Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our profile on LinkedIn  View our videos on YouTube  Visit our blog
NewsNEWS                                          jump to Events
Join Us for Education Connection: Spotlight on Academic Partnerships

Would you like the opportunity to influence tomorrow's workforce? Have you ever desired the expert opinion of leaders in your field? Do you want access to a direct pipeline of the top local graduates in your industry? Join us Wednesday, August 26 for "Education Connection: Spotlight on Academic Partnerships" where we will feature a lively panel of leaders from Tampa Bay's premier educational institutions and the local business community.

The panelists will discuss the impact of academic/business partnerships on the growth of the regional economy. Learn more about these collaborations and how you can be a part of one of the Chamber's largest economic development initiatives. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and make powerful connections that could lead to fruitful partnerships. Click here to register for the event. Thank you to our sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union.
WFLA Daytime: Chamber Membership

Membership Committee Co-Chair Vince Cassidy (Majesty Title Services, LLC) and Chamber Ambassador Jeff Chernoff (IAT, Inc.) are featured on this month's segment of Daytime!

Click here to watch the segment as they discuss the many benefits and opportunities that membership offers.
Advocacy Corner

Cuba Update

After 54 years, diplomatic relations with the people of Cuba continue to move forward with the official opening of embassies in Washington, D.C. and Havana, Cuba. In a flag raising ceremony on Monday, July 20, the "Cuban Interest Section" building in Washington officially became an embassy. The same will happen later this summer in Havana with Secretary of State John Kerry in attendance.

 

As travel to Cuba continues to become more popular among Americans, the addition of an American embassy will offer more support if necessary when visiting the island while also offering Cuban people easier access to American officials in their own country. 

 

By opening an embassy in Washington and later in Havana, progress will continue in helping families reunite and giving businesses the opportunity to grow.

 

Click here to view a clip of Chamber CEO & President Bob Rohrlack discussing Cuba on FOX Business.

  

Go Hillsborough Advances to Next Round of Public Workshops 

 

The Hillsborough Policy Leadership Group advanced the Go Hillsborough transportation plan last Thursday. The final round of public workshops will be held across the county from August to October. Residents will be asked to narrow down the list of Go Hillsborough projects to an initial 10-year plan to be considered by the County Commission. They will decide in December if the voters should be asked to consider a 30-year, half-percent sales tax referendum to fund road improvements, new transit and pedestrian improvements on the November 2016 ballot. The sales tax is estimated to raise about $117 million per year. For more information on upcoming meetings, visit GoHillsborough.org. 

 

Upcoming Events

Senior Enlisted Reception: Registration is open for the Senior Enlisted Reception presented by USAA, to be held Thursday, August 6 at Surf's Edge at MacDill Air Force Base. This is a chance to honor the men and women who defend our nation on a daily basis. You can register online here for individual admission tickets and sponsorship opportunities. For each civilian ticket purchased, a senior enlisted member receives a complimentary ticket to be distributed by the Chamber. 

Public Policy Round Table Featuring Commissioner Adam Putnam: 
Join us for a public policy roundtable with Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam on Friday, August 21. Commissioner Putnam will discuss fostering economic growth, protecting the quantity and quality of the state's water supply, safeguarding consumers from fraud and deception, and ensuring kids have a healthy start in life. 

Visit the event page for registration information. Thank you to our sponsor, Tampa Bay Water.

Open Positions at the Tampa Chamber

Now Hiring for Leadership Programs Manager & Strategic Initiatives Coordinator

 

The Chamber is now hiring for the following positions. Candidates who do not submit all requested items will not be considered. Due to the anticipated volume of responses, no phone calls please.

Leadership Programs Manager

To apply, candidates should submit the following to resumes@tampachamber.com:

  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Three references
  • Two writing samples:
    • An external communication to existing Emerge Tampa Bay members inviting them to upcoming events
    • An email to a potential new member about the benefits of membership in Emerge Tampa Bay
Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
To apply, candidates should submit the following to resumes@tampachamber.com:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Three references
  • Two brief essays (no more than 500 words) addressing the following questions:
    • Why is it important that businesses have a strong relationship with academic institutions?
    • Why is it important for a community to support local entrepreneurs?
All Call for Committee Members: 9th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament

Mark your calendars! The Chamber's 9th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament is set for Friday, December 4, 2015 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays. Registration will begin later this summer, but the planning committee is kicking into high gear in August. If you have an interest in clay shooting, special event planning or just want to meet some other Chamber members, get involved! Committee members are asked to help plan the tournament, recruit sponsors and find raffle prizes. If interested in participating, please contact Jessica Hohman at jhohman@tampachamber.com.

Recap: Emerge Tampa Bay Professional Development Speaker Series

Sara Greco, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

 

Col. Daniel Tulley, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander on MacDill Air Force Base, spoke at Emerge's Professional Speaker's Series event on July 15. It was a unique event for me to attend because I am a United States Air Force veteran and reservist who has successfully transitioned to civilian life and now works at the Chamber.

 

Before I separated from the Air Force, I had the opportunity to work with Col. Tulley for a short period of time as his public affairs officer. I witnessed his leadership techniques as he took command for the 6th Air Mobility Wing. He strived to be engaged with Airmen, saw the big picture of his decisions and was extremely approachable. Overall, I considered him a great commander during my short time working with him. 

Read more...

Meeting Space Available at the Tampa Chamber!

Hold Your Meeting in the Downtown Central Business District

 

Is your company in need of space to host a meeting, conference or client presentation? As an added benefit of your Chamber membership, the Skanska Board Room and/or Conference Room are currently available for rental on a full or half-day basis from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Rates start at $125. Contact Vicki Dunn at 813-276-9403 or vdunn@tampachamber.com for more information! Click here to view the meeting room rental form online. 

Member Highlights: July 19 - 25, 2015

Member News
  • The All Children's Hospital Guild Raises $1 Million for Children in Need of Life-long Care for Serious Illnesses
  • Anonymous Donor Challenges Florida Poly Supporters with $1 Million Match
  • JLL Secures Lease Renewal for Manning & Napierin Downtown St. Petersburg
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Bucs Care Foundation Commit $375,000 to Support Important Medical Programs at All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Tampa Bay Rays Offer Free Admission to Military
New Hires & Promotions
Member Accolades
  • Mamarazzi Foto Photographer Earns Lydia Darragh Medal from The National Society Sons of The American Revolution
  • Port Tampa Bay First Port in Nation to Receive Stormready Designation by National Weather Service
  • Tampa Law Firm Bush Ross, P.A. Shareholder Accepted into Florida Fellows Institute
Want to include your organization's news in Member Highlights? Send a brief description of your news or event to news@tampachamber.com. 
eventsEVENTS                                            jump to News
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. 

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 a ribbon cutting, 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.
Member Orientation

Wednesday, August 5, 2015 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201

 

Member Orientation is the first step to getting the MOST out of your Chamber membership! We will cover topics such as events and registration, marketing and communications and your member benefits. There will also be a chance to network so bring your business cards! Light refreshments are provided. This event is FREE! Click here to register. Special thanks to our 2015 Member Orientation sponsor, Office Depot.
Senior Enlisted Reception
Thursday, August 6, 2015 | 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
MacDill Air Force Base - Surf's Edge Club, 7315 Bayshore Blvd, Bldg 499

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. Walk-ins are not permitted on base. To purchase tickets or sponsorships, click here.

Get Connected

Tuesday, August 11, 2015 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Nova Southeastern University, 3632 Queen Palm 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. Sponsored by Nova Southeastern University. Must arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to participate. Walk-ins will only be accepted if space is available.

Return on Relationships: Professional Development Seminar

Thursday, August 13, 2015 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201

 

During this interactive session featuring Clint Babcock of Sandler Training, you will learn how to get the most out of the networking opportunities at Chamber events, including:

  • How to be comfortable introducing yourself to someone you don't know
  • How to build relationships with the Chamber membership
  • Goal setting for any event
  • How to professionally end a conversation
  • How to transition the conversation to the next step (i.e. a phone call or meeting)
Click here to register! Chamber Members $15, Non-Members $20. FREE for FIT One members.

Emerge Tampa Bay's The Buzz 

Thursday, August 13, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cigar City Brewing, 3924 W. Spruce Street
 

Join Emerge Tampa Bay for "The Buzz," a monthly networking event for young professionals. This month's event will be hosted by Cigar City Brewing. This event is FREE for Emerge Tampa Bay members and $10 for potential members. Click here to register.
Competitive Edge: How to Start a Branded Revolt Against the Status Quo

Friday, August 14, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201
 

In order to compete at the highest level, your brand has to be different. This workshop, presented by Dan Stevenson, Executive Creative Director of Schifino Lee Advertising + Branding, will show you how to distill your message into what "it" is that makes your brand unique and special.  The presentation will walk you through the process for creating the most memorable branding and advertising possible for your business. And we'll demonstrate how best to communicate your singular message in today's media environment. A Q&A session will follow including Schifino Lee's principals. Attendees will learn:

  • Where to look within your organization for true brand differentiation
  • The process for identifying (and marketing) the one thing that makes your brand truly different
  • Some innovative examples of brands that have disrupted their entire categories
  • How to outsmart when you are being outspent using Challenger Brand strategies and thinking
  • Can I lead my company to behave like a Challenger Brand?

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
Emerge Tampa Bay General Membership Meeting
Tuesday, August 18, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201 

Join us for the Emerge General Membership Meeting. You will hear from representatives from the Emerge Leadership Team who will be on hand to provide information about the organization. We will also review leadership opportunities available within Emerge Tampa Bay. If you are interested in applying to be on the Emerge Leadership Team, this is your time to ask questions about what we look for in an ideal candidate! Applications will be available in August. 

 

Click here to register. If you are a non-member and interested in joining Emerge, click here.
Emerge Tampa Bay Public Policy Event
Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
The Tampa Bay History Center, Inc., 801 Old Water Street 

Join us for the annual Emerge Tampa Bay Public Policy event. Marilyn Healy, partner Adams and Reese LLP and Chamber Transportation Committee co-chair will moderate a panel with Jim Shimberg, COO, Strategic Property Partners, LLC; Christine Burdick, President, Tampa Downtown Partnership; and Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan. They will discuss downtown development and implementing transportation plans like the streetcar along with development. There will be an opportunity to ask questions of the experts about the plan! This event is $10 for Emerge members and $25 for non-members. Click here to register. Parking for the History Center is available at several private and city-owned lots in the Channelside District. Thank you to our sponsor, RSA Consulting Group, LLC.
Public Policy Roundtable 
Featuring Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam 
Friday, August 21, 2015 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
The Tampa Club, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite #4200 

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to join us for breakfast with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. Commissioner Putnam was re-elected in 2014 to serve a second term. In this role, his priorities include fostering economic growth, protecting the quantity and quality of the state's water supply, safeguarding consumers from fraud and deception, and ensuring kids have a healthy start in life. Commissioner Putnam will brief guests on these initiatives and how he's working to support the businesses of the Tampa Bay community. 

This event is FREE for up to two attendees for FITs 3, 4, and Partner-level members; $35 for members; $40 for non-members. Corporate tables of 8 are also available. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor, Tampa Bay Water.
Education Connection: Spotlight on Academic Partnerships
Wednesday, August 26, 2015 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
University Club of Tampa, 201 N. Franklin Street 38th Floor

Please join us as we spotlight exciting business/academic partnerships from each of our educational partners. A panel highlighting key takeaways for developing successful partnerships will be followed by a Q&A discussion. Many thanks to our sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union. This event is $20 to attend. Click here to register.