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INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
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Hello, springtime in the South! 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 serving our community and region for 102 years, being at the table where decisions and discussions are happening that affect the businesses in our region.
This year the focus of our organization is on Leaders- how to build them, promote them and position them for success. In March at our Annual Breakfast, we enjoyed hearing from Angie Bastian, the founder of Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP popcorn. Angie and her husband started the business and it became a million-dollar brand that sold to ConAgra. 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 held on Friday, June 23.
In fact, pretty much most 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 developing 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.
Heather Kasten Presdent/CEOHeather Kasten President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4050
Ed Hill Vice President ehill@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4040
Dan Sidler Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development dsidler@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4045
Maggie Burton Executive Assistant mburton@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4051
It was a brisk sunny morning at the Florida state capital in Tallahassee, and your Chamber was there at work, advocating for our member businesses with our 2023 Legislative Priorities.
In the last issue of the Bridge, we shared the Chamber Board of Directors’ pillars of excellence for the 2022 — 2023 fiscal year. One of those pillars was to Advance Advocacy. President/CEO Heather Kasten, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development Dan Sidler, Governmental Issues Council Chair Joe C. Hembree, and myself met with State Legislators to discuss these key priorities affecting our member businesses:
• Transportation and Infrastructure
• Education and Workforce
• Water Quality
• Economic Development
We are urging legislators to support affordable housing opportunities through the alignment of public-private partnerships in conjunction with a workforce transportation initiative. As well as, supporting the utilization of the Sadowski Trust Fund revenue solely for market solutions that return assistance to affordable housing.
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business. While we were in Tallahassee on your behalf, we encourage you to reach out to your state representatives and senators so they can hear directly from you. Or volunteer to participate in our Governmental Issues Council to make a real impact on local legislative issues.
Emily Walsh, Observer Media Group Chairman of the BoardKevin Golumbeck CareerEdge Program Manager kgolumbeck@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4038
Zach Henkel Membership Investment Manager zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4029
Sonya Islam Communications Coordinator sislam@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4046
Melanie Lavender Opportunities For All Manager mlavender@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4058
Craig McGonigal Director of Membership Engagement cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4034
Heather Moore Event Manager hmoore@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4035
Hayley Nau Communications Coordinator hnau@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4031
Mark Pawlicki Membership Coordinator mpawlicki@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4026
Sara Rachon Director of Programs srachon@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4039
Christine Seaman Accounting Coordinator accounting@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 556-4053
Lisa Wood Event Coordinator lwood@sarasotachamber.com
(941) 955-8187
Over 400 people attended our Annual Breakfast on Friday, March 10, to hear Angie Bastain share her amazing American dream story. Angie, Co-Founder of Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP, took a kernel of an idea and popped it into one of the fastest growing brands of natural popcorn. What began with one kettle in the Bastian’s garage, has grown into a beloved, empowered, and spirited brand sold internationally. The accomplishments of delivering extraordinary products and growth, respecting partnerships, and celebrating consumers attracted private equity investments and the sale to Conagra Brands in 2017.
In early February, your Chamber made their annual trip to Tallahassee to meet with our local legislators and share the key issues like affordable housing and talent/workforce for our local companies. Additional agenda items were transportation/mobility needs, insurance reform, and the need for legal reform in our state.
The Chamber also had the opportunity to meet with Andrew Wiggins, Vice President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, who presented TheFloridaScorecard.org which tracks important issues in our state and our community. If Florida were a country, we would have the 15th largest GDP in the world with the economy topping $1.15 trillion in GDP. Currently our state is residence to 22 million people and is predicted to grow to 26 million by 2030. More than 1,000 people a day are moving to Florida on top of the record tourism numbers that we continue to see. Since 2015, and prior to the pandemic, Florida was creating more than 1 out of every 11 new jobs in the United States.
The topic of workforce and talent is one of great importance to our Chamber and our 1,200 plus member businesses. Take a look at some of our Legislative Priorities of the year.
• Support accessible transit that creates mobility to major employment centers in a regionally efficient and collaborative effort.
• Support affordable housing opportunities through the alignment of public-private partnership in conjunction with a workforce transportation initiative.
• Support legislation that reduces the digital divide and expands reliable and affordable access to the devices, signals and skills to all areas of Sarasota County.
• Support a sound public policy and rational investment in infrastructure, both locally and regionally, that protects the Gulf of Mexico and local estuarine resources.
• Support funding for Florida’s Public Technical College/ Centers Workforce Education Programs at a minimum funding level of 100% of the state model as developed and approved by the State FLDOE Workforce Education Funding Committee.
• Proposed equity-based per student funding that aims to ensure all institutions within the Florida College System (FCS) are funded equitably across the state.
• Support increased access to childcare benefits for working families.
• Support fully funding expedited training, such as Fast-Track, Rapid Credentialing, and Quick Response to meet employer high demand, entry-level positions while providing a living wage, benefits, and career opportunities to local talent.
• Support modifications to the social benefits system that will allow for a gradual exit path for working families.
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Wednesday, April 12
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Embassy Suites
Wednesday, May 10
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Daiquiri Deck, St. Armands
Thursday, April 20 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Alloro at University Groves
Thursday, June 22 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 81 Oaks
Tuesday, April 18
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Topic: CPR/First Aid/AED Training
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, May 18 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 99 Bottles
Thursday, April 6, 2023
4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Robarts Arena
Presented by: Sam’s Club
Thursday, May 11, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Michael’s On East
Presented by: HBK CPAs & Consultants
Friday, June 23, 2023
11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota
Presented by: Herald-Tribune
Media Group
Friday, September 22, 2023
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CORE SRQ
Presented by: Sam’s Club
Your Chamber has a host of opportunities for you to advertise and promote your business! By advertising with us, you can build awareness of what you’re doing for the Sarasota business community to our 1,200 plus members. It’s a great way to educate your future and current customers on what you’re all about.
Digital: Buzz e-newsletter packages, Events Bulletin packages, Sponsored e-blasts distributed to 3,500+ business professionals
Web: Directory advertising, homepage advertising, events calendar advertising seen by 65,000+ users per year
Print: Bridge Magazine advertising including full page, half page, and quarter page ads, and insert advertising options, distributed to 10,000+ individuals through print and online views
Friday, August 18, 2023 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Carlisle Inn
The Sarasota Young Professionals Group is proud to host the Annual Young Professionals Summit, presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co.! The YP Summit brings together local young professionals to hear from community leaders and network with peers. During this half-day event, you will learn new ways to grow personally and professionally, and one of the outstanding finalists will be recognized with the annual Young Professional of the Year Award.
To Register for the event, scan the QR Code
Annual YPG Sponsors:
Sofie Wachtmeister
Hometown: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Title: Marketing & Public Relations Manager
Company: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
YPG Member Since: 2016
“The best advice I’ve ever gotten in regard to my career is - whatever job you have, you should enjoy it because you spend the majority of your time doing it.”
The Leadership Sarasota program is designed to enhance the participants awareness of the community and its needs by examining how leadership in the historical, geographical, educational, economic, governmental and cultural segments work together to perpetuate and advance the Sarasota County community. Youth Leadership Sarasota program for high school juniors and seniors is similar to the adult program. It’s designed to nurture and develop positive leadership qualities. It’s about Sarasota and how young people can make it a better place. The program provides applicants the knowledge, tools, and contacts to be successful leaders.
Applications Open Monday, April 10th. Visit Sarasotachamber.com to Apply!
To Register for the event, scan the QR Code
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering
The Leadership awards recognize leadership alumni with a legacy in community participation and impact in three unique categories.
Lifetime of Leadership Award - Recognizing body of work in career, community and beyond
Impact in Action Award – Recognizing someone who is actively building our community and pushing it to the future
Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award – Recognizing commitment to the Leadership Sarasota program
For sponsorship opportunities please contact Sara Rachon, srachon@sarasotachamber.com
Annual Leadership Sponsors:
Q: What is the biggest leadership lesson you have learned?
Motivating team members is often relegated to methods that offer extrinsic stimulation, like bonuses. A transformational leadership truth is that motivational sustainability is better facilitated by aiding our team members in the development or discovery of a purpose that is greater than “self.” When this connection is formed, motivation comes from within and becomes sustainable allowing leaders to be more “Yoda” like and less of a “superhero”.
Q: What is one business advice you would give to local entrepreneurs?
In a city that is often voted one of the best places to retire, it is important to remember that “work is noble.” Recognizing this truth and then helping our teams to discover where they find “joy” at work is one of the greatest gifts we as leaders have to give. I have found Patrick Lencioni’s latest book “The Working Genius” to be very helpful in this pursuit.
Q: Are there any exciting developments happening in your company?
At RITE, we are discovering new and innovative ways to help our clients in this age of rapid digital transformation. In early 2022 we launched RITE Integrations which offers Professional Audio/Visual Integrations in offices, conference rooms, classrooms, training centers, hospitality and more. We are involved in many interesting projects that have elevated the level of emotion and engagement we experience with our clients, that’s fun!
Q: What do you love the most about Sarasota?
That is easy, it is the amazing people that make up the vibrant community that we have the privilege to live and work within. The generosity and genuineness of so many people within our community whom have positioned themselves to be a resource to others is amazing and contagious. This reality continues to inspire me to become my best self and I LOVE that.
In January, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. welcomed three new shareholders to their leadership team—Kathleen Martin, CPA; Ashley Salter, CPA; and Erin Hentrich, CPA. The firm is majority woman-owned and has been named the Best Public Accounting Firm for Women and for Equity Leadership by the Accounting MOVE Project for the past eight years.
Q. What’s most exciting about the accounting industry today?
We really can help business owners and people make the best decisions possible when it comes to their finances and taxes. Being on the front line, we’re often the first people who are finding out about upcoming business decisions and potential situations and work collaboratively with our clients to guide and advise them. That’s exciting!
- Kathleen Martin, CPAQ: How is the Sarasota community good for business owners?
I’m a Sarasota native and there’s a reason I never left. We’ve got so many nonprofits in the area and it’s clear that the people of Sarasota are committed to making it a better place. It’s also the ‘small big city’ feel that makes our community a great place to live and work. It’s easy to build connections and word of mouth through relationships.
- Ashley Salter, CPAQ: What’s one thing a business owner can do to strengthen their relationship with their accountant?
Communication is key to maintaining a strong relationship with your CPA. We love to be proactive rather than reactive. Share your 1-year, 5-year and longer business plans so we can work with you to achieve them, either through building out a great team of professionals (accounting, insurance, wealth management, etc.) to support you or by working with you on tax planning and strategies, or succession planning.
- Erin Hentrich, CPAImpact: All Faiths Food Bank Helps Students Thrive through School Pantry Program
“The School Pantry Program, part of the food bank’s Children & Families initiative, helps set up food pantries that are conveniently located on-site at schools for families of students in need. The pantries complement school breakfast and lunch programs, providing access to food for children and their families after the school day has ended.”
JFCS of the Suncoast Kicking Off Eighth Annual Book Drive
“Each year, JFCS collects and distributes nearly 4,000 new books to promote literacy among local children in pre-K through Grade 5, with special emphasis on low-income and at-risk families. Books are also given to infants and toddlers, as well as older children in middle and high school.”
Grants:
Wilson-Wood Foundation Grant Supports Independent Living Program for Visually Impaired
“Lighthouse recently received a generous grant from the Wilson-Wood Foundation for the organization’s Independent Living Program. The $10,000 grant will help further support individuals experiencing vision loss, right here in our own community. ”
Goodwill Awarded Second USAA Grant to Support Career Services
“In an effort to better provide career enhancing training and employment placement services to Black and Hispanic veterans and military spouses, United Services Automobile Association (USAA) awarded a grant to Goodwill Industries International through an effort called “Operation Achieve.” Goodwill Manasota was one of the sub-grantees for Operation Achieve, receiving $155,000 in October of 2021 to serve Black and Hispanic veterans and military spouses.”
Community:
Second Heart Homes Receives Donation from 100 Women Who Care- Greater Sarasota for Services to Care for Homeless Adults with Mental Health Conditions
“The local chapter of 100 Women Who Care employs the organization’s novel system: Members see and hear presentations from charities, three of which are selected as finalists who then vie for donations. Following Second Heart Homes’ fourth attempt, each member of “100 Women” contributed $100 toward the total. Second Heart Homes also will receive a $5,000 matching grant by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, resulting in a total of $26,500.””
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Opens Summer Program Registration
“ Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties has opened its online application for summer programs. Youth ages 6 to 18 are invited to apply for the 2023 Great Futures Academy Summer Program. Youth, who participate in the program will have access to positive adult mentors and opportunities that encourage academic excellence, leadership development, healthy habits and success after high school graduation.”
Read more of our member news and the amazing impact they are making in the community by heading over to sarasotachamber.com
Celebrating milestone anniversaries of members who have been with us for 25 years and above.
54 Years Cool Today
52 Years Williams Parker Attorneys at Law
48 Years Safe Children Coalition
42 Years Michael Saunders & Company
36 Years G. Fried Flooring America
36 Years
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
35 Years Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc.
35 Years Wright Accounting, Inc.
33 Years Sun Outdoors Sarasota
32 Years Rugs As Art
31 Years Brown & Brown Insurance
31 Years Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County
31 Years
30 Years
Sunnyside Village
Woman’s Exchange, Inc.
29 Years RITE Technology
28 Years Regions Bank
27 Years Der Dutchman
27 Years
27 Years
27 Years
26 Years
26 Years
25 Years
Four Winds Beach Resort
Lido Beach Resort
Senior Friendship Centers
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay
The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch
25 Years Woodruff & Sons, Inc.
Please help us in welcoming the following new members joining our Chamber family!
3sixtyglobal
ADP
AFC Urgent Care
AGA Tax and Consulting Services LLC
Aginto | A Digital Agency
AK Investing, LLC
Aspire Poly Furniture
Baby Brie’s Cafe, Wine & Coffee Bar
Belle Haven Solutions, LLC
Bodybar Pilates
Captain Experiences
Cozy Comfort Carts
Cruisin’ Tikis Sarasota
Cyber Risk Group LLC
Decor Direct Wholesale Warehouse
Edward Jones - Debbie Lancaster
Entech
Exclusive Insights
Fiorini Broadcasting - WENG 107.5 Radio
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Sarasota
Greg Linehan Law
Hale Law
Her Beauty Lounge, LLC
Herrera Psychology
Home & Design Magazine
House of JBaby’s Preschool
Innovative Advertising
International Diamond Center
Island Art
Jah Movement
JD WMS Diversity Group
Josie Cline, LLC @ Compass FL, LLC
JP Morgan Chase
Kona Ice of North Sarasota
KW Commercial
Little Caterpillar Early Child Care
Mademoiselle Paris
Meals on Wheels of Sarasota
Mercer Capital
MGV Natural Soap and Cosmetic Services LLC
Miss Clara Boat Tours
Modern Tile & Carpet
Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial
Monarch Murphy Beds
Montilio’s Wood Fired Pizza On the Go
Native Sun Painting
New Life Business Coaching
Optimum Home Care, LLC
Palm Terrace
Phenomenal Staffing, LLC
Plunkett, Raysich Architects, LLP
Red Door Painting, LLC
Rumble
Sammy’s Beach Bum Services, LLC
Sarasota Rising
Seasons 52
Second Chance Last Opportunity
Selah Freedom
Shred-Medic
SignatureWEB
SME Solutions Group, Inc.
SoFo Ice LLC
SpecOps Group Inc.
SRQ Entertainment Company
SRQ Media
Sticks on the Go LLC
Storm Smart
StretchLab South Sarasota
Sunburn Cannabis
Sunflower Discount Market
Sunworld Watersports LLC
Symplifyed HR Consulting, LLC
The Bee Haven
The Breakfast Company
Time to Change with Denise
Town Square Sarasota
UBS - Zelniker Dorfman Carr & Heritage Group
UnidosNow
Vermonti Cannoli
Virginia Gibala, LMHC
Virtual Alchemy
Whitehead Prof Services Newtown LLC DBA
Kopies and More
Williams Solid Solutions
Workscapes
Workstyle Consulting
Celebrate your business grand opening or major renovation with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting by contacting Heather Moore at hmoore@sarasotachamber.com.
The staff of Serbin Print Marketing & Publishing/Mail-It, LLC are extremely proud of Molly’s recent Ambassador of the Quarter Award! Molly serves as Serbin’s Relationship Manager, participating in over a dozen organizations to serve member companies with their diverse marketing needs. Molly joined Serbin several years ago after spending over 20 years in the Sarasota/Manatee food service industry in various positions including sales and management.
A native of Pennsylvania, Molly attended Pittsburgh’s Bradford Business School after graduating high school. Shortly after business school she married Mark Lawley (she was not born Molly Lawley). Molly and Mark have a daughter who resides in Colorado as an awardwinning sales trainer for a large growing West Coast construction company.
When deciding to make a career change away from the food service industry, Molly was attracted to Serbin Print Marketing & Publishing/ Mail-It, LLC, because of its 51 years working with the community. Serbin is the longest running single family owned and operated printing/publishing company in the Bay area, and is very active with both non-profit and for-profit organizations.
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has offered Molly the opportunity to connect with other local professionals and form new long-lasting relationships. She volunteers for many community events through the friendships she cultivates with its members. Molly is so proud to work with such a great organization!
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 through our chamber councils.
When: May 2 - June 14, 2023
Mondays - Thursdays
Classroom: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Clinical: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Where: Suncoast Technical College (STC)
In partnership with Suncoast Technical College (STC), CareerEdge has announced yet another FastTrack Program with a focus on Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This is a tuition-free training funded by CareerEdge. Funding also covers two sets of scrubs, a stethoscope, and shoes for each participant. Participants are responsible for paying for their certification exam fee and fingerprint testing, reimbursable upon passing exam. Applicants can apply through the CareerEdge website. Applicants must complete an interview with CareerEdge to be considered for the training. Class is limited to 15 participants. Deadline to apply is April 17th.
To apply, visit careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/
The work of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative within our community would not be possible without the generous and committed support of our funders.
Opportunities For All (OFA), a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for the third year of the Summer Internship program. This eight-week 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. In its first two years, 2021 & 2022, the OFA Summer Internship program successfully placed 43 interns with 17 local businesses. Over the course of the program, interns will experience a business environment and explore different career opportunities within departments. Intern applicants must be a High School graduate or older. Employers involved in the program must be Sarasota Chamber members.
Intern Benefits
• Industry Exposure
• Work Experience
• Networking Opportunities
• Education Enhancement
• Resume Builder
• Mentor a Young Adult
• Opportunity for Diversity
• Gaining a New Perspective
• Promotes Innovation and Creativity
Interested employers and interns can apply on the Sarasota Chamber website. For more information or to learn more about the Opportunities For All program, please reach out to Melanie Lavender, Opportunities For All Manager, at mlavender@sarasotachamber.com.
This experience is fully funded by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce through the Opportunities For All grant provided by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.