Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce - Noteworthy - February 2024

FEB. 2024

NOTEWORTHY

An official publication of the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce

From the Chair

CHCC 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

CHCC Staff Ny'Kole "Nykki" Krivda, BSc., MBA-HRM President and Ceo Teri Perkins Director of Branding and Marketing Elizabeth Corn Event Coordinator Sheri D’Avello Director of Member Services

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2024

As the Board Chair of this incredible chamber, it was both an honor and a pleasure to see those of you who attended our Annual Dinner. It was a fabulous celebration of the collective achievements, resilience, and shared vision that make our Chamber a strong and unified business community. I was inspired by the diversity of talent, the depth of expertise, and the passion that characterizes our Chamber.

Each one of you plays a pivotal role in the success of our organization, and together, we have accomplished so much over the past year.

Our accomplishments are not just numbers on a balance sheet or bullet points in a report. They represent the dedication and hard work of individuals who believe in the power of connecting, who strive for excellence, and who are committed to the growth of our business community and Chamber.

I express my deepest gratitude to our members, ambassadors, volunteers, and dedicated staff for their tireless efforts. Your commitment to the Chamber's mission is the driving force behind our success, and it is because of your passion that we continue to thrive.

OEL Heating & Cooling Stay informed of the latest Chamber news and happenings

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Thank You to Our Investing Partners Le

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Corporate Members

Executive Members 3

Directory PAGE GRCC Board of Directors ______________________________________

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GRCC Ambassador Team ______________________________________

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Welcome New Members ______________________________________

9 - 12

Renewing Members ___________________________________________

11 - 15

Signature Events in 2024 _____________________________________

16 - 18

Chamber Connections ________________________________________

19 - 20

Chamber Committees ________________________________________

21 - 23

Chamber Happenings _________________________________________

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In the Know ___________________________________________________

33 - 35

Education and Training ________________________________________

36 - 37

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies ___________________________________

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GRCC Calendars _______________________________________________

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Your Chamber Membership: Expands your network Provides key business resources Supports your professional development Increases your credibility Helps you make business contacts

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Board of Directors

Chair of the Board Tammy See OEL Heating & Cooling

Jim Johnson Board Emeritus

Dave Boyle YMCA Camp Cristina

Gabriel Mbulo Edward Jones

Treasurer Theresa Sharkey Your Pie

Past Chair Michael Broussard The Flying Locksmiths

Ron Akers FruxPay

Annette Bilyeu Spectrum Reach

Joel Brown Tampa Electric

Jeff Campbell

Patrick Downes St. Joseph Hospital South

John Mayhew Mayhew Mediations

Jason Newmyer AdventHealth-Riverview

Bill Short

Elena Westrop Charity Clothing Pickup

Lydansco Business Consulting Strategic Planning & Funding, LLC

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GRCC Ambassador Team

Spectrum Reach

Brittany Petrie Bank OZK

Dawn Myers

Elena Westrop

Annette Bilyeu

Craig Beckinger An ABC Event, Inc.

Myers Law PA

Charity Clothing Pickup

Howell Hunt Ace Hardware

Jill Jofko

Joe Eletto

Joe Nichols

Dave Lechuga Florida Executive Realty

Jen Friedrichsen

Lisa Jordan

T & J Painting, LLC

Riverview Woman's Club

Century 21 Beggins

trax - Credit Union

Accent American, Inc.

Lisa Tackus

Melissa Canfield

Melissa Hartmann

Michael Beiter

Align Right

Grease Monkey

Osprey Observer

Preservation 1st Financial Group

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GRCC Ambassador Team

Paulette Y. Merchant

Mike Jones

Pat Magruder

FL DOE Vocational Rehabilitation

Magruder Agency

Keller Williams South Shore

Renee Scott Insurance

Richard Rohde

Ron Akers

Tammy Dotson

Tammy See

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

OEL Heating & Cooling

R Processor, Inc.

FruxPay

Renee Scott

Tyla Phillip Huntington Learning Center

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GRCC Ambassador Team

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

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Welcome New Members!

A New You Pink Boutique Carol Poole https://www.anewyoupinkboutique.com

Beach Geeks David Isaacson https://www.beachgeeks.com/

Benchmark Painting & Carpentry Matt Mujica http://benchmarkpaintingtampa.com

Good Greek Moving and Storage Savana Garrison http://www.goodgreek.com

Hillsborough Pool Service, LLC Junior Michel http://hillsboroughpoolservice.com

Latitude Ventures JV, LLC Ashley Sarjis http://DAYBREAKMARKETANDFUEL.COM

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Welcome New Members!

Master Marketing Firm Bob Burmaster http://www.mastermarketingfirm.com

Mathnasium of Riverview Becky McDaniels http://www.mathnasium.com/math -centers/riverview

Perspire Sauna Studio Susan Farhat http://www.PerspireSaunaStudio.com

Prival Analytics Keval Patel http://www.PrivalAnalytics.com

Recruiting Services Group Vong Keovongsa http://recruitingservicesgroup.com

Retreat for Heroes Heath Fleener http://www.Retreatforheroes.org 10

Welcome New Members!

Skill Samurai William Steele https://skillsamurai.com/fl-brandon

That 1 Painter Chip Nill https://that1painter.com/location/t hat-1-painter-tampa-bradenton/

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

This is an orientation meeting where we inform our new and potentially new members about all of the great opportunities that exist within the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce and how to get the most out of your membership!

Register

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Welcome New Members!

Next Steps: "I've joined the Chamber. Now what?"

Everyone utilizes their Chamber membership differently. Here are a few suggestions to help you use your Chamber benefits effectively!

Log into your Member Portal Completely fill out your company information. This information is what will be seen by consumers searching our Business Directory, so don’t forget your business hours, directions, and full contact information.

If you are an Enhanced or higher member, be sure to take advantage of uploading photos! This is YOUR ad - make the most of it!

Include your staff in the membership - add them as reps. The Chamber offers a variety of opportunities that will benefit employees throughout your organization.

Attend the next Member360 Meeting To get an in depth look at all of the opportunities available to you as a Chamber Member, attend this important orientation meeting.

Make Connections Consider joining a committee, volunteer, and attend networking meetings, luncheons, and Ribbon Cuttings to become more plugged in.

Use the Chamber’s Marketing Tools Display your business cards in our Chamber display case at the CHCC office. Be sure to keep this supplied so that your cards can be shared with the many visitors at the Chamber office.

Download the CHCC Logo to display on your website, and proudly display your plaque and decal at your place of business.

Utilize the "Hot Deal" feature to share coupons or discounts.

Publish a Press Release with any newsworthy news about your business.

Put your events on the Community Calendar on the website, and let the staff know if you have something important to share on social media.

Stay Informed Like and follow us on Facebook and Linkedin to stay up to date with Chamber and Central Hillsborough County Community News.

Be sure to read the weekly update emailed to you - Week at a Glance - to stay up to date with Chamber news and events.

Watch for the monthly newsletter Noteworthy - for important information, new member recognition, and more!

Questions? Call Sheri at 813-234-5944

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Thank you Renewing Members!

30 Years Resurrection Catholic Church http://www.resurrectioncatholic riverview.com

15 Years AAA - The Auto Club Group (Brandon) http://aaa.com/brandon

24 Years Kazbor's Sports Grille http://www.kazborsgrille.com

13 Years Impact Taekwondo Center, LLC http://www.impacttaekwondocenter. com

20 Years P.F. Auto Glass, Inc. http://www.pfautoglass.com

12 Years Impact Program, Inc. http://www.whatisimpact.com

Trax - Credit Union http://www.traxcu.com

Riverview Woman's Club http://riverviewwomansclub.org

17 Years Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections http://www.votehillsborough.gov

11 Years Troy University http://www.troy.edu

16 Years Fifth Third Bank-Riverview Financial Center http://www.53.com Bank OZK (Riverview) https://www.bankozarks.com/

10 Years Campbell Real Estate, Inc. https://www.facebook.com/campbell commercialrealestate/ 9 Years The Academy at True Sanctuary of Praise, Inc. http://www.tsopacademy.org/home.html

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Thank you Renewing Members!

9 Years

5 Years

Meals On Wheels of Tampa, Inc. http://www.mowtampa.org

3 Cs Catering LLC - Cafe Delanie http://3cscatering.net

8 Years

Bahama Breeze http://www.bahamabreeze.com

Olin Plumbing Inc. http://PlumbersTampa.com 7 Years The Sunrise Group http://www.sunrisegroup.org The Law Office of Sandi D. Milmed, P.A. http://www.milmedlaw.com

Firehouse Subs Riverview http://FirehouseSubs.com The Learning Experience – Rivercrest https://thelearningexperience.com/cen ters/rivercrest/? locationId=381&lead_source_id=74 4 Years

Acropolis Restaurant of Riverview LLC Gran Agave https://acropolistaverna.com/locations https://www.facebook.com/granagav /riverview/ eriverview/ REM Air Conditioning of Tampa 6 Years http://remairconditioning.com Medi Weightloss Clinic Brandon https://www.mediweightloss.com/lo cations/brandon/

3 Years AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC http://www.aafmaatrust.com

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Thank you Renewing Members!

3 Years

2 Years

Edward Jones - Jennifer Easley http://www.edwardjones.com

Workforce Development Partners http://workforcedevelopmentpartners. com/

Metcalf Falls Criminal Defense Attorneys, P.A. https://www.hillsboroughdefense.com Military Family Support http://www.milfamilysupport.org Cypress Creek Assisted Living Residence https://cypresscreekalf.com/ 2 Years Bush Ross, P.A. http://www.bushross.com

1 Year Easterseals Florida http://www.easterseals.com/florida John R. Mayhew - FL Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil & County Civil Mediator http://www.mayhewmediations.com Socially Funded, LLC http://www.sociallyfunded.org

James and Christina Boehm - Dream Vacations Martin Security Services LLC http://www.baycaygetaways.com http://www.martinsecurityservices.com Residence Inn - Tampa Sabal Park / Brandon https://www.marriott.com/enus/hotels/tpasp-residence-inn-tampasabal-park-brandon/overview/ Watermelon Swim Riverview http://www.watermelonswim.com/ 15

Upcoming Signature Events The CHCC 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.

Register

Join us for the CHCC Annual Golf Tournament!

The midway of vendors will be located around the putting green area and the tournament will have an opening celebration with shotgun start.

There will be raffles prizes, tournament prizes, a silent auction, and dinner to round off the event.

Register Join members and guests of the Central Hillsborough County 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.

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Upcoming Signature Events Community members are encouraged to support local CHCC 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!

Each year, the Central Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce rallies the community to present the Teaching to Excellence celebration. The purpose of this event is to warmly welcome the teachers new to the community from local public, private, and charter schools; and also to honor each of these school's Teachers of the Year.

Register Central Hillsborough County 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.

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Upcoming Signature Events Join us for the FIRST annual Trick or Treat Fall Bazaar! There will be a marketplace with over 100 vendors, food trucks, activities for the kids, a HAY RIDE, performers, and more!

Register

Join CHCC 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!

Register

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Chamber Connections Networking groups are open to entire membership and members may attend for free. Visitors may attend twice for free.

You may attend one or all at any time.

AFTER 5 will be held at rotating locations of CHCC restaurant members each month.

Held once a quarter. Watch the Week at a Glance for your next chance to participate!

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Chamber Connections 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 CHCC 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 CHCC members to attend.

Non-members may attend for $25.00 per meeting charge.

Register

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Chamber Committees New Commit tee!

Wed., March 20

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CHCC Conference Room

Register 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 CHCC office at 813-234-5944 or email info@riverviewchamber.com.

Committee Chair - Gabriel Mbulo, Edward Jones

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Chamber Committees Friday, Mar. 8

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

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

Co-Chairs: Joe Eletto, Century 21 Beggins

Richard Rohde, R Processor, Inc.

Are you, or a member of your organization, a military veteran? We want to recognize you! Please click here to submit your information. Each month a military veteran is recognized at the CHCC Monthly Luncheon. We also encourage you to participate in the Military Affairs Committee!

Military Recognition Colonel Vosler was raised in Puyallup, Washington. He graduated from Rogers High School of Puyallup in 1975. He graduated from Washington State University (WSU) and was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers in 1979. He received a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Long Island University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and Florida. COL Vosler received a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2000.

Currently Jim is the Akima Program Manager for the MacDill AFB, Base Operations Support contract. He is responsible for the bed down of the KC-46A Pegasus air refueler. He manages a $20 million annual base maintenance program and a $750 million construction program. Colonel Vosler served as the Director of Strategic Communications, U.S. Central Command stationed at McDill AFB in Tampa, Florida. Prior to this assignment he served as Commander, 555th Combat Engineer Group in support of the 4th Infantry Division in Tikrit, Iraq.

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Chamber Committees Military Recognition (cont’d) His troop and unit assignments include Platoon Leader in the 275th Engineer Company Atomic Demolition Munitions, Ludwigsburg, Germany; Executive Officer, C Company, 9th Engineer Corps Combat Battalion, Aschaffenburg, Germany; Commander, D Company, 9th Engineer Corps Combat Battalion, Aschaffenburg, Germany; Executive Officer, 94th Engineer Combat Heavy Battalion, Vilsek, Germany; Battalion Commander, 35th Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Commander, 555th Combat Engineer Group, Fort Lewis, Washington.

In addition, Colonel Vosler has served as Assistant Professor of Military Science, USMA; Principal Action Officer fielding the Army’s first two divisional engineer brigades, USAREUR; ODCSENGR Crisis action Team Chief during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, USAREUR; and Executive Officer, Defense Mapping Agency, Fairfax, VA. Executive Director of Military Programs at the US Army Corps of Engineers headquarters in Washington, D.C. His awards and decorations include: Defense Distinguished Service medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. Colonel Vosler’s military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Command and General Staff College, and Army War College.

Per Jim’s wife, Kerry, “Jim is also co-founder of the Vosler Young Artists' Studio. He has been a volunteer, youth football coach, and wrestling coach in Heidelberg, Germany and the U.S. while raising our two boys. Jim and I believe in investing time and energy for our youth, both in the Arts and through sports.”

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Chamber Happenings CHCC Hosts Elegant Evening Celebrating Annual Dinner and Awards Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce hosted their exciting Annual Dinner and Awards on Friday, February 2, 2024, at The Regent. This year’s theme was “Masquerade Ball,” an evening of elegance and mystique hosted by The Phantom of the Opera himself, The Honorary Mayor of Riverview, Brian Porter with the Florida Foam Factory, Rock Lobster Silent Disco, and The Gellyball Experience. The Regent was beautifully decorated by Craig Beckinger with ABC Event Planning, including floating candles above the stage, candelabras throughout the darkened room, and black and red draping to create the appearance of an opera house theater, including a backdrop of the Phantom Mask.

The delicious dinner was provided by 3 C’s Catering, including beef tenderloin, balsamic chicken breast, cheese tortellini, roasted asparagus, mushroom risotto, and salad.

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Chamber Happenings The night began with a cocktail hour before dinner was served. Pastor James Blewett of Extraordinary Church Riverview opened the evening with an invocation, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem sung by Joe Zuniga of Zuniga Marketing. Following dinner, the lights dimmed to a mysterious red as fog filtered across the room. The Phantom made his dramatic entrance, working his way through the crowd until ultimately taking his place on the stage as the Master of Ceremonies, thus beginning the award portion of the evening.

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Chamber Happenings The Awards portion of the program began with the announcement of the new name for the Ambassador of the Year Award.

Due to his dedication to the Chamber through the years, and having won the Ambassador of the Year Award six times himself, the Chamber was honored to present the new name for the award - the Joe Eletto Ambassador of the Year Award.

Mr. Eletto was recognized with a standing ovation and called to the stage to present the Award to this year’s recipient. This year’s Ambassador of the Year Award winner was three time recipient, Lisa Jordan of Accent American, a 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.

Last year’s recipient of the Margy Watkins Volunteer of the Year Award, Jill Jofko of the Riverview Woman’s Club, took the stage to present the award to this year’s winner, Daisy Vega of Freedom to Walk Foundation. Freedom to Walk Foundation, Inc., is a foundation who raises money to help cover the expense of a medical device, either the WalkAide or Bioness, which assists individuals who suffer from foot drop due to Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury.

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Chamber Happenings The Shining Star Award was presented by last year’s winner, Tammy Dotson with Time 2 S.H.I.N.E., a Certified Trainer, Coach, Speaker, and Personal Growth Consultant. The winner of the 2023 Shining Star Award was Dave Lechuga, Realtor with Florida Executive Realty. The Shining Star Award is presented to an individual in their first year of membership who exemplifies a dedicated member, quickly becoming involved and representing the Chamber in all aspects.

The Citizen of the Year recipient for 2022, Betty Jo Tompkins, was the presenter for the winner of the of 2023 Citizen of the Year Award. Eleanor Saunders, Executive Director of the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO), was announced as the winner of the Citizen of the Year. Eleanor has a lifetime of humanitarian service. Throughout her entire 18 years in our community, Eleanor’s focus has been on developing and improving the services, systems, and resources for feeding and caring for the homeless in Hillsborough County. From gathering homeless census data by combing the backwoods areas of our county, to developing work programs, and now leading a local nonprofit which offers emergency provisions, she is an amazing leader dedicated to the cause of bettering the individual who finds themselves in a difficult situation.

A final individual award was presented to Michael Broussard of The Flying Locksmiths, as Chamber Champion - an individual who stood out, not just for his accomplishments, but for the profound impact he has had on the entire community and whose dedication and passion have made a permanent mark on our chamber. Board Chair Tammy See accepted the award on his behalf, as Mr. Broussard was unable to attend.

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Chamber Happenings Following the individual award presentations, Melissa Snively with Melissa Snively State Farm, graced the stage and beautifully sang “Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera.

The Business of the Year Awards were presented in the following categories: 1 to 5 Employees, 6 to 19 Employees, and 20+ Employees. The Business of the Year recipient for the 1 to 5 Employees was awarded to Craig Beckinger with ABC Event Planning. ABC Event Planning is a premier event planning company, based in Tampa Bay, Florida, specializes in crafting opulent weddings, themed parties, corporate events, and charitable functions. Craig's exceptional design skills, attention to detail, and unparalleled creativity are the cornerstones of An ABC Event Inc.'s success. With a dedication to transforming visions into reality, Craig and his team bring an elevated level of grandeur and sophistication to each event they curate.

The award was presented to ABC Event Planning by last year’s recipients, Bill and Angie Kagey with IMPACT Program, Inc.

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Chamber Happenings The Business of the Year Award presented to a business with 6 to 19 employees was awarded to Grease Monkey. Grease Monkey is a family owned and operated mechanic shop specializing in brakes, air conditioning, tires and alignments, check engine light diagnostics and oil changes.They offer a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on their repairs, along with tow services and shuttle services to your home or work are available. Within the last 2 years, Grease Monkey has grown quickly from 5 employees to 15 employees at their Ruskin location. Within the next year, they plan to open two more stores and are looking forward to sharing more specifics soon.

This award was presented by last year’s winner, David Lennon with McCullagh & Scott.

The final award of the night, going to the business with 20+ employees, was awarded to Sylvan Learning - Apollo Beach. Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach is an Air Force veteran-owned, locally operated Sylvan Learning Center and is one of over 750 Sylvan Learning locations worldwide. Since establishing in the Hillsborough County community in 2020 and joining the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach has brought Sylvan’s proven tutoring approach of personalized learning to students in our community in grades K though 12 in the subjects of reading, math, writing, test prep, and homework support. Sylvan Learning of Apollo Beach is a supporter of the local community and have been an active participant in the Hillsborough Education Foundation and Vistra Communication yearly initiative, CEOs in School, for three years, as well as has history of involvement in the Greater Brandon Kiwanis Club Terrific Club program, and is also a provider for the Step Up For Students Scholarship Program.

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Chamber Happenings Tammy See, Chair of the Board, presented the award to Sylvan Learning.

The amazing evening ended with the introduction of the Chamber Board of Directors for 2024, including new Board Members Ron Akers, FruxPay; Annette Bilyeu, Spectrum Reach; Joel Brown, TECO; Patrick Downes, St. Joseph Hospital South; and John Mayhew, Mayhew Mediations. The new logo for the rebranded Chamber was revealed with the presentation of the Central Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce.

Winner of the table decorating contest was The Regent, and the winner of the evening’s raffle prize was Joe Eletto of Century 21 Beggins, who graciously donated half of the winnings to Veterans Helping Veterans, and the other half to ECHO. The silent auction winners were also announced, having been presented

by Socially Funded, who donated 30% of the earnings back to the Chamber.

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Chamber Happenings

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Chamber Happenings

The audio visual provider for the event was MJI Media, who covered everything from pictures, to sound, lighting, video, and music.

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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.

Workforce Development Future Fair Hiring Event Apr. 17 and 18 The Regent

Workforce Solutions

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In the Know Florida Chamber of Commerce Unveils 2024 Florida Business Agenda, Outlining Business Community's Legislative Priorities Continuing Florida's Momentum of Lawsuit Abuse Reform, Creating a Consistent Regulatory Environment and Advancing Education & Workforce Readiness Among Top Opportunities TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 10, 2024)— Today, the Florida Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2024 Florida Business Agenda during the 2024 Florida Chamber Legislative Fly-In, highlighting where it stands on key business priorities for the legislative session. The Florida Chamber’s annual Where We Stand business agenda outlines key issues facing Florida’s job creators and impacting Florida’s competitiveness, along with policy recommendations to keep moving Florida in the right direction.

“The world is watching Florida’s economy and the Florida Chamber is laser focused on making sure the right things continue to happen in Florida,” said Keith Koenig, Chairman of CITY Furniture and Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

“Free enterprise isn’t free,” said Florida Chamber President & CEO Mark Wilson. “The Florida Chamber fights every day in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C., to solve issues that impact local businesses and Florida’scompetitiveness, and the legislative priorities of the Florida Business Agenda will help grow private sector jobs, diversify our economy, and create additional economic opportunities for all Floridians.”

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In the Know The Florida Business Agenda is the Florida Chamber’s policy framework, developed

by Florida’s job creators, representing businesses of all sizes, from Pensacola to Key West, and across all economic sectors and industries in Florida. If Florida were a country, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world. The Florida Chamber is at the forefront advocating for the policies necessary to continue growing Florida to the 10th largest global economy by 2030, a position currently held by Italy.

The Florida Chamber’s 2024 Florida Business Agenda is grounded on the Florida 2030 Blueprint and its Six Pillars Framework, with policy recommendations that will advance the 2030 mission and achieve the 39 goals around improving Florida’s talent pipeline, creating high-wage jobs by diversifying Florida’s economy, preparing Florida’s infrastructure for smart growth and development, building the perfect climate for business, making government and civics more efficient and effective, and championing Florida’s unique quality of life.

The following are a few top priorities the Florida Chamber will be fighting for this legislative session: Continuing recent lawsuit abuse reform efforts to improve Florida’s bottom-five legal climate; Eliminating or reducing taxes where Florida businesses are at a competitive disadvantage, such as the Florida-only Business Rent Tax; Developing Florida’s long-term workforce pipeline by enhancing opportunities from cradle to career; Creating a consistent regulatory and operating environment across Florida’s 411 municipalities and 67 counties; and Pushing forward-thinking and science-driven infrastructure investments and policy.

The business community’s 2024 Jobs & Competitiveness Agenda can be found HERE. As we work to grow Florida to the 10th largest global economy by 2030, the Florida Chamber is uniting Florida’s job creators for good, fighting for economic opportunities for all and advocating for policies to increase private-sector jobs. As we move forward with our legislative priorities, we look forward to working with Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, and House Speaker Paul Renner to ensure the right things keep happening in Florida.

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Education and Training

The Nonprofit Leadership Roundtable is the premier monthly meeting for nonprofits in Hillsborough County.

Register

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.

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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.

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Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings Feb. 22 - The Sunrise Group Feb. 29 - All American Title Mar. 14 - Mathnasium of Riverview 38

Ribbon Cuttings

Rare Bird Art Studio Thursday, January 11

The GOAT Plumbing Company Monday, January 22

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Chamber Calendar

March

1

Ambassador Team Meeting 26 Monthly Member Luncheon 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 1 Networking@ Noon 27 Young Professionals Association 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 5 InnovateHER 28 RISE Networking Group 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 7 RISE Networking Group 29 Year One Club 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8 Military Affairs Committee 29 Networking@Noon 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 8 Networking@Noon 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 12 After 5 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 14 RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 14 Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Mathnasium 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM 15 Networking@Noon 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 16 Nonprofit Showcase 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 19 LEAD Session Seven 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 19 Lambda Networking Group 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 20 Economic Development Committee 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 21 RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 22 Networking@Noon 12:00 PM - 1:30 pm

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Chamber Calendar

April

2

InnovateHER 25 Turbo Networking 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM 4 RISE Networking Group 26 Year One Club 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 5 Ambassador Team Meeting 26 Networking@Noon 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 5 Networking@Noon 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 9 LEAD Session Eight 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 9 After 5 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 11 RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 12 Networking@Noon 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 16 Lambda Networking Group 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 17 Economic Development Committee 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 18 RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 19 Advisory Council 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 19 Networking@Noon 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 20 Annual Golf Tournament 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM 23 Monthly Member Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 24 Young Professionals Association 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 25 RISE Networking Group 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

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Congratulations!

Business of the Year Business of the Year

Business of the Year

Michael Broussard

Chamber Champion

Congratulations 2023 Businesses of the Year and Individual Award Winners!