How Bourbon and Boweties Has Grown from Garage to Glamour
Join us on Monday, October 19 at the Westin Tampa Bay for our Women's Series Luncheon, "The Business of Bangles." We'll hear from Carley Ochs, Tampa native and founder of Bourbon and Boweties, the Chamber's 2015 Small Business of the Year startup winner. Ochs will share how a skyrocketing, internationally-recognized brand that has been featured on the cover of PEOPLE and in gift bags at the Emmys and Grammys, was crafted out of her grandmother's four-car garage in Plant City, FL.
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 $50 for Chamber members; $60 for non-members. Corporate tables of eight are also available. Click here to register. Thank you to our sponsor, UF | MBA.
WFLA Daytime: Small Business of the Year Awards
2015 Small Business of the Year (SBOY) Awards Chair Thomas Feindt (Grow Financial) was featured on this month's segment of Daytime! Click here to view the clip where he discusses this year's SBOY winners and the process for applying.
Join us on Wednesday, November 4 for the fourth annual Emerging with Influence event at TPepin's Hospitality Centre! This annual dinner provides Emerge Tampa Bay members and the Tampa Bay business community the opportunity to celebrate Emerge's accomplishments. 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 event is $45 for Emerge and Chamber members and $55 for non-members. Corporate tables of 8 are also available. Click here to register. Click here to view the event flyer.
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 prior experience is necessary, just a desire to make a positive impact!
Accepting Nominations for the H.L. Culbreath, Jr. Profile in Leadership Award
Nominations Due Friday, November 20
2014 H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award recipient, Dick Beard
The H.L. Culbreath, Jr. Profile in Leadership Award was created in 1997 to annually recognize an individual whose leadership has made a positive impact on the Greater Tampa community. Named in honor of its first recipient, a man whose civic philanthropy and long service personified leadership, the award has quickly become the area's most prestigious honor.
This award, established by Leadership Tampa Alumni, will be presented at the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 17 at the Tampa Convention Center. It recognizes leadership in a variety of forms such as civic, cultural, economic, charitable, recreational and educational.
Open Position at the Tampa Chamber: Marketing Coordinator
The Chamber is hiring! We are currently searching for a Marketing Coordinator. All interested candidates must submit the following to resumes@tampachamber.com. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the anticipated volume of inquiries, no phone calls please.
Three writing samples (please showcase a variety of writing styles, i.e. press release, blog posting, research summary)
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, 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. For more information on the issues, click here.
Breakfast with Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner
Rep. Dana Young, Chamber CEO Bob Rohrlack, Lorraine Lutton of St. Joseph's Hospital, Senate President Andy Gardiner, Chamber Chair Ron Christaldi, and Chair-Elect Guy King, III.
Sponsored by St. Joseph's Hospital
On September 29, Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner met with members of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce to discuss the issues facing the legislature and the state of Florida. During his speech, President Gardiner discussed the importance of finding a solution to the rising costs of health care and helping uninsured Floridians who struggle to have quality, affordable health care. He also highlighted the significance of tax cuts and growing the economy of Tampa Bay and the state of Florida.
Registration Open for Veterans Networking, Oct. 29
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is excited for the return of our Business After Hours: Veterans Networking event on Thursday, October 29, 5:30 p.m. at the SS American Victory Ship in the Channel District! You can click here to register. This event is FREE for Chamber members, veterans, active duty military and military spouses. Register today! This event will sell out quickly!
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.
Doing Business in Cuba Hosted by Holland & Knight and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
On the heels of recent changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, many U.S. companies have explored potential commercial ventures in Cuba, with some looking to invest in and enter into an emerging market and capitalize on possible economic opportunities.
Please join us for a panel discussion on these issues and learn how companies looking to do business in Cuba can effectively navigate through a complex and highly regulated business environment. The panelists, including a Holland & Knight lawyer licensed to practice law in Cuba, will explain potential opportunities, challenges, and legal issues facing U.S. companies preparing to do business in Cuba, with an emphasis on companies in the transportation, real estate, and financial services industries.
Holland & Knight 100 N. Tampa Street, Suite 4100 Tampa, FL 33602
PANELISTS:
Andres "Andy" Fernandez | Cuba Action Team Leader/Partner, Holland & Knight
Aymee Valdivia Granda | Associate, Holland & Knight
Paul Anderson | Chief Executive Officer, Port Tampa Bay
Joe Collier | President, Mainsail Lodging & Development
Chuck Youngerman | Vice President - Global Trade Finance, Regions Bank
Click here to register online. Space is limited. Please register by October 15.
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
2015 Parke Wright, III Award recipient, Renée Vaughn
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 has 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.
Membership Has Its Benefits
Are you participating in the Office Depot affinity program? You are eligible simply by being a Chamber member. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce serves you by advocating for initiatives that will improve the Tampa Bay business climate and by creating programs that will help you promote and grow your business while watching your bottom line.
The Office Depot "Chamber Perks" program is free to GTCC members and gives you access to the power of a $70 million group purchasing program, resulting in an aggressive pricing structure on items you use the most. The program is also very convenient. When you find the office items you need, you can order them online through a dedicated gateway on the Office Depot website and receive next-day delivery, or you can use your Affinity Program Discount Card to buy discounted items at your nearest Office Depot store, helping you realize substantial savings.
If you would like to learn more about the program, contact Thomas Sander at Thomas.Sander@officedepot.com or 813-453-9996 for a price analysis to demonstrate your significant savings potential.
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.
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 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.
Business After Hours: Veterans Networking
Thursday, October 29, 2015 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
S.S. American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive Berth 271
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is excited for the return of our Business After Hours: Veterans Networking event on Thursday, October 29, 5:30 p.m. at the SS American Victory Shipin the Channel District! You can click here to register. This event is FREE for Chamber members, veterans, active duty, and military spouses; $15 for non-members.
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.
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.
Business of Bangles." We'll hear from Carley Ochs, Tampa native and founder of 
2015 Small Business of the Year (SBOY) Awards Chair Thomas Feindt (
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:
The Office Depot "Chamber Perks" program is free to GTCC members and gives you access to the power of a $70 million group purchasing program, resulting in an aggressive pricing structure on items you use the most. The program is also very convenient. When you find the office items you need, you can order them online through a dedicated gateway on the Office Depot website and receive next-day delivery, or you can use your Affinity Program Discount Card to buy discounted items at your nearest Office Depot store, helping you realize substantial savings.
