The Bridge Magazine - July 2021

BRIDGE July 2021 Issue

Quarterly Member Magazine

Greater Sarasota Chamber Celebrates Small Businesses for the 31st year!

Winners Feature | Page 8

From the CEO Page 2

New Team Members Page 6

New in Membership Page 12

FROM THE CEO Our Chamber is all about celebrating small businessafter all small business is the true heart and soul of our business community in the Sarasota region. It was such a pleasure and honor to recognize and honor our small businesses at our annual Small Business Awards Luncheon this past month. This year we had a record crowd of over 550 chamber members attend the luncheon to recognize and celebrate our hardworking small businessmen and women.

This event is a fan favorite for many of our members and staff because it is ALL about our members.

This marks the 31st year that we have hosted the Small Business Awards and it is always incredibly tough on our judges to determine the finalists and winners. We are so grateful for the team of judges who spent hours poring over the quality applications and narrowing down the field to 24 finalists to be recognized at the luncheon.

All of our finalists’ businesses are extraordinary examples of successful businesspeople that truly exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Mr. Berlin was a successful businessman and community leader who chaired the Chamber more than 65 years ago.

It is for that reason that this Chamber event bears his name. These 24 finalists and hundreds of other small enterprises are the backbone of our community’s economy. Please join me in my celebration of their innovation and pursuit of excellence. (Kindly refer to page 8 for the feature of the 31st Small Business Awards.)

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

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

Kristi Hoskinson

Vice President of CareerEdge khoskinson@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045

Brittany Lamont

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

Samantha Badgley

Executive Assistant sbadgley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4051

Alyssa Barnsley

Programs Communications Coordinator abarnsley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031

Shauna Donahue

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

Zach Henkel

Membership Investment Representative zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4029

Craig McGonigal

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

Kelly Monti

Events Coordinator 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

Jodel Velarde

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

HEATHER KASTEN CEO/PRESIDENT

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

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Alicia Williams

CareerEdge Program Coordinator awilliams@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4030 P: (941) 955-8187 | F: (941) 366-5621

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lunch

Second Wednesday of the Month 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM Members: $24, Non-Members: $40 July 14 - The Ringling Grillroom August 11 - Speaks Clam Bar at St. Armands September 8 - Tripletail Seafood & Spirits

Thursday, July 22 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Sarasota Sports Medicine Members: Complimentary; Non-Members: $20

Thursday, August 19 | 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Rise and Nye’s Members: Complimentary; Non-Members: $20

Held at the Sarasota Chamber Board Room Wednesday, July 14 | 8:30 AM -10:00 AM How to Select the Right Retirement for your Business & Employees Paul Allen, President of Wealth Strategies Members: Complimentary; Non-Members: $20

Tuesday, July 13 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Virtual Event Sponsored by Bank of America Calandra Walker Jarell, Diversity & Inclusion Executive, Global Human Resources Members and Non-Members: No Cost

STAT E

Community

Thursday, August 5 | 8:30 AM -10:00 AM Uncover The Valuable Leader In You: 7 Steps to Greater Growth, Value & Influence Velma Knowles, Best-selling Author & Leadership Coach Cost: (includes Velma’s book “The Valuable Leader”): Members: $20; Non-Members: $30

O F

T H E

LU N C H S E R I ES

Thursday, July 29 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Marina Jack What’s Trending in Real Estate?

Members: $40; Non-Members: $55

Wednesday, September 22 | 8:30 AM -10:00 AM Leading Into The Future: “Attracting & Retaining Talent” Tony Daum, Founder/CEO and Head Coach at EXCELLence Performance Members complimentary; Non-Members: $20

CEO & JOE

Tuesday, September 14 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Sarasota Chamber Board Room Members: Complimentary; Non-Members: $20

M E E TIN G

101st ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND LUNCHEON

SHOWCASE

Wednesday, August 25 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Sarasota Municipal Building

Friday, September 17 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Friday, October 22 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Sarasota Art Museum

Trustee Focus Group Lunch Friday, July 30 | 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM

August 26 - The Founders Golf Club September 23 - Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota

Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club Trustee Members Only: $35

Please Note: Trustee Receptions are complimentary for Corporate Trustee, Community Builder, & Economic Driver Members

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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TRUSTEE EVENTS

Trustee Receptions Thursdays | 5PM - 6:30PM

ANNUAL EVENTS

A NNU A L

SARASOTA

MONTHLY EVENTS

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Connecting Community and Conversation

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A LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

“We have had a great first 100 years marked by astonishing innovations and growth. Because of you, I know the next 100 years will be even more magnificent.”

I can’t believe that my time as chair of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is soon coming to a close. When I was asked over two years ago to consider serving as Chair of the Chamber during its 100th anniversary year, I never anticipated that we would be facing a once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic.

We have weathered this crisis together, and have grown stronger through it, thanks to this community’s ability to collaborate and work together creatively. And, incredibly, in the midst of all of this challenge, we have still celebrated 100 years of history.

For me personally, my year as chair has been truly fulfilling. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with the amazing team of superb staff and volunteers at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce in service to this vibrant community. Although I have had the joy of living in Sarasota for over 20 years, I am continually astounded by the vibrant businesses, non-profits, and committed people here in the Greater Sarasota area. We are also blessed with rich and varied arts and cultural offerings, extensive public parks lands, sporting events, golf courses, numerous options for outdoor activities, educational institutions, and historic neighborhoods, and so much more that are on par with any major city in the world. What sets us apart – aside from our beautiful weather – is the uniquely giving nature of the people here. There is a dedication to philanthropy, to giving back, to serving others here that I have not witnessed anywhere else. I can’t thank all of you enough for demonstrating every day just how blessed we are to be a part of this community.

So, as I reflect back on my year as chair, what I want most to do is to look forward to the limitless future I see for this region. We have had a great first 100 years marked by astonishing innovations and growth.

Because of you, I know the next 100 years will be even more magnificent.

LARRY THOMPSON CHAIR OF THE BOARD

T H A N K YO U C H A M B E R C H A M P I O N S

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U-18 BASEBALL WORLD CUP ED SMITH STADIUM SEPTEMBER 10-19, 2021

The 30 th edition of the U-18 Baseball World Cup will take place in September 2021 and feature the world’s best players from 12 countries in the U-18 category.

ALL DAY PASSES AVAILABLE $10 FOR ADULTS | $5 FOR STUDENTS (AGES 6-18) FREE FOR AGES 5 AND UNDER ORIOLES.COM/BASEBALLWORLDCUP GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS Kristi Hoskinson

Vice President for CareerEdge Over 20 years of experience as a recognized leader in the workplace and community, Kristi successfully leads people and teams to organizational excellence. She enjoys finding creative solutions, solving business problems with expert consultative skills, and strategically enhancing the employee experience and organizational performance. Kristi is a people strategist optimizing human talent to enhance business outcomes. She is an expert at analyzing an organization’s people-performance-culture ecosystem to identify opportunities for improved results. Using a very consultative approach, Kristi delivers a sustainable process for companies to maximize the drivers of human performance. A natural leader and influencer, Kristi is continually active in her community, serving on various boards in key leadership roles – Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, Team Tony Cancer Foundation, and CareerSource Suncoast - and volunteering for local non-profits. Kristi lives in Sarasota, with her husband and their two dogs, enjoying an active lifestyle.

Jodel Velarde

Communications Coordinator

Jodel’s passion for serving the community through the art and science of communication landed her a role at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she worked in development and programs at the Ear Research Foundation. Her initiative included a new communication plan and rebranding the foundation’s collateral. Jodel thrives in integrated communication. She believes in understanding the needs of her audience to create a seamless stakeholder experience and build brand loyalty. After graduating Cum Laude from De La Salle University, Philippines, Jodel migrated to the United States to further her career in 2018. She recently joined the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association and currently serves as the Vice President of Public Relations of a local Toastmaster club. At her new venture, she is responsible for the Chamber’s communications to connect, promote and support its 1,100 members. Outside of work, Jodel gets creative, either with photography or journaling. On weekends, she loves to ride her bike and watch the sunset.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Sertoma Kids 2750 Stickney Point Rd. Suite 210, Sarasota, FL 34231 Sertoma Kids Dedication, Grand Opening, open house held their ribbon cutting last April 8, 2021 for their new Sertoma Kids location for speech therapy. The event had food, music, and refreshments.

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota 301 N. Cattleman Rd. Sarasota, FL 34232

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 3130 Fruitville Commons Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240

Encompass Health Rehabilitation had an expansion grand opening event, adding 20 private rooms to their hospital. This gave them a total off 116 beds, now with 50 private rooms. The expansion allows them to better serve the needs of the community.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant held their Ribbon Cutting on June 26, 2021. The restaurant celebrated this Preview Event with the Chamber Staff.

Interested in booking your Ribbon Cutting Ceremony?

Please contact Kelly Monti, Events Coordinator, at kmonti@sarasotachamber.com 6

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING A NEW CHAMBER PROGRAM Opportunities For All (OFA) initiative kicked off its summer internship program the week of May 24th with the “Keys to Success” Internship Mixer.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

This year’s program has successfully connected 25 diverse students to 20 local businesses and Chamber member companies. The eight-week program provides an opportunity for local employers to benefit from the attributes of bright, talented, rising future leaders, while providing access to cross-cultural career-oriented experiences for those seeking to broaden their exposure to the professional work world.

This experience has been fully funded by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce through the Opportunities For All grant provided by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

COMING SEPTEMBER 2021!

The Opportunities for All (OFA) Business Assistance Funds Program. This program is designed to assist minority small business owners and organizations with navigating resources to help their business grow and thrive. Minority small business owners must be registered with the state and/or a 501 © (3) taxexempt organization that provide programs and services that benefit the residents of either Sarasota or Manatee County with assistance in expanding economic collaboration in our region.

For more information or questions, please contact Kaveecia Moore, kmoore@sarasotachamber.com, and Davian Spires, dspires@sarasotachamber.com

LOOK FOR UPDATES

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Congratulations!

Over 550 individuals celebrated the dreamers, providers, and collaborators of the Sarasota community at the 31st Annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards on Friday, June 25.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honored local member businesses in several areas, including innovation of product or service, response to adversity, business growth, and contributions to the greater Sarasota community through this annual awards luncheon.

Congratulations to all local businesses for creating opportunities for everyone and making Sarasota a better place to build a life!

SMALL BUSINESS

MEDIUM BUSINESS

LARGE BUSINESS

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Team Tony Cancer Foundation Winner

JMX Brands Winner

MÜV Florida Winner

All Faiths Food Bank Winner

First Home Bank S-One Holdings Corporation

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. Swor Women’s Care, LLC

Bird Key Yacht Club Sabal Palm Bank

WORKFORCE INNOVATION AWARD

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

RISING STAR AWARD

WOMAN LED BUSINESS AWARD

Air Products Winner

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime Winner

Gulfside Bank Winner

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Winner

Atlantic Mold & Machining Corp.

HBK CPA’s & Consultants

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DreamLarge Tervis Tumbler Company

Camelot East Village, A Cove Community SpeedPro Imaging Affinity Solutions

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Music Compound Professional Benefits Inc.

“Our Chamber is all about celebrating small businessafter all small business is the true heart and soul of our business community in the Sarasota region.”

- Heather Kasten, CEO/ President

THANK YOU 2021 SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS SPONSORS!

communications

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YOUR LOCAL CREDIT UNION FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR BUSINESS At Achieva Credit Union we offer the same products and services as a bank, but with more attention on what matters most - you.

Mortgages & home equity loans

Credit cards & no balance transfer fees

Vehicle loans & refinancing

Business Accounts & lending

EVERYONE IS WELCOME Stop by your local branch or visit us online to become a member.

941.907.4000 • www.achievacu.com Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

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4254 53rd Ave East, Bradenton • 3000 Bee Ridge Rd & 5881 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

CAREEREDGE GRANT FUNDING REMAINS OPEN A F T E R I N I T I A L AWA R D S M A D E TO H E L P LO C A L E M P LOY E R S T R A I N E M P LOY E E S CareerEdge awarded $151,100 to train 219 employees at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Aviva Senior Living, Chris-Craft, and Air Products. The total employer investment among the four companies for their employee training is $526,496.

“CareerEdge grant funding will benefit Chris-Craft by increasing our ability to attract and hire workers entering the manufacturing industry as well improve retention which, in turn, allows us to deliver the high-quality products that our customers demand,” said Kathy Alder, human resources director at Chris-Craft.

CareerEdge’s annual evaluation found that workers benefiting from this grant funding saw an average wage gain of 12% after the first year of training. Over the past eleven years, CareerEdge employer grant funding resulted in a $32.4 million cumulative annual earnings gain from new and wage increases following CareerEdge training investments.

Employers will use the grant funding for the following training priorities: • • • •

Air Products: Provide technical training for Production Welding Technicians Chris-Craft: Provide entry level manufacturing and workplace English training Sarasota Memorial Hospital: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training Aviva Senior Living: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training

Graduation of the inagural CNA Fast-Track training program participants at State College of Florida (SCF)

To be eligible for funding, businesses must: • • • •

Be industry focused: Manufacturing, health care, insurance, or skilled trades (automotive or HVAC) Agree to train and close skills gaps for new or current workers Design new “career ladders” with increased wages for workers who successfully complete training or streamline and integrate training. i.e., cross-training Actively participate on the CareerEdge Industry Council

Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested businesses must submit a letter of interest by July 30. Grant applications are due August 31 at 5:00 p.m. and those selected will be notified mid-September.

CareerEdge aligns resources and strategies to develop a solutions-based plan for our community’s workforce needs. To learn more or become involved with CareerEdge, please visit: https://careeredgefunders.org/

STAY INFORMED!

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W H AT ’ S N E W I N M E M B E R S H I P April - May 2021 All Florida Safety Institute Arcade Monsters Art Ovation Hotel Sarasota Baby Fox Academy of Florida, LLC Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty Waters Team BYO Sports Complex, Inc. careGen Consultants Certified Collectibles Group CFS Roofing Services Chris-Craft Corporation Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant CSi Networks Curve Trends Marketing LLC David Allen Capital Agency DGR Systems Dynasty Building Solutions First Centennial Mortgage

Five Star Claims Adjusting Glory Days Grill Harmar High Definition Mortgage Ipava State Bank Jeanette Tiano Kevin Tighe Law Office of Kenneth J. Nota, PA Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Suncoast Region Marina Jack Marina Jack II Massage Heights Sarasota Mitchell Family Interests Modus Builders Momentum Consulting Mr. and Mrs. Restore Oleary’s Tiki Bar & Grill

Ooh La La Beauty Bar Operation Warrior Resolution ORW Workplace Recordables, Inc. Renn Haus Roberts Insurance Group, LLC Sarasota Web Studios, LLC Solmart Media, LLC Suncoast Skin Solutions Swor Women’s Care, LLC TechCare, LLC Tekscape Tervis Tumbler Company Turtle Beach Bar and Grill Veteran Media Group Walmart Neighborhood Market West Coast Woman Wolff Roofing LLC

A QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF MEMBERSHIP

Join us as we recognize members who have been a part of our Chamber for 25 years or more.

May - July 2021

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Alvin J. Singleton, Inc. Roofing Contractors Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar - South Siesta Key Esprix Technologies, LP

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Aladdin Equipment Company, Inc. Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Coldwell Banker Residential & Commercial Real Estate

Gettel Automotive LaGasse Plumbing, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc.

Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, Inc.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing

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Pacer Group

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Hanson Professional Services Inc. RE/MAX Alliance Group/ Linda Starcher

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Adams and Reese LLP

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Florida Southern Roofing & Sheetmetal, Inc. ICORR Properties International, LLP Sarasota Ford

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

FCCI Insurance Group Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc.

SunCoast Blood Centers

The Haven Hembree & Associates, Inc.

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Ringling College of Art and Design

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State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

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Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, LLC

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Gilbane Building Company

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The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Publix Super Markets, Inc.

MEMBER TIP

M E M B E R N E WS TRI COUNTY AIR received the Best Local HVAC/AC Company Platinum Award from the readers of SRQ Magazine. This is the company’s third award-winning year in a row and they credit their amazing team of employees.

A local teen from BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES named the 2021 Florida Youth of the Year title. The program recognizes members who demonstrate strong leadership and service skills, as well as, academic excellence and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

CHILDREN FIRST was recognized as one of the top 50 nonprofit organizations to work for nationwide in the 2021 Best Nonprofits to Work For competition. The exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County ranked 24th overall in the medium-sized category.

SOUTHTECH collected 11,438 pounds of electronics at the “Data Dump” that took place on April 22nd.

SouthTech thanks all who participated, including the Bradenton Area EDC for co-hosting, the Manatee Technical College for hosting, and Quicksilver Recycling Services for their collection services.

Florida based, GETTEL AUTOMOTIVE GROUP made the TOP 150 Dealerships Groups in the U.S. nudging ahead in the 2020 ranking to 57, from 63 in 2019 in the latest rankings complied by Automotive News. The Dealerships are ranked based on the number of retail vehicles sold in 2020.

ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK received $65,000 in support of Nutrition Education, Snap Application Assistance and Hunger Relief Programs. The donation was in support of Nutrition Education which teaches individuals how to prepare healthy low-cost meals.

LAKEWOOD RANCH MEDICAL CENTER for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine recognized with National Award for Clinical Excellence and Center of Distinction 2020. LWRMC Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine by Healogics®, is the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.

SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) continued to break passenger records. In the month of April, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 294,165 passengers, breaking the all-time record set the previous month with 277,590 passengers.

U P DAT E YO U R P R O F I L E Has your staff, business, or contact information changed recently? Help us help you, and update your member profile!

Step 1:

Go to www.sarasotachamber.com.

Step 2:

Click on Member Login at the top of the page.

Step 3:

Login with your Organization Username & Password.

If you do not have your organization’s master login information, please contact Craig McGonigal.

Step 4:

You will appear on the Member Portal Home after you have logged in. Your company name should be listed above the paragraph.

Step 5:

Under the Member Portal Home, in the third column, select the fourth option, Profile Update.

Simply click on Edit My Profile for the Organization (a pop up appears) to edit any of your information.

Click on Directory Listing and update your listing with a short company description (250 characters or less) and a long company description.

Click on Social Media and link any of your social media profiles including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Yelp & more!

Questions?

Contact Craig McGonigal, Membership Engagement Manager at cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com.

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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! Both our Adult and Youth Leadership Sarasota participants perservered through this difficult year and graduated the program!

We are so excited for the Adult leaders to take what they have learned and use it for good in the Sarasota community.

And, we are thrilled for the Youth class and whatever they may accomplish in their futures.

YOUR CHAMBER’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Join us in congratulating both Classes of 2021!

Leadership Sarasota is building a community of leaders for Sarasota today and tomorrow.

Your Chamber’s leadership program offers four tracks for leadership development: Adult Leadership, Youth Leadership, Engage Sarasota, and Leadership Alumni. Visit sarasotachamber.com for more information.

Want to remain part of this amazing program?

Keep an eye out for your renewal dues in July!

FOLLOW US!

CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AWARDS Sarasota has a legacy of strong leaders and innovators. Leadership Sarasota, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is continuing that legacy by building a community of leaders for Sarasota today and tomorrow.

We are looking forward to this annual celebration of our program’s legacy-makers on August 12, presented by Willis Smith Construction. The Leadership awards recognize leadership alumni with a legacy in community participation and impact in three unique categories.

Lifetime of Leadership Award: Recognizing body of work in career, community and beyond.

Chris Gallagher, Hoyt Architects Impact in Action Award: Recognizing a current community leadership endeavor.

Joe Hembree, Hembree & Associates, Inc. Jennifer Vigne, Education Foundation of Sarasota County Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award: Recognizing commitment to the Leadership Sarasota program.

Mark Gordon, Observer Media Group

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: TAYLOR AULTMAN Hometown: Inverness, FL Company: Willis Smith Construction Title: Project Executive Leadership Class Year: 2012 How do you stay connected with area professionals?

Staying involved with a community organization and volunteer opportunities.

You will be surprised with the people you meet and the connections you make.

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

As a class participant, the program gives you a “backstage pass” to the inner workings of Sarasota County while developing lifelong relationships with fellow emerging leader in the community.

As an alum, the program provides the opportunity to stay connected and involved in the community as well as mentor emerging leader.

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

Never be good at something you don’t want to do again.

BUILDING TODAY’S LEADERS UPCOMING ALUMNI HAPPY HOURS Thursday, July 15 Tamiami Tap

MEDIA DAY Both of our Leadership classes spent the day at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hearing from various media outlets and getting a look at the news industry as a whole and locally.

CLASS PROJECTS Our Adult Leadership Sarasota participants have completed their four separate class projects with their chosen nonprofits: Embracing Our Differences, Safe Children Coalition, Take Stock In Children, and Tidewell Hospice.

We are so moved by the wide-reaching impact four distinct projects were able to make.

Combined the four groups completed 341 volunteer hours. With the current estimated national value of each volunteer hour at $28.54, they completed $9,732.14 worth of volunteer impact.

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WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY

“I really enjoy being a member of The Greater Sarasota Chamber because there are so many events that are helpful to me for professional & personal reasons. As an active member I have to opportunity to support local businesses & meet new people very often.”

- Justin Johnson Business Development Officer IAS Marketing Services

“The Greater Sarasota Chamber is a special organization where you see results from your membership.

Whether it is timely training for your employees through CareerEdge or safeguarding a positive business climate for our region, the member benefits add to your bottom line.”

- Mark Pritchett President and CEO Gulf Coast Community Foundation

“I continue to choose to be a member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce for the relationships - with the Chamber staff, fellow members and businesses, and with people in my community. The GSCC strives to connect people who live, work, and play in our beautiful city and they are truly passionate about each member.”

- Elizabeth K. Topp Co-Owner Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency

YOUR

COMFORT COMES FIRST

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021 6:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.

When you call Honest Air Conditioning, your comfort becomes our main priority. We put customer relationships first and our team is committed to earning your trust and exceeding your expectations.

H O N E S TA C O F V E N I C E . C O M

941.496.7566 License# CAC1819590, CAC1813219, CPC1459449

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be in good company.

YPG SPOTLIGHT: Bethany Silvis Hometown: South Lyon, Michigan Company: Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Title: Marketing Coordinator YPG Member Since: 2018

Annual YP SUMMIT Friday, July 23 | Embassy Suites Sarasota

The Sarasota Young Professionals Group is proud to host the Annual Young Professionals Summit, presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co.! The YP Summit brings together local young professionals to hear from community leaders and network with peers. During this half-day event, you will learn new ways to grow personally and professionally, and one of the outstanding finalists will be recognized with the annual Young Professional of the Year Award.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINALISTS! Jade Davis Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP Ross Johnston Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lauren Tominelli Sarasota County Government

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

Never stop learning. Venture outside of your career comfort zone. You never want to assume you are the smartest person in the room; you can ALWAYS learn from others around you.

What is your favorite thing about Sarasota? My favorite thing about Sarasota is tied between the weather and the people. The weather is hard to beat; most days, it is beautiful without a cloud in the sky and 80 degrees.

The people fascinate me; everyone has a story, very few people are Sarasota natives, and I love meeting new people and learning what brought them here.

What do people say you do really well? Being flexible. I have been given the feedback that my ability to roll with the day is an asset for our team.

For example, 2020 pushed everyone to their limits in many ways. Some days, our information and plan for the day were going hour by hour; being flexible and patient allowed me to be able to shift, re-evaluate, and quickly re-prioritize quickly and efficiently. Creating a positive work environment is another piece of feedback I hear often and possibly my favorite. Being a positive, enthusiastic team player is in my nature. I love being able to brighten my co-worker’s days or bring a smile to their face days before a stressful tax deadline.

YPG’ers met up for a guided tour of the Sarasota Art Museum.

Thursday, August 5 Sage SRQ | 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 2 Mellow Mushroom | 5:30 p.m.

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

A NEW TYPE OF YPG EVENT! Wednesday, September 29 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

We are excited to announce a new type of event for our YPG members, Young Networking Lunch for the Young and Hungry. This luncheon event will give current and new YPG members with the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a short “lighting talk” about who they are and what they do. We hope you’ll join us!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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CHAMBER NEWS

Sarasota Chamber marks 100 years with annual breakfast Observer | Harry Sayer | “The 100th annual chamber breakfast had members of members of Sarasota’s business community mingling, sipping coffee and eating breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. This year’s event had guest speaker and Selby Gardens’ Vice President for Historic Spanish Point John McCarthy remotely addressing the crowd.”

CareerEdge Offers Grants to Help Close the Skills Gap, Build Companies’ Talent Pipeline Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “CareerEdge will open its annual request for proposal (RFP) process on Monday, March 22, soliciting plans from manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, skilled trades, and construction employers in Manatee and Sarasota counties. […] Over the past 11 years, CareerEdge has coinvested nearly $13.2 million in grants to businesses […]”

REAL HISTORY by Jeff LaHurd: Boosters played a starring role to promote Sarasota Sarasota Herald-Tribune | Jeff LaHurd | “The major players in boosterism were organizations such as the Board of Trade formed in 1911 with Owen Burns as president. It morphed into the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce in 1920, each putting Sarasota in the spotlight.”

INDICATORS: Celebrating small businesses in Sarasota Herald-Tribune | Heather Kasten | “Over the last year, small businesses have had to be creative and resilient in navigating the effects of the pandemic, which is why now more than ever we look forward to celebrating and honoring them at our annual Frank G. Berlin Sr. Small Business Awards.”

Sarasota Chamber Presents Inaugural ‘Spirit of Sarasota’ Award Sarasota Magazine | Staff | “The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce awarded Rae Dowling, area manager with Florida Power and Light Company, the inaugural Spirit of Sarasota Award at its 2021 Annual Breakfast. The award recognizes a local individual who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of the Sarasota area business community.”

2020 Evaluation Finds Wages Increase 12% Within First Year for CareerEdge Bridges to Careers Program Participants SRQ Daily | Staff | “The impact CareerEdge continues to make is resounding in 2020 - for every dollar invested in workforce development the return on investment is $4.72. Last year, CareerEdge and its employer partners invested $1.25 million in workforce funding, resulting in $2 million in economic impact for the community from new wages and raises.”

Heather Finds Value In The Teen Perspective At The Chamber Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties | “We were proud to add GSCC to that list of partners in 2020 with the placement of Camila, a STAR grad and 17-year-old senior in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Riverview High School who sees herself pursuing a career in international relations. With her passion to develop the critical skills for this aspiration, Camila’s match with GSCC enables her to start exploring this career path and gain a better understanding of the unique relationships between people, organizations and communities.”

Name That Landmark!

Sarasota Magazine | “Sarasota Magazine is celebrating its Best of Sarasota issue and the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Centennial. Our area has persevered this year, making us a stronger, more connected community of great people and businesses. One lucky winner will receive gift cards from these Sarasota Chamber member restaurants named to our Best of Sarasota list […].”

Chamber Launches Cross-Cultural Business Development Resources WWSB – ABC7 | Staff | “The Opportunities For All initiative is such an exciting opportunity for the Chamber. […] There were two areas that we wanted to focus on, one was providing an opportunity for internships to grow and develop with our local companies, and to provide that opportunity to minority students […] and then also for us to work with our small minority-owned companies and have the ability to help them to grow by injecting some capital and resources.”

Best of Sarasota 2021: Arts and Entertainment Sarasota Magazine | The Editors | “In 2020, it seemed like murals were popping up everywhere, searching our history (as with two murals at the Lido Beach Pavilion and two marking the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce centennial on their downtown HQ), celebrating our diversity and our arts (at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s home) and exploring the power of myth (1526 Fruitville Road).”

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