BRIDGE January 2022 Issue | Quarterly Member Magazine
Sarasota Chamber Celebrates 100 Years Pre se nt e d b y :
Featured | Page 12
From the CEO | Page 2 From the Chairman of the Board | Page 4 All About Our Members | Page 7 Chamber Programs | Page 15
FROM THE CEO
PILLARS OF EXCELLENCE Build a Strong Chamber Community Engage - Connect current members to increase member engagement and retention Grow - Increase our membership through a new member strategy and a quality member experience Promote - Market our member businesses to each other and the community at large
Happy New Year and welcome 2022! We are so thrilled to share that during the year of 2021 we added 220 members to our Chamber. This shows the strength and caliber of the work our Chamber is doing for our members and our community. Last year we spent the year celebrating the work of 100 years in Sarasota. We celebrated the business leaders of the century who created jobs and literally built this community into what it is today. As we embark on our 101st year of service, we’ll continue to build and focus on the core beliefs and pillars of excellence. Wishing each of you a bold and productive year in 2022. Thank you for your membership and for support of all we do at the Chamber to champion you and your business!
HEATHER KASTEN
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Advance Advocacy Legislative Agenda - Create an annual agenda that supports the work of businesses Build Relationships with Legislators - Work to create meaningful partnerships with local, state, and federal legislators to get things accomplished Convene the Community Collaborate - Support the work of our local sister organizations- Visit Sarasota, EDC of Sarasota County, Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce, Gulf Coast Latin Chamber, Arts Alliance of Sarasota and promote the work of our Non-Profits & Arts Organizations Lead the Discussion - Facilitate discussions and unity across industries and the region Talent and Workforce Talent Pipeline - Cultivate workforce opportunities through CareerEdge’s partnerships with local schools and businesses to create talent solutions for and support minority-owned local businesses through the Opportunities for All business grants Promote Internships - Provide necessary skills to succeed in today’s work environment through CareerEdge and Opportunities for All Ensure Stability & Growth Grow Responsibly - Grow net revenue to create bandwidth and reserves for operations Solid Operational Processes - Sound operations of budgeting, processes, staff, and board engagement
PRESIDENT/CEO
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Be a Resource Leadership Development - Provide first class leadership programming Connector - Provide networking and involvement opportunities and link members to information and services Communications - Disseminate news and information to support our business community and create a culture amongst membership Educational Programing - Curate and offer relevant and quality programs for business and professional development and engagement Young Professionals - Work to create a platform of opportunities for area young professionals
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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
C H A M B E R S TA F F
MONTHLY EVENTS
POWER
Heather Kasten
President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050
HOUR
Kristi Hoskinson
Lunch
Vice President of CareerEdge khoskinson@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045
Wednesdays | 11:45 AM - 1 PM | Members - $24; Non-Members - $39 January 12 - Cask & Ale | February 2 - Palm Aire Country Club March 9 - Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside
Samantha Badgley
Executive Assistant sbadgley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051
Alyssa Barnsley
Programs Communications Coordinator abarnsley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031
Thursday, January 13 | 8:30 AM - 10 AM Greater Sarasota Chamber Board Room Members - $20; Non-Members - $24 Wisdom from the Wild: Leadership Lessons from the Animal Kingdom Julie C. Henry, Author, Speaker, Consultant, Leadership + Wildlife + Wild Places
Pavitra Ciavardone
CareerEdge Program Director pciavardone@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038
Zach Henkel
Registration includes Julie’s Book: Wisdom from the Wild: The Nine Unbreakable Laws of Leadership from the Animal Kingdom
Membership Investment Representative zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029
Craig McGonigal
Director of Membership Engagement cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034
Kelly Monti
Thursday, February 17 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Zollinger Mediation Members - Complimentary; Non-Members - $20
Events Manager kmonti@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035
Kaveecia Moore
ANNUAL EVENTS
Opportunities For All Programs Manager kmoore@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4058
Sara Rachon
Sarasota Chamber Golf Classic
Programs Manager srachon@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039
Monday, January 24, 2022 11 AM Lunch; 12 PM Shotgun Start; 5 PM Awards Reception Laurel Oak Country Club PRESENTED BY:
PARTY ON
Christine Seaman
Accounting Manager accounting@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4053
the bay
Jodel Velarde
Communications Coordinator jvelarde@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4046
2022
Thursday, February 10, 2022 4 PM - 7 PM | Van Wezel Bayfront PRESENTED BY:
B R E A K F A S T
P: (941) 955-8187 F: (941) 366-5621 1945 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL 34236
2022 Annual Chamber Breakfast Friday, March 25, 2022 7:30 AM - 9:15 AM | Hyatt Regency Sarasota PRESENTED BY:
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
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FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
The 2021/2022 Chamber year has kicked off with a bang starting with our Centennial Celebration held at the beautiful Sarasota Art Museum on October 22nd! 300+ chamber members and guests convened to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Guests were able to network and mingle, enjoy music and dancing, food and drinks, as well as purchase one of kind silent auction items. There were some fantastic drawings and giveaways as well as an evening of perfect weather. A special thank you to all of our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation! In December the Chamber leadership team embarked on our Annual trip to Tallahassee for 2 days of meeting with our local legislators and delegates to share the priorities of our Chamber. A joint reception sponsored by TECO, was hosted by our Chamber, the Manatee and Venice Chambers at the Governor’s Club. The Governmental Issues Council each year works to create a one-page overview of the legislative issues that matter most to our member businesses. This agenda is shared throughout the year with our city, county, and state legislators with the intent of making sure the voice of business is being heard when it comes to policy making at all levels of government.
“Your Chamber is always working to provide a first-class platform of connections and resources for our member businesses to continue to grow and expand... The board and I are here for you and look forward to working with you and serving our business community in 2022!”
Your Chamber is always working to provide a first-class platform of connections and resources for our member businesses to continue to grow and expand. Whether it’s networking and engagement or leadership development, there are opportunities for you or your team to get involved. We look forward to seeing you at any of the many upcoming events including our Party on The Bay on February 10th on the Bayfront at the Van Wezel, as well the Annual Chamber Breakfast on March 25th at the Hyatt. You can visit the Chamber website at www.sarasotachamber.com to view a listing of upcoming events as well as to register online. For any questions regarding events or possible sponsorships, please reach out to Kelly Monti at kmonti@sarasotachamber.com The board and I are here for you and look forward to working with you and serving our business community in 2022!
THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS
DENNIS MURPHY CHAIR OF THE BOARD
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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
Board Retreat 2021
The annual board retreat for the Board of Directors was held at Bird Key Yacht Club on Friday, October 29th. This event drew 35+ of our board of directors who heard from local leaders in our community such as City Manager, Marlon Brown, Sarasota Schools Superintendent, Dr. Brennan Asplen, and A.G. Lafley representing The Bay project. A new strategic plan for the chamber was outlined by Axiom Strategic Consulting, who was retained to work with the board, the Chamber President, and staff to build a plan for the next 3-5 years.
2021 Board Retreat October 29
Connect 1st, October 25
Chamber University, November 2
2021 Sporting Clays Tournament, November 19
Tallahasee Trip, December 1
Trustee Reception, November 18
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Featured Speaker: Henry Winkler Emmy Award-Winning Actor, Author, Director & Producer
let’s get
Friday, February 4, 2022 11:30 am The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Join the Tidewell Foundation for this landmark philanthropic event and support our region’s only not-for-profit hospice care provider. Because everyone deserves access to world-class hospice care, regardless of their ability to pay.
Exclusive Signature Luncheon Sponsor:
Exclusive Sustaining Sponsor:
The John Family Foundation Visionary Sponsors:
Leadership Sponsors:
Stephen and Redenta Picazio
Judith Berlow and Family
For sponsorship and tickets, visit SignatureLuncheon.org Official Newspaper Sponsor: Event Planned By:
Other Sponsors: The Tidewell Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services, by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 (or 1-800-352-9832 en español) or going on the department’s website www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. One hundred percent (100%) of the donation is received by the Tidewell Foundation, inc. Charitable Solicitation Registration #CH63240.
Exclusive Magazine Sponsor:
SUSTAINING ANNUAL CORPORATE PARTNERS: Partners in Excellence:
Partners in Compassion:
Sponsors as of December 2, 2021.
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Recognizing Years of Membership
75
November - January
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Y E A R S
Y E A R S
Easterseals Southwest Florida just gratefully celebrated its 75th year in our community, serving individuals with disabilities of all ages with a full lifespan of therapies, education and more.
Professional Benefits specializes in executive benefits to add customization and increased value to the typical employer provided benefits. The chamber has been an integral part of our strategy and growth over the last 50 years, we appreciate everything you do!
Easterseals.com
ProfessionalBenefits.org
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Y E A R S
WWSB-ABC 7 is your source for local news and weather forecasts in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Keep up-todate on your neighborhood with ABC7 WWSB. For news tips, call 941-923-6397 or e-mail news@mysuncoast.com. Y E A R S
MySuncoast.com
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The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce played a pivotal role in founding New College of Florida in 1960 by working with the United Church of Christ’s Board of Home Missions to secure the initial funding to start the college. Today, New College serves as the honors college of Florida.
Stantec is a 22,000-strong architecture and engineering firm with over 350 locations across 6 continents. The company believes that communities are fundamental. Thus, they design with the community in mind.
NCF.edu
Stantec.com
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SerbinPrinting.com
TIDEWELL AD BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS • MARKETING • DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL PRINTING • PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
1500 N. Washington Blvd. • Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192
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Let’s Celebrate! Ribbon Cuttings Hear Again America Celebrated opening their 36th location. This is also their first location in Sarasota.
The Alloro at University Groves Commemorated the start of vertical construction! Discover the best-in-class luxury community for active adults ages 55 and up.
hearagainamerica.com
thealloro.com
The Florida Center for Early Childhood
TM360 Medspa Celebrated their grand opening and ribbon cutting! Combine the best tools with a personalized health plan to effortlessly aid you in your mental or physical healing.
Named Kathryn Shea FASD Clinic in honor of longtime advocate. thefloridacenter.org
tm360medspa.com
Wealth Strategies Partners Celebrated the opening of its new office in Sarasota. Ensure that your financial house remains unshaken.
Quigley Eye Specialists Ensure that your eyes remain healthy, the team at Quigley Eye Specialists is committed to helping you maintain the best vision possible.
raymondjames.com/ wealthstrategiespartners
quigleyeye.com
P-Fit Sarasota Had their Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting at their newest location! Strive for progress toward your aspirations with P-Fit.
The Dream Law Firm, PLCC Commemorated moving to their 3rd location as they celebrate their 3rd year in business! thedreamlawfirm.com
pfitstudios.com
Save Smart Pharmacy and Compounding Center Celebrated their grand opening in Sarasota! See why your neighbors are rating this Pharmacy five stars.
Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch Visit the newly renovated lobby and guest rooms at Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/ Lakewood Ranch! hamptoninn3.hilton.com
savesmartrx.com
Have a grand opening or change in location coming up? Celebrate your business milestone with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting. Contact Kelly Monti at kmonti@sarasotachamber.com to schedule. Ribbon Cuttings are benefits exclusive to our Chamber Members. For future Chamber Members interested in a ribbon cutting, please contact zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com
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Corporate Corner
1. Tell us the factor that makes Shumaker’s Financial Services Business Sector unique.
MICHAEL S. TAAFFE
Partner, Litigation and Disputes Regional Service Line Leader, Financial Services Business Sector Chair 941.364.2720 mtaaffe@shumaker.com Sarasota, FL
“You are only as strong as your weakest team member.”
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Teamwork is one of the Shumaker Financial Services Business Sector’s greatest attributes. Several of our 17 team members grew up participating in the sport of rowing, teaching them the principles of teamwork, which they apply in their everyday law practices. Headquartered in downtown Sarasota, our team effortlessly assists financial advisors transitioning from one financial firm to another, and representing clients of all sizes, from Fortune 100 companies to family owned businesses. Our Financial Services Business Sector is here for our clients and communities to provide legal insight, business instinct, and community impact. 2. What are some of the best triumphs you have earned for your clients? There are two triumphs in particular that come to mind. The first was in 2017 when a financial entity defamed a broker and fired him two days before he transitioned to another financial firm. I along with two of my colleagues represented the broker, successfully winning the case, which resulted in the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) fining the entity $3 million in damages to the broker. Secondly, we had a landmark victory against Merrill Lynch in 2012, resulting in the FINRA arbitration panel awarding Claimants $10.25 million in damages for Merrill Lynch’s failure to honor the terms of their deferred compensation contracts (Financial Advisors Capital Accumulation Award Plans, Growth Award, and Wealthbuilder) with their former financial advisors who left the firm while possessing “Good Reason” after the firm agreed to merge with Bank of America. At the time, we represented more than 850 former Merrill Lynch financial advisors pursuing similar deferred compensation claims.
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
Welcome New Members! September 2021 - November 2021 3 Bridges Consulting Anderson Roberts Andrea’s Aesthetic Studio LLC Bank of England Mortgage BayView Dental Associates - Main Street Best Home Services BMO Harris Bank Port Charlotte Bone Dry Roofing Capstone Association Management Capstone Contractors, LLC Christine Pope, PLLC @ Keller Williams on the Water Sarasota Christopher Michiels Interiors Cintas Coastal Accounting & Consulting LLC Columbia Care Florida Danielle Kort Coaching Digital 941 Dolphin - SRQ Transportation Ear Research Foundation EstateWorks Systems Florida Blue Florida Plastic Surgery Food Forest Abundance Sarasota Gapin Institute for Men’s Health & Performance Glacier Cybersecurity Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, LLC Green & Co. Business Brokers Howard Meitiner Consulting Kirkey Roofing Inc. Kiro’s Cleaning Experts
KnaQ Learn My History Foundation LogicWing, Inc Manasota Commercial Construction Company Inc. Mark Midyett Team @ Keller Williams Mueller Financial Services, Inc. Natural Immunogenics Corp PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Sarasota P-Fit Sarasota PGA Tour Superstore Quigley Eye Specialists Runningboards Marketing Sarasota (FL) Sage Infusion Sarasota Stories Podcast SecurityNational Mortgage Company SpecOps Group Inc. Stone-Mart The Climate Adaption Center The Interchange Foundation The Multicultural Health Institute The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch Senior Living Community Thompson Risk TM360 MedSpa Total Air Solutions Urban E Recycling Velocity Works LLC Venice Lighting Company WealthGen Advisors Wise Eyes Bookkeeping, Inc.
June - August 2021
SUPPORT OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Did You Know?
Chamber Members who refer other businesses get $50 off their renewal! If you know an organization that will benefit from a Chamber membership, contact zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com
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Sarasota Chamber Celebrates 100 Years
“All of you, your efforts, and this community are what make Sarasota the
enriching place that it is to live and work, and I know we have so many more great things to accomplish over the next 100 years.”
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- Dr. Larry Thompson, Chairman of the Board 2020-2021
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
It was nothing short of a magical night! The stars couldn’t have aligned more perfectly than our evening celebration of our Centennial at the Sarasota Art Museum. The setting of a world class museum, with a courtyard setting similar to a Southern Living advertisement complete with twinkly lights, stars above, music, craft cocktails, and the sincere connections and friendships being celebrated could not have been more perfect. We are so grateful for Dr. Larry Thompson and his team for providing the venue of the museum for our organization to commensurate the 100-Year Celebration of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. A special thank you to the core group of volunteers who worked to create and counsel the Chamber team on the event - Teri Hansen, Dr. Kameron Hodgens, Kelly Lavin, Kim Livengood, Mike Quillen and Emily Walsh. - Heather Kasten, President/CEO
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CHANGE THE GAME SINCE 2010, MORE THAN 1,100,000 FANS HAVE ENJOYED ORIOLES BASEBALL AT ED SMITH STADIUM. CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE THROUGH CUSTOM PARTNERSHIP AND HOSPITALITY OPPORTUNITIES.
SIGNAGE
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FOR CUSTOM ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, CALL 941.893.6317, OR EMAIL SMOUDRY@ORIOLES.COM FOR ED SMITH STADIUM SUITE PACKAGES, CALL 941.893.6317, OR EMAIL SMOUDRY@ORIOLES.COM
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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
THE ORIOLES ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ITS MEMBERS. •
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be in good company. Member Only Events! We have some exciting events coming up, including exclusive member only events! Make sure to renew your membership to retain access to these exclusive events.
UPCOMING AFTER HOURS
Ice Cream Social at Main Street Creamery
Thursday, January 6 Gecko’s on Hillview | 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 20 | 5:30 p.m.
After Hours at Nailed It DIY Studio
Wednesday, February 2 | 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 3 Cask & Ale | 5:30 p.m.
Sarasota Chamber Welcomes CareerEdge Program Director! Pavitra Ciavardone
CareerEdge Program Director Drawing upon decades of experience that ranges from executive coaching and training, to program development, to fundraising and community relations, Pavitra brings a passion for workforce development to her new role as Program Director of CareerEdge. Pavitra is a natural relationship builder, networker, and strategic planner. For the past four years, she has successfully developed strong business and nonprofit partnerships for Goodwill Manasota, while spearheading their community engagement and development efforts. Pavitra understands the importance of cultivating a skilled and prosperous workforce through goal-oriented initiatives that will benefit the Greater Sarasota community. A former healthcare professional and wellness consultant for SHAPE Magazine, Pavitra believes in volunteerism as part of overall health and well-being. Pavitra focuses her volunteer activities on youth leadership and family services, enjoying many years as a public speaking coach for Girls Inc. and co-creator of Easterseals’ “Cope with Hope” program for parents of children with special needs. GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
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A Letter from CareerEdge’s Vice President, Kristi Hoskinson
Dear Chamber Members: If you had told me, as your new vice president of CareerEdge, that I would get to see lives transformed from the funding and collaborative efforts in this community, I would have curiously asked, “How so?”. It is one thing to know about CareerEdge and its efforts in workforce development, but it is another thing to experience it. Chamber Members - please allow me to share with you just a few of the many things CareerEdge accomplished in 2021: Tuition-Free Fast-Tracking Training: In 2021, CareerEdge sponsored 11 different training programs, graduating 96 participants in our community! The Fast-Track training programs are employer-designed ensuring the participant is gaining the right skills to be effective in an entry-level job. At graduation, everyone wins: If the participant is already employed, they immediately receive a wage increase by their employer. If the participant is not employed in industry-related work, CareerEdge works with them to get placed so they can begin a career with a local employer earning wages, on average, over $2.00/hour more than their prior employment. The gratitude at graduation is in abundance – to be a part of this experience with the employers, educators, and participants is an honor because we see lives changing! Internship Funding: Employers who invest in internships allow the intern to obtain the necessary skills required to be successful in today’s work. We have heard the success stories from many of the 27 employers who have taken advantage of CareerEdge’s $1500 internship employer funding. The average starting wage, in 2021, is $19.11 for an intern hired into fulltime employment. These employers are winning when it comes to finding future talent. Chamber Members – CareerEdge’s financial support inspires employers to invest their time and resources in interns. Upskilling Workers Grant Opportunity: In 2021, the program funded just shy of $200k to companies who submitted a training plan to upskill their employees … wow! This investment changes the trajectory for many who, without growth in their careers, would not have the opportunity to increase their earning potential. CareerEdge Funders: Without the financial funding, CareerEdge’s work and impact in our community would not be possible. It is so impressive to see the support, from a diverse group of funders, who believe in CareerEdge’s mission to create an exceptional labor force in our region’s growing industries. Thank you for your generous support. We cannot wait to see the transformative work as we leverage our assets together – employers, educators, and stakeholders – to meet the on-going challenges and demands of our local workforce. Sarasota Chamber Community, thank you for supporting CareerEdge!
Sincerely, Kristi Hoskinson, Vice President of CareerEdge Connect with us! 16
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careeredgefunders.org
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
2002
2003
2004
2005
GRAPEVINE IS FOUNDED
2007
2006
20 NEW OFFICE IS BUILT IN LAKEWOOD RANCH
2008
2009
NAMED AMONG “TOP 500 COMPANIES ON THE GULF COAST OF FLORIDA” - 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR
2010
2011
WINS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (SARASOTA CHAMBER)
Grapevine Goes Platinum 2012
REACHED $1.2 MILLION IN SERVICES DONATED TO LOCAL NONPROFITS
2017
ALLISON IMRE BEGINS ROLE AS OWNER/PRESIDENT
2013
2014
2015
WINS SMALL BUSINESS AWARD (MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)
“We cannot wait to see the transformative work as we leverage our assets together 2 0 1 8 – employers,2 0 1 9 educators, and stakeholders – to meet the on-going challenges and demands of our local workforce. Sarasota Chamber Community, thank you for supporting CareerEdge!” 2022
ADVERTISING | MARKETING | PUBLIC RELATIONS | DIGITAL | SOCIAL MEDIA
2016
2020
2021
ALLISON IMRE WINS LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
We’re celebrating 20 years of bringing record-shattering success to our clients... and the party’s just getting started. Learn more about our 2+ decades of topping the charts at Grapevine20.com.
GRAPEVINE GOES PLATINUM GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
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Stay tuned for updates!
Leadership Sarasota Educational Conference
We were so thrilled to see so many amazing leaders and members of our community come out to our 2021 Leadership Sarasota Educational Conference. The conference, presented by Williams Parker Attorneys at Law, focused on helping attendees grow as a person, employee, and leader. They participated in presentations, panel discussions, and Q&As to learn how to continue building themselves as leaders through engagement, development, and inspiration.
Thank You Sponsors!
Alumni Spotlight: John Getty Hometown: As a military brat, I got used to moving every 3 to 5 years. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. And I’m most recently from New Orleans, Louisiana. Company: Williams Parker Attorneys at Law Title: Labor & Employment Attorney Leadership year: The Roaring 20’s (2020) How do you stay connected with area professionals? Beyond attending Chamber and other inperson events, I like to stay in touch by sharing interesting articles and inviting my contacts to special events. Recently, another Leadership alum, David Crawford and I, spent a Sunday afternoon kayaking during Architecture Sarasota MOD weekend. It was a relaxing, informal opportunity for us to get to know each other better, learn about each other’s businesses, and exchange ideas. Sarasota is the perfect setting for these kinds of meetings!
What was the most impactful part about the Leadership Sarasota program? In addition to the relationships I created and continue to foster, the chance to learn about the history, arts, and culture of Sarasota was incredibly valuable to a relative newcomer like me. It opened my eyes to so many opportunities that I didn’t realize existed. It’s no wonder that thousands of people continue to flock to our community.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you have been given? Be genuinely interested in other people. Discover their passions, what drives them, and the fun things they like to do. Getting to know someone on a more personal level helps create a bond which organically leads to business development. And – I’m able to make friends along the way.
Coming Soon! 18
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Be on the lookout for both Adult and Youth Leadership Class of 2023 applications!
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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
Congratulations OFA Grant Awardees!
The Opportunities For All program is proud to announce the grant recipients for the Business Assistance Funds Program. This program was designed to assist minority, small business owners and non-profit organizations with resources that will help our local businesses grow and thrive. The awardees include:
301 Tires
Freestyle Healing SRQ
My Reality Speaks, LLC
Abundant Blessing Consulting Services
Happy Soul
NewSara Logistics
King HR Services
Newtown Nation
La Brisa Tacos y Mariscos
Oueens of Domestic Violence Awareness inc.
American Field Inspections Around The Way Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Learn My History Foundation
BEST Employment SoluTions
Love At Home Care, LLC
Biom Probiotics
Luxury Barber Lounge
RDA FL SOLUTIONS Settles Stump Grinding & Tree Service LLC
Black and Tan Cigar Bar and Lounge Margwine Organization, Inc.
Single Mom & A Mop
Compound Catering
Mary Butler, LLC
STYLES BY MARIA
Dapper Bowtique
Minet’s Table
The Freeland Eddie Law Group, P.A.
Drummerboy Entertainment
Mission Made Possible LLC
TUNSTALL TIRES
Emerge Sarasota
Mountain View Media
Wee Kare Concierge
Family Fixins
Music Compound
WillMoores Twangy Wing Sauce
FLASHFOOT ACADEMY
Made possible through funding by
“We are so proud to not only hear the needs of our minority smallbusiness owners in the communities we serve, but the Business Assistance Grants initiative has actively engaged those communities and is making an impactful change.”
-Kaveecia Moore, Opportunities For All Manager
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Banking for what’s next. 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.
941.306.0100 • SouthStateBank.com 20
Member FDIC
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Brian Hall
Regional President
Chris Perkins Area Executive
Renee Brady
Private Banking Relationship Manager
GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE