Coastal Cities Summit

Regional Issues & Opportunities discussed at the Coastal Cities Summit

Hosted by the University of South Florida, the Coastal Cities Summit will convey new research and innovative strategies on planning for coastal risks, smart growth, transportation, and tourism. Real estate, developers, architects, planners and land-use managers will be interested in the One Bay discussion and two special workshops on creating value in land use and smart growth on May 3 from 8:00 to 1:00 at the Bayfront Hilton, St. Petersburg. Tampa Chamber members can register with the Day Pass for $50 includes lunch.Very small business/student rate: $10 (no meals).  www.coastalcities-ioi.org

• Creating Value with Public Spaces — Dennis Jerke, co-author of Urban Design and the Bottom Line will discuss how to generate greater value and calculate the economic, social/cultural, environmental and sensory value of green spaces, urban waterways, transporation centers etc. Jerke provides real numbers and lessons learned from his research and experience on 300+ significant land development and public projects. Dennis shows how to comprehensively define the benefits and impacts of good, pre-investment design upon the community, businesses, city officials and the developer.
• One Bay: Creating a Regional Vision: Legos to Legacy with Avera Wynne, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Elisa Degregorio, Tampa Bay Partnership and James A. Moore, HDR, Inc. – Chair, ULI Tampa Bay
• Smart Growth: Using Local Policy and Incentives to Stimulate Economic Health, Steve Tindale, Tindale Oliver & Associates and Nick Casalanguida, Deputy Administrator for Collier County discuss how land use, mobility, economic policies and incentives can be used to enhance community health and the environment, reduce public infrastructure costs, and stimulate the tax base for local governments.

Still Time to Register for Rethinking Tourism Program on May 1

International tourism/development organizations, business leaders and scientists will discuss tourism and public-private approaches that support local businesses, communities, and preserve or restore nature assets at the Coastal Cities Summit on May 1 at the Bayfront Hilton, St. Petersburg, hosted by the University of South Florida. Local speakers include Stuart Rogel, CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership and a special panel of tourism and hospitality experts Maryann Ferenc, owner Mise en Place, and appointee to the US. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board; Keith Overton, CEO/President, TradeWinds Hotel; Lew Hastings, Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce; John Waldron, Florida Outdoor Recreational Coalition; and others discuss trends, regional competitive issues and innovations. Other presentations include: Reinventing Tourism Destinations: Creating an Underwater Art Museum and case studies from the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Tampa Chamber members can register with the Day Pass for $50 includes lunch and networking reception. Very small business/student rate: $10 (no meals). 

Chamber Presents Woman of Influence Award to Dottie Berger MacKinnon

Dottie Berger MacKinnon is the winner of the inaugural Woman of Influence Award, presented by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. MacKinnon is a former Hillsborough County Commissioner, and the Founder of Joshua House, Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Inc. and A Kid’s Place. In addition to this year’s WOI award, MacKinnon was also the recipient of the H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award in 2010.

“Dottie truly embodies the outstanding professional values that characterize this award. Her servant-leader manner, coupled with tenacity and a heart for children, serves as a powerful testimony to the impact of one person on a community,” stated Dr. Ronald & Renee Vaughn.

The Woman of Influence Award recognizes a woman whose leadership has made a positive impact in Hillsborough County. It pays tribute to an individual who exemplifies outstanding professional values; demonstrates the ability to go above and beyond the normal expectations of a leader; and serves as an inspiration to the community. MacKinnon was presented the award at the Chamber’s annual Women of Influence Luncheon featuring Giuliana Rancic before a sold out audience of 850 attendees.

Chamber Partners With Moffitt Cancer Center on Advocacy Website

JobsfortheCure.com highlights key 2012 legislative budget request

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Moffitt Cancer Center to highlight a key 2012 legislative budget request that will grow jobs in Tampa Bay by creating Moffitt Medical & Research Park.

State Senator Ronda Storms and Representative James Grant have filed legislation (HB 123/SB 342) that would use revenue from state cigarette taxes to help Moffitt Cancer Center construct Moffitt Medical & Research Park, a new cancer research and treatment facility in Tampa.

This project has the potential to create thousands of jobs in health care, medical research and related industries in Tampa Bay. Construction of the new Moffitt Medical & Research Park would have an immediate effect on the local economy. The total employment impact during the construction phase is estimated at 3,102 jobs.  Once completed, the new facilities will have a tremendous impact on the local medical and biotechnology workforce.  The total, permanent contribution of this project would be 2,550 new jobs.

Additional information can be found at www.jobsforthecure.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line makes splash celebrating Tampa as its newest homeport

The Tampa Port Authority officially welcomed Norwegian Star to Tampa during a plaque exchange ceremony commemorating Tampa as Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest homeport. In addition to attendance by port officials and local tourism leaders, more than 100 travel agents, together with media representatives, enjoyed a guided tour of the Freestyle Cruising® vessel. The 2,348-passenger ship is sailing a series of seven-day Western Caribbean cruises through April 8, 2012 with stops in Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; along with two relaxing days at sea.

“The addition of Norwegian Cruise Line is very exciting for us and a testament that Tampa exemplifies a strong and growing cruise market. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with our new cruise partner,” said Richard Wainio, port director and Tampa Port Authority chief executive.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s presence will result in the addition of an estimated 130,000 guests to the Port’s growing passenger numbers, projected to reach a total of 950,000 passengers arriving and departing via Tampa this coming year. Over the course of the season, it is estimated that passenger and crew spending resulting from Norwegian Star will have an impact of over $8 million on the local economy.

Norwegian Cruise Line will continue to make Tampa its home again next year when Norwegian Dawn will replace Norwegian Star in November 2012.

Tampa Port Authority (www.tampaport.com ) administers Florida’s largest and one of the nation’s most diversified ports, handling a wide mix of bulk, break bulk, RoRo and containerized cargoes, and is also one of the nation’s premier cruise home ports, as well as a major center for shipbuilding and repair. The Port of Tampa is the largest economic engine in west and central Florida, generating nearly 100,000 jobs and some $8 billion in economic impact.

Chamber President Appointed to Government Efficiency Task Force

Bob Rohrlack, president and CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce was appointed by Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon to the Government Efficiency Task Force for a term ending June 16, 2012. The Task Force was established in 2007 to develop recommendations for improving governmental operations and reducing costs and is composed of 15 members of the Legislature and representatives from the private and public sectors appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Government efficiency is one of the areas the Chamber is currently studying and I am honored that Speaker Cannon has appointed me to this task force. I look forward to working with the other members towards the goal of identifying and recommending $3 billion in spending cuts to the Florida Legislature,” said Rohrlack.

For more information on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, please visit http://www.tampachamber.com.

Come out and support Tampa Bay’s 2015 Super Bowl Bid!

Tampa Bay is bidding to host its 5th Super Bowl in 2015, and Tampa Bay & Company needs the community’s help!  Tampa Bay’s bid video is culminating with a group video shoot this Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Skyway Park in Tampa.

Tampa Bay & Company is asking that community supporters and their family, friends, coworkers, colleagues, neighbors, staff and other supporters come out to be a part of Tampa Bays’ bid to host Super Bowl XLIX.  Here are the details:

Who:        ALL Tampa Bay area residents and supporters

What:        Video shoot for Tampa Bay’s bid to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015

When:        Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011.  Please arrive promptly at 7:30pm.

Where:    Skyway Park in Tampa – 3901 George Rd., Tampa, FL 33634.

Details:    Participants will gather on the field at approximately 7:30pm to support Tampa Bay’s bid to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.  Collectively, the group will welcome the NFL and team owners back to Tampa Bay.  The entire Tampa Bay community is invited to attend to show their support.  Those who plan to attend are requested to RSVP by noon on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011.

RSVP:    Please RSVP to Tony Diaz at TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com.

This is a tremendous opportunity for the community to show its support for Tampa Bay’s efforts to bring the Super Bowl back home to Tampa Bay.  Those who plan to attend should confirm their attendance and how many representatives they’ll be bringing to Tony Diaz at TDiaz@VisitTampaBay.com.

Courtesy of Tampa Bay & Company

Tampa Bay is gearing up for the 2012 RNC Convention

No matter your political affiliation – next August will be a great opportunity to showcase the Tampa Bay area.  Check out this video from the Tampa Bay Host Committee.

Tampa International Airport Announces Nonstop Service to Zurich, Switzerland

Edelweiss Air will connect Tampa to Zurich starting May 25, 2012

Today, Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano announced the Airport and its strategic economic partners were successful at attracting Edelweiss Air to Tampa with new twice-weekly nonstop service to Zurich, Switzerland. “As the Gateway to the West Coast of Florida and a primary economic engine for the Tampa Bay region, we have a tremendous responsibility and a great opportunity to grow our region,” stated Joe Lopano. “Our success in recruiting Edelweiss is the direct result of our new strategy of bold cooperation with key community partners who are helping us build and deliver compelling business cases to airlines around the world.”

The annual economic impact of Edelweiss’ new service for the Tampa Bay Region is $31.6 million, and it will create 265 new jobs. Edelweiss Air will use an Airbus A330 with 332 seats on board. It is configured with 36 business class seats and 296 economy seats. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am to represent the Chamber’s 1,400 member companies that employ over 500,000 workers, as I say congratulations to the airport and all the economic partners, on a job well-done,” stated Bob Rohrlack, President & CEO, The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.