The Bridge Magazine - January 2017

BRIDGE

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

CHAMBER SALUTES

BUILD YOUR NET WORK

BUILD VISIBILITY

BUILD YOUR BOT TOM LINE

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

BUILD

96TH ANNUAL MEETING

CHAMBER SALUTES BUSINESSES AT 96TH ANNUAL MEETING

AT 96TH

The Breast Health Center at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

offers advanced imaging technologies to our community, including 3D mammography.

At our hospital’s Breast Health Center, our primary goal is to deliver the highest quality care to the women of our community. In addition to breast ultrasound and MRI, we offer such women’s health diagnostic services as …

COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION (CAD) Using sophisticated computer algorithms, any areas on the digital mammogram image that might indicate the presence of an abnormality are immediately highlighted.

3D IMAGING TECHNOLOGY Unlike two-dimensional images of the breast, the 3D mammogram allows breast tissue to be examined one layer at a time, detecting very small cancers.

A 3D imaging exam is very similar to a traditional mammogram, and takes approximately the same amount of time.

STEREOTACTIC SUROS/99 BREAST BIOPSY Digital stereotactic localization is computer-assisted technology that maps the site of the abnormality. Then, a tissue sample is taken immediately, speeding the healing process and improving accuracy, quality and efficiency of the biopsy.

Since breast cancer is most treatable in its early stages, it’s important for women to get regular mammograms. Ask your doctor when you should begin with a baseline screening and how often you should have a mammogram.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call 941.782.2264 Connect with us!

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard 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 9/16

PRESIDENT’S DESK

C H A M B E R S TA F F Kevin Cooper President/CEO kcooper@sarasotachamber.com Ext 250 Dillon Buckland Communications Coordinator dbuckland@sarasotachamber.com Ext 239 Mimi Cirbusova YPG Coordinator mcirbusova@sarasotachamber.com Ext 238 Matt Gower Membership Investment Manager mgower@sarasotachamber.com Ext 258 Barbara Hines Leadership Sarasota County Coordinator bhines@sarasotachamber.com Ext 226 Brittany Lamont Vice President blamont@sarasotachamber.com Ext 240 Craig McGonigal Membership Engagement Manager cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com Ext 234 Christine Miller Executive Assistant to the President cmiller@sarasotachamber.com Ext 251

CONTACT AND CONNECTION THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT CHASM BETWEEN CONTACT AND CONNECTION. However, many times the two are either confused or used synonymously. The key is often that, at least for many service-based organizations, focus and success is dependent on not just contacting but connecting with stakeholders, including both customers and end-users. Confusing a contact with a connection, in this case, can lead one to being misguided or aimless. It is with this understanding that my first 90-days as President/CEO has been largely focused on connecting with as many stakeholders in the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce as possible.

This focus is particularly relevant to chambers of commerce in that we are membership-owned organizations.

At its best, the chamber is little other than a manifestation of the vision that its members have for it. While that manifestation may not be a measurable goal, it can certainly be linked directly to the achievement of those goals that are measurable. Without a connection to that vision, any hope of properly manifesting it can be lost.

So, what is the difference between a contact and a connection? For me, a contact is made anytime something is done or not done. To be certain, even the absence of

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 SRQ | THE MAGAZINE

KEVIN COOPER PRESIDENT/CEO

something can be a contact. For example, a restauranteur will often pay close attention to what patrons do not order. By not doing something, the patron is creating point of contact with that restauranteur.

Where a contact becomes a connection is when a response is elicited. Not all responses are positive, but a negative response can be better than a contact absent a connection. Responses can create a loop, when the response is directly received by the person who initiated the contact, or an extension, when the response is tangential and perhaps even unknown to the person who initiated the contact. In either case, the transition from contact to connection is where opportunity is created. When the restauranteur tweaks a menu based on what patrons are not ordering, opportunity is created.

Your chamber is in the business of creating opportunities for building value and relationships. In our pursuit to promote, connect, and support your business, we rely on connections to inform us of those opportunities. The challenge, of course, is creating connections with the over 1350 members who invest in the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. So, while I’ve been working to connect with as many of you as I can, there is still a long way to go and I hope to ultimately create

CEO SPOTLIGHT

BETTER TOGETHER – THE POWER OF COLLABORATION IN THE COMMUNITY

AS MANAGING SHAREHOLDER OF KERKERING, BARBERIO & CO., one of the largest independent CPA firms in Southwest Florida, it’s easy to understand how Rob Lane might have a lot on his plate, but this doesn’t keep him from being actively involved in several different community organizations as a board member and volunteer. Kerkering Barberio has a long history of volunteerism in the Sarasota community, and it’s through the example and leadership of Rob and

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those who came before him that the organization holds over a 50% volunteer rate among employees, who are involved in everything from participating in community events to serving on boards.

Rob learned early in his career the value of giving back, thanks to two early mentors at Kerkering Barberio, Dieter Gebhard and Charles Baumann. Gebhard was very active with the Chamber, and quickly encouraged Rob to become involved. Rob discovered his passion for connecting economic development and social initiatives, recognizing that the two go hand in hand in making a community great. Through his involvement with the Economic Development Corporation Sarasota County and United Way Suncoast, Rob found outlets to share his expertise and make a difference in fostering a strong economic base in the community that, in turn, provided opportunities for employment and advancement.

“I think the biggest takeaway for me in all of my years of community involvement has been the power of collaboration to reach a common goal,” Lane said. “Bringing together government, non-profits,

BRIDGE • JAN 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

business and even media to address a single issue, it’s amazing how effective that cohesive unit can be. You don’t have to do this on your own; that’s been a valuable insight for me.”

Heeding those words, Rob has maximized KB’s impact in the community by becoming a connector in his own organization, mentoring the next generation of KB leaders in getting involved. While not mandatory, community involvement is a big part of the Kerkering Barberio culture, beginning in the interview process, where prospective employees are made aware of different opportunities to give of their time and talents. Employees are offered paid time off to be involved in organizations that are meaningful to them, which Lane says is key to being successful as a volunteer, to find something they personally enjoy doing.

One recent group volunteer effort was the construction of a house from the ground up as part of a Habitat for Humanity initiative. More than ten employees shoveled, hammered and worked the day away to create a home for a young family in need. KB team members have also raised Southeastern Guide Dog puppies, cleaned

Friday, February 10, 2017 | 11:30 a.m. | The Ritz-Carlton | Sarasota

Featured Speaker

ANN CURRY

Ann Curry, Emmy Award-winning journalist and national and international correspondent for NBC for 25 years including 15 years as the anchor at TODAY and frequent anchor at NBC Nightly News, has distinguished herself in global humanitarian reporting, frequently traveling to remote areas of the world to cover under-reported stories of individuals caught in regional conflict, refugee crises, earthquakes, tsunamis and climate change.

As a caregiver to her late mother and her late sister-in-law, both of whom received hospice services and passed away from cancer, Curry’s passion for caregiving is personal and tireless. She has been recognized for her charitable efforts in the area of breast cancer research and currently serves as an honorary board member for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. She and her husband, Brian Ross, have two children, McKenzie and William.

For information on sponsorships or luncheon tickets, call (941)552-7660 E XC LU S I V E S IG N AT U R E LU N C H E O N S P O N S O R

E XC LU S I V E P R E S E NT I NG S P ON S OR

S U S TA I N I N G S P O N S O R

V I S I O N A RY S P O N S O R S

LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

Aroma Coffee Services Inc., Blalock Walters, P.A., Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Omega Office Systems — A Dex Imaging Company, Publix Super Markets Charities GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

• JAN 2017 • BRIDGE

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CHAMBER SALUTES BUSINESSES

AT 96TH ANNUAL

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE HONOREES OF THE 5TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO BUSINESS AWARDS that was held on October 7th at The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s 96th Annual Meeting. Each year, The Chamber recognizes nine businesses with exemplary performance in three key categories.

These top businesses were introduced as having achieved honors in job creation, capital investments, or milestone anniversaries of service to the community. Together they represent over 180 new employment opportunities, over 75 million dollars in economic impact, and more than 200 years of work in our community. Each honoree was recognized through a video created by Observer Media Group and

HIRING OUR NEIGHBORS: PRESENTED BY GULF COAST COMMUNITY

Daily Eats / Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) / PPi Technologies of Companies

THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING

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BRIDGE • JAN 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE: PRESENTED BY PLYMOUTH HARBOR OF Community AIDS Network / Michael Saunders & Company / Venice Regional Bayfront Health

ATTAINING MILESTONES OF ANNIVERSARIES: PRESENTED BY SRQ MEDIA Easter Seals of Southwest Florida / Florida Power & Light / Stantec

LISL LIANG NAMED CHAIR CUP WINNER THE ANNUAL CHAIR CUP, presented by Kerkering Barberio & Co was awarded to Lisl Liang, former Chair of the Board, and Publisher of SRQ Media Group. Lisl is the first second time winner of this award. Her first award was given for her work with the Young Professionals Group almost 10 years ago, this year she was honored for her volunteerism on the Executive Committee and her assistance in the transition of the Chamber’s new CEO. Congratulations Lisl, a well-deserved award.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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GIVING BACK, GETTING INVOLVED, GROWING PROFESSIONALLY THE SARASOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP (YPG), a program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has long emphasized the importance of giving back to the community we love. YPG volunteer events and activities have averaged 2000+ hours per year to local nonprofits, and that number continues to grow. Whether serving pizza at the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters holiday party, wrapping gifts at Girls, Inc., or sorting through over 13,200 pounds of frozen meats for All Faiths Food Bank, our members are making it clear: young professionals want to get involved in making Sarasota a better place. YPG Volunteer Chair Amber Thornhill says, “Young professionals enjoy any activity that gives them the instant reward of seeing their work benefiting the community.” She noted that volunteer events become a crucial way for YPG members to make connections. “Working alongside people who feel as strongly as you do about supporting a particular cause creates a path to developing strong relationships with others.”

This message was echoed by YPG Chair Ashley Leon, Director of Recruiting and Development for Northwestern Mutual. “Our YPG Board of Directors alone gives hundreds of hours each year to creating fun and engaging events and activities for young professionals to enjoy,” Leon said. “For local companies, having a dedicated group like this contributes to retention of their talent.”

For companies looking to help their staff get out of the office and into the community through volunteering, Thornhill had the following tips for creating a fun and meaningful event: • DON’T ASSUME. “Find out what your staff are passionate about. Do they love animals?

Care about children or the environment? Ask what they’re interested in, and they’re more likely to show up.”

• COMMUNICATION IS KEY! “People like knowing what they’re getting into.

Let them know where to go, what they’ll be doing, and what to wear.”

• MAKE IT ABOUT THE COLLABORATION. “Young professionals really like working in teams.

LEADERSHIP CLASS PROJECT SELECTED THE 2017 LEADERSHIP CLASS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County has been chosen as the beneficiary of this year’s Class Project. Project “Play & Learn” at the Roy McBean Boys & Girl Club, the largest Club in the nation built specifically on public housing property, will provide muchneeded improvements to the Club’s playground area, so they can continue to offer an adequate, safe, and fun outdoor space for the children of the Newtown community.

Over the next several months, the 43 members of the Leadership Class will install a Sunshade Structure over the playground, replace the dilapidated picnic tables with more durable, Florida-friendly tables, replace the playground-grade mulch that has washed away and add curbing material so the new mulch stays in place, build a tree-hugger bench around the large oak tree that is the centerpiece of the playground area, and 8

BRIDGE • JAN 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

perform several other site improvements.

The new tree-hugger bench will be used for a variety of fresh air reading programs.

Project “Play & Learn” builds on the work started by the Leadership Class of 2014.

The previous class installed one Sunshade Structure, re-grated the large field behind the playground area, installed rain barrels and a vegetable garden that Club members tend to and, with the help of Ringling College of Art & Design students and Club members, painted 2 beautiful murals in the outdoor space Project “Play & Learn” was selected from several proposals that were submitted to the Project Selection Committee of the 2017 Leadership Class after it issued a Request for Proposal to over 20 local not-for-profit organizations that focused on the 2 main areas of concern of the participants in this year’s Leadership Class – Children and Social Services.

The Boys & Girls Clubs’ proposal won the overwhelming support of the class because of the significant need and lasting impact that the project would have on the organization and the

UPCOMING EVENTS

ANNUAL EVENTS

2017 ANNUAL KICK-OFF BREAKFAST Thursday, February 9 • 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

YOU’RE INVITED TO THE ANNUAL KICK-OFF BREAKFAST Start off the year right with The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce with a delicious breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. In the past year, The Chamber has underwent some pretty major changes and we are excited to share our 2017 goals, new member benefits and opportunities with our members and the community. In addition, the event will feature a top-notch, industry expert keynote to build your knowledge. Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Gold & Silver Tables Available for purchase. Contact Brittany Lamont at blamont@

HOB NOB Thursday, March 23 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Phillippi Estate Park

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

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS Friday, June 2 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Sarasota

MONTHLY POWER HOUR LUNCH 11:45am - 1:00pm $20 Prepaid Members $25 for Future Members & Walk-Ins Wednesday, January 11 Polo Grill Wednesday, February 8 Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCH SERIES 11:45am - 1:00pm $20 Prepaid Members $25 for Future Members & WalkIns

Wednesday, March 8 Location: TBD CHAMBER CONNECT 5:00pm – 6:30pm Complimentary for Members $10 for Future Members

CHAMBER UNIVERSITY Location, Topic & Time vary Complimentary for Members $10 for Future Members

Thursday, January 19 Courtyard by Marriott/Sarasota Bradenton

Wednesday, January 25 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m

CHAMBER 411 The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Boardroom RSVP Requested; Free for Members.

Tuesday, January 17 3:00pm – 4:30pm Tuesday, March 21 3:00pm – 4:30pm

DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE Designed to return patients to leading active, independent lives, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota is a 96-bed rehabilitation hospital that offers specialized inpatient programs for amputee, hip fracture, neurological conditions, spinal cord injury, stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Our Team

Friday, January 27 Meadows Country Club (Guest Speakers: Marlena Gore & Robin Stublen of FDOT on Diverging Diamond Interchange at I-75 & University)

Thursday, March 16 Stearns Bank

Where You Go for Rehabilitation

“Workplace Safety” with Deputy Vince Riva from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s OfficeLocation: Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

Our team of physicians* lead highly qualified teams of nurses and therapists to provide a fully coordinated program of rehabilitative care. Our state-of-the-art technology offers the most advanced treatments for the greatest potential outcomes. * HealthSouth of Sarasota has a comprehensive group of independent physicians.

Choose a Higher Level of Care As a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation services, HealthSouth continues its commitment to offer the latest advancements in rehabilitation treatment. To learn more about our programs or to make a referral, call toll free 866 330-5822.

The Joint Commission DiseaseSpecific Care Certification in Hip Fracture Rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Stroke Rehabilitation

A Higher Level of Care®

6400 Edgelake Drive • Sarasota, FL 34240 941 921-8600 healthsouthsarasota.com ©2016:HealthSouth Corporation:1260212-06

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

• JAN 2017 • BRIDGE

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CORPORATE TRUSTEE

Wakefield Beasley Associates

Baldwin Krystyn Sherman Partners

ANNUAL MEETING PRESENTED BY SHUMAKER, LOOP &

CHAMBER EXPO WITH MANATEE CHAMBER PRESENTED BY SAM’S CLUB

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BRIDGE • JAN 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Alliance For Kids

NEW

October and November

AAP Air Services Alliance For Kids, Inc. Allstate Insurance Company AutoNation Collision Center Sarasota Best Home Services Center for Physical Medicine Compass Translation LLC Cucine Ricci Davidson Engineering, Inc. Element Funding Greater Sales Growth Gulf Business Systems Halflants + Pichette Architects HBKS Wealth Advisors Horizon Pharma IHOP Restaurant- Tamiami Trail Infiniti Aesthetics, Inc. Isagenix Kraktronix Technical Services Momentum Consulting Corporate Trustee

My Gorilla Garage, LLC National Cremation and Burial Society Orangetheory Fitness - University Park Performance Eyecare, P.A. Roots Engineering Services Sarasota Apothecary Send Out Cards - Kellie Brown Sentext Solutions Sleep Number Success Acceleration Services The Gallery Salon & Spa The Lock Up Self Storage Tamiami Trail THR5 Nation/Matt Winchester Tires Plus - Derek Ave. Vacasa, LLC Walmart Neighborhood Market Wizard of Paws

Community Builder

RIBBON CUTTINGS June 15 – September 19 To book your Ribbon Cutting for a grand opening or relocation, contact Craig McGonigal, cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com or 941-556-4034

AgeVital Pharmacy 1618 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 www.agevital.com

Amazing Lash Studio Sarasota South 4041 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 www.amazinglashstudio.com/location/Sarasota-

Chicken Kitchen 3800 South Tamiami Trail, Unit 107 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.chickenkitchentampabay.com

Daily Eats 8491 Cooper Creek Blvd, #107 Bradenton, FL 34201 www.cicciorestaurantgroup.com

Fresh Kitchen 8491 Cooper Creek Blvd., #101 Bradenton, FL 34201 www.cicciorestaurantgroup.com

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service 501 N. Cattlemen Road, Suite 300 Sarasota, FL 34232 www.jacksonhewitt.com

JustaBasketCase Events 6534 Gateway Avenue Sarasota, FL 34231 www.justabasketcaseevents.com

Music Compound 1751 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232 www.musiccompound.com

Sarasota Dental Arts 7162 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34238 www.sarasotadentalarts.com

St. Mary Academy 4380 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34232 www.dreamsarefree.org

Sol’s NYC Delicatessen 1991 Main St. #100 Sarasota, FL 34236 www.solsnycdeli.com

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BRIDGE • JAN 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

X 30 Fit Boot Camp 5140 Clark Rd. Sarasota, FL 34233 www.x30fit.com

CHAMBER MEMBERS IN THE NEWS COMMUNITY AIDS NETWORK (CAN), celebrating its 25th year serving the needs of the HIV/AIDS community in Florida, is proud to announce Stephen P. Nicholas, MD, MBA has joined CAN as its Chief Medical Officer.

In December, CROWLEY SERVICES, INC., a Construction Management firm based in Sarasota marks an important milestone celebrating 5 years in business. Founded in 2011 by President, Dean Crowley, Crowley Services, Inc. has grown to a total of 8 full time employees.

KOBERNICK-ANCHIN-BENDERSON, a landmark senior living community in Sarasota since 1993, unveiled its new name – AVIVA: A CAMPUS FOR SENIOR LIFE – and brand identity at an event held late October.

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority unanimously elected Commissioner John Stafford as Chairman for 2017 of the SARASOTA-BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. MDSAVE AND VENICE REGIONAL BAYFRONT HEALTH are working together to help local residents save money and get more of the medical care they need.

R

egrettably, no lunch Happily, no seminar

More importantly, no hype

I’d love to hear your story, and share ours.

Please drop by for a visit.

Over twenty years of making Wall Street work for Main Street.

Mark S. Serio FINANCIAL ADVISOR Second Vice President Wealth Management

Morgan Stanley

2 North Tamiami Trail Suite 1100 Sarasota, FL 34236 mark.s.serio@morganstanley.com

941 364-3551

2016 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC1575596 08/16

WILLIS SMITH CONSTRUCTION announces the ground breaking of the new Sarasota Memorial Internal Medicine Practice in Newtown located at 1825 Dr. Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota, FL. WILLIAMS PARKER LAW FIRM has been named by U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers® to its Best Law Firms list in addition to 8 attorneys named on the 23rd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© 2017.

THE FRIENDSHIP CENTERS, a non-profit organization serving older adults in Southwest Florida, has been awarded a grant of $290,580 to be used to upgrade equipment and enhance medical and dental services for uninsured or underinsured clients served by its health clinics in Sarasota, Lee and Collier Counties.

NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA AND MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS recently launched a collaboration between their education and research departments with a focus on plant science, conservation and public outreach.

In 21 months, after starting in January 2015, MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM raised nearly $52 million, a major sum in Sarasota’s fund-raising world, especially for a nonprofit outside the arts.

GATEWAY BANK OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA announced Monday that it achieved the rank of top lender in dollar volume of U.S. Small

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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CHAMBER AMBASSADORS CORNER Chamber Ambassador of Quarter 2

Chamber Ambassador of Quarter 3

HELEN BURGESS is the coowner and co-founder of The Advantage Group, a tax and accounting firm dedicated to small business.

Although Helen now loves her accounting practice, she got her start as an attorney.

While working days as a paralegal in Boston, Helen graduated from Suffolk University Law School’s evening division. She worked in a number of real estate positions and eventually went out on her own, being a solopreneur, concentrating in real estate closings. When the market began its downturn in New England, Helen decided it was a great opportunity to relocate to a warmer climate. Last August, after a stop in South Carolina where she met her business partner, CPA David Snyder, Helen moved to Sarasota. She and David fearlessly started The Advantage Group and have enjoyed the challenges associated with a new business. When Helen is not working for her clients or performing her Chamber Ambassador’s duties, she likes to play competitive pickleball.

Congratulations, Helen! We greatly appreciate the dedication that you give to The Chamber and to the Ambassadors. Her hard work to the Chamber Ambassadors, welcoming and on-boarding of new members makes her a great representative of The Chamber.

Thank you Helen & keep up the great work!

SCOTT RIMMER is an Advisor with SVN Commercial Advisory Group specializing in the lease and sale of industrial properties throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte Counties with a focus on helping companies expand or relocate in Florida. He also handles other commercial property types such as Office and Retail.

Prior to joining SVN, Scott was Vice President of Business Attraction for the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC), a public/private partnership focused on growing and diversifying the economy of Sarasota County. At the EDC, Scott helped companies of all sizes relocate and expand in the area requiring a strong knowledge of the local commercial real estate environment, the regulations and many benefits affecting businesses and their owners in Florida, and the incentives offered to companies by State and Local government.

Scott moved to the City of Sarasota in 2003 from Boston and enjoys sailing, surfing, and other Suncoast activities with his wife, Rita. He is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Congratulations, Scott! We greatly appreciate the dedication that you give to The Chamber and to the Ambassadors. His knowledge of the community and engagement with the Chamber Ambassadors, welcoming and on-boarding of new members makes him a great representative of The Chamber. Thank you, Scott, & keep up the awesome work!

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CHAMBER PROMOTES BRITTANY LAMONT TO VICE PRESIDENT

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is pleased to announce the promotion of Brittany Lamont to Vice President.

Brittany began her career at The Chamber as a Communications Intern in 2010 while finishing her degree in Marketing at the University of South Florida, her most recent role at The Chamber was the Director of Communications and Events.

In her new position, Lamont will manage the membership team responsible for all aspects of the membership experience including new sales, retention, communications, and events. She will work closely with members and staff to continue to grow the benefits associated with membership including the new tiered dues structure.

“This is an exciting time for our Chamber, I am eager to be a part of this fundamental change within our organization. I have worked closely with the membership team for a few years now but I am looking forward to bringing a cohesiveness to the departments,” Lamont said.

For more information about Chamber membership, please contact Brittany Lamont at blamont@ sarasotachamber.com or 941-556-4040.

BRIDGE • JAN 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2017 CHAMBER MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

80 YEARS

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY 65 years Sarasota Kennel Club, Inc.

45 years Willis Smith Construction, Inc. 44 years Cavanaugh & Co. LLP Gilbane Building Company United Way Suncoast Sarasota Area Office

Cunningham Property Management Corp.

Gifford-Heiden Insurance Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Myakka Wildlife Tours/ Myakka River State Park

26 years Office Depot, Inc. 25 years Adams and Reese LLP

Practical Car Rental

RE/MAX Alliance Group Sarasota Ford 18 years Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

8 years BMO Harris NA CORE Construction Focused Technology, LLC Keller Williams Realty Select State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

62 years Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Ringling College of Art and Design

61 years Stantec

43 years Aqua Plumbing & Air

School Board of Sarasota County

60 years Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

Bay Village of Sarasota, Inc.

34 years Asolo Repertory Theatre

17 years Sarasota Magazine

Waste Management Inc of Florida

Dick, Johnson & Jefferson, Inc.

The Melting Pot

Jason’s Deli

59 years TECO Peoples Gas

Stearns Bank, N.A.

58 years Columbia Restaurant

42 years Hyatt Regency Sarasota

16 years Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC - Siesta Key

Yarnall Companies agent for United Van Lines

Sarasota Family YMCA

57 years The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 54 years Dr. Allen N. Jelks Frederick Derr & Company, Inc. Rusty Plumbing, Inc. 53 years Sarasota Lock & Key Shop, LLC 52 years Comcast Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A. 49 years Arrow Environmental Services Realtors® Association of Sarasota and Manatee 48 years Cool Today/Plumbing Today/Energy Today Sarasota Opera

Mullets Appliances, Inc.

41 years New College of Florida Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC

Fred M. Starling, Inc. Screenco, Inc. 33 years Atlantic Relocation CareerSource Suncoast Sarasota Eaton Literary Agency

John Cannon Homes, Inc.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC St. Armands

6 years Beyond Design Contracting, LLC Bookstore1Sarasota

Grain Management, LLC Hawthorne Health and Rehab of Sarasota

Mental Health Community Centers, Inc.

United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota Manatee

Suncoast Technical College - STC

Visit Sarasota County

15 years Grapevine Communications Advertising Agency

Wilde Honda of Sarasota

Sarasota Orchestra

39 years Shutts & Bowen LLP

32 years Al Purmort Insurance, Inc.

USF Sarasota - Manatee

The Out-of-Door Academy, Inc.

Argosy University

37 years Coastal Printing, Inc.

Wagner Realty

Tampa Bay Rays

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc.

Community Haven for Adults & Children with Disabilities, Inc.

Gulf Coast Cremations

Eileen Fisher, Inc.

Greber Appraisal of Florida, LLC

38 years Bowman, George, Scheb, Kimbrough, & Koach, P.A.

Coffee Time Services, Inc.

Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, LLC - Venice

40 years Eager Beaver Car Wash, Inc.

Commercial Management & Leasing Corporation

7 years Bentley’s Boutique Hotel

14 years Rental Depot Wedding, Tent & Event Co. Serbin Print Marketing & Publishing 11 years Sarasota Catering Company

Children First

Ian Black Real Estate

redwire Sarasota Christian School Sarasota Farmers Market Sarasota Polo Club

Eldridge Body Shop, Inc.

Hembree & Associates, Inc.

Goodwill Manasota, Inc.

State Farm Insurance /Ric Coffey

10 years Miller Gesko

Show Management

31 years Easter Seals Southwest Florida

Observer Media Group

Siesta Key Beach Concession

Toale Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory Unique Air Services

47 years Sarasota County Agricultural Fair Association, Inc.

36 years Michael Saunders & Company

46 years Professional Benefits, Inc.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

28 years Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen

35 years C.B.’s Saltwater Outfitters

27 years Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

30 years Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.

SRQ Media

ShelCidy Custom Remodeling, Inc. 9 years Budget Self Storage Bee Ridge HealthFit - Powered by Sarasota Memorial Polo Grill, LLC

Sarasota Urgent Care Save Our Seabirds

SunTrust Bank The Fresh Market 5 years Camphor Technologies Crowley Services, Inc. Mavella

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE! GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

• JAN 2017 • BRIDGE

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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.

1500 N. Washington Blvd.

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

SerbinPrinting.com Member The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

DSA – Downtown Sarasota Alliance

AFP – Association of Fundraising Professionals

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

PODi – Print On Demand initiative

PAF – Printing Association of Florida

ASI – Advertising Specialty Institute

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