The Bridge Magazine - October 2022

FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

At Our Best

When people or an organization set out on a new venture, one of the common sentiments seems to be around the idea of “doing your best.” But what does that really mean- doing your best? It can mean that you tried your hardest and gave it your all towards something, but I think doing your best is about so much more.

This year our team at the Sarasota Chamber embarked on a process, to take our game and our Chamber to the next level of serving our members and the Sarasota community. Our board and staff made the decision that we would apply for accreditation with the United States Chamber of Commerce. You might be asking yourself, how is applying for this accreditation about us being at our best? The rigorous and intense submittal involved everyone on our team contributing 100% effort. We were asked to share our processes and defend the work of our Chamber- to give you a hint of the level of detail, the submittal included over 100 attachments that outlined pretty much every aspect of our business, from how we serve our members, our community, our financials, and our role in advocacy.

In June, we were notified that we did indeed receive the accreditation from the U.S. Chamber, as a third party verification, reaffirming that the work we are doing is amongst the best Chambers in the nation. Of the over 7,000 Chambers in the U.S., we are now one of less than 200 chambers who have been accredited, that puts us in the top 2%. Our team, our board and staff are working to be our best, so that we can help our 1,200+ businesses to be their best.

Kasten President/CEO

“In June, we were notified that we did indeed receive the accreditation from the U.S. Chamber, reaffirming that the work we are doing is amongst the best Chambers in the nation.”

Heather Kasten

Heather

FROM THE NEW CHAIR OF THE BOARD

A Mark of Excellence

As a business owner, one of your goals is to put together a winning team. Attracting top talent is becoming increasingly challenging in the current market. A leading recruitment strategist recently shared that young people entering the workforce value culture far more than wages. They want to be a part of winning team and feel like they are making a difference. They want the best.

CHAMBER

FROMSTAFFTHE

To be the best is to be of the highest quality, excellence or standing.

CHAIRMAN

OF

As one of more than 1,200 members of the Sarasota Chamber, you are part of the best.

Your Chamber has been awarded a 4-star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community. This makes the Sarasota Chamber one of 198 accredited chambers in the nation and only one of 11 in the state of Florida. This truly is a mark of excellence.

“Which is why I couldn’t be more proud to serve as the Chairman of the Board for the upcoming year. Your business is our business. And we will continue to strive for excellence creating opportunities to help your business grow, advocating probusiness policies and ultimately cultivating Sarasota’s prosperity for the future.”

Which is why I couldn’t be more proud to serve as the Chairman of the Board for the upcoming year. Your business is our business. And we will continue to strive for excellence creating opportunities to help your business grow, advocating pro-business policies and ultimately cultivating Sarasota’s prosperity for the future.

This tremendous achievement could not have been possible without the leadership of President/CEO Heather Kasten and the entire Chamber staff who worked tirelessly for months on the application process. And to Past Chairman Dennis Murphy, thank you for pushing us to pursue excellence and leaving us with a 4-star legacy.

Thank you, our members, for being a part of our winning team at the Sarasota Chamber. You are what makes us our best.

Emily Walsh Chair of the Board

THANK YOU CHAMBER CHAMPIONS

Emily Walsh

Welcome New Chamber Staff Members

Dan Sidler

Vice President of CareerEdge and Economic Development

Dan comes to the Chamber after serving with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance for eight years. Prior to his time at the LWBRA, Dan spent three years at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, where he first joined as a marketing intern during his final year of college. Dan holds a B.S. degree in Marketing from the University of South Florida.

Sonya Islam

Communications Coordinator

Sonya was formerly the social media manager at Rebbe Rehab, bringing five years of communications experience to the Chamber. While interning during college, Sonya saw the power of communication on businesses. Sonya graduated from Florida International University with her B.B.A. in International Business.

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

Catherine Roper, Vice President croper@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4040

Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development dsidler@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4045

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

Alyssa Barnsley, Communications Manager abarnsley@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4031

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

Sonya Islam, Communications Coordinator sislam@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4046

Melanie Lavender, CareerEdge Program Coordinator mlavender@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4039

Craig McGonigal, Director of Membership Engagement cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4034

Kelly Monti, Events Manager kmonti@sarasotachamber.com (941) 556-4035

Kaveecia Moore, Opportunities For All 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

1945 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 955-8187 sarasotachamber.com

Welcome New Members!

June 2022 - August 2022

Absolutely Haven Private Duty

All My Sons Moving & Storage

American Momentum Bank

An Organized Move

Atomica Arts LLC Bank OZK BankUnited

Black and Tan Mobile Cigar Bar

Blinn Dental

Bookstore1Sarasota

Brookdale Palmer Ranch Brookdale Phillippi Creek

CEOHR Inc.

Comcast Business CommonSense Property Management Compound Catering Concentra

Dacobi Builders, LLC

Dannheisser Injury Law

Diversified Material Specialist (DMSI)

Donors of Distinction

DoodyCalls on the Suncoast

Drummerboy Entertainment LLC

Edilia Correa

Elite IV Hydration Mobile LLC

Florida Clean Energy Florida Senior Consulting

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - South Sarasota

Grand Canyon University Hanlon Law

Happy Soul, LLC

Helping Hands

HenX USA LLC

Koinon Integrity Bookkeeping

Manasota Accident and Injury Center

Maranatha Consulting McDonald's

Minorities in Shark Sciences

Mission Made Possible, LLC More Too Life Mountain View Media Mr. Credit Repair Inc. My Reality Speaks, LLC NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties Navrae Norcom Mortgage Passage Global Capital Management Polish Heritage Society Sarasota PostNet FL135 Prestige Planning, LLC

Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness Inc. Quick Mobile Repair Radiology Regional Rapid Mortgage Company Rema Health Services Inc. Republican Party of Sarasota River Street Sweet Savannah's Candy Kitchen Rob Fenstermaker Life Coaching SARA - Sarasota Addiction Recovery Assistance SkyRun Sarasota LLC Southwest Waste Services Step Up Suncoast, Inc. Sunwest Bank Team Adventure

The Drip Bar

The Freeland Eddie Law Group P.A. The Livingston Key Group at Morgan Stanley The Premier Garage Experience

Third Federal Savings & Loan Units of Sarasota Vista System LLC Yellowfin Yachts Yes, I Can! 4:10

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties received the first ever Youth Megaphone Award.

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) was awarded the 2022 Commercial Service Airport of the Year Award by the Florida Department of Transportation.

Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s has been selected as a recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation community grant of $17,700.

Eight local Center For Sight surgeons will perform free vision-restoring procedures for individuals who cannot afford to pay for cataract surgery.

JFCS of the Suncoast, Inc. food trucks, and the community came together to raise funds for the family of food truck crash victims.

Ambassador of the Quarter

Michelle Olivo

Michelle Olivo has used her outgoing energy and several years of sales/marketing experience to create a diversified career in various service industries. Currently as the Vice President of Business Development for Current Technologies, Michelle prides herself on building relationships, collaborating with people, and providing client satisfaction. Because of her entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, Michelle believes being involved in community is imperative for both professional and personal growth.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has played an integral role in all facets of Michelle’s success. Committed to being more involved and connected, Michelle proudly serves as a Sarasota Chamber Ambassador. Sharing the Chamber’s message, attending various events, helping new members understand the benefits available, and meeting and introducing members as business resources are examples of how she helps support the Chamber. This opportunity has allowed her to meet so many wonderful professionals, who have also become friends; as well as work closely with the amazing chamber staff. The Sarasota Chamber is very invested in our community and its members, which is essential for our thriving region.

Corporate Corner

What is your biggest leadership lesson learned?

Surround yourself with smart people. I’m fortunate to have extremely bright and gifted people on my leadership team and throughout our health system. They help guide our strategy and are invaluable resources for me when making decisions.

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

As with almost everyone in Lakewood Ranch, we are planning for growth. Nearly every decision we make involves planning for the future healthcare needs of our thriving community. What makes it exciting is the ability to design the most advanced services that will be valuable to the community for years to come.

How do you keep your employees motivated?

Listening to feedback and making changes as needed. I like to tell people in the hospital that I’m not qualified to do anyone else’s job. I’m not a doctor, nurse, therapist, cook, housekeeper, etc. Each role in a hospital is highly specialized. It’s important for me to listen to them to understand what resources they need to do their jobs well, so that we can deliver high-quality care to patients.

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

I try to stay active and exercise, whether that’s at the golf course or gym. If I’m just looking to relax, my family really enjoys the beach.

What book are you currently reading?

Meditations

Learn how your organization could be featured in our Corporate Corner! Contact Zach Henkel, zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com

by Marcus Aurelius

“As with almost everyone in Lakewood Ranch, we are planning for growth.”

with Andy Guz, Chief Executive Officer

Corporate Corner

with Telese L. Zuberer, Shareholder & President

QTell us one exciting thing happening in your company right now.

We are growing! We have more highly qualified attorneys interested in joining us than ever before, and they come with amazing resumes and drive. Our summer intern program has been a huge success and is pulling in the top of the class candidates out of law school, who are also being welcomed by the younger group of attorneys already with our firm as mentors and friends. It is an uncanny camaraderie to watch, and easy to envision that this group of young professionals will be the next level of leadership in the decade to follow.

QWhat is your biggest leadership lesson learned?

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

Hiking. In the mountains. Pushing my lungs and legs until they burn while taking in the beauty and serenity of something far larger than myself. I do not get to go often, but it fulfills and resets me like nothing else can.

The best lesson I learned about leadership was one that I witnessed at my first legal job nearly 25 years ago - people will do best in a position when they love what they are doing. They may not love every moment of every day, but overall, if the job is fulfilling to the person’s skill set and method of working, they will shine. My role as a leader of a business is to recognize this so that I can match up the right person with the role. I don’t mean qualifications on paper - I mean whether someone needs mentoring or they like to work on their own; whether someone feels fulfilled and validated by their boss; personalities, styles, preferences for communicating. These are the things that will make someone want to give their best each day or be checking the classifieds for a new job on their lunch break.

QWhat book are you currently reading?

Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt by Arthur T. Vanderbilt, II. It is a fascinating story of a man that made a vast empire of wealth out of $100 loan from his mother based on the grit and perseverance to succeed, and how the family inheritance dissipated by a sense of entitlement and disregard for the labor required to maintain it. There are so many business lessons imbedded in what otherwise reads like a literary soap opera. The continued theme through the book was that it took more discipline to maintain the wealth and success than to make it. Lots of lessons imbedded in a very interesting story.

QHow do you keep your employees motivated?

Sharing my vision for the firm’s future. I try to do this often in shareholder and board meetings and strive to be very visible and accessible to staff around the office. We are in a time of transition, and that can either be perceived as frightful and unnerving, or exciting and visionary. I am going for the latter, which is best done by involving the group to embrace what changes and new opportunities the coming years may bring.

Meet the New Board of Directors

Teri Hansen

Chair - Elect Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

Taylor Aultman Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Nathan Bailey SouthTech

Jeff Benninghoff

WWSB-ABC 7

Ian Black

Ian Black Real Estate

Matt Brockway

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, PA

Paul Caragiulo

Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant

Laura Cole LWR Communities

Dr. Michael Crosby Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Dan DeLeo

Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Ernest F. DuBose II DuCon, LLC

Christopher Gallagher Hoyt Architects

Jennifer Grondahl Baltimore Orioles

Emily Walsh Chair

Observer Media Group

Andy Guz

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Joe C. Hembree Hembree & Associates, Inc.

Dr. Karen Holbrook USF Sarasota-Manatee

John LaCivita Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Kelley Lavin

Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Lorrie Liang Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Kim Livengood

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

Will McComb Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC

Mike McCoy Valley National Bank

Erin McLeod

Senior Friendship Centers

Chris Pfahler

Tidewell Foundation, Inc.

Mark Pritchett Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Lexie Guanchez Boyd Insurance & Investment Services, Inc.

Dennis Murphy

Immediate Past Chair Gulfside Bank

Dr. Carol Probstfeld

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Mike Quillen

Gecko’s Hospitality Group

Darrin Rohr

HH Staffing Services

Jennifer Rominiecki

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Elizabeth Stamoulis Williams Parker Attorneys at Law

John Stump

The Bank of Tampa

Dr. Larry Thompson Ringling College of Art and Design

Daria Tiubiu STAR Student

Jason Toale

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home

Eric Troyer

Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Don Vichitvongsa PGT Innovations

Kristina Vorndran Mariner Wealth Advisors

Stephenie Whitfield Bank of America

Presented by:

When: Friday, October 21, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Leading Through Laughter with

Dr. Kerry Szymanski

What made the chicken cross the road? A great leader! Effective leaders motivate their team to achieve excellence. However, employees are experiencing stress and burnout. Employee retention is a challenge. What can leaders do to motivate themselves and their employees? The ability to use humor in the workplace is an important leadership tool. Stand-up comedians and leaders share skills that are needed both in the workplace as well as on stage. Understanding the importance of having a vision, being able to communicate to various audiences and bouncing back from difficult situations are important skills for both stand-up comedians and effective leaders. Dr. Kerry will provide tips to increase leadership skills, workplace laughter and leave the audience laughing with a few jokes.

Since 2014, “Dr. Kerry” has been sharing her love of stand-up comedy with audiences across the country. During the day, Dr. Kerry Szymanski is the Director of the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre (WBC). She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in consulting, entrepreneurship, higher education, and corporate marketing. Dr. Szymanski has more than 17 years of experience teaching undergraduate and MBA courses in marketing, strategy, branding, leadership and entrepreneurship at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and American Business & Technology University. She holds her DBA from Argosy University, MBA from the University of Oregon, and BA in International Relations from Syracuse University. Dr. Szymanski is the author of, Seduce Your Customers, a professional speaker and stand-up comedian.

Thank you sponsors

Sponsorships are available for this event, please contact Catherine Roper, croper@sarasotachamber.com.

We’re Accredited!

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce with its designation of Accredited with 4 Stars for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

“When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of being Accredited, it truly is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This designation recognizes the positive impact these organizations have had within their communities, and it honors their commitment to continuing to serve local businesses. From connecting small business owners with needed resources, to advocating on behalf of their region with lawmakers, these chambers convene thought leaders to strengthen the collective voices of their members.”

The purpose of the U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

October November December

January

Upcoming Events

Power Hour Lunch at Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers

Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Members: $24, Non-members: $39

Good Morning, Sarasota! at Ear Research Foundation

Thursday, October 27, 2022 | 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Members: Complimentary, Non-members: $20

Trustee Reception at Sarasota Opera exclusive to Trustee level members and above Thursday, October 27, 2022 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Power Hour Lunch at Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria Wednesday, November 9, 2022 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Members: $24, Non-members: $39

Shumaker Chamber University with Wealth Strategies Partners- Creating a Financial Benefits Strategy to Win over Empolyees- at the Sarasota Chamber

Presenting Sponsor: Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, Media Sponsor: Herald-Tribune Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Members: Complimentary, Non-members: $20

Chamber Connect at TBD Thursday, November 17, 2022 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Members: Complimentary, Non-members: $20

Trustee Focus Group Lunch at Cafe L’Europe exclusive to Trustee level members and above Friday, November 18, 2022 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Good Morning, Sarasota! at MISSION BBQ Thursday, December 1, 2022 | 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Members: Complimentary, Non-members: $20

Power Hour Lunch at Glory Days Grill Wednesday, December 14, 2022 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Members: $24, Non-members: $39

Trustee Reception at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens exclusive to Trustee level members and above Thursday, December 15, 2022 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Chamber Connect at Discover Sarasota Tours Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Members: Complimentary, Non-members: $20

Upcoming Annual Events

Sporting Clays Tournament, Friday, December 9, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clay's, Sponsorships Available

Sarasota Golf Classic, presented by Waste Pro of Florida, Monday, January 30, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Palm Aire Country Club

Annual Chamber Breakfast, presented by Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, Friday, March 10, 7:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m., Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Grand Expo, presented by Sam’s Club, Thursday, April 6, 4:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m., Robarts Arena

Register for any upcoming events at sarasotachamber.com

We have an advertising option for everyone!

Your Chamber has a host of opportunities for you to advertise and promote your business! By advertising with us, you can build awareness of what you’re doing for the Sarasota business community to our 1,200 members. It’s a great way to educate your future and current customers on what you’re all about.

Digital: Buzz e-newsletter packages, Events Bulletin packages, Sponsored eblasts distributed to 3,500+ business professionals

Web: Directory advertising, homepage advertising, events calendar advertising seen by 65,000+ users per year

Print: Bridge Magazine advertising including full page, half page, and quarter page ads, and insert advertising options, distributed to 10,000+ individuals through print and online views

Reach out to Zach Henkel, zhenkel@sarasotachamber.com

Brian Hall

Chris Perkins

Renee Brady

CareerEdge Awards Upskilling Workers Grants

Connect with us!

careeredgefunders.org

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative is proud to announce it has awarded more than $325,000 to 13 local employers to support the training and advancement of their workforces. With a total employer investment of more than $1.2M, this year’s round of Upskilling Workers Grants will help train over 500 employees, and provide the opportunity for over 200 promotions across the 13 companies.

These investments are forecasted to produce an increase of nearly $1M in total earnings and benefits for the employees going through CareerEdge funded training.

Incumbent worker training increases skill sets, leading to higher wages and improved employee retention. In return, the community benefits from an increased number of job opportunities as well as improved standard of living associated with increased wages.

“This funding allows us to provide training to both hourly employees and our front-line leaders allowing them to develop and grow with the company, said Kathy Alder, Director of Human Resources at ChrisCraft. “We look forward to our continued partnership with Career Edge and the ability to develop our workforce.”

Upskilling Workers Grant Funding is a signature initiative of CareerEdge. Once a year, CareerEdge accepts grant applications from manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and skilled trades sector employers who can make a compelling case that CareerEdge’s “Employer Partnership Model” will help them accelerate promotions for incumbent workers, while speeding job creation, and improving their bottom line. This model helps employers close skills gaps and speed the advancement of incumbent and new workers.

This Year’s Employer Grant Recipients: Adams Group, Air Products and Chemicals, Al Purmort Insurance / Shepherd Insurance, American Torch Tip, Badger Bob’s Services, Bartelt Packaging, Bright Future Electric, Chris-Craft, George Quarterman - State Farm Insurance, Home Helpers of Bradenton, MKM Sarasota, PGT Innovations, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Total Grant Investment: $335,269 Total Employer Investment in Training: $1,273,646.89

Number

Welcome Adult Leadership Sarasota Class of 2023

Richeal Bair, Observer Media Group

Travis Barrows, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties

Heidi Bennington, Fifth Third Bank

Jeff Bergamo, HBK CPAs & Consultants

Kelly Borgia, Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Lamar Brantley, RITE Technology

Mary Butler, Mary Butler, LLC

Michael Calamaras, Northwestern Mutual

Kay Carrington, Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Sinead Carr, Express Employment Professionals

Desiree Casanova, Sarasota County Government

Amy Concilio, Williams

Parker Attorneys at Law

Catherine Daniel, Morgan Stanley

Jennifer Danis, SouthTech

Matt DeMasi, Atlas Insurance

Andrew Douberly, Dickinson & Gibbons, P.A.

Kelly Erdmann, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Vaughn Garcia, S- One Holdings

Will Geisdorf, Mariner Wealth Advisors

Sara Grivetti, Neuro Challenge Foundation

Lexie Guanchez, Boyd Insurance & Investment Services, Inc.

Bianca Harris, Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.

Caitlyn Hausinger, Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Jordan Hoover, Gilbane Building Company

James Hugglestone, Fawley Bryant Architecture

Jessica Johnston, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)

Matthew Kern, Hancock Whitney

DeAnna King, King HR Services Inc

Nick Kominos, Capstone Contractors, LLC

Lisa Krouse, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

Lori Leutwyler, Kerkering, Barberio & Co.

Alicia Lewis, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP

Natalie Macaire King, Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.

Katie Matthewson, Grapevine Communications

Alfonso Montemayor II, Herald-Tribune Media Group

David Newton, Gulfside Bank

Shantel Norman, Visit Sarasota County

Shawn Patten, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Diego Perilla, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

Laura Purcell, Junior League of Sarasota

Bibiana Rodriguez, Centerstone Maria Schaedler - Luera, Atomica Arts LLC

Toyan Scott, Truist

Alyssa Simons, Children First

Kendra Simpkins, Operation Warrior Resolution

Kristen Theisen, The Florida Center for Early Childhood

Callie Weber, Tidewell Hospice

Alexander Wemyss, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System

Megan Wenger, Tidewell Foundation, Inc.

Tra Williams, Fleet Force Truck Driving School

Michelle Young, Michael Saunders & Company

What has OFA been up to?

Only in its second year since being established as a program of the Sarasota Chamber, Opportunities For All (OFA) has been very busy! Just recently, OFA graduated 21 interns from 18 local Chamber member employers. These 18 local employers gave a lifetime opportunity to our community’s rising future leaders through OFA’s ten-week program. This program provided a win-win opportunity for local employers to have a diverse intern for the summer. Also providing our bright, talented, leaders with an opportunity to broaden their exposure to the professional work world. This experience not only benefited employers, but it also contributed to the overall growth of our community and economy.

Moreover, 85% of the interns were minorities. So far, four local employers have offered positions to their interns for continued employment.

In September, OFA also opened applications for the second round of the Business Assistance Funds Program. The Business Assistance Funds Program is designed to assist minority small business owners and non-profit organizations with resources that will help our local businesses grow and thrive. OFA received over 150 applications from organizations that benefit local residents. Just last year, 38 minority businesses were awarded $100,000 in grant funding. Stay tuned for the companies who will be awarded grant funding.

Thank you to everyone who attended our SOLD OUT 2022 YP Summit, presented by Kerkering, Barberio & Co. It was so inspiring to see over 200 young professionals “Aligning with their Purpose” in one room. We hope everyone learned new ways to grow both personally and professionally. A big congratulations to our 2022 YP of the Year Zack Holzworth, Willis Smith Construction, Inc.

Upcoming YPG Events

Young Networking Lunch at Screaming Goat Taqueria

Friday, October 14 | 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

YPG Members: $25

After Hours at Tamiami Tap

Thursday, November 3 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

YPG Members: Complimentary

After Hours at Cask & Ale

Thursday, December 1 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

YPG Members: Complimentary

Sign up for the Sarasota Young Professionals Group (YPG) and enjoy access to monthly After Hours events, pop-up events, and specialty member pricing on professional development events.

We’re building a place for

In 2018, the city of Sarasota embraced a transformative vision for Bay Park with a new performing arts center at the heart of it. The Van Wezel Foundation is leading the creation and operation of the new center. We asked, and over 18,000 respondents told us your aspirations for a new performing arts center. We heard you.

The new Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be an iconic symbol for the pride of Sarasota—with every inch committed to accessibility for everyone—and will include:

2,200-seat main stage including center aisle(s)

300-seat flexible performance space

Education and lifelong learning spaces

Multiple outdoor public performance spaces

Technology that will allow performances to be simulcast into the park The center will also…

Create 5,000+ jobs over five to seven years

Generate new career opportunities for the arts & culture industry

Drive commerce year-round to local businesses

Anchor Sarasota as a national destination for cultural tourism

JOIN US AT MySarasotaPerformingArtsCenter.org