 Chamber Announces Leadership Tampa 2015 Class On August 8, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the members of the 2015 Leadership Tampa Class. Established by the Chamber in 1970, Leadership Tampa is the third oldest leadership program in the nation and strives to identify and develop future leaders in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County.
Members of Leadership Tampa are business/professional people who hold leadership positions within their companies or organizations. Additionally, they have demonstrated a concern for community issues and volunteered their time with service and professional organizations. The selection process is rigorous and requires review by an appointed selection committee. Many graduates of the program have gone on to take expanded leadership roles in the community as well as in their own organizations. Click here for the complete list of 2015 Leadership Tampa participants.
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 2014 Small Business of the Year Awards
This year marks the 34th annual Small Business of the Year Awards to be held on Friday, September 19 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Performing Arts Center. This event is attended by close to 900 people and will highlight some of our most prominent small businesses and leaders in Hillsborough County. Come celebrate the culmination of one Amazing Race! Find out which finalists overcame small business detours, road blocks and speed bumps on their way to crossing the finish line as the best of the best in Tampa Bay! Click here to register today! Tickets are $90 for members, $100 for non-members.
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Gina Almonte, Carren Rieger, and Kerriann Greenhalgh are Tampa-based entrepreneurs and Chamber Startup Scholars.
Their products are carried by Mindworks and its newsstand store, Stellar News, in Orlando, Washington-Dulles, Philadelphia, San Diego, Tampa, Miami, and Houston airports.
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Women-Owned Businesses at TIA Take Off
Female entrepreneurs with products that target busy travelers in a pinch at Tampa International Airport are taking off and landing business around the country. On Monday, August 11, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) toured the expanding airport retail and the women behind these businesses to highlight the $1.4 trillion impact that all women-owned businesses across the country have on the economy and the middle-class.
In 2014, there are more than 9.1 million women-owned businesses, up from 8.6 million in 2013, according to a 2014 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report released in March 2014. The report also states that these businesses generate more than $1.4 trillion in revenues, employ 7.9 million people and account for 30 percent of all enterprises -- a boon for the middle-class. However, women's market share of revenues is declining, according to a report released just last month by the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce.
"These Tampa women have found a creative niche with travel-friendly products, demand is growing and I would like to help them succeed through workplace policies," U.S. Rep. Castor said. Click here to read more.
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2014 Benchmarking Visit: Pittsburgh
Join the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce on its 14th annual Benchmarking Visit, October 8 - 10, 2014, in Pittsburgh, PA. Don't miss out on an in-depth, three-day program designed to introduce you to every facet of Pittsburgh including riverfront development, public transportation, innovation and much more. Come with us and explore why Steel City is earning an entirely new reputation!
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For complete details, click here to download the official registration form. If you have any questions, contact Events Director Amanda Holt at 813-276-9432. Space is limited so don't delay! Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Skanska.
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Member News Moves to Chamber Blog Site
The monthly Chamber member highlights section has moved to the Chamber's blog site. Now you can view weekly member updates every Thursday including member news, announcements, events, ribbon cuttings and more. Click here to visit our blog for this week's member highlights. All member highlights should be 75 words or less and sent to news@tampachamber.com.
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Tampa Bay Trade and Protocol Announcement
The Tampa-Barranquilla Sister Cities Committee presents, for the first time in Tampa, Banda de Baranoa, an orchestra of 82 youngsters, dancers and musicians. Since 1995, Banda de Baranoa has performed throughout Colombia and also toured the United States. Admission is FREE. Saturday, September 13 at Water Works Park from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Click here for the event flyer.
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Emerge Tampa Bay Presents Resolution Revolution
A Millennial Guide to Conflict Management
Hear that? It's the millennial revolution. We're influencing everything from the board room to the nation's spending power...and we're not doing it quietly. This interactive workshop will enable millennials with the necessary skills to diffuse workplace conflict and figure out how to strengthen an organization from the inside. Expert commentary by TECO's training extraordinaire, Bruce Napier and Navigen Leadership's inter-generational specialist, Michele Norris.
Mark your calendars: August 26, 5:30 p.m., click here to register.
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Calling all Emerge Tampa Bay young professionals! Take your leadership journey to the next level and consider applying for the Emerge Tampa Bay 2015 Leadership Team. Detailed leadership position descriptions can be found on the application. We are looking for a Program Vice Chair, Professional Development Chair, Public Policy Chair, Membership Chair and a Community Outreach Chair. Completed applications and all attachments are due by 5:00 p.m. on August 29. Questions? Contact clayton@tampachamber.com.
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Hillsborough Transportation Planners Want You to "Imagine 2040" - Your Opinion Counts!
The Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization is in the process of updating their long range transportation plan. Called Imagine 2040, the transportation plan seeks to develop a vision for Hillsborough County in the year 2040. With 500,000 more people expected in Hillsborough by 2040, and hundreds of thousands of new jobs, what will our neighborhoods look like and what transportation options will we need? Take the Imagine 2040 survey and help shape the future of Hillsborough County.
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Chamber Celebrates Member Ribbon Cutting
The Chamber would like to congratulate Florida Hospital Centra Care who recently celebrated a grand opening. Members interested in having a Chamber ambassador participate in their grand opening should contact Tracy Wilson at 813-276-9464.
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Florida Hospital Centra Care is excited to announce the grand opening of their third Tampa location! Serving the South Tampa community at 301 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, open 7 days a week with online no-wait reservations.
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Senior Enlisted Reception
Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | 4:30 p.m - 6:30 p.m
Surf's Edge Club, 7315 Bayshore Blvd., Building 499, MacDill AFB
Join us for the 2014 U.S. Armed Forces Senior Enlisted Reception on MacDill Air Force Base. This annual event is an excellent opportunity for members of the Tampa Bay business community to personally thank our local service men and women from all five branches of the military. Come out and show your appreciation for those who protect and serve our country. Click here to register. Prior registration is required. Each reservation allows a service member to attend. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, USAA.
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Pearls of Wisdom: Pearls for Girls - Raising empowered daughters (and sons!)
Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mise en Place, 442 W. Kennedy Boulevard
Enjoy hors d'oeurves and cocktails while learning from and networking with influential women at our quarterly Pearls of Wisdom event. Every woman has the opportunity to serve as a positive role model to a child, whether in a parenting or a mentorship capacity. Modern technology and pop culture add to the many hurdles of raising a child, and many children struggle with self-confidence in an age when social media creates additional opportunities for competition. Our panel of experts will provide their guidance on how to help shape the next generation into women and men who are empowered, rather than entitled, and will go on to make a positive difference in our community. $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Click here to register. Thank you to presenting sponsor PNC Bank!
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Doing Business in South Africa
Friday, August 22, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N Franklin St. #201
Join Enterprise Florida and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce as we discuss "Doing Business in South Africa." South Africa is an important trading zone for South and Central African countries and one of Florida's key trading partners. South Africa is also a top destination for pharmaceutical, mining, marine and environmental products. Join us for an overview of the South African business market and to learn more about the many international resources available to your company. Register your company early and receive a free one-on-one briefing about your product's entry into this emerging market. Click here to register. Fee is $10.
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Competitive Edge Series: Overcoming Adversity
Tuesday, August 26, 2014| 11:45 a.m - 1:15 p.m
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St.
 Join the Chamber for our monthly Competitive Edge Series featuring Coach Robert Weiner of Plant High School. How do some companies and individuals manage to survive obstacles and persevere through tough times, while others succumb to the difficulties life presents? Overcoming hurdles in both your professional and personal life can seem daunting, but there are valuable lessons to be learned from these experiences. Coach Weiner has the insight to share the keys to making the most out of trying times. Click here to register or for more information ! Thank you to our presenting sponsor Verizon. FREE for FIT Two members; FREE with benefit for FITs One & Three. |
Education Connection Kick Off
Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | 7:30 a.m. Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Program
University Club, 201 N. Franklin St. #3800
Our keynote speaker is Don Morton, Site Leader for the Microsoft campus in Fargo, North Dakota. He will discuss the intersection of academia & business. Prior to joining Microsoft, Morton was the assistant to the president and dir ector of University Relations at North Dakota State University. He is a former head football coach at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Tulsa and North Dakota State University and was named national coach of the year in 1983. In addition to hearing from our keynote speaker, the Chamber and our partners will roll out the initial plans for Education Connection. This event is free for members, $15 for non-members. Special thanks to presenting sponsor, Fintech. Click here for the event flyer and here to register for the event.
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Business After Hours
Thursday, August 28, 2014 | 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Avesta Communities, 5118 N. 56th Street, Suite 201
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to Business After Hours hosted by Avesta Communities. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail while networking with your fellow Chamber members. FREE for members, $15 for non-members.Click here to register.
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CHALK TALK with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive
Join us for Chalk Talk with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, presented

Autographs will be available at the conclusion of the program. Have a question for any of the Bucs players at the luncheon? Email your question to communityrelations@buccaneers.nfl.com. Click here to register or for more information. |
Doing Business in Israel
Monday, September 8, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N Franklin St. #201
Enterprise Florida and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend a briefing on doing business in Israel. This event will feature a high-level discussion on the aspects of business in this market and what to expect with exporting your products or services to Israel. The event will feature an overview of target market segments and also a chance to discuss your product or service in a one-on-one business setting after the briefing. The event registration deadline is Friday, September 5, 2014 and registration will be mandatory for this event. Click here to register. Fee is $10.
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