Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce - Noteworthy December 2023 by greaterriverviewchamberofcommerce

DEC. 2023

NOTEWORTHY

An official publication of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce

Light Up Winthrop Holiday Market Huge Success!

More in 2024! GRCC’s full list of events and programs for 2024

From the Chair

GRCC Office: 6152 Delancey Station Street Suite 205 Riverview, FL 33578 www.riverviewchamber.com 813-234-5944

Office Hours:

Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fri. 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

GRCC Staff Ny'Kole "Nykki" Krivda, BSc., MBA-HRM President and Ceo Teri Perkins Director of Branding and Marketing Elizabeth Corn Event Coordinator

Seasons Greetings GRCC Members, I hope you are ready . . . ready for MORE in 2024! You have spoken and we have listened. Our mission remains steadfast – to empower your business by creating programs and resources more tailored than ever to address your unique needs and challenges while giving you a competitive edge. We have redefined the opportunities for you to connect, grow, and thrive as a business. Now it is up to you to make it all work. Even if you do not participate, at least attend. Jump on a committee and help plan, sponsor, participate . . . make your investment dollars work for you! We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a vibrant business community where collaboration and networking flourish. It is up to you to utilize those opportunities and foster connections that turn potential partners into valued allies. Here’s to an amazing year of new opportunities, new connections, and new growth!

Sheri D’Avello Director of Member Services

OEL Heating & Cooling

Stay informed of the latest Chamber news and happenings

Sterling and Trustee Members

Trustee Members

Directory PAGE GRCC Board of Directors ______________________________________

5-6

GRCC Ambassador Team ______________________________________

7-9

Welcome New Members ______________________________________

10 - 13

Renewing Members ___________________________________________

Signature Events in 2024 _____________________________________

15 - 18

New Groups in 2024 __________________________________________

19 - 20

Economic Development Committee __________________________

GRCC Military Affairs Committee _____________________________

Chamber Happenings _________________________________________

23 - 26

In the Know ___________________________________________________

27 - 29

Education and Training ________________________________________ 30 - 31 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies ___________________________________

32 - 33

GRCC Calendars _______________________________________________ 35 - 36 GRCC 2022 Award Winners ____________________________________

GRCC Board of Directors

Chair of the Board Tammy See OEL Heating & Cooling

Treasurer Theresa Sharkey Your Pie

Past Chair Michael Broussard The Flying Locksmiths

Jim Johnson Board Emeritus

Christian Beiter Preservation 1st Financial Group

Dave Boyle YMCA Camp Cristina

Nikki Foster The Mosaic Company

Gabriel Mbulo Edward Jones

Kristi McCart McCart & Tesmer, P.A.

Dawn Myers Myers Law PA

Jason Newmyer AdventHealth-Riverview

Bill Short

Jeff Campbell

Lydansco Business Consulting Strategic Planning & Funding, LLC

Phil Minden

St. Joseph's Hospital-South

Elena Westrop Charity Clothing Pickup

GRCC Board of Directors Thank you to the following GRCC Board Members whose terms are ending in 2023. Your valuable time, guidance, and support over the past several years are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your dedication and service to our Chamber and its members.

Christian Beiter Preservation 1st Financial Group

Nikki Foster The Mosaic Company

Kristi McCart McCart & Tesmer, P.A.

Phil Minden

St. Joseph's Hospital-South

Dawn Myers Myers Law PA

Welcome New GRCC Board Members

Annette Bilyeu Spectrum Business

Joel Brown Tampa Electric

John Mayhew Mayhew Mediations

Patrick Downes St. Joseph Hospital South

Ron Akers FruxPay

GRCC Ambassador Team

Brittany Petrie Bank OZK

Chris Nelson LegalShield

An ABC Event, Inc.

Dave Lechuga Florida Executive Realty

Dawn Myers Myers Law PA

Elena Westrop Charity Clothing Pickup

Howell Hunt Ace Hardware

Jen Friedrichsen

Jill Jofko

Joe Eletto

Joe Nichols

Annette Bilyeu Spectrum Business

T & J Painting, LLC

Riverview Woman's Club

Lisa Jordan

Lisa Tackus

Accent American, Inc.

Align Right

Century 21 Beggins

Craig Beckinger

trax - Credit Union

Melissa Canfield Melissa Hartmann Grease Monkey

Osprey Observer

GRCC Ambassador Team

Paulette Y. Merchant

Mike Jones

Pat Magruder

Preservation 1st Financial Group

FL DOE Vocational Rehabilitation

Magruder Agency

Keller Williams South Shore

Renee Scott

Richard Rohde

Renee Scott Insurance

R Processor, Inc.

Ron Akers

Tammy Dotson

Tammy See

Tyla Phillip

Michael Beiter

OEL Heating & Cooling

FruxPay

Time 2 S.H.I.N.E. Consulting

Huntington Learning Center

GRCC Ambassador Team Congratulations to the GRCC Ambassador of the Month, Lisa Jordan with Accent American, Inc. Accent American is a family owned and operated business in Tampa since 1985, providing high quality, certified professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, including leather, tile grout cleaning, Oriental and specialty rug cleaning, as well as water damage, fire damage, smoke and nicotine damage, and mold remediation and restoration and more.

Are you interested in becoming an Ambassador? Ambassadors are highly visible, prestigious volunteers who serve as the Chamber's primary liaison to Chamber members. Considered the goodwill arm of the Chamber, the Ambassador Team plays an essential role in member recruitment, communication, and retention. Each Ambassador is charged with conveying member needs, questions, and concerns to Chamber staff, keeping our Chamber in line with our members' desires. Each Ambassador makes a commitment to build lasting relationships with the community in order to build a loyal, committed membership base that will continue to support, participate, and invest in the Chamber. If you are interested in being an Ambassador or would like more information, please contact Sheri today at (813) 234-5944 or Sheri@RiverviewChamber.com

Welcome New Members!

Applied Innovation Joe Conti appliedinnovation.com

Banh Mi Factory Lenny Tran banhmifactorytampa.com

Ebb & Flow Yoga Life Kandi Pipp ebbandflowyogalife.com

MACH ONE Epoxy Flooring of Tampa Vishal Munusami mach1epoxy.com/tampa-fl 10

Welcome New Members!

Movin' On Movers Chris Buzzard movinonmovers.net

Rare Bird Art Studio, LLC Lori Miller rarebirdartstudio.com

SaludVIP – Plant City Elena Atenza saludvip.com

Sylvan Learning – Riverview Erin Messano sylvanlearning.com 11

Welcome New Members!

Welcome! 12

Welcome New Members!

If you are in your first year of membership, we invite you to attend the Year One Club! Meetings are the last Friday of each month.

FIRST MEETING: Jan. 26 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Your Pie 125 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon

In this smaller group setting, you will forge new connections, learn new business development skills from featured speakers, practice networking skills, and have fun! No charge - please register to attend.

Thank you Renewing Members! 12 Years

1 Year

Suncoast Community Health Centers, Inc. http://www.suncoast-chc.org

Conserva Irrigation of Southeast Tampa https://www.conservairrigation.com/south east-tampa/

9 Years

Grain and Berry http://GrainAndBerry.com

The Sylvia Thomas Center for Adoptive & Foster Families, Inc. https://www.sylviathomascenter.org 7 Years Dog Gone Holistic https://doggoneholistic.com/riverview

ModWash – Brandon/Bloomingdale http://modwash.com OnPoint IT Solutions http://www.onpointitsolutions.com Summit Event Productions http://www.summiteventproductions.com

Twin Creeks Assisted Living and Memory Care http://twincreeksretire.com 4 Years Hampton Inn and Suites Tampa/Riverview/Brandon www.hilton.com/en/hotels/tparvhxhampton-suites-tampa-riverviewbrandon Myers Law PA http://MyersLawPA.com

Signature Events 2024! The GRCC Empower Wellness Summit will provide attendees with a wide range of health and wellness resources featuring many organizations and vendors offering free health screenings, educational workshops, and fun activities for all ages. Attendees can also receive information on nutrition, mental health, and physical wellness.

Register Please join the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce for an evening of elegance and mystique as we celebrate the 2024 Annual Dinner and Awards night with a Masquerade Ball! The Cocktail Hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:00 p.m.

Register The GRCC Nonprofit Showcase highlights the many nonprofit members within the Chamber. Please join us for this showcase and learn more about the organizations and their causes, and how you can join them by donating, volunteering, or supporting in various ways.

Signature Events 2024! Join us as early as 11 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, for the GRCC 29th Annual Golf Tournament at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club! The midway of vendors, including food samples, located around the putting green area will be open from 11 AM to 1:00 PM. The Bryan Hindman Electric Ball Drop will take place at 12:30 PM, and the tournament will have an opening celebration with shotgun start at 1:00 PM.

Register Join members and guests of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce for our 2024 Legislative Wrap Up at The Regent. As the Florida Legislature's Session comes to a close, hear from key lawmakers on their experience this session, which bills passed, which did not, and the legislative impact on business.

Register Community members are encouraged to support local GRCC restaurants through dine in, takeout, or ordering delivery during the month of June. In this initiative, our goal is to increase community exposure and social media engagement for our local food & beverage establishments. In this event, participants are supporting local, having fun, getting out of their comfort zone to try new restaurants, and winning prizes!

Signature Events 2024! Each year, the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) rallies the community to present the Teaching to Excellence celebration. The purpose of this event is to warmly welcome the teachers new to the Riverview community from Riverview's public and charter schools; and also to honor each of these school's Teachers of the Year.

Register Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend a Political Forum. Meet the candidates as you mix and mingle, ask questions, and become educated on where the candidates stand. The evening culminates with a Straw Poll conducted by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.

Register Join us for the FIRST annual Winthrop Fall Bazaar! There will be a marketplace with over 100 vendors, food trucks, activities for the kids, a HAY RIDE, performers, and more!

Signature Events 2024! Join GRCC for the Light Up Winthrop Holiday Market! This festive holiday event features a Tree Lighting Ceremony, photos with Santa, games and crafts for the children, and live entertainment throughout. Over 100 vendors light up the night with a holiday market throughout the square, and food trucks offering food and drink. You don’t want to miss this exciting holiday event!

New Groups in January Member Only Networking Groups Networking groups are open to entire membership and are for members only. Turbo Networking will be at an additional charge. You may attend one or all at any time.

New Groups in January Networking is about building relationships. InnovateHer is about more than networking. It is a place for professional women to grow, support, motivate, and inspire each other while learning business and leadership skills. InnovateHer will meet monthly. Free for GRCC members to attend. Non-members may attend for $25.00 per meeting charge.

Register Lambda Business Professionals is a social networking group created to bring LGBTQ+ professionals together to connect, support, and strengthen roots within the local community. The Lambda Business Professionals Group is a great way for LGBTQ+ professionals to show support of the LGBTQ+ businesses and to promote equality in the region. Free for GRCC members to attend. Non-members may attend for $25.00 per meeting charge.

Register Young Professionals Association is a group for professionals, ages 21 to 35, who are looking to build relationships with peers. This group will provide the opportunity for young professionals to network and build relationships with other individuals who are at the same place in their careers. Free for GRCC members to attend. Non-members may attend for $25.00 per meeting charge.

Economic Development Committee

New Commit tee! Wed., January 17 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM GRCC Conference Room

The Economic Development Committee will focus on being a resource for workforce and career development; assist in presenting resources to our membership regarding financing, education, and business development; and become a support and network of service for the Nonprofit businesses of our Chamber. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact the GRCC office at 813-234-5944 or email info@riverviewchamber.com.

Military Affairs Committee Friday, Jan. 12

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM GRCC Conference Room

Register The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) Military Affairs Committee is dedicated to serving and supporting our military (past, present and families) in the Greater Riverview community through advocating and educating the GRCC and community in how they can assist and participate in enriching the lives of our military community.

Chamber Happenings GRCC Hosts Monthly Luncheon Sponsored by HCA Florida South Shore Hospital The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) hosted their Monthly Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the beautiful Winthrop Barn Theatre in Riverview. A delicious lunch was beautifully displayed and served by GRCC member, Outback and Carrabba’s Express. The day’s Invocation to begin the meeting was delivered by James Blewett of Extraordinary Church. Leading the attendees this month in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was the GRCC Military Affairs Committee Co-Leader, Richard Rohde of R Processor, Inc., who proceeded by recognizing all members of all service branches of the military by having them stand for applause and appreciation. GRCC Chair of the Board, Tammy See of OEL Heating and Cooling, started the meeting by welcoming the crowd, recognizing the past Board Chairs of Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, as well as the current Board of Directors who were in attendance. She continued by having all visitors stand and introduce themselves. Special thanks were given to the audio and visual support for the luncheon provided by Mario Johnson with MJI Media; photography by Gerardo Luna of Gerardo Luna Photographs; and linens provided by Susan Williams of Fancy That Specialty Linens.

Chamber Happenings

The luncheon sponsor, HCA Florida South Shore Hospital, was well represented, and Alissa Kostyk, Director of Communications & Community Engagement, welcomed the crowd. She then introduced the Vice President of Operations, Sarah Tavenner, who spoke about the hospital and its role and services in the community. GRCC Board member, Michael Broussard of The Flying Locksmiths, introduced and welcomed the 13 new members to the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce:

Applied Innovation At Last Chiropractic Banh Mi Factory Ebb & Flow Yoga Life Jeffrey Kurtz, CPA, LLC Katie Murray Creative MACH ONE Epoxy Flooring of Tampa Movin' On Movers RSA Consulting Group LLC Rare Bird Art Studio, LLC SaludVIP – Plant City Sylvan Learning – Riverview Vosler Young Artists’ Studio GRCC Board Member, Theresa Sharkey of Your Pie thanked the Renewing Investors, and the meeting concluded with several door prizes given away, along with the drawing of the 50/50 Raffle Prize.

Chamber Happenings Chamber Hosts First Annual Light Up Winthrop Holiday Market On Friday, December 1st, Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce partnered with Winthrop Town Center to present the first annual Light Up Winthrop Holiday Market at Founder’s Square Park in Winthrop. Over 100 vendors surrounded the square, festive lights strung along their booths, and multiple food trucks were present to offer delicious food and drink. The highlight of the event was the lighting of the 18 ft. Christmas Tree by Santa Claus himself, followed by live entertainment provided by award winning recording artist, Joe Zuniga, students from Alafia Elementary School, Winthrop Charter School, the Music Showcase, and talented dance performers from the Academy of Dance Dynamics. This amazing community event, sponsored by GRCC member, TECO, garnered over 1,000 attendees!

Chamber Happenings Along with the Holiday Market, the event offered many fun activities for the kids, including Christmas Tree Bowling, Reindeer Antler toss, and snowball fights. Many families lined up for photos with Santa along the candy cane lighted path. During the Tree Lighting ceremony, GRCC Chair of the Board, Tammy See with OEL Heating and Cooling, welcomed the large crowd and introduced John and Kay Sullivan, founders of the Winthrop community, who started the tree lighting at Winthrop over 30 years ago. Additional speakers included Ny’Kole Krivda, President and CEO of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, and Representative Danny Alvarez. Winthrop Liquors and the Manchesi family provided the homemade Gluhwein, a specialty wine served warm in special holiday mugs created specifically for the event. A special thank you to MJI Media who was on hand to create a special video of the event, and to Boy Scout Troop 89 who assisted with the cleanup after the event. A nonprofit member of GRCC was randomly selected to receive a donation from the proceeds of the event, and this year’s recipient was The Outreach Clinic. With the addition of the Holiday Market, the event grew exponentially and is set to become a signature event for the Chamber and the community for years to come!

In the Know Florida Chamber of Commerce Florida Scorecard From the Florida Chamber of Commerce website, The Florida Scorecard™ is a dynamic online tool that identifies and tracks key metrics that are important to Florida’s economy today and into the future. The Florida Scorecard gives stakeholders the power to measure progress on a statewide level and within their own communities. Check back often as this information is updated regularly. Click image below to visit the FCC Scorecard.

Hillsborough County Economic Development Report This information is collected and published to assist the business community with data relevant to evaluate the dynamic economic ecosystem and workforce potential Hillsborough County has to offer. Contact the Economic Development Department’s Corporate Business Development/Business Intelligence team at (813) 272-5560 with any questions or to provide feedback on this report. Click Hillsborough County logo above to obtain reports.

In the Know What Small Businesses Need To Know About New Regulations Going Into 2024 BY MAE ANDERSON

Regulations are a double-edged sword. They’re created to improve business dealings, discourage unfair or illegal business activity, and protect workers. But, for small business owners, they often mean more red tape, higher costs and possible penalties for failing to comply. ″For a small business, you have a higher cost per employee when it comes to complying with regulations than your larger business competitors,” said Tom Sullivan, vice president of small business policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Heading into 2024, there are several regulations that should be on small business owners’ radar. Wages and Overtime More than 20 states will have minimum wage increases in 2024. For example, Nebraska’s minimum wage will rise by $1.50 to $12 on Jan. 1, and Florida’s will go up by $1 to $13 on Sept. 30. Also worth keeping on the radar: The Department of Labor in August announced a proposed rule that would let 3.6 million more workers qualify for overtime. The proposed regulation would require employers to pay overtime to salaried workers who are in executive, administrative and professional roles but make less than $1,059 a week, or $55,068 a year for full-time employees. That salary threshold is up from $35,568. Kerrigan of the SBE Council said she expects when the final rule is out it will face legal challenges, because raising the threshold would have a big impact on so many businesses. The comment period closed on Nov. 7 so the Labor Department could issue the final rule any time in 2024.

In the Know “That’s going to have a lot of disruption for small businesses in terms of cost, but also the models they may use in their workplace in terms of career growth models, compensation models, etc.,” she said. Registering with FinCEN Small businesses will need to register with an agency called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network in 2024, as part of an act passed in 2021 called the Corporate Transparency Act. The act was intended to get a look inside shell companies and crack down on attempts by “criminals, organized crime rings, and other illicit actors to hide their identities and launder their money through the financial system,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in 2022. Businesses with more than 20 employees and more than $5 million in sales can qualify for exemptions. But that leaves an estimated 32 million small businesses that aren’t exempt. The owners and part-owners of those businesses must register personal information with FinCEN, such as a photo ID and home address. Despite legal challenges, the regulation is set to take effect in 2024. Deadlines have been extended, however. The deadline for existing businesses has been changed to Jan. 1, 2025, from Jan. 1, 2024. Businesses that are created after Jan. 1 will have only 90 days to comply, extended from 30. The cost of not complying could be steep: Penalties can run as high as $10,000. To read more, click here.

Education and Training

Click image to register

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Hillsborough County assists existing and emerging businesses in Hillsborough County, through no-cost confidential business consulting, information, and low-cost training. Appointments available at the GRCC office every Thursday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Education and Training

Next LEAD Program begins in August, 2024

Advancing Today’s Leader’s for Tomorrow’s Business LEAD is designed to help individuals improve their leadership skills, build their network, and advance their careers/businesses. This group is open to GRCC Investor business owners and professionals at all levels from all industries who are passionate about developing their leadership potential.

Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings Jan. 5 - Ebb & Flow Yoga Life Jan. 11 - Rare Bird Art Studio 32

Ribbon Cuttings

Banh Mi Factory Wednesday, November 8

KO Kickboxing Wednesday, November 8 33

Chamber Calendar

December

Happy Holidays! The GRCC Office will be closed from Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 thru Monday, Jan. 1, 2024

Chamber Calendar January

2 4 5 5

5 9 9 11 11

12 12 13 16

InnovateHer 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM GRCC Ambassador Team Meeting 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Ebb & Flow Yoga 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Networking at Noon 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM LEAD Session Five 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM AFTER 5 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Rare Bird Art Studio 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Military Affairs Committee 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Networking at Noon 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Empower Wellness Summit 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Lambda Networking Group 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

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18 19 20 23 24 25 25 26 26 31

Economic Development Committee 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM SBDC Workshop - Starting Your Business 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM Networking at Noon 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Winthrop Pop Up Market 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM GRCC Monthly Luncheon 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM GRCC Investor360 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM Turbo Networking 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Year One Club 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM Networking at Noon 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Young Professionals Association 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

GRCC 2022 Annual Award Winners

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