Chamber’s Advocacy for U.S. – Cuba connections in the Sunday New York Times
Next week, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce will conduct its third mission to Cuba, but first, the efforts of the Chamber and Tampa business and elected leaders to reconnect Tampa and Cuba were profiled in the Sunday, May 3 edition of the New York Times.
The Times traced back the shared history of Cuba and Tampa to the growth of Ybor City’s cigar factories, and Cuban patriots who came to Tampa in support of Cuban independence from Spain, decades before Miami had a large Cuban community.
The Chamber’s advocacy for the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Cuba preceded President Obama’s announcement that his administration would pursue full diplomatic relations between the countries.
In speaking of the Chamber being out on front of the issue and building connections to Cuba, Chamber President & CEO Bob Rohrlack told the Times, “We were smart to see around the bend. I wouldn’t expect that the first time I go into any country to come back with a bunch of contacts. We need to establish relationships there and grow business that way.”
To read more on the Chamber’s advocacy, visit our website.
Operation Partnership Returns on June 8
Our annual program connecting active duty military with business people returns with Operation Partnership. This program pairs military participants with their civilian counterparts, allowing active duty members to experience day-to-day activities in the civilian workforce before they leave the military.
Business people looking to host a military member can register on our events page. Active duty who would like to participate can email Michael Maurino at mmaurino@tampachamber.com . This event is complimentary for active duty military.
Chamber and 927th Air Refueling Wing Host Receptions for Montgomery, Ala. and South Carolina Delegations
The Chamber and 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base hosted delegations from Montgomery, Ala. / Maxwell Air Force Base, and South Carolina / Joint Base Charleston. Members of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors greeted the delegations as they toured Tampa and MacDill Air Force Base.
The Chamber was also presented with the Seven Seals Award by the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office.
Legislative Wrap-up, May 20
Tampa Electric presents the 2015 Legislative Wrap-Up on Wednesday, May 20, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Maestro’s at the Straz Center. Join our invited Hillsborough legislative delegation members as they discuss the 2015 Legislative Session and Chamber initiatives. For more information or to register, click here.
Tampa Bay Chamber 