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Is Your Company Supporting the Military During the Government Shutdown?
 
The Chamber is looking to identify companies that are supporting members of our military during the government shutdown. Are you offering discounts on services or goods during this time? If so, let us know by emailing news@tampachamber.com.
Apply to the Startup Scholars Program Today!
 
The Startup Scholars Program is an initiative which aims to encourage innovation as a part of our community culture and increase instances of entrepreneurial success. Our mission is to increase the competitiveness of the Tampa Bay business community by addressing and nurturing Tampa's entrepreneurs and related business innovation in any industry sector. 
 
Startup Scholars Program participants will receive the following:
  • A professional gap analysis or needs assessment provided to the entrepreneur that focuses on specific critical success factors
  • A FIT Two membership to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, allowing the entrepreneur to take advantage of the Chamber's networking program and free educational offerings through the Competitive Edge Series
  • A mentor selected by the Chamber's Business Innovation subcommittee to assist the entrepreneur in navigating the startup landscape
  • Recognition as a Startup Scholar
Click here to apply, the deadline is October 25. There will be an information session for potential applicants to learn more about the program on October 11, noon at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce (201 North Franklin Street, Suite 201, Tampa). To RSVP, please email your name and company name to intern@tampachamber.com.
What is Get Connected?
 
If you've had your fill of happy hours and are looking for a more formal networking environment, Get Connected is the perfect opportunity to make the crucial connections that will propel your business to the next level. Get Connected is our monthly facilitated networking event designed to build relationships with fellow Chamber members and open the door to new business opportunities. 
 
While informal networking events provide valuable opportunities to socialize with local professionals, our Get Connected event cuts through the small talk and provides the platform for each participant to make meaningful connections with up to 50 other individuals in just over an hour. 
 
Get Connected places participants in small groups, where each person has a few minutes to talk about his or her product, service or business. After each participant in the group has had a chance to introduce him or herself, the groups switch up and everyone is paired with a fresh set of faces. This unique format allows each individual the opportunity to connect with other attendees in a way that is meaningful yet efficient. 
 
If you'd like to experience Get Connected for yourself, please register to join us this upcoming Tuesday October 8th! This event is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Click here for more information.
Disney's "Heroes Work Here" Veterans Institute
 
On November 14, Disney's "Heroes Work Here" is launching a Veterans Institute, designed to help other companies build their own Veteran-hiring program. Join an elite panel of experts and representatives from other companies to learn how to build and implement an effective veteran hiring program and to access certain financial incentives in the process. This one-day workshop will be conducted by Heroes Work Here and powered by the Disney Institute. There is no charge for guests or exhibitors, and the day's events are entirely free. Click here for more information.
Chamber Celebrates Ribbon Cuttings
Members Mark Milestones with Chamber Ambassadors!

The Chamber would like to congratulate the following member who recently celebrated completion of a construction project at their facility. Members interested in having a Chamber ambassador participate in their grand opening should contact Amanda Muley at 813.276.9464.





DACCO celebrated the completion of a major construction project at their men's residential facility, Quest House Campus, along with a renovation at their all new re-entry facility.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are hosting their annual Tampa Chamber night! Join us as the Lightning take on the Minnesota Wild. Price includes, an exclusive pre-game member event on the Bud Light party deck including, hors d'oeuvres, one drink ticket per person, a welcome by CEO Tod Leiweke and a chance to win unique fan experiences during the game. Get your tickets today! Special offer code is: Bolts. For details, contact Oisin Crean at 813.301.6506 or ocrean@tampabaytimesforum.com.
Join the Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Council for the Second Phase of the Trade & Logistics Study

 

The Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Council would like to cordially invite you to an important symposium on November 4, 2013 at the Port Terminal #3 from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This is the first roll-out of the second phase of the trade and logistics study conducted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce that will take place in Tampa. Speakers will include Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn as well as former Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania. Intermudalism, regionalism, workforce, education and regulatory issues are topics that will be discussed. Register today by clicking here.
eventsEVENTS                                            jump to News
Get Connected
Tuesday, October 8, 2013 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Troy University, 5201 W. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 11
 
Get Connected is a formal networking program designed to give members the opportunity to create business relationships with other members. Think of it as "speed networking." Each person is seated at a table with fellow participants and given two minutes to introduce their product, organization, or service to the small group. Get Connected is a free event for FITs One and Two, $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Hosted by Troy University. Food will be provided by McAlister's Deli. Click here to register!
Public Policy Roundtable featuring CEO Joe Lopano
Tuesday, October 15, 2013 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The Centre Club, 123 South Westshore Blvd, Floor 8 
 
Join us for breakfast with Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. Mr. Lopano will speak about the Master Plan of Tampa International and other topics related to the airport. His presentation will cover decongestion, expansion and improvements at the airport, including new construction of a rental car center, a people mover and an international terminal. Guests will also hear about the timelines related to these projects. Free for FIT Three members, $40 for all other Chamber members, $45 for non-members. Download event flyer or register here.





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Competitive Edge Series: Technology for Small Businesses
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
 
Are you up to date on the latest technology and software for your smartphone? Do you want to learn how today's technology can help improve your business? This month's Competitive Edge Series will feature a cutting edge technology and apps presentation from Verizon. More details to come soon! Free for FIT Two, $35 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members. Click here to register.


Women's Series Luncheon:
La Crème de la Crème
Friday, November 1, 2013 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza
 
Join us for a fun, interactive Q&A panel on the business of food! We'll welcome four women who haveexcelled in the food industry to field your questions about professional achievement in the challenging world of food service. Don't miss out on this exciting discussion with the women behind some of your favorite Tampa restaurants! Plus you'll get to try their food! 
Featuring: MaryAnn Ferenc, Mise en Place; Lisa Schalk, Toffee to Go; Suzanne Perry, Datz; and Jeannie Pierola, edison: food + drink lab. Sponsored by UF MBA program. Click here to register!
Veterans' Day Celebration
Friday, November 8, 2013 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Joe Chillura Courthouse Square
 
Come spend your morning enjoying a tribute to those who have served in our nation's military at the annual Veterans' Day Celebration in downtown Tampa. Let's thank and show them that we appreciate their service. Keynote speaker will be Major General Karl R. Horst (Retired). Sponsored by USAA. Click here to download flyer. For more information, please contact Carlye Morgan at cmorgan@tampachamber.com or 813.276.9455. 
Sporting Clays Tournament
Friday, November 15, 2013 | 8:30 a.m. 
Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff
 
Join us for the 7th Annual Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Sporting Clays Tournament! Sign your team up today to network with fellow Chamber members, entertain clients and enjoy a healthy dose of competition in the great outdoors. Tournament proceeds benefit the Chamber's Foundation which supports its leadership and educational programs. Click here for more information and sponsorship opportunities.





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Member News

Tindale-Oliver & Associates (TOA) is proud to announce the opening of our new office in Seattle, Washington, allowing us the opportunity to work more closely with clients in the Northwest region as we provide them with a wide range of implementable planning, engineering, and technology solutions. TOA is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, and has three other Florida locations in Orlando, Bartow, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as an office in Baltimore, Maryland. Please click here for more information.
The top two ranked healthcare providers in Florida, Tampa General Hospital and Florida Hospital's Tampa Bay Network, have agreed to jointly develop new clinical programs and services throughout the Greater Tampa Bay Area. "Tampa General Hospital is an outstanding hospital that has been providing care for decades," said Mike Schultz, president and CEO Florida Hospital's Tampa Bay Network. "It is an honor to partner with them to develop programs that will allow Tampa residents to live healthier lives at a lower cost." The new agreement will give residents of Tampa greater access to a spectrum of community-based healthcare services and broaden the geographic footprint of these two premier healthcare providers. Officials of both hospitals stress the agreement does not constitute a merger of existing operations or the sale of either one. 
Bayshore Solutions is pleased to announce the launch of Friends of the Riverwalk website. The site is designed to drive greater exposure for the Friends of the Riverwalk organization and build a stronger sense of community around the City of Tampa waterfront. 
Panera Bread goes Pink! Join Panera on Friday, October 4th as 100% of the proceeds from every Pink Ribbon Bagel sold will be donated to Moffitt Cancer Center. Click here for more information!
ChappellRoberts, one of Tampa's largest advertising agencies, is now one of roughly 2,000 nationwide businesses that are MECLABS email certified. This designation establishes the integrated advertising agency as certified experts in email capture, messaging, distribution, landing page optimization and measurement. 
Fintech is proud to announce the launch of their newly redesigned website, www.fintech.net.
The site boasts a fresh modern look, enhanced navigation, and in-depth information on Fintech's efficient, cost saving alcohol data and payment solutions. Additional features include new product information, more Frequently Asked Questions, a monthly Blog, access to Fintech social media sites, and much more. 
Seminole Heights Charter High School prides itself in preparing their graduates for success after graduation. Since opening in 2010, Seminole Heights has had more than 80% of graduates enroll in a 2 or 4 year college. Students who graduated in June enrolled at numerous institutions including Hillsborough Community College, the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, Florida Gulf Coast University, Full Sail University, Valencia College, Florida A&M University, Florida State University and even Harvard University. Read press release here.
Saint Leo University is launching its new Doctor of Business Administration Program designed to meet the needs of today's highly mobile professionals. Classes start December 2013. Curriculum includes innovative online and classroom learning. For more information visit www.saintleo.edu/dba or call (800) -707-8846. 
North Tampa Behavioral Health (NTBH) announces the opening on October 1st of its new 75-bed, 53,000-square-foot psychiatric and substance abuse treatment facility located on 16 acres of mostly protected wetlands and forest. Transforming psychiatric care for adults and seniors within the community, NTBH incorporates a continuum of care model. NTBH provides inpatient, partial hospital and intensive outpatient levels of care as well as offering free assessments and referrals 24/7/365 and a mobile assessment team, easily accessible by calling 813-333-0000. Click here to read press release.
Member Events

"The Power, Passion and Performance of HR." Join us November 6, 2013 for the HR Tampa Conference and Expo, an exciting, educational and fun conference to hear some of the most sought-after speakers in the human resources industry today. A must attend event for HR professionals and business owners! www.hrtampa.org.
Champions for Children's "Tampa Bay Fall Classic 5k Run & 1 Mile Family Fun Run" will be on November 16th, 2013 at Jabil in St. Petersburg. 5k Run: $30.00 per registrant; 1 Mile Fun Run: $15.00 per registrant. To register online quickly and easily, please click the following link to visit Active.com and complete your registration: https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=4901552.
On Tuesday, October 10, MOSI will host Tampa's first ever STEAM Professional Leadership Forum and luncheon. With a prestigious panel of scientists, artists and entrepreneurs, the forum will provide Bay area business men and women the chance to discuss the opportunities and challenges that the region faces in regard to becoming a leader in STEAM education. 
Member Accolades

Thomas M. Gonzalez, Gregory A. Hearing, and Kevin D. Johnson of Thompson, Sizemore, Gonzalez & Hearing, P.A. were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (Copyright 2013 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC) for their expertise in the areas of Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management; and Litigation - Labor & Employment.
William O. West, President and CEO of The Bank of Tampa, recently announced the appointment of Scott Fleming as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Wealth Management. In his leadership role, Fleming will be responsible for investment advisory and trust services in leading a comprehensive approach to wealth management. Bill West commented, "Scott brings a level of investment expertise and experience to significantly expand our capabilities in wealth to better service our clients and advance Wealth Management Services as a key specialty area of the bank."
The shareholders of Fowler White Boggs elected Jesse H. Diner and Darren D. Farfante to the Board of Directors.  Mr. Diner practices in the firm's Fort Lauderdale office and Mr. Farfante practices in the Tampa office.

Fowler White Boggs was named Tampa Bay's Overall Healthiest Employer by the Tampa Bay Business Journal (TBBJ) at an awards ceremony held on Thursday, September 12.  This marks the second time the firm has been honored as the Overall Healthiest Employer. With a total score of 92.5 out of 100, as determined by an independent research company used by the TBBJ, Fowler White beat out 26 other companies for the honor.
Construction Moisture Consulting, Inc. is pleased to announce Debra Palmer has been installed as the 53rd President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Tampa Chapter. NAWIC Tampa, founded in 1960, provides women employed in the construction industry networking, education, leadership training,  career growth and community involvement opportunities. 
Carlton Fields' Shareholder and immediate past President of The Florida Bar, Gwynne A. Young, was elected to the Executive Council of the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP). Young will serve a three-year term. 
New Hires and Promotions

ChappellRoberts, one of Tampa Bay's largest advertising agencies, has hired Kathleen (Kat) Romanowski as an assistant account executive. Romanowski will be responsible for writing, researching and implementing work products for the account service team.
Emily B. Weeks joins Hill Ward Henderson as an Associate in the firm's Trusts & Estates Group. Her practice primarily involves estate planning, tax planning, the administration of trusts and estates, and business succession planning. Prior to joining the firm, Emily worked at Ernst & Young, LLP where she advised individuals on income tax, gift tax, and estate tax planning.