Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Issues Statement on Agreement with Cuba to Reopen Embassies
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Rohrlack released this statement on the agreement with Cuba to reopen embassies:
"The Chamber is pleased that after more than 50 years, embassies in Washington D.C. and Havana will be reopened. This is an important step in re-establishing relations which will ultimately lead to expanded economic opportunities for our region. On our most recent educational trip to Cuba this May, we had the opportunity to visit what will soon be the U.S. Embassy in Cuba and engage in meaningful dialogue. The Chamber has been advocate of reopening ties for years and we welcome this next step in the process of making that a reality," said Rohrlack.
"The Chamber has been at the forefront in Tampa Bay with respect to preparing this region for mutually beneficial trade opportunities through our trips to the island and our advocacy for expanded flight service. We are excited that our respective embassies will be reopened and we will continue to develop relationships with our colleagues in Cuba in hopes that Cubans will understand the positive climate toward Cuba in Tampa Bay and will choose the location of a consulate in Tampa/Hillsborough County," said Chamber Chair Ronald A. Christaldi, Esq.
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Advocacy Corner
Go Hillsborough Community Transportation Plan Presented to Chamber
The Chamber's Board of Directors and the Policy and Transportation Committees heard a presentation on Friday, June 26 from County Administrator Mike Merrill on the Go Hillsborough Community Transportation Plan. As currently proposed, a half-percent sales tax referendum would be on the November 2016 ballot to fund improvements to roads and transit services in Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. If approved, approximately 60% of the $117.5 million generated annually would go towards building roads or road maintenance. Approximately 36% would go towards transit projects and the remainder would fully fund the pedestrian safety projects program. For more information, visit GoHillsborough.org.
Senior Enlisted Reception, Presented by USAA, Set for August 6 
Join us on Thursday, August 6 for the annual Senior Enlisted Reception, presented by USAA, from 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 be distributed by the Chamber. Prior registration is required for this event. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit the Senior Enlisted Reception event page.
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China: Cultural Awareness & Business Etiquette, July 14
Presented by the Tampa Bay Trade And Protocol Council and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Join us at the Chamber on July 14, 2015 from 2 - 4 p.m. for China: Cultural Awareness & Business Etiquette. Gain valuable insight on doing business with Chinese investors. Guest speaker John Diep, Asia/Pacific Director of International Trade, Enterprise Florida, will discuss cross cultural communication, building and strengthening relationships, etiquette and feng shui. This event is FREE for Chamber members and $10 for non-members. Click here to register.
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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 28 - July 4, 2015
Click here to view more details on this week's member highlights including:
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- C1 Bank Promotes Susan Maurer, SVP/Senior Commercial Lender, to Hillsborough County Market Leader
- Celestar Holdings Corporation Promotes Deborah Miller to Business Relationship Manager, Names Lori Larsen as Chief Strategy Officer
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- Twenty-three Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Tampa Attorneys Named to 2015 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
- Tampa Law Firm Bush Ross, P.A. Shareholders Installed as HCBA President & Secretary
- Englander Fischer Senior Partner & Attorney Partner Recognized as 'Legal Leaders' by Peers
- 17 GrayRobinson Attorneys Listed Among Florida Trend's 2015 Legal Elite
- Tampa Based No Mo Nausea Wins Miami Venture Hive Business Pitch Competition & Interest from Venture Capitalists
- Forty-Four Trenam Kemker Lawyers Named Florida Super Lawyers and Florida Rising Stars
- Wiand Guerra King Founding Shareholder named Outstanding Member of the Year by the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar
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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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Member Marks Milestone with Chamber Ambassadors
With more than 400,000 alcohol invoices processed each week and $1.5 billion to $2 billion moved each month between alcohol distributors and the retailers they serve, Fintech'snew state-of-the-art headquarters and cutting-edge data center accommodate the company's rapid growth and provide an enhanced customer experience to their more than 325,000 client relationships throughout the nation. Click here to view more images from the event.
An entrepreneur's dream becomes a reality as Residential Acoustics open their new manufacturing facility to produce their patented sound-blocking curtains and doors right here in Tampa! The expanded facility allows for increased production, large commercial order fulfillment and is bringing new jobs, innovation and commerce to the Tampa community.
Members wishing to host a ribbon cutting to announce 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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Emerge Tampa Bay's The Buzz 
Thursday, July 9, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
District 3 | Arts & Events, 110 N. East Street
Join Emerge Tampa Bay for "The Buzz," a monthly networking event for young professionals. This month's event will be hosted by District 3 | Arts & Events. 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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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 for civilians, UOD for military members.
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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