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2015 Small Business of the Year Semifinalists Luncheon
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Recap: Circle of Influence
On Wednesday, June 17, the Chamber welcomed Colonel Daniel H. Tulley, Commander, 6th AirMobility Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, as the keynote speaker for our Circle of Influence event. Col. Tulley spoke about the significant economic influence that MacDill AFB has on the Tampa Bay community with a total economic impact of $5 billion annually. Col. Tulley assumed command of the 6th Air Mobility Wing in August of 2014. As commander, he is responsible for more than $2.8 billion in base property and capital assets, and controls an annual budget exceeding $163 million. Thank you to our sponsor, Verizon.
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Advocacy Corner
GO Hillsborough Transportation Plan Released
Hillsborough County released the GO Hillsborough Community Transportation Plan last week in a presentation to the Policy Leadership Group, which includes the County Commission and the mayors of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.
The plan would fully fund road maintenance (23.8% of funding) and sidewalk/bicycle projects (3.9% of funding). Road projects and transit projects would each receive 36.1% of funding. Revenue would be based on a half-percent local option transportation sales tax over 30 years which would have to be approved by voters in November 2016. If approved, the sales tax could raise more than $3.5 billion, or $117.5 million per year. Revenues would be split between Hillsborough County, the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace, and HART.
The plan was based on four months of public outreach, focus groups and polling to determine how to address the community's most pressing transportation needs. In the coming weeks, Hillsborough County will schedule more public outreach meetings to narrow down what projects the public wants included in the final plan. Visit GoHillsborough.org for more information.
Senior Enlisted Reception, Presented by USAA, Set for August 6
 The annual Senior Enlisted Reception, presented by USAA, will be held on Thursday, August 6, 4:30 - 7 p.m. at Surf's Edge Club on MacDill Air Force Base. This is an opportunity for members of the business community to network with and recognize the contributions of the senior enlisted members of the military who serve in the Tampa Bay area. These are the men and women who defend our freedoms at home and abroad. For each civilian ticket purchased, a senior enlisted member receives a complimentary ticket. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit the Senior Enlisted Reception event page.
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Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Announcement
Doing Business in Canada Workshops: June 30 & July 1
Interested in exploring trade opportunities in Canada? Learn how your company can benefit from doing business with Florida's largest export destination during FREE informational workshops on June 30 and July 1. A limited number of one-on-one meetings with the trade specialists are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve your spot, please contact Lorrie Belovich at lbelovich@tampaedc.com. Click here for more information and details on how to register.
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Operation: Complete & Accurate
Help Us Keep Your Membership Information Updated
It is critical that the Chamber maintains complete and accurate information for all members in order to correctly communicate messages that are applicable to bettering you and your business. Is your business minority owned? Are you a military veteran? Is everyone that should be receiving Chamber communications receiving them? Over the summer we are making a concerted effort to ensure that we have accurate information on file for your membership. Help us help you by keeping your membership data updated. E-mail Ayla Freitas at afreitas@tampachamber.com to receive a copy of your current membership profile. |
Promo Palooza! 
Free Advertising Opportunity for Chamber Members
Members, we want to promote your business! Each month, Chamber ambassadors deliver token gifts, which include small promotional items inside of a Chamber mug, to businesses celebrating their first anniversary as a Chamber member. To take advantage of this FREE advertising opportunity, contact Tracy Wilson at twilson@tampachamber.com to donate some of your business' promotional items. This is a great way to raise your brand awareness while showing your support for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce!
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Member Highlights: June 14 - 20, 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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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: Ready, Set, GOAL!
Tuesday, June 23, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201
Resolutions rarely stick. Still, people want to make changes and advancements each year, and even  each day! The key to professional goal-setting involves you, your perspective, your plan, and your accountability. Featured speaker Debbie Lundberg (Presenting Powerfully by Debbie Lundberg) will discuss:
- A worthwhile approach to professional goal-setting
- How to set, track, and measure results to professional goals
- Ways to hold yourself and others accountable to goals
- What to do if/when goals are not attainable/attained
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, June 25, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Ferman Motor Car Company, Inc., 1306 W. Kennedy Blvd.
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to Business After Hours at Ferman Motor Car Company, sponsored by Heartbeat International Foundation. 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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Emerge Tampa Bay Professional Development Speaker Series: Leadership
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
MacDill Air Force Base - Surf's Edge, 7315 Bayshore Blvd., Bldg. 499 
Join us for the second 2015 Emerge Tampa Bay Professional Development Speaker Series event! Colonel Daniel H. Tulley of MacDill Air Force Base will discuss his views on leadership and share experiences that helped him in his role today. If you have not visited MacDill Air Force Base, this is your opportunity to see and learn about its impact in our region. Members of the military are invited to attend this event to learn about Emerge Tampa Bay and ways to get involved in the community. Click here to read more about Colonel Daniel H. Tulley. Light appetizers will be provided. Dress is business. Military Members: UOD
You must pre-register for this event. In order to gain access on MacDill Air Force Base, it is required to provide your driver's license number/state at least 72 hours in advance. Please provide this information when you are filling out this registration. No walk-ups will be admitted on base.
This event is $15 for Emerge members, $25 for non-members, and complimentary for active duty military. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor, USAA.
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Coffee Connection
Wednesday, July 15, 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 volunteer 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.
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Business After Hours 
Thursday, July, 30, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
TPC Tampa Bay, 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz, FL 33558
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to Business After Hours at TPC Tampa Bay's ¡Cuatro Restaurant & Bar. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail while networking with your fellow Chamber members. FREE for members, $15 for non-members. Register before July 23, 2015 to play 9 holes at TPC Tampa Bay at $25 per person. Players must arrive by 2:20 p.m. with payment to play. Click here to register. |
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On Tuesday, June 16, the 2015 Small Business of the Year Semifinalists gathered at the Tampa Museum of Art for a luncheon in their honor sponsored by 
