Chamber Names Winners of the 2015 Small Business of the Year Awards
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2015 Small Business of the Year Awards at a ceremony on Friday, September 18, at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. More than 550 attendees celebrated the accomplishments of Tampa Bay's small business community and toasted the evening's big winners.
This year's event was presented by Bay Cities Bank & Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors and represents the 35th year the Chamber has recognized this key segment of the region's economy. Small business awards were presented in three categories based on the number of employees and a fourth business category honoring a startup company. Companies are evaluated on financial success, community involvement and ethical business practices.
The 2015 Small Business of the Year Award winners are:
Startup Company: Bourbon and Boweties
5 - 20 Employees: Flatwoods Consulting Group, Inc.
21 - 50 Employees: Tudi Mechanical Systems of Tampa, Inc.
Join us for the fourth annual Emerging with Influence event! This annual dinner provides Emerge Tampa Bay members, as well as the Tampa Bay business community, the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization throughout 2015. Past leadership is celebrated as the new Emerge Tampa Bay Leadership Team is welcomed. Additionally, this year's winner of the Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award will be announced. The keynote presentation this year will be given by Kim Lear and will focus on building and leveraging meaningful relationships.
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!
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, especially in Hillsborough County. Also scheduled to sit on the panel are Florida State Senator Jeff Brandes and Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist. 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 believe is the best solution.
The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and is $35 for members, $40 for non-members. Corporate tables of 8 are also available. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor Calhoun International.
U.S. Treasury Department Eases Cuba Sanctions
On Friday, September 18, the U.S. Treasury Department announced the easement of certain rules regarding Cuba. Starting this week, U.S. businesses, including telecommunications and Internet providers, will be allowed to open bank accounts and have a physical presence in Cuba. American businesses will also be able to ship cargo to Cuba to establish their physical offices and will be allowed to employ Cuban nationalists. The changes are expected to further help create and facilitate economic opportunities for businesses in the United States and in Cuba. In connection with new travel regulations, American cruise ships will now be able to dock at Cuban ports.
Now Accepting Nominations for the Emerging Leader Award
Nominations Due Next 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. to emerge@tampachamber.com. The Emerging Leader Award will be presented at Emerging with Influence 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.
Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council Announcement
Join Us for "Regional Aspects of Common Security Issues" on Wednesday, October 14
The International Business Committee of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol Council invite you to attend "Regional Aspects of Common Security Issues" on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the University Club. This lecture series will focus on four personal and regional perspectives from military experts from Denmark, Germany, Kazakhstan and Pakistan.
What are the common security issues and do we have the same perception and approach to these issues? Come and hear the personal and regional perspectives from our panelists:
Brigadier General Frank Lissner, Denmark
Brigadier General Gerd Bischof, Germany
Brigadier General Zia Ur Rehman, Pakistan
Colonel Oleg Essenov, Kazakhstan
Complimentary for members of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce; $20 for non-members. Breakfast is included. Click here to register.
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 select events throughout the year
Click here to apply, the application deadline is October 23.
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.
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.
Chamber Welcomes New Members
Please give a warm welcome to the following companies who have recently become Chamber members:
NorthStar Bank celebrates the opening of their new South Tampa office!
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.
Trenam Law Announces Four New Shareholders | Jacqueline Prats Joins Trenam Law's St. Petersburg Office | Daniel E. Johns Joins Trenam Law's Tampa Office
Member Accolades
23 Tampa-based Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Attorneys Selected to 2016 Best Lawyers in America List; Four Named "Lawyer of the Year" | Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Shareholder Hala A. Sandridge Becomes Fellow with The Litigation Counsel of America | University of South Florida Honors Rhea F. Law, Chair of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooneys Florida Offices
Florida Poly's Innovation, Science and Technology Building Receives Prominent Project of the Year Award
Hill Ward Henderson Shareholder Re-Elected to the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel Board of Directors
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.
Buzz-ness After Hours - TONIGHT!
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!
Competitive Edge Series: Civic and Corporate Leadership
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201
Join us as we spotlight a community leader in civic and corporate leadership, Chuck Sykes, president and chief executive officer of Sykes Enterprises. After rising through the ranks at Sykes Enterprises including holding positions as vice president of sales & marketing, vice president of operations and chief operating officer, Sykes recognized the need to engage the community around him. Sykes will highlight how he exemplifies the motto that earned him the title of Tampa Bay's Top Business Leader, "You always get more back than you give."
Attendees will learn about:
Breaking down barriers to move outside of comfort zones and embrace new opportunities
Management philosophies that engage employees and encourage them to lead both inside and outside of the workplace
Tips to setting attainable leadership goals
FREE for FITs One, Two and Three; $35 for all other members; $50 for non-members.Click here to register. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Verizon.
Education Connection: How to Develop a Quality Internship
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201
Join members of Tampa Bay's business and academic communities for the next event in our Education Connection Series on developing quality internships.
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street Suite 201
You've done some networking, found a prospect that is interested in your business and you have a meeting set up. Now what? Our next Return on Relationships session, presented by Clint Babcock, Sandler Training, will give you strategies and techniques to ensure your efforts are successful. This session will be very interactive and limited to the first 50 people enrolled.
We'll be discussing:
Pre-calling planning strategies: How to set objectives and ensure you are prepared for the call
It's your sales call: How to be conversational and consultative straight from the start of the call
How to establish "Equal Business Stature"
How we gain and lose rapport and possibly trust in the first 5 minutes
A process to ensure there are no "mutual mystification" moments about what you're meeting about
FREE for FITs One, Two and Three; $15 for all other Chamber members; $25 for non-members. Click here to register.
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, especially 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 $35 for members; $40 for non-members. Corporate tables of 8 are also available. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor Calhoun International.
Competitive Edge Series: How to Write Short for Business
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Franklin Street, Suite 201
Business writing can be messy. Wordy reports, pointless memos, endless PowerPoint presentations that make you want to hit the screen with an ax. It doesn't have to be that way. Based on his best-selling books, author and writing coach Roy Peter Clark of the Poynter Institute will help you build some writing muscle.
Attendees will learn:
How to save time for your readers
How to harness the power of simple storytelling
How to make your prose crystal clear
How to write irresistible beginnings and memorable endings
How to tell your company's story in a clear and effective way
How to convey what is most interesting and most important
FREE for FITs One, Two and Three; $35 for all other members; $50 for non-members. Click here to register. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Verizon.
Emerge Tampa Bay Presents Emerging with Influence
TPepin's Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th Street
Join us for the fourth annual Emerging with Influence event! This annual dinner provides Emerge Tampa Bay members, as well as the Tampa Bay business community, the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization throughout 2015. Past leadership is celebrated as the new Emerge Tampa Bay Leadership Team is welcomed. Additionally, this year's winner of the Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award will be announced. The keynote presentation this year will be given by Kim Lear and will focus on building and leveraging meaningful relationships.
leadership has made a positive impact on Hillsborough County. This award is given in honor of Emerge's late founder 
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:
