The Bridge Magazine - April 2017

BRIDGE

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

BUILD VISIBILITY

BUILD YOUR BOTTOM LINE

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

CHAMBER RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE IN SMALL BUSINESS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED ON PAGE 7

Plus

APRIL 2017

BUILD OUR ECONOMY

Upcoming Events Chamber Members In The News New Chamber Hires & Promotion

Reduce your pain.

Restore your lifestyle.

The Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center If you’ve been suffering with orthopedic problems, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers a range of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including total joint replacement. Our hospital’s comprehensive approach to treatment brings together a team of surgeons who specialize in orthopedic injuries and sports medicine, along with orthopedic-trained nurses, therapists and technicians.

A rehabilitation program centered on your special needs The Orthopaedic Spine and Joint Center is more than a surgery and rehabilitation program – it’s a culture of care that empowers patients with motivation and education. We are committed to getting you back to the activities you love as quickly as possible, with a high-quality program that’s tailored to your needs, including pre-op classes and presentations that will help prepare you for your surgery and rehabilitation.

For more information, call 941.782.2663.

Then, before you know it … you’ll be on your way home.

Our goal is getting you there!

8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Bradenton, FL 34202 www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 160579 3/16

C H A M B E R S TA F F

CHAIR’S CORNER

Kevin Cooper President/CEO kcooper@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050 Dillon Buckland Communications Coordinator dbuckland@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039 Mimi Cirbusova YPG Coordinator mcirbusova@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038 Matt Gower Membership Investment Manager mgower@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4058 Barbara Hines Leadership Sarasota County Coordinator bhines@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4026 Brittany Lamont Vice President blamont@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040 Darlene Martin Membership Investment Representative dmartin@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029 Craig McGonigal Membership Engagement Manager cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034 Christine Miller Executive Assistant to the President cmiller@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051

SMALL BUSINESS IS BIG BUSINESS The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is committed to the support of business in the greater Sarasota region.

As is common in most communities, your Chamber is certainly reflective of the community that invests in it. For Sarasota, that means that your Chamber is comprised mainly of businesses that carry less than 75 full-time employees. In fact, 80% of your membership is made up of those businesses.

Having worked for one of the largest employers in the region, Sarasota County Schools, and now as an entrepreneur with a small business, Questar Construction, I can say with certainty that the Chamber strongly supports the full-spectrum of business sizes here in our area. However, it is the small business that drives so much of the economic engine in Sarasota and within your Chamber. It may come as a surprise to many that more than 60% of businesses in the United States have less than five employees. Furthermore, over 30% of workers in the United States are employed by businesses with less than 100 employees.

To be certain, regardless of size, business isn’t an easy endeavor. However, it is the

small-business start-up that perhaps best embodies the spirit of entrepreneurialism.

Roughly half of all small businesses will close within their first four years. That alone may speak to the importance of community support for small business.

Those making the trek forward are our friends, family, and neighbors. It is critical for all layers of the community to support their efforts in hopes that our half is the half that succeed, that our community be the place where small business beats the average. That’s not just something that would be nice, it is something we should strive for.

The Chamber is focused on promoting, supporting, and connecting the small businesses in our region. We are proud to include our annual Small Business Awards as a bridge across the entire spectrum of activities within those areas of focus. As we look to celebrating excellence in the small business community, I am always reminded of the fact that small business is big business in Sarasota. While your Chamber takes the opportunity to award small business excellence one day each year, it provides support for those businesses non-stop, all year long.

Megan Neal Membership & Events Coordinator mneal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031

SERVING OUR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce exists to maximize our members’ success, the community’s competitiveness, and the area’s economic strength.

Phone 941-955-8187 | Fax (941) 366-5621 Referrals/Consumer Info (941) 366-3144 MAGAZINE DESIGN BY DILLON BUCKLAND, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

PARTNERING TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS

GEORGE MCGONAGILL CHAIR OF THE BOARD

ADULT LEADERSHIP CLASS TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF PROJECT “PLAY & LEARN” WHEN THE MEMBERS OF THE LEADERSHIP SARASOTA COUNTY CLASS OF 2017 got together to discuss what they would do for their class project last September, deciding on a focus was the easy part children and social services. Then came the hard part…

After several months of planning and executing, the class will be celebrating

the successful completion of project “Play & Learn” at the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club, located at 1790 21st St. in the Newtown area of Sarasota, on Wednesday, May 24 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

At that time, Boys & Girls Club members and their families, and others from the community, will be able to see all of the upgrades the class made to the exterior of the facility. These upgrades include a new shade structure over the playground, 12 new picnic tables, a custom-built bench which encircles the large oak

APPLICATIONS FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE ENGAGING, DEVELOPING AND INSPIRING COMMUNITY LEADERS. The Leadership Sarasota County Programs are seeking motivated individuals to fill the classes of 2018. We are currently accepting applications for the Adult, Youth and Young Entrepreneurs Academy programs.

THE ADULT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Leadership Sarasota is a 10 month program tailored for up-and-coming leaders who want to use their knowledge, skills and relationships to advance and deepen their community impact. Participants will gain unique exposure to Sarasota County’s issues and key players while broadening their network with diverse leaders from the business, civic and nonprofit sectors.

THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM High school sophomores (who will be juniors in the fall of 2017) are encouraged to apply.

The youth program is a clone of the adult program but in a shorter format. As seniors, graduates of the class are eligible to vie for a scholarship to further their education.

THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY (YEA!) Start as a Student, Graduate as a CEO! Students, 11 – 18 years of age hone their ideas into concepts and become CEOs of their own companies.

Applications can be found on www.SarasotaChamber.com.

Deadline to apply for all progams is June 1 at 4 p.m.

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tree that is the centerpiece of the area, new playground mulch, and other site improvements.

The celebration will include “Storytime” on the new tree-hugger bench hosted by the Sarasota County Libraries, a Master Gardener presentation in the club’s garden, a kid-friendly composting demonstration hosted by Keep Sarasota County Beautiful, a performance by the Florida Studio Theatre, and the interactive Mote Mobile Exhibit which allows participants to touch a variety of sea creatures.

LEADERSHIP EVENTS YEA! STUDENTS SHOWCASE AT “MY HOMETOWN FEST” Saturday, April 15 Nathan Benderson Park 5851Nathan Benderson Circle 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Join the Class of 2017 of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy as they showcase their companies at “My Hometown Fest” hosted by the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota. This is an opportunity for the students to offer their products and services to the public. Come by and experience the excitement as these young entrepreneurs enter the business world!

CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP LUNCH 2017 Tuesday, April 18 Michael’s on East 1212 S. East Street 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Alumni - $60 Future Alumni - $65

APRIL 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Join fellow alumni on Tuesday, April 18th from 11:30 a.m. 1:15 p.m. at Michael’s On East to honor three outstanding graduates of the Leadership Sarasota County program.

LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP AWARD Kathy Lehner, Class of 2002 From the Leadership Class of 2002, Kathy Lehner, will be honored with the “Lifetime of Leadership” Award. Kathy is passionate about community, and has demonstrated this commitment through her involvement with a variety of organizations including: the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, where she has been a member since 1991 and served as board chair; Venice MainStreet where she served as board president; the American Cancer Society, where she chaired the Cattle Barron’s Ball; and Sertoma Club of Venice, where she served as President. Kathy also contributes her talent as an emcee at many charitable events around the community – helping to raise money for the causes she cares most about. She began her career in real estate more than 20 years ago and currently works for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

IMPACT IN ACTION AWARD Tim Self, Class of 2014 Tim Self is the honoree for the “Impact In Action” Award. Tim is Senior Vice President of Investments at Insignia Bank and a graduate of the 2014 Leadership Class. He has been active in the Sarasota business community since 1996 and has served on the boards of several organizations including Women’s Resource Center, Designing Women Boutique, Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota, and, most recently, national Sertoma, Inc. Tim played a key role in growing and developing the Sertoma Kids program, an outpatient speech clinic located at the Euclid branch of the Sarasota YMCA and recently expanded to ChildrenFirst. The clinic offers therapy for children with special speech and language needs arising from a variety of developmental disorders, including autism, and provides these services regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

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LEADERSHIP SARASOTA DEDICATION AWARD Monica Van Buskirk, Class of 2002 Since 2002, Monica Van Buskirk has been involved as a volunteer, board member, and donor to the Van Wezel Foundation, and now serves as its President and CEO. Under Van Bus Kirk’s leadership The Foundation realized double-digit annual growth and won numerous awards, including the 2014 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Best Cultural Organization of the Year award from the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. She was a member of the 2003 Leadership Sarasota Class and has been a passionate volunteer for the program ever since. She served on the Leadership Sarasota Steering Committee for a several years and co-chaired the “Celebrate Outstanding Leadership” luncheon in 2012. Because of her legacy of commitment, Monica will be honored with the “Leadership Sarasota Dedication” Award.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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PRESENTING SPONSOR:

CHAMBER RECOGNIZES

EXCELLENCE IN SMALL BUSINESS FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017 | 11:30 A.M. - 1:15 P.M. | HYATT REGENCY SARASOTA FOR OVER 26 YEARS THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE has recognized the hard work and dedication of its small business members in the community at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr., Small Business Awards, recognizing members in six categories: HealthCare & Wellness, Hospitality & Tourism, Non-Profit, Professional Services, Products & Services, and Retail.

Through a nomination and application process, businesses are scored by a panel of fellow member judges and three finalists in each category are chosen. These finalists are highlighted at the event through videos and a winner in each category is selected.

Those winners will go on to be considered for the grand award of Small Business of the Year.

All finalists are extraordinary examples of successful business people that truly exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of Frank G. Berlin, Sr., a successful business person and community leader who chaired The Chamber more than 65 years ago.

“Small businesses are the heart of this community, so it’s no surprise they are the heart of our membership. With over 80% of our membership made up of employers with under 75 employees or less, they are a driving force in our organization. To be able to shine a light on the wonderful work they do for this community is an honor.”

- Brittany Lamont, Vice President

ABOUT FRANK G. BERLIN, SR. AWARDS Named in honor of the late Frank G. Berlin, Sr., whose legacy in the community and untiring support of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce epitomized the hopes and dreams of contemporary business entrepreneurs. We thank the Berlin Foundation for lending his name and financial support to our Small Business Awards program.

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JAN 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

THIS YEAR, WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE FINALISTS FOR THE 2017 SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS: Healthcare & Wellness Organization of the Year Finalists:

Products & Services Business of the Year Finalists:

Award Presented by: Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

* Award Sponsorship Available *

Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota Thomas A. Bowles, D.D.S., P.A.

Canada Med Services Coast to Coast Pools Gilbert Design Build

Hospitality & Tourism Organization of the Year Finalists:

Professional Services Business of the Year Finalists:

Award Presented by: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Award Presented by: Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Marina Jack - Marina Operations Mixon Fruit Farms Tableseide Restaurant Group

Caldwell Trust Company J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp.

Hall Architects, P.A.

Non-Profit Organization of the Year Finalists:

Retail Business of the Year Finalists:

Award Presented by: Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Award Presented by: Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) Suncoast Blood Bank Van Wezel Foundation, Inc.

DutchCrafters Millennium Shutters Sunshine Baskets

A Top Honor Small Business of the Year will be chosen at the Awards Luncheon from the winners of each category.

The Top Honor Small Business of the Year Award is presented by The Herald-Tribune Media Group.

For more information on ticketing options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit SarasotaChamber.com/Events or contact Brittany Lamont at (941) 556-4040 or blamont@sarasotachamber.com

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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A N N U A L K I C K - O F F B R E A K FA S T PRESENTED BY: SHUMAKER, LOOP & KENDRICK, LLP. FEATURING GUEST SPEAKER

WENDY WALKER PRESIDENT OF LEADERSHIP FLORIDA

B A LT I M O R E O R I O L E S W E L C O M E R E C E P T I O N PRESENTED BY: SYNOVUS BANK

HOB NOB 2017 PRESENTED BY: KELLER WILLIAMS ON THE WATER SARASOTA

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APRIL 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

UPCOMING EVENTS

ANNUAL EVENTS BLUES BY THE BAY 2017 (with Manatee Chamber) Wednesday, April 12 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Powel Crosley Estate

2017 FRANK G. BERLIN, SR. SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS Friday, June 2 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Sarasota

SARASOTA SUMMER SHOWCASE 2017

Wednesday, June 28 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Mercedes Benz of Sarasota

M O N T H LY E V E N T S POWER HOUR LUNCH 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

$20 Prepaid Members $25 Future Members/Walk-Ins

Wednesday, April 19 Jpan Sushi & Grill (UTC Location) Wednesday, May 10 The Coolinary Restaurant & Bar Wednesday, June 14 Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar

CHAMBER UNIVERSITY Complimentary for Members $10 Future Members

Tuesday, April 25 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m Market Stats - Demographics and Growth Location: Herald-Tribune Media Group

11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesday, May 24 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Public Relations 101 with Elise Ramer of Coldwell Banker/NRT Location: The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Friday, April 28 Michael’s On East Guest Speaker: Michael Klauber of Michael’s On East on Bayfront 20:20

Tuesday, June 27 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Networking Workshop with Andrea Nierenberg of Nierenberg Consulting Group Location: The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER CONNECT

CHAMBER 411

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCH SERIES $20 Prepaid Members $25 Future Members/Walk-Ins

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Complimentary for Members $10 for Future Members

Thursday, May 18 Escape Countdown

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Free for Members RSVP Requested

The 19th Annual

SEA AND BE SEEN March 31 - April 9 Tickets on sale now!

3 easy ways to get tickets to screenings and events:

1

ONLINE

2

BY PHONE

3

at SarasotaFilmFestival.com

call us at 941.366.6200

AT OUR POP-UP BOX OFFICE in

the lobby of Regal Hollywood 20 1993 Main Street, Sarasota

@MySFF 941.366.6200

SARASOTAFILMFESTIVAL.COM

Tuesday, May 16 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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CELEBRATING THE PAST, BUILDING THE FUTURE THE SARASOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP (YPG), a program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, may be in service of those under 40, but two new events in this year’s program are a nod to Sarasota’s past. “You go to other communities across the country, and there is a sense of home town pride among its young professional population. YPG wants to promote a sense of hometown pride that is authentic, fresh, and fun,” says 2016-17 YPG Chair, Ashley Leon.

On April 22nd, teams of four will compete in YPG’s “Q Dash” Scavenger Hunt, celebrating the unique arts, culture, history, and small business of Sarasota. Open to anyone over 21, Q Dash teams will use clues to find landmarks throughout the city. Starting at the Visitor’s Center on 1710 Main Street, and ending at a Mystery Finish Line (which will be announced the day of the event), teams will have two hours to find as many landmarks as possible to accrue points via social media.

YPG EVENTS “Q DASH” SCAVENGER HUNT Saturday, April 22 Downtown Sarasota 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. $20 Individual $80 Team of 4 THROWBACK GALA Saturday, June 3 Gold Coast Eagle Distributing 8 p.m. - Midnight (12 a.m.) $50 YPG/Chamber Member $75 Future Member

The team with the most points will win a Grand Prize package filled with goodies and gift certificates from the Sarasota area, as well as a trophy made by local artist, Shawn O’Malley. Teams can also visit pit stop locations, such as Aloft Hotel, Kahwa Coffee, MeLange, and Louie’s Modern to earn points and get free food and drinks.

AFTER HOURS 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Complimentary for Members $15 Future Members

Team registration is $80, and includes a free t-shirt for each team member. Individuals can also register in the team pool if they are unable to assemble a team on their own.

Thursday, April 6 Asolo Repertory Theatre

Contact Mimi Cirbusova at mcirbusova@sarasotachamber.com for more information!

Thursday, May 4 Florida Studio Theatre Thursday, June 1 Blue Rooster Interested in hosting a YPG After Hours?

Contact Mimi Cirbusova at mcirbusova@ sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4038.

YPG AFTER HOURS

January Mercato Pizzeria & Bar 10

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February Music Compound

APRIL 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

March Sarasota Architectural Salvage

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS CORNER AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER 4

On June 3rd, young professionals are invited to dress in their favorite decade at YPG’s “Throwback Gala: Sarasota Through the Years.”

Hosted at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, this dance party event will feature light bites, drinks, and games for attendees. Decorations will feature photographs from various eras in Sarasota history. Whether you’re a dapper, a flapper, or cool cat, grab a friend and get ready to dance the night away.

Tickets are $50 for YPG/Chamber Members ($75 for future members).

MICHAEL KLINE is the 13th of 14 children born into poverty to an alcoholic father living in a junkyard. He lost his mother at age 7 and discovered powerful lessons about resources. His journey from junkyard to country club is proof that anyone can do anything.

He became the turn-around president of a franchise company with 35 locations, then a six-time successful entrepreneur. He is a Certified Jack Canfield Success Trainer, a RIM Master, and Success Coach, working with clients here and around the world. He and his partners provide corporate training and coaching in the areas of leadership, communications and emotional intelligence. Having grown up in Orlando, Mike moved back to Florida just over a year ago with his husband Sal, after 21 years in New England.

Congratulations, Michael! We greatly appreciate the dedication that you give to The Chamber and to The Chamber Ambassadors’ program. Michael’s inviting personality and engagement through the Chamber Ambassadors with welcoming and on-boarding of new members makes him a great representative of The Chamber. Thank you, Michael, & keep up the excellent work!

For information on the Chamber Ambassador Program please contact Megan Neal or Craig McGonigal.

RIBBON CUTTINGS September 19, 2016 - January 23, 2017 To book your Ribbon Cutting for a grand opening or relocation, contact Megan Neal, mneal@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4031.

The ABA Academy 7555 Clauxstrauss Drive Sarasota, FL 34240 www.abaacademysarasota.org

Ashley’s Food Delivery 4121 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 www.ashleysfood.com

Blufit Recovery and Nutrition LLC 3529 S. Tuttle Avenue Sarasota, FL 34239 www.blufitrecovery.com

BurgerFi 257 N. Cattlemen Road, Building 10, Unit 90 Sarasota, FL 34243 www.burgerfi.com

California Pizza Kitchen 192 N. Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34243 www.cpk.com

Ear-Resistible Hearing Centers 1805 Siesta Drive Sarasota, FL 34239 www.earresistiblehearing.com

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute 600 N. Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232 www.flcancer.com

Gilbert Design Build 4049 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 www.bathkitchenremodels.com

Glorious Beautiful Hair Supply & Training Center 200 S. Washington Boulevard, Suite 12 Sarasota, FL 34236 www.masterbraids.com

R. E. Crawford Construction 6650 Professional Parkway W. Sarasota, FL 34240 www.recrawford.com

Shapps Bagels LLC For Delivery Only Sarasota, FL www.shappsbagels.com

Springs at Bee Ridge 5900 Wilkinson Road Sarasota, FL 34233 www.springsapartments.com/bee-ridge/

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APRIL 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

NEW MEMBERS December 2016 - February 2017 5 Elements for Animals Veterinary House Calls Ben’s Soft Pretzels Blufit Recovery and Nutrition, LLC Brazil Exp. Services Inc. California Pizza Kitchen Carrabba’s Italian Grill Stickney Point Certified Fleet Services Chili’s - Regional Offices Cruise Car, Inc. Discount Garage Doors, Inc. Evolution Health & Fitness Express Catering Equipment Florida Creativity Alliance, Inc. GATES Construction Go Fabrication, LLC Gulf Gate Rescreening H2 Concierge Marketing, LLC Holiday Inn SarasotaBradenton Integrity Wealth Management, Inc.

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CHAMBER MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

It All Adds Up Bookkeeping Services, LLC Italia Dolce Vita Kangas Cloud, LLC Krug Anesthesia Services Krug Consulting Law Office of Joshua H. Rosen, Chartered Lotus Energy Solutions More Than Ball Inc. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Tampa Bay PES Design Group Revitalize Chiropractic Sand Petal Weddings Suddath Relocation Systems Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, Inc. (SANCA) at Nathan Benderson Park The Point at Bella Grove Three Dog Bakery Wilde Insurance Services Corporate Trustee

SPRING

READY!

After serving as president of the WILLIAM G. AND MARIE SELBY FOUNDATION for nine years, Sarah H. Pappas has announced that she will be leaving effective June 1, 2017.

KERKERING, BARBERIO & CO., Certified Public Accountants, announced the addition of thirteen new interns. This is the largest internship group in the firm’s history, increasing from previous years nearly three-fold.

ARTISTREE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE & DESIGN has garnered three awards recognizing excellence in landscaping at the annual Parade of Homes awards dinner hosted by the MANATEE-SARASOTA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN (“CPK”), the authority in creative dining with a California vibe, announced the opening of its first restaurant in Sarasota, located within the district shops at University Town Center.

GOODWILL MANASOTA has offered financial resource classes to the community with generous support from SUNTRUST BANK. This year, its grant of $10,000 has helped 257 individuals, paying for a financial literacy coach for low- and moderate-income workers at external companies and organizations.

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS is pleased to announce its 2017-18 88th Broadway Season show lineup to begin September 2017. Sponsored by Wilde Lexus, this year’s theme is “The Art of Making Art” – showcasing all that it takes to put on a show!

WILLIS SMITH CONSTRUCTION has been awarded the Construction Management contract for the TIDEWELL HOSPICE’s Lakewood Ranch Hospice House located in the center of the Lakewood Ranch Community.

SARASOTA MAGAZINE announced the release of Gastronaut, a mobile app as comprehensive and dynamic as our region’s everexpanding restaurant scene. Available for free download. Gastronaut promises to be an indispensable guide for Sarasota and Manatee foodies on the go.

MUSIC COMPOUND has announced the formation of The Academy, Sarasota’s first comprehensive, and contemporary music school with a full academic curriculum.

GATES CONSTRUCTION has expanded its Florida presence with the opening of its newest office in Sarasota. Located at 2 North Tamiami Trail, Suite 204, the new office will allow the firm to better serve the Southwest and Central Florida areas.

COMMUNITY AIDS NETWORK (CAN) has promoted Lori Denny to the position of Director of Marketing and Communications for the organization.

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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER TEAM MEGAN NEAL JOINS US AS OUR NEW MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS COORDINATOR. Megan will assist the Membership Team as the go-to person for your event and member related questions. She is the friendly face you will see at registration and at our upcoming networking events.

Raised in Sarasota, she spent most of her days growing up on our gorgeous Gulf beaches and is a graduate of the University of South Florida. Outside of her professional pursuits, she spends her time writing, enjoying time with her wonderful husband, traveling to her favorite Disney parks, and being a proud aunt to 17 beautiful nieces and nephews.

“As a true Sarasotan, it’s rewarding to be at the forefront of the growth and development that is flourishing throughout our amazing community. I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve an organization that truly looks towards bringing together a greater good within our city and am excited to dive into my role here at the Chamber!”

You can contact Megan at mneal@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4031.

DARLENE MARTIN JOINS US AS OUR NEW MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIVE, responsible for bringing in new Chamber members.

Hailing from New York originally and growing up in Atlanta, GA. Darlene is a graduate of Kennesaw State University in Georgia with an associate’s degree in Business Administration and comes to us with over two decades of sales and business-to-business experience working to increase value to customers.

She resides in the Sarasota/Bradenton area and enjoys the beaches, water and practicing hot yoga for the past 5 years.

“From being a member of The Chamber in my past role, I am excited to be an ambassador in the community to new and existing businesses in the Greater Sarasota area!”

You can contact Darlene at dmartin@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4029.

CHAMBER PROMOTES MCGONIGAL THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is pleased to announce the promotion of Craig McGonigal to Membership Engagement Manager.

McGonigal’s new role will be working with members to ensure satisfaction and assist with member engagement.

“We are excited to add Megan and Darlene to our team. Member engagement will continue to be our main focus and Craig’s the perfect fit to be working with our members on that,” said Brittany Lamont, Chamber Vice President.

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APRIL 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

SARASOTA FAST FACTS The Orioles’ economic impact in Florida is more than

$89 million annually

The Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge teaches more than

* SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT 2016 REPORT

4,000 kids

Thanks to almost

$10 million

In the eight years since the Orioles moved Major League Spring Training to Sarasota, more than

in tourism focused media provided by the Orioles to Sarasota County,

in 6th to 8th grade each year about healthy living, including exercise, eating right, and being tobacco-free.

the number of yearly first-quarter visitors from the Mid-Atlantic has grown by more than

885,000 fans

300%

have enjoyed Orioles baseball at Ed Smith Stadium

since 2009

AND in 2016, Baltimore-Washington ranked in origin of out-of-state visitors to Sarasota

#2 The Orioles’ Arts in the Ballpark event series has drawn more than

Since moving year-round operations to Sarasota in 2010,

100,000

$3 million

in cash and in-kind contributions to the Sarasota community * AS OF MARCH 2017

14,000 attendees

More than

the Orioles have donated more than

to 9 shows at Ed Smith Stadium since the program’s inception in 2013

players, families, and spectators have participated in various youth baseball tournaments and games at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex since 2013.

That’s 25,000 each year!

VISIT ORIOLES.COM/SARASOTA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ORIOLES’ IMPACT IN SARASOTA 365 DAYS A YEAR GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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We offer innovative ways to help you connect with your customers.

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Serbin – Connecting you with Proven Success!

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From concept to mailbox, Serbin’s dedicated team of marketing professionals work to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions to enhance the overall success of your business or organization.

45 years CONNECTING local companies with their customers.

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Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192

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