The Bridge Magazine - July 2020

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

JULY 2020

BRIDGE The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

CONNECT

PROMOTE

SUPPORTING LOCAL PAGES 6 & 7

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS FINALISTS

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SARASOTACHAMBER.COM

SUPPORT

WHAT’S NEW IN MEMBERSHIP

PAGES 10 & 11

LEADERSHIP PROFILES

PAGES 14 & 15

FROM THE CEO’S CORNER unemployment numbers in Sarasota County. This dashboard is part of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Florida Scorecard tool, which has up-to-date information on all 66 counties in Florida.

YOUR CHAMBER ON THE FRONT LINE 2020 is halfway over– and what a year it has been so far.

At the start of the year, small business revenues, tourism, and hospitality numbers were exceeding expectations, setting 2020 up to be a record year for many businesses.

Though not in the way that was originally anticipated, 2020 is a record year.

We have experienced rapid and vast changes to our social and economic norms that few points in recent history rival. It is no secret that these changes have directly impacted the success of our small businesses, and we have been on the front lines to see it. According to data released by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on Monday, at least $25 billion in interest-free loans from the Paycheck Protection Program went to Florida small businesses affected by the pandemic. The latest job numbers for Sarasota County look encouraging as our unemployment numbers are decreasing. The Chamber has a live COVID-19 dashboard on our website homepage, sarasotachamber.com, that tracks localized metrics, such as COVID-19 cases and

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First, we had record success, then record challenges. Now, in the second half of 2020, the Sarasota Chamber is working to recognize the record innovation, creativity, and perseverance of our business community.

The upcoming Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards, sponsored by the Herald-Tribune Media Group, have always been a celebration of excellence. It is a tremendous honor to be a finalist in a community with as robust of a business and nonprofit community as Sarasota.

This year’s finalists truly inspire us; they exemplify excellence, and, amidst this new reality, they continue to push towards success through innovation. Speaking of recognizing those that inspire us, we will also be awarding the Young Professional (YP) of the Year Award at the event!

In addition to recognizing our members success, your Chamber has been hard at work on the initiatives outlined below: • The Sarasota Chamber went into overdrive back in March, to retool our own engine to best meet the needs of our business community.

We partnered with our regional sister organizations to promote the Jobfocus.com website- a hyper local site for local employers, to date that site has had over 14,000 visits.

PHL networking lunches.

• CareerEdge, our workforce initiative, has been working with our area technical schools to assist in finding apprenticeships for students who needed on-the-job training to receive their professional certifications. CareerEdge has also partnered with over 30 employers to fund internships to ensure that, despite challenges brought on by COVID-19, students have the opportunity to gain work experience.

• Thanks to a partnership with the Florida Chamber of Commerce, we have 5,000 masks ready to distribute to our member businesses. If you are need of masks, please email us at sales@ sarasotachamber.com.

• Our SouRQ support local initiative, powered by FPL, is up and running.

This initiative was designed to bring awareness and drive people to our small and local businesses in the Sarasota area. See the article in this copy of the Bridge to learn how you can play a part, support our local businesses and win a $100 gift card.

• There will be a time, hopefully very soon, that we will find ourselves on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic and see that one of the most important pillars to future success will be the strength of our local businesses. In the meantime, the Chamber is here working hard on the front lines, sharing business resources, creating, connecting, and communicating with our policy makers and identifying opportunities for our businesses. Our team is here for you!

• Putting safety at the forefront, check out all of our digital events like our Shumaker Chamber University’s, CEO & Joe’s and our

JULY 2020 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

HEATHER KASTEN CEO/PRESIDENT

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The last few months have been full of change and uncertainty, but one thing that you can count on is that your Chamber is here for you.

Click the video for a message of support and encouragement from your Chamber’s leadership team and Board of Directors.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD #IamSarasotaChamber What we have experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic is truly unprecedented.

What is more is that there are no pages to refer to because they are not in the book.

There are no sectors, industries, institutions - whether public or private - or communities that are impervious to the effects of this crisis. For this reason, frequent and honest communication at the community level has never been more critical as tensions are at an all-time high.

I feel particularly fortunate to live and work in this community. I have been in constant contact with many

in this community throughout the crisis and that sense of unity has been a huge source of motivation. The continuous concern and hard work of public officials at the local, state and federal level has been amazing, and encouraging as both a business owner and member of the community.

The Chamber will continue to provide information to our membership, and I ask you as members to please continue to provide your Chamber leadership with information and more importantly feedback. We will need all hands on deck to deliver an effective recovery from this most arduous challenge. We all have skin in this game, and we will get through this. Stay positive and stay healthy.

PAUL CARAGIULO CHAIR OF THE BOARD

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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2020 Frank G. Berlin, Sr.

S M A L L B U S I N E S S AWA R D S F I N A L I S T S The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce hosts the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards to recognize the leading organizations that are writing the next chapter of Sarasota’s legacy. Join us in honoring the 2020 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards finalists! This year, we are recognizing three finalists in seven (7) NEW categories. The category awards winners will be announced LIVE at the event on Friday, August 28.

Small Business of the Year

Workforce Innovation Mental Health Community Centers, Inc. PGT Innovations Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Firmo Construction LLC Four Winds Network Services Trade Mark Interiors Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Medium Business of the Year

Community Impact Award

Bird Key Yacht Club Sabal Palm Bank Tri County Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.

The 2020 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards are presented by

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Nonprofit of the Year Award Large Business of the Year Doctors Hospital of Sarasota Florida Power & Light Company S-One

Children First Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast SunCoast Blood Bank Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Additional Event Sponsors

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FCCI Insurance Group Gecko’s Grill & Pub Gorilla Kleen

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Rising Star Award Atlas Networks Gulfside Bank Nothing Bundt Cakes Sponsored by

VIRTUAL EVENTS C H A M B E R S TA F F Heather Kasten

President/CEO hkasten@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050

Join us at our NEW virtual events. These events are an added value to your Chamber membership and are complimentary. Virtual events wil be held on Zoom; a specific Zoom event link will be sent to registered attendees 24 hours prior to the event. For more information, visit sarasotachamber.com.

Brittany Lamont

Vice President blamont@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040

STAT E

Mireya Eavey

Community O F

Executive Vice President of CareerEdge and Education Initiatives meavey@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045

Caitlin Bolton

Communications Coordinator cbolton@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4046

Shauna Donahue

CareerEdge Program Manager sdonahue@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038

Craig McGonigal

Membership Engagement Manager cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034

Kelly Monti

Events Coordinator kmonti@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035

T H E

L U N C H SERIES

SHUMAKER CHAMBER UNIVERSITY Thursday, July 30 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Rock Your LinkedIn Profile Thursday, August 6 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

COVID-19 Safety Start with the Why

CEO & JOE

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY

Friday, July 24 9 a.m - 10 a.m.

Update on The Bay Project

POWER

Wednesday, August 5 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Meet the Candidates District 3

HOUR

Lunch

POWER HOUR LUNCH

GOOD MORNING SARASOTA

Wednesday, August 12 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sara Rachon

Thursday, August 20 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Programs Manager srachon@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039

THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS SERVING OUR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce works to cultivate Sarasota’s prosperity and quality of life through our member businesses.​ P: (941) 955-8187 | F: (941) 366-5621 MAGAZINE DESIGN BY CAITLIN BOLTON, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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Pledge to Buy L What Is SouRQ? Starting July 1, your Chamber launched a month-long, small business support initiative, “S ouR Q”.

As a community, we have the power to have a significant impact on the success of local small businesses. This is our Sarasota - SouRQ is a way for all of us to join together to support and celebrate our small business community.

Help us spread the word to raise awareness and support for local small businesses and be entered to win a $100 gift card! We are drawing gift card winners every Wednesday and Friday throughout July.

How You Can Get Involved Follow these three (3) easy steps to participate and be entered to win a $100 gift card!

Step 1: Shop at a Chamber member small business.

Step 2: Take a picture.

Step 3: Share the picture with us, either through email or on social media, in a public post, with #SouRQ.

Thank You Florida Power & Light (FPL) SouRQ is powered by Florida Power & Light (FPL), who partnered with the Sarasota Chamber on this initiative to expand their support of businesses in our community.

Click here for more information.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Local as a Local Campaign Objectives 1. Awareness

Spreading the word that many small businesses are open and are in need of support from our community.

2. Engagement

Creating an easy way for the community to interact with local business, and providing consumers with incentives to shop.

$100 Gift Card Raffle Thanks to the generous support of FPL, we are giving away more than 20 $100 gift cards throughout July for the SouRQ campaign.

Gift card drawings take place every Wednesday and Friday during July.

Upcoming Gift Card Raffles

Your Chamber team has met with more than 60 local small business members!

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Sarasota Architectural Salvage Kendra Scott Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant Der Dutchman The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime Mazzone Olive Oil Nothing Bundt Cakes Tickets to the Van Wezel

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F R E E R E U S A B L E M A S K S AVA I L A B L E

If your business needs masks we’ve got you covered, thanks to our partners at the Florida Chamber of Commerce!

We have free, reusable masks available for you and your team.

To reserve masks for your business, email sales@sarasotachamber.com or click the button below.

Reserve Your Masks

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Sarasota-Based Tech Company Receives National Exposure

Textmaxx Pro, a Sarasota-based business texting solution company, is proud to be nationally featured on “Behind the Scenes” with Laurence Fishburne as an innovative technology solution provider.

Communication is a top priority for all business, especially in our current environment. Break through the external noise and effectively reach your customers by utilizing texting. Business texting provides the solution to engage your customer immediately and efficiently.

No other marketing tool provides the engagement and ROI like text messaging does. Think about it, customers are more in control when making purchases now than at any point in history.

Communicate with them on their terms. Business texting is the solution!

Why business texting (SMS) Short Message Service is the solution: The average person checks their mobile phone 47 times a day SMS messages have a 209% higher response rate than phone, email, or Social Media SMS messages have a 99% open rate vs. email at 15% 90% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes of receipt 50% of US consumers make direct purchases after receiving an SMS branded text message

With business texting, you will be able to broadcast bulk text messages to your loyal customers on discounts, create loyalty programs. Set appointment reminders, improve customer service...designed to grow sales revenues.

Visit textmaxxpro.com or call (866) 367-6889 or Text "SCC" to 95000 To see our segment on Behind the Scenes, visit textmaxxpro.com/behind-the-scenes

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W H AT ’ S N E W I N

NEW MEMBERS March 2020 - June 2020 Corporate Trustee

360 Painting of Sarasota Adams Group Ad-Vance Talent Solutions Air Products & Chemicals, Inc American Heart Association B&I Contractors, Inc. BBVA USA Beneva Place Apartments Cleaning by Rachelle LLC

David Alan Graham Photography Dennis Hernandez & Associates Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation George Quarterman - State Farm Global Ordnance LLC Harrison Apartments Home Helpers Home Care of Sarasota

IAS Marketin Medwell Hea New Day Co Orion Waste Our Y, Inc. Paradise Flo Plan and Car Radiant Pow Robles Law,

C E L E B R AT I N G A Q U A RT E R O F A C E N T U RY O F M E M B E Join us as we recognize members who have been a part of our Chamber for 25 years or more.

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Alvin J. Singleton, Inc. Roofing Contractors Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar - South Siesta Key Esprix Technologies, LP LaGasse Plumbing, Inc. Regions Bank Downtown Sarasota Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, Inc. Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing

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Hanson Professional Services RE/MAX Alliance Group/Linda Starcher Woman’s Exchange, Inc.

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Aladdin Equipment Company, Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota County, Inc. Rugs as Art

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Pacer Group RITE Technology

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Florida Southern Roofing & Sheetmetal, Inc. ICORR Properties International, LLP Woodruff & Sons,

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Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

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Kellogg & Kimsey, Inc.

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Sun ‘N Fun RV Resort

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER NEWS ALLEGIANT PRIVATE ADVISORS was recognized on Accounting Today’s “Wealth Magnets” annual list as a Top Firm by Assets Under Management for 2020.

ng Services alth of Florida LLC ommercial Lending Solutions

oors & More Inc. re, Inc. wer Corp.

P.A.

Seaward CrossFit Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Sorrento Sweets Tidewell Hospice Foundation, Inc. Transition Sarasota Veith Engineering & Business Solutions ZenBusiness

RSHIP

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Michael Saunders & Company

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Ringling College of Art and Design

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SunCoast Blood Bank

Cool Today

Williams Parker Harrison Dietz & Getzen

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Safe Children Coalition

The Florida Youth of the Year title has been awarded to a local BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SARASOTA COUNTY member for the third-consecutive year.

Marguerite Andrich, a 17-year-old senior at Pine View School, was named the 2020 Florida Youth of the Year in a virtual competition with 20 other youth candidates from Boys & Girls Club organizations across the state.

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION was recognized by The NonProfit Times as one of its Best Nonprofits to Work For in 2020.

Ten ICARD MERRILL attorneys were selected to the list of 2020 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Icard Merrill attorneys selected to the list of 2020 Super Lawyers are Charles J. Bartlett, Business Litigation; Drew Clayton, Securities Litigation; Thomas F. Icard, Jr., Construction Litigation; William W. Merrill III, Land Use & Zoning; and Alyssa M. Nohren, Real Estate. Selected to 2020 Florida Rising Stars are Kelly Causey, Real Estate; Bradley J. Ellis, Land Use & Zoning; Worth Graham, Securities Litigation; Anthony J. Manganiello III, Personal Injury - Plaintiff; and Bianca N. Manos, Family Law. LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER began construction on a $3 million renovation of its Women’s Center. The project is intended to give the Women’s Center a more spa-like atmosphere and expand access to high-quality maternity care in the Lakewood Ranch community.

Thanks to generous supporters, MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM has raised $75 million toward the new Mote Science Education Aquarium.

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (SMH) and DOCTORS HOSPITAL were named to the nation’s list of “Top 100 Hospitals” by IBM Watson Health. Both healthcare systems were chosen from 3,134 hospitals across the country for outperforming peer hospitals on all performance benchmarks in IBM Watson Health’s study, including inpatient mortality and complications, healthcare-associated infections, readmission rates, length of stay, costs of care and patient satisfaction.

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MEMBER TIP Update Your Membership Profile

Step 1: Go to www.sarasotachamber.com.

Your Comfort Is Essential...

Invest Wisely.

Chamber Website

Step 2: Click on MEMBER LOGIN at the top of the page.

Serving All Of Southwest Florida!

Step 3: Login with your Username & Password. If you do not have your login information, please contact Craig McGonigal.

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

Forgot Your Password?

License# CAC1819590, CAC1813219, CPC1459449

1.888.COLD.AIR • 941.893.6450 ConditionedAir.com

Step 4: You will appear on the Member Portal Home after you have logged in.

You can determine if you are logged in under your company profile (which allows you to make changes to the company profile) or your individual profile (which allows you to make changes to your personal information) by checking the name listed above the paragraph.

The Master Username & Password for companies are given to the Main Contact on the account, whereas individual username & passwords are assigned to everyone else.

Pro Tip: To make changes to your organization profile, you will need the Master Username & Password. Please email Craig McGonigal for more information.

Step 5: In the third column of links, select PROFILE UPDATE. If you’re logged in with the Organization (Master) Username & Password, you’ll notice you are able to edit the Organization Profile, as well as the Related Profiles (Employees).

Simply click on Edit My Profile for the Organization (a pop up appears) to edit general information, your directory listing and your social media.

Once you save and submit, you can scroll down and edit Related Profiles (Employees). This is important if you want to make those who are not employed with the organization anymore a Former Employee or if you would like to Add New Profile, for a new employee to get Chamber emails.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

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L E A D E R S H I P S A R A S O TA C O U N T Y ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: VERONICA BRANDON MILLER Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Company: Michael Saunders and Company Title: Licensed Realtor® and Professional Stager Leadership Class Year: 2009 How do you stay connected with area professionals?

I believe in giving back. Along with other leaders in our community -- I try hard to help local charities by giving my time, resources and financial support.

Working with the movers and shakers in the area – I believe we are making this community stronger.

CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Congratulations Honorees The Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards recognize Leadership Sarasota County alumni with a legacy in community participation and impact in three unique categories. Congratulations to the 2020 Leadership Awards honorees:

Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award

What was the most impactful part of the Leadership Sarasota program?

Pam Truitt Difference-Maker Leadership Class of 1998

Leadership Sarasota allowed me to learn about and see so much of what makes Sarasota County special. I was new to town and this program allowed me to meet with amazing businesses, organizations and leaders in the community. This program helped shape me and understand where I could help this community. Winning the Leadership Sarasota Impact in Action Award in 2018 was seriously one of the highlights in my life. Leadership Sarasota and the introduction to the community was the only way I was able to do so much for our community.

Impact in Action Award Philip Tavill Children First Leadership Class of 1993

Lifetime of Leadership Award

What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given?

Work Hard, Play Hard and Hit the Reset Button! In the real estate industry, hours are long. You must work hard to succeed. But to be inspired and keep your finger on the housing pulse, you also really need to play hard. You need to get out there and live life. See the play. Hear the music. Go on the trip. A life lived solely behind a computer screen leaves little to the imagination. Then reset. Even the Energizer Bunny’s batteries need recharging. When you have taken a breathe and had your fun… then you can focus on your job with new eyes.

Pam Beitlich Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Leadership Class of 1988 We invite you to join us in celebrating these honorees at the 2020 Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards on Tuesday, September 22!

Click here for more information

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A LOOK INTO

Andy Guz

Chief Executive Officer Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Most important lesson learned thus far in 2020: I was blown away with the support and appreciation that local businesses and residents gave to the hospital staff over the past several months, even as they themselves faced uncertainty around their own businesses and lives. We received hundreds of donations of equipment, meals, and services. We are incredibly grateful for them.

How do you keep your team’s morale up during these times?

Communication is key. Motivating healthcare workers is not hard, because they are already dedicated to their mission. However, they want to be informed and give input. Leading a hospital, my number one priority is to keep everyone safe, which includes not only our patients, but also our staff. When the pandemic first hit, it seemed like there was new information or guidelines coming out every day, from a variety of sources. Sometimes they were contradictory of each other, or different from the previous day, which led to confusion and frustration among our staff. To make sure our team felt heard and had ownership, leadership did not just mandate policy and procedure without explaining “the why” of what we’re doing. We also listened to the front-line caregivers that had to implement these new policies. By doing that, I believe it created a trust that we were not asking them to do something unsafe, and that we had their best interest and safety in mind.

How do you manage stress/burnout and stay mentally strong?

I’m supposed to say exercise, sleep, and eating well, right? In truth, I’m lucky to have a great support group with my family and friends, so it’s easier to “turn off” work when I’m home.

I try not to bring my work home with me, physically or emotionally, so I can focus on other things. However, there are certainly some days my wife would disagree with that statement.

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Get to know our com

Stacey Crawford

Financial Consultant Capstan Financial Consulting Group, LLC What is your current working situation?

Mostly working from home with my husband, 2 year old, and my two cats ... on an ironing board in my closet LOL. What is your strategy for planning for the future?

Simplify. Take a look at everything in your life and simplify… why do you do what you do? What are your core values? What do you want out of life, or your job?

Find out what those answers are and set boundaries and guidelines to help stay the course. For example, I am an active member in the community which can consume a lot of time. I decided that spending time with my family is very important to me and have set a boundary that I won’t do more than 3 afterhour events a week. It makes it a lot easier to say yes or no to things when you have your core values mapped out.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Camila Fermin

Junior Board Member Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota

Most important lesson learned th 2020: Life happens, and we all have to le to flow with it in order to not just su thrive.

How do you keep your team’s mo during these times?

Since I do not work with a specific consider my family and friends part team. The way I try to keep their m by giving them a sense of empowe by offering emotional support that experiences they are going through

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Erin Cigich

President & Manager Perform[cb] Type to enter text

What is your strategy for planning for the future?

Consumer dollars and time shifting online, as well as marketers looking to meet their customers where they are at and get a defined ROI for their marketing spend are all trends that makes us very bullish on our position. Because our “fundamentals” are sound, we are focused on our execution.

Gerhard Toth

Commercial Banking Manager Myron Robinson Regions Bank During the last 37 years Mr. Robinson has served as President/CEO of various Board of Directors Urban League afÞliates around the country and is a consultant to the National Urban League in New York City. He was also a Marketing & Senior Sales Downtown Sarasota The Greater Sarasota Executive for AT&T Telephone Company.

Before moving Paradise in the Sarasota area in 2009 he was an Executive-inChamber oftoCommerce Residence at the School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.

How do you manage Myron has had a multi-faceted volunteer career. He served on numerous boards Clevelandstrategy including John Carroll University, Key Bank and University What is inHospitals. your for stress/burnout and stay planning for the future? mentally strong?

Diversify my work with people Exercising clears my mind, of various backgrounds. it’s like hitting a reset button. A good playlist Most important lesson helps too! learned thus far in 2020: Have faith in our situation.

How do you keep your team’s morale up during What are you reading, these times? watching, or listening to We maintain a cadence of right now? connectivity, both Reading, “Lincoln on the structured and impromptu.

Verge, listening to early Miles Technology makes this fun Davis. and possible.

How do you Bill Woodson manage stress/burnout Dean of Outreach & and stay mentally strong?

Engagement I’m actually doing a bit w College of Florida better on getting in regular ise than I did when I was in the office. And recently I ed to “merge social distancing bubbles” with a good d, and took a week-long driving tour of some of the ic civil rights sites in Alabama. Most everything we nd saw was outside, and we observed social nce with tour guides, wore masks, and washed s regularly. Restaurants and hotels seem to be taking opriate measures during the pandemic as well, and ch needed relief from the world of work, and road pastime.

What are you reading, watching, or listening to right now?

Watching - Space Force, Listening - Code Switch, Reading - The Power of Habits, The Gulf, The Hunger Games.

How do you keep your team’s morale up during these times?

We’re doing a “virtual vacation” series all summer.

Each week is themed to a different country with a company exec hosting a Zoom happy hour where they teach us how to make a themed drink and the team shares their photos from the location - this week is the UK.

What is your strategy for planning for the future?

To remain close with our clients, community and associates while making sure we can rapidly pivot.

What is your current working situation?

Working from home since mid-March. Being around my family is a nice perk that I appreciate!

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Most important lesson learned thus far in 2020: I’m type A and I like a plan, I’ve learned to “swerve.”

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| 1 0 Y E A R S O F I M PA C T

For the last ten years, CareerEdge has been dedicated to innovating workforce development in our region. Keeping a demanddriven, employer-led model at the center of their work, CareerEdge has led the way in bringing employers, educators, EDC’s, chambers of commerce, and community partners together to create an innovative community workforce development action plan.

Over the last decade, CareerEdge has raised over $8 million for workforce and economic development, which has created opportunities for regional employers and workers.

Ten years after CareerEdge’s inception, they have grown a statewide workforce development ecosystem that continues to evolve as an increasing number of

organizations adopt CareerEdge’s proven workforce strategy. Ongoing funding, technical assistance, and capacity building opportunities for employers, individuals, and nonprofits are some of the many ways that CareerEdge engages with workforce partners. At the heart of this strategy are CareerEdge’s original mission priorities: listening to employer needs and providing opportunities for economic mobility to individuals through training and skills development.

Founded during the Great Recession, CareerEdge’s programs and strategies were born in response to economic and workforce challenges. Now the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, CareerEdge is taking the lessons learned over the past

decade to further develop their proven model to meet the needs that employers and individuals face today. The future of CareerEdge includes creating workforce opportunities in new industries and supporting organizations in adopting CareerEdge’s strategy to create self-sufficient workforce development programs of their own.

As always, CareerEdge’s work will continue to be informed by the data and feedback provided from their employer council meetings to ensure that their work addresses the immediate needs of regional employers.

As a nonprofit, CareerEdge could not conduct its innovative work without the generous support of its donors, many thanks to all its funders.

To learn more about CareerEdge and the workforce development programs the Chamber offers, please visit https://careeredgefunders.org/.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP

Young Professionals Group

YPG SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTINE MOORE Hometown: Germantown, Maryland Company: Embassy Suites Sarasota Title: Director of Sales

What is the best piece of professional advice you have been given? The best professional advice I’ve been given is that mistakes will be made; mistakes can be fixed.

This sage advice allows me to challenge myself, consider all possibilities, and exercise creativity to produce rewarding outcomes.

What is your favorite thing about Sarasota? My favorite things about Sarasota are entertainment and performing arts, local restaurants, and of course - the beaches that make you feel like you’re on a vacation all year round!

What do people say you do really well? I’ve been told that I’m good at making connections and bringing people together. I like meeting new people in both the professional and social setting.

Stay Connected - Follow YPG on social media for the latest events, pictures, and more!

The world has changed.

Our commitment hasn’t.

In 2020, we’ve experienced extraordinary circumstances. Through this new normal, we remain devoted to safely serving customers with stability, personal service and 24/7 accessibility through StearnsConnect digital banking.

Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll face it together.

Learn more at StearnsBank.com Sarasota (941) 929-9000

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St. Petersburg (727) 521-1000

Venice (941) 497-6660

| Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

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Member FDIC

L to R: Bryan Boudreaux-Manatee County Market Director, Scott & Bea Spoerl-Owners of Finecraft Custom Cabinetr y

What is a relationship?

“Over the years and throughout our careers, we have worked with many financial institutions, and we have found that the true test of a banking relationship is working through challenging times. Your team has gone above and beyond, time and time again, when it mattered most. We truly value our relationship and hold you and your team in the highest of regards. We look forward to many more years working together.”

941.248.1800 thebankoftampa.com

-Scott and Bea Spoerl Owners, Finecraft Custom Cabinetry THE BANK OF TAMPA I RELATIONSHIP BANKING DEFINED GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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WORK ANNIVERSARIES We wouldn’t be able to provide the programs, events, and opportunities for our members without our incredible Chamber team. We would like to specifically highlight two of our team members, Brittany Lamont and Craig McGonigal, who recently celebrated milestone work anniversaries with the Chamber!

Celebrating 10 Years

Celebrating 5 Years

Brittany Lamont Vice President

Craig McGonigal Membership Engagement Manager

Ever since she joined the Chamber team as an intern, Brittany has been a huge part of our organization and our community. We are so grateful to have such a hard-working, passionate, and dedicated leader on our team!

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Craig is an amazing part of our Chamber team. He always puts in 110% and never fails to add laughter and fun to our day!

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A D V E RT I S I N G O P P O RT U N I T I E S Your Chamber has a host of opportunities for you to advertise and promote your business!

Chamber Buzz E-Newsletter - The Chamber

Website Advertising - Looking to enhance your

- 1 Month (4 issues): $350 - 3 Months (12 issues): $800 - 6 Months (24 issues): $1,450 - 12 Months (48 issues): $2,500

Directory Advertising: 6 Months - $650 12 Months - $1,000 Homepage Advertising: 6 Months - $1,699 12 Months - $2,995 Full Website Package: 6 Months - $2,750 12 Months - $4,995

Buzz E-Newsletter is distributed every Tuesday to 5,000+ Chamber members. Advertise anywhere from one (4 issues) to 12 months (48 issues)!

presence on our website and reach 65,000+ online users per year? See our advertising packages below.

Advertise in the Bridge Magazine - Distributed to 7,000+ business professionals and online viewers, advertising in the Chamber’s quarterly member magazine, The Bridge, is a great way to showcase your products or services to engaged members of our business community.

Take advantage of our limited time Bridge advertising promotion! Book your next Bridge ad by August 15 and receive a 10% rate discount.

BRIDGE Full Page Ad Special Placement: Inside Front Cover Single ad - $1,500 Two or more ads - $1,350 ea.

Half Page Ad Single ad - $460 Two or more ads - $420 ea.

Special Placement: Back Cover Single ad - $1,000 Two or more ads - $850 ea.

Standard Full Page Single - $700 Two or more ads - $600 ea.

Advertising Insert: Full Page Single - $300 Two or more ads - $250

Quarter Page Ad Single ad - $230 Two or more ads - $200 ea.

To reserve advertising space or for more information, please contact Brittany Lamont, blamont@sarasotachamber.com 20

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CHAMBER NEWS Sarasota Chamber Announces 2020 Small Business Awards Finalists Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for its 2020 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards finalists.

The awards recognize outstanding local member organizations in seven new categories. [...]The winners in each category will be announced live at the event on Friday, Aug. 28.”

Cutting-edge workforce group hits milestone Business Observer | Staff | “CareerEdge, funded partially by Sarasota-Bradenton area businesses, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this summer, with a long list of data points to back up its first decade. The list includes nearly 6,000 workers trained, more than 8,000 certificates earned, more than 1,500 new jobs, $30 million in cumulative annual earnings gains and $12.2 million invested in regional workforce development.”

Sarasota Chamber on the front line Herald-Tribune Media Group | Staff | “First, we had record success, then record challenges. Now, in the second half of 2020, the Sarasota Chamber is working to recognize the innovation, creativity, and perseverance of our business community.”

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Launches Small Business Initiative Observer Media Group | Harry Sayer| “The organization recently launched a new “S ouR Q” initiative in the hopes of supporting local Sarasota businesses, particularly those in the restaurant and retail industries. The S ouR Q endeavor started July 1 and is set to run through the month.”

Business Organizations Seek to Connect Displaced Workers with Job Openings Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s CareerEdge workforce initiative is partnering with Suncoast Technical College (STC) to place STC’s full-time trade students, who are just months away from graduation, in paid internships to gain hands-on skills, course credit and a paycheck while schools are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic […]”

The Sarasota Chamber Continues to Engage Their Members Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “The panel includes philanthropy expert Bob Carter, financial advisor Rob Weiss, Visit Sarasota County communications and content manager Britney Guertin, Community Foundation of Sarasota County manager of donor engagement Katie Schwabach and Chelsa Vahtomin, a Coldwell Banker Realtor and the community chair of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce [...]”

Chamber Leads Businesses Through COVID-19 Crisis SRQ Media | Jacob Ogles | “The fact many businesses have their offices closed doesn’t mean companies can’t still connect, even amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has kept its lines of communication and many services running remotely […]”

Sarasota Chamber ‘retools everything’ to digital, encouraged by county relief action Tampa Bay Business Journal | Alexis Muellner | “Coronavirus had forced the Sarasota Chamber to retool everything for a digital platform and navigate a tricky balance between driving return on investment for its member firms […]”

CareerEdge Helps People Make Real Changes SRQ Media | Staff | “What does workforce development look like?

Watch the video to share in Alayna Chavez’s story, and learn more about the impact of CareerEdge Fast-Track trainings in our community. […]”

Apply for Leadership Sarasota County Today SRQ Media | Staff | “Leadership Sarasota County is an opportunity for growing leaders in our area to further develop their leadership abilities, make connections, and contribute to the incredible legacy of leadership in our region. Adult Leadership Sarasota County is a ten-month program tailored for emerging leaders and Youth Leadership Sarasota County is a nine-month program for rising high school juniors. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 30 […]”

CareerEdge Awards $157,209 In Grants to Help Local Employers Train 164 Employees SRQ Daily | Staff | CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s workforce initiative, awarded $157,209 to train 164 employees at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Sarasota/STC Construction Students, Atlantic Mold & Machining Corp., and State Farm, George Quarterman. The total employer investment among the four companies for their employee training is $518,905.”

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