Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Recognized as Three-Star Chamber of Valor by Hiring Our Heroes
Top Honor for Local and State Chambers That Demonstrate Leadership in Connecting Companies with Talented Veteran and Military Spouse Candidates
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced last week that the Greater Tampa Chamber  of Commerce has been honored for the second year in a row by Hiring Our Heroes with the three-star Chamber of Valor award. The Chamber of Valor award acknowledges the contributions of local chambers, industry associations, and business development organizations that join the Hiring Our Heroes mission of finding meaningful employment for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
"When it comes to supporting not just veterans and military families, but the local businesses hiring them, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is setting a standard for others to follow," said Eric Eversole, vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes. Read more...
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Competitive Edge: Linking Employee Engagement to Organizational Success
 Join us on Tuesday, April 28 for this month's Competitive Edge series on "Linking Employee Engagement to Organizational Success." We will welcome Shawn Rhodes, president and CEO of Shoshin Consulting Services and an award-winning war correspondent who was responsible for inspiring employees in the most dangerous places on Earth. As director of Shoshin Consulting Services, he presents seminars, workshops and training programs for companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to the largest corporations in America.
Rhodes will speak about using organizational mission to rally employees as a source of revenue. This presentation 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 question to hire - and retain - employees who fit your culture
- Cultivate brand advocates who believe in and support your company's purpose
This event is FREE for FITs 1, 2 and 3; $35 for other members; $50 for non-members. Click here to register today! Thank you to our sponsor, Verizon.
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Enterprise Florida, Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council and the Department of Commerce Host Panama Inbound Trade Delegation Companies
Eleven Companies Looking to Buy Products or Partner with Florida Firms on Joint Ventures
Join us on Thursday, May 7 - 8 as we welcome an inbound trade delegation from Panama. There will be 11 Panamanian companies looking to buy products or partner with Florida firms on joint ventures. We are seeking local companies who are interested in one-on-one meetings with:
- Construction sector: engineering, materials, site development
- Real estate firms: looking to list/sell both local and foreign properties
- Pre-manufactured buildings: civil engineers, manufacturers of metals, galvanized steel, foam insulation, and modular construction
- R&D: training programs, R&D equipment, laboratory equipment
- CIO/IT executives
- Banking/financial
- Media and TV firms
- Research labs in drug discovery
These FREE meetings will take place at the Chamber from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on May 7 and at the Hilton Carillon Park in St. Petersburg on May 8 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
To receive an appointment, interested companies must contact Deborah Wilkinson at dwilkinson@tampachamber.com or Max Stewart at mstewart@eflorida.com.
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Legislative Session in Tallahassee
The 2015 Legislative Session is scheduled to end on May 1. Due to the fact that there is not a joint budget between the house and the senate, it appears that a special session will be called. The issue of health care expansion is the reason that the house and senate have not been able to pass a budget during the regular session as they are required to do every year prior to the next fiscal year. The Florida Senate has passed a proposal that allows for health care expansion while the Florida House has remained strong in their opposition to expansion. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports health care expansion as a sound business decision and a win for Florida.
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Get Your Copy of our 2015-2016 Membership Directory & Location Guide!
 The Chamber is proud to announce the release of our 2014-2015 Membership Directory and Location Guide! This edition serves as an all-inclusive resource for individuals looking to navigate the area and those seeking to discover more information about Tampa Bay's local economy, communities, leisure attractions, education and healthcare opportunities, as well as modes of transportation.
The Membership Directory listing highlights the more than 1,200 Chamber member businesses and the wide variety of services they provide to the Greater Tampa Bay market. View the guide here.
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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. Click here to download the application.
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Member Highlights: April 19 - 25, 2015
Click here to view more details on this week's member highlights including:
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Ana G. Méndez University System and Valencia College Join in Historic Collaborative Agreement for the Development of Bilingual Professionals in Law Enforcement
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Port Tampa Bay Touts Newly Released Economic Impact Numbers for Coastal Ports Nationwide
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JLL Completes 31,000SF Headquarters Lease at Corporate Center Two in Tampa
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The Phoenix is Florida Poly's Official Mascot
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Savills Studley Enhances Occupier Services Platform with Acquisition of Vertical Integration
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Congratulations to DTCC on Celebrating 10 Years in the Tampa Community
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Port Tampa Bay Again Receives Credit Affirmation and Upgraded "Positive" Outlook by Fitch Ratings
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Greenberg Traurig Tampa Shareholders Peter W. Zinober and Richard C. McCrea Jr. Recognized by Prestigious Chambers Global Guide
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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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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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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.
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SOLD OUT! 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. 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.
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Emerge Tampa Bay Nonprofit Volunteer Fair - Nonprofit Table Registration
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive
The Emerge Nonprofit Volunteer Fair mirrors a career fair with the goal of connecting nonprofits  with individuals searching for volunteer opportunities. For the past two years, the Emerge Nonprofit Volunteer Fair has increased awareness for community service and local nonprofits. The event provides the perfect platform for nonprofits to reach young professionals and other community members who want to make a difference in Tampa Bay.
The 2015 Nonprofit Volunteer Fair will be held at the Give Day Tampa Bay headquarters on Tuesday, May 5 from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Nonprofits have the opportunity to purchase a table outside the headquarters for participants to walk by and learn about volunteer opportunities. In the event of rain the event will be held at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.
Nonprofits may participate at two levels:
$150 includes:
- 6 ft. table
- Nonprofit logo listed on event page and handout to attendees
- Handout to be posted on Emerge Tampa Bay social media websites
- Two box lunches
$75 includes:
- 6 ft. table
- Nonprofit name listed on event page and handout to attendees
- Handout to be posted on Emerge Tampa Bay social media websites
Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor, Channelside Bay Plaza.
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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 new Rays Manager Kevin Cash, along with Team President Brian Auld, President of Baseball Operations Matt Silverman, and several 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 our presenting sponsor, Tampa Bay Times.
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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.
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Emerge Tampa Bay's The Buzz 
Thursday, May 14, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Ducky's, 1719 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Join Emerge Tampa Bay for "The Buzz," a monthly networking event for young professionals at a Tampa location. This month's event will be hosted by Ducky's. 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.
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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. Thank you to our sponsor, New York Life.
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2015 Legislative Wrap-Up
Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | 11:45 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Maestro's Restaurant at the Straz Center, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for our 2015 Legislative Wrap-  Up at Maestro's Restaurant at the Straz Center. Our state senators and representatives from Hillsborough County will discuss the outcome of the Legislative Session and the Chamber Legislative Agenda. Invited Participants Include:
- State Senators: Jeff Brandes, Bill Galvano, Arthenia Joyner, Tom Lee, John Legg
- State Representatives: Janet Cruz, Jamie Grant, Shawn Harrison, Ed Narain, Jake Raburn, Dan Raulerson, Darryl Rouson, Ross Spano, Dana Young
Parking is available at the Poe Garage for $6. It is connected to the Straz Center by a covered pedestrian bridge. FREE for FITs 3, 4 and Partner; $50 all other members; $55 non-members. Corporate tables of 8 are also available. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor, TECO.
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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.
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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.
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