The Bridge Magazine - April 2024

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APRIL 2024

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK PAGES 2-10 INVESTING IN THE FUTURE PAGES 11-12 MEMBERSHIP UPDATES PAGES 19-23
DECEMBER 2022

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

IN THIS ISSUE

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello Springtime in Sarasota! Our Chamber has been serving our community and region for 103 years, at the table where decisions and solutions are happening that affect the businesses in our region.

The board of directors, our

Chairman Teri Hansen, and our chamber team have been working hard to create relevant and timely events that support our mission of creating bold opportunities and solutions for our community. The first week of April, we have our tradeshow style event, the Grand Expo. This event is designed to bring business and community together. It will be held at Robarts Arena on Thursday, April 4th and we expect close to 100 vendors and restaurants to exhibit, as well as hundreds of attendees.

You will not want to miss my favorite event of the year, our Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards on Friday, June 21st at the new Ora Ballroom at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Campus. We have added a new award category this year, called the Hospitality Business of the Year, which will round out the prestigious awards to 10 categories. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the businesses, their leaders, and teams on the incredible things they are accomplishing for our robust economy.

The Chamber is laser focused on supporting our businesses and our local economy. Whether through our advocacy efforts, connection platforms, or our educational experiences and programming. Through CareerEdge, we are training individuals to lead within their industries and companies. With our Opportunities For All Program, we are creating an experience where young students (seniors in high school through college) participate in an 8 week glimpse into the career of their choice through an internship. Finally, with the Young Professionals Group and Leadership Sarasota, we are equipping folks with the skills to 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.

Your Chamber At Work 2 Letter from the President 3 Letter from the Chairman 4 Chamber Events 5 Recap of 2024 Annual Golf Classic 6 Recap of 2024 Party on the Bay 9 2024 Small Business Awards 10 Leadership in the Year 2024 Investing In The Future 11 CareerEdge 12 Opportunities For All Leadership Developments 12 Young Professionals Group 13 Leadership Sarasota 16 Corporate Corner- Lakewood Ranch Medical Center 17 Corporate Corner- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Get Connected 18 Ambassador of the Quarter Membership Updates 19 Member Anniversaries 20 Welcome New Members 22 Ribbon Cuttings 1945 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34236
955-8187 sarasotachamber.com GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2
(941)

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

For many of us in our younger years, a summer job or internship was a given. It was a rite of passage. It might even have led to what we do today. How many lessons did you learn from yours?

Our Chamber works to cultivate Sarasota’s prosperity and quality of life through our member businesses. That requires creating opportunities for all in our community. However, the Chamber recognized that many minority-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs have lacked visibility and representation in our business community. At the same time, underrepresented youth have faced barriers to paid internships with local companies—the kind of internships that foster relationships, provide coaching, and sometimes lead to future employment.

That’s why the Chamber created Opportunities For All (OFA), an initiative of intentional outreach to minority-owned small businesses and professionals. One program of OFA provides wage reimbursement for local employers that host summer internships. By participating, your business can engage diverse interns in part-time positions over the summer, helping them learn about the world of professional work that awaits them. Just as important, you can gain new perspectives and ideas from these future leaders, all while impacting our community and economy.

Last summer, the OFA summer internship program matched 26 skilled interns with 16 local employers—and resulted in five interns accepting offers for permanent jobs! This program is a win-win for these bright young professionals and the local companies and organizations that engage their talent.

The application window for 2024 OFA summer internships runs through May. Read more inside this issue of the Bridge to learn how your business can participate and benefit.

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

Isabella Alvarado Membership Coordinator ialvarado@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4030

Pete Bartosik Leadership & YPG Manager pbartosik@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039

Maggie Burton Executive Assistant mburton@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051

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

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

Lisa Wood Event Coordinator lwood@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4055

BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 3

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

CHAMBER EVENTS

MONTHLY EVENTS

Thursday, April 18 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Vision of Dance

Thursday, May 23 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Zing Patio

Thursday, June 20 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Save Our Seabirds

Wednesday, April 10 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch

Wednesday, May 8 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

99 Bottles

Wednesday, May 21 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Topic: Uplevel Your Leadership with Kristen Theisen

Sarasota Chamber Boardroom

Wednesday, June 26 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Topic: From Vision to Victory: Navigating Grants with Victoria Kasdan

Sarasota Chamber Boardroom

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Thursday, April 4 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Robarts Arena

Thursday, May 16 11:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Michael’s on East

Friday, June 21 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Ora Ballroom at The Jewish Federation

To Register for our Upcoming Events, Scan the QR Code Below:

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 4

A DAY OF SWINGS, CHEERS, AND TRIUMPHS: 2024 SARASOTA GOLF CLASSIC

Our Annual Golf Classic at the Bobby Jones Golf Club unfolded as a day of pure sporting elegance and community bonding. Thank you to Waste Pro, our presenting sponsor, whose support played a pivotal role in making this day, Monday, January 8, 2024, an overwhelming success.

The competitive spirit soared as teams showcased their golf prowess. Congratulations to the day's champions: 1st Place - Royal-Tee's, 2nd Place - Gulfside Bank, and 3rd Place - SouthState Bank. Their outstanding performances made this year's Golf Classic truly unforgettable.

Beyond the competition, the day was defined by shared joy and camaraderie among participants. From sponsors investing in the event's success to players bringing their A-game, and supporters adding cheers – each played a crucial role in shaping the vibrant atmosphere that permeated the golf course.

As the sun sets on this year's tournament, we eagerly anticipate more swinging success in the years to come. Until next year, may the fairways be ever in your favor!

Thank you to all the event and hole sponsors, whose generous contributions added excitement and prestige to the tournament.

BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 5
YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

THE UNFORGETTABLE 2024 PARTY ON THE BAY

The Sarasota community gathered at the picturesque Powel Crosley Estate on February 15, 2024, for the unmissable 2024 Party on the Bay, presented by HH Staffing. Against the stunning backdrop of Sarasota Bay, attendees immersed themselves in a vibrant atmosphere filled with live pan music, delectable food tastings from local restaurants, and the chance to explore a Chris-Craft boat. The event provided the perfect setting for networking, forging connections, and reveling in the most festive evening of the year.

For those who wanted an exclusive experience, VIP access was available for purchase, offering unique features such as VIP parking and a private lounge. The evening commenced with exceptional add-on experiences at 4:00 PM, where participants honed their mixology skills with Mike Miller, Beverage Director of State Street Eating House + Cocktails, or crafted a delectable Tuna Stack under the guidance of Chef Cesareo of Tripletail Seafood & Spirits. These experiences added an extra layer of sophistication to the lively festivities.

Thank you to all the sponsors of the 2024 Party on the Bay, whose support made this event possible!

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 6
YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

Now offering full-service packaging design & printing!

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Rely on our graphic designers for all of your business needs. Our creative team can start from scratch or apply your existing design to new projects.

With decades of print experience, we have the expertise to complete your digital, offset or large format projects on time and within your budget.

Let our mail department help you to determine the most successful method of distributing your next marketing or fundraising campaign.

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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: JOIN US AT THE 2024 SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

The biggest event in Sarasota is back, and we cannot wait to celebrate the amazing businesses in the community that are making a huge impact. This year's Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards will be on Friday, June 21 from 11:30 am - 1:15 pm at the new Ora Room at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Named in honor of the late Frank G. Berlin, Sr., whose legacy in the community and support of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce epitomized the hopes and dreams of contemporary business entrepreneurs. The Small Business Awards are a cornerstone of celebrating these chamber members who are going above and beyond in their industry and in the community. To make things even more special, the Sarasota Chamber added a new category, Hospitality Business of the Year Award, to recognize the best of the best in hospitality. Although applications for the 2024 Small Business Awards are closed, don't miss your chance to attend one of the year's most significant events - secure your tickets now!

2024 Small Business Awards Category:

Large Business of the Year Award

Medium Business of the Year Award

Small Business of the Year Award

Workforce Development & Innovation Business of the Year Award

Minority Owned Business of the Year Award

Woman Owned Business of the Year Award

Non-Profit Business of the Year Award

Rising Star Business of the Year Award

Community Impact Business of the Year Award

*NEW* Hospitality Business of the Year Award

Secure your seat at 2024 Small Business Awards:

Presented By:

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 9

YOUR CHAMBER AT WORK

LEADERSHIP IN THE YEAR 2024

Leadership is a critically important concept, and a constant focus for the Greater of Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Leadership starts at the top and is usually the difference between a company that excels and one that struggles. The same can be said for leadership at the city, the county, the state and federal levels of government. At the Chamber, we are diligently working to build, resource and grow leaders in our businesses, as well as, in our community. We understand the importance of supporting and strengthening leaders is the key to unlock new economic opportunities and is a building block of job growth.

When it comes to leadership, here’s what you can expect in 2024 from the Sarasota Chamber:

We have a full docket of opportunities and challenges before us in Sarasota, all of which are things that need our collective attention, engagement, and leadership in order to continue to have a strong and robust economy for us to live and work in. John F. Kennedy was quoted as saying, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” We’re working hard at the Sarasota Chamber to provide both.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 10

Empowering Futures: CareerEdge Secures $71,000 Truist Foundation Grant for Workforce Upskilling CAREEREDGE

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $71,000 grant from Truist Foundation, a significant step forward in empowering our community members to enhance their skills and earning capacity. This generous funding specifically supports our Bridges to Careers training programs, accelerating individuals' access to foundational skills and industry-recognized credentials, ultimately propelling them towards successful careers. A heartfelt thank you to Truist Foundation for partnering with us in fostering economic growth and breaking barriers to employment. For more details, explore the full press release at careeredgefunders.org.

Fully Funded HVAC Program in Collaboration with American Vocational Academy

CareerEdge launched a 14-week fully funded HVAC program in collaboration with the American Vocational Academy this past January. The program is fully funding nine students on this training journey. Upon completion, participants will earn EPA certifications and industry-recognized credentials.

Electrifying Success: CareerEdge's Electrical FastTrack Unleashes Dynamic Hands-On Learning

CareerEdge's Electrical FastTrack recently engaged in a dynamic hands-on learning experience! This 15-week, in-person fast track program goes beyond traditional instruction. Our guest instructor, Jeff Purcella, led an engaging session, providing our participants invaluable practice and experience.

THANK YOU CAREEREDGE FUNDERS

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

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 11

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

Summer Internship Program: Unlocking Doors to Professional Growth

Opportunities For All (OFA) program is thrilled to open applications for its fourth annual Summer Internship Program. Running from June 3 to July 26, 2024, the eight-week initiative seeks to create a mutually beneficial partnership, connecting local employers with diverse interns for a summer of professional development Applications are accepted from March 1 to May 3, 2024 and the program, tailored for minority interns, plays a crucial role in fostering community and economic growth.

In the previous year, the OFA Summer Internship program successfully placed 26 minority interns with 16 local businesses, aligning their placements with their respective majors and career interests. Open to high school graduates and older, eligible intern applicants can apply through the Sarasota Chamber website at sarasotachamber.com, while participating employers must be members of the Sarasota Chamber.

To apply for the 2024 Summer Internship Program, use the QR code below for both interns and employers.

This experience is fully funded by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce through the Opportunities For All grant provided by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

YPG After Hours at Office Bar SRQ: A Night of Networking

YPG held its monthly After Hours at Office Bar SRQ this past February. The evening was a perfect blend of networking and fun, bringing together dynamic professionals in a vibrant atmosphere. The energy and connections made during the event were truly remarkable. From engaging conversations to new connections formed, it was an evening that showcased the spirit of our young professionals' community. Office Bar SRQ provided the ideal backdrop for fostering meaningful connections and creating lasting memories.

Not yet a YPG Member? Scan here to join!

Thank You Annual YPG Sponsors:

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12

LEADERSHIP SARASOTA

2024 Leadership Sarasota Educational Conference on Well-being and the Future of Work

Leadership Sarasota Educational Conference 2024, hosted by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law, captured and celebrated impactful moments centered around fostering personal well-being for resilient teams. The event, which took placed on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the Carlisle Inn – Sarasota, was marked by insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions, provided a deep dive into the Future of Work. Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein focused on mental fitness, illustrating how workforces can adapt their culture to better accommodate their employees. Hannah McGowan delved into the power of curiosity, highlighting its role as the greatest tool for employers and employees when building a more robust mental workforce. Lastly, the panel discussed their journey in prioritizing well-being in the workplace. Thank you to our esteemed speakers, Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein, Hannah McGowan, Monaca Onstad, Jason Metnick, Amanda Parrish, and Heather Kasten, whose inspiring words encouraged us to lead with a focus on well-being.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 13

At 81 Oaks Senior Living, we’ve dedicated our lives to ensure there is purpose in every breath of each resident we are honored to serve. We provide the care, encouragement, laughter, and support they need to thrive each and every day. We believe in building strong relationships in the local community to help seniors live their best lives Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner together to make a positive impact for seniors in Sarasota!

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 14 Let’s partner together and make a difference!
Assisted
7850
Assisted
81 Oaks Senior Living
Living and Memory Care
Hawkins Road Sarasota, FL 34241 Hello@81Oaks.com 941-278-8801 | 81Oaks.com
Living Facility #13817

GET TO KNOW KERKERING BARBERIO SHAREHOLDER, BRIAN SIMMONS, CPA, ESQ.

Brian Simmons is a shareholder at Kerkering Barberio. His primary area of practice is tax planning and compliance for businesses and individuals. He has more than 30 years of experience advising entrepreneurs, privately held businesses, and high-net-worth individuals on a wide range of tax planning and business matters. Prior to joining the KB team, Brian practiced law and also served as chief financial officer for a large consulting firm. He has extensive knowledge of taxation of S corporations, C corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and tax-exempt organizations. Brian also regularly represents clients in tax audits and disputes before the Internal Revenue Service and state agencies.

What led you to a career as a CPA?

What intrigued me about becoming an accountant is being less of a crisis manager and more of a primary business resource for our clients. Prior to becoming a CPA, I spent many years as an attorney. Attorneys specialize in helping their clients navigate through times of crisis, often without a lot of opportunity to plan ahead of time to avoid these crisis situations. I believe CPAs have more opportunity to provide advance planning to clients and to meet with them more often. We see our clients at least once a year for tax returns or reviews, and hopefully more. I really enjoy being more involved in our clients’ businesses.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of my job is the people! I enjoy the people I work with and the clients I serve. The CPA business is more than most businesses, a people business. It’s understanding people, caring about them and finding our what their goals, dreams, and fears are, and helping them with those.

One of my most rewarding client experiences involved a long-term client who operated a service business in several states. I was fortunate to be her CPA and provide her with tax and accounting services for several years as she approached retirement. We talked about what she wanted to do with the business for several years prior and she ultimately decided that she wanted to sell it. It was really rewarding to have the opportunity to sit down with her and her attorney to structure the sale of the business in such a way that we minimized taxes, maximized payout, and avoided any potential liabilities that could have come back to her post-close. This allowed her to enjoy her retirement to the fullest and I really appreciated being a part of that process after all of those years.

What is your ‘why’?

My ‘why’ involves three pillars: 1) I enjoy what I do; 2) I enjoy the people I work with and being a part of a great team; and 3) I enjoy providing excellent service to our clients and helping them to succeed.

What are the biggest challenges your clients face?

Our clients’ biggest challenges result from change and dealing with that change. We’ve all gone through a lot recently— tax law changes, labor shortages, and the pandemic. Kerkering Barberio is in a great position to assist our clients in navigating these and similar changes that we will face in coming years.

Our firm takes pride in being technically proficient, which is important in times of change. We have a high level of technology, which is also important in times of change. This allows us to move quickly to get clients what they need.

We have many great young professionals here at the firm who bring new ideas that help us approach times of change in new and unique ways. And we also have a number of people who have extensive experience and have been through many changes in their careers. All of this together makes Kerkering Barberio a great firm and enables us to help our clients deal with any changes on the horizon.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy playing tennis and golf, and I also enjoy traveling.

Reach out to Brian Simmons at bsimmons@kbgrp.com or (941) 365-4617.

KBGRP.com • (941) 365-4617

"Healthcare can impact an entire community and is a service that everyone needs at some point in their life. Without it, there is a void that nothing else can replace."

Position: CEO

Company: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Q: What are some of the most exciting changes you’ve seen in healthcare during your career?

I started my healthcare career a few years after the Institute of Medicine’s groundbreaking publication, To Err is Human was published. This book revealed why mistakes (medical errors) happen and how we can learn from them. The result was a more intense focus on patient safety and culture within the healthcare world, which we continue to embrace.

Q: Why would you encourage someone to consider a healthcare career?

Healthcare can impact an entire community and is a service that everyone needs at some point in their life. Without it, there is a void that nothing else can replace. Whether someone becomes a hands-on caregiver (physician, nurse, therapist, etc.), or has a career on the administrative side like I do, healthcare requires people with a variety of different skills and capabilities to ensure great healthcare within a community.

Q: We have seen tremendous growth in the State and specifically this area, what are some of the challenges and opportunities your organization is facing?

As with any organization that grows because of its success, the challenge is maintaining the culture that made it successful in the first place. When adding employees or new service lines, keeping workplace cultural standards is a must. I believe that most growing organizations that fail, do so because they take their eye off the ball in this respect.

Q: What excites you most about the future of healthcare and advancements in medicine?

In healthcare, I believe that artificial intelligence will advance medicine at a much faster rate than in the past. Trials for medicines, vaccines, even new equipment that took years to complete could be done in much less time and that is really exciting.

CORPORATE CORNER
LEADERSHIP
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 16
DEVELOPMENTS

CORPORATE CORNER

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

As we embark on the year 2024, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) continues to propel forward with ambitious plans for growth and construction. In the preceding year of 2023, SRQ successfully processed 4,322,408 passengers, marking a remarkable 12% increase from 2022 and an astounding 37% surge from 2021. To put this growth into perspective, let us reflect on the progress made in just six short years. In 2018, SRQ boasted a modest six airlines and a twelve nonstop destinations. Today,

however, we have eleven airlines and an impressive fifty-four nonstop destinations served. This exponential expansion has presented our dedicated airport staff with numerous challenges, which they have tirelessly tackled to ensure the seamless flow of safe and efficient operations. We understand that the success of an airport lies not only in its ability to accommodate increasing numbers but also in its ability to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport commenced construction on a terminal expansion project in March of 2023. This endeavor involves extending the terminal, which will be connected to the east end of the ticket wing. The expansion will result in a state-of-the-art 5-gate terminal, spanning 75,300 square feet. Within this modern facility, passengers will benefit from a host of amenities and services designed to enhance their travel experience. Notably a new security checkpoint will be implemented, ensuring swift and efficient screening procedures. Additionally, five spacious boarding hold rooms, with a total of 970 seats, will be available to accommodate travelers. The terminal expansion project, of $100 million, will be financed through a combination of Federal, State, and Airport Authority Funds.

SRQ has launched an 18-month concessions construction project encompassing the expansion of both concourse A, our new terminal, and the existing concourse B. To ensure convenience and satisfaction, we have strategically placed various establishments pre-security. Passengers will be able to choose from Dunkin Donuts or Suncoast Trading & Bar before proceeding through security. Once past security, the revamped Concourse B will boast an impressive lineup of dining and retail options. From the mouthwatering delights of Mattison’s and Huey Magoos to the renowned sandwiches of Jimmy Johns and the iconic flavors of Wahlburgers, providing travelers with a wide array of selections. Additionally, Motorworks Brewing, The Salty Key, Rise Up Cafe, Shops at Siesta Key, and Seaside Mercantile will further cater to the diverse preferences of our passengers. For those traveling through Concourse A, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Patrick’s 1481, and Sarasota To Go/Peet’s Coffee will be readily available to satisfy your cravings. The airport looks forward to completion of these changes over the next 18 months and invite you to explore and indulge in the exciting new concessions, bars, and shops that will await you at our airport.

As the airport continues to soar to new heights, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence. Our team of dedicated professionals work diligently to overcome any obstacles to ensure that every passenger's journey through SRQ is a smooth and enjoyable one.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTS
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 17
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 18 GET CONNECTED
BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 19
55 Years CoolToday 53 Years Williams Parker Attorneys at Law 49 Years Safe Children Coalition 43 Years Michael Saunders & Company 37 Years Sarasota Memorial Health Care System 36 Years Wright Accounting, Inc. 36 Years Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc. 34 Years Sun Outdoors Sarasota 33 Years Rugs As Art 32 Years Sunnyside Village 32 Years Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County 32 Years Brown & Brown Insurance 31 Years Woman's Exchange, Inc. 30 Years RITE Technology 29 Years Regions Bank 28 Years Lido Beach Resort 28 Years Four Winds Beach Resort 28 Years Senior Friendship Centers 28 Years Der Dutchman 27 Years Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. 27 Years Plymouth Harbor on Sarasota Bay 26 Years The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch 26 Years Woodruff & Sons, Inc.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

December 2023 - February 2024

Please help us in welcoming the following new members joining our Chamber family! We are excited to have these talented individuals and businesses join our vibrant community, and we look forward to fostering strong connections and collaboration with them as we continue to grow and thrive together.

Aberdeen Advisors

Age Reversal Technology Center

All Star Children's Foundation

Amalfi Events Design

Ameriprise Financial

Banyan Bodyworks, LLC dba

Squeeze Massage

Barber Chair

BARE Blends

BeLocal

BIOM Pharmaceuticals

Bobby Jones Golf Club

Brave Hearts Foundation, Inc.

Cennairus LLC

Coastal Car Wash

Coastal Vacations

Conscious Health LLC

CORE Construction

Creative Arts Academy

Decision-ology LLC

Eckstein, Summers, Armbruster

Excel Telemessaging

Extraordinary Eventz

Family Pools

FI Home Services Inc

Florida Home Girls | Compass

Freedom Pools and Spas

FUNducation

Happy Soul Pediatrics and Family Medicine

Harper Health

Harvest House

InfinitiHR

INSURANCE SERVICES LLC

Knowledge Strategies International, LLC

Lexington Financial

Maple Street Biscuit Company

Merits Design Group

Metropolitan Solution

Mike Douglass Plumbing, Inc

Navisiontech Inc

Palm Aire Renovations and Painting LLC

Palm Island Electric

Platinum Live Productions

Prime IV Hydration & Wellness

Prudential Advisors

PuroClean of Lakewood Ranch & Siesta Key

Rectangle Payments

Rocket Mortgage

Russell Skibicki of Raymond James

Samurai Japanese Fusion

Sarasota Point Rehabilitation Center

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 20

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS CONTINUED

December 2023 - February 2024

As our Chamber family expands, we encourage all members—new and existing—to actively participate in our diverse events and networking opportunities. Let's build lasting connections, share insights, and collectively thrive. Welcome aboard, and join us on this exciting journey of growth and collaboration!

Satchel's Last Resort Animal Shelter and Sanctuary

Save Our Seabirds

Scorpion King Charter/Pinch n Pinch Blue

Crabs and Seafood

Settles Stump Grinding & Tree Service

Shutts & Bowen LLP

Siesta Trolley & Transportation

Signarama Sarasota

Sirioos Design LLC

Sous Tech LLC

Southern Tide

Sports Illustrated Tickets

Stocking Savvy

Stroll Magazine

Sunshine Movers of Sarasota

Supporting Strategies | Southwest FL

That 1 Painter Sarasota

The Bergamot LLC

The Right Method

The Risky Path, LLC

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

Tidewater Solutions Group, LLC

Trepp Developments LLC

Velez Engineering, LLC

Venetian Golf Club

Vertical Chiropractic

Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota

Wow 1 Day Painting - Sarasota

Yummy AF Bakery

Zoom Drain of Sarasota

BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 21

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

CELEBRATING THE BIG MOMENTS

December 2023 - February 2024

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

December 2023

January 2024

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 22

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

Ribbon cuttings are ceremonial events to celebrate the opening of a new business or the expansion of an existing one. The purpose of these events is to create a sense of community and generate publicity for the business. Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products or services, network with other professionals, and gain exposure to potential customers. You can view all of Sarasota Chamber members’ ribbon cuttings on our social media platforms!

February 2024

BRIDGE MAGAZINE APR 2024 23
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 24
YOU TO OUR CHAMBER CHAMPIONS
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 1945 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34236 THANK
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