Did you miss this year's Benchmarking visit to Pittsburgh? Find out what this year's attendees learned, where they traveled and view pictures of their visit on Facebook and Twitter!
Follow the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Twitter @Tampa_Chamber and check out the special hashtag for the trip: #TPA2Pitt! Click here to view our Benchmarking album on Facebook.
Competitive Edge Series
There's Still Time to Register!
Join us on October 21 as Bob Swanz, an Advanced Solutions Architect from Verizon Wireless, shares "Four Ways to Use Technology to Run Your Business Smarter and Safer." In addition to delivering nuggets, tips and interesting applications that you can use when you leave, this session will cover:
How fast-changing technology brings risk and insights into security threats for small businesses
Why Cloud Computing makes "security sense" for small businesses
Private IPs: what they are and why businesses should use them with wireless devices
Why businesses are using wireless technology where they used to use landlines and why it makes sense
Click here to register or for more information! Thank you to our presenting sponsor Verizon. FREE for FITs One, Two and Three; $35 for all other members; $50 for non-members.
Chamber Board Member Mickey Jacob named to HART Board
Chamber Board Member and Transportation Committee Co-Chair Mickey Jacob was named to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Board by a vote of the Hillsborough County Commission on Wednesday. Jacob was one of three appointments made to the HART Board.
Jacob is the Executive Vice President of BDG Architects and has been practicing architecture in Tampa for 32 years. In addition to his volunteer work with the Chamber and other public committees, Jacob was the 2012-2013 American Institute of Architects President after serving as vice president, regional director and AIA Florida President.
Startup Scholars Program: One More Week to Apply!
Applications for the Startup Scholars Program are now available. Click here to apply today! The deadline for applications is October 24.
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. The mission of the Startup Scholars Program 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. For more information, click here to view the program flyer.
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Seeks Suggestions for Medical Innovation Initiative
The House Energy & Commerce Committee has launched 21st Century Cares, an initiative that aims to accelerate the pace of cures and medical breakthroughs in the United States. Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), who serves on the Committee, is seeking your suggestions on how Congress can bring innovation to various medical research fields.
How can we improve public health with the use of technology? What policies are needed to keep pace with healthcare innovation? Send your ideas to Michael Maurino, Government Relations Coordinator, at mmaurino@tampachamber.com by November 14. To learn more about the Committee's 21st Century Cures initiative, click here.
Tampa Bay Global Trade & Transportation Symposium
The Greater Tampa Chamber of CommerceTransportation Committee invites you to attend the Tampa Bay Global Trade & Transportation Symposium, October 30, 2014.
With the 2015 expansion of the Panama Canal, Port Tampa Bay and other Florida ports stand to benefit from an increased flow of cargo, business and international trade. Please RSVP for this year's Tampa Bay Global Trade and Transportation Symposium to discuss these and other important economic issues alongside prominent business and state leaders. Featured speakers include George S. LeMieux, former U.S. Senator; Joe Lopano, Tampa International Airport CEO; and Doug Davidson, Market Executive, Global Commercial Banking, Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Click here to view the event schedule. Get your tickets here.
Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors Offers Discount for Chamber Members
All Children's Hospital Launches New Program to Help Students with Disabilities Gain Work Experience
Member Events
The Lions Institute Invites You to the Eye Ball Gala, November 8
Nova Southeastern University to Host Career Fair & Open House October 23
Want to include your organization's news in Member Highlights? Send a brief description of your news or event to news@tampachamber.com.
Chamber Celebrates Ribbon Cuttings
Members Mark Milestones with Chamber Ambassadors
The Chamber would like to congratulate the following members who recently celebrated a grand opening. Members wishing to host a ribbon cutting announcing a new opening or expansion of your business should contact Tracy Wilson at 813-276-9464.
CSL Plasmaemployees and special guests celebrated their newest location in East Tampa and International Plasma Awareness Week with a ribbon cutting. The branch plans to ultimately grow to 60 employees putting approximately 5-6 million dollars back into the community each year. CSL Plasma relies on qualified plasma donors so that life-saving, plasma-based therapies can be given to patients throughout the world, including right here in the Tampa area.
The Florida Aquarium celebrated the grand opening of The Carol and Barney Barnett Learning Center on October 8. This new 5,000 square feet learning center was designed to focus on youth and promote creativity and learning. The Center will be used for school programming, summer camps, scout workshops, sleepovers, preschool classes, birthday parties, teacher professional development programs, and other educational programs for the community.
Photo by: JOE PHOTO TAMPA
Panera Bread, as part of the Covelli Family Limited Partnership, welcomes their newest bakery-café location opening off of the Veterans Expressway and West Waters Avenue. This location features a convenient drive-thru option.
Nominations Now Being Accepted for the H.L. Culbreath, Jr. Profile in Leadership Award
The H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award was created in 1997 to annually recognize an individual whose leadership has made a positive impact on the greater Tampa community. Named in honor of its first recipient, a man whose civic philanthropy and long service personified leadership, the award has quickly become the area's most prestigious honor.
This award, established by Leadership Tampa Alumni, will be presented at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting, December 18 at the Tampa Convention Center. It recognizes leadership in a variety of forms such as civic, cultural, economic, charitable, recreational and education. Click here to nominate a deserving community leader today.
Survey: How Does Transportation in Hillsborough County Impact YOU?
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce wants your input on the impact transportation has on you, your family and your daily trips to work or school. By completing this brief survey, you will assist the Tampa business community in advocating for a transportation system that improves our quality of life and promotes economic growth. Click here to take the survey now. Please forward the link to friends and colleagues. The survey ends October 31.
Get Your Tickets Today!
Chile Trade Mission, December 1-5
An Invitation from Chamber President & CEO, Bob Rohrlack
I would personally like to invite you to join us for the Tampa Bay Trade Mission to Chile
scheduled for December 1 - 5, 2014. This mission marks the first official activity of the TampaBay Export Alliance, a partnership between the Tampa Hillsborough EDC and Pinellas County Economic Development, and it's an opportunity to show strong regional support for Copa Airlines and its non-stop service to Panama City and points beyond. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with Tampa International Airport and our regional partners, including the EDC, to win the Copa business, and this mission makes the strongest possible statement regarding community support. I will be going on the trip along with Ron Christaldi, the Chair-Elect of the GTCC. Read more...
Special guest, Juergen Borsch, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany on "Germany's New Role in a Changing World"
Panelist, Brigadier General Heribert Hupka (Federal Republic of Germany)
Panelist, Brigadier General Mikael Christoffersson (Sweden)
Panelist, Brigadier General Martin de la Hoz (Spain)
Panelist, Brigadier General Frank Lissner, Coalition Chairman (Denmark)
The event will be held on October 24, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the University of Tampa Grand Salon, Historic Plant Hall, ground floor. Please RSVP with Deborah Wilkinson at dwilkinson@tampachamber.com. The deadline for reservations is October 20.
Open Position at the Tampa Chamber: Education Connection Intern (Paid)
Click here to view the position description. Candidates who do not submit all of the requested documents will not be considered. No phone calls please.
Chamber members must login when registering to take advantage of discounted member pricing for Chamber events.
Forgot your login? Click here to have your credentials sent to you.
Business After Hours & Veterans Networking
Thursday, October 23, 2014 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The S.S. American Victory Ship, Inc., 705 Channelside Dr. Berth 271
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to a Business After Hours at the SS American Victory Ship. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres while networking with your fellow Chamber members! In addition to our regular networking program, this month we will extend a special invitation to veterans, active duty and military spouses in our community.
FREE EVENT for Chamber members, veterans, active duty military and military spouses. Thank you to our sponsor: Catering by the Family. Click here to register.
Friday, October 24, 2014 | Hillsborough County Title 1 Public Schools
Get involved and volunteer for the annual Diploma-See event on Friday, October 24! We are looking for volunteers to present to 8th graders Junior Achievement curriculum and share personal work and life experiences that reinforce the importance of staying in school. All training sessions will be held at the Chamber. If you have 10 or more employees participating, Junior Achievement will perform the training at your business. Register to volunteer today. Thank you to our sponsor Achieva. Questions? Contact clayton@tampachamber.com.
Education Connection: How to Develop a Quality Internship
Thursday, October 30, 2014 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., # 201
Join us and members of Tampa Bay's academic community for the third event in our Education Connection Series on developing quality internships.
Thursday, October 30, 2014 | 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Columbia Restaurant, 2025 E. 7th Avenue
Join us for our Fall Women's Series Luncheon featuring WFLA News Channel 8 news anchor Gayle Sierens. Gayle has announced she'll be retiring next year after nearly 40 years with WFLA. She'll be speaking about how she got started in the world of broadcast television in the '70s - at that time, a very male-dominated field - and how she rose to success here in Tampa.
This event is presented by UF | MBA. Admission is $50 for Chamber members, $60 for non-members; $40 for Emerge Tampa Bay members. Corporate tables of 8 are also available. This event will sell out quickly. Click here to register today!
Pearls of Wisdom
Netiquette: Navigating Social Interactions in Today's Technology- Embedded Culture
Tuesday, November 4, 2014 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mise en Place, Inc., 442 W. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 110
Enjoy hors d'oeurves and cocktails while learning from and networking with influential women at our quarterly Pearls of Wisdom event.
Join us for a conversation about how technology has caused a shift in our social interactions.
While technology gives us the wonderful benefit of connecting with others anytime, anywhere, it has also blurred the lines between work and our personal lives. We will explore the most effective ways to manage all of the wonders of technology while not letting it deteriorate our relationships or success. $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Click here to register. Thank you to presenting sponsor PNC Bank!
Emerge Tampa Bay Presents 3rd Annual Emerging with Influence
Thursday, November 6, 2014 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
TPepin's Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th Street
As Emerge Tampa Bay's year-end closing event, Emerging with Influence will focus on opportunities for the upcoming year, celebrate previous leadership and welcome in the new Emerge Tampa Bay leadership team. The prestigious Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award will also be presented to one outstanding young professional for their dedication and service to Emerge Tampa Bay.
Monday, November 10, 2014 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Joe Chillura Courthouse Square Park, E Madison St.
Join us as we honor the men and women who have proudly served our country in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square Park. Thank you to our sponsor, USAA. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Get Connected
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore, 700 N. Westshore Blvd.
Get Connected is a facilitated networking program designed to give members the opportunity to make 25+ new business connections in less than an hour! 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. FREE for FITs One & Two. $15 for all other Chamber members. $30 for non-members. Click here to register. Hosted by Holiday Inn.
Public Policy Roundtable: Post-Election Wrap Up
7:30 a.m - 9:30 a.m
University Club of Tampa, One Tampa City Center Suite 3800
Once election day has come and gone, discover what the outcome means for the Tampa Bay
area. Join us on November 14 for our final Public Policy Roundtable of 2014, a special post-election wrap up moderated by Tampa Bay Times columnist Ernest Hooper, featuring a panel of experts that will review the good and the bad of the 2014 elections. Hear what's next in Washington, Tallahassee and Tampa, as well as a breakdown of what the Greenlight Pinellas outcome will mean for transportation in Hillsborough County. Learn how our votes impacted the election outcome and how this will influence the future of the Tampa Bay region.
FREE admission for up to two for FITs Three, Four and Partner; $35 for members, $40 for non-members. Corporate tables of eight are also available.Click here to register and for more information. Sponsored by the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority.
Coffee Connection
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 | 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St. #201
Coffee Connection is held every other month. This event focuses on Chamber members within their first year of membership. It is designed to help engage new members and build relationships. The program is facilitated by Ambassadors, who are volunteers and will serve as your mentor contact! This free event is recommended for first-year members, but is open to all Chamber members. Click here to register.
2014 Sporting Clays Tournament
Friday, November 21, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O'Lakes, FL 34639
Join us for the 8th 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.
The tournament, co-presented by Gresham, Smith and Partnersand EKS Security Services, will take place on Friday, November 21 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays in Land O'Lakes. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Chamber's Foundation, which supports our leadership and educational programs. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Download the event flyer for complete details or click here to register.
Member Orientation
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., # 201
Member Orientation is the first step to getting the MOST out of your Chamber membership! We will begin with an overview of the Chamber, followed by a member testimonial. Then, we will cover topics such as events and registration, marketing and communications and your member benefits. There will also be a chance to network so bring your business cards! Light refreshments are provided. This event is FREE! Click here to register. Special thanks to our 2014 Member Orientation sponsor, Office Depot.
aims to accelerate the pace of cures and medical breakthroughs in the United States. Congresswoman 
Embedded Culture
