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CONNECT
PROMOTE
SUPPORT
STEPPING FORWARD TOGETHER PAGES 6 & 7
MEMBER NEWS
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CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARDS HONOREES
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THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS
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THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
APRIL 2020
SARASOTACHAMBER.COM
Save the Date FROM THE CEO’S CORNER
PRESIDENT’S C O L U M N : H E AT H E R KASTEN Our members and the wellbeing of our member businesses is our top priority. These are truly unprecedented times, and your Chamber is committed to being a resource to your business related needs as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Our primary role will be to provide access to resources you may need during this time when normal business operations are being adversely impacted. Like you, we are making operational changes to ensure the safety of our staff. We are innovating and creatively developing ways to continue to connect, promote, and support our members this year. Right Connections - The Chamber will always be in the business of connecting our members. Until it is safe to resume in-person networking and events, we are utilizing digital communications to connect members to the resources and support that they need to run their companies. Right Climate - Just as we always have, our staff, CareerEdge, our Board of Directors and the Government Issues Council are working at the city, county, state and federal levels-placing a stake in the ground for the needs of the business community. 2
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We are supporting initiatives that will help the Sarasota economy and our businesses during this time. This year, our team at the Chamber has been meeting with on average 75+ companies per month to learn about their true needs. When we are able to, we will resume meeting with members to understand where our Chamber resources need to be channelled, and in the meantime, we will be working to listen to members’ needs as they evolve. Right Talent - Our workforce initiative, CareerEdge, assisted over 500 individuals on building their skillsets and wages. Our team is working with city and county officials to determine what the workforce needs will be in the immediate future. In the past, we have provided internships and training to companies across the region to make sure we have the right balance of superior educational resources and practical training programs that ensure employers in Sarasota can access skilled workers at all levels. We will also continue to grow leaders through our inspiring Leadership Sarasota Program and Young Professional’s Group, giving those under 40 reasons to want to stay here in Sarasota by creating a social fabric of education and experiences that create a vibrant community for young professionals. Right Life - Our community is stronger together. We have a world-class, robust business community made up of incredible community leaders. Together we can adapt, innovate, and build towards success.
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosts the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards to recognize the leading organizations that are writing the next chapter of Sarasota’s legacy. To better serve and recognize the vast and diverse business community in our area, we are introducing new award categories this year. The seven awards categories are:
Small Business of the Year Medium Business of the Year Large Business of the Year Community Impact Award Non-Profit of the Year Award Rising Star Award Workforce Innovation Award Judges will select three finalists in each category, who will be honored at our awards luncheon on Friday, June 19 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The category winners will be announced LIVE at the event. The 2020 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards are presented by the Herald-Tribune Media Group.
HEATHER KASTEN CEO/PRESIDENT
APRIL 2020 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS #IamSarasotaChamber ”From the moment I decided to open my small business in Sarasota I
knew the Chamber would be an important part of connecting with the community. It has proven to be much more than that - they have become part of my extended family.”
- Kelly Erdmann, Nothing Bundt Cakes
“I’m a newer member of the Sarasota Chamber and am most impressed with the well-attended events. From Engage Sarasota,
learning about the community in which we serve, breakfast learning sessions, Power Hour luncheons, hosting a booth at the Spring Showcase, or being the Bowling Tournament Sponsor, the Chamber offers critical visibility that my business needs. Achieva Credit Union serves its members who serve this community and the Sarasota Chamber helps make that happen. A huge kudos to the Chamber team for their continued professionalism whenever I have a question (and I have a bunch) on how to get my business noticed in Sarasota.” - Janet Hazuda, Achieva Credit Union
Want to Save Your Company Money? Employers save approximately $6,112 annually in excess costs for each employee who quits smoking.
Gulfcoast South AHEC can help! Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center offers free cessation programs—sponsored by Tobacco Free Florida—that are available for your business and your employees. Offering cessation classes communicates your organization’s commitment to a tobacco-free workplace and improving the health of your employees. Gulfcoast South AHEC is able to provide a seminar about quitting tobacco at your business location and equip your employees with free nicotine replacement therapy in the form of patches, gum and/or lozenge. Certificates of completion are also provided that could qualify your company for reduced insurance rates.
Contact Gulfcoast South AHEC today to schedule your seminar or learn more about the program!
(941) 361-6602 | www.gsahec.org
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
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World-renowned futurist, David Houle, spoke on the Future of Business in the 2020s.
Houle emphasized the importance of continuous learning, innovation and growth amidst change.
Over 50 members exhibted at this year’s Sarasota Spring Showcase event, presented by Comcast Business.
This event is a great opportunity for member businesses to showcase their products and services and make connections with prospective customers.
Attendees enjoyed food from five Chamber member restaurants, music, and a raffle drawing for two free Allegiant Air tickets!
Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Supplement Plans Short Term Health Insurance Vision/Dental Plans Critical Illness Plans
❝It’s about the relationship, not the policy. ❞
EVENT PHOTOS
ANNUAL CHAMBER BREAKFAST SPRING SHOWCASE
Over 500 attendees gathered at the 2020 Annual Chamber Breakfast, presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP.
The Shumaker Chamber University event series, presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP covers a range of topics of impact, and is a great educational opportunity for members.
Your Chamber is proud to continue to work with the Baltimore Orioles, who are celebrating their 10th Anniversary in Sarasota this year!
Jeffrey Weiss, Licensed Insurance Agent
941-504-4892
suncoasthealthinsurance.com 4
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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
C H A M B E R S TA F F Heather Kasten President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050
CLICK HERE A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Brittany Lamont Vice President blamont@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040
Attendees enjoyed food from five Chamber member restaurants, music, and a raffle drawing for two free Allegiant Air tickets!
Mireya Eavey Executive Vice President of CareerEdge and Education Initiatives meavey@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045 Caitlin Bolton Communications Coordinator cbolton@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4046
VIRTUAL EVENTS Join us at our NEW virtual events. These events are an added value to your Chamber membership and are complimentary. Virtual events wil be held on Zoom; a specific Zoom event link will be sent to registered attendees 24 hours prior to the event. For more information, visit sarasotachamber.com.
Shauna Donahue CareerEdge Program Manager sdonahue@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038
CEO & JOE
John Hecker Membership Investment Representative jhecker@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029
Friday, April 10 With Heather Kasten, Sarasota Chamber President/CEO and Guest David Bullock,
Phyllis Kemp Executive Assistant pkemp@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051
SHUMAKER CHAMBER UNIVERSITY
Craig McGonigal Membership Engagement Manager cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034
Thursday, April 9 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. How to create an EXTRAordinary connection with your customers from a distance Speaker: Jaime Marco
Kelly Monti Events Coordinator kmonti@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035
Interim CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. Click here to register.
Thursday, April 16 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Well Being with Intention: Giving Attention to the Things that Matter Most Speaker: Kristi Hoskinson
Click here to register.
THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS
Sara Rachon Programs Manager srachon@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039
SERVING OUR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce works to cultivate Sarasota’s prosperity and quality of life through our member businesses. P: (941) 955-8187 | F: (941) 366-5621 MAGAZINE DESIGN BY CAITLIN BOLTON, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
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STEPPING FORWARD TOGETHER: COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES Your Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is diligently working to unite the business community, because we understand that we are stronger together and that, by creating new economic opportunities, we are building private-sector job growth. A key resource that we provide at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is being a source of reliable, relevant, and impactful information for our members. Here at the Chamber we not only see knowledge as power, but also as a precursor for collaboration. With over 1,200 members
representing a diverse array of industries, organization types and sizes, we understand that each organization has a set of unique needs and goals. However, there are also sets of common needs and goals that underpin our business community, and these commonalities are powerful platforms for collaboration and, ultimately, success. Connection is at the heart of what we do here at the Sarasota Chamber. This not only applies to providing opportunities for our members to connect, but it also means seeking out connection
opportunities on an organizational level. Partnerships and collaborations with other organizations on policy work and events maximizes and enriches the positive impact on our community. According to projections from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida’s economy has the potential to grow to be larger than the economies of Russia, Mexico and Spain. Unity across our business community will only enhance our region’s propserity and legacy.
Resources We understand that many of our members are being impacted by COVID-19, and we will continue to provide updated information and resources to help our members as much as possible. Click on the individual headings below to access more information.
Business Damage Assessment Survey - This survey evaluates businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the overall impact to our local economy. Businesses and nonprofits can complete this survey.
CARES Act - In relation to small business lending, this bill includes sections on loan forgiveness grants, SBA emergency grants, and existing SBA loans payment assistance.
JobFocus.com - Your Chamber has partnered with other business organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties to connect displaced workers with employers who need to fill staffing demands through JobFocus.com.
Florida Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Resource Page - This page has a range of business information and resources, including information on the Essential Services and Activities Executive Order that includes the Safer at Home provisions, as well as economic aid information.
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan (EBL) Program - This program provides short-term, interest-free loans to businesses impacted by COVID-19.
U.S. SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) - Impacted businesses, small agri-
cultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations may apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program.
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REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY - MAKING IT HAPPEN The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has been hard at work partnering across the region with local fellow business organizations. Uniting the business community creates new economic opportunities and opens the door to new connections and resources. Creating a platform for new connections and relationships for our businesses is the heart of what we do at the Chamber. Recently we partnered with the following organizations, see the details of what these partnerships looked like below: Florida Chamber of Commerce, The Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, Sarasota Magazine, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Later this year, we will be partnering with the following organizations: Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County Government, and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Construction Career Rodeo
JDX Job Pilot In 2019, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce selected CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the Chamber’s workforce initiative, along with partners PGT Innovations and Four Winds Network Services to begin utilizing open data tools and resources to make manufacturing job information clearer and more accessible for education providers, the local workforce and employers. This national pilot program utilized strategic regional partnerships to test out new technology for innovating the way that job information and training is communicated and executed in the future.
The Construction Career Rodeo introduces young people to careers in construction and trades. For the past four years, about 400 high school students from across Manatee and Sarasota counties have participated in this hands-on, educational event. Held either at Manatee Technical College or Suncoast Technical College, over 30 businesses provide booths and activities for students, giving them an opportunity to explore a trade that sparks their interest and laying the foundation for future internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
GeneroCITY Sarasota Magazine’s fourth annual GeneroCITY event at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium brought more than 60 nonprofits together. In addition to a nonprofit expo, the event also featured two panel discussions: “Navigating Philanthropy in Sarasota-Manatee” and “Giving Back and Getting Involved: A Panel for Young Professionals,” which Young Professionals Group (YPG) Community Chair, Chelsa Vahtomin, served on. The scope of collaboration in this event created a valuable opportunity for attendees.
Florida Institute for Political Leadership The Florida Institute for Political Leadership is a nonpartisan initiative of the Florida Chamber of Commerce that aims to recruit, guide, train and connect the next generation of public leaders before they formally choose to run for an office or seek an appointment to a government board or commission. The initiative involves raising awareness on the leadership and elected office opportunities that are available, a workshop focused on the planning required to run for public office, and a one-day campaign training program. The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Campaign School one-day training program at the Chamber Boardroom on Wednesday, May 20. Participants in this initiative will have the opportunity to create powerful connections and learn about political and civic leadership based on a nonpartisan, unbiased curriculum developed by regional business leaders.
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
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3 Pepper Burrito Co. 14 N. Lemon Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236
Bohemios Wine and Beer Tapas Bar 3246 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34231
City of Sarasota Parks & Recreation District 1445 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236
Curaleaf 1435 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239
DOGPerfect - The Landings 4820 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34231
FSBOHOMES.COM 4039 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233
Holiday Inn Express & Suites 5730 Gantt Road Sarasota, FL 34233
Kurtos Chimney Cake 1383 McAnsh Square Sarasota, FL 34236
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 6750 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34240
Robert Toale and Sons 170 Honore Avenue Sarasota, FL 34232
Sears Outlet 8333 Lockwood Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34243
Shore Thing Storage 7140 15th Street E. Sarasota, FL 34243
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MEMBER NEWS ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK received $108,000 in grants in support of nutrition education, the DeSoto Food and Resource Center and children and family programs.
Crews Bank and Trust 15 S. Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34207
The CHARLES & MARGERY BARANCIK FOUNDATION Board approved $4.9 million in grant funding, continuing its focus on mental health, education, and creating intergenerational cycles of opportunity for families. The CITY OF SARASOTA has officially recognized The Limelight District, an area which consists of businesses north of Fruitville down Lime Avenue through 12th Street. Included near the Limelight District is THE BAZAAR ON APRICOT & LIME, JDUB’S BREWERY, MUSIC COMPOUND, ED SMITH STADIUM, JON F. SWIFT CONSTRUCTION and SPEED PRO IMAGING. Greg Carlson, CEO of LEE WETHERINGTON HOMES, LLC was recognized by the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association (MSBIA) as the “Builder of the Year.”
Halliday Financial 1577 Fruitiville Road Sarasota, FL 34236
THE JOHN & MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART opened a new Community Gallery, which will be housed on the first floor of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, will provide an exhibition space to display work created by members of the community. LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER took a leap into the future with the installation of the 7D Surgical System for spinal and cranial procedures. SARASOTA YACHT CLUB was selected as a Platinum Club of the world, one of only 50 yacht clubs in the world to earn the distinction from the esteemed Club Leaders Forum.
Manatee Senior Care 2970 University Parkway, #105 Sarasota, FL 34243
SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT passenger traffic set an all-time record for one month in the history of the airport with 225,655 passengers traveling through the airport in January 2020. SIDELINE BARBERSHOP is now open in Sarasota. For every client receiving grooming services $0.50 will be donated to Sarasota and Riverview high school’s athletic program.
Sideline Barber Shop 4141 S. Tamiami Trail #4 Sarasota, FL 34231
WILLIAM G. AND MARIE SELBY FOUNDATION awards BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY $250,000 for Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club expansion in Arcadia.
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L E A D E R S H I P S A R A S O TA C O U N T Y ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ELIZABETH STAMOULIS Hometown: Originally Hazlet, NJ Currently Venice, FL Company: Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen Title: Partner - Intellectual Property and Corporate Law Leadership Class Year: 2017 How do you stay connected with area professionals? Mostly through the Chamber of Commerce. I have served as legal counsel to the Chamber’s Board of Directors for the past few years, I serve on the Chamber’s Leadership Sarasota Alumni Committee, and I attend many of the Chamber’s events. I think the Chamber is a great way to meet and maintain relationships with other professionals. What was the most impactful part of the Leadership Sarasota program? My favorite part of the Leadership Sarasota program was meeting so many incredible business people in our community and creating lasting friendships. It was also interesting to learn about all the different industries and businesses that are located in Sarasota. What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given? Don’t try to do everything yourself--working toward success is a team sport. Supporting those around you and creating a team will allow everyone to benefit from each other’s strengths and will ultimately result in a more successful and rewarding experience.
2020-2021 LEADERSHIP APPLICATIONS Grow as a leader in 2021- Applications for the
2020-2021 Leadership Sarasota County program will be available on Wednesday, May 1st. For more information or questions, please contact Sara Rachon, at srachon@sarasotachamber.com.
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Congratulations Honorees The Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards recognize Leadership Sarasota County alumni with a legacy in community participation and impact in three unique categories. Congratulations to the 2020 Leadership Awards honorees: Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award Pam Truitt | Difference-Maker Leadership Class of 1998
Impact in Action Award Philip Tavill | Children First Leadership Class of 1993
Lifetime of Leadership Award Pam Beitlich | Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Leadership Class of 1988
We invite you to join us in celebrating these honorees at the 2020 Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards Luncheon! WHEN: Tuesday, May 19 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. WHERE: Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering
Sponsorships are still available. To register, please visit sarasotachamber.com.
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
AMBASSADOR O F T H E Q U A RT E R Congratulations to Elizabeth Topp on being recognized as our latest Ambassador of the Quarter! Her commitment to the Chamber is evident, and we are so grateful to have her in our Chamber family.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP
Elizabeth is a co-owner and the operator of Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency Pinellas-Sarasota. She has been working in childcare for almost a decade and started with Twinkle Toes as a nanny. When the opportunity of franchising became available, she eagerly accepted with her business partner trusting they could bring quality, hassle-free childcare to family’s fingertips. Elizabeth’s passion for the youth, and their development as leaders and individuals in society, is the driving force behind most of her endeavors. She works with Easterseals Southwest Florida, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the American Cancer Society. Elizabeth is a 2019 SRQ Hear Me Roar Nominee and 2020 KNOW Tribe Sarasota feature. She lives in Sarasota County and loves to travel, run, and spend quality time with friends and family. Elizabeth has been an Ambassador with the Sarasota Chamber since the Spring of 2019. She loves serving on this committee because she has the opportunity to show local businessmen and women how their membership is of value to them when living, working, and playing in our community.
YPG SPOTLIGHT: MURRAY DEVINE Hometown: Durban, South Africa Company: Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Title: Communications and Learning Officer What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given? Find a mentor and be a mentor. I’ve also always tried to live by the philosophy that everybody knows something that you don’t - listen more and never stop learning from others. What is your favorite thing about Sarasota? I believe Sarasota has a little something for everyone, you just sometimes have to work a bit harder to find it by getting out of your comfort zone. Also, with all the natural and cultural beauty around, it’s hard not to be reminded we live in paradise every day. What do people say you do really well? I’m quick to make genuine connections with people. I’m also a creative type, so I get props for looking at things from different angles and empathizing with others.
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| 1 0 Y E A R S O F I M PA C T CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, now the Chamber’s workforce development initiative, is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year.
8,088
Over the past 10 years, CareerEdge has worked with employers to: •
Advocate for workforce development locally, in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. • Develop effective training program curriculum through initiatives like the Fast-Track Training programs • Collaborate on industry-specific, employer-led councils • Donate equipment, organize HR staff for mock interviews and resume writing, teach classes, mentor and provide career awareness education
Certificates Earned
30.4M
$
Cumulative Annual Earnings
5,977 Workers Trained
292K
$
Internships Funded
12.1M
$
Invested in Regional Workforce Development
378
Employees Engaged
1,546 New Jobs Created
3,761
Workers Who Earned Raises
To learn more about CareerEdge and the workforce development programs the Chamber offers, please visit https://careeredgefunders.org/.
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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
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NEW MEMBERS 3 Pepper Burrito Co. Advanced Power Washing Albert Wooster & Co. Allegiant Air Arbonne Artisan Sign Masters, a Division of Lykins-Signtek Atlantic Mold & Machining Corp Avli Mess Hall Bainbridge Palmoré Apartments Beer Flight Brewery Tours Bernstein Wealth Management Body Balance Systems of Sarasota Bohemios Wine & Beer Tapas Bar Brasfield & Gorrie Chalk Festival Charlie Wilson CLM Gulf Coast Maintenance Services Color World Housepainting Sarasota Columbia Restaurant Dennis A Barth Landscape Architect, LLC Design Group International Designed Entries Landscape Disc Centers of America/Sarasota Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County Edsel Entertainment El Melvin Cocina Mexicana E-Novation Digital Marketing Ethos Coaching Group, LLC Everence Financial Ferguson Bath Kitchen &
Corporate Trustee
Lighting Gallery Fibrocon - Fine Building Materials Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers FSBOHOMES.COM Sarasota FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers Goddard School of Sarasota Graham Capital Gulfside Windows & Doors Harmony Outdoor Brands Home2 Suites by Hilton Sarasota I-75 Bee Ridge JCH Hospitality Management Johns Eastern Company Jon F. Swift Construction Kurtos Chimney Cake Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. Manatee Senior Care McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors, Inc. Metro Cabinet Company Michael Saunders & Company/Susan Pelton Munroe Consulting Group New York Life Noland’s Roofing Inc. Patrina’s Notary Services Pet Supplies Plus PHMG Pier 22 Putting Golf Square QuickHIT Fitness Lab Results Coaching, LLC
Economic Driver
Rhett L. Weiss Rhino Club Card supporting WynWare Group Row House UTC Sage on Palmer Ranch Sarasota Addiction Specialists Sarasota Art Museum Sarasota Institute Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA) Sears Outlet ServisFirst Bank ShredQuick Sideline Barbershop S-One Suncoast Health Insurance LLC Super 8 by Wyndham Sarasota Textmaxx Pro The Digital Detective The Glenmede Trust Company, N.A. The Swedish American Club of Sarasota theCoderSchool of Sarasota TooJay’s Deli TREE Foundation Tropical SoftWash LLC TruDoss Umbrellas 1296 VetCor of Sarasota Westcoast Design Build FL Whitaker JV LLC Windsor Education Law WSRQ Radio
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Member FDIC
Charles O. Murphy
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Executive Assistant
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the past 34 years has been to serve owner-managed businesses, professional firms and families that want a strong, local connection with their bank and banker. Come grow with us.
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S T E P P I N G F O RWA R D I N UNPRECEDENTED TIMES By Heather Kasten, President/CEO
Growing up, my parents frequently used the phrase “the one thing in life you can count on is change.” Over the past two weeks we have seen firsthand what change looks like for our business community. The plans and calendar of activities from just two weeks ago look starkly different from what the plans and calendars look like for many of us at this moment. Every business right now is in the process of re-working and tweaking those plans on a daily, or in some cases hourly, basis to keep their business going during these challenging times. At the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, we have always been focused on convening the business community by connecting people in a variety of ways- networking, education, and advocacy. Just last week, one of our small groups at the Chamber completed a fourweek book circle that examined the book “Stepping Forward,” written by Richard C. Harwood. Harwood is an innovator, writer, and speaker. For over three decades he has devoted his career to revitalizing communities and creating a sense of civic faith. The Patterson Foundation, led by Debra Jacobs, launched an initiative this year to encourage businesses, non-profits, and the community at large to assemble small groups of 10-15 people to read and discuss the ideas outlined in “Stepping Forward,” signaling a proactive effort to unite and strengthen our community. Throughout the book, Harwood gives an overview of communities that have experienced significant obstacles and world events — like
Flint, Michigan and the Sandy Hook community — and examines the subsequent challenges within those communities. Today, in response to the COVID-19 virus, our community as well as the global community, are dealing with new circumstances that warrant us uniting and working together in new and creative ways. The principles outlined in “Stepping Forward” can be used to help us as we navigate our evolving circumstances. One of those principles is for us to “turn outward.” This is a time where leaders and the business community are navigating incredibly tough decisions that have outcomes that we won’t fully know the extent of or understand for quite a while. Community leaders are weighing many potential decisions that will affect those who work for them and their businesses. The principle of turning outward challenges our desire to only focus on our own programs, processes and perspective during trying times. Turning outward is about adopting a “we” mindset — it is fortified by communicating with others; identifying shared experiences; and collaborating and convening resources, ideas, and skills sets. It has been so encouraging to see our community turning outwards in so many ways. Efforts from community leaders and businesses include providing lunches to school-age children during school shutdowns, coordinating programs that enable our community to reach out to shut-in seniors, seeing businesses get creative on how they can keep their employees working, and seeing our restaurants innovate ways to provide delivery and to-go
opportunities. We need to continue to support our first responders (police, fire, and EMS) and our medical professionals that are working overtime to keep our community safe. We are also so thankful for the hard work of grocery store employees and the teams who are working to keep their shelves stocked for our community. Please consider turning outward to encourage and thank them when you are there. I’d also like to share Harwood’s principle, “build together.” This principle is about a sense of belief — the true American can-do spirit that our nation was founded on. When COVID-19 passes, we will need to bring our community together in new ways. Authentic hope is built up when people see people working together. Harwood states, “People gain trust and hope by seeing others work together. Think back in American history to such events as barn raisings. The sheer act of building a barn together served as a visible affirmation of belief in one another. It proclaimed that we are joined in a common enterprise. It demonstrated that people could get things done together.” When we come through this, we as a community will need to build together again. Since I started with a saying from my parents, I’ll end with one of my favorite sayings, that my mom instilled in me during rough times: “this too shall pass.” Peace, strength, and courage to you as we turn outward and build together. Let’s unite to become a community in Sarasota that we are all proud to be a part of.
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Our Legacy, Our Future
T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N OF WORKERS The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of recruiting, training, and retaining talent in our region. Based on our commitment to our members and our business community, the Chamber currently has several programs and partnerships devoted to cultivating the next generation of workers.
USF Sarasota-Manatee Job Shadow Day For three years, the Chamber has partnered with the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee on “Shadow a Professional Day.” This year, 10 students were paired with Chamber member organizations, who provided students with an authentic glimpse inside their workplace and career. For students, the experience was a chance to see how the lessons learned in the classroom apply to real-world scenarios and gain valuable firsthand experience in a potential career. For the professionals, the day was a chance to share their professional knowledge, connect with the community, and recruit the next generation of talent.
Student Internship Program CareerEdge is partnering with Suncoast Technical College to place their full-time trades students, in paid internships to gain hands-on skills, course credit and a paycheck while schools are closed. CareerEdge funding will reimburse participating employers $10/hour of the intern’s wage and is asking companies to pay their interns at least $13/hour. CareerEdge is seeking employers in construction, HVAC, electrical, automotive, manufacturing, and plumbing to hire technical school student interns to continue their education through a quality on-the-job training experience. When schools reopen, the students will return to complete their programs. Suncoast Technical School is developing a procedure to count the internship toward the students’ certification. For more information, contact Mireya Eavey, Executive VP, CareerEdge.
Internship Reimbursement Funding To help build the talent pipeline in our region, CareerEdge, the Chamber’s workforce initiative, offers internship reimbursements. The program reimburses Sarasota Chamber employers up to $1,000/intern when they pay a minimum of $10/hr to their student interns! Funding is available to Chamber member organizations that meet the program’s full eligibility criteria in the following industries:
One of the ten participating students this year, Isabel Fernandez, was paired with Luke Bencie, a managing director of global security and intelligence advisory firm Security Management International (SMI), headquartered in Washington, D.C. Fernandez said “this [experience] really confirms for me that I want to work for a federal agency. It was great to be able to ask questions one-on-one of a professional like Mr. Bencie. This really helped me alot.”
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Manufacturing Insurance Healthcare Computer Science and Information Technology Trades
Full eligibility information and applications can be found at careeredgefunders.org.
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
A D V E RT I S I N G O P P O RT U N I T I E S Your Chamber has a host of opportunities for you to advertise and promote your business!
Chamber Buzz E-Newsletter - The Chamber
Website Advertising - Looking to enhance your
- 1 Month (4 issues): $350 - 3 Months (12 issues): $800 - 6 Months (24 issues): $1,450 - 12 Months (48 issues): $2,500
Directory Advertising: 6 Months - $650 12 Months - $1,000 Homepage Advertising: 6 Months - $1,699 12 Months - $2,995 Full Website Package: 6 Months - $2,750 12 Months - $4,995
Buzz E-Newsletter is distributed every Tuesday to 5,000+ Chamber members. Advertise anywhere from one (4 issues) to 12 months (48 issues)!
presence on our website and reach 65,000+ online users per year? See our advertising packages below.
Advertise in the Bridge Magazine - Distributed to 7,000+ business professionals and online viewers, advertising in the Chamber’s quarterly member magazine, The Bridge, is a great way to showcase your products or services to engaged members of our business community.
Take advantage of our limited time Bridge advertising promotion! Book your next Bridge ad by May 15 and receive a 10% rate discount.
BRIDGE Full Page Ad Special Placement: Inside Front Cover Single ad - $1,500 Two or more ads - $1,350 ea.
Half Page Ad Single ad - $460 Two or more ads - $420 ea.
Special Placement: Back Cover Single ad - $1,000 Two or more ads - $850 ea. Standard Full Page Single - $700 Two or more ads - $600 ea. Advertising Insert: Full Page Single - $300 Two or more ads - $250
Quarter Page Ad Single ad - $230 Two or more ads - $200 ea.
To reserve advertising space or for more information, please contact Brittany Lamont, blamont@sarasotachamber.com GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • APRIL 2017 • BRIDGE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • APRIL 2020 • BRIDGE
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Sarasota Chamber and Baltimore Orioles Dive into Spring Training Observer Media Group | Whitney Elfstrom| “The annual event brought together chamber members and the Orioles baseball team for an evening of networking on the baseball diamond [...]”
CHAMBER NEWS Uniting the Sarasota Business Community in the 2020s Herald-Tribune Media Group | Heather Kasten | “Unity. It’s a [...] focus for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce team. We are diligently working to unite the business community, because we understand that unity unlocks new economic opportunities and is a building block for private-sector job growth [...]” Panel Discussion Covers Ways Young Professionals Can Give Back Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “The panel includes philanthropy expert Bob Carter, financial advisor Rob Weiss, Visit Sarasota County
communications and content manager Britney Guertin, Community Foundation of Sarasota County manager of donor engagement Katie Schwabach and Chelsa Vahtomin, a Coldwell Banker Realtor and the community chair of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce [...]” Chamber of Commerce Looks to Future at Annual Breakfast Observer Media Group | Whitney Elfstrom | “The 100th annual event saw a crowd of 500 members of the Sarasota business community. [...] Futurist David Houle [...] explored what the 2020 decade would bring to the business world [...]”
CareerEdge Offers Grants to Help Close the Skills Gap and Build Companies’ Talent Pipeline SRQ Daily | Staff | “The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s CareerEdge workforce initiative will open their annual request for proposal process soliciting plans from manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and skilled trades employers in Manatee and Sarasota Counties [...]” Promoting the Value of Trade Careers to Local Students Herald-Tribune Media Group | Mary Dougherty | “Our partners at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce are providing financial support for internships for students [...]”
MEMBER TESTIMONIALS #IamSarasotaChamber “The Chamber is a true partner for small business. As an ally for continued job creation, advocate for impactful legislation and ally in the drive for a community where economic vitality links arms with a healthy quality of life, the Chamber offers opportunities for leadership and provides services which allow us to do what we do best, run our business.” - Anne K. Rollings, Gecko’s Hospitality Group
”The Chamber community and the signature events hosted by the Chamber and its member affiliates have their special attraction to both attendees and sponsors. We are given the opportunity to meet new business
prospects, exchange ideas, fortify current relationships and strengthen our brand with Chamber members.” - Kristina “KJ” Vorndran, Allegiant Private Advisors
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