The Bridge Magazine - April 2022

BRIDGE April 2022 Issue | Quarterly Member Magazine

Hundreds Gathered for Featured | Page 14

2022

From the CEO | Page 2 From the Chairman of the Board | Page 4 All About Our Members | Page 6 Chamber Programs | Pages 19-23

Hello Springtime in the South!

FROM THE CEO

It’s hard to believe that we get to live and work in this special little gem of a city called Sarasota, Florida. Our Chamber has been leading our community and region for 101 years, being at the table where decisions and discussions are happening that affect the businesses in our region.

Heather Kasten

"We understand that supporting and strengthening leaders creates the opportunity to unlock new economic opportunities and is a building block for private sector job growth. We are equipping folks with skills to lead their families, lead within organizations, and lead the Sarasota community"

Our board leadership and Chairman Dennis Murphy, along with the chamber staff team, have been working hard to create relevant and timely events that support our mission to create bold opportunities and solutions for our community. New this year -- we are launching The Grand Expo, a business and community marketplace. This event is designed to bring the Sarasota community together to mix, mingle and discover products and services in a trade show environment. It will be held at Robarts Arena on Thursday, April 14th and we expect close to 100 vendors and restaurants to exhibit, as well as hundreds of attendees. I can’t wait to see all of you there to celebrate our members’ business offerings and the connections with one another.

This year a focus of our organization is on leaders-how to build them, groom them and position them for success. In March at our Annual Breakfast, we enjoyed hearing from Natalie Johnson on creating courageous leaders. This May, we will be recognizing and celebrating past Leadership Sarasota graduates who have made a difference in our community. And probably my favorite signature event of the year, the Small Business Awards will be back in June. Starting in April we’ll be accepting applications for the prestigious award categories.

In fact, a great majority of what we do here at the Chamber is geared towards building up leaders at all stages of life and careers. Through CareerEdge, we are training individuals to lead within their roles and companies. Through Opportunities For All we are grooming young students through our internship program to be leaders. And through our Young Professionals Group and Leadership Sarasota, we are equipping folks with the skills to lead their families, lead within their organizations, and lead the Sarasota community.

Wishing each of you a wonderful springtime and excited to see you soon at a Chamber event.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

MONTHLY EVENTS POWER

HOUR Lunch

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM 2nd Wednesday of the Month Members - $24 Non- Members - $39 APRIL 7 - Hamlet’s Eatery (Thursday) MAY 11 - The Meadow’s Country Club JUNE 8 - TBD 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Wednesdays Sarasota Chamber Board Room Members - Complimentary Non-Members - $20 APRIL 20 - Creating Financial Benefits Strategy to Win Over Employees MAY 18 - Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Today’s Workforce 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Bi-monthly every Thursday Members - Complimentary Non-Members - $20 JUNE 16 - Easterseals Southwest Florida 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Bi-monthly every Thursday Members - Complimentary Non-Members - $20 APRIL 21 - Sage SRQ MAY 19 - Sun N Fun

ANNUAL EVENTS 2022 GRAND EXPO Thursday, April 14, 2022 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Robarts Arena Presented by: Sam’s Club

IN THIS ISSUE From the CEO .................................... 2 Upcoming Events ............................. 3 From the Board Chair ..................... 4 Meet New Chamber Staff ............. 5 All About Our Members Welcome, New Members ............. 6 Celebrate Ribbon Cuttings .......... 7 Men of Membership ...................... 8 Member Milestones ....................... 9 Join a Chamber Council.................10 Chamber Ambassadors .................11 Small Business Spotlight ..............12 Chamber Champions Corner ......13 Featured Events Party on the Bay ..............................14 Annual Chamber Breakfast .........17 Chamber Snapshots ......................18 Chamber Programs Young Progessionals Group ........19 CareerEdge ........................................ 20 Tiny Home, Big Reveal Impacting Local Healthcare Leadership Sarasota Impact ........ 22 Opportunities For All ..................... 23 Summer Internship Program

1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236

WOMEN AT WORK Friday, May 6, 2022 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Art Ovation Presented by: HBK CPAs & Consultants SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS Friday, June 17, 2022 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Hyatt Regency Sarasota Presented by: Herald - Tribune Media Group

(941) 955-8187 SarasotaChamber.com

Magazine Cover Photo: Tabor J Photo & Film LLC

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

2022 continues to be an active year for your Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to a number of wonderful (in person – hooray!) events, the continuation of programs such as YPG, Leadership Sarasota, CareerEdge and Opportunities For All have been going full steam. We have also been hard at work updating members and advocating for a series of key local ofTthese C Hissues.

A M BSome ER S A F Ftopics were addressed in a recent Trustee lunch and included: School Board Referendum, Surtax Update, US 41 Roundabout Construction, and Affordable Housing and its Impact on attracting and retaining talent.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN The last topic on OF the listTHE has beenBOARD an increasingly hot topic for our

“In an effort to move the needle, the Chamber has formed an Affordable Housing Task Force to address the increasingly hot topic of attracting and retaining talent among our members businesses and community at large.”

member businesses and the community at large. In an effort to try and move the needle, the Chamber has formed an Affordable Housing Task Force. The task force is made up of a number of individuals from various industries, both private, public and not-for-profits, with specific knowledge, expertise, and passion about the topic. The group will convene over a series of months to share ideas and collaborate on ways that the community might be able to address this critically important topic.

Also, newsworthy for the coming quarter is the Chamber’s 44th annual Small Business Awards luncheon on June 17th at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. As a past recipient of the Rising Star award for Gulfside Bank, I can tell you that being awarded is an honor that has a measurable impact on morale across an organization. Please consider nominating your business or a business that you consider worthy of recognition.

We look forward to a wonderful Spring and Summer in sunny Florida.

As always, we welcome member feedback as we work to keep Sarasota the best place in the country to live, work and play!

THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

Dennis Murphy President/CEO Gulfside Bank

communications

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Heather Kasten

Welcome New Chamber Staff!

President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050

Kristi Hoskinson Vice President of CareerEdge khoskinson@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045

Catherine Roper Vice President croper@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040

Samantha Badgley

Catherine Roper

Melanie Lavender

Vice President

CareerEdge Program Coordinator

Catherine joins the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce as Vice President, following a decade with the Ballston Business Improvement District as Chief Marketing Officer located in Arlington, VA. Catherine brings over 25 years of experience serving the business community and commercial real estate industry in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and offers an extensive background in non-profit management, marketing, communications, event management, and operations.

Melanie is native to Sarasota and educated in the Sarasota County school system. She has worked in administration and human resources. Melanie brings a unique background to the team as a spoken word artist and podcaster on Soul of Tha Matter. She has written and performed spoken word pieces for Sarasota African America Cultural Coalition, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and various other non-profits. Melanie was recently featured on WEDU PBS Greater Sarasota. She will be focusing on CareerEdge’s Core Construction Skills Training program that just kicked off March 1.

Executive Assistant sbadgley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051

Alyssa Barnsley Programs Communications Coordinator abarnsley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031

Pavitra Ciavardone CareerEdge Program Director pciavardone@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038

Zach Henkel Membership Investment Representative zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029

Melanie Lavender CareerEdge Program Coordinator mlavender@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039

Craig McGonigal Director of Membership Engagement cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034

Kelly Monti Events Manager kmonti@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035

Kaveecia Moore Opportunities For All Programs Manager kmoore@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4058

Sara Rachon Programs Manager srachon@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039

Christine Seaman Accounting Manager accounting@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4053

Jodel Velarde Communications Coordinator jvelarde@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4046

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE MAGAZINE • • APRIL APRIL 2022 2022 • • BRIDGE BRIDGE

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Welcome All AboutNew OurMembers!

Members December 2021 - February 2022

Welcome, New Members Alex’s Sliding Glass Door Repair Atlas Fiduciary Financial Audio Video Partners LLC Bekins Moving Solutions BEST Employment SoluTions, LLC Bijou Garden Cafe Body Soul and Pole CAN Community Health Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Eurosota Cleaning Services F45 Sarasota Fill the Need Staffing LLC Flowt Boat Club & Boat Rentals Fold & Form Architecture Fresh Kitchen Galen College of Nursing Healthful Roots MD Home Helpers of Bradenton HouseMax Realty - Buying SRQ Integrity Mortgage Capital Isagenix - Alexis Romano Knights of Columbus - The DeBlauw Practice Koi Coaching & Consulting KRS Southern Merchant, LLC DBA Avis Budget LDC Southeast LLC Lemongrass Day Spa LendUS LobsterCraft

Making An Impact, Inc Manatee Technical College Master Movers LLC Meridian West Central College MHK Architecture & Planning MIDFLORIDA Credit Union NewSara Logistics LLC Nona Scientific Preferred National Inc. RosFest Inc. Schooley Mitchell of Sarasota/ Greater Tampa Bay Seniors Blue Book Stocking Savvy Stream Digital Streets Of Paradise Inc. Succentrix Business Advisors Sun Protection of Florida Suncoast One Title & Closings, Inc Tabor J Photo & Film LLC The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature The Newtown Nation The Westin Sarasota Toastmasters - District 48 True Payroll Integration (TPI) Valpak of the Suncoast Word of Mouth Computers and Electronics LLC Your Healthcare Solutions

SUPPORT OUR NEW MEMBERS!

Did You Know?

Chamber Members who refer other businesses get $50 off their renewal! If you know an organization that will benefit from a Chamber membership, contact zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

“Small businesses paint the fabric of our local communities – our daily lives.”

- Karen Gordon Mills, former SBA Administrator unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2009

Let’s Celebrate! Ribbon Cuttings as of March 3, 2022 Andrea’s Aesthetic Studio Celebrated a grand opening at their downtown location.

Relax and recharge with a beauty service that fits your needs!

Sage Fusion Opened a new office in Sarasota. Get expert infusion therapy without the hassle or cost of the hospital!

Capstone Association Management Get sound guidance, tailored management solutions, streamlined processes and exceptional service

Exclusive Shape Celebrated their new office in Sarasota. Learn more about a slimming equipment for your health - get a free consultation!

Stone-Mart Celebrated the opening of their 7th store. Know more about the affordable elegance of their premium quality collections.

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

sageinfusion.com

andreasaestheticstudio.com

exclusiveshape.com

capstoneam.com

Celebrated the completion of Mable, the art car with a topography-inspired look at what makes Sarasota special.

Recognize landmarks such as Ringling Bridge when you visit the shop!

stone-mart.com

bazaaronapricotandlime.com

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Celebrated their beautiful dance studio with a ribbon cutting.

Experience the grace and excitement of this timeless social activity.

Cannabist Opened their new store in Sarasota. Explore an uncomplicated shopping experience. Find your perfect cannabist match. gocannabist.com

arthurmurraysarasotafl.com

Have a grand opening or change in location coming up?

Celebrate your business milestone with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting.

Contact Kelly Monti at kmonti@sarasotachamber.com to schedule.

Ribbon Cuttings are benefits exclusive to our Chamber Members. For Non-Members interested in a ribbon cutting, please contact zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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Sarasota Chamber’s Men of Membership

You know them and we all love them.

Our Men of Membership at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce -- Craig McGonigal represents our team as our Director of Membership Engagement and Zach Henkel is our Membership Investment Representative. From their welcoming smiles to their genuine helpfulness, these two are indeed the men to count on. Help your business grow, build relationships, and get noticed at chamber events.

Contact our Men of Membership!

Gain a Competitive Edge, Discover New Ways to Get Involved Contact Zach Henkel at zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com to: Convert Your Prospects to Customers Increase your visibility through members-exclusive advertising (Market Mover Level and above get 25% off any ad) or Trustee-exclusive benefits.

Choose Your Level of Involvement Select a membership according to the level of participation, brand exposure and influence your business needs in the local marketplace.

Contact Craig McGonigal at cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com to: Tailor Your Member Benefits to Your Business Needs Customize your annual packages to include investment, sponsorships, and advertising to increase value that is aligned to your business goals.

Maximize Your Access to Valuable Resources Members Only Access include digital advertising, special events, press release toolkit; notary; job board; certificate of origin; community calendar event postings and participation on membership councils.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Recognizing Years of Membership

35 YEARS

February to April Anniversaries

30 YEARS

Delivering high-quality healthcare for our community has been steadfast since SMH first began serving patients in 1925 at the 32-bed Sarasota Hospital. Our growth has been shaped by and for the Sarasota Community.

G. Fried Flooring America has been flooring the Tampa and Sarasota areas since 1981. However, we are more than a flooring store. We have always been a leader in our industry as well as extremely involved in the communities we serve.

SMH.com

GFriedfa.com

Brown & Brown Insurance is the nation’s 5th largest independent insurance broker with over 70 years of continuous service.

At Brown & Brown you don’t just have a policy, you have an advisor, and that makes all the difference.

Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County is a local affiliate of a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Girls Inc. fulfills its mission of empowering girls age five to eighteen to be self-confident, responsible and well-rounded individuals.

BBrown.com

Girlsincsrq.org

Celebrating members who have been with us for 25 years and above

Serving Sarasota for over 50 years, Sunnyside Village Christian senior living community offers residential living, assisted living, outpatient and short-term rehabilitation, long-term comprehensive care, and palliative care, all within our distinctive 35-acre neighborhood.

SunnysideVillage.org

25 YEARS

Build Your Visibility

People—clients and employees—are at the forefront of Kimley-Horn.

Clients know we are laserfocused on their success.

Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all.

Kimley-Horn.com

Do you have a milestone to celebrate or was your organization featured in local news?

A premier non-profit life plan community since 1966, Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay provides not only a beautiful place to reside, sitting on the Gulf of Mexico but resources for continued development — cultivating the mind, body, and soul.

Plymouthharbor.org

Contact Jodel Velarde at jvelarde@SarasotaChamber. com for an opportunity to share these milestones to our chamber community!

GET INVOLVED, Join a Commitee!

Engage in roles that are specific to your career or business goals. Connect with members who have a similar interest and expand company brand recognition throughout the community.

Government Issues Council

Monitors and develops public policy positions that are “pro-business and pro-greater Sarasota.” Research is involved, as well as meeting with elected officials and experts on various topics as the Chamber’s positions are developed and then communicated and advocated.

Open to All Members | Commitment: 1 - 2 hours a month

Contact hkasten@SarasotaChamber.com for more information.

Event & Programming Council

CareerEdge Industry Councils

Ensure member satisfaction and new member growth through event engagement opportunities so organizations see a return on their membership investment. Help create and plan speaker and event opportunities for members.

Open to All Members | Commitment: 1 - 2 hours bi-monthly

Contact hkasten@SarasotaChamber.com for more information.

Discuss workforce challenges in relation to a specific industry.

Employers, educators, and community stakeholders discuss real-time issues for the purpose of working collaboratively to find solutions. The council meetings convene virtually or in-person depending on the time of year and the preference of the council members.

Open to All Members | Commitment: Meets 3 times per calendar year

Industries include Insurance Council, HVAC Council, Automotive Council, Regional Workforce Council, Public Policy Committee Contact khoskinson@SarasotaChamber.com for more information.

The Council is comprised of Leadership Sarasota alumni who oversee the Adult and Youth programs, Alumni activities, and Engage Sarasota. The mission is “Engaging, Developing, and Inspiring Community Leaders.”

LAUNCHING SOON Affordable Housing Task Force Individuals from various industries, private, public, and not-for-profits, with specific knowledge, expertise, and passion about the topic will convene over months to collaborate on ways the community might address the impact of affordable housing on attracting and retaining talent.

Stay tuned! Updates will be announced on our weekly newsletter, The Chamber Buzz

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COUNCIL

(Participation by Application/Selection)

Creates a platform for its members ranging in age from 21-40 to build relationships, develop professionally, become politically and philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and high quality living of our community.

COUNCIL

(Council Appointed)

Open to All Members

Commitment: 1 - 2 hours a month

Interested in the Leadership or YPG Council?

Contact srachon@sarasotachamber.com fro more information.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Featured Chamber Council

Chamber Ambassadors

Chamber Ambassadors serve as customer relations representatives for the Chamber, visiting new members, and contacting existing members to increase communications and involvement. Not only does this expand the reach of Chamber staff, but it also creates a feeling of ownership and loyalty by members volunteering in this capacity. | Commitment: 1 - 2 hours a month Front: Lauren Tominelli, Veronica Roshek, Lexie Guanchez, Craig McGonigal, Elizabeth Topp, Michelle Olivo, Cynthia Carter, Michelle Leonard | Back: Scott Moudry, Zoe Kasper, Gareth Stevenson, Molly Lawley, Angelica Sullivan, Carina Marsh, Joe Dover, Brad Marner | Not Pictured: Matt Fountain, Tara Ritchie, Christa Sweeney

Ambassador of the Quarter Having the opportunity to serve on the Sarasota Chamber Ambassador Council has allowed me to not only build close relationships with other chambers members, but also the incredible staff. After being an Ambassador for 6 years, I have met a lot of great people and have learned more about the Sarasota Community and why is it so special. I am proud to volunteer my time for such a great organization and look forward to many more years!

“After being an Ambassador for 6 years, I have met a lot of great people and have learned more about the Sarasota Community and why is it so special.”

Lexie Guanchez Boyd Insurance & Investment Services, Inc.

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Member Spotlight - John & Amanda Horne, Anna Maria Oyster Bar “I tell so many people: don’t be afraid to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying new ways to do things. Hopefully you keep your failures to minor ones, you learn from them, and you don’t repeat them.”

What is your favorite part of being a small business owner?

The people, both our guests and our team. Since taking over at Cafe L’Europe on February 1st, we’ve met awesome people in Sarasota County who have shared some remarkable stories and memories. We can’t wait to hear more and to celebrate that legacy. We have teammates with us today who worked alongside Cafe’s original owner, Titus Letschert. It’s an honor to be the next stewards of such an important 49-year tradition.

What is the last book you read?

Trust me, it was back in January…! Since then, all we’ve read are old recipes we hope to revisit one day and resumes. The last book I read was the latest of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels, while Amanda is trying to finish The Lincoln Highway. I’m a 99% fiction reader with the occasional Good To Great-style leadership/management book.

What brings you joy in life?

Amanda for me! But, we both enjoy North Carolina in the summer and traveling everywhere — both experiences are better with a large posse of friends.

Tell us your favorite drink.

A Margarita at work, an Old Fashioned right after work, and a glass of wine around the fire pit.

What’s your morning/evening routine?

Every night when we get home, we love to sit outside with a bottle of wine and decompress by discussing our day.

There’s nothing I look forward to more than that, EVERY day.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Chamber Champion Spotlight - Eric Troyer, Kerkering Barberio Chamber Champion Spotlight - Eric Troyer, Shareholder Tell us one exciting thing happening in your Company right now?

We are thrilled to be celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. We have plans to celebrate all year long. Most recently, we released our 50th-anniversary cookbook! This was a really exciting project because the cookbook is a blend of recipes submitted by both staff and clients.

Our staff plays an invaluable role in serving our clients, and it is our combined efforts that have made KB who we are for the past 50 years and makes us strive to make the next 50 years even better.

How do you keep your employees motivated?

I recently read “The Ideal Team Player” by Patrick Lencioni. In order to have a great team, we need great team players. This book helps identify and cultivate candidates and employees who are humble, hungry, and smart. These three characteristics are identified in the book as the three essential virtues of an ideal team player. When I look around at our team, I feel like we have done a great job hiring talent with these three characteristics. And as a result, being able to develop our employees and keep them motivated becomes a much simpler task. We strive to challenge our employees while providing them with a work-life balance that can make public accounting a long-term career.

Giving back to our community is one of our core values. We encourage our team to be active within an organization that aligns with their personal missions. At KB, we offer an employee volunteer program that allows staff to volunteer throughout the year and be paid for a portion of their time.

What is your favorite activity / what do you do to decompress?

Spending time with my family. I have a wife and three children, so whether it is a fun family vacation in the mountains of Georgia or spending a day in the Sarasota bay fishing or tubing, quality family time has a way of centering priorities and helping me get in touch with my “why.” I also enjoy golfing and spending time outdoors.

What book are you currently reading?

It’s one of our busiest times of the year right now, so I’m currently not reading any books. However, I look forward to catching up on the latest John Grisham book once I have time.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

“Our staff plays an invaluable role in serving our clients, and it is our combined efforts that have made KB who we are for the past 50 years and makes us strive to make the next 50 years even better.”

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

2022

Hundreds Gathered for Party on the Bay On February 10, this outdoor event brought together the Sarasota business community at the Van Wezel Bayfront to enjoy local food and beverage, Chamber member booths, a world-class sunset and live music. Booth vendors included: • • • • • • • • • •

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County Baltimore Orioles Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria Bijou Café Budweiser Cask & Ale Cavanaugh & Co. LLP Culver’s El Melvin HH Staffing Services

PRESENTED BY:

• • • • • • • • • •

Gecko’s Grill & Pub Glory Days Main Street Creamery Mattison’s City Grille Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers Nothing Bundt Cakes Publix Cooking School Renn Haus Runningboards Marketing Sage SRQ

• • • • • • • • • • •

Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota Solmart Media, LLC Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q SouthTech Tripletail Seafood & Spirits The Meadows Country Club Tidewell Foundation, Inc. Trulieve Visit Sarasota County Waste Pro Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

“Mother Nature smiled on us this year! The weather for Party on the Bay was spectacular. How could you not have fun with the great views, Chamber staff to make you feel welcome, and those amazing cocktails!”

- Kim Livengood, Sarasota Chamber Board Member, The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime

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SerbinPrinting.com

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS • MARKETING • DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL PRINTING • PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

1500 N. Washington Blvd. • Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

2022

AANNUAL N N U A L CHAMBER CHAMBER

BREAKFAST BREAKFAST

FEATURED

PRESENTED BY: Friday, March 25 7:30 AM - 9:15 AM Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Courageous Leadership On March 25, four hundred community leaders honored Robert Lane of Kerkering Barberio with the Spirit of Sarasota Award, sponsored by HH Staffing Services. “The award embodies someone who has given their time, talents, and treasures to make this great city what it is. They do it because they want to do it, not because they have to or not because they’re paid to do it,” said Darrin Rohr, President/CEO of HH Staffing Services.

The chamber community recognized Robert Lane for his work to make Sarasota community provide opportunities and quality of life to many. His 30+ year career involvement in numerous leadership roles is woven throughout the entire Sarasota region. Many nonprofits and local organizations have benefitted from his expertise and business acumen by serving on their board of directors.

Attendees also learned from a 7-year leadership study that identified courage as the most needed characteristic for leadership now and in the future. Keynote speaker, Natalie Johnson of ViDL Solutions, shared that the higher the team’s psychological safety (a shared belief of being vulnerable without being humiliated), the higher the retention rate for organization. Natalie left attendees with BRAVING tools that break down trust into seven elements: Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Nonjudgment, and Generosity.

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Use #SarasotaChamber for a chance to be featured in our social media

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Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

@GSCC

be in good company.

YPG Spotlight: Aude-Eureka A. Mondé Hometown: Sarasota, FL Title: Manager, Community Knowledge Company: Community Foundation of Sarasota County YPG Member Since: 2021

UPCOMING AFTER HOURS Thursday, April 7 Tamiami Tap | 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 12 El Melvin Cocina Mexicana | 5:30 p.m.

THANK YOU ANNUAL YPG SPONSORS

What’s the best piece of professional advice you have been given? I have wonderful mentors in my life who always challenge my thinking and give me great advice.

The best piece of professional advice they’ve given me is to be a student of life and never stop learning. Continuously learn new skills, improve on the ones you already have, search for things that drive your passions, because ultimately, these will help shape you to be the best version of yourself.

What’s your favorite thing about Sarasota? I love that Sarasota, culturally, is a hybrid between a big city and a small town. It has touristic attractions and events to go to that a big city has to offer, but it also feels small because everyone knows each other directly or by mutual connections. This makes networking feel effortless.

What’s one (or two) things people would say you do really well? I’m able to keep a positive attitude in times of stress or pressure. Many people become frustrated and impatient dealing with stress, but I am always trying to find the brighter side to keep my spirits up and those around me.

What would you say you need the most help with? To be less afraid to make mistakes, because when mistakes are made, that provides a good opportunity for growth.

A Look Back at Recent Member Only Events!

Missed these events? Want to attend YPG member only events?

Sign up for YPG TODAY and gain access to exclusive, member only events!

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Tiny Home, Big Reveal On Thursday, February 3, CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and Suncoast Technical College (STC) celebrated its combined efforts and resources that helped students learn construction-related skills by building a tiny home on the school campus. This is a first-of-a-kind training approach where students were taking what they were taught in the classroom and immediately applying it in the field.

Beginning in late 2020, STC students enrolled in the following programs worked together under the leadership of the instructors to draft and build this home: plumbing; building trades and construction design technology; heating, ventilation, and A/C refrigeration; drafting, advanced manufacturing and production technology; carpentry; electrician; and marine service technology. Over the course of the project, 185 students earned a total of 145 industry-recognized certifications.

“The tiny home provided a real-world construction field experience by allowing me to get hands-on training with several trades on one project. I worked on the tiny home plumbing, electrical and even hung dry wall all of which translates directly to the construction career I am pursing upon graduation this spring,” says Zack Fitzpatrick, Building Trades and Construction Design Student at STC. The tiny home is eco-friendly using solar panels as its energy source and a compost toilet. Moving forward, it will continue to be a hands-on training tool for students while also serving as a rolling promotional center to encourage skilled trades education and careers to K-12 students and families in the Sarasota area. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction job outlook for 2020-2023 is expected to increase 7% with 2020 median pay $37,080 annually.

This project was made possible thanks to the funding from Walt and Renee Eppard who donated $35,000 to help purchase the supplies to build the home. Other donors include CareerEdge, Christopher Michiels Interiors (CMI), Alvin J. Singleton Roofing, and PGT Innovations. These funding dollars and donations of product, combined with unrelenting passion from the STC leadership team, students, and instructors, were the backbone of this very innovative and highly successful project.

“It is very rewarding to be a part of this cuttingedge introduction to skills required for careers that are so important to our community and provide a path and opportunity to lifelong advancement. We appreciate all who have helped with this and hope it opens doors for many students” -Walt Eppard

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

CareerEdge Impacting Local Healthcare An October 2021 report from the Florida Hospital Association predicts that by 2035, over 59,000 unfilled nursing positions will be available statewide. Sobering statistics like these continue to fuel CareerEdge’s commitment to developing the local workforce through targeted, industry-specific funding initiatives.

One of the ways that CareerEdge supports our healthcare industry is through awarding annual Upskilling Workers Grants. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, a CareerEdge employer partner and grant recipient, trained 44 employees since January 2021 to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This training program helps fill an essential skills gap and opens the door to advancement in healthcare careers.

CareerEdge also addresses the need for skilled healthcare workers by funding tuition-free trainings that are open to local residents. On March 8, CareerEdge will launch the first of three CNA trainings this year in partnership with State College of Florida, following three successful cohorts in 2021.

“CareerEdge has always been employer-led. Our local healthcare employers need help filling critical entry-level positions, starting with CNAs. CareerEdge is making an impact where there is a talent shortage. We are so fortunate to have funders who generously support the workforce needs in healthcare,” says Kristi Hoskinson, vice president of CareerEdge.

One graduate shared with CareerEdge, “Thank you for providing me with the amazing opportunity to go to school and to start achieving milestones towards my future. Being a CNA is a first step towards my career goal in healthcare. A ‘thank you’ is not going to be enough.”

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THANK YOU ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

The Impact of Leadership Sarasota ALUMNI SERVICE PROJECT

On Saturday, February 5, 40 of our Leadership Alumni spent their morning refreshing the Serenity Garden at The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, which was the 2018 Leadership Class Project. The volunteers put in new dirt, greenery, and mulch. The Alumni wanted to find a way to give back, “spread the love”, and help a past year’s project.

We hope everyone enjoyed the first ever Alumni Service Project and that the Serenity Garden to keep alive the memory of Cynthia L. Kidd to all who visit it. Thank you to the Alumni Committee for organizing such an amazing way for our Alumni to give back to the community, to Your Farm and Garden for their donations to the refreshment, and to Willis Smith Construction for feeding all our hardworking volunteers after their work was complete.

YOUTH COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Youth Leadership Class of 2022 spent their March 5 morning at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime helping with the Limelight Community Garden. The garden project is focused on tranforming an unofficial dumpsite into a beautiful, community garden that is both educational and interactive, led by the non-profit Every Child, Inc. The space envisions bringing beauty and transforming waste into a valuable resource. This community garden is meant to offer educational opportunities,

demonstrate an “urban community garden in unsuspecting environments”. We are so proud of the work our Youth Leadership class put in to helping create this amazing community garden and hope everyone will enjoy the collaborative space.

Save the Date!

Wednesday, May 25 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering

Stay tuned for updates!

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Applications are Open!

SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Opportunities For All (OFA) Summer Internship program provides a win-win opportunity for local employers to have a diverse intern for the summer. Providing bright, talented, future leaders with the opportunity to broaden their exposure to the professional work world not only benefits employers, it contributes to the overall growth of the community and economy. Employers of interns through the OFA program are fully funded for their participation.

Intern Benefits • Industry Exposure • Work Experience

• Networking Opportunities • Education Enhancement • Resume Builder

Employer Benefits • Mentor a Young Adult

• Opportunity for Diversity

• Gaining a New Perspective • Promotes Innovation and Creativity

For more information about the application process, please contact Kaveecia Moore, kmoore@sarasotachamber.com.

Made possible through funding by

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