"The Chamber has opened up doors," said Lauren Weiner, president of Wittenberg Weiner Consulting. "We're remarkably plugged in to the business and government contracting community largely because of the Chamber." Read more...
WFLA Daytime: Greenlight Pinellas
Bob Rohrlack, CEO and President of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and Mickey Jacob, Co-Chair of the Chamber's Transportation Committee, talk about Greenlight Pinellas. Click here to view the video.
Netiquette: Navigating Social Interactions in Today's Technology-Embedded Culture
Join Us for Pearls of Wisdom on November 4!
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.
Join us on Tuesday, November 4, as we welcome Jessica Muroff, an expert on navigating social interactions in regards to technology. Jessica is the Executive Director of Frameworks of Tampa Bay, a local nonprofit dedicated to developing the social and emotional skills of youth. She is an experienced marketing executive, having spent most of her career at for-profit companies including Roberts Communications, Saks Fifth Avenue and Raymond James. Her career change made her realize the importance of managing technology and the things that matter most in life. She blogs about it at bepresentproject.com.
This event is $15 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Click here to register online. For questions, call 813-276-9440. Thank you to our presenting sponsor PNC Bank and venue sponsor Mise en Place.
Startup Scholars Program: Application Deadline is Tomorrow!
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. Click here to apply for the Startup Scholars Program. The deadline for applications is tomorrow, October 24. For more information, click here to view the program flyer.
Leadership Tampa's Community Outreach Day
By Jessica Muroff, Frameworks of Tampa Bay
One of the reasons why many of us applied for Leadership Tampa was to learn more about how we could best serve our community. It was very fitting that Community Outreach Day was our first official program day following our kick-off retreat.
Community Outreach Day was more than just learning about the social services so many incredible nonprofits provide in our community. We were able to experience first-hand how many in our community access and utilize these critical services. This gave us the best perspective possible in understanding the demand, and many times lack of enough resources, to provide services to so many in need in our community. Read more...
Great Advertising Opportunities for Your Company!
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce offers cost-effective advertising solutions for your company or organization. Our location guide is distributed to members, individuals looking to relocate to the Tampa Bay area and those seeking more information about our local economy, business & industry, arts, healthcare, education and local neighborhoods. Advertising in our guide allows companies to make a great initial impression to new residents and visitors. Tampa Bay is truly a great place to work, live, play and stay! Don't miss this opportunity to market your company's message to an engaged audience. In addition to the printed version distributed to members and those seeking relocation information, the Chamber offers an electronic version with your ad linking to your website.
In addition to our location guide, the Chamber offers advertising opportunities in our weekly electronic newslettereView and on the Chamber website. Click here to view our rates for the remainder of 2014 and 2015. If you book a minimum of $1,000 in advertising (location guide, website, eView) by November 14, you will save 10% - so act today!
For more information about advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Staci Fraser at 813-276-9453.
YP to Host "Come for a Cocktail, Stay for a Career!" November 6
Want to include your organization's news in Member Highlights? Send a brief description of your news or event to news@tampachamber.com.
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.
Chamber Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
Member Marks Milestone with Chamber Ambassadors
The Chamber would like to congratulate the following member 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.
University of South Florida and Rogers Behavioral Health System representatives joined the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and community leaders to mark the opening of Rogers Behavioral Health - Tampa Bay. The October 16 event gave regional mental health professionals a chance to tour the new facilities and learn more about the intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs offered.
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 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.
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...
Thursday, October 30, 2014 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Columbia Restaurant, 2025 E. 7th Ave.
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!
Get Your Tickets Today!
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 Tampa Westshore.
Public Policy Roundtable: Post-Election Wrap Up
7:30 a.m - 9:30 a.m
University Club of Tampa, 201 N. Franklin St., #3800
Once election day has come and gone, discover what the outcomes mean 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. - 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 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.
Competitive Edge Series: Building "A" Teams and Developing Your Own Personal Leadership Philosophy
Tuesday, December 2, 2014 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., #201
Join us as Mark House, LEED AP, Managing Director of Strategic Projects with The Beck Group, shares how to develop and share your own personal leadership philosophy. Attendees can expect to learn:
The difference between leading and managing
Getting the best out of everyone on your team
Communicating with your team and making sure everyone understands the common mission
Leading by example and getting through the good times and the challenging times
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.
Member Orientation
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 | 8:30 a.m. - 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.
Save the Date: 129th Annual Meeting
Thursday, December 18, 2014 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St.
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce will hold its 129th Annual Meeting on December 18 at the Tampa Convention Center to celebrate the Chamber's 2014 achievements. Robin DeLaVergne of Tampa General Hospital and 2014 Chamber Chair will pass the gavel to 2015 Chair Ron Christaldi of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. The Chamber will also present the 2014 H.L. Culbreath, Jr. Profile in Leadership Award to an individual whose leadership has made a positive impact within the Greater Tampa community. Online registration will open soon!
Thank you to our presenting sponsor: Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the Annual Meeting, please contact Staci Fraserat 813-276-9453.
Join us on Tuesday, November 4, as we welcome Jessica Muroff, an expert on navigating social interactions in regards to technology. Jessica is the Executive Director of 
aims to accelerate the pace of cures and medical breakthroughs in the United States. Congresswoman 
