FACP Recognizes Tampa Chamber with 2015 Outstanding Communications Award
The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) recognized Florida's top chambers of commerce throughout the state for their outstanding achievement and precedence within the area of communications. The awards were presented at the organization's annual conference, held September 15-17, 2015, at the South Seas Island Resort on Sanibel/Captiva Island.
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce was the recipient of the award in the CVB Communications/Marketing Materials, $1 Million+ Budget Category for its annual Membership Directory and Location Guide.
Make an Impact: Diploma-See
Junior Achievement's Diploma-See Set for October 23
This program includes personal finance and the importance of identifying education and career goals based on a student's skills, interests and values. It demonstrates the economic benefits of staying in school.Training sessions will be held during the month of October to prepare volunteers. No experience is necessary!
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!Emerge Tampa Bay Professional Development Speaker Series: Guide to Perfect Your Networking
Join us on Monday, September 21 at the Glazer Children's Museum for the third 2015 Emerge Tampa Bay Professional Development Speaker Series event, "Guide to Perfect Your Networking." Robert Graves, director of business performance improvement for Dale Carnegie Tampa Bay, will provide tips and tricks on how to increase your success at networking events.
This event is $15 for Emerge Tampa Bay members and $25 for non-Emerge members. Click here to register. Thanks to our sponsor, Modern Enterprise Solutions.
Advocacy Corner
Public Policy Roundtable: Pick Your Ride
Which do you prefer, Uber or a taxi cab? Join us on Friday, October 30at the Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore for the final Public Policy Roundtable of 2015 as we hear from Uber and the Tampa Bay Taxicab & Limousine Coalition on the issue that has become a hot topic across the state including here in Hillsborough County. What are the current rules and what should be the next steps as the popularity of transportation networking companies continues to grow? Learn more about what both sides of this discussion believe is the best solution to the current situation.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and is FREE for FITs Three, Four, and Partner-level members. Corporate tables of 8 and individual admissions are now available. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor Calhoun International.
Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority Wins USDOT Grant for Connected Vehicles
The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) was awarded a $17 million grant this week for a connected vehicle pilot program that will increase safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce Tampa Bay's carbon footprint. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which joined THEA and local officials at Monday's announcement.
Tampa was one of four communities to secure the grant. In the first phase of the plan, THEA will receive $2.4 million for planning purposes. The remainder of the grant will be used to implement the program and a three year study. THEA will work with partners to outfit cars, buses and roadside equipment with technology that will allow communication between vehicles in order to report various traffic conditions. Those partners include the City of Tampa, HART, USF's Center for Urban Transportation Research and HNTB.
THEA has been a national leader in the study of connected vehicles. In 2014, Audi tested automated vehicles and driverless cars on the Selmon Expressway. This grant will further increase the study of connected vehicle technology by linking it with phone apps, tracking emissions and integrating it with existing transportation infrastructure. THEA plans to seek volunteers for the study in the coming months.
Last Round of Go Hillsborough Workshops at Your Local Library
The Go Hillsborough plan is approaching a final draft to be presented to the County Commission. In the next few weeks, residents will have the opportunity to influence the final Go Hillsborough project list by attending workshops at their local library. Visit GoHillsborough.org for more information.
Florida Legislature Begins Committee Weeks
This week, the Florida Legislature begins the first of six committee weeks. The committee weeks will take place over the next couple of months and will lead up to the 2016 Legislative Session in January. Click here to access the legislative calendar.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2016 Startup Scholars Program
Application Deadline is Friday, October 23.
The Startup Scholars Program is an initiative which aims to encourage innovation as a part of our community culture and increase instances of entrepreneurial success. Our mission is to increase the competitiveness of the Tampa Bay business community by addressing and nurturing Tampa's entrepreneurs and related business innovation in any industry sector. Startup Scholars Program participants will receive the following:
A professional gap analysis or needs assessment provided to the entrepreneur that focuses on specific critical success factors
A FIT Two membership to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, allowing the entrepreneur to take advantage of the Chamber's networking program and free educational offerings through the Competitive Edge Series
A team of mentors to assist the entrepreneur in navigating the startup landscape
Recognition as a Startup Scholar in Chamber collateral, on the Chamber's website and at relevant events throughout the year
Click here to apply, the application deadline is October 23.
Spotlight On: Cuba and Nonprofits - Building Relationships
Now Accepting Nominations for the Parke Wright, III Award
Nominations Due Friday, November 20
The prestigious Parke Wright, III Award is presented annually to a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant difference in the Tampa Bay community. The person awarded must have demonstrated leadership in any form of community service that benefited the greater Tampa community as well as these attributes: vision, courage, initiative, motivation, selflessness, commitment, dependability and accomplishment.
Click here to nominate a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni today! All nominations are due by Friday, November 20 at 5 p.m.Click here to learn more about the Parke Wright, III Award and past winners.
Now Accepting Nominations for the Emerging Leader Award
Nominations Due Wednesday, September 30
The Emerging Leader Award was created to recognize an Emerge Tampa Bay member whose leadership has made a positive impact on Hillsborough County. This award is given in honor of Emerge's late founder Deanne Dewey Roberts. It pays tribute to an individual, age 21 - 40, who exemplifies outstanding professional values, demonstrates the ability to go above and beyond the expectations of a leader and serves as an inspiration to the community.
Do you know someone who demonstrates the above criteria? Nominate him or her by submitting the Emerging Leader Award Nomination Form. All nominations are due by Wednesday, September 30 at 5 p.m. The Emerging Leader Award will be presented at the Emerging with Influence event on November 4, 2015 at TPepin's Hospitality Centre. The chosen award recipient will be able to honor the charity of his or her choice with a $1,000 gift, courtesy of ChappellRoberts.
Member Marks Milestone with Chamber Ambassadors
New Horizons Tampa Bay Computer Learning Centerrecently opened and is part of the world's largest independent IT training company. They teach with an integrated and flexible learning approach that ensures that new knowledge can be applied to real life situations. New Horizons Tampa Bay delivers a full range of technology and business skills training from basic application and desktop productivity tools to complex IT systems. Now offering a free Microsoft Office class to any fellow Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce member. Contact
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.
Member Anniversaries
Congratulations to these members who are celebrating Chamber membership milestones this month! We appreciate your loyal commitment to the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and our community.
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.
Get Connected
Monday, September 21, 2015 | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hivelocity Hosting, 8010 Woodland Center Blvd. Suite 700
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 Hivelocity Hosting. Must arrive no later than 4:45 p.m. to participate. Walk-ins will only be accepted if space is available.
Competitive Edge: Global Diversity and Inclusion
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin St., Suite #201
Join us for an interactive workshop that will help you to consider and understand global diversity and interconnectedness and how these factors influence your ability to function effectively and inclusively in a diverse environment. Guest speaker Farah Khorsandian-Sánchez will explore the extent to which global interdependence, communication technologies and workforce mobility have profoundly changed the dynamics of the U.S. workplace and our individual realities. Participants will engage in a series of perception exercises and games covering topics such as value orientation, culture, norms, generalizations and stereotypes.
Attendees will learn:
How cross-cultural competence and a global mindset are imperatives for diversity & inclusion and survival in this global and interrelated market
Ways in which a globally diverse workforce fosters creativity, enhances innovation and helps build on a company's progress
How the majority-minority shift that has occurred in various states has led to a more multilingual USA
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.
Buzz-ness After Hours
Thursday, September 24, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Harbour Island Athletic Club & Spa, 900 S. Harbour Island Blvd.
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce invites you to a combined Business After Hours/Emerge's "The Buzz" event hosted by Harbour Island Athletic Club & Spa. Join us for complimentary hors d'oeuvres while networking with your fellow Chamber/Emerge members. FREE for Chamber and Emerge members, $10 for non-members. Click here to register.
Member Orientation
Wednesday, September 30, 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.
Emerge Tampa Bay's The Buzz
Thursday, October 8, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Centre Club, Inc., 123 S. Westshore Blvd., 8th Floor
Join Emerge Tampa Bay for "The Buzz," a monthly networking event for young professionals. This month's event will be hosted by The Centre Club. This event is FREE for Emerge Tampa Bay members and $10 for potential members. Click here to register.
Get Connected
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 | 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Rasmussen College, 4042 Park Oaks Blvd.
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 Rasmussen College. Must arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. to participate. Walk-ins will only be accepted if space is available. Stay after the event to participate in Rasmussen's ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating 115 years!
Women's Series Luncheon: The Business of Bangles
Westin Tampa Bay, 7627 Courtney Campbell Cswy.
Join us as we learn from the peaks and pits of Bourbon and Boweties founder Carley Ochs' life behind the bangles. Embrace your own entrepreneurial spirit and increase your business acumen as we gain insight into how Ochs has created hundreds of jobs in the Tampa Bay area, managed enormous growth gracefully, and remained committed to developing the potential of young professionals.
This event is presented by UF | MBA. Admission is $50 for Chamber members, $60 for non-members. Corporate tables of eight are also available. Click here to register today!
Public Policy Roundtable: Pick Your Ride
Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore, 700 N. Westshore Blvd.
Which do you prefer, Uber or a taxi cab? Join us on Friday, October 30 at the Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore for the final Public Policy Roundtable of 2015 as we hear from Uber and the Tampa Bay Taxicab & Limousine Coalition on the issue that has become a hot topic across the state including here in Hillsborough County. What are the current rules and what should be the next steps as the popularity of transportation networking companies continues to grow? Learn more about what both sides of this discussion believe is the best solution to the current situation.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and is FREE for FITs Three, Four, and Partner-level members. Corporate tables of 8 and individual admissions are now available. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor Calhoun International.
Award
community culture and increase instances of entrepreneurial success. Our mission is to increase the competitiveness of the Tampa Bay business community by addressing and nurturing Tampa's entrepreneurs and related business innovation in any industry sector. Startup Scholars Program participants will receive the following:
leadership has made a positive impact on Hillsborough County. This award is given in honor of Emerge's late founder 
