Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce - Noteworthy March 2023

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

Teri Perkins

Tracy Wilson Engagement Specialist

Madison Howard Financial Administrator

Valerie McDonald Events Coordinator

Elizabeth Corn

ive group of volunteers

etween the Chamber

This special team of ne receives the r investment.

Ambassadors work for the Chamber, believe in the Chamber's mission, support their community, and provide assistance for many of the Chamber's activities and events. Ambassadors help members by facilitating member-to-member communication, supporting and encouraging member involvement, and enhancing the business community’s familiarity and knowledge of the organization and resources we provide. One such exclusive opportunity to interact with new businesses and build a trusted relationship with New Member Investors is by participating in the Investor360 orientation program.

Ambassadors have an opportunity to not only represent and promote the Chamber to new members, but to connect and engage with other members, local elected officials, and key business stakeholders, while also enjoying the rewards of greater visibility for their business by promoting their own business at various Chamber events.

Debbie Kirkland Director of Investor Relations

Administrative Services Manager

7 GREAT BENEFITS

·The opportunity to make valuable contacts with business leaders throughout the Greater Riverview area.

·Recognition at Chamber events, Board meetings and in Chamber publications.

·Networking opportunities with representatives from a wide variety of businesses and organizations.

·Recognition among peers as a community leader, both individually and for the business or organization you represent.

·An opportunity to work “behind the scenes” on behalf of the Chamber at important events and activities that define the future of the Greater Riverview area.

·Learning more about the growth and development of the Greater Riverview area.

·Personal satisfaction, plus the opportunity to meet new people and make new connections and friends.

Ambassador Requirements:

·Annual Ambassador Committee application.

·The term of an Ambassador is one calendar year from January to December.

·Your firm or business must be a Chamber member and in good standing.

Ambassador Events & Occasions:

·Ambassador Orientation

·Monthly Prescheduled Meetings

·Scheduled Monthly Luncheon and Networking Events

·Ribbon Cuttings

I personally recommend the Ambassador Program to others as this is where I began my involvement with the Chamber just a few years ago. This has proven to be a valuable method to not only grow my own business, but a manner in which to get involved with the community. Ambassadors perform a wide variety of duties in the Chamber, while ensuring Chamber events are successful and enjoyable for everyone. If you are looking to make contacts and connections while networking and growing your business, call me…I will gladly introduce you to some of the most amazing people in the community!

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

Jeff Campbell Lydansco Business Consulting Strategic Planning & Funding, LLC

Nikki Foster The Mosaic Company

Gabriel Mbulo Edward Jones

Kristi McCart McCart & Tesmer, P.A.

Phil Minden St. Joseph's Hospital-South

Dawn Myers Myers Law PA

Jason Newmyer AdventHealth-Riverview

Bill Short

Elena Westrop Charity Clothing Pickup

GRCC Ambassador Team

Chris Nelson LegalShieldChristina Nelson

Cora Simon

Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

Craig Beckinger An ABC Event, Inc.

Chris Cioffi All American Title Insurance, Inc.

Annette Bilyeu Spectrum Business

Dawn Myers Myers Law PA

Elena Westrop Charity Clothing Pickup

Jen Friedrichsen T & J Painting, LLC

Jenn King Rodan + Fields

Jennifer Montgomery RYT IT Solutions

Jill Jofko Riverview Woman's Club

Joe Eletto Century 21 Beggins

GRCC Ambassador Team

Paulette Y. Merchant Keller Williams South Shore

Joe Nichols trax - Credit Union

Renee Scott

Renee Scott Insurance

Lisa Jordan Accent American, Inc.

Lisa Tackus Align Right Realty Riverview

Melissa Hartmann Osprey Observer

Melissa Roberts Woodie's Wash Shack

Michael Beiter Preservation 1st Financial Group

Mike Jones FL DOE Vocational Rehabilitation

Pat Magruder Magruder Agency

Melissa Canfield Grease Monkey

Richard Rohde R Processor, Inc.

GRCC Ambassador Team

Time

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 Debbie today at (813) 234-5944 / Debbie@RiverviewChamber.com

Tammy Dotson

2

Consulting

Tammy See OEL Heating & Cooling

Ron Akers FruxPay

GRCC Ambassador Life

"A Chamber Ambassador gets to meet business owners on one of their happiest days! What better way to get to know these community investors?"

- Chris Nelson, LegalShield - GRCC Ambassador

"If they are looking to be more involved, have a voice for change and improvements, and enjoy like minded business partners, being an Ambassador is a great place to be."

- Lisa Tackus, Align Right Realty - GRCC Ambassador

"I enjoy the monthly luncheons especially with the randomized seating. Each month I get to meet and sit with new people and it forces you to get out of the comfort zone and converse!"

Tammy Dotson, Time 2 S.H.I.N.E. ConsultingGRCC Ambassador

"I have enjoyed working with other veterans through our MAC. I believe giving to the chamber allows me to gain relationships that I might never form otherwise."

Rich Rohde, R Processor - GRCC Ambassador

GRCC Ambassador Life

"Well, oddly enough, the Tampa tribune had me join in 2004 and I fell in love with the camaraderie, fun and fellowship. It’s my family time and I love this group!"

Annette Bilyeu, Spectrum - GRCC Ambassador

"My company has gotten several great pieces of business from the newsletter inserts. Also, being a table host at the luncheon every month has made it possible for me to meet many new business owners in the area." - Lisa Jordan, Accent American - GRCC Ambassador

"WE ROCK! We have a great time, we build relationships within the community at a deeper level because we are ambassadors." Melissa Roberts, Woodie's Wash Shack - GRCC Ambassador

ThankYou!

Aberdeen Insurance Agency, LLC

Deborah Steward

debsteward867@gmail.com

Dancing for Joy

April Curcio

Dancingforjoy1.com

Donnie Carver - Aflac

Donald CarverJR@us.aflac.com

"During my first 6 months in business, I decided to have a Ribbon Cutting through the Chamber. It was well attended and the Chamber submitted a press release after the event. Soon after the event, it was highlighted in the Tampa Bay Times. It provided exposure in a way I couldn’t have imagined."

Renee Scott, Renee Scott Insurance Agency - GRCC Ambassador

Welcome New Investors!

Nadere Johnson

naderephoto.com

Operation International

Nadere Johnson

oigiftofknowledge.org

Jon Starry

steadfastroofingfl.com

"As an Ambassador Team member we have the privilege of hearing about plans and events coming up as well as opportunities we may not otherwise be privy to, such as ribbon cuttings and grand openings. These events are really the "hidden gem" of the GRCC. The Ambassador Team has an opportunity to meet with the owner of companies that may not meet otherwise at ribbon cuttings. Being an Ambassador has helped Grease Monkey, a relatively new member, become more visible in the community this last year and we find our experience with GRCC, and particularly the Ambassador Team, to be outstanding!"

Melissa Canfield, Grease Monkey - GRCC Ambassador

Gift of Knowledge

Welcome New Investors!

Taylor Insurance Services

Thomas Dorywalski

taylorinsuranceservices.com

Town Haul

Mike Gari

lwrtownhaul@gmail.com

UPS Store #7605

Janvi Patel

theupsstore.com/7605

"I became an Ambassador for the Chamber because I wanted other small business owners to know that they are not alone in the struggles that come with having and growing a successful business. I also like showing them the resources available to them through the Chamber."

Paulette Merchant, Realtor Keller Williams South Shore - GRCC Ambassador

Are you getting the most of your Chamber membership? Get involved!

Chamber Happenings

Chamber hosts February Monthly Investor Meeting Luncheon

The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce (GRCC) hosted their Monthly Investor Meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at the beautiful Winthrop Barn Theatre in Riverview. The month's meeting was sponsored by Tampa Electric Company (TECO).

Following the invocation by Bill Kagey, Impact Program, Jill Jofko, President of the Riverview Woman's Club, presented the military recognition of Jerwin Rosal, Logistics Specialist First Class Petty Officer. 2023 GRCC Chair of the Board, Tammy See, OEL Heating & Cooling, then opened the meeting with a welcome, followed by recognition of the 43 renewing members, and a wonderful welcome to the 11 new members who have joined GRCC!

JW Wyche of TECO greeted the crowd on behalf of the sponsor, followed by the introduction of the 2022 Business of the Year award winners. Kevin Dorsey of SCORE interviewed the winners, including Dave Boyle, YMCA Camp Cristina; Becky Cherry, McCullagh & Scott; and Bill and Angie Kagey, Impact Program.

Providing the fabulous meal for the luncheon was 3 C's Catering. Photographs by Gerardo Luna Photographs.

Save the Date!

Join us as early as 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 1, 2023 for the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce 29th Annual Golf Tournament at Summerfield Crossings Golf Club in Riverview! The midway of vendors, including food samples, located around the putting green area will be open from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM.

The Bryan Hindman Electric Ball Drop will take place at 12:30 PM. After the Ball Drop, the tournament will have an opening celebration with shotgun start at 1:00 PM.

To purchase your chance to win BIG with the Bryan Hindman Electric Ball Drop or to purchase a Wagon of Cheer raffle ticket, visit the Golf Tournament Table at the March Luncheon or the Golf Tournament Registration Page!

Thank you Renewing Investors!

LegacyInvestors

28Years

Summerfield Crossings Golf Club

26Years

Serenity Meadows

24Years

HCA Florida Brandon Hospital

South State Bank (Riverview)

23Years

Kazbor's Sports Grille

20Years

Maranda Insurance Agency

19Years

P.F. Auto Glass, Inc.

trax - Credit Union

17Years

Brown Comfort Systems, LLC

15Years

Hilton Garden Inn

Tampa/Riverview/Brandon

14Years

ECHO - Emergency Care Help Organization

Southbay Periodontics & Implantology

12Years

Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA)

11Years

Impact Program, Inc.

10Years

Troy University

RenewingInvestors

9Years

Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon

Simply Travel Tax Happens, LLC

8Years

Raulerson Castillo and Company CPAs and Consultants, LLC

The Academy at True Sanctuary of Praise, Inc.

Verify Network, LLC

Thank you Renewing Investors!

RenewingInvestors

7Years

An ABC Event, Inc.

6Years

Doogie Entertainment

Dowd Law

Gran Agave

5Years

Jenny Edwards, PLLC - Pediatric Dentist

4Years

3 C's Catering LLC - Cafe Delanie

E&L Construction Group, Inc.

Firehouse Subs Riverview

Zuniga Marketing, Inc.

3Years

Children's Health Center, Inc.

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

REM Air Conditioning of Tampa

Veterans Council of Hillsborough County

2Years

Cypress Creek Assisted Living Residence

Eggs Up Grill

1Year

Ace Hardware

Diane Cusack

EM Surface Care

Martin Security Services, LLC

Military Family Support Trust

Pure Romance Parties by Trish, LLC

Recovering Benjamins

Joe Eletto with Century 21 Beggins joined the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce in 2009. Joe has dedicated many years of service to the Chamber and community, serving on the Board of Directors from 20092015, serving as Chair of the Board in 2014, and winning Ambassador of the Year SIX times! Currently, Joe continues to serve on the Ambassador Team, and is Co-Chair of the GRCC Military Affairs Committee.

As a licensed real estate agent, Joe is backed by one of the largest and experienced selling teams in the area. He has been in real estate since 2006 and has proven to be trustworthy and responsive to the needs of his clients. Joe believes in great customer service and answering calls within 10 minutes. He specializes in waterfront, residential homes, and new hom sales.

Donald Pearson, President of Pearson Capital, Inc., joined the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce in 2009. The company is a unique, highly successful, private money management firm specializing in creating fully diversified and individualized investment portfolios for its clients.

Pearson Capital's investment views and opinions are published in prominent investment publications, and their portfolio management approach has been compared by Bull & Bear Financial Report with Warren Buffett's, Peter Lynch's, and John Templeton's investment philosophy. Pearson Capital's financial advisors have built a reputation based on unique, trustworthy techniques developed to help customers invest and manage

Non-Profit Spotlight

American Legion Post #148 joined the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce in 1995. The American Legion Post #148 is a non-profit organization who has been welcoming Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces since 1946. The mission of American Legion Post #148 is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families embodied in their preamble.

As members of the Riverview and surrounding communities, the volunteer members work together with elected and appointed officials, law enforcement officers, as well as teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators from our local schools to promote activities that benefit our communities.

www.americanlegionalafiapost148.org

Angel Foundation FL joined the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce in 2012. The Mission of the Angel Foundation is to partner with businesses and individuals to be a caring resource for families in our community experiencing temporary crisis due to a life-threatening illness or catastrophic event.

Their program matches families with local businesses and individuals with available resources to help meet practical needs. The foundation will also provide financial support for families in temporary crisis to ensure they stay on the road to self-sufficiency. In addition, the Angel Foundation FL works with charitable organizations in Hillsborough County that provide a variety of resources to meet the needs of the community.

www.angelfoundationfl.com

Education and Training

Mar. 14 - SBDC WorkshopOnline Marketing - Fall in Love with Digital Marketing

Mar. 22 - SBDC Workshop - Starting Your Business - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

March 25 - Service Academy Fair

2023 - Office of Congressman

Vern Buchanan

April 3 - Florida Workforce Needs Study 2.0: Tampa Bay Employer Focus Groups

Education and Training

April 12 - Workers Compensation

Webinar for Employers

April 13 - Workplace Safety Topics

Webinar - Presented by OSHA

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.

Five Great Lessons from Customer Service Mistakes

A cruise ship captain once said, “There’s always a weird person at your dinner table. If you’re sitting with several couples and you can’t figure out who the weird one is, chances are it’s you.” The same can be true of customer service. Every business is convinced they offer stellar service, but if you can’t think of a company in your area that offers bad service, it might be you.

It’s statistically impossible not to mention an abuse of a superlative for every business to offer “the best” service. One is better than the other. We aren’t all 5-stars all the time. But that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from the experience.

5 Great Lessons from Bad Service

If you’ve recently received some bad reviews or customer service complaints, here’s how you can learn from them.

Listen and respond. Most people will give a business another chance if they feel heard and if something was done to remedy the situation. The remedy may be offering a free service, discount, coupon, or other incentive to try your business again. A florist that missed a delivery deadline for a special occasion and failed to communicate the error, credited the customer 125% of the order. Guess what that customer did? They gave the florist a second chance. This time their delivery and product were flawless. Mistakes happen. Most people understand that.

Under promise and over deliver. It’s always good practice to build in a buffer of time (or cost) on a project or delivery. The customer will be pleasantly surprised when it takes less time (or money) than expected. A doctor’s office admin shared that they tell everyone a specific series of testing will take three hours, but it usually only takes two and a half, although it can take three. She said that way everyone is pleasantly

In The Know

surprised and not upset. When they used to tell patients two and a half hours, any minute over that meant angry patients yelling at their staff. Now everyone is prepared and expects three, so if it takes less than that, they’re thrilled.

Turn a complaint or bad experience into an FAQ on your website. FAQs are a great way to help people get the info they are most curious about, not to mention bring some good SEO your way with a page that ranks highly in important keywords. When you have a misunderstanding with a customer on a process, procedure, sale, or return, ask yourself if other customers could benefit from that understanding. If so, add an FAQ about it.

Set a tickler and make a new friend/loyal customer. If you have an incident of lackluster customer service, follow up with them before it is resolved, once it is resolved, and a few days or weeks after it’s resolved. This kind of attention will make your customer feel like you care. It may also be a good reminder to order/buy from you again. Some businesses create a special email campaign to earn trust back again. In the email campaign, they look to reengage the customer. A handwritten note checking in can also be very effective.

Be preemptive. Reaching out after someone uses your services can be an effective way to make an impression. A pet boarder sends an email to every pet who stays with them, thanking them for vacationing there and reminding the pet parent to let them know if they have any questions or concerns. It’s a nice touch and makes pet parents feel like the business cares. This can quell any concerns they may have over the stay and places a friendly face on the service.

Disappointing experiences don’t have to be the end of the customer relationship. There are many ways to salvage the relationship and help reestablish trust.

Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Monday, March 20 - Duck Donuts

Tuesday, March 21 - Healthcare Solutions Team

Thursday, March 23 - Twin Creeks Assisted Living and Memory Care

Monday, March 27 - Riverview Smiles Dentistry

Ribbon Cuttings

Wednesday, Feb. 8

Thursday, Feb. 9

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Thursday, Feb. 16

Tricolor Flooring

Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics

Campo Family YMCA

Riverview Friends of the Library

Ribbon Cuttings

Board and Brush Apollo Beach

Friday, Feb. 17

Dancing for Joy - South Riverview

Saturday, Feb. 18

FruxPay

Thursday, Feb. 23

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

10 Military Affairs Committee Meeting (MAC)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

10 2023 Golf Tournament Committee Planning Meeting

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 14 TCOB Tuesday

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 16 Taking Care of Business

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 23 Ribbon Cutting for Twin Creeks Assisted Living and Memory Care

Chamber Calendar

1 29th Annual GRCC Golf Tournament

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

6 Taking Care of Business

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM 11 TCOB Tuesday

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

13 Taking Care of Business

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

April

14 2023 Golf Tournament Committee Meeting

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

19 SBDC Workshop - Starting Your Business

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

20 TCOB - FIELD TRIP to Southshore Charter Academy

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

25 GRCC Monthly Investor Meeting Luncheon 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 26 TCOB Committee Meeting

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 27 Taking Care of Business

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM