Wednesday, May 15, 2013 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
New Member Coffee Connection focuses on Chamber members within their first year of membership and is held every other month. It is designed to help engage new members and build relationships. This program is facilitated by an Ambassador, who is a volunteer and will serve as your mentor! Click here to register! |
Public Policy Roundtable: 2013 Legislative Wrap-Up
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa-Downtown, 513 S. Florida Avenue
The Chamber invites you to join us for our 2013 Legislative Wrap-Up where our state senators and state representatives representing Hillsborough County will discuss the outcome of the 2013 Legislative Session and our 2013 State Legislative Agenda. Free for FIT Three members, $45 all other Chamber members and $50 for non-members. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Competitive Edge Series: "Collaborating for Success"
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
Join the Chamber for our monthly Competitive Edge Series to learn about "Collaborating for Success" from restaurant mogul Chris Sullivan. Chris is a founder of the Outback Steakhouse restaurant company. Along with his partners, the first Outback Steakhouse was opened in March 1988 and today, there are now over 900 Outback Steakhouses worldwide. OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC also operates several other hospitality related businesses. Free for FIT Two, $35 for Chamber members and $50 for potential members. Download the event flyer or register here!
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UNFILTERED: A Tampa Bay Young Professionals Town Hall Event by Emerge Tampa Bay
Thursday, May 30, 2013 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
University of Tampa Vaughn Center, 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard
Join Emerge Tampa Bay, area business leaders, young professionals and local and state leaders as they discuss local transportation improvements, innovation and engagement. Ask the tough questions and get the Unfiltered answers from YOUR policy makers. Offer suggestions, provide feedback and help improve the Tampa Bay region for all who live, work and play here. $25 for members and $30 for non-members (in advance), $35 at the door. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Member Orientation
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 | 8:30 .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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Doing Business With MacDill
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 | 8:30 .m. - 10:00 a.m.
Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport, 4400 W. Cypress Avenue
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MacDill Air Force Base is Tampa's city within a city - encompassing more than 5,700 acres and providing more than 13,000 jobs to the Tampa Bay area. There are more than $8 billion in capital assets on base and more than 5 million square feet of facilities. It is also home to more than 1,200 active duty military and their dependents. With such an extensive infrastructure, MacDill often relies on outside contractors to keep the base in top shape. Join us to hear directly from base executives about their needs and step-by-step instructions to get your company connected with MacDill. $50 for Chamber members and $65 for potential members. Download the event flyer or register here!
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Member News
Continental Wholesale Diamonds is offering all Chamber members one (1) free repair, valued at up to $100 and excluding watch repairs. Stop by their showroom and mention your membership to redeem. Take advantage of the best prices in Tampa on certified diamonds, wedding bands, engagement rings & designer jewelry, selling your gold and for all of your custom design, repair and appraisal needs.
Upholding its position as a professional service and engineering leader in the Sunshine State, Wade Trim has recently secured several new contracts for projects throughout Florida. Click here to read more.
Salvador Dalí's painting Santiago El Grande (1957), a 13-foot-high portrait of Saint James the Great (Santiago El Grande), is on display at The Dalí Museum through October 2013. The painting is on loan from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
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Member Events
Stone-Mart is excited about their upcoming VIP Reception on Thursday, May 2nd from 6-8pm. They will have indoor and outdoor entertainment and are offering gourmet hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer, an assortment cheeses, and a cigar Bar. Valet parking will also be offered. Click here to RSVP.
The Dalí' Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida has announced it will stage a 24-hour reading of the artist's autobiography - The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí. The event will take place at the museum starting at 11 am on Friday, May 10 and conclude approximately 24 hours later at 11 am on Saturday, May 11 - which is the 109th anniversary of the artist's birth. Admission is free for members throughout the read-a-thon; free for all guests during regular hours; and $5 after 5:30pm. Galleries will close after 5:30pm on Friday May 10. Click here to register.
Please join Panera Bread as they open their newest bakery-café & drive-thru located at 3240 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607. The ribbon cutting will take place on May 14 at 10:30am, followed by a complimentary business lunch from 11:00am-1:00pm. The store's public grand opening will take place on Wednesday, May 15th. Email Ashley Ward for more information.
Please join Eckerd Community Alternatives in helping to unite our community and heal our broken families. In recognition of National Foster Care Month, Eckerd, in partnership with the Governor's office, Department of Children and Families, the Hillsborough County Children's Board, and other faith based partners, will join forces in our Inaugural "Walk A Mile for A Child" community event on May 18th at the Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. For more information contact Lorita Shirley at 727.631.6241 or register here.
Please join the Ryan Wells Foundation as they present an "Evening the Chefs" on Thursday, 23 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Elite chefs from award-winning Tampa Bay restaurants will be working side-by-side with students to create gourmet delights from 6:30 - 9:30pm. The Ryan Wells Foundation provides scholarships for deserving high school students of Pinellas County entering the culinary field. Join them in fulfilling the dreams of young high school students aspiring to become chefs. Click here for more information.
The City of Tampa Black History Committee, Incorporated (COTBHC) announces that award-winning actor Danny Glover will deliver the keynote address during the COTBHC Silver Anniversary Scholarship Gala. The charitable black-tie affair will take place on Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Wyndham Westshore in Tampa, Florida. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the COTBHC Scholarship Fund which helps deserving high school seniors, within Hillsborough County, to pursue higher education at the college or university of their choice. Click here to register.
Come out with your colleagues and friends for The Tampa Bay Rays Professional Women's Night at Tropicana Field on Monday, June 24th. Attend a pre-game networking event with Melanie Lenz, Vice President of Development for the Tampa Bay Rays. The networking event will be located in the left field meeting rooms on the 4th floor starting at 5:30pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Afterwards enjoy a discounted seat in the lower level and watch the Rays take on the Blue Jays.
For individual tickets, visit www.raysbaseball.com/specialevents and use the password PRFW2.
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Member Accolades
Warren Averett, LLC was recently ranked as the largest accounting, tax and business consulting firm in the four-state Gulf Coast region comprised of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi by Accounting Today. The Firm receives several accolades in the accounting industry trade publication's 2013 "Top 100 Firms" report.
Carlton Fields is pleased to announce that Tampa Of Counsel, Nicole C. Kibert, was selected by the University of Florida Levin College of Law as a 2013 Outstanding Young Alumnus. Kibert was honored with this award during UF's Orange & Blue breakfast on April 6, 2013. The University of Florida Alumni Association established this award to recognize UF Alumni who have distinguished themselves in business, community, or service. Carlton Fields is also pleased to announce that Tampa Shareholder, Edward J. Page, is celebrating his 25th year of continuous board certification in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).
Interactive marketing agency, Bayshore Solutions, was listed in BtoB Magazine's Top Agencies List 2013. For the past nine out of ten years, and last seven consecutive years, Bayshore Solutions has received the honor of being listed among the top US Digital agencies by B2B marketing magazine.
Bayshore Solutions has also been recognized by The Web Marketing Association recognizes internet with a 2013 Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Award for its outstanding website in the non-profit for Cleveland Botanical Garden and was named one of Tampa Bay's Top Workplaces 2013 by the Tampa Bay Times.
Highwoods Properties, Inc. today announced that LakePointe Two at Tampa Bay Park has achieved LEED Certified Gold. The building has been benchmarked and meets certain criteria identified by the US Green Building Council including sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in operations.
Fintech was named a finalist for the 2013 Best Places to Work awards by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. This prestigious honor once again recognizes Fintech's dedication to a positive work environment that attracts and retains dynamic employees.
ChappellRoberts, one of Tampa's largest integrated advertising agencies, was recognized for its exponential growth as it was selected as part of the inaugural University of South Florida Fast 56 Class. The agency was ranked 20th out of the 56 companies chosen for the elite group of the fastest-growing businesses led by USF alumni across the world.
Aakash M. Patel (President, Elevate, Inc.) was recently named as one of the Florida State University Alumni Association Thirty Under 30. The award recognizes 30 FSU Alumni who show exceptional achievement and significant contributions to his or her profession, community/society, or university. The Young Alumni reception awards ceremony will be held by the FSU Alumni Association on Friday, June 21, 2013 in Tallahassee, FL.
For the third consecutive year, Fowler White Boggs has been recognized as a Platinum Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association. Fowler White Boggs was the first Tampa Bay area company, and one of a handful nationwide, to earn the platinum level designation - the highest honor from the American Heart Association. |
New Hires & Promotions
Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. welcomes two new shareholders to their Ft. Lauderdale office - Jeffrey M. Bell and Douglas B. Melamed. Mr. Bell's practice focuses on commercial, products liability, insurance defense, medical and professional malpractice, construction defect, land use and general liability cases.
Convergence Consulting Group (CCG), Florida's premier Business Intelligence (BI) technology consulting services provider, announced this week the addition of Joe Zamzow to its sales team. He will serve at CCG as a Senior Account Executive within CCG's Sales Team. His specialties include BI, EIM, Business Objects and Microsoft solutions selling.
Carlton Fields is pleased to announce that Jourdan Haynes joined the firm as an associate in Tampa. Haynes practices in the firm's Real Property Litigation practice group. He handles matters in state and federal courts including real estate litigation, contract disputes, business disputes, construction litigation, and other commercial litigation matters.
Allen Dell, P.A. is pleased to announce that Jennifer L. Simpson-Oliver joined the firm on March 18, 2013. Ms. Simpson-Oliver has over six years of legal experience and was named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2010. She will focus her legal knowledge and expertise towards the firm's health law practice area.
E.D. Armstrong, III has joined Hill Ward Henderson as a Shareholder in the Real Estate Group. His practice is comprised of representing clients involved in complex land use matters and governmental relations. Mr. Armstrong has handled several highly contested zoning and land use hearings to a successful conclusion. Katherine E. Cole also joins the firm in the Real Estate Group. Ms. Cole specializes in land use and zoning, after working in media relations and government affairs for nine years.
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