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

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 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

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

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 1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236

(941) 955-8187

sarasotachamber.com