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Woman of Influence Award Nominations
Last year's recipient, Judi Lisi
 
The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Dottie Berger MacKinnon Woman of Influence Award. Do you know an exceptional woman who exemplifies outstanding professional values,demonstrates the ability to go above and beyond the normal expectations of a leader, and serves as an inspiration to the community? Click here to download the official nomination form. The deadline to complete the nomination form is March 21. Questions about the award or nomination process? Please email aholt@tampachamber.com.

The award, established by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's Women of Influence Committee, will be presented at the annual Women of Influence Luncheon on April 23, 2014 at the A La Carte Event Pavilion. The featured speakers will be Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager. Sponsorships and corporate tables for the luncheon are currently available for sale by contacting sfraser@tampachamber.com. Individual tickets will go on sale in February. 
Prestigious Parke Wright III Recognition Awarded to Capt. John C. Timmel
 
During the recent Leadership Tampa Alumni annual meeting, LTA recognized Capt. John C. Timmel, President & CEO of Starboard Ten Maritime Forensics, with the prestigious Parke Wright III Award.
Tampa's history has strong ties to the Maritime industry, and Captain Timmel's accomplishments and credentials in this area have had a significant impact on our community. Read more>>
Chamber Members Travel to Cuba



A group of members just returned from the Chamber's second trip to Cuba. They traveled on a people-to-people license and learned about the island country just 90 miles from Key West. Here, the participants are pictured in front of the Cathedral of St. Christopher in Old Havana.
Training Workshop for Trade & Logistics Grant 

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce International Business Committee along with the Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Council and Enterprise Florida would like to announce the first training workshop for the Trade and Logistics Grant awarded to the Tampa Bay region. Hillsborough Community College will be the main partner for our area and includes Workforce Florida and North Florida. This grant will further expand small to mid-size businesses who are interested in understanding and entering the global market. The workshop will be held on January 30. Click here to register. 
The Power of Connections 
By Santino Provenzano

Keith Ferrazi, New York Times bestseller and author of "Never Eat Alone", a business self help guide to networking, once said "The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity". The first time I heard this quote it seemed a bit oddly placed in a world where so much of the networking we do is geared towards developing contacts that can advance our business and our careers. But through the years I have begun to understand that the connections we make in our business lives go so much further. 

 

Our active participation in Leadership Tampa 2014 and our involvement with the Chamber will also enrich our lives on a personal level, and present opportunities to enrich the lives of others in our community, in ways both small and large. Over the holidays, I was lucky enough to have those beliefs confirmed when I experienced the power a simple introduction can make. Read more >>

Chamber Celebrates Ribbon Cuttings
Members Mark Milestones with Chamber Ambassadors!
 
The Chamber would like to congratulate the following members who recently celebrated grand re- openings and new locations. Members interested in having a Chamber ambassador participate in their grand opening should contact Amanda Muley at 813.276.9464.

 
 
 
Robert W. Baird's Private Wealth Management Division and Municipal and Equity Sales trading office celebrates its recent move to Tampa City Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 16th. Robert W. Baird is celebrating its 23rd year in the Tampa Bay area.





 
Awarded and recognized nationally for outstanding service delivery to their clients, Skoda Minotti, a CPA, business & financial advisory firm, celebrates its grand re-opening and relocation to 201 E. Kenney Blvd., Ste. 1500 in the downtown Tampa business district.


eventsEVENTS                                            jump to News
Competitive Edge Series: "What it takes to be an Award-Winning Company"
Monday, January 27, 2014 | 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 featuring a panel discussion with executives from the Chamber's 2013 Small Business of the Year award-winning companies. They will highlight what makes their company successful and share their personal thoughts on the following: management philosophy, major risks of starting your own business, key business values, challenges and adversities, how they recruit staff and other tips and recommendations for success. Sponsored by Verizon. Free for FIT Two, $35 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members. FIT One members receive FREE attendance for one at two events per year. FIT Three receives four registrations per year. Click here to register.






Business After Hours
Thursday, January 30, 2014 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Carrollwood Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Drive
 
Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail while networking with your fellow Chamber members. Free for members, $15 for non-members. Hosted by the Carrollwood Country Club. Click here to register.






Women's Series Luncheon: It's a Woman's World
Friday, January 31, 2014 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Maestro's at the Straz Center, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place
 
Join us for an interactive Q&A panel with the women who have taken charge of the Chamber! We'll welcome three of our past Chamber Chairs as well as our new 2014 Chair for the chance to have a candid discussion with these powerful and influential women. They will provide insight on how to become leaders in the community, and fill us in on their tips and tricks for making your way to the top in the corporate world. Click here for more information and to register. 






Member Orientation
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 | 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. Register here today. Special thanks to our 2014 Member Orientation sponsor, Office Depot!






Get Connected
Tuesday, February 11, 2014 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hillsborough County Bar Association 
Chester H. Ferguson Law Center, 1610 N. Tampa Street
 
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 FIT's One and Two, $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Hosted by the Hillsborough County Bar Association. Click here to register.






Return on Relationships
Thursday, February 13, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
 
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!






Competitive Edge Series: Social Media- The New Normal
Tuesday, February 18, 2014 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street
 
Social Media is NOT a trend, it is a NECESSITY. New Platforms pop up every day and existing platforms constantly change. Staying on top of what's best for your business is challenging. Ask yourself this question: Is the voice of your business heard on social media channels? Join us for our monthly Competitive Edge Series featuring Leslie Laney, DIrector of Marketing & Social Media at A Media Marketing. Free for FIT Two, $35 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members. FIT One members receive FREE attendance for one at two events per year. Click here to register.