The Bridge Magazine - January 2018

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

BRIDGE BUILD VISIBILITY

BUILD YOUR BOTTOM LINE

NEW YEAR, NEW WEBSITE

CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Pages 6 & 7

JANUARY 2018

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

BUILD OUR ECONOMY

YPG CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

Page 12

LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCES CLASS PROJECT

Page 14

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

DECIDE THE DATE

Page 3

SARASOTACHAMBER.COM

A lifetime of heart health STARTS HERE.

Did you know that approximately one woman loses her life to heart disease every minute? Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men in the U.S.* Many people still believe that women’s and men’s heart attack symptoms are the same, but a woman’s symptoms can be different – and more difficult to diagnose.

Don’t let a heart attack sneak up on you For a woman, the signs of a possible heart attack can be subtle. In fact, you might not even notice a “silent heart attack,” which is caused by plaque blockages in the coronary arteries. Symptoms can include indigestion, prolonged, excessive fatigue and discomfort in the jaw, upper back or arms.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has Chest Pain Center accreditation with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the American College of Cardiology. As an accredited chest pain center, Lakewood Ranch is designated as a hospital where patients receive rapid treatment to minimize damage to the heart muscle, re-establishing blood flow.

Advanced heart care, around the corner At Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, our hospital provides a comprehensive range of cardiac services to women and men in our region – including such diagnostic services as heart catheterization, echocardiography, metabolic stress testing, peripheral angiography and EKG.

8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 941.782.2273

www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com

For more information about cardiac services at LWRMC, please call

941.782.2273.

* U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website. 171123 2 BRIDGE • JANUARY 2018 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

C H A M B E R S TA F F Kevin Cooper President/CEO kcooper@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050 Brittany Lamont Vice President blamont@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040 Dillon Buckland Communications Coordinator dbuckland@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039 Mimi Cirbusova Young Professionals Group 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 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 Megan Neal Membership & Events Coordinator mneal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

D E C I D E T H E D AT E For nearly 100 years, your chamber has cultivated Sarasota’s prosperity and quality of life through our members’ business leadership and action. As we enter 2018, that tradition continues. Business leadership, through The Chamber, focuses on two areas: opportunities and problems. It identifies opportunities and removes the problems that would impede them. It also identifies problems and finds opportunities to solve them. Sarasota has a problem, and we are presenting an opportunity to solve it.

principles wouldn’t have you paying for less than what you could otherwise get for free, and our community shouldn’t either.

The foundation of a representative democracy is rooted in the principle of voter participation. Our democracy suffers when nearly 80% of voters either do not or cannot participate. That is exactly what is happening is the city of Sarasota and the community deserves better.

In order to move elections to coincide with ordinary elections, the issue must be placed on a ballot for voters to decide whether or not they would like to move the dates. In order for voters to be given that opportunity, 10% of voters must petition the city to do so. It is that opportunity that we are seeking to provide through the Decide the Date initiative. Alongside a number of community partners, we are diligently working to deliver voters the opportunity to choose when they wish to participate in local elections.

For decades, the city of Sarasota has held its municipal elections in the spring of odd-numbered years. Those elections tend to draw a voter turnout at or around 20%.

During ordinary elections, the turnout is two or three times that.

In the last city election, held in May of 2017, just less than 23% of city voters participated. In the last general election, held in November of 2016, almost 72% of city voters participated. More than 18,000 additional ballots were cast by city voters during the ordinary election.

Interestingly, the city pays additional dollars to hold these off-cycle elections.

Each spring election costs the city upwards of $100,000. The city can participate in ordinary, fall elections for free. Business

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 PARTNERING TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS MAGAZINE DESIGN BY DILLON BUCKLAND, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

KEVIN COOPER

CHAMBER PRESIDENT

Furthermore, what the data shows us is that special, spring elections have a dilutive effect on certain sub-sets of voters. Along with an overall increase in voter participation, a move to ordinary election cycles would see a significant increase in the composition amongst African-American, Hispanic, and under-30 voters.

It is through your Chamber that this community can work towards being proud of its civic engagement. That, after all, is a quality of life issue and your Chamber stands at the forefront cultivating our quality of life.

I encourage you to visit DecideTheDate.com for information and updates on this critical, community initiative. I ask that you reach out to me with any questions you might have. I hope that you will find ways to further support your Chamber as we seek to solve this problem.

UPCOMING EVENTS

ANNUAL EVENTS 2018 ANNUAL CHAMBER BREAKFAST B R E A K F A S T

Friday, February 16 7:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

2018 SARASOTA SPRING SHOWCASE Wednesday, February 28 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Mercedes-Benz of Sarasota

2018 PARTY IN THE PARK Wednesday, March 21 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Phillippi Estate Park

VOTE MARCH 20TH Sarasota County School District Mill

Our investment in schools has paid off!

• Sarasota County is one of only two school districts “A” rated since 2004.

• SAT scores rank at the very top in Florida!

Education supports our quality of life and property values.

• The students who sit in classrooms today are tomorrow’s workforce.

• There is no community with failing schools that has a stable quality of life and property values.

The 1 mill provides a high-impact value.

M O N T H LY E V E N T S CHAMBER CONNECT

CHAMBER 411

Complimentary for Members $10 for Future Members

Complimentary for Members

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Boardroom

Thursday, January 18 Valley National Bank

Tuesday, January 16 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 15 Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Tuesday, March 20 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

GOOD MORNING SARASOTA 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Complimentary for Members $10 Future Members

Thursday, February 15 TooJay’s Gourmet Deli

POWER HOUR LUNCH 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

Wednesday, January 10 Bravo Coastal Bar & Kitchen Wednesday, February 14 Holiday Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Wednesday, March 14 Palm Aire Country Club

• Provides extra funding for science, technology, engineering, math and other advanced courses.

• Enhances programs for visual and performing arts.

• Attracts and retains high-quality teachers.

SHUMAKER CHAMBER UNIVERSITY

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Boardroom Complimentary for Members $10 for Future Members

Wednesday, January 31 Email Marketing Is Not The Message (Its An AD For The Message) w/ Constant Contact 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday, February 27 Cyber Security & Threat Management w/ Iviry 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 8 Employee Benefits: How to Recruit & Retain Your Best & Brightest w/ Brown & Brown Insurance 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Visit www.Yes4Schools2018.com for more information.

Electioneering Communication Paid for by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, 1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236

4

BRIDGE •

JANUARY 2018 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

JANUARY 2018

•

BRIDGE

5

CHAMBER LAUNCHES

NEW WEBSITE

FOCUSED ON BENEFITS FOR YOU The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the launch of our BRAND-NEW website focused on providing Members with enhanced resources and opportunities to help Connect, Promote, and Support, YOU! The newly designed website highlights Member businesses, provides important business and visitor information, and includes new content with a fresh look that engages visitors.

Through the redesign, you will find an online and mobile-friendly interface featuring an easy-to-navigate layout with search engine optimized content—allowing visitors to easily access resources and information they seek. Moreover, the new site offers additional benefits and increased exposure to members.

While you will still enjoy all the benefits of the previous website, we have added extra tools to maximize your membership:

Questions on Benefits? Contact Craig McGonigal at cmgonigal@sarasotachamber.com.

Interested in Advertising? Contact Brittany Lamont at blamont@sarasotachamber.com.

6

BRIDGE •

JANUARY 2018 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

1 2

4

JOB BANK Looking to hire? Post your internship, part-time and full-time positions on The Chamber website. Many site visitors view The Chamber website as a source of reliable relocation and employment information, so this a great way to get your company in front of potential candidates.

B USI NE SS CO N N EC T REQU EST Connect with future clients and customers through an online leads-generator. Members and non-members can find the products and services they’re seeking and fill out a form with their request. As a Chamber Member, you can check your Members Only section to view the requests and connect for an opportunity to do business.

3

O N LI N E M E M B E R SH I P A P P LI C AT ION Interested in referring a member to save money on your membership? Potential Members can now view all Chamber benefits, investment levels and join The Chamber with a click of a button.

5

E A SI E R N AVI GAT I O N FO R E VE N T R E GI STR AT I O N Registering for Chamber events is easier than ever. The interactive registration allows you to register and pay for your event in a few clicks. The Chamber website now allows for a “save credit card” feature only viewable by you with your username and password. This feature is PCI compliant and The Chamber’s priority is the safety of Members personal and financial information.

E NHANCE D D IREC TORY Let the Chamber work for you 24/7. The online membership directory allows visitors and Members to view Chamber Members and connect to do business. Based on your membership level you have access to add a logo, photos, and videos to your listing. Each level of membership provides the opportunity to post your business information, description, social media links and map your location.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

JANUARY 2018

•

BRIDGE

7

CHAMBER EXPO 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

In partnership with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce | Presented by Sam’s Club | Photo Credit: Mavella Photography

NETWORKING EVENTS

We all want better service. At stores, hotels, restaurants – wherever we invest our time and money. When it comes to service that affects your quality of life at home, Conditioned Air goes all out to give you the greatest comfort, value and peace of mind possible.

Power Hour Lunch Florida Studio Theatre

Take A Turn For The Better.

We say what we’ll do and do what we say. We offer options and solutions that fit your needs. And we calm your concerns by making the complicated simple and the simple reassuring. For the better way that creates your better day, turn to the team that makes home comfort easy.

Trustee Lunch Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Every day, we aim to follow our mission and core values when working with our customers, stakeholders, vendors and fellow team members.

Honesty • Integrity • Respect • Safety 100% Purposeful Effort • Exceed Expectations

Make the comfortable choice and call Conditioned Air today.

TH

1 9 6 2

-

8 2 0 1

ESESTS B OF BUSIN

www.conditionedair.com 1040 Knights Trail Rd., Unit A • North Venice 34275 Serving All Of Southwest Florida!

License# CACA29360

8

A

U

L

FS

G

G

ZI

NE

2017

1-888-COLD-AIR • 941.893.6450

HO

RE

BUSINE

SS

M

A

BRIDGE •

JANUARY 2018 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Shumaker Chamber University Success Principles

Be More t h a n j u st a n ag en t

CHAMBER MEMBERS IN THE NEWS A partnership between the BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA COUNTY and VENICE THEATRE is offering theatre arts education to children who live in disadvantaged circumstances in Venice. The program, called TheatreMatters!, is in its fifth consecutive year.

CAREEREDGE FUNDERS COLLABORATIVE announces the completion of another “express” training course with the graduation of 16 individuals in Manatee Technical College’s pilot program in Plumbing and Electrical service.

By November 2017, all SARASOTA COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR offices will be issuing the new, more secure Florida driver’s license and ID card, according to Tax Collector Barbara Ford-Coates.

The SARASOTA FAMILY YMCA provided 500 Thanksgiving meals to families in need at the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. branch YMCA Bari Brooks Teen Center this past November.

The marketing company, INNOVATIVE AGENT SERVICES (IAS), celebrates 15 years as a small business in Sarasota.

Carly Guardi Hiteman allstate agency Owner naperville, il

BE AN OWNER WITH EQUITY. Unlike other small business ventures, being an Allstate Agency Owner lets you earn equity in your business with the opportunity to pass it down, or sell someday. So why settle for being just an agent?

Talk to your Sarasota area Allstate Recruiter today.

Myra Pena Executive Recruiter cls89@allstate.com 941-773-9977

Be an Allstate Agency Owner.

Visit allstateagent.com

KELLER WILLIAMS ON THE WATER SARASOTA is on track, by year end, to have distributed more than half a million dollars in profit share to associates who have helped the company grow since February, 2014.

Elite Airways LLC announced nonstop jet service between Pittsburgh, PA and SARASOTA-BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT beginning February 23, 2018.

FAWLEY BRYANT ARCHITECTURE, an interdisciplinary architecture and interior design firm with offices in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida, announced the addition of five new staff members.

Subject to all terms and conditions as outlined in the Allstate R3001 Exclusive Agency Agreement and Exclusive Agency program materials.

Allstate agents are not franchisees; rather they are exclusive agent independent contractors and are not employed by Allstate. Allstate is an Equal Opportunity Company. Allstate Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. In New Jersey, Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company, Bridgewater, NJ. © 2017 Allstate Insurance Co.

THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS!

STAR2STAR COMMUNICATIONS has merged in a $500 million deal with an Irish company that also provides internet-protocol communications systems to businesses.

The CITY OF SARASOTA, SARASOTA COUNTY, MANASOTA SCORE and CAREERSOURCE SUNCOAST are partnering to offer an Introduction to Business Development course that begins 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23.

CENTER FOR SIGHT optometric physician Mary Elizabeth McVey recently received the Garland W. Clay Award from the American Academy of Optometry.

Sarasota attorney Thomas Luzier of DUNLAP & MORAN, P.A. has been voted chair of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC).

GOODWILL MANASOTA is expanding its Good Futures Program and embarking on a new partnership with the Healthy Start Coalitions of Sarasota and Manatee counties.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

JANUARY 2018

•

BRIDGE

9

RIBBON CUTTINGS August 30, 2017 - October 6, 2017 To book your Ribbon Cutting for a grand opening or relocation, contact Megan Neal, mneal@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4031.

10

Air Specialists, LLC 5018 20th Street W. Bradenton, FL 34207 www.airspecialistsllc.com

Bravo Coastal Bar & Kitchen 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 1175 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.bravoitalian.com

Connors Steak & Seafood 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1165 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.connorsrestaurant.com

Cornwall Analytics, Inc. 5577 Broadcast Court Sarasota, FL 34240 www.coanics.com

Elite Health 1281 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 www.elitehealth.com

HBK CPAs & Consultants 1777 Main Street, Suite 301 Sarasota, FL 34236 www.hbkcpa.com

Integrity Wealth Management, Inc. 6561 Palmer Park Cir., Suite C Sarasota, FL 34238 www.iwmfl.com

Lucky’s Market 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 430 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.luckysmarket.com

Mercker Solutions 1255 N. Gulfstream Avenue, Unit 907 Sarasota, FL 34236 www.merckersolutions.com

NETcinity 7664 Eagle Creek Drive Sarasota, FL 34243 www.netcinity.com/lance

Sarasota Christian School - Playground 5415 Bahia Vista Street Sarasota, FL 34232 www.sarasotachristian.org

TooJay’s Gourmet Deli 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 305 Sarasota, FL 34239 www.toojays.com

BRIDGE •

JANUARY 2018 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Friday, February 9, 2018 | 11:30 a.m. | The Ritz-Carlton | Sarasota

Featured Speaker

WILL REEVE

Will Reeve is the Ambassador and Board Member of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Director of the Reeve Foundation Champions Committee and ESPN broadcaster.

Since 2014, when Reeve joined ESPN, he has been a contributor to SportsCenter and E:60, bringing his youthful perspective to stories in order to appeal to a younger sports fan while resonating with all ESPN viewers.

Reeve will share his personal story of witnessing his mother serve as a caregiver to his father after he became paralyzed when Will was just 3 and how his strong support system of family, friends and grief counseling helped him after losing his father and mother within 16 months of one another, leaving him an orphan at 13.

His message at the Signature Luncheon will provide a unique insight into building and thriving within a solid support system.

For information on sponsorships or luncheon tickets, call (941)552-7660 E X C L U S I V E S I G N AT U R E L U 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 Dr. Michael E. and Judith T. Berlow

LEADERSHIP SPONSORS Alltrust Insurance, Blalock Walters, P.A., Dignity Memorial of Manatee & Sarasota Counties, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Senator John and Michelle McKay Netsmart, Netwurx Technology Group, PNC Wealth Management — Jeffrey Boyd, Publix Super Markets Charities

MEDIA SPONSORS

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

JANUARY 2018

•

BRIDGE

11

2006

YPG CELEBRATES 15 YEARS THE SARASOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP (YPG), a program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 15-year anniversary this year! Since its start in 2003, countless young professionals have taken part in YPG as a way to get connected to the community, grow in their careers, and make new friends. Here’s a look back at some of the activities of YPG during the last 15 years:

2007

Above: Dancing the night away at the Mad Hatter’s Ball Left: Giving the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club a fresh coat of paint

Left: Helping sort items at Mothers Helping Mothers

2011 2013 Above: Making new friends at the Beach Bash Right: Taking a hands-on approach to envisioning development during the Big Ideas, Bold Visions Conference Above: Helping to landscape at G Wiz Right: Young professionals tackling important local issues at the SUM+ Conference

2018

2014

2017 Above: Building a Habitat House

2016

Above: YPG hosts first “Q Dash” Scavenger Hunt Left: Wrapping gifts at Girls Inc. for families in need

2015 Above: YPG Spelling Bee Left: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the Ballpark

S AV E T H E D AT E | Y P G A N N U A L E V E N T S YPG EVENTS

2018 Q DASH SCAVENGER HUNT

March 2018 Discover unique and quirky landmarks throughout downtown Sarasota by decoding clues!

2ND ANNUAL YPG GALA

May 2018 Dance the night away while celebrating 15 years of YPG!

3RD ANNUAL YPG SUMMIT

August 2018 Learn from local leaders about personal, professional, and community development at the region’s only conference for young professionals, by young professionals.

12

BRIDGE •

YPG PRODEV: CRISIS IN THE WORKPLACE Tuesday, January 16 CoWork SRQ 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

YPG AFTER HOURS Thursday, February 1 C.A.N. Community Health 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Complimentary for Members $15 Future Members YPG AFTER HOURS Thursday, March 1 California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Complimentary for Members $15 Future Members YPG AFTER HOURS Thursday, April 5 CitySide Apartments 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Complimentary for Members $15 Future Members

JANUARY 2018 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

CRITICAL THINKING

CREATIVITY

COLLABORATION

COMMUNICATION

Be OUTstanding! Since 1924, we have prepared young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to take

them wherever they want to go in life. Hear students share how we have impacted their lives at oda.edu/beoutstanding.

941-554-3400 | www.ODA.edu Historic Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K - Grade 5 | Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch: Grades 6 - 12 | Sarasota, FL

NEW MEMBERS Acropolis Greek Taverna aliatec *Allegiant Private Advisors Amore Restaurant Anson on Palmer Ranch Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. Artists on Main Street *Ascentia Development Group, Inc. (ADG) Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria Boca Kitchen, Bar and Market Bowtox Boutique Med Spa Bradley’s Window Cleaning Brenda Vallieu Coaching & Consulting, LLC *Buffalo Lodging Associates *Clean Eatz Clyde Butcher Gallery Core Financial, Inc. DaVita Medical Group - Parkway Dimensions Leadership Group DoctorBlind Studio & Repair Dynasty Dance Clubs Everglades Equipment Group *Fidelity Bank - Longboat Key *Fidelity Bank - State Road 70

SEPTEMBER 2017 - DECEMBER 2017 Fidelity Investments Fortunoff Backyard Store Global Boarding Water Sports AMI GM Corporate Suites Great Expressions Dental Centers Gulfshore Drywall, Inc. Island Pursuit Men’s Island Pursuit Women’s Iviry Jeromy Keen State Farm Agency Johnny’s Car Wash Kick Ad Marketing Knockerball N’ Ninjas Kona Grill Lindahl Construction LLC Massage LuXe Spa Sarasota Master Tech Transmissions & Auto Repair Specialists Meals on Wheels of Sarasota Inc. Morley Group Noela Chocolate Premier Sotheby’s International Realty/June Plumb Primerica

ResCare Home Care - Bradenton Restoration 1 of Sarasota Richard Moravits, Contemporary Abstract Art SaltWorks Fab LLC Sarasota Peterbrooke Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program Inc. Southern Steer Butcher SpringHill Suites Stealth Mobile Laser Tag, LLC Sunshine Healthy Vending, LLC Systematic Business Marketing Tailored Thrones, Inc. Taylor Consulting TeamLogic IT The Right Way Consulting Group, LLC The Venice Symphony Three Six Oh PR Tractor Supply Company *UBS Financial Services Inc. USF Federal Credit Union Vitality Bowls Wicked Cantina Sarasota Zemil Jewelers Corporate Trustee

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

JANUARY 2018

Community Builder •

BRIDGE

13

LOCAL LEADERS PLAN HIGH IMPACT IN SARASOTA COUNTY LEADERSHIP SARASOTA CLASS OF 2018, a program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, wants to make a big impact in Sarasota with their class project. After an interrupted start due to Hurricane Irma, they know that it’s more important than ever to help Sarasota in a meaningful and long-lasting way. The 2018 Leadership Class partnered with The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Giving Partner in order to request possible Sarasota projects from non-profit agencies.

The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center was chosen out of 15 prospective projects driven by the tremendous work of the center and the value of the development of a serenity garden on the campus. The Glasser/Shoenbaum Human Services Center is dubbed the Campus of Caring because it houses 17 non-profit organizations, who serve lower income, at-risk adults, children and families. The Center serves 45,000 clients a year.

The Leadership team will utilize all the experience of the 39-member class with their expertise in design, engineering, landscaping, finance and planning. The team plans on making a big impact within a relatively small budget and will be proactively seeking in-kind donations of materials and features for the garden such as benches and shrubbery.

The design of the serenity garden, through its multi-faceted elements, is intended to create a place of peacefulness, collaboration and reflection. The design will also be mindful of the time and cost for maintenance such that it won’t create a burden on the extraordinary staff of the facility.

The Leadership Sarasota class recognizes that all good things may not be quantifiably measured but rather qualitatively experienced in the laughter in the children’s play area, the murmur of sensitive conversations, or the tranquility that can be felt for a few moments in the shade. The Leadership Sarasota class project success will be a literal sensation, as the Glasser/ Schoenbaum Serenity Garden will truly be a special place within a special community.

WHAT IS THE GLASSER/SCHOENBAUM HUMAN SERVICES CENTER? The Centers’ mission is to be the leader of a collaborative community providing high quality, accessible facilities and resources for the local human services nonprofit sector.

The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center is called the “Campus of Caring” because it is home to over 17 nonprofit health and human services agencies that help low income and at risk adults, children and families. The center occupies 14 buildings in a location selected for its accessibility by public transportation. It is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. (www.gs-humanservices.org)

14

BRIDGE •

JANUARY 2018 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

YOUR CHAMBER IN THE NEWS

CLICK ON THE THUMBNAILS TO READ MORE

YL GRAD LANDS COUNCIL SEAT MARK-ELLIOT FIINLEY, YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2017, has joined the Leadership Sarasota Council as an advisor to the youth program. He attends the Council Meetings as well as the Youth Leadership Day Chair Meetings and Youth Leadership Days.

Mark-Elliot was born in Sidney, Ohio, and is a senior at the Sarasota Military Academy ranking in the top 7% of his class. Many honors and awards have been bestowed upon Mark-Elliot including: a National Society of High School Scholars inductee, an Embracing Our Differences inductee, Boys’ State Representative, Commendable Cadet Award, Student of the Month, Distinguished Athlete Award, Sneakers for Speakers from the Rotary Club of Sarasota and the NRA Basic Pistol Course. He participates in several school and extracurricular activities such as: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Junior State of America, JROTC, the Sarasota Cotillion Club, Way International Home Bible Study, and serves as a board member of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Outside of school and extracurricular activities he finds time to have special interests in education, international affairs, French, English literature and filmmaking. His community service activities include Wreaths Across America, local parade participation, Bowls of Hope, and was co-founder of the Junior Raiders.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

•

JANUARY 2018

•

BRIDGE

15

Full Season Plans 5-Game Flex Plans PLAN SEATS START AS LOW AS $16 PER GAME

SAVE UP TO $118 OVER SINGLE GAME TICKETS

SEASON PLANS INCLUDE OUR FULL COMPLEMENT OF BIRDLAND BENEFITS INCLUDING: TICKET SAVINGS

PREFERRED PARKING OPPORTUNITY

EARLY BALLPARK ACCESS

EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPH SESSION

AND MORE!

PLANS START AS LOW AS $92 FLEX PLANS INCLUDE: PREFERRED SEATING OVER SINGLE GAME BUYERS ACCESS TO THE BEST GAMES BEFORE THEY GO ON SALE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FLEXIBILITY TO PICK YOUR OWN SCHEDULE

Single Game Tickets ON SALE SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2018 AT 10 AM

941-893-6300