Chamber Honors Service Members at 2014 Military Appreciation Banquet
The Chamber honored our community's military personnel at the 2014 Military Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday night, presented by Bright House Networks. More than 400 attendees were in attendance, including leadership from all five service branches.
Vice Admiral Mark Fox, Deputy Commander, U.S. Central Command gave an inspirational speech on the relationship between Tampa and our servicemen and women. Admiral Fox mentioned how the military has had a presence in Tampa since before the city was founded, when Fort Brooke was established here in the 1820's. From Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the Gulf War and the growth of MacDill in the present day, Tampa and the military community continue to grow together in support of our nation.
This is a long standing event in which the Chamber has recognized our local military personnel for outstanding contributions to the greater good of the Tampa Bay community. Click here to view the full list of Tuesday night's award recipients. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for the event photos! |
Leadership Tampa's Class of 2015 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. Click here to learn more about the information sessions.
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Unlock India - Get Involved
The IIFA Bollywood Awards are approaching quickly on April 23-27! Are you interested in learning how you can take part? Register for Unlock India, an informational program about the awards, how you can contribute and why they picked our home city of Tampa. This event will be held on March 19 from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the University Club. It will be hosted by the Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Council, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Emerge Tampa Bay and Visit Tampa Bay. Join us to learn how to put our best foot forward on our cultural differences. Download the flyer here or register today!
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March: Downtown Month
The Chamber has designated March as Downtown Month. For the entire month, each of our events will be held at an establishment located in Downtown Tampa. We encourage you to attend as many of these events as you can! We will be featuring a number of these events and also other events that are happening in Downtown Tampa on our social media accounts. We are already off to a great start! With all the Gasparilla festivities taking place downtown and the beautiful weather we have been having, why not get outside and join the crowd! This weekend is the Gasparilla Music Festival. Make sure you stop by and check out some great local bands and artists!
We would love to see your photos and tweets of Downtown! Send us a photo at news@tampachamber.com or tweet us @Tampa_Chamber using #DowntowninMarch. Click here to view some of our events going on this month! |
Now Accepting Nominations for the 34th Annual SBOY Awards
 | | 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 emailaholt@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. |
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Votility: New Advocacy Software
This year has already been a successful one for our policy efforts, as Tampa International Airport has secured state funding for the first phase of their master plan and County funding secured for High Speed Ferry Service. With other issues related to education, flood insurance, and health care on the horizon, the Chamber has added a new tool to use in engaging our members to support our legislative agenda.
Very soon, we will introduce you to Votility, our new advocacy portal that puts you one click away from researching the legislation the Chamber is tracking and contacting your representatives in Tallahassee and Washington. As a member, you will be able to read each bill, leave a comment or send an email in support or opposition, all in one place. Votility will improve your ability to make your voice heard and help the Chamber communicate our business community's views. Look for your invitation to Votility in your inbox soon!
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Now Accepting Nominations for the 34th Annual SBOY Awards
Deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 7
Presenting Sponsors: 
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Who represents the best of the best in Tampa's small business community? Nominate your favorite company today for the Chamber's annual Small Business of the Year Awards, which recognizes outstanding companies for their achievements in financial success, community involvement and ethical business practices. The awards will be handed out on Friday, September 19 at the Small Business of the Year banquet, the Chamber's largest signature event.
All nominations must be submitted by Friday, March 7. Click here to download the nomination forms and get complete details on eligibility, categories and evaluation criteria. Questions about nominations and sponsorship opportunities should be directed to Staci Fraser at 813.276.9453.
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Get Connected
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 North Franklin 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 FITs One and Two, $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Hosted by Mobex. Click here to register.
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Coffee Connection Series
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 North Franklin Street
Coffee Connection Series 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. Open to everyone!
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Competitive Edge Series: Converting Website Visitors into New Business
Tuesday, March 25, 2014 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 North Franklin Street
Join the Chamber for our monthly Competitive Edge Series, this month focusing on "Converting Website Visitors into New Business." Panelists from Bayshore Solutions will discuss the latest digital marketing trends. Attendees can expect to learn: 2014's top digital marketing tactics for B2B and B2C businesses, how to increase qualified web traffic, and powerful tools and tips that you can use right now to help convert online leads to sales. 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.
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Business After Hours and Defense Networking
Thursday, March 27, 2014 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Harbor Island Athletic Club & Spa, 900 S. Harbour Island Blvd.
Join us for complimentary hors de'oeurves and a cocktail while networking with your fellow Chamber members. In addition to our regular networking program, this month we will extend a special invitation to defense contractors in our community. Free for members, $15 for non-members. Hosted by Harbour Island Athletic Club & Spa. Click here to register.
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Face the Chamber with Mayor Bob Buckhorn
Thursday, March 27, 2014 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hilton Downtown Tampa, 211 N. Tampa Street
Join the Chamber and Leadership Tampa Alumni for "Face the Chamber," the annual address from the Mayor to our membership. Mayor Buckhorn will be placed on the proverbial hot seat and asked questions on behalf of the local business community. Thank you to our sponsor, Saint Leo University. Click here to register!
Do you have a question you would like to ask the Mayor? We will be taking questions from now until the luncheon. Send us your questions to news@tampachamber.com or tweet @Tampa_Chamber using #FacetheChamber. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Member Orientation
Wednesday, April 2, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 North Franklin St.
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.
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2014 Women of Influence Luncheon featuring Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive
Join us for our annual Women of Influence luncheon featuring Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager. United in their humanitarian missions and the spirit of service - as well as through their close family bond - Barbara and Jenna have found a shared purpose in giving a voice to the disadvantaged while bringing to light stories of hope. Single tickets are now available for purchase! Corporate tables and sponsorships are still available. Please click here to register. This event will sell out quickly!
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Member News
With more than 50 rides, shows, attractions and a Water Park, LEGOLANDŽ Florida is a full-day of fun for families with children 2-12. Experience the new LEGOŽ World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network now open. Coming spring 2014, enjoy DUPLOŽ Valley with attractions all geared to toddlers and their families. www.LEGOLAND.com.
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Friday, March 14 is the STORM Home Opener vs. New Orleans VOODOO!The theme on March 14th is "Chamber Night" (with an Irish twist as it is St. Patrick's weekend).
Enjoy a pre-game event, drinks and a welcome by Storm executives!! There will also be a chance to win prizes during the networking reception in Firestick Grill (6:30pm - 7:30pm).
We're excited to offer Chamber Members an offer for Storm Chamber Night! Tickets can be purchased here. Ticket Options are: Option 1: $50; Includes pre-game networking, two alcoholic beverages per person & Chase Club Access (Food and Drinks included). Option 2: $35; Includes pre-game networking, two alcoholic beverages per person and promenade sideline ticket. For more information please contact Oisin Crean at 813.301.6506 or ocrean@tampabaytimesforum.com. |
We would like to make Tampa Chamber of Commerce members aware that University Alliance offers chamber members a 10% discount off professional certificate programs. The University Alliance partners with 14 of the nation's leading universities. All are regionally accredited, brick and mortar institutions, such as Florida Tech, Villanova, Michigan State, and Notre Dame, just to name a few. We offer their programs in a 100% online format, with 24/7 access. Students enjoy the flexibility of an on-line program with the benefit of instructor-led training from a top-tier university. We are available to present our programs to any member companies at their corporate events / education fairs scheduled for 2014. Our university partners offer both degree and professional certificate programs, such as Six Sigma, Supply Chain, and Project Management, to name a few. |
HART is pleased to announce the extension of Route 46 bus service from Westfield Brandon Mall to SR 60 (Brandon Blvd.) and Dover Rd. This new service includes weekday hourly service from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m; and connection to other HART downtown routes including MetroRapid, HART local/express, and PSTA express at Marion Transit Center: http://www.gohart.org/pdf/service/route46.pdf
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Each month, the Tampa Convention Center provides a delicious recipe from their talented catering professionals! Click here for February's recipe and make sure you visit this page regularly for updates and new recipes!
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| On February 10, 2014 Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance, Inc. became known as CareerSource Tampa Bay. This change is part of a state-wide rebranding effort that began with the passing of the Regional Workforce Board Accountability Act of 2012. The rebranding aims to create a brand that is recognizable across the state no matter what city, county or region an employer or job seeker may be needing services in. For more information, please see the attached flyer or visit the Unified Public Brand Informational Portal on WorkForce Florida's website. |
| Gas South extends its service to Florida! Georgia's fastest-growing natural gas provider is now offering natural gas service to commercial customers in Florida. The expansion is the first for Gas South beyond Georgia's borders. Click here to read press release. |
| New Clinic Opening at Florida Hospital Carrollwood. Our expanded occupational health clinic, caring for injured workers, is opening on campus at Florida Hospital Carrollwood at the end of March. Our 6,000 + square foot, full service clinic will have 7 exam rooms, executive health and wellness, and on-site physical therapy and imaging. The clinic is hosting an open house and tour on Thursday, April 24th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Lyn Acer at 813.503.3628. |
Member Accolades
Roaya Tyson, Sr. VP Clinical Care for Gracepoint-MHC, will be honored in Washington, D.C. at the "Oscars of behavioral health"-the Awards of Excellence-in May. Praised for working with staff to create an expanded service for the Mobile Crisis Team, Roaya is 2014 Practitioner of the Year for the National Council on Behavioral Health. Read more.
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The law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, is pleased to announce that Erin Smith Aebel, partner and Co-Chair of the healthcare practice in the Tampa office, was a speaker at Tampa General Hospital on February 11, 2014. Erin spoke to physicians regarding health law and business negotiations.
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New Hires and Promotions
Fintech announces new hires: Heidi Alvarez, .NET Web Developer, Olesya Alexeyeva, Accounting/Analytics Data Support Specialist, Sabrina Williams, Customer Support Specialist, Bei Liu, Senior .NET Developer, Eric Rohrer, Senior Software Engineer, Emily Carbone, Regional Account Specialist, William Baxter, Regional Account Specialist, and Megan Diaz, Enrollment Specialist
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Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A., a professional accounting, assurance, and tax services firm headquartered in Tallahassee, announces the addition of Elaine Sutter as a Tax Staff, Kimberly Mayer as Office Assistant to the Tampa office, and Nick Whitaker as an Assurance Senior in the firm, Jen Schmidt as a Tax Services Senior in the firm and Lane Williams as Senior, Assurance Services Department.
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Radha V. Bachman is a member of the firm's Health Care and Business Transactions practice groups. Erin E. Banks is a member of the firm's Construction and Real Property Litigation practice groups. Patricia S. Calhoun is a member of the firm's Health Care, National Trial Practice, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device, Products and Toxic Tort Liability, and White Collar Crime and Government Investigations practice groups.Jin Liu is a member of the firm's Real Estate and Finance practice group.
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