The Bridge Magazine - October 2021

BRIDGE October 2021 Issue | Quarterly Member Magazine

All About Members| Page 6 Chamber Programs | Page 12

Feature | Page 6

From the CEO | Page 2 All About Our Members | Page 7 101st Annual Meeting | Page 13 Chamber Programs | Page 16 -19

M CAL P E KE IVE WE L ORK W AND ASOTA AR IN S

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FROM THE CEO

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

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

The Greater Sarasota Chamber is rounding out its celebration of 100 years of serving our community!

Kristi Hoskinson

As we’ve taken this past year to look back over the last 100 years, our Chamber has been at the epicenter of community involvement, leading to the development and strengthening of local businesses. If we go back to the 1920s, the Chamber was instrumental in leading the charge for forming a new county to be called Sarasota. Fast forward to 2021; the Chamber is working on issues that drive economic development and support community assets like the Selby Gardens master plan and the Bay Project- all-important to the vitality of our city. In addition, we continue to address workforce and talent issues through our workforce initiative of CareerEdge. Developing and grooming strong leaders through the Leadership Sarasota program and the Young Professionals Group is what our member companies continue to ask for. And this year, we rolled out a new program, Opportunities For All, funded by the Barancik Foundation, supporting small and minority-owned businesses with grants, resources, and internships. Your Chamber is at the forefront of collaborating with community leaders and stakeholders to continue to make Sarasota a great place to do business or start a business. The fruits of this labor will be the creation of jobs and resources for our community. One of our foundational strengths is being a convener – of information, resources, solutions, and opportunities.

Brittany Lamont

I’d like to personally invite you to be a part of our Centennial Celebration scheduled for Friday, October 22, from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the beautiful Sarasota Art Museum.

This swanky evening will include music, dancing, gourmet food stations, and an array of cocktails. The setting and backdrop will be the beautiful Sarasota Art Museum, where we have reserved the museum for a private event just for our guests that evening.

We look forward to celebrating with you and toasting to the Chamber and its next 100 years of convening the community. Our Chamber has been on the cutting edge of innovation- a constant adjusting of the sails to best serve our members and the community at large. It has been our honor to serve this community for the past 100 years.

Sara Rachon

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

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 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

Alicia Williams

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

HEATHER KASTEN CEO/PRESIDENT

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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

OPEN UNTIL 9PM ON SATURDAY

THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

C L AYS Presented by:

Friday, November 19 8:00AM - 1:00PM Sarasota Trap Skeet & Clay

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Wednesdays | 11:45AM - 1:00PM | Members - $24; Non-Members - $39 October 13 - Mellow Mushroom | November 10 - Glory Days December 8 - Bavaro’s

Thursdays | 5:00PM - 6:30PM OCT 28 - Sirius Day Spa | Members - Complimentary; Non-Members - $20 DEC 2 - Nailed It DIY Studio Sarasota | Members - $40; Non-Members - $50 Special Holiday Event: Make Your Own Wood Decor (Limited Seating)

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8:30AM - 10:00AM | Greater Sarasota Chamber Board Room Members - Complimentary; Non-Members - $20 OCT 27 - Going Green: Business Sustainability & Financial Savings Sara Kane, Sarasota County, Sustainability Program Supervisor and Jeff Vredenburg, City of Sarasota, Sustainability Coordinator NOV 2 - How Social Media Can Land you on Good Morning America Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, Owner

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LEADERSHIP

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Leadership Sarasota Educational Conference Friday, December 3 | 8:30AM - 12 NOON For registrations and sponsorships, please contact srachon@sarasotachamber.com GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

License# CAC1819590, CAC1813219, CPC1459449

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FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD I’m truly honored to accept the role of Chairman of the Board for the upcoming 2021/2022 Chamber year. I’ve had the good fortune of being involved with the Chamber in various capacities since moving to the area in the early 2000’s. Through this involvement, I’ve seen first-hand the vital role the Chamber plays in supporting the growth and economic development of this community and its businesses.

We have a number of important initiatives planned for the upcoming year. Our efforts will be focused on continuing to add value to Chamber members at multiple levels. Specifically, member engagement, business advocacy, and talent and workforce development. Some details on each area are as follows: Member Engagement: Membership is the lifeblood of the Chamber, and we know that active and engaged members are happy members. While we are always urging our members to attend Chamber events, consider participating in our programs such as Leadership Sarasota, or YPG (for those young professionals), we’ve also noticed higher levels of member engagement when we have active Council participation. Therefore, we will focus on growing our Councils as a way for our members to get involved and share their knowledge.

Business Advocacy: Your Chamber is the largest and oldest business organization in this county and has been advocating for businesses starting out as the Board of Trade in November of 1911, changing names to the Sarasota Chamber in 1920 and continuing on to where we are today in 2021, about to enter our 101st year. We are continually assessing the needs of this community and we will continue to be a champion for business in Sarasota County. There are several important topics on the legislative agenda’s locally this year, and we will make sure to be a voice for business interests on each.

Talent & Workforce Development: In this area, both the CareerEdge and Opportunities for All programs are working to bring talent and additional resources to businesses across the region. CareerEdge as the workforce development arm of the Chamber and Opportunities for All which will serve as a help desk / navigator for small and minority-owned businesses while also pairing interns with local companies in the region. We will look to continue growing both programs.

While we’re confident that the Chamber has more ways to add value to its member businesses than ever before, we always welcome member feedback as we work to keep Sarasota the best place in the country to live, work and play!

DENNIS MURPHY

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

communications

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2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair

Chair-Elect

Immediate Past Chair

Dennis Murphy

Emily Walsh

Dr. Larry Thompson

Gulfside Bank

Observer Media Group

Ringling College of Art and Design

Nathan Bailey SouthTech

Jennifer Grondahl Baltimore Orioles

Jeff Benninghoff WWSB-ABC 7

Andy Guz Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Kirk Boylston LWR Commercial Realty, LLC Matt Brockway Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, PA Paul Caragiulo Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant Stacey Crawford Capstan Financial Consulting Group, LLC Dr. Michael Crosby Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Dan DeLeo Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Mark Pritchett Gulf Coast Community Foundation Dr. Carol Probstfeld State College of Florida

Teri A. Hansen Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

Mike Quillen Gecko’s Hospitality Group Darrin Rohr HH Staffing Services

Joe C. Hembree Hembree & Associates, Inc. Dr. Karen Holbrook USF Sarasota-Manatee

Jennifer Rominiecki Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

John LaCivita Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Elizabeth Stamoulis Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Kelley Lavin Sarasota Magazine

John Stump The Bank of Tampa

Lorrie Liang Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Elizabeth Topp Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency Eric Troyer Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Kim Livengood The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

Ernest F. DuBose II DuCon, LLC Christopher Gallagher Hoyt Architects

Don Vichitvongsa PGT Innovations

Mike McCoy Bank of America

Cina D. Welch FCCI Insurance Group

Erin McLeod Senior Friendship Centers

Welcome New Board Members!

Taylor Aultman Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Mark Irwin Truist

Ross Johnston Marie Selby Botanical Gardens/ YPG Council Chair

Abigail Koester STAR Student

Michelle Mitchell Jason Toale Herald-Tribune Robert Toale and Media Group Sons Funeral Home

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Shumaker Chamber University, August 2021

Summer Showcase 2021

Good Morning, SRQ!

State of the Community Lunch Series July 2021

Sarasota Chamber is All About Our Members...

QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF MEMBERSHIP AND ABOVE Florida Power & Light Company Willis Smith Construction, Inc. United Way Suncoast Sarasota Area Office Aqua Plumbing & Air Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Al Purmort Insurance, Inc. Atlas Insurance Holiday Inn - Lido Beach All American Heating & Cooling, Inc. First Baptist Church Lakehouse West Shelley Carpets of Sarasota, Inc. Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County CS&L CPAs - Sarasota Tidewell Hospice First Step of Sarasota, Inc. Community Foundation of Sarasota County Jaensch Immigration Law Firm Courtyard by Marriott/Sarasota Bradenton Keiser University Gulf Coast Community Foundation Stringer Management, Inc.

YEARS

84 49 48 47 41 39 36 35 35 34 32 32 31 30 30 30 29 28 27 26 26 25 25

MEMBER NEWS SRQ Airport Breaks Calendar Year Passenger Record The number of passengers traveling through SRQ Airport in the first 8 months of 2021 totaled 2,034,538, breaking the all-time calendar year record of 2,010,304 set in 1990.

Goodwill helping low-income community members connect to the internet In order to help those who are struggling to afford internet service, the Goodwill Industries International network – including Goodwill Manasota – is helping community members to benefit from the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). This new benefit will help connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.

Ramos Center: One of the First to Offer Breakthrough Treatment for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain They are among the first in our area to offer an innovative approach to provide relief for patients suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP). The treatment known as Intracept® Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure which targets a nerve located in the bones of the spine (vertebrae).

JFCS of the Suncoast Offers Free Mental Health Counseling to Local Healthcare Staff JFCS will provide free mental health counseling to any staff of Sarasota County and Manatee County hospitals. The surge in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths has placed an enormous burden on hospital personnel.

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S U P P O RT O U R N E W M E M B E R S ! June - August 2021 ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION, ENGINEERING Inbar Architecture Maieli Fine Venetian Plaster Majestik Homes Taylor Engineering, Inc.

HEALTH & WELLNESS AcuMed Wellness & Acupuncture LLC Eating In Moderation Exclusive Shape LLC Fitlife Foods Hear Again America

CONSULTANTS BoaLytics LLC Destiny Adoption Services & Consulting, Inc. Mireya Eavey Company The Growth Coach

LEGAL SERVICES Zollinger Mediation

DANCE STUDIO Arthur Murray Dance Studio FINANCIAL SERVICES AK Investing, LLC Freeman Financial Peapack-Gladstone Bank

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION AlongSide U Animal Rescue Coalition Florida Swimming Pool Association Manasota Chapter Junior League of Sarasota Legacy Business Leaders Sarasota Prostate Initiative, Inc. Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program Inc.

REALTORS, HOUSING, HOME SERVICES Ackerman Plumbing, Inc Arctic Air Home Services Coldwell Banker - Keys to Ease to Concierge Realtors Keller Williams On The Water Bradenton | Sarasota Pamela Modisett LLC Sunshine Movers of Sarasota The Alloro at University Groves RESTAURANTS & CATERING Longhorn Steakhouse Sarasota Catering Company RETAIL Buff City Soap - UTC Sunshine Mobility

SALON & DAY SPAS Cutting Loose Salon LG Howard & Company Sirius Day Spa SENIOR CARE Chefs For Seniors - Sarasota LifeWorx TECHNOLOGY & WEB ICAS Stratosphere Networks ToolMap Uniti Fiber Visual Edge IT Web Presence LLC dba NetReputation.com TRANSPORTATION BIRD

July 19, 2021 | Connect 1st, Welcome New Members!

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ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC What is your favorite part of being a small business owner?

My favorite part of being a small business owner is having the freedom to be creative. You don’t have to wait to receive approval.

You can try something new and untraditional. Usually small businesses are more nimble and can get things done.

What lesson would you give future entrepreneurs?

There are no mistakes. Learn how to move on if something doesn’t work. Be passionate about what you do.

What is the last book you read?

I know I’m supposed to share some really great self help or educational type books. But in the spirit of honesty, I never read those kinds of books. You can usually find some trashy novel on my nightstand.

Photo credit to Barbara Banks Kim Livengood, APR, CPRC | The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

What brings you joy in life?

Lots of things bring me joy. I truly enjoy the work that I do. I strongly believe since you spend so much time working, you should do something that makes you want to get out of bed in the morning. I also find joy in being involved in things that I’m passionate about.

I serve on the board of the Florida Public Relations Association and the Greater Sarasota Chamber. Two things I’m committed to: my profession and my city. I’m a runner currently training for my very first marathon (NY). While long runs in the summer don’t bring me joy at the time, it sure feels good when I’m done. And of course, I love spending time with my awesome family and friends!

Tell us your favorite drink?

I’m an equal opportunity drinker. I like them all! Sometimes I’ll order a drink for the color so I can get a cool instagram photo.

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CORPORATE CORNER, Don Vichitvongsa, PGT Innovations Biggest leadership lesson learned:

“We (I am) are not alone in this painful, chaotic, and unpredictable time. Our intentional relationship matters the most and offering kindness in the most difficult time is best served.”

Tell us one exciting thing happening in your company right now?

We have exciting things happening in all three areas of our founding philosophy!

1.) Serving - our team organized a Hurricane Ida Relief Supplies distribution event at our NewSouth Window factory showroom 2.) Leading we partnered with Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, to support the Highway Heroes program, which trains CDL drivers on how to spot and report human trafficking. Today, almost 100% of our CDL drivers are certified Highway Heroes! 3.) Thriving - PGT Innovations signed an agreement to purchase Anlin Windows & Doors, a window and door manufacturer based in Clovis, CA, which supports our western growth strategy.

How do you keep your employees motivated?

PGT innovations... 1.) Empower members to be the driving force behind the company’s performance and success. We regularly communicate our company’s mission, and we help our team members understand the steps needed for us all to win and how their actions impact the outcome. 2.) We invest in our team members. We train all members depending on where they are in their employment journey. Members also have access to tuition reimbursement. 3.) Encourage involvement and advancement. We identify High Potential (HiPo) team members and encourage stretch assignments to strengthen their skills and unlock potential. Our Leading Ladies program provides an opportunity for women to learn, encourage, and celebrate accomplishments and become allies to help advance their growth in their careers. 4.) Support their personal lives. We offer scholarship funds for our team’s dependents who are advancing their education, and we also provide paid Volunteer Time Off for team members. We also provide funds to assist team members facing financial difficulties and offer financial coaching and courses.

What is your favorite activity/ what do you do to decompress?

Any outside activity whether spending time with family exploring our beautiful city/state or simply enjoying each other’s time in the backyard or golfing, fishing, or biking.

What book are you currently reading?

Spiritual Leadership Coaching- Connecting People to God’s Heart and Purposes by Richard Blackaby & Bob Roayall.

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Wellness Studio 1188 N Tamiami Trl #108 Sarasota,

Ribbon Cuttings...

Let’s Celebrate!

Eating In Moderation July 2 eatinginmoderation.com

BYO Sports Complex July 30 byosports.org

Create realistic goals, come up with a plan, and get set up for life-long change

Instills moral values through sports, training, workshops, and services of young adults with BYO!

Massage Heights The Landings | July 21 massageheights.com/the-landings Incorporate massage therapy & facial treatments into your daily routine

Stage Door Studios, Inc. August 9 stagedoorstudios.com

Buff City Soap - UTC Sarasota, FL | July 29 buffcitysoap.com

LifeWorx | August 11 lifeworx.com

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Built for the Future On September 17, 400+ business and community leaders learned a state-wide perspective on building the economy’s future from guest speaker Mark Wilson, Florida Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO. During the event, Dr. Larry Thompson welcomed our 2021-2022 Chair of the Board, Dennis Murphy of Gulfside Bank, and recognized Teri Hansen of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation for the Annual Chair’s Cup Award.

According to Dr. Thompson, Teri is community leader who has served on the Chamber board a number of years and brought new concepts and ideas forward. He elaborated that her work, passion, and dedication are evident throughout the greater Sarasota community, especially on her recent work on funding Chamber programs. *The Annual Chair’s Cup Award is a prestigious recognition given by the Chair of the Board to recognize an individual who has dedicated an invaluable amount of their time and talent to support and advance the work of the Sarasota Chamber.*

“Florida is changing. Our economics, our demographics, and our politics are all changing and these changes are both opportunities and challenges.”

-Mark Wilson, President & CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!

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If Sarasota were a Bumper Sticker...

by Heather Kasten

Suncoast’s FIRST AND ONLY COMMERCIAL DRIVING LICENSE Training School OPENS OCTOBER 4 on campus at the State College of Florida.

Go to DriveFleetForce.com call 863-294-1112 reserve your seat now

We all love bumper stickers. Bumper stickers are one-liners and quick hitters that tell you a lot about the person behind the wheel of the car - things like political views, religious beliefs, whether they own a pet or have kids, what kind of music they like, or maybe where they last vacationed. I always chuckle when I see those cars where the rear end of their vehicle is plastered with their entire belief system.

So, with all the accolades that our beautiful little city has been receiving lately, it got me thinking of what our communities’ bumper sticker might be. In July, the Sarasota metro area ranked ninth of the best places to live from the annual list from US News & World Report. Let that sink in for just a moment. Of over 19,000 incorporated cities in the United States, our Sarasota ranked 9th. Let’s run the numbers from a percentage point. Of all the locations that one could live in the US, Sarasota is in the top 1% of places where people want to live.

In August, Time Magazine released their list of The World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2021. Think of the competition from across the globe of areas to live, places like Rome, Tokyo, Paris; we could go on and on. People from around the world spend their precious vacation time and money to come to our town; of all the unique destinations the folks have to choose from- they choose Sarasota.

Fleet Oct 2021 AD.indd 1

9/11/2021 8:21:14 PM

It’s no surprise that close to 1,000 people a day are moving to the state of Florida, and if Florida were a country, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world. Most people I encounter in the community are transplants from another part of the country or world. Yet it always surprises me that many of these same people want to close the doors to Florida, as if to proclaim pompously, I’m here (in Sarasota) so now let’s close the doors to everyone else wanting to come here.

At the Chamber, we have weekly discussions with companies around the US that want to relocate their company to Florida and out of the high taxed states of New York, Illinois, and California. We are working with them and our community partners to assist them in the transition.

WORLD’s GREATEST PLACES 2021 Source: Time Magazine

BEST PLACES TO LIVE #9 IN THE US #2 IN FL Source: US News & World Report 14

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From the Chamber’s perspective, here are a few of the many reasons that people want to be here:

A great place to LIVE Think of the incredible outdoor opportunities we have, from the beaches to our parks and trails.

Our idyllic Main Street is lined with a diverse array of world-class restaurants and shops. We have A-rated schools and higher educational institutions. Our city is known for its world-class offering of arts and cultural experiences. The weather is absolutely glorious 9-10 months of the year.

The community projects happening all around our town, like The Bay, Selby Gardens’ Master Plan, and the new Legacy Trail are treasured gems, any one of which would be a huge asset to any community.

A great place to WORK Our city has a strong, diversified, and robust business community.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber works closely with our 1,200 member businesses to connect, promote and support their work. Our Chamber provides the support and resources to help our local businesses to expand and grow. We also help new businesses relocate and navigate transitioning to the Sarasota region with local contacts and intel.

Opportunities to GIVE BACK With thousands of non-profits in our county, there are so many ways for one to donate their time, talent, and treasure to give back. Whether it’s the arts and culture community, health and human services, animal services, educational or student opportunities, there is a place for everyone’s personal passion to serve.

So here you go. If Sarasota were a bumper sticker, I think it would be...

KEEP CALM WE LIVE AND WORK IN SARASOTA GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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Live for Life

CAREEREDGE OFFERS SOLUTIONS THAT HELP LOCAL HEALTHCARE EMPLOYERS FIND AND GROW TALENT Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) offer a great career for those looking to enter the healthcare field with job growth projected at 8% through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Moreover, CNA roles offer career laddering opportunities that can lead to Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Registered Nurse (RN) roles.

In response to our local employers sharing their desperation to find and fill CNA positions, CareerEdge partnered with State College of Florida, ManateeSarasota (SCF) to offer a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. The creation of this training program, called Bridges to Careers, represents one way CareerEdge works with employers to locate and find future talent.

A second way CareerEdge supports our local healthcare employers is through its grants to upskill workers which helps keep talent in our local region. Every year, CareerEdge solicits training plans from healthcare employers in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Over the past several years, CareerEdge has awarded Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) funding to train entry-level SMH employees to become CNAs.

“Throughout all of this I have been working to first finish my Associates Degree and now I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree of Nursing so that I may eventually achieve my goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I do not believe my dreams would turn into a reality without your generous donation to help me achieve my Certified Nursing Assistant License. Thank you dearly for opening doors to better not only myself, but also my career.”

– A. Sapanero, MST Sarasota Memorial Hospital 2019 CNA Graduate CareerEdge Employer Grant Funding

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THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR FUNDERS! T ES T I M O N I A L O F A C N A G R A D UA TE (Watch Here)

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

STAY INFORMED!

21 Future Leaders and 17 Employers Celebrated Opportunities For All Inaugural 2021 Summer Internship!

Opportunities For All (OFA) 2021 Inaugural Summer Internship program successfully connected 21 out of 37 interns who applied. These applicants came from diverse colleges including Yale, Princeton, UF, USF, etc. Many worked for Chamber members and local businesses ranging from healthcare facilities to law firms.

Of these 27 local businesses that applied, 17 local employers gave a lifetime opportunity to our community’s bright, talented, and rising future leaders through the OFA’s eight-week summer internship program.

In addition, this internship opportunity provided access to cross-cultural, career-oriented experiences for those seeking to broaden their exposure to the professional work world. Moreover, 90% of the interns were minorities.

We are pleased to announce that two firms have offered positions to their interns for continued employment.

“The internship program has been an incredible opportunity for both the Firm and Nahyara.

We were able to recruit a fantastic candidate we might not have met otherwise...”

- Heather Zangara, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

The Opportunities For All Summer Internship Program is proudly funded by the GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

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be in good company.

Welcome 2021-2022 YPG Council

UPCOMING AFTER HOURS Thursday, October 7 Tamiami Tap | 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 4 Florida Studio Theatre | 5:30 p.m.

Chair Ross Johnston Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Incoming Chair Kristina Vorndran Allegiant Private Advisors now Mariner Wealth Advisors

Thursday, December 2 Art Ovation | 5:30 p.m.

Past Chair Stacey Crawford Capstan Financial Consulting Group, LLC

Member at Large Kirsten Calandra BeQuest Funds

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Membership Chair Zack Holzworth Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Member at Large Phoebe McDermott Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County & Nutrition by Phoebe

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES

Only the best of the best were chosen.

Congratulations Leadership Class of 2022!

This year the program had a record number of applicants. Each applicant goes through a rigorous interview process with members of the Leadership Council, who are also Leadership Sarasota graduates.

“We are so thrilled with how this prestigious program is growing. This is an amazing experience for the participants to expand and improve not only their leadership skills, but their understanding of Sarasota and the community as a whole.” - Heather Kasten, President/CEO of the Sarasota Chamber

and graduate of Leadership Sarasota Class of 2014.

Rachel Bradley All Faiths Food Bank

Chelsea Garner-Ferris Ringling College of Art and Design

Kelli Maldonado Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Roscelyn Guenther Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota &DeSoto Counties

Taylor Marini Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Suncoast Region

Maria Buitrago Children First

Connor Hancock, Community Lending Powered by Hamilton Home Loans

Bradley Marner Ameris Bank

William Skaggs The Players Centre for Performing Arts

Cody Carson Tandem Construction

Melinda Haney Aviva- Senior Living

Kathleen Martin Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

April Smith Fifth Third Bank

Tami Caruso Tidewell Hospice

Jamie Kahns Bank of America

Laura McCann Animal Rescue Coalition

Mark Smith The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Colton Castro Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Jamie Kattrein Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County

Max Brandow REALTOR Association of Sarasota and Manatee John Briggs SouthTech

Helena Cauchon Demetri Konstantopoulos Willis Smith Construction, Inc. City of Sarasota Stevan Collins Professional Benefits, Inc.

Rafael Labrin Observer Media Group

Laura Conaboy Sanofi Pasteur

Amber Lamerson Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Larry Cuervo Truist Ginger Diegert-McLean AlongSide U Joseph Dunn WWSB- ABC 7

Rhonda Leiberick Habitat for Humanity Sarasota Will Luera Florida Studio Theatre

Samantha Phillips, Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Justin Senior Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Craig McGonigal The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Michelle Mitchell Herald-Tribune Media Group Jared Motzenbecker Gulfside Wealth

Lauren Tominelli Sarasota County Government Brie Tulp Ian Black Real Estate

Brittany Nielsen State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Lashelle Williams Teen Court of Sarasota

Lucia Panica City of Sarasota

Thomas Williams Education Foundation of Sarasota County- PLANit Sarasota

George Parpas Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

Greg Wood Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program Inc.

Daniel Paulling U.S. Masters Swimming

GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE

Jennifer Storch Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

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July 2021

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BRIDGE 19

Don’t miss the event of a lifetime.

Celebrate the Sarasota Chamber’s 100-year anniversary!

Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, and entertainment with your community.

FRIDAY | OCTOBER 22, 2021

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Sarasota Art Museum

TICKETS: Chamber Members - $195 Future Members/Late Registrations - $250 SPONSORSHIPS: Silver (4 tickets) - $1,650; Gold (8 tickets) - $2,500

*All tickets include open bar and food stations*

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SarasotaChamber.com