The Bridge Magazine - July 2022

BRIDGE July 2022 Issue | Quarterly Member Magazine

Celebrating the best in local business From the CEO | Page 2 From the Chair of the Board | Page 4 All About Our Members | Page 6 Chamber Programs | Page 17

2022 Small Business Awards Feature | Pages 14-15

FROM THE CEO Heather Kasten

“We honor the contributions of companies of all sizes, started by individuals with unique backgrounds who have one thing in common – being the best at what they do; employing best practices; creating an inspiring company culture; and making time for their workforce to give back in the community. These businesses are setting the bar high and making a huge impact in Sarasota.”

Outstanding Businesses Make Sarasota Stand Out Ranked one of the best small cities to start a business, Sarasota is booming and making a big impression. With miles of pristine beaches, low taxes, convenient flights, and an average temperature of 72 degrees year-round, every day feels like vacation. As such a great location for pleasure and conducting business, Sarasota is making a mark locally and across the country as the place to call home for work or play.

Thanks to a thriving business community, the Sarasota local economy continues to grow beyond expectations. Similarly, organizations in the community are going beyond the norm to foster Sarasota’s great national reputation. Sarasota is an outstanding city because of countless contributions by trailblazing entrepreneurs – leaders who demonstrate courage and fortitude, many putting their own capital and net worth on the line to fulfill their dream. These businesses meet our community’s needs for a vast array of goods and services and are one of the largest contributors to private sector job growth regionally and across the country.

Over 1,200 businesses are members of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce employing over 60,000 people. The cumulative impact of these employers in the Chamber and community is immense. And while significant in the number of businesses, 90% have fewer than 50 employees. For these and many other reasons, it is fitting that we honor extraordinary entrepreneurs, and salute businesses fueling this economy.

Once a year, we honor the contributions of companies of all sizes, started by individuals with unique backgrounds who have one thing in common – being the best at what they do; employing best practices; creating an inspiring company culture; and making time for their workforce to give back in the community. These businesses are setting the bar high and making a huge impact in Sarasota.

Thank YOU for being a part of what makes Sarasota so great.

You, our members, are why Sarasota stands out.

Heather Kasten President/CEO 2

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UPCOMING EVENTS Make connections with Chamber business professionals at the Chamber Connect event held at various locations in Greater Sarasota.

Includes light appetizers, drink specials and door prizes.

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Members - Complimentary Non-Members - $20 Thursday, July 21 Holiday Inn - Lido Beach

Thursday, August 18 The Circus Arts Conservatory Rise and shine! Meet us at Good Morning, Sarasota breakfast event. We welcome you to enjoy a light breakfast, coffee/juice, and door prizes in a laid-back atmosphere perfect for meeting your next customer or client.

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Members - Complimentary Non-Members - $20 Thursday, September 15 Gapin Institute for High Performance Health Hungry for new business? Leverage your lunch hour with the power of business referrals at our Power Hour Lunch. Let’s network and have lunch together!

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Members - $24 Non-Members - $39 Thursday, July 14 Wicked Cantina Sarasota

Wednesday, August 10 Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Educational programming that helps maximize your business potential. From social media tips to business planning, a different topic is presented each event.

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Sarasota Chamber Board Room Members - Complimentary Non-Members - $20

Wednesday, July 13 Buying a Home: How “Delayed Financing” Gets You in the Game with SecurityNational Mortgage Company

IN THIS ISSUE From the CEO ...................................... 2 Upcoming Events ............................... 3 From the Board Chair ....................... 4 Is Sarasota Smart? ............................. 5 All About Our Members Welcome New Members ................ 6 Celebrate Ribbon Cuttings ............ 7 Member Anniversaries ..................... 8 Member News .................................. 10 Getting Involved ...............................11 Featured Events Grand Expo .........................................12 Women at Work ................................13 Small Business Awards ............14-15 Upcoming Trainings .........................17 Chamber Programs CareerEdge .........................................19 Leadership Sarasota ....................... 20 Opportunities For All ..................... 22 Young Professionals Group ......... 23

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

Wednesday, September 21 with Gapin Institute for High Performance Health

Tuesday, October 11 A Panel to Discuss the Benefits of a Business Having Family-Friendly Policies

Register for any upcoming events at sarasotachamber.com GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD Dennis Murphy

A Last Reflection From Our 2021-2022 Chair of the Board They say “time flies when you’re having fun.” Well, I can certainly attest to that! I have thoroughly enjoyed having the honor to serve as this year’s Chair of the Board. The Chamber is such an incredible assetCtoH our and it has been one A Mbusiness B E R S Tcommunity, AFF of the highlights of my professional career to lead the Board and provide support to Heather and the fantastic Chamber staff this year. They are truly a top-notch group who work tirelessly to bring engaging events, programming, business advocacy efforts, and career advancement training to the Sarasota area business community.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

“As I reflect on the year, I want to say thanks to all of our members who give their time and talent to make the Chamber such a special organization.

With your continued efforts, I’m confident that the future is extremely bright for our region and that we will keep Sarasota the best place in the country to live, work and play!”

The 2021 / 2022 Chamber year has marked a return to “normal” in many ways, including in-person events and meetings. It has been wonderful to see so many friends and business colleagues after such a tumultuous period. Being together again has reminded me just how fortunate we are to work in a such a naturally beautiful place that also has a vibrant business community.

So, as I reflect on the year, I want to say thanks to all of our members who give their time and talent to make the Chamber such a special organization. With your continued efforts, I’m confident that the future is extremely bright for our region and that we will keep Sarasota the best place in the country to live, work and play!

Dennis Murphy Chair of the Board

THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

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JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

The Keys to Understanding a Smart City: Is Sarasota Smart?

Tuesday, July 19 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Carlisle Inn - Sarasota Smart Cities are information-driven, business-focused, financially stable, socially engaged, environmentally friendly and energy-efficient municipalities. They develop, deploy, and promote sustainable development practices to address growing urban challenges. Cities are being challenged to create greater livability and sustainability at a time when resources are strained, and current infrastructure is aging. How a city functions to address their infrastructure directly impacts local businesses and the workforce they can attract and employ.

Attend this session to learn how Sarasota is working to improve and upgrade existing infrastructure and how renewing the surtax is part of the solution. Heather Kasten, President/CEO of the Sarasota Chamber, will lead an informative panel of thought leaders representing key areas of Smart City development. Hear about the current state of affairs, vision for the future, and inspiration from other places already tackling this issue.

Presenters

Shelia Roberson, Business Operations - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, Sarasota County Government Steve Cover, Planning Director, City of Sarasota Angel Garcia, Vice President, Enterprise and GEMS Sales, Hotwire Communications

Presenting Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Heather Kasten President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050 Catherine Roper Vice President croper@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040 Samantha Badgley Executive Assistant sbadgley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051 Alyssa Barnsley Communications Manager abarnsley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031 Zach Henkel Membership Investment Representative zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029 Melanie Lavender CareerEdge Program Coordinator mlavender@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039 Craig McGonigal Director of Membership Engagement cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034 Kelly Monti Events Manager kmonti@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035 Kaveecia Moore Opportunities For All Programs Manager kmoore@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4058 Sara Rachon Programs Manager srachon@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039 Christine Seaman Accounting Manager accounting@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4053

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Welcome New Members!

Welcome NewMembers!

March 2022 - May 2022

301 Kwikie, Inc 99 Bottles Abundant Blessing Consulting Services, LLC Actuarial & Financial Consulting Adventure For All Akron Bio Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence American Torch Tip Company Anthony’s Cooling Heating Electrical Around the Way Transportation Art & Soul Dance Company Avelo Airlines Beane Street Windows & Doors Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC Big Finish Car Wash Bloom Organics Day Spa & Boutique Body By Bungee Braille Battery Inc. Bright Future Electric Circle The Sun Fitness Coco’s Bistro Compeer Sarasota Conley Buick GMC Dapper Bowtique, LLC Dentistry on Fruitville

Did You Know?

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Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A. Discover Sarasota Tours DonVos Services Elite Home Watchers Energage EVERYDAYPLUMBER.com Final Touch Counters Fisher & Phillips LLP FloridaRentals.com Freewheeling Travel, LLC Fundraising Agency Management Grow Financial Federal Credit Union HALO - The Perfect Promotion Hannah McGowan Coaching Happy Helpers Moving Co Hotwire Communications House Calls For Kids JOYELY Kelly’s Roast Beef King HR Services Inc Ladies’ Shot Bartending LLC Margwine Organization, Inc Mary Butler, LLC Mise en Place Design, LLC MISSION BBQ MKM Sarasota Morgan Stanley - Phil Peters Nano Hydrate Inc. Norman Love Confections Noto International LLC

Onplace Opus Restaurant & Lounge Paradise Dermatology Pastry Art Cafe Pestmaster Services PopStroke Reyna’s Taqueria RI5E Sports Performance Ringling Moving LLC Sarasota Concert Association Screaming Goat Taqueria SeaSucker, LLC Skyway Classics Southern Cross Contracting, Inc. Southwind Adventures, Inc. SRQ Premier Realty Stacey’s Sandcastle Cookies, LLC Sun King Brewery Sarasota Teakdecking Systems, Inc. The Granite Place The Love Vault LLC T-Mobile Tom Bury Total Background Reporting DBA Total Reporting Total Therapy Florida U. MAGAZINE FLORIDA Waxwing Corp., DBA Independent Jones WJ Architects

Chamber Members who refer other businesses get $50 off their renewal! If you know an organization that will benefit from a Chamber membership, contact zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com

JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Celebrating Ribbon Cuttings

As of May 31, 2022

Gapin Institute for High Performance Health

Akron Bio

Congratulations to Akron Bio for recently launching a new, state-of-the-art cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) plasmid DNA manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida.

Thank you Gapin Institute with Dr. Tracy Gapin for celebrating your Grand Opening with us! gapininstitute.com

akronbiotech.com

KRS Southern Merchant, LLC DBA Avis Budget

Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence

Welcome to Sarasota KRS Southern Merchant, LLC DBA Avis Budget! Stop by and say hello and welcome them to the Chamber or when you need to rent a car.

Officially cut the ribbon!

Align Right Realty SRQ Opulence is so proud to be a part of the Greater Sarasota community. arropulence.com

avis.com

PopStroke

Congratulations to PopStroke for their ribbon cutting and grand opening! Great entertainment for all ages and level of skill.

Atlas Fiduciary Financial

Congratulations to Atlas Fiduciary Financial on your Grand Opening! Please visit their new location at 1577 Fruitville Road.

popstroke.com

atlasfiduciary.com

Tidewell Treasures

Dentistry on Fruitville

Tidewell Treasures celebrated the grand opening of its second store in Sarasota! It features home decor, household goods, name-brand furniture and clothing, accessories, and more.

Smiling as we welcome Dentistry on Fruitville to Sarasota! They are celebrating the opening of a familyfriendly dentistry that offers quality dental care to individuals of all ages. dentistryonfruitville.com

tidewellfoundation.org

Have a grand opening or change in location coming up?

Celebrate your business milestone with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting.

Contact Kelly Monti at kmonti@sarasotachamber.com to schedule.

Ribbon Cuttings are benefits exclusive to our Chamber Members. For non-members interested in a ribbon cutting, please contact zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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Recognizing Years of Membership 40 YEARS

May to July

35 YEARS 30 YEARS 25 YEARS 8

Celebrating milestone anniversaries of members who have been with us for 25 years and above

ringling.edu

fcci-group.com

adamsandreese. com

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lakewoodranch.com

floridaroofing. com

icorr.com

themeadowssarasota.org

JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

sarasotaford.com

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Member News Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation board approves $6.3 million in grant funding. The recently approved grants will address areas such as hunger and food insecurity, support affordable housing opportunities, and promote projects that enhance diversity, equity, and civil rights in the region.

Children First recently launched a college savings plan for at-risk youth. While the mission of Children First is to strengthen children and families in our community by providing a strong foundation for children ages birth to five, our work does not stop there. The CFC College Fund was recently started by two of very dedicated donors in order to give Children First’s young students a “Head Start” as their families begin planning for their college educations.

Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2022 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams.

Goodwill Manasota is proud to not only provide jobs for team members who may have barriers to employment but also offer on-the-clock coaching, training and education to boost employees’ job skills and earning potential. Goodwill’s efforts to provide financial literacy skills training to its team members, through its GoodPartner Coach program, were supported with a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation.

The Here4YOUth Initiative of Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation have awarded JFCS of the Suncoast a $50,000 grant for the expansion of the Adolescent Diversion and Assistance Program (ADAP). ADAP provides prevention and intervention services to Sarasota County residents ages 11 to 17 who have been charged with a crime or are at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system.

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Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants, is pleased to announce Bethany Silvis, the firm’s Marketing Supervisor, has been selected as the Rookie of the Year by the Association for Accounting Marketing. A marketer on the rise demonstrating distinction in the field, the Rookie of the Year shows creativity, initiative, and ambition in their firm.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) was one of only 350 hospitals in the United States recognized on Newsweek’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2022 list. This elite award is presented

by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

Music Compound is committed to educating all year long, including when school is out for the summer. In addition to hosting an in-person summer camp, Music Compound launches the Rock Your Summer Reading initiative each year on June 1.

The SouthTech Data Dump collects 11,905 pounds of recyclable electronics. The Data Dump is a community favorite, as it is an effective way to recycle electronics, and securely destroy remaining data. The electronics are sent to the Quicksilver Recycling Services facility in Tampa to be reused, resold, or recycled. Recyclables get sent to metal refining companies for urban mining.

Take Stock in Children of Sarasota County is proud to continue their community partnership with the Rays Baseball Foundation and Rowdies Soccer Fund. A new $15,000 grant awarded by the Foundation will support powerful college readiness and mentor programming for economically disadvantaged students to transform their college dreams into reality.

Members- Want the chance for your press release to be featured? Email communications@sarasotachamber.com to find out about using our FREE press release tool!

JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Get Involved in the Conversation Joining a council is a great way to connect with other members who have similar interests and to share your thoughts on community needs.

Chamber Ambassadors

Contact: cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com

Governmental Issues Council (GIC) Contact: hkasten@sarasotachamber.com

Event & Programming Council

Contact: croper@sarasotachamber.com

CareerEdge Industry Councils

Insurance Council, HVAC Council, Automotive Council, Regional Workforce Council, Public Policy Committee, Healthcare Council, Manufacturing Council

Contact: hkasten@sarasotachamber.com

Leadership Sarasota Council

Contact: srachon@sarasotachamber.com

Young Professionals Group Council Contact: srachon@sarasotachamber.com

The Affordable Housing Task Force has Officially Launched!

Individuals from various industries, private, public, and non-profits, with specific knowledge, expertise, and passion about the topic will convene over months to collaborate on ways the community might address the impact of affordable housing on attracting and retaining talent. To learn more about this council, contact hkasten@sarasotachamber.com.

Ambassador of the Quarter About Michelle: Born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, community has always been important to her.

Growing up in the suburbs of Omaha, Nebraska to moving half way across the country to Sarasota, Florida was a perfect fit! Joining the Chamber and eventually becoming an ambassador has been an incredible experience and where she has met some amazing friends!

Michelle has been working with Thryv for almost five years. As a business advisor, her job is to help your business get found, get credit, and get paid. Thryv has multiple solutions available from the Real Yellow Pages, to software, to digital marketing, and more. She loves helping local businesses!

Michelle Leonard

“It is an honor to be able to be a chamber ambassador, where I can volunteer for unique opportunities, serve our community, help others feel welcomed at our different events and create relationships to last a life time!

When people ask what I love about Sarasota, it’s the community that I feel is enlarged because of the amazing chamber we have standing behind us!”

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Presented by:

Business and Community Market Place The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Grand Expo - Business & Community Marketplace presented by Sam’s Club, at Robarts Arena on Thursday, April 14. The afterhours networking event linked chamber members’ products and services, and non-profit organizations to other local companies and the residential community.

"We connected with several non-profits and businesses that we can potentially partner with,” says Ginger Diegert-McLean, AlongSide U. She adds, “when we go to networking events we look for one nugget, if we get one nugget it was worth our time… well we got an entire 'happy meal' at this Expo!”

Attendees enjoyed complimentary tastes from Der Dutchman, Hotel Indigo Sarasota, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Manatee Technical College Culinary and Baking, as well as Sam’s Club, and frozen daiquiris from Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar. Gecko’s Grill & Pub provided a cash bar sponsored by Willis Smith Construction, Inc., and DJ entertainment was sponsored by Music Compound. A fun photo booth was provided by Complete Weddings + Events.

In addition, the event featured the Tiny Home built by students who recently earned certifications with the help of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, a Sarasota Chamber program, and Suncoast Technical College (STC).

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JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

“Step away from an emotional decision in the moment.

Remember that not everything is a crisis; it’s not always on fire. Give it time.”

- CHRISTINA “If you have the power to do it, you should. Be accessible. You may be a mentor and not even know it.”

- SHAWNY “Be humble. You can’t be bigger than the people you serve. You may have walked in their shoes at a point in your life - you need to remember that be self-aware.”

Women Breaking Barriers in Business On May 6, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce held a panel discussion on Women Breaking Barriers in Business at their annual Women at Work luncheon. The Chamber continues to be a resource for our business community's professional development; the event featured women who shared insight on their professional journey, breaking stereotypes, and excelling in industries and positions not typically held by women. The women featured represented careers in politics, law, sports, and the non-profit sector.

- TELESE Moderator:

Lisa Carlton, Esq.

​Former Florida Senator

Nugget of wisdom :

Keep in mind when the door doesn’t open, you may be at the wrong door.

Panelist:

Shawny Robey

MS, MBA, President & CEO, First Step of Sarasota Inc.

Telese L. Zuberer

Shareholder/President, Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.

Christina Shaw

Senior Director Special Events & Hospitality, Atlanta Braves Spring Training Complex

Presented by:

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2022 Small Business Awards Small Business Award

Winner: Trade Mark Interiors -IAS Marketing Services -Wealth Strategies Partners

Rising Star Award

Winner: Dapper Bowtique® -Atlas Fiduciary Financial, LLC -Bone Dry Roofing

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Medium Business Award

Winner: J2 Solutions, Inc. -Ramos Center for Interventional and Functional Pain Medicine -Sirius Day Spa, Salon & Med Spas

Woman-Owned Business Award

Winner: Grapevine Communications -Luhrsen Goldberg, Law Powered By Women® -Operation Warrior Resolution

Large Business Award

Winner: PGT Innovations -Bank of America -Trulieve

Workforce Development & Innovation Award

Winner: Goodwill Industries Manasota, Inc. -360 Orthopedics -HBK CPAs & Consultants

Special thanks to the Frank G. Berlin Foundation

Presented by: Community Impact Award

Winner: Lightspeed Voice -Catalist Realty -Michael Saunders & Company®

Congratulations to all!

Minority Business Award

Winner: Around the Way Transportation -Abundant Blessing Consulting Services, LLC -King HR Services Inc.

Non-Profit Award

Winner: Children First -Senior Friendship Centers -Teen Court of Sarasota, Inc.

Over 500 individuals gathered to celebrate the best in local business at the 32nd annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards on Friday, June 17. Within 9 categories, 27 businesses were honored. Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists who create opportunities for everyone and make Sarasota the best place to live and work.

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JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Upcoming Training Opportunities The Sarasota Chamber is excited to partner with the Florida Chamber Safety Council to present 3 special safety training opportunities for our members in the coming months. We strive to provide meaningful and relevant content and training for our member businesses through the Shumaker Chamber University platform. Hosted in the Sarasota Chamber Board Room.

Friday, July 22 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fall Protection

This course will assist students in identifying fall hazards and utilizing best practices in the elimination of predictable and identifiable slip, trip, and fall hazards. Space is limited to 50 participants.

Friday, July 29 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM First Aid/CPR/AED

This five-and-a-half-hour comprehensive course has been designed using extensive research and educational testing to improve skill mastery and longterm retention. This First Aid/CPR/AED course was developed by the National Safety Council and provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to execute life-saving techniques. Space is limited to 20 participants.

Thursday, September 29 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday, September 30 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM OSHA 10-hour General Industry

The OSHA Outreach Training Program is OSHA’s way of training workers in the basics of Occupational Safety and Health. This 10-hour OSHA outreach course assists employers in training and introducing employees to the basic practices of identifying, reducing, eliminating and reporting hazards associated with their work in General Industry. Space is limited to 40 participants.

Presenting Sponsor

Media Sponsor

For more information, visit sarasotachamber.com

Chamber Programs

For 100 years, the Sarasota Chamber has been serving businesses in our community.

Through our signature programs, CareerEdge, Leadership Sarasota, Opportunities For All, and the Sarasota Young Professionals Group, we are creating opportunities for growth in individuals and businesses, resulting in lasting economic impact.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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SerbinPrinting.com

BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS • MARKETING • DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL PRINTING • PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

1500 N. Washington Blvd. • Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192

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Making an Impact!

CareerEdge’s 2021 Annual Evaluation CareerEdge Funders Collaborative made a $3.8 million economic impact in the local region in 2021. Its 2021 Evaluation Report details the results of its programs with cumulative data demonstrating its impact in local workforce over 11 years. Demographics by age, gender, and ethnicity, certifications earned, and increases in annual wages round out this highly informative and detailed report.

CareerEdge’s goals are to help low-skill and low-wage earners advance in their careers. It strives to reach the underserved and underemployed by providing funding for training and resources for career placement. In 2021, CareerEdge’s Bridges to Careers programs offered training in its targeted industries: healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and skilled trades. Ninety-six people graduated from one or more of its programs - 50% of them were non-white/BIPOC and 25% were unemployed prior to the training. All participants averaged an increased hourly wage of $3.79 per hour post-training.

CareerEdge offers funding to employers for upskilling workers and wage reimbursement for on-the-job training and internships. The 2021 Upskilling Workers grant funding reached 398 workers across 403 trainings. These workers earned a total of 369 industry-recognized certifications and increased their hourly wages by 11.4% post-training. The wage increase equates to an additional $4,888 in earned income per worker in 2021, totaling an annual earnings gain of $1,945,424 across the local workforce.

“Investing in workforce results in tangible economic improvements and helps change the trajectory of many people’s lives,” says Kristi Hoskinson, vice president of CareerEdge. “CareerEdge is poised to tackle the workforce challenges employers are facing through its strategic collaboration with employers, educators, government, and community stakeholders. It is positioned well to meet the demands of today’s workforce thanks to the ongoing, generous financial support our multiple funders,” she adds.

CareerEdge will continue to bring creative solutions in 2022 and collaborate with community partners to develop local workforce in an effective and meaningful way.

This work is made possible thanks to CareerEdge’s funders: Bank of America, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Regions Bank, Sarasota County Government, and Truist

Connect with us! careeredgefunders.org GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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Follow us for more updates!

Celebrating Achievements with Leadership Sarasota Congratulations 2022 Celebrate Oustanding Leadership Awards Honorees Presented by:

Susan Flynn

.

Patrick Robinson

.

Joy Mahler

Congratulations Adult Leadership Sarasota Class of 2022 Graduates!

Rachel Bradley, All Faiths Food Bank Taylor Marini, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Suncoast Max Brandow, REALTOR Association of Sarasota and Region Manatee Bradley Marner, Ameris Bank John Briggs, SouthTech Kathleen Martin, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Maria Buitrago, Children First Laura McCann, Animal Rescue Coalition Cody Carson, Tandem Construction Craig McGonigal, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Tami Caruso, Tidewell Hospice Commerce Helena Cauchon, Willis Smith Construction, Inc. Michelle Mitchell, Core SRQ Stevan Collins, Professional Benefits, Inc. Jared Motzenbecker, Gulfside Wealth Laura Conaboy, Junior League of Sarasota Brittany Nielsen, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota Larry Cuervo, Truist Lucia Panica, City of Sarasota Ginger Diegert-McLean, AlongSide U and Fill the Need George Parpas, Williams Parker Attorneys at Law Staffing Daniel Paulling, U.S. Masters Swimming Joseph Dunn, WWSB - ABC 7 Samantha Phillips, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Chelsea Garner-Ferris, Ringling College of Art and Design Justin Senior, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Roscelyn Guenther, Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and William Skaggs, The Players Centre for Performing Arts DeSoto Counties April Smith, Fifth Third Bank Melinda Haney, Aviva - Senior Living Mark Smith, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Jamie Kahns, Bank of America Jennifer Storch, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Jamie Kattrein, Community Foundation of Sarasota County Lauren Tominelli, Sarasota County Government Demetri Konstantopoulos, City of Sarasota Brie Tulp, Ian Black Real Estate Rafael Labrin, Observer Media Group Lashelle Williams, Teen Court of Sarasota Amber Lamerson, The Bay Park Conservancy, Inc. Thomas Williams, Education Foundation of Sarasota Rhonda Leiberick County- PLANit Sarasota Will Luera, Florida Studio Theatre Greg Wood, Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program Inc. Kelli Maldonado, Van Wezel Foundation, Inc.

THANK YOU ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SPONSORS 20

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2002

2003

2004

2005

GRAPEVINE IS FOUNDED

2007

2006

20 NEW OFFICE IS BUILT IN LAKEWOOD RANCH

2008

2009

NAMED AMONG “TOP 500 COMPANIES ON THE GULF COAST OF FLORIDA” - 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

2010

2011

WINS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD (SARASOTA CHAMBER)

Grapevine Goes Platinum 2012

2013

2015

WINS SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

REACHED $1.2 MILLION IN SERVICES DONATED TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

2017

2014

(MANATEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)

2018

2019

2016

2020

2021

FINALIST FOR GROWFL TOP COMPANIES TO WATCH LIST

ALLISON IMRE BEGINS ROLE AS OWNER/PRESIDENT

2022 ADVERTISING | MARKETING | PUBLIC RELATIONS | DIGITAL | SOCIAL MEDIA

We’re celebrating 20 years of bringing record-shattering success to our clients... and the party’s just getting started.

Learn more about our 2+ decades of topping the charts at Grapevine20.com.

GRAPEVINE GOES PLATINUM GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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JULY 2022

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And they’re off to explore the professional world!

Opportunities For All 2022 Summer Internship Program Has Officially Started!

In May, Opportunities For All (OFA) welcomed participants of the 2022 Summer Internship program to the Chamber for a “Keys to Success” mixer. Requirements of the program and the “do’s and don’ts” of the workplace were discussed. All interns were then matched with their participating company for the summer. We cannot wait to see all the interns complete this program and broaden their exposure to the work world!

25 Interns

matched with

18 Employers

For more information about the program please contact Kaveecia Moore, kmoore@sarasotachamber.com.

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JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Join the fun!

be in good company.

THANK YOU ANNUAL YPG SPONSORS

Join us at our 2022 YP Summit!

Friday, August 19 | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Carlisle Inn - Sarasota "It is within the play that we find our passion."

Keynote speaker of the 2022 Young Professionals Summit, presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Mitch Lomazov, of EXCELLence Performance, shared that gem when meeting on the theme of the event.

Whether you are a young professional just starting out in your career, someone who is new to their company and trying to find their place, or a person who wants to figure out how to take that next step in their company, we want to help you "Align with Purpose.” Join us on August 19 as Mitch and some other amazing business and community leaders share their stories and discuss how to utilize your passion in the professional world.

D A I LY T R O L L E Y T O U R S ENTERTAINING • INFORMATIVE

T O U R S O F S A R A S O TA In our Air-Conditioned Trolley or Van

• Amish Experience • Art Crawl • BooMobile • Christmas Carol • Circus Secrets • City Sightseeing

• Haunted Sarasota • Leading Ladies of Sarasota • Murder Mystery Trolley Who Killed the Circus Queen?

• Psychic Sundays • Public Art

Tickets $44.99 - $49.99

Nighttime Tours Include Complimentary Beer/Wine

BOOK ONLINE

D i s c o v e r S a r a s o t a To u r s . c o m 9 41 -2 6 0 - 9 8 1 8

COME ON A TOUR! Discover Sarasota Tours offers many different tours that explore neighborhoods, cultures, and the history of Sarasota’s most interesting people, places, and stories.

Daytime tours explore the Amish, Circus, Art, Metaphysical, Architectural and Historical areas and cultures of Sarasota.

Nighttime tours are theatrical shows with music: Haunted Sarasota, Murder Mystery Trolley and the holiday-themed BooMobile and Christmas Carol Trolley.

Tours depart from The Trolley Cottage Gift Shop featuring whimsical gifts, books, and toys with sunny Sarasota themes. Parked onsite is The ChillMobile, a vintage 1979 ice cream truck which can be booked for private events at TheChillMobile.com.

Tours are perfect for GROUPS and make fun holiday employee outings!

Open Tuesday – Sunday, Year-round.

Tammy Hauser, Founder & CEO The ChillMobile

Visit The Trolley Cottage & Gift Shop | 1826 4th Street, Sarasota | FREE Parking!

Discover Sarasota Tours & GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • JULY 2022 • BRIDGE

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Banking for what’s next.

Our goal has always been to help meet yours. Today, we’re here for you in more ways than ever. With more locations, more services, and more expertise to help you wherever life takes you.

This is banking at its best.

This is Banking Forward.

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Brian Hall

Regional President

Chris Perkins Area Executive

JULY 2022 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Renee Brady

Private Banking Relationship Manager