Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Report

2025 ANNUAL REPORT Promoting Business Growth & Success Since 1925

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

2025 was our centennial year and we celebrated! It has been an honor to promote business growth and success for 100 years and counting!

September 17th, 2025, we celebrated our 100th anniversary with all our fabulous members and Board of Directors.

Member Appreciation Cookout

The Chamber’s Birthday Party!

Our members are why we do what we do! We held a no cost cookout - served by our Board of Directors - where our members could relax and connect. No program, no expectation, just fun and good food!

This event was a collaboration with the City to celebrate our partnership and the wonderful history of the Venice area!

Grand Marshal of the Holiday Parade

Together Through Time: Venice at 100

We kicked off our centennial celebrations by receiving the honor of being the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Holiday Parade!

As we reflect on the past year, we do so with immense pride in the legacy and momentum of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. Celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2025 reminded us of the enduring commitment that has guided us since 1925: promoting business growth and success and serving as the unwavering voice of our business community. That mission continues to shape every initiative, every partnership, and every conversation we carry forward on behalf of our members. This year also brought a milestone that stands among the highest honors a chamber can achieve: earning the prestigious 5‑Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Fewer than 200 chambers out of more than 7,000 nationwide hold this distinction, placing the Venice Area Chamber among the top tier of chambers in the country.

This recognition affirms that the work we are doing on behalf of our business community is not only impactful, but aligned with the highest national standards of excellence, advocacy, and organizational strength. Advocacy remained a cornerstone of our efforts, as we represented our members in Tallahassee and worked closely with state leaders to ensure their priorities were heard. We also expanded opportunities for visibility and connection, including launching our new Health and Wellness Expo to spotlight the many professionals who support the well‑being of our region. Our Buy Local campaign once again energized the community during the three most challenging months of the year July, August, and September. Funded entirely by our Board of Directors, without the use of member dues, the campaign encouraged residents to shop locally and submit their receipts for a chance to win monthly cash prizes. The results were remarkable: more than 14 million dollars in economic impact and a powerful demonstration of what community support can achieve. Throughout the year, our Chamber team remained a trusted resource for both residents and visitors, assisting more than 11,000 individuals seeking information about our area and its businesses. This daily engagement reflects the heart of who we are. We’re an organization dedicated to strengthening our local economy, championing our members, and building a thriving future for the Venice area. It is an honor to serve this remarkable business community, and I look forward to continuing our work together as we shape the next century of progress.

Respectfully,

Kathy Lehner, President & CEO

2025 OFFICERS Michael Bacon Chair of the Board, Bacon Brands Karen Fordham Chair Elect, Wound Rx

2025 DIRECTORS Annette Boone, Boone Law Firm Matthew DePalma, Capstan Financial Consulting Group Lourdes Fuller, Lightspeed Voice

Tish Scott-Murphy Treasurer, Seacoast Bank Dane DeSantis, Immediate Past Chair, Hallmark Business Brokers Kathy Lehner President & CEO, Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

THANK YOU TO OUR RETIRING 2025 IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Dane DeSantis, Hallmark Business Brokers

James Griffith, James Griffith Salon John LaCivita, Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. Christine Masney, Mattamy Homes - Wellen Park Jim Normandin, Venice Gondolier Sun (APG Florida) Justin Taylor, MRT Lawn and Garden Center Rich Serino, Richard's Carpet Warehouse & Flooring Beau Walker, Home & Condo Rentals and Property Management, Inc Natalie Woody, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC 1

OUR MISSION: Promoting Business Growth & Success Since 1925.

OUR WHY: The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce believes in creating a thriving, vibrant, and prosperous business community for the greater Venice Area.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 VALUED INVESTMENT PARTNERS TITANIUM Absolute Aluminum • Absolute Window & Door Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Venice Sharky's on the Pier • Fins at Sharky's • Snook Haven

PLATINUM Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold • Nau-T-Girl Jewelry • Coins, Pawn & Collectibles DG Advisors • Hazeltine Nurseries, Inc. • HCA Florida • iHeart Media • J2 Solutions Inc. Joyner Family Insurance • Kingdom Roofing • Pop's Sunset Grill • Purcor Pest Solutions Sunshine Electrical Services, Inc. • Venice Gondolier Sun • Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.

GOLD Alliance IT/Ring Authority • An Organized Move • Babe's Plumbing, Inc. & Fire Sprinklers BrewBurgers • Shuck N’ Ale • Brew-Za-Bagels • Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC, Attorneys At Law Bishop Construction Services, Inc. • British Open Pub • Caldwell Trust Company Engel & Völkers • First International Title • Florida Blue • Grand Living Gulf Coast Community Foundation • J&B Insurance Partners • Hough & Company, P.A., CPAs Jacaranda Trace • James Griffith Salon Lightspeed Voice • Matthews-Currie Ford • PGT Innovations SouthState Bank • Venice Print Center • Village On The Isle

SILVER Boone Law Firm • Contemporary Hearing • Corporate Cleaning of Venice, Inc. Farr Law Firm • Home & Condo Rentals and Property Management, Inc. Keller Williams Island Life Real Estate - Lueanne Wood, P.A. • Merrill Lynch • Payroll Vault 2

ADVOCACY WE ARE THE VOICE OF BUSINESS

James Clinch, Venice City Manager Jonathan Lewis, County Administrator

The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to being the voice of business for our community. With our members input, we developed a list of legislative priorities to advocate for public policymaking at county and state levels on issues that align with our mission of promoting business growth and success. Together, we send the message that our businesses are active, engaged, and strive for a thriving, vibrant, and prosperous community. We are with our businesses every step of the way to ensure that the business voice is heard.

Derek Applegate, CBO, City Building Official Mike Deming, County Building Official

Tallahassee Updates

During the legislative session in Tallahassee, we send out email updates that go over meaningful bills to the business community and their progress during the weeks.

Dr. Jerry D. Parrish, Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation, presents an annual analysis of the national, state and regional economy.

Enjoy a cup of coffee while hearing from officials of the city and the county from a variety of departments and areas of expertise.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION Hear first-hand from City, County, and Chamber leaders about the state of our business community.

Tom Knight, County Commissioner Nick Pachota, Mayor of Venice Dane DeSantis, Past Chair of the Board

Voicing our members’ legislative priorities to state representatives

Members meet with Congressman Greg Steube and U.S. Chamber of Commerce representative Clark Jackson 3

BY THE NUMBERS

11,080

LOBBY VISITORS & CALLS

112K+

63+ 262K

BUSINESS CELEBRATIONS

BUSINESS SEARCHES

WEBSITE VIEWS

15,000 GUIDE BOOKS DISTRIBUTED

171

NEW MEMBERS

94%

MEMBER RETENTION RATE

MEMBER REFERRALS

8,459

Made by Chamber Staff & Volunteers

14,023+ SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS

Top 4 Member Categories Non-Profits Restaurants Real Estate Physicians & Surgeons 4

COMMUNITY Non-Profit Rally is where you can discover the vital non-profits in the greater Venice area and learn how your support as a volunteer can make a difference in our community.

Community Event & Expo connects our member businesses with community members by allowing them to promote their products & services face-to-face in a unique venue.

E v e n t && Expo Event Expo

VENICE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COMMUNITY E N G AG E CO N N E CT

$16.5 MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT IN 2025 The Community Health & Wellness Fair gives people the opportunity to learn more about the amazing services in the Venice area for their health.

VENICE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

COMMUNITY

Health & Wellness Fair

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EVENTS & PROGRAMS 2025 WINNERS AJAX PAVING

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Bz B tes

Our annual Golf Tournament is our only fundraiser event and sells out every year! It offers unique marketing opportunities and the chance to spend time with current and future customers.

Leverage our network in the morning, at lunch or afternoon to meet fellow members of the business community and learn how your connection can grow your business.

Emerging Professionals Connect Ages 21-39 get together to connect over growing their careers and navigating professional growth and development.

Wise Guys is an event just for men featuring expert speakers in their field helping our members grow wiser in Business, Health, and Finance.

LEADS VENICE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EXCHANGE GROUP

The Leads Exchange Group program helps our members grow strong business relationships that result in cultivating referrals.

TheThe Chamber Collective Spark Behind Local Success The Chamber Collective allows for businesses to share their industry knowledge to other members in a workshop style format.

The CEO Roundtable Program is a professionally facilitated advisory group designed to provide CEOs and Presidents with the opportunity to connect with their professional colleagues of diverse industry backgrounds to confidentially discuss the challenges and successes involved with running a business.

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AWARDS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

Toasting to 5-Star Accreditation Presented by Clark Jackson, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Storm Smart Large Business of the Year Winner Sponsored by: Venice Gondolier Sun

We proudly presented Business of the Year Awards to five categories: Small, Medium, Large, New and Non-Profit.

Grim Reaper Pest Solutions Small Business of the Year Winner Sponsored by: Visit Sarasota County

Kids Choose Us Pediatrics Medium Business of the Year Winner Sponsored by: Cavanaugh & Co

KonTiki Inn New Business of the Year Winner Sponsored by: PGT Custom Windows and Doors

Children First Non-Profit of the Year Winner Sponsored by: Gulf Coast Community Foundation

WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN SUMMIT AND SPRING LUNCH Women Empowering Women happens once in the spring and once in the fall, celebrating local women trailblazers, featuring personal development, enriched resources, and the Empowering Woman of the Year Award.

WEW Summit Panel Discussion: The Power of Her Voice

Empowering Woman of the Year Jennifer Fagenbaum Family Promise

WEW Luncheon Keynote Speaker Darcy Lord, PhD Founder of Programs That Uplift

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FOUNDATION The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, leads the educational initiatives of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Programs.

FOUNDERS Boone Law Firm C.J. Fishman Robinson, Gruters & Roberts, P.A.

Testimonial: “My life has been impacted greatly as leadership gave me a sense of belonging, purpose and a want to help continue supporting our community and grow together!” -CT

FOUNDERS Affordable Golf Cars of Venice Applicance Specialists Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold/Nau-T-Girl Jewelry Ledbetter Law group

Testimonial: Thank you for allowing me to participate in Leadership. I feel like I have grown as a person going around and seeing all the different careers that Venice Florida has to offer. - EC

Testimonial: I found value in each session. I thought some would not be as interesting as they all became. -JS

REAL REAL WORLD WORLD

Leadership Venice is a 9-month program designed to expose current and future leaders to all aspects of the Venice community.

Teen Leadership Venice is a program that provides area high school students a chance to enhance their knowledge and develop leadership skills that will empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to their community. High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply.

You can show your support for the Teens all year long with a tax deductible donation.

All About Venice is a community immersion program connecting residents with local business leaders. Join your neighbors to learn about the community from those who make things happen. This is a 6week program held at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce on consecutive Tuesdays from 9 AM – 10 AM. Light refreshments are served. Chamber membership is not required to participate - this program is open to the public.

The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and our Leadership Venice Program have partnered with Venice High School to bring the “Real World" program to high school students. Area business owners and leaders from the community meet with high school students to provide a look into the “real world” of business. Many opportunities exist in the workplace, and this program showcases careers that may have never been within the students’ scope of possibilities.

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Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 597 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285 (941) 488-2236 • venicechamber.com