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Now Accepting Nominations for the 2015 Woman of Influence Award

 

The Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Dottie Berger MacKinnon Woman of

2014 WOI award winner Chief Jane Castor, City of Tampa Police Department

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 2. Questions about the award or nomination process? Please email atimmel@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 2, 2015 at the A La Carte Event Pavilion featuring keynote speakers Emily Nunez Cavness and Betsy Nunez, co-founders of Sword & Plough, a fashion company that works with veterans to make fashionable and durable bags from recycled military fabrics. Sponsorships and corporate tables for the luncheon are currently available for sale by contacting sfraser@tampachamber.com. Individual tickets will go on sale in early February.

Legislative Kickoff Reception

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to the 2015 Legislative Kickoff Reception, Tuesday, January 27. Each year, the Legislative Kickoff is your opportunity to meet with members of the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation before the Legislative Session begins in March. For more information and to register, click here. This event is complimentary for our FIT 3, FIT 4, and Partner-level members and $25 for all other members. Thank you to our sponsor Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority. 
Open Position at the Tampa Chamber: Events Manager

We are hiring!  The Chamber is currently accepting resumes for the following position:

Please click on the above link to download the detailed job description and required qualifications. To apply for the Events Manager position, please submit the following to resumes@tampachamber.com:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Two business writing samples
  • Three (3) references
Applicants will not be considered if all of the requested items are not received. No phone calls please. Due to the anticipated response, we may not be able to respond to every candidate. 

Interested in Joining the Golf Tournament Committee?

 

Are you interested in joining a Chamber committee? The Annual Golf Tournament is on May 4 and the planning committee is about to kick off its efforts. Joining the committee is a great way to meet other Chamber members in a more relaxed and informal setting. We need your help recruiting sponsors, collecting items for the raffle and signing up teams to compete. If you are interested in participating on the committee or learning more, please contact Anne Timmel at atimmel@tampachamber.com. Click here to check out the video from last year's tournament, produced by Farmore Marketing

Host a Chamber Networking Event in 2015!

 

Are you interested in hosting one of the Chamber's recurring networking events in 2015? These events are great opportunities to provide exposure to your business, product, service or venue. The following monthly events are available to be hosted by Chamber members of any FIT level:

 

Business After Hours

Business After Hours is held onsite at a Chamber member's business on the final Thursday of every month from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Attendance generally ranges from 50 - 75 members. This event allows for networking with your fellow Chamber members in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. 

 

Hosts are responsible for providing a gathering space for up to 75 attendees, hors d'oeuvres, complimentary parking and one complimentary alcoholic drink per attendee. In return, the host company will receive publicity as the title sponsor of the event on our website, flyer, and eView newsletter, as well as two minutes at the event to speak. The Chamber will manage registration of attendees as well as all communication regarding the event. Next available dates for hosting start in July.

 

Get Connected

Get Connected is our monthly facilitated networking event designed to build relationships with fellow Chamber members and open the door to new business opportunities. This event takes place onsite at a Chamber member's business on the second Tuesday of every month, alternating between 7:30 - 9 a.m. and 4:30 - 6 p.m. This "speed networking" event places participants in small groups where each person has a few minutes to talk about his or her product, service or business. After each participant in the group has had a chance to introduce him or herself, the groups switch up and everyone is paired with a fresh set of faces. 

 

The host is responsible for providing up to seven tables of seven seats with the ability to accommodate up to 49 people, light hors d'oeuvres/refreshments and beverages, and complimentary parking. In return, the host company will receive publicity as the title sponsor of the event on our website, flyer, and eView newsletter, two minutes to speak at the event, and one representative to participate in the networking activity. The Chamber will manage registration of attendees as well as all communication regarding the event. Next available dates for hosting start in May.

 

To inquire about availability or to get more details about hosting these events, please contact Anne Timmel, Events Director at atimmel@tampachamber.com.

Member Anniversaries

Congratulations to these members who are celebrating Chamber membership milestones this month! We appreciate your loyal commitment to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and our community.

 

45 Years

Trenam Kemker

 

35 Years

25 Years

20 Years

OneBlood  


15 Years

10 Years

5 Years

Member Highlights: January 11 - 17, 2015

 

Click here to view more details on this week's member highlights including:

Member News
  • Tampa General Hospital and Florida Hospital Announce West Florida Health, a New Jointly Owned Not-for-Profit Health Care Company

  • Port Tampa Bay Partners With Florida-Based Business Continuity Firm

  •  PrimeGroup Insurance Announces Two Central Florida Insurance Acquisitions
  • Carlton Fields Jorden Burt Relaunches "Classified: The Class Action Blog" with a New and Improved Look and Features

  • Deliver Media and ISI Technologies Merge Together, Ready for 2015

Member Events
  • Jan. 17: Stageworks Theatre Co. to Host Fusion  
New Hires & Promotions
  • Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. Welcomes New Hires Lori Martin, CPA, and Taylor Harmon

  • Elevate, Inc. Welcomes New Chief Strategy Officer, Ansley Kahn

  • IAT, Inc. Promotes Jeff Chernoff to Vice President

  • OAI Names Dr. Michael Cooper As General Manager 

Member Accolades 
  • Hill Ward Henderson Attorney, Sandra H. Ransdell, Elected To Board of Directors
  • Bush Ross, P.A. Shareholder, Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe, Appointed to United States Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel

  • Gaston's Culinary Services, Inc. Wins WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award

  • Hill Ward Henderson Founding Shareholder, Benjamin H. Hill, III Named 2015 Outstanding Service Award Recipient

Want to include your organization's news in Member Highlights? Send a brief description of your news or event to  news@tampachamber.com. 

Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebration

Member Marks Milestone with Chamber Ambassadors


 

4Rivers Smokehouse is now open in Tampa! Located at 14330 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. This is the company's 8th location with plans for further expansion in Florida. Pictured at the grand opening celebration is George, one of 4Rs first employees, cutting the ribbon alongside General Manager Justin and Chef John Rivers. Come taste their savory brisket today!

 

Members wishing to host a ribbon cutting announcing a new opening or expansion of your business should contact Tracy Wilson at twilson@tampachamber.com

Seeking Mentors for the Emerge Tampa Bay Protégé Program

 

What advice would you have benefited from when you started your career? Sign up to mentor a member of Emerge Tampa Bay and pass that advice along! Fifty mentors are needed to meet with an assigned Emerge protégé from March to November 2015 at least once a month.

If you are interested or have questions, contact Catlin Layton at clayton@tampachamber.com.
Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council Announcement

Saint Leo University's Sixth Annual International Business Conference to Feature Democratic Political Strategist James Carville

 

The Sixth Annual International Business Conference (IBC) will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18 with the keynote address by Democratic political strategist James Carville, "Current Politics in the Global Economy." The conference continues through Friday, February 19. The public is invited to attend in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms of the Student Community Center.

Admission is free, but advance registration is advised at http://advance.saintleo.edu/carville. Registration is required for the remainder of the conference, which has the theme "Best Practices in Global Organizations." Faculty members from the Donald R. Tapia School of Business are organizing the annual event. For more information on the IBC, visit www.saintleo.edu/ibc2015 or contact Dr. Rick Scott, assistant professor of finance, at (352) 588-8304 or ricky.scott@saintleo.edu
Click here for more information.
Save the Date: Cover the Bay - January 28, 2015

2015 Bay Area Mayors Conference

 

On January 28, Bay Area mayors, business leaders and representatives of the health care industry will gather together for "Cover the Bay: 2015 Bay Area Mayors Conference" at St. Petersburg's Mahaffey Theater. They will discuss a collaborative approach to extending health care coverage to more uninsured Bay Area residents. Hosted by City of Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, City of St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, City of Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos and A Healthy Florida Works, the event will provide an in-depth look at what coverage means for the Bay Area's people, businesses and economy. Leaders will also discuss Florida's opportunity to support a state-specific plan that can dramatically cut the costs of uncompensated care, take full advantage of the federal funds set aside for coverage, enable businesses to create more jobs, and improve the health of more than 136,000 low-income, working Bay Area residents.

 

Join local mayors, and fellow business and community leaders to take part in the conversation about how the Bay Area can move the extension of health care coverage forward. There is no cost to attend. Reserve your seat online at www.CovertheBayEvent.com

eventsEVENTS                                            jump to News
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. 

Coffee Connection
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #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.

Country Market Brief: Canada

Friday, January 23, 2015 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201 


Canada is an important trading market and one of Florida's key trading partners. Canada is also a top destination for pharmaceutical, mining, marine and environmental products. Join us for an overview of the Canadian business market and to learn more about the many international resources available to your company. Click here to view the event agenda.

 

Companies who register by Wednesday, January 21 will receive a free 10 minute one-on-one matchmaking session. Click here to register. The cost is $5 and includes a light breakfast.

Competitive Edge Series: What it Takes to be an Award-Winning Company

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201

 

Join the Chamber for our monthly Competitive Edge Series featuring a panel discussion with executives from the Chamber's 2014 Small Business of the Year award-winning companies. They will highlight what makes their companies 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
  • Other tips and recommendations for success

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.

Legislative Kickoff Reception
Tuesday, January 27, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for a pre-session Legislative Kickoff Reception featuring the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation and the release of the Chamber's 2015 Legislative Agenda. Click here to register.

FREE for FIT 3, FIT 4 and Partner Level Members; $25 for all other Chamber Members. Thank you to our sponsor, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

Women's Series Lunch: Women in STEM Industries

Thursday, January 29, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Maestro's at the Straz, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place

 

Join us for a fun, interactive Q&A panel on how women are taking charge in the STEM Industries - science, technology, engineering and math. We'll welcome three local women who have excelled in their fields to answer your questions about their journeys down a non-traditional career path. Our panelists will discuss their inspirations, obstacles and achievements as they defied gender roles and took on the challenges of rising to the top in a male-dominated industry. This event is presented by UF | MBA. Admission is $50 for Chamber members, $60 for non-membersCorporate tables of eight are also available. Click here to register today!

Business After Hours
Thursday, January 29, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The Home Association, Inc., 1203 E. 22nd Avenue

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to Business After Hours hosted by The Home Association, Inc. 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.

Member Orientation
Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #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 2015 Member Orientation sponsor, Office Depot.
Return on Relationships
Thursday, February 12, 2015 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201

During this interactive session featuring Clint Babcock of Sandler Training, you will learn how to get the most out of the networking opportunities at Chamber events, including:

  • What to say when asked, "What do you do?"
  • How to be comfortable introducing yourself to someone you don't know
  • How to build relationships with the Chamber membership
  • Goal setting for a Chamber event
  • How to professionally end a conversation
  • How to transition the conversation to the next step (i.e. a phone call or meeting)
Click here to register! Chamber Members $15, Non-Members $20. FREE for FIT One members.

Education Connection: How to Develop a Quality Internship

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., #201

 

Join us and members of Tampa Bay's academic community for the next event in our Education Connection Series on developing quality internships. 

 

Education Connection is a partnership between the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, Stetson University College of Law, Hillsborough Community College, Saint Leo University and Hillsborough County Public Schools. The partnership was created to develop workforce talent, encourage industry leading research, and inspire meaningful business-academic partnerships. Click here to register for this FREE event. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union. For more information on the Education Connection initiative, visit our website.