Tampa Tribune Op-Ed: Health care expansion would lower business costs, increase competiveness and create a healthier workforce and community
By: Bob Rohrlack and Ronald Christaldi
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, a nonpartisan business organization representing over 1,300 large and small businesses throughout the Tampa Bay region, fully endorses health care expansion legislation and the need for Florida to provide solutions that are specific to our state.
The Florida Senate is moving health care expansion forward. At the ongoing request of our membership, we are encouraging the Florida House to take action during the 2015 legislative session by supporting the Senate plan.
The time for action is now. Click here to read more.
|
2016 Leadership Tampa Applications Now Available
 Since 1970, Leadership Tampa has been introducing class members to major facets of the greater Tampa community through an intensive nine-month course. The Leadership Tampa program challenges members to see the Tampa community as they never have before while preparing candidates for the next step in their leadership journey. The selection process is rigorous and competitive for the 50-60 seats available in each class. Come find out how to be a successful Leadership Tampa candidate while learning about the history and benefits of the program at the final Leadership Tampa information session on Tuesday, April 14. Click here to download the application.
|
U.S. Chamber Foundation Hosts Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation invites all service members, veterans, and military spouses to attend the Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair in Tampa on Friday, April 17.
Supported by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair is FREE for job seekers, and includes an employment workshop prior to the job fair. Job seekers are encouraged to register in advance and upload their resumes so that employers can view them prior. For more information and to register, click here.
|
Leadership Tampa: Tallahassee - 36 Hours of Action
By: Luis Martinez-Monfort, Gardner Brewer Martinez-Monfort, P.A.
 One of the benefits of being a member of LT '15 (Best Class Ever!) is that in nine short months you get access and exposure to people and places that are otherwise unattainable to the average Tampa resident. No part of the program highlights this fact more than the annual Leadership Tampa Tallahassee trip - a 36 hour tour d' force through our great state's capitol while the legislature is in session. Click here to read more and view photos.
|
|
Member Highlights: April 5 - 11, 2015
Click here to view more details on this week's member highlights including:
|
- April 11: Dress to Impress for 13 Ugly Men "White Party" Hosted at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Pool
-
April 16: LilyPad Solutions Webinar - "Drive Sales through Smarter Activity: Motivation with a Focused Approach"
- April 16:
Monthly Dinner
-
|
Want to include your organization's news in Member Highlights? Send a brief description of your news or event to news@tampachamber.com.
|
Member Marks Milestone with Chamber Ambassadors
Chamber Member Celebrates with Groundbreaking Ceremony
Construction is underway - NorthStar Bank celebrates the Groundbreaking of its new South Tampa Office located at 402 S. MacDill Ave. expected opening is late August!
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.
|
Open Position at the Tampa Chamber: Education Connection Intern (Paid)
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Three references
Please feel free to forward to your circles of influence. Candidates who do not submit all of the requested documents will not be considered. No phone calls please.
|
|
2015 Annual Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
Limited Number of Gold Sponsorships Remaining
 Start working on your swing! Mark your calendars now for the 2015 Chamber Challenge, Monday, May 4 at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament, presented by BBVA Compass and Skanska, will benefit the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Foundation and all the Chamber's educational and leadership programming.
A limited number of gold sponsorships are still available! Click here for more details and to sign up today!
Your contribution to the GTCC Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
|
International Business Committee Announcement
2015 International Town Hall
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a partner in this exciting annual event, presented by Tampa Bay Export Alliance, recognizing World Trade Month and the people and programs driving international business growth in our community. The program includes a variety of information that we believe you will find very interesting and beneficial and we encourage you to join us on Friday, May 8, 2015 from 7:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Carillon, St. Petersburg. As a member of the Chamber, we are pleased to offer you a special discount to attend. To take advantage of this discount click here to register and enter the exclusive discount code: GTCC.
|
|
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.
|
LAST CHANCE! Face the Chamber: 2015 Mayor's Luncheon
Monday, April 13, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, 700 S. Florida Avenue
Join us for the mayor's annual address to the Chamber and Leadership Tampa Alumni membership  including the popular "Face the Chamber" segment. We'll put the mayor on the proverbial hot seat as we ask him the tough questions on behalf of the business community. Come hear his response and learn what we as a Chamber can do to help move Tampa forward.
This event is $45 for Chamber/LTA members; $40 for Emerge members; and $55 for non-members. Tables of 10 are also available! Click here to register. Thank you to presenting sponsor, Saint Leo University.
|
|
Get Connected
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
DACCO, 4422 E. Columbus Drive
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 DACCO. Must arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to participate. Walk-ins will only be accepted if there is space available.
|
LAST SESSION! Leadership Tampa Information Session 5
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 | 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201
The Leadership Tampa selection process is rigorous and competitive for the 50-60 seats available in each class. Come find out how to be a successful Leadership Tampa applicant while learning about the history and benefits of the program at this FREE upcoming information session. Click here to register.
PLEASE NOTE: We encourage anyone with an interest in Leadership Tampa to attend an information session, however, you must be a Chamber member to apply. To inquire about Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce membership information, please contact Rosanne Versaggi at 813-280-1456 or rversaggi@tampachamber.com.
|
Competitive Edge Series: Linking Employee Engagement to Organizational Success
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 |11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201
Mission is the ability to inspire teams and clients to action. There is nothing more essential - or  profitable - for your company. You can't survive without it. This presentation by Shawn Rhodes, President/CEO Shoshin Consulting Services, teaches what inspires mission, what destroys it, and how leaders at every level of an organization can begin using their company's mission to increase productivity and profits right now.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Inspire trust in employees and customers
- Hire like the top 50 brands in America and train engaged employees
- Develop a framework to turn your employee passion into profit
- Ask the right questions to hire and retain employees who fit your culture
- Cultivate brand advocates who believe in and support your company's purpose
Click here for more information and to register today! Thank you to our presenting sponsor,
Verizon. FREE for FITs One, Two and Three; $35 for all other members; $50 for non-members.
|
2015 Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament 
Monday, May 4, 2015 | 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.
Combine Chamber networking with a healthy dose of competition! Don't worry if your skills aren't up to par - there's a chance for everyone to go home a winner with our raffle and course activities. Tournament proceeds benefit the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which supports the Chamber's educational and leadership programs. Limited space available. Click here to reserve your sponsorship now! Foursomes will be available at a later date. Your contribution to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Thank you to our co-presenting sponsors, BBVA Compass Bank and Skanska.
|
2015 Tampa Bay Rays Luncheon 
Monday, May 11, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 North Tampa Street
Join us for the 2015 Tampa Bay Rays Luncheon featuring Team President Brian Auld, President of Baseball Operations Matt Silverman, and Manager Kevin Cash along with Tampa Bay Rays players and executives. Questions for the players will be collected from the audience during the luncheon. Names will be drawn at the end of the event for the opportunity to participate in a limited autograph session. Valet parking is available at the Hilton. Hourly self parking is available at the Fort Brooke Parking Garage. There is a 72-hour cancellation policy on all reservations. This event is $40 for Emerge Tampa Bay members; $50 for Chamber members; and $60 for non-members. Corporate tables of 10 are also available. Click here to register. Thank you to presenting sponsor, Tampa Bay Times.
|
|
Get Connected 
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201
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 Platinum Information Services. Must arrive no later than 4:45 p.m. to participate. Walk-ins will only be accepted if there is space available.
|
Coffee Connection
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | 8:15 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.
|
Competitive Edge Series: Increasing Your Online Presence - SEO, Social Visibility & Video Platforms
Tuesday, May 26, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201
First impressions are made online. Join the Chamber for our monthly Competitive Edge Series featuring a panel discussion with digital marketing professionals and business development consultants about getting noticed on the Web. They will explain how to develop a site with high impact and increase traffic by using the following:
- SEO algorithms
- Strategic content development
- Video marketing
- UGC video
- Hashtag campaigns
- Social media
Click here for more information and to register today! Thank you to our presenting sponsor,
Verizon. FREE for FITs One, Two and Three; $35 for all other members; $50 for non-members.
|
|
Business After Hours 
Thursday, May 28, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Commercial Design Services, Inc., 5805 Barry Road
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to Business After Hours hosted by Commercial Design Services, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
