The Bridge Magazine - January 2024

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DECEMBER 2022

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YO U R C H A M B E R AT WO R K

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YOU R C HA M B E R AT WO RK

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L E T T E R FR O M T H E PRE S I D E N T Welcome 2024!

Your Chamber At Work 2

Letter from the President

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Letter from the Chairman

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Upcoming Events

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Recap of 2023 Fall For Sarasota & 2023 Annual Meeting

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2023 - 2024 Board of Directors

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A Year of Impactful Advocacy

Investing In The Future 10

CareerEdge

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Opportunities For All

Leadership Developments 12

Young Professionals Group & Leadership Sarasota

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Corporate CornerHH Staffing Services

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Corporate CornerCommunity Foundation of Sarasota County

Get Connected 16

Meet Your Ambassadors & Ambassador of the Quarter

Membership Updates 17

Member Anniversaries

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Welcome New Members

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Ribbon Cuttings

1945 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 955-8187 sarasotachamber.com 2

Entering the new year, our focus is on unlocking the potential to serve our member businesses, the economic engine of our community. The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to cultivating prosperity and enhancing the quality of life for our members. In 2024, our mission persists, and here's how we plan to achieve it: 1. In 2024, we're dedicated to surpassing member expectations. Our cutting-edge programs, including CareerEdge, aim to connect members with vital resources, educational opportunities, and professional connections through open Chamber councils. These initiatives focus on upskilling workers and providing FastTrack programs. While our Leadership development programs like Leadership Sarasota and our Young Professionals Group are fostering strong leaders for our community. 2. Advocating for business-friendly policies at all government levels, we're spotlighting key topics such as Affordable Housing, Workforce Solutions, Childcare Issues, and Economic Outlooks at our State of the Community events. Our goal is to collaborate with officials across local, state, and federal levels to address crucial business-related issues. 3. We're committed to maintaining our community's quality of life for businesses, families, and residents. As a convener in our community, we will partner with local organizations to address regional issues such as affordable housing and education. 4. Thanks to a grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, we will support minority-owned businesses and provide internships through our Opportunities For All program. Dedicated staff and resources will serve as navigators for small and minority-owned businesses, emphasizing internships to connect local talent with companies. Thank you for being a treasured member of our organization and believing in the work that we are doing here at the Chamber on your behalf. Our entire team and I are here to serve you and look forward to a strong and productive year in 2024. Heather Kasten Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


YO U R CH A M B E R AT WO R K L ET TER FRO M TH E CH A IR MA N In November, our Chamber presented an important summit on the critical issue of affordable housing in our region. The well-attended event in the auditorium of Sarasota Memorial Hospital highlighted some troubling statistics gleaned from surveys of our membership: • 73% of respondents reported moderate to severe disruption of their business caused by the housing crisis. • Even more—79%—reported disruption to their workers’ lives. • Stunningly, over 1,500 recent local job offers were turned down because of Sarasota’s lack of available housing. Narrowing in on members of our Young Professionals Group: • More than half spend over 30% of their gross income on housing—the definition of “housing cost burdened.” • 7 in 10 have considered leaving Sarasota due to housing costs. These eye-opening figures set the stage for the summit, but the event was really about solutions: identifying opportunities and then starting the hard, collaborative work to prioritize and implement them. Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Jon Thaxton, for example, identified a long list of things we’ve actually started doing right as a community, before focusing on the big issues we still need to address. My Barancik Foundation colleague Matt Sauer neatly summarized four national best practices, with examples and data from other communities where the strategies are working. If you couldn’t attend the summit, a video of the entire 75-minute event can be viewed on the Chamber’s YouTube channel. It’s worth your time to watch. One bright finding among our YPG members: 80% of those who don’t currently own a home hope to buy one in our community someday. We want them to as well! But hope cannot be our strategy. We have the local data. We have the national models. Now, we must act together. Teri A Hansen Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation Chair of the Board

CH A MB E R STA F F Heat her Kas t en

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BRIDGE MAGAZINE JAN 2024

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YOU R C HA M B E R AT WO RK C HA M BE R E V E NT S MON T H LY E V E N T S

SIGNATUR E E VE N TS

Thu rsday, January 18 5 : 00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Rocc o' s Tacos & Teq uila Bar M o nd a y, Ja nua ry 8 1 2 :0 0 p.m. - 5 :3 0 p. m. Saraso ta B o bby J o ne s Go lf C lu b

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POWER

Fr i d a y, Ja nua r y 1 2 8 :0 0 a.m. - 1 1 :3 0 a . m. Car l i sl e Inn – Sara s o ta

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Th ur sd a y, Fe br ua ry 1 5 4 :3 0 p.m. - 7 :0 0 p. m. Po we l Cro sl e y E st ate

We dnesday, Marc h 6 1 1: 30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kolu can Mexican Bar & G ri l l

Tue sday, Janu ary 9 9: 30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Topic: O p timizing Business Perf o rmanc e Th rough Cash F l ow Forecasti ng S a ra sota C hamber Boardro o m We dn e sday, February 21 9: 30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Topic: Booth Brill ian ce: C raft i ng an Un forg ettable Presen ce at Tradesho ws S a ra sota C hamber Boardro o m

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Fr i d a y, M a rch 2 2 7 :3 0 a.m. - 9 :1 5 a. m. Hy att Re g e nc y

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

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


YO U R CH A M B E R AT WO R K E MPOWER I N G CO M M U N I TY W I TH FA LL F O R S A R A SOTA From September 25 to 28, the 2023 Fall For Sarasota event was an unparalleled success, showcasing the remarkable synergy between our chamber members and the dedicated nonprofits within our community. Over the course of four days, 181 volunteers came together, epitomizing the spirit of collaboration and civic responsibility. Through their collective efforts, an astounding 500 hours of volunteer work were accomplished, leaving a lasting impact on the various projects undertaken. Moreover, the event facilitated meaningful connections, with 32 chamber members finding purposeful engagements with 22 different chamber nonprofits, reinforcing the strength of our community bonds and commitment to making Sarasota a better place for all. Fall For Sarasota marked a transformative week, symbolizing the power of collective action and community spirit in driving positive change.

CELEB R AT I N G ACH I E V E M E N TS , E M B RACI N G T H E F U T U R E : T HE 2 0 2 3 A NNUA L M E E TI NG The Chamber's Annual Meeting, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on October 27, 2023, was a triumph, recognizing the past year's accomplishments and unveiling goals for the future. The event featured the introduction of the incoming Chairman of the Board and the announcement of the 2023-2024 Board of Directors. A highlight was the presentation of the prestigious Chair's Cup, which was awarded to John LaCivita. The keynote speaker, Jaime Marco, Owner of Evolve Business Consulting, delivered an inspiring address titled "From Intent to Impact: Making your Mark in the World." With over 20 years of experience, Jaime's dynamic coaching style, blending leadership principles with customer-centric strategies, left a lasting impression on the audience. Her passion for unlocking the full potential of individuals and teams through authentic connections and meaningful teamwork resonated throughout the gathering. The Annual Meeting served not only as a celebration of past successes but also as a catalyst for future growth, guided by the insights of an exceptional speaker. BRIDGE MAGAZINE JAN 2024

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Matching Good People With Good Jobs!

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For more information, visit ExpressPros.com/SarasotaFL

(941) 946-8600 965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL 34234 Learn how your organization can utilize our Digital AD Marketing Opportunity!

Contact Zach Henkel, zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com


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Chris Perkins

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Renee Brady

Premier Private Banker

Carla Cummings Consumer Bank Market Manger

BRIDGE MAGAZINE JAN 2024

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YOU R C HA M B E R AT WO RK MEET YOU R 2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4 B OA RD O F D I RE CTO R S In the dynamic landscape of a chamber of commerce, the role of a robust board of directors stands as a cornerstone for success. This dedicated group serves a pivotal purpose, offering strategic leadership and governance to steer the organization towards its objectives. With a diverse representation of member interests, the board becomes the compass guiding crucial decisions, resource allocations, and the overall trajectory of the chamber.

Immediate Past Chair Emily Walsh Observer Media Group

Taylor Aultman

Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Jeff Benninghoff WWSB - ABC 7

Ian Black

Ian Black Real Estate

Matt Brockway

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.

Laura Cole

Lakewood Ranch

Dr. Michael Crosby

Chair of the Board Teri Hansen

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

Brian Hersh*

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Dr. Karen Holbrook USF Sarasota - Manatee

Zack Holzworth*

Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

DeAnna King*

King HR Services, Inc.

John LaCivita

Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Phillip Lanham*

Incoming Chair Elect Joe C. Hembree

Hembree & Associates, Inc.

Kari Queen*

Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.

Michael Quillen

Gecko's Hospitality Group

Darrin Rohr

HH Staffing Services

Jennifer Rominiecki

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Elizabeth Stamoulis

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

John Stump

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Dan DeLeo

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Ringling College of Art and Design

Ernest DuBose

Will McComb

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Homes

DuCon Construction

Kevin Gillen*

Lorrie Liang

Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC

Erin McLeod

The Bank of Tampa

Dr. Larry Thompson Jason Toale Eric Troyer

SYNOVUS

Senior Friendship Centers

Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Jennifer Grondahl

Dennis Murphy

Don Vichitvongsa

Lexie Guanchez

David Polimeni*

Chris Voelker*

Dr. Carol Probstfeld

Stephenie Whitfield

Baltimore Orioles

Boyd Insurance & Investment Services, Inc.

Andy Guz

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Gulfside Bank

RITE Technology

State College of Florida

PGT Innovations

State Street/BESO Bank of America

*Kindly note that the names of board members marked with asterisks (*) indicate the new additions to the board of directors.* 8

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


YO U R CH A M B E R AT WO R K A Y E A R O F I M PACTF U L A DVO CACY Every day, as you diligently run your business, decisions made by politicians and policymakers at the city, county, and state levels directly impact it. The laws and regulations affecting Florida businesses, often stemming from local policies, can significantly impact your bottom line. In this dynamic environment where politicians hear from various groups with diverse agendas, the Sarasota Chamber stands out. The Sarasota Chamber is on the ground 24/7, 365 days a year, advocating for policies that benefit your business and delivering tangible results for the business community. The Sarasota Chamber has had a busy year starting with the great work of the Government Issues Council led by Joe C. Hembree. This council meets monthly to discuss policy issues at the city, county, and state level. Each year prior to Florida Legislative Session, the Sarasota Chamber makes their annual trip to Tallahassee to meet with Legislators to share the new legislative agenda, which is crafted collectively by the Government Issues Council and the Regional Workforce Council. This agenda outlines key issues facing Sarasota’s business community in the coming year. The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is uniting the business community for good, fighting for economic opportunities and growing private-sector jobs locally. It is working hard to solve issues that impact the community’s competitiveness, as well as the future of the business climate. Recently the Sarasota Chamber hosted an Affordable Housing Summit at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, with over 200 registered attendees and a multi-faceted speaker line up to share some potential solutions and opportunities to address the affordable housing crisis in our region. This conversation will continue well into 2024, as the Chamber hones in on the top 2-3 potential solutions that it can press with local policy makers to address this issue.

2023 Tallahassee Legislative Trip

2023 Tallahassee Legislative Trip

The Chamber realizes you’re busy running your business day in and day out, providing for your customers and employees. That’s why the Chamber team will continue to represent you, your business and our community to support and ensure we have a economic ecosystem that supports business friendly policies.

2023 Affordable Housing Summit

2023 Affordable Housing Summit

BRIDGE MAGAZINE JAN 2024

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INVEST I N G I N T H E F U TU RE CA RE E RE D G E 2023 Emerging Leaders Training Concluding a remarkable journey, the 2023 Emerging Leaders Training has reached its culmination! CareerEdge has had yet another stellar year collaborating with the State College of Florida to deliver the Emerging Leaders Training to employees in the Manufacturing, Healthcare, and, for the first time ever, Insurance sectors. Facilitated by Jaime Marco from Evolve Business Consulting, these leaders explored avenues for professional growth. They delved into understanding their unique leadership styles, honed their communication skills with peers possessing diverse leadership approaches, and acquired strategies to navigate challenging workplace scenarios. Congratulations to all these exceptional leaders on their achievements!

Manufacturing Co-Hort Participants:

Healthcare Co-Hort Participants:

Insurance Co-Hort Participants:

Easterseals Southwest Florida, HCA Florida

FCCI Insurance Group, USF, Dakkak Insurance,

Architectural Metals of SW Florida,

Centauri Insurance, Universal North America,

CAEHealthcare, Chris-Craft, Quality Enclosures,

Center, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Plymouth

Shepherd Insurance, CBIZ Insurance, Joyner

RND Automation, Sun Hydraulics, LLC, Trident

Harbor Inc, and Sarasota Memorial Health

Family Insurance, Purmort & Martin Insurance,

Building Systems, and Air Products.

Care System.

and Key Agency Inc.

Fawcett Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical

The Launch of 'Tiny Home 2.0' Between 2020 and 2022, 185 Suncoast Technical College (STC) students, supported by CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, collaborated on a unique Tiny Home project, earning 369 certifications and creating a self-sustainable, solar-powered mobile home. STC's mission to provide quality technical education aligns with CareerEdge's goal of offering high-performing workforce solutions. Now, the partnership is launching Tiny Home 2.0, challenging students to prioritize mobility through innovative design. This revived collaboration anticipates similar success and promises to be a showcase project for years to come, with the evolving story eagerly awaited. THANK YOU CAREEREDGE FUNDERS The work of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative within our community would not be possible without the generous and committed support of our funders.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


I N V E ST I N G I N T H E F UT UR E O PPO RTU NI T I E S F O R A L L Fostering Diversity and Prosperity: Greater Sarasota Chamber's OFA Program Empowers Local Businesses In a commendable move towards fostering inclusivity and economic growth, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's Opportunities For All (OFA) initiative recently unveiled its 2023 Business Assistance Funds Program recipients. The announcement, made on November 20th at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, showcased the strategic efforts of OFA in supporting minority-owned small businesses and non-profit organizations within the community. Out of a robust pool of 129 applications, a distinguished committee comprised of local business owners and community leaders meticulously selected 20 outstanding businesses as recipients of the assistance grants. The chosen entities represent a diverse array, from AGA Tax and Consulting Services LLC to the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Inc., reflecting the program's commitment to inclusivity across sectors. The awardees include: AGA Tax and Consulting Services LLC bia candle co Brave Hearts Foundation, Inc Castle Concierge Creative Arts Academy Dapper Bowtique LLC Drummerboy Entertainment LLC Extraordinary Eventz LLC FUNducation, Inc Her Beauty Lounge LLC Herrera Psychology

Little Medical School Suncoast Making An Impact, Inc Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services Inc Scorpion King Charter/Pinch n Pinch Blue Crabs and Seafood Settles Stump Grinding & Tree Service LLC Sous Tech LLC The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Inc Williams Solid Solutions LLC Yummy Allergy Friendly Bakery

Crucially, the program was made possible through the generous support of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, underscoring the collaborative efforts that drive positive change in the local business landscape. As the OFA initiative continues to make strides, it stands as a testament to the commitment of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce towards creating an inclusive and thriving business ecosystem. This experience is fully funded by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce through the Opportunities For All grant provided by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

BRIDGE MAGAZINE JAN 2024

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LEADE R SHI P D E V E LO P M E N TS YO U N G P RO F E S S I O NA L S G RO U P Cheers to the Season: YPG Holiday After Hours An unforgettable night at the YPG Holiday Party After Hours, graciously hosted by Willis Smith Construction! Our community of young professionals enjoyed the chance to bond before the holiday rush. The evening took on added significance as they united for a holiday toy drive, spreading joy to those in need.

Not yet a YPG Member? Scan here to join!

Thank You Annual YPG Sponsors:

L E A D E RS H I P S A RA S OTA

Health and Human Services Day & Arts and Culture Day! Over the past two months, the Leadership class immersed itself in the realms of Health and Human Services, as well as Arts and Culture Day. Our leaders conducted an in-depth exploration of Health and Human Services, visiting local organizations such as the Community Foundation, Lightshare Behavioral Wellness & Recovery, and dedicating time to volunteer at All Faiths Food Bank. After a day filled with engaging insights into the intricacies of the health industry, they seamlessly transitioned into the vibrant world of Sarasota with Arts and Culture Day. Both classes experienced an enlightening day delving into the role of the arts in the community, visiting prominent institutions like the Sarasota Art Museum, Asolo Repertory Theater, Sarasota Ballet, and numerous other powerhouses in the arts and culture domain.

Thank You Annual Leadership Sponsors:

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


WE THINK

OUTSIDE

THE BOX

WE’VE GOT

BIG PLANS FOR YOU IN 2024

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LEADE R SHI P D E V E LO P M E N TS COR PO RATE CO RN E R Darrin Rohr “For me, the biggest leadership lesson is how important 'Leader Credibility' is towards developing great relationships with the women and men inside a company." Position: President & CEO Company: HH Staffing Services

Q: What is the biggest leadership lesson you have learned? This is very easy for me to answer. For me, the biggest leadership lesson is how important “Leader Credibility” is towards developing great relationships with the women and men inside a company. I have witnessed, all too often, leaders who say one thing and do another. That type of behavior destroys trust and reduces organizational performance because very few people will follow a leader that they do not trust. So, “Give Your Word, and Keep Your Word”! Q: What is one business advice you would give to local entrepreneurs? Stay positive no matter what! When you own and run your own business, there are so many things that you are responsible for and on any given day, some things will just go wrong, or not as planned. That’s ok, shake it off and get back in the game with a smile on your face. Stay positive and your team will be positive, go negative and you take your entire team down that negative path with you and very few good things, if any, will come from that negative vibe that you as a leader created. Stay Positive! Q: As the owner of your company, what accomplishments are you the most proud of about your team? I just love my team! We truly are one great big family that always has each other’s back. My team lives our Mission of: Helping People. My team takes the time to help our candidates to find great employers and my team helps our clients to find great employees. My team rocks this mission and I love all of them for doing that and so much more! Q: What do you love the most about Sarasota? This may sound silly but the best thing that my wife and I love about Sarasota is how easy it is to get around town (except during season of course). We live in the Southside Area of Sarasota and we literally have everything within walking distance or a super short drive. Having lived in such traffic jammed places as The Bay Area of Northern California, Dallas, Nashville, and Raleigh, being able to “get around” by “walking around” gives us more time to then enjoy all of the other great things that Sarasota has to offer us such as time on the water, long walks on the beach, or walks around the block with our two Great Pyrenees Dogs, Lulu and Stella. We love Sarasota! 14

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


LE A DEM RSEH MIBE P DRS EV HEI P LOUPPME DAT NT ES S CO RPO RAT E CO RNE R New Year Gives Rise to New Potential for Positive Change The start of a new year is a time for reflection and aspiration. It's not just about personal development; it's about the potential to spark change, ignite hope, and make a positive impact on our community. While Sarasota is ranked among Florida’s most affluent communities, 38 percent of the hardworking families living in Sarasota County are one paycheck away from the threat of homelessness. For 24 years, Season of Sharing has offered a lifeline to neighbors who have experienced unexpected financial instability, covering payments for rent or mortgage assistance, utility bills, childcare, transportation, and other urgent expenses, and paid directly to providers of housing or services, with no administrative fees. This means 100 percent of dollars raised during the campaign helps families directly. Over the years, $38 million has been raised and distributed to more than 50,000 families and individuals, helping our community members to find hope in times of need. Donations made before Jan. 31, 2024, will be strengthened by The Patterson Foundation’s match of $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community. While the fundraising campaign ends on Jan. 31, these dollars are used all year long to offer a bridge to stability. Season of Sharing showcases our community’s generous nature, with 55,000 gifts made since its inception in 2000. Another opportunity that our community has to make a difference in 2024 is the Giving Challenge, which this year will run from noon to noon April 9-10. We’re fortunate to live in an area that is home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations that serve our community in myriad ways, from human services to environmental welfare to the arts, enhancing quality of life opportunities for all who call this region home. This online day of giving recognizes and celebrates more than 600 participating nonprofits in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Over eight challenges since its inception in 2012, the Giving Challenge has raised more than $75 million in unrestricted funding for our nonprofit community, empowering organizations to decide how best to use the dollars to achieve their missions. Since the beginning, The Patterson Foundation has been a vital partner, providing matching funds for all gifts up to $100, and it will partner again this year with this incentive, underscoring the Community Foundation’s credo that each one of us has the potential to impact a person, a cause, a community. A new year calls to us, inspiring us to improve and bring about change. Keep these opportunities in mind as you strive to make 2024 better -- this could be your year to be the one to make a difference in our community. BRIDGE MAGAZINE JAN 2024

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GET CO N N E CT E D M E E T YO U R CH A M B E R A M BA S S A DO RS

Chamber Ambassadors are dedicated member volunteers fulfilling the crucial role of customer relations representatives for the Chamber. Their responsibilities include visiting new members and reaching out to existing ones, playing a vital role in expanding communications and fostering increased involvement within the Chamber community. Chair - Lexie Guanchez, Boyd Insurance & Investment Services, Inc. Jennifer Bash, Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota Taylor Bennett, The Mall at University Town Center Denise Boykin, Red Door Painting, LLC Sinead Carr, Express Employment Professionals Janet Hazuda, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Zoe Kasper, Sunshine Movers of Sarasota Brittany Kiss, Blue Collar Roofing Molly Lawley, Serbin Print Marketing & Publishing Michelle Leonard, Thryv Scooter Maloney, Bank OZK Brad Marner, Fifth Third Bank Carina Marsh, Roberts Insurance Group, LLC Scott Moudry, Baltimore Orioles Bianca Naughton, Vensure Employer Services Michelle Olivo, Castle Concierge Jesslynne Quakkelaar, Lake Michigan Credit Union Tara Ritchie, Paul Davis of Sarasota and Charlotte Valerie Schranz, Sterling Tax & Accounting Cindi Seese, Third Federal Savings & Loan Veronica Smith, Mueller Financial Services, Inc. Gareth Stevenson, RITE Technology Lauren Tominelli, Sarasota County Government Elizabeth Topp, Child Protection Center, Inc. Anthony Ward, PCS Florida Ashley Watts, Café L'Europe

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


M E M BE RS H I P U P DAT ES M E M BE R A N N I V E RS A RI E S

68 Years Stantec 66 Years TECO Peoples Gas 65 Years Yarnall Moving & Storage Solutions 61 Years Rusty Plumbing, Inc. 61 Years Frederick Derr & Company, Inc. 60 Years Sarasota Lock & Key Shop, LLC 59 Years Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A. 56 Years REALTOR Association of Sarasota and Manatee 55 Years Sarasota Opera 54 Years Sarasota County Agricultural Fair Association, Inc. 53 Years Professional Benefits, Inc. 51 Years Kerkering, Barberio & Co. 51 Years Cavanaugh & Co. LLP 50 Years Bay Village of Sarasota, Inc. 50 Years Mullets Appliances, Inc. 50 Years Waste Management Inc of Florida 49 Years Hyatt Regency Sarasota 48 Years New College of Florida 47 Years Eager Beaver Car Wash, Inc. 47 Years Suncoast Technical College - STC 47 Years Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Inc. 46 Years The Out-of-Door Academy, Inc. 44 Years Eldridge Body Shop, Inc.

44 Years Toale Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory 44 Years Goodwill Manasota 42 Years Cunningham Property Management Corp. 42 Years Gifford-Heiden Insurance 42 Years CB's Saltwater Outfitters & Boat Rentals 42 Years Practical Car Rental 42 Years School Board of Sarasota County 41 Years Screenco, Inc. 41 Years Fred M. Starling, Inc. 40 Years Asolo Repertory Theatre 40 Years Atlantic Relocation 40 Years CareerSource Suncoast - Sarasota 37 Years WWSB - ABC 7 36 Years Andrick & Associates, Inc. 36 Years Sarasota Trophy & Awards, Inc. 34 Years Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association 33 Years Sarasota Bradenton International Airport 33 Years Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP 33 Years ASO, LLC 25 Years HBK CPAs & Consultants 25 Years The Circus Arts Conservatory

BRIDGE MAGAZINE JAN 2024

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Host your event at

S a r a s o ta Art Museum Sarasota’s only contemporary art museum. Housed in the 1926 M. Elliott-designed former Sarasota Senior High School, SAM features 15,000 square feet of gallery and event space, on-site Bistro, auditorium, outdoor Plaza and extensive grounds. Entertain your guests in our modern indoor and outdoor spaces – perfect for business meetings, conferences, cocktail receptions, weddings, baby showers, intimate dinner parties and more! Catering provided exclusively by Constellation Culinary Group. MuseumEvents@ringling.edu 941-309-4321 SarasotaArtMuseum.org/event-rentals


BALTIMORE ORIOLES SPRING TRAINING

2024 SCHEDULE

ORIOLES.COM/SPRING *SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE


MEM B E R SHI P U PDATE S W E LCO M E N E W M E M BE RS Sept e m b e r 2023 - N ov e m be r 2 0 2 3 Please help us in welcoming the following new members joining our Chamber family! We are excited to have these talented individuals and businesses join our vibrant community, and we look forward to fostering strong connections and collaboration with them as we continue to grow and thrive together. A.G. Lafley

Define Art Gallery and Studio

Ace Handyman Services

Escargot

ActivAge Sarasota

EVERYDAYPLUMBER.com

Amped Services Heating and Cooling

Family Promise of Sarasota-Manatee

Amplify Communications Consulting

Florida Farm Bureau Insurance

Angotti Design

Forestar Real Estate Services

Arbor Illuminations

FranDestiny

Arbor Landscapes

Freedom Boat Club

Art Center Sarasota, Inc.

Freight Rate Central

AYRO, Inc.

Fully Promoted Sarasota

Bayside Dentistry

Grace Recovery Homes Inc.

Beach Sound Vibes LLC

Healthy Teens

bia candle co

Hughes Exterminating

Blaze of Hope

Identifyn

Blingle Premier Lighting

Immaculate Clean Inc.

Borislow Insurance

Interior Plant Scapes

Bretz Chiropractic Clinic

Inward Focus Forward, LLC

Butcher's Mark - Clark Rd

Kingdom Roofing

Calcs-Plus

KLONE

Camber Brands

KotaCast, LLC

Campbell Wealth Advisors LLC

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Christine B. Cremer

Lakewood City Lifestyle

Clearview Window Cleaning

Lakewood Ranch Oral & Facial Surgery

Community Assisted & Supported Living, Inc.

Lesh Lifestyle

Connors Steak and Seafood

LeT's Organize

CORE Insights Group

LifeWave

Craig Business Solutions, Inc

Liquified Agency

D&D Air Conditioning

Mark Williams Construction

Debbie Z. Lattuga Coaching

Mattress Sarasota

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


M E M BE RS H I P U P DAT ES WE LCO M E NE W M E M BE RS CO N TI NU E D S ept e m b e r 2023 - N o v em be r 2 0 2 3 As our Chamber family expands, we encourage all members—new and existing—to actively participate in our diverse events and networking opportunities. Let's build lasting connections, share insights, and collectively thrive. Welcome aboard, and join us on this exciting journey of growth and collaboration! Maudy Paden, Alterations Specialist

Shipping Unlimited (DBA Unishippers, #1727)

McKenney Home Care

Sorrento Apartments

Melded Media Productions

Stofft Cooney Architects

Mighty Dog Roofing

Sun Coast Media Group

Miriam Fieber Realtor

(The Daily Sun Newspaper)

Monkee's of Sarasota

SunCoast Venture Forge

Occams Advisory

Taco Fusion Express

Office Bar SRQ

The Haven

Palm Parking

The Restaurant Assistants LLC

Parkinson Place, Inc.

The Roknich Law Firm, P.A.

Party Popping Events, LLC

Toasted Mango Cafe - Sarasota

Pilates Works of Sarasota, LLC

Toasted Mango Cafe - Siesta Key

Preferred Shore Real Estate - Dian Hapsari

Toledo Club Apartments

Regenexx® at New Regeneration

United Community Bank

Restaurant City

United Way of South Sarasota County

RM Investment Strategies, LLC

Vision of Dance

Robson Corporation

W3 Insurance

Rowland Fine Art, LLC/Collin Rowland Art

Wealth Resources

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern

Well Groomed Pets Sarasota

Salons by JC Sarasota Towne Center

Wells Fargo

Sandcastle Digital Design

Wessel Construction

Savannah Grand of Sarasota

Zing Patio

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MEM B E R SHI P U PDATE S C E L E B R AT I NG T H E BI G M O M E N TS S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 3 - Nov em be r 2 0 2 3 Celebrate your business's grand opening or major renovation with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting by contacting Heather Moore at hmoore@sarasotachamber.com. Sept ember 2023

October 2023

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


M E M BE RS H I P U P DAT ES

Ribbon cuttings are ceremonial events to celebrate the opening of a new business or the expansion of an existing one. The purpose of these events is to create a sense of community and generate publicity for the business. Ribbon cuttings provide an opportunity for businesses to showcase their products or services, network with other professionals, and gain exposure to potential customers. You can view all of Sarasota Chamber members’ ribbon cuttings on our social media platforms! November 20 2 3

To Sc h e d u l e a R ib b o n C u tt i n g, Sc an th e Q R Co de B el o w:

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The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 1945 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34236

TH AN K YOU TO O U R CH A M BE R CH A M P IO NS

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


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