The Bridge Magazine - April 2023

Page 1

PAGES 2-5

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

PAGES 16-19

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

PAGES 22-23

2022
DECEMBER
YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK
APRIL 2023

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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.

IN
ISSUE Your Chamber At Work 2 Letter from the President/CEO 3 Letter from the Chairman 4 Welcome New Staff/Breakfast with the Chamber 5 Tallahassee Legislative Trip Build Your Business 8 Upcoming Chamber Events 10 Advertising Options Leadership Developments 12 Young Professionals Group 13 Leadership Sarasota 14 Corporate CornerRITE Technology 15 Corporate Corner- Kerkering, Barberio & Co Membership Updates 16 Member News 17 Membership Anniversaries 18 Welcome New Members 19 Ribbon Cuttings Get Connected 21 Ambassador of the Quarter and Chamber Councils Investing In The Future 22 CareerEdge 23 Opportunities For All
THIS
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

CHAMBER STAFF

Heather 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.

Kevin 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

CHAMBER
WORK BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 3
YOUR
AT

WELCOME NEW STAFF

BREAKFAST WITH THE CHAMBER

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.

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK
Ed Hill Vice President Maggie Burton Executive Assistant Kevin Golumbeck CareerEdge Manager Heather Moore Event Manager Hayley Nau Communications Coordinator Lisa Wood Event Coordinator Mark Pawlicki Membership Coordinator
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 4

2023 TALLAHASSEE LEGISLATIVE TRIP

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.

2023 Legislative Priorities

Transporation and Infrustcture

• 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.

Water Quality

• Support a sound public policy and rational investment in infrastructure, both locally and regionally, that protects the Gulf of Mexico and local estuarine resources.

Education and Workforce

• 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.

Economic Development

• 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.

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 5
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 6
To register for the event, scan the QR Code! Presenting Sponsor: Join us on Thursday, May 11 from 11:00 AM - 1:15 PM at Michael’s On East for a champagne reception, networking, and luncheon with a discussion moderated by Kim Richmond, Director of 26 West Entrepreneurship Center. BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 7 Murder Mystery Trolley: WHO KILLEDTHE CIRCUS QUEEN? ***** “FUN! FUN! FUN!” -Jane ***** “WE LOVED THE SINGING AND ALL THE ZANY CHARACTERS”! -Jim and Sue Thursday & Saturday Nights 7:30 PM DiscoverSarasotaTours.com 941-260-9818 Visit The Trolley Cottage Gift Shop | 1826 4th Street | FREE Parking! DAILY TROLLEY TOURS ENTERTAINING • INFORMATIVE LOOKING FOR FUN EMPLOYEE EVENTS? Our Interactive Murder Mystery Trolley Tour Is GREAT For Team Building! MOTIVE. MEANS. OPPORTUNITY. Solve The Murder Of The Circus Queen! • Interactive Musical Entertainment • GROUPS Save 20% • Up to 29 Passengers • FREE Parking! • FREE Beer or Wine Before Boarding • Charming Gift Shop
Kim Richmond, Director of 26 West Entrepreneurship Center

MONTHLY EVENTS

P OWE R HOUR

Lunc h

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

SIGNATURE EVENTS

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

BUILD
YOUR BUSINESS
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 8
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 9 UNCONVENTIONAL NAME, TRANSFORMATIONAL EDUCATION • PRE-KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 12 • Historic Siesta Key Campus • Pre-K - Grade 5 • Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch • Grades 6 - 12 941-203-3640 ODA.edu/discover

ADVERTISING OPTIONS

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

BUILD
See an opportunity that may be a fit for you? Reach out to Zach Henkel, zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 10
Digital beW irPtn
YOUR BUSINESS
SerbinPrinting.com BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS • MARKETING • DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL PRINTING • PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS 1500 N. Washington Blvd. • Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

2023 YP Summit

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:

YPG MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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.”

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12

DEVELOPMENTS

LEADERSHIP SARASOTA

Applications for Adult and Youth Leadership Opening Soon!

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!

Celebrating Outstanding Ledership Awards

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:

LEADERSHIP
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 13

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.

CORPORATE CORNER
Learn how your organization could be featured in our Corporate Corner! Contact Zach Henkel, zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 14

DEVELOPMENTS

CORPORATE CORNER

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!

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

organization could be featured in our Corporate Corner!
Learn how your
Contact Zach Henkel, zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com
LEADERSHIP
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 15
Erin Hentrich Kathleen Martin Ashley Salter

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

MEMBER NEWS

Impact: 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

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 16

MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

February - April

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.

MEMBERSHIP
UPDATES
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 17

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

December 2022 - February 2023

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

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 18

CELEBRATING THE BIG MOMENTS

As of February 2023

Celebrate your business grand opening or major renovation with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting by contacting Heather Moore at hmoore@sarasotachamber.com.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
King HR Services Functional Transformation Radiology Regional Body Soul & Pole Fred Astaire Dance Studio Greg Linehan Law SRQ Med Spa Town Square Sarasota The Toasted Yolk Cafe The Laser Lounge Spa & Salon Sunflower Discount Market Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 19
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 20 Our goal has always been to help meet yours. Today, we’re here for you in more ways than ever. With more locations, more services, and more expertise to help you wherever life takes you. This is banking at its best. This is Banking Forward.
President
Premier Private Banker Consumer Bank Market Manger 941.306.0100 SouthStateBank.com Member FDIC
IMPACT FUL 1693 Main St. Suite B. FL 34236 sarasotacentralfl.image360.com Call for a free Quote (941)792-4453 SERVING ALL YOUR PRINT, MARKETING & SIGNAGE NEEDS Signs Banners Mailing Digital printing Graphic design ADA Signs Logo Design Vehicle wraps Wall graphics
Regional
Chris Perkins Renee Brady
Carla Cummings

Ambassador of the Quarter

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!

CHAMBER COUNCILS

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.

BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 21
Molly Lawley Relationship Manager Regional Workforce Council Events Council Affordable Housing Task Force Govermental Issue Council Leadership Council Chamber Ambassadors Strategic Council YPG Council Finance Council
GET CONNECTED
CareerEdge Industry Collaborative Councils

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE CAREEREDGE

Upcoming FastTrack Program

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training

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/

THANK YOU CAREEREDGE

The work of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative within our community would not be possible without the generous and committed support of our funders.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 22
1 3 G r a n t s w e r e g i v e n t o c o m p a n i e s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y 4 0 P e o p l e c o m p l e t e d F a s t T r a c k T r a i n i n g P r o g r a m 9 1 C e r t i f i c a t i o n s w e r e e a r n e d t h r o u g h t h e F a s t T r a c k T r a i n i n g P r o g r a m $ 3 2 4 , 0 0 0 I n g r a n t m o n e y w a s a w a r d e d t o h e l p i n g u p s k i l l a n d t r a i n t h e i r w o r k f o r c e 5 0 5 W o r k e r s t r a i n e d t h r o u g h U p s k i l l i n g G r a n t s

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

Summer Internship Porgram

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

Employer Benefits

• 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.

BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2023 23

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 24
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 1945 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34236
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.