The Bridge Magazine - July 2017

BRIDGE

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

BUILD YOUR NETWORK

BUILD VISIBILITY

BUILD YOUR BOTTOM LINE

BUILD KNOWLEDGE

JULY 2017

BUILD OUR ECONOMY

YOUR CHAMBER WORKING TO

Connect. Promote. Support.

Plus

Small Business Week Honoring Caldwell Trust YPG Summit

In an emergency,

DON’T WAIT! CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

That way, life saving treatment can begin as soon as the ambulance arrives. The ER at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers 24-hour prompt, comprehensive treatment for adults, older adults and children of all ages.

Advanced, accredited chest pain and cardiovascular treatment Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is an accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

The collaborative team of physicians, cardiologists, nurses and technologists work together to provide acute cardiovascular treatment to help put patients on the road to recovery.

The center is also certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center.

www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com

For more information about the ER at our hospital, please call 941.782.2100.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 171123

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JULY 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

C H A M B E R S TA F F Kevin Cooper President/CEO kcooper@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4050 Dillon Buckland Communications Coordinator dbuckland@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039 Mimi Cirbusova Young Professionals Group Coordinator mcirbusova@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4038 Matt Gower Membership Investment Manager mgower@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4058 Barbara Hines Leadership Sarasota County Coordinator bhines@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4026 Brittany Lamont Vice President blamont@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040 Darlene Martin Membership Investment Representative dmartin@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029 Craig McGonigal Membership Engagement Manager cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034 Christine Miller Executive Assistant to the President cmiller@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

YOUR VOICE IN BUSINESS As your Chamber of Commerce, it’s our mission to connect, promote, and support our members and our community.

While my team works diligently to deliver valued-added benefits and networking opportunities, much of my role as Chamber President is focused on the future of our community and utilizing our collective voice to address issues that may affect you and your peers. A key area in that pursuit is monitoring the actions of our local elected officials at the city, county, and state levels. Simply put, business has no option but to be in the room advocating for what is in our best interests.

Whether I am quoted in local media, speaking at a County Commission meeting, or sitting on a panel in front of an audience, I am always cognizant that my voice is the Chamber’s voice and the Chamber’s voice is your voice. So, I encourage you to keep an eye out for when our name appears in local media or when we share clips of our staff and volunteers speaking on behalf of the Chamber at public meetings. Recently, incoming Chairman of the Board, Charlie Bailey, and I spoke at a City Commission

Megan Neal Membership & Events Coordinator mneal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031

SERVING OUR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce exists to maximize our members’ success, the community’s competitiveness, and the area’s economic strength.

Phone 941-955-8187 | Fax (941) 366-5621 Referrals/Consumer Info (941) 366-3144 PARTNERING TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS MAGAZINE DESIGN BY DILLON BUCKLAND, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

KEVIN COOPER

CHAMBER PRESIDENT

meeting to advocate that they stop increasing the Local Business Tax by 5% every two years. You may have also seen me at a County Commission budget hearing (alright, you probably didn’t… but, I assure you, I was there) tying to ensure that commissioners thought about the total impact that taxes have on businesses in Sarasota County when they were considering raising property taxes. We cannot change outcomes if we don’t commit to showing up – that’s where the Chamber is working hard on your behalf.

We are already looking ahead to the next legislative session and working on other community and government related activities for the fall. As a business community, we not only shape the future of this community by being the economic engine we also do so by lending our collective voice to the issues that policymakers are contemplating. As you look back on the history of Sarasota County, there is little that does not have the name of business written on it. As your Chamber looks forward, we seek to ensure that the same can be said of the future.

Student

to

CEO

emy (YEA!) Young Entrepreneurs Acadbe business owners. teaches kids how to

Jake B.

Gabby & Liz S.

Co-CEOs, You Glow Girl 2016 YEA! Graduates Started a t-shirt social movement based business on spreading positive messages for young girls!

CEO, Firecracker Lures 2017 YEA! Graduate Started his business by making and selling handmade fishing lures to catch big sport fish in Florida.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a groundbreaking program that transforms middle and high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Through the Academy, students generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their own companies.

Motivated kids between 11 and 18 years old may apply for admission to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy near them for the opportunity to become the CEO of their own, REAL, business!

›› Apply Today at SarasotaChamber.com

* Contact Barbara Hines, YEA! Program Coordinator, at bhines@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4026.

››

Learn more and apply at SarasotaChamber.com

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY (YEA!) CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS To kick off its 3rd year, The Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) is looking for passionate business volunteers to help local students launch their own enterprises. From guest speaking opportunities, to mentors, and investors there are countless way you can engage in this program that is impacting lives of our youth here in Sarasota.

Sponsorships and Investor Panel opportunities are available!

Please contact Barbara Hines, YEA! Program Manager: bhines@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4026

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JULY 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Thank you to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their support of the YEA! program.

The Better Way To Keep Cool.

If dealing with air conditioning companies makes you uneasy, Conditioned Air is a refreshing alternative. We make your day less stressful by providing friendly, helpful support. We fit you in on short notice and fix your problem. And we share our expertise to improve your comfort and energy savings.

Making home and office comfort easy has been Conditioned Air’s focus since 1962. No pressure.

No hassles. Just honest answers, timely service and dependable work. For a better way to keep cool, call us today!

TH

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PROJECT “PLAY & LEARN”

After several months of planning and executing, the Class of 2017 celebrated the successful completion of project “Play & Learn” at the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club.

Project “Play & Learn” included upgrades such as a new shade structure over the playground, 12 new picnic tables, a custom-built bench which encircles the large oak tree that is the centerpiece of the area, new playground mulch, and other site improvements.

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

• Honesty

1 9 6 2

CONGRATULATIONS, LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS CLASS OF 2017

• Integrity

• 100% Purposeful Effort

• Respect

• Safety

• Exceed Expectations

Make the comfortable choice and call Conditioned Air today.

1-888-COLD-AIR • (941) 893-6450 www.conditionedair.com 1040 Knights Trail Rd., Unit A • North Venice 34275 Serving All Of Southwest Florida! • License# CACA29360

Scan this code with your smart phone to learn about Conditioned Air.

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS CORNER CONGRATULATIONS, SHARON! SHARON LITCHFIELD has lived in the Sarasota community for over 40 years and has been married to Andy for 32 years, with one son, Adam, both of which keep her grounded.

They have two rescue dogs, Levi and Ziggy, who are inseparable and a joy every day. In 2014, she returned to USFSM to pursue her Masters in Hospitality and Technology Leadership graduating in April 2017.

Her involvement in many fundraising charitable organizations over the past 25 years includes United Way, Susan G. Komen, MDA, BBBS, Southeastern Guide Dogs and Be The Match Foundation.Sharon’s involvement with The Chamber is extensive as she serves on three different councils within The Chamber: Chamber Ambassadors, Member Services & Small Business Support Council, and the Finance Committee. Sharon’s philosophy is that you need to give back to your community and give to those in need to have a meaningful life.

CONGRATULATIONS, YOUTH LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2017

Congratulations, Sharon! We greatly appreciate your dedication to The Chamber’s vision and to The Chamber Ambassadors’ program. Sharon’s extensive engagement through The Chamber’s Committees makes her a great representative of The Chamber. Thank you, Sharon, and keep up the excellent work!

For information on the Chamber Ambassador Program please contact Megan Neal or Craig McGonigal.

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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YOUR CHAMBER WORKING TO

Connect. Promote. Support.

As a membership organization, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce exists to connect, promote, and support local businesses through the vision that was set forth by The Chamber nearly a century ago. Many of its programs, projects, and events create opportunities for added exposure to both small and large business. The increased exposure and the added credibility of being associated with The Chamber’s 97-year reputation are why many businesses closely align with The Chamber. This Spring, your Chamber provided events that connected our members to each other; provided recognition opportunities that promoted their accomplishments; and supported key issues that face our business community.

Connect

The Chamber prides itself on helping make connections through many different facets of our organization. From providing monthly luncheons, educational opportunities, annual events, and after hours mix & mingles, your Chamber strives to make it easy for your business to have access to the tools, resources, and networking that will help connect you to your next customer or client.

This Spring, The Sarasota Chamber collaborated with the Manatee Chamber

Connect Promote Support 6

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to host the 4th Annual Blues by the Bay event. Exceeding over 300 attendees, members from all different parts of Manatee and Sarasota County enjoyed the beautiful Bay at The Powell Crosley Estate, all while connecting with new faces, listening to great music and sampling some of our member’s delicious foods. Through this opportunity, it was rewarding to see members interact with businesses outside of our county—talk about double the networking!

JULY 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Promote

On top of bringing our members together, The Chamber prides itself in promoting its member businesses in new and exciting ways. During the first week of May, Chamber staff visited over 50 Chamber small businesses in support of National Small Business Week. This included snapping fun photos and sharing them in our newsletters and social media. Not only did this prove to be an exciting way to interact with members, it was a creative way to promote their businesses!

In addition to celebrating Small Business Week, one of the most valuable events took place on June 2nd--the Small Business Awards. During the event, 18 finalists,

6 winners and one overarching Small Business of the Year was awarded. A team of 29 judges carefully selected each finalist and awarded this year’s Top Honor Small Business of the Year to Caldwell Trust Company.

The train doesn’t stop there. The future holds some great things regarding ways The Chamber will bring forth more innovative and opportunities to promote your business and celebrate you! In the works is a plan to bring you Small Business Saturday and “Shop Local, Shop Chamber” as two fun ways to spread the love and highlight your businesses.

2017 FRANK G. BERLIN, SR. SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS PROFESSIONAL & TOP HONOR

Support Deep in the foundation of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is the support of its members and the Sarasota Community. For decades, your Chamber has tackled issues from transportation to taxation in an effort to be the voice of business.

Today, your Chamber President, Kevin Cooper, makes a great effort in assisting with economic development through projects that support positive area exposure. From mediating panel discussions, to speaking on transportation…you are sure to catch Kevin

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

NON-PROFIT

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

actively involved within the community by rooting for the economy, advocating on behalf of business development and public policies. Recently, Kevin was joined by Incoming Chair of the Board, Charlie Bailey of Williams, Parker, Dietz and Getzen to advocate that the City Commission cease raising the Local Business Tax by 5% every 2 years and that the City earmark the collections so taxpaying businesses are able to see where funds are expended.

RETAIL

PRESENTING SPONSOR

See Page 3 for Kevin’s Column.

Connect Promote Support

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B L U E S B Y T H E B AY 2 0 1 7 ( W I T H M A N AT E E C H A M B E R )

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PHOTOS BY MAVELLA PHOTOGRAPHY

2 0 1 7 F R A N K G . B E R L I N , S R . S M A L L B U S I N E S S AWA R D S

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PHOTOS BY MAVELLA PHOTOGRAPHY

M O N T H LY N E T W O R K I N G E V E N T S

Power Hour Lunch (PHL) Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar

Shumaker Chamber University Public Relations 101 with Elise Ramer

Power Hour Lunch (PHL) The Coolinary Restaurant & Bar

For more photos from Chamber Events, please visit us on our Facebook Page.

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JULY 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

UPCOMING EVENTS

ANNUAL EVENTS CHAMBER BOWLING TOURNAMENT Wednesday, August 16 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sarasota Lanes

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC Friday, September 22 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Founders Golf Club

97TH ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING & LUNCHEON Thursday, October 5 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Sarasota

M O N T H LY E V E N T S POWER HOUR LUNCH 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

Wednesday, July 12 Burger & Beer Joint (UTC) Wednesday, August 9 Hotel Indigo Wednesday, September 13 Shore Diner

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCH SERIES 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

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

Friday, July 28 To Be Determined.

CHAMBER CONNECT 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Complimentary for Members $10 for Future Members

Thursday, July 20 Daiquiri Deck - St. Armands Circle Thursday, September 21 To Be Determined

CHAMBER UNIVERSITY Complimentary for Members $10 Future Members

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS CORNER CONGRATULATIONS, JANET! JANET ARENA was born in Philadelphia and lived most of her youth on a farm in Bucks County.

Janet attended Penn State, majored in business education, and was very active in a service sorority, cheerleading, and the theater. She completed her Master’s Degree at Columbia University then relocated to Florida in 2003.

She currently holds a position in the Marketing Department at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and is presently involved in varied committees for four Chambers; ushers at seven venues; is house manager at Venice Theater; serves on the Gala Committees for Goodwill, Save Our Seabirds and the American Cancer Society; works Meals on Wheels every Saturday; is Vice President of the Penn State Alumni Association; is an Executive Committee member and Treasurer for the Big Ten Alumni Group.

Congratulations, Janet! We greatly appreciate your dedication to The Chamber’s mission and to The Chamber Ambassadors’ program. Janet’s inviting smile and vast engagement through The Chamber’s Committees makes her a great representative of The Chamber. Thank you, Janet, and keep up the excellent work!

For information on the Chamber Ambassador Program please contact Megan Neal or Craig McGonigal.

Thursday, July 27 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m SEO Basics w/ Shana Tibi from First Page Advantage Location: The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, September 20 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Millennials in the Workplace w/ Poppy & Geoff Spencer from The Relationship Experts Location: The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER 411

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Free for Members RSVP Requested

Tuesday, July 18 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m Tuesday, September 19 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m

2017

Young Professional of the Year Award

Do you know an outstanding young professional in the Greater Sarasota region? Nominations for the 2017 Young Professional of the Year Award are now being accepted. The winning finalist will be announced at the 2017 YPG Summit: "Thrive" on July 21st.

Nominations will be accepted through July 7th at 5pm. Nomination criteria and application is available at:

For questions, please contact YPG Coordiantor, Mimi Cirbusova, at mcirbusova@sarsaotachamber.com or (941) 556-4038.

Please Visit SarasotaChamber.com/Events for the most up-to-date Event information!

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DEVELOPING AND CELEBRATING YOUNG TALENT THE SARASOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP (YPG), a program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is proud to host its second annual YPG Summit on Friday, July 21st at University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

Presented by Kerkering Barberio, this half day conference is geared toward helping local young professionals to develop personally, professionally, and as leaders in the community.

YPG EVENTS YPG SUMMIT “THRIVE” Friday, July 21 USF Sarasota-Manatee 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. $50 YPG & Chamber Members $65 Future Members

New this year to the Summit, Sarasota YPG will announce the Young Professional of the Year which in years’ past has been announced at The Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards.

Applications are now available for young professionals on the website: https://srqypg.com/youngprofessional-of-the-year/. To qualify the nominee must be committed to making Sarasota a better place for young professionals to live and thrive, not be currently serving on the YPG Board of Directors, nor be a past chairperson of the Sarasota Young Professionals Group’s Board of Directors.

Additional eligibility requirements are available on the website.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS SEMINAR Wednesday, August 30 Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Complimentary Event AFTER HOURS 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Complimentary for Members $15 Future Members

YPG’s Summit will feature keynote speaker, Chris Gallagher, Vice President of Hoyt Architects.

Gallagher’s keynote inspired the overall theme of the event: “If you’re a young professional who wants to create a beautiful life, there’s no better place than Sarasota – but first, you must accept the mission. At the YPG Summit we’ll talk about how to get on the mission-driven, courageous route to Fulfillment, Happiness, Love, and Prosperity!”

Thursday, July 6 Escape Countdown

In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will select breakout sessions from three tracks: personal development, professional development, and community development. Speakers in these sessions will discuss topics such as creativity in the workplace, creating a personal mission statement, and joining a nonprofit board as a young professional.

Thursday, August 3 To Be Determined Thursday, September 7 To Be Determined

Tickets are $50 for YPG and Chamber Members, and $65 for non-members.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.SarasotaChamber.com/Events

Interested in hosting a YPG After Hours?

Contact Mimi Cirbusova at mcirbusova@ sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4038.

Presented by:

YPG Summit Helping young professionals grow personally, professionally, and as leaders in the community we love.

Keynote Speaker:

Media Sponsor:

Friday, July 21, 2017 | 8:00am-12:00pm USF Sarasota-Manatee THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & FOUNDATION PARTNER!

Vice President, Hoyt Architects TICKETS: $50 for YPG/Chamber Members ($65 for Future Members) sarasotachamber.com/events 10

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JULY 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

SARASOTA FAST FACTS The Orioles’ economic impact in Florida is more than

$89 million annually

The Orioles Health & Fitness Challenge teaches more than

* SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT 2016 REPORT

4,000 kids

Thanks to almost

$10 million

In the eight years since the Orioles moved Major League Spring Training to Sarasota, more than

in tourism focused media provided by the Orioles to Sarasota County,

in 6th to 8th grade each year about healthy living, including exercise, eating right, and being tobacco-free.

the number of yearly first-quarter visitors from the Mid-Atlantic has grown by more than

885,000 fans

300%

have enjoyed Orioles baseball at Ed Smith Stadium

since 2009

AND in 2016, Baltimore-Washington ranked in origin of out-of-state visitors to Sarasota

#2 The Orioles’ Arts in the Ballpark event series has drawn more than

Since moving year-round operations to Sarasota in 2010,

100,000

$3 million

in cash and in-kind contributions to the Sarasota community * AS OF MARCH 2017

14,000 attendees

More than

the Orioles have donated more than

to 9 shows at Ed Smith Stadium since the program’s inception in 2013

players, families, and spectators have participated in various youth baseball tournaments and games at Ed Smith Stadium and the Buck O’Neil Baseball Complex since 2013.

That’s 25,000 each year!

VISIT ORIOLES.COM/SARASOTA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ORIOLES’ IMPACT IN SARASOTA 365 DAYS A YEAR GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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RIBBON CUTTINGS January 31, 2017 - May 31, 2017 To book your Ribbon Cutting for a grand opening or relocation, contact Megan Neal, mneal@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4031.

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Aviva - A Campus for Senior Life 1951 N. Honore Avenue Sarasota, FL 34235 www.kobernickanchin.org

Bailes Consulting P.O. Box 5571 Sarasota, FL 34237 www.BailesConsulting.org

Ben’s Soft Pretzel’s 8320 Lockwood Ridge Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 www.benspretzels.com

Best Home Services 7216 21st Street East Sarasota, FL 34243 www.getbest.com

DeAngelis Diamond Healthcare 2601 Cattleman Road, Suite 404 Sarasota, FL 34232 www.deangelisdiamond.com

Intraespa Learning Center 5899 Whitfield Avenue, Unit 200A Sarasota, FL 34243 www.intraespa.com

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe South Sarasota 3456 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34231 www.kekes.com

The Point at Bella Grove 8310 Bella Grove Circle Sarasota, FL 34243 www.thepointatbellagrove.com

Pollo Tropical 5415 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34232 www.pollotropical.com

Shapes Fitness for Women Sarasota 5451 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34232 www,ShapesFitness.co

Tires Plus - Derek Ave. 5812 Derek Avenue Sarasota, FL 34238 www.tiresplus.com

Walmart Neighborhood Market 5401 Palmer Crossing Circle Sarasota, FL 34233 www.walmart.com/store/7298/

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JULY 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

NEW MEMBERS 1st Source Bank Wealth Advisory Services* A Game Sport Psychology Consulting, LLC A-1 Fingerprinting & Drug Screening Alorica Apex Janitorial Services Beneva Flowers & Plantscapes Brilliant Promoters Brookdale** Burger & Beer Joint Sarasota Cadence Bank - Links Avenue Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar CBIZ Insurance Agency Centennial Bank Chick-fil-A - Fruitville Road Clasico Cafe & Bar Complex Care Hospital at Ridgelake* Dakin Natural Soils DeCanio & Associates Fidelity Bank Mortgage Frank Berlin Crane, LLC Gendron Funeral & Cremation Services Green Apple Catering Hibiscus Suites ILoveKickboxing - Sarasota Innovative Agent Services, Inc.

March 2017 - May 2017

Intraespa Learning Center JMS Cleaning Keke’s Breakfast Cafe - South Sarasota Keller Williams on the Water - Wendy Miller LA Fitness - Sarasota Siesta Key Mall Lucky’s Market Magic Zone Marina Jack - Marina Operations Mark Gabrick Moore Financial Management, Inc. Natures Driftwood Treasures LLC Nothing Bundt Cakes Pit Stop Auto Repair Pollo Tropical Sand Petal Weddings Soco Club Sport SRQ NEW Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine The Gator Club The Relationship Experts, LLC Thriveology, LLC TWC Distributors, Inc Urbanite Theatre Vanguard Cleaning Systems of SW Florida Wholesale Tile Supply

Corporate Trustee

Community Builder

SARASOTA CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC

CHAMBER MEMBERS IN THE NEWS MANASOTA SCORE announced that their Advisory Council selected Manasota SCORE as Chapter of the Year in the Mid-Sized Market category, and number two Chapter of the Year overall.

THE WILLIAM G. AND MARIE SELBY FOUNDATION has selected Carol Butera, MSW, CFRE, as its new Executive Director. She will begin her duties in mid-July, 2017.

RITE TECHNOLOGY was presented the SHARP AAA Platinum Service Provider award from Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (SIICA) in recognition of their high-level achievement in the critical areas of customer service and service delivery.

GECKO’S GRILL & PUB at The Landing’s is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its opening.

THE PLAYERS CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS received a $1 million gift toward its new state-of-the-art complex in Lakewood Ranch.

GRAPEVINE COMMUNICATIONS – the area’s leading full-service advertising, marketing and public relations agency – continues its momentum of growth with the addition of nine new clients to its diverse roster of local, regional and national companies.

The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER was honored for its clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction.

DECOR DIRECT WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE, in Sarasota, FL has been named one of Home Accents Today’s 50 Retail Stars for 2017 by editors of the premier trade magazine for the home furnishings industry.

Michelle Crabtree, a realtor with PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY Lakewood Ranch office, was presented with the Florida Realtors Honor Society, 10th-year pin.

INTERTAPE POLYMER GROUP INC. will pay $13 million for a majority stake in a new company in India that makes woven products.

Intertape also announced a $63 million deal to acquire specialty tape supplier Canadian Technical Tape Ltd. of Montreal.

The VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL has once again been ranked as the No. 1 performing arts hall in North America in the 2000seat category of “top spots” in Venues Today, an international trade publication that covers the business side of entertainment.

Presented by

Friday, September 22, 2017 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Founders Golf Club (Rain Date: Friday, September 29, 2017)

TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN: Foursome

Individual Golfer Awards Reception Only

$600 $160 $40

TO REGISTER VISIT: SarastaChamber.com/Events

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT area manager Rae Dowling was recently recognized with the Bradenton Kiwanis Foundation’s first Bert South Philanthropic Award.

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, in conjunction with the technology companies LogicJunction and IndoorAtlas, this week became the first hospital in the United States to offer an indoor way-finding app that uses geomagnetic positioning technology.

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SARASOTA COUNTY HAS DONE IT AGAIN. For the second year in a row, our district has lead the state for completion rates of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)—winning four awards from the Florida College Access Network during the 2017 Florida FAFSA Challenge. Through leading local efforts made by the Talent4Tomorrow Partnership, convened by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, 45.5% of Sarasota County high school seniors have completed the FAFSA. This is a 9.1% change over the previous application year, which equates to an estimated additional $513,180 in Pell Grants awarded to Sarasota County students. Additionally, schools in Sarasota County earned the following honors: • Sarasota County Schools — “MVP for Large School District” (Highest FAFSA completion rate through March 31st, 2017) • Riverview High School — “Biggest Boost for Large Schools” (Largest week-to-week change in percentage of students completing the FAFSA) • “All-Stars” — (Achieving an increase of FAFSA completion by at least 5% over last year): Sarasota County School District, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, Sarasota Military Academy, Booker High School, Venice Senior High School, Sarasota High School, North Port High School, Riverview High School Talent4Tomorrow is a community collaborative comprised of CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, Education Foundation of Sarasota County, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Sarasota County Schools, UnidosNow, and United Way Suncoast. The partnership seeks to increase career awareness and postsecondary attainment through increased college and career awareness, aspiration, and affordability initiatives.

The Talent4Tomorrow Partnership spent several months planning and executing FAFSA awareness and support activities, including FAFSA completion assistance during community- and school-based events.

For more information regarding the Talent4Tomorrow Partnership, contact Mimi Cirbusova at mcirbusova@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4038.

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JULY 2017 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Study's have shown that 80% of consumers confirm that they feel more confident doing business with a Chamber Member. Sometimes the biggest challenge a business has is just getting the word out about what they do.

People buy from people they know, like and trust. The Chamber hosts nearly 100 networking opportunities a year, helping you to connect with key business leaders and potential customers in our community. This exchange of connections means more people know about your business.

Save money on products and services with The Chamber's cost saving program, Affinity Partners and value added services like Member2Member Discounts. Our referral line tracks the number of referrals your business is generating with your membership.

Your Chamber Membership gives you and your employees' access to some of the best programming and educational opportunities around.

Top notch speakers and presenters cover topics that are both relevant and applicable to successfully operating your business.

A strong business climate and economy stem from many groups working together towards a common goal. The Chamber works diligently to build and form relationships within all aspects of the community to help our community continue to move forward.

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Serbin – Connecting you with Proven Success!

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From concept to mailbox, Serbin’s dedicated team of marketing professionals work to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions to enhance the overall success of your business or organization.

45 years CONNECTING local companies with their customers.

1500 N. Washington Blvd.

Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192

SerbinPrinting.com Member The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

DSA – Downtown Sarasota Alliance

AFP – Association of Fundraising Professionals

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

PODi – Print On Demand initiative

PAF – Printing Association of Florida

ASI – Advertising Specialty Institute

Xerox Premier Partner