Interested in Learning How to Develop a Quality Internship Program?
Last chance to register!
Join us on February 17 as members of Tampa Bay's academic community share how to develop quality internships, the first program in this year's Education Connection series. Learn the best way to recruit local students and how to structure your program to ensure the best benefit for the student and your company. Education Connection is a partnership that represents the majority of business interests and educational institutions in Hillsborough County. The partnership was created to develop workforce talent, encourage industry leading research, and inspire meaningful relationships to create one of the most respected communities in the world. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union. Click here to register for this FREE event. For more information on the Education Connection initiative, visit our website.
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WFLA Daytime Segment: Military
Military Council Co-Chairs Chase Stockon (Panther International) and Brian Murphy (ReliaQuest) talk to Daytime host Cyndi Edwards about the Chamber's military support and outreach efforts.
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Startup Scholars Feature: No Mo Nausea Band
During the birth of her second child, Jacqueline Darna experienced severe problems with nausea. "I kept vomiting in the operating room and post-operatively. I couldn't enjoy my beautiful baby girl because I felt so miserable," she said. The only thing that brought Darna relief was a pair of peppermint leaves given to her by the anesthetist to smell.
For Darna, an anesthesiologist assistant, none of the traditional anti-nausea drugs worked, so she considered a new approach. "I taped a small ball of gauze to each of my wrists at the P6 (acupressure) point and hoped for the best. I started feeling better and anytime I got the uneasy feeling, I would smell the leaves." Read more...
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Now Accepting Nominations for the 2015 Woman of Influence Award
Deadline to Submit a Nomination is Monday, March 2
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 contact Anne Timmel at atimmel@tampachamber.com or 813-276-9440.
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. The luncheon will feature 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 Staci Fraser at 813-276-9453 or sfraser@tampachamber.com. Individual tickets are now on sale! Click here to purchase.
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Leaders in Action: Robles Park R.I.C.H. House
Efforts of Leadership Tampa Alumni Lead to Decrease in Crime Rates
The R.I.C.H. House is a safe haven for at-risk children in Sulphur Springs and Robles Park. All programs from the R.I.C.H House are funded through donations. The Leadership Tampa class of 2013 (LT '13) dedicated its community outreach efforts and class project to opening the R.I.C.H. House in Robles Park. Tampa Police Department Assistant Chief John Bennett (LT '13) recently provided an update on this critical community initiative. He reports that crime is down 32 percent in Robles Park since the R.I.C.H. House opened in 2013. Also, Robles Park was moved off the crime "hot spot" list this year for the first time in his tenure on the force. He attributes this to the opening of a R.I.C.H. house there by LT '13. This is a solid example of the outcome Leadership Tampa Alumni members have on our community.
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Now Accepting Nominations for the 35th Annual SBOY Awards
Deadline to Submit a Nomination is Friday, March 6
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 18 at the Small Business of the Year awards ceremony.
All nominations must be received by Friday, March 6. Click here to complete the online nomination forms and get complete details on eligibility, categories and evaluation criteria (click the "Register" button to submit your nomination form). Questions about nominations and sponsorship opportunities should be directed to Staci Fraser at 813-276-9453 or sfraser@tampachamber.com.
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Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council Announcement
Join the Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council on February 18, 2015, 6:30 - 9 p.m. for a reception to support and commemorate the voyage of the reconstructed ship Hermione, the replica of the 18th century French frigate of Liberty, and her grand U.S. return voyage in the summer of 2015. The reception will be hosted by the Consul General of France Philippe Letrilliart, in the presence of Miles Young, president of Friends of Hermione Lafayette in America. The reception celebrates democracy, heritage, and the indomitable spirit that inspired young Lafayette to board the Hermione in 1780 and sail to General Washington's aid in America's fight for freedom. Click here to view the event flyer. Click here to purchase your ticket.
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Member Highlights: February 8 - 14, 2015
Click here to view more details on this week's member highlights including:
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Want to include your organization's news in Member Highlights? Send a brief description of your news or event to news@tampachamber.com.
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Members Mark Milestones with Chamber Ambassadors
Chamber Members Celebrate with Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking Ceremonies
(Photo courtesy of Florida Hospital Carrollwood).
Florida Hospital Carrollwood broke ground on a new expansion project centering around the surgical services area, but also includes two interventional radiology/catherization labs, two endoscopy rooms and supportive services expansions. The expansion and renovation project will cover more than 100,000 square feet and include 12 state-of-the-art operating rooms.
Wawa is delighted to announce the grand opening of its newest store at 9617 Hwy 301 South in Riverview. Festivities included remarks from Wawa officials, a parade of Wawa history, a hoagie building competition between fire and police departments benefiting local charities and a ribbon cutting ceremony, pictured here.
Members wishing to host a ribbon cutting announcing a new opening or expansion of your business should contact Tracy Wilson at 276-9464 or twilson@tampachamber.com.
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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.
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The Buzz 
Thursday, February 12, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
CI Group, 511 N. Franklin Street
Join Emerge Tampa Bay for our monthly networking event for young professionals hosted by Elevate, Inc. at CI Group. Drinks and light appetizers will be provided. This event is free for Emerge Tampa Bay members and $10 for potential members. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsors CI Group and Elevate, Inc.
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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.
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ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Competitive Edge Series: How to Communicate as a Leader
Tuesday, February 24, 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 Rick Gallegos, CEO of Dale Carnegie Tampa Bay. As a leader in your organization, you must be able to communicate your ideas in meetings and in front of large groups. Your communication skills can help you motivate, inspire and quickly move up and gain more responsibility. Join Dale Carnegie Training to learn how to take your presentation skills to the next level.
Attendees will learn how to: 
- Communicate with the traits of a strong leader when asked to present
- Prepare for a powerful presentation
- Build confidence to perform more effectively
- Sell ideas in front of large groups so that people want more information
- Become more interesting in front of a group
- Tell powerful stories that create impact
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.
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The Young Professional's Guide to Time Traveling 
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. HCI Group, Inc. 5300 W. Cypress Street, Suite 100
Join Emerge Tampa Bay for the first 2015 professional development event! Through the use of better time management and creating routines we are able to create a better balance of our work/personal life. Vince Cassidy, CEO, Majesty Title Services, LLC and Holly Tomlin, President, Tomlin Talent Solutions will provide their tips and tricks to achieving better work/life balance. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor, HCI Group, Inc.
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SOLD OUT! 2015 Military Appreciation Banquet 
Wednesday, February 25, 2015 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
TPepin's Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th Street
The 2015 Military Appreciation Banquet, honoring our community's military personnel, will feature a keynote address from Florida Governor Rick Scott. This event is SOLD OUT! Thank you to our presenting sponsor Bright House Networks!
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Business After Hours
Thursday, February 26, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Painters on Demand, LLC , 3201 N. Florida Avenue
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to Business After Hours hosted by Painters on Demand. 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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The University of Tampa Fellows Forum
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 7:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Straz Center, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place
The annual University of Tampa Fellows Forum brings together a distinguished panel of CEOs to share their perspectives with the Tampa Bay business community on issues of importance.
Fellows Forum Speakers:
- Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, Inc.
- Harmut Liebel, President and CEO of iQor
- Robert Livingston, President and CEO of Dover Corporation
For more information, please contact: Laura Randall, Director of Community Relations The University of Tampa 813-253-6200 or lrandall@ut.edu
Tickets: $20 for active Chamber members and $40 for all else. Upon purchase, ticket will be mailed to you on February 25. Please ensure during registration that you accurately complete the address field. For more event details and speaker information, visit the UT website at www.ut.edu/fellowsforum. The Chamber is a sponsor for the UT Fellows Forum. Click here to register.
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Pearls of Wisdom
Bridging the Confidence Gap: Making it Happen for You
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Mise en Place, Inc., 442 W. Kennedy Blvd. Suite 110
The theme of this year's International Women's Day is "Making It Happen." Join your friends and
colleagues to launch this year's celebration and explore practical approaches you can apply to your career that will help you bridge the confidence gap, increase your visibility, enhance your leadership voice, and boost your effectiveness. Applying these approaches will make you more confident in who you are.We will also explore what all of us can do within our organizations to make women's careers happen. Enjoy hors d'oeurves and cocktails while learning from and networking with influential women at our quarterly Pearls of Wisdom event.
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