Chamber Announces Selection of Corcoran & Johnston as Legislative Representative

Chamber Announces Selection of Corcoran & Johnston as Legislative Representative

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the selection of Corcoran & Johnston as the Chamber’s legislative representative before the Florida legislature and executive offices.

Corcoran & Johnston, founded by Michael Corcoran, brings an unparalleled commitment to delivering successful legislative results, adherence to the highest ethical standards and commitment to excellence.

“After an extensive interview and vetting process, it was clear that Corcoran and Johnston best aligned with the Chamber’s mission to advance policy that enhances our community by building business success in Tampa Bay,” said President and CEO Bob Rohrlack. “I am excited to partner with Corcoran & Johnston as we work to be the collective business voice that proactively, quickly and thoroughly advocates for pro-business solutions to issues facing our region.”

The Chamber’s 2019 State Legislative Agenda will monitor legislation in Health Care, Economic Development, Transportation, Workforce Development, Affordable Housing and Military and Veteran policy.

“We are at a critical point in our 10-year vision plan, Vision 2026, and a critical part of that plan is continuing to build upon our advocacy successes. I could not be more excited to engage Corcoran & Johnston to assist us with our strategic initiatives,” said Chamber Chairman Jamie Harden.

 

About the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving our members and enhancing our community by building business success. The Chamber provides a greater return on investment and involvement by providing innovative leadership, inside access, influential advocacy and increased opportunities. For more information on the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.tampachamber.com.

###

Greater Tampa Chamber Supports Education Tax Referendum

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce voted in their Board meeting this morning to support the Hillsborough County School Board Resolution 2018-05 for a one-half cent sales tax. This tax would help to provide our students with a suitable and productive learning environment, as part of a long-term sustainable plan for the Hillsborough County School District.

In alignment with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s guiding principle on workforce development, our business community is committed to partnering with stakeholders and policy makers to advocate for adequate resources to help recruit, develop, and retain talent in Hillsborough County. This initiative requires support from multiple funding sources and elected officials, and to help satisfy those critical funding needs the Chamber supports the education referendum.

Greater Tampa Chamber Wins Communications Excellence Award

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce has been named an “Award of Excellence” winner in the Communications Excellence awards program presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE, an Alexandria, Va.-based association, represents more than 8,000 chamber of commerce professionals, and 1,300 chambers of commerce, around the world.

ACCE’s annual Awards for Communications Excellence, sponsored by Golden Openings, Inc., is designed to showcase top communications and marketing work of chambers of commerce and similar organizations. Several thousand award entries have been submitted since the launch of the organization’s Awards for Communications Excellence, which is now in its thirty-fourth year.

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce received an Award of Excellence for its marketing campaign for the launch of the Minority Business Accelerator. The campaign branded the MBA program and promoted it using print, social media, digital, web, media, chamber stakeholders, and community information sessions.

A panel of communications and marketing professionals from five U.S.-based chambers of commerce evaluated entries, which were organized by category — based on the chamber’s annual budget — and entry type: advertising and marketing, campaigns, digital and publications. With more than 150 entries submitted in 2018, judges recognized 13 entries as Grand Award winners and 41 as Award of Excellence winners. Three Best in Show awards will be announced July 18 at the ACCE Annual Convention in Des Moines, Iowa.

Tampa Bay recognized as a Great American Defense Community

Tampa Bay has been selected as one of five cities nationwide to receive the 2018 Great American Defense Community designation. On February 15th, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host the 20th Annual Military Appreciation Awards at Raymond James Stadium, where the Association of Defense Communities will exclusively announce Tampa Bay’s reception of this prestigious award.

“We are so appreciative of the support we receive from the Tampa Bay community,” said Colonel April D. Vogel, 6th Air Mobility Wing Commander.  “When military members move here, they’re not just moving to a city, they’re moving to a place they feel comfortable calling “home.” This community provides remarkable support to our Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and their families and I’m excited this community is being recognized!”

In a joint effort, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance nominated Tampa Bay for the program based on community initiatives that create a high quality of life for military families. The Chamber thanks Senator Bill Nelson, Senator Marco Rubio, and Representative Kathy Castor for their letters of support to recognize Tampa as a Great American Defense Community.

“We are grateful that Tampa Bay has been recognized as a community that embraces and supports our military, veterans, and their families” said Lisa Monnet, President of the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance.

Selected communities are recognized nationally for their exceptional commitment to improve the lives of service members, veterans and their families as a model for all communities. Tampa Bay’s application included community initiatives like the Chamber’s Operation Partnership program, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Salute to Service initiatives, and Tinker Elementary School.

“We are excited that Tampa Bay is being recognized as a model military community” said president and CEO Bob Rohrlack. “This award is a reflection of our community’s ongoing dedication to our military, veterans and their families.”

Great American Defense Communities
 The Great American Defense Communities program was designed by the Association of Defense Communities in conjunction with the House and Senate Defense Communities Caucuses to recognize and celebrate communities whose exceptional commitment to improve the lives of service members, veterans and their families as a model for all communities.

Chamber installs new leadership at 132nd Annual Meeting

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce held its 132nd Annual Meeting presented by HCI today at the Tampa Convention Center. A sold-out crowd of almost 1,000 attendees came together to celebrate the Chamber’s 2017 achievements. 2017 Chamber Chair Mike Griffin of Savills Studley Occupier Services, passed the gavel to 2018 Chair Steven Bernstein, Esq., Fisher Phillips. The Chamber also received greetings from Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chairwoman Sandy Murman. The Chamber collected toys at the event, teaming with Metropolitan Ministries to help bring gifts to the Holiday Tent, which serves more than 19,000 children in the Bay area.

On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Clark Thomason recognized the Chamber with a 5-star accreditation designation – the highest designation. “There are only 112 5-Star Chambers in the U.S.” Thomason said. “That puts the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce in the top 1.6% of all Chambers in the nation.”

Griffin highlighted the Chamber’s 2017 accomplishments, which aligned with the 10-year vision plan, Vision 2026. He also announced the inaugural cohort of the Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) program. Chameleon Custom Solutions, Matcon Construction Services, Inc., McKenzie Contracting, LLC, and MidFlorida Armored & ATM Service will begin the two-year program in January 2018. Founding sponsors of the program are Tampa International Airport, TECO, Vinik Family Foundation and Valley National Bank previously USAmeriBank.

Bernstein said that he hopes to build strong relationships not only in Tampa but throughout the entire Bay area by working cooperatively with other business organizations. He introduced the Chamber’s 2018 Executive Committee Members, including:

Chair	Steven Bernstein, Esq.	Fisher Phillips
Chair-Elect	Jamie Harden	Creative Sign Designs
Treasurer	Maryann Ferenc	Mise en Place
Finance	Scott DeThomas	GTE Financial
At Large	Hugh Campbell	AC4S
	Laura Crouch	TECO
	Scott Daigle	TD Bank
	Steve Griggs	Tampa Bay Lightning
	Christopher Rogers	Sykes Enterprises Incorporated
	Yvette Segura	USAA
	Kareem Spratling, Esq.	Bryant Miller Olive P.A.
	John Tomlin	Tomlin St. Cyr & Associates
Legal Counsel	Andy Mayts, Esq.	GrayRobinson

The Chamber also presented the 2017 H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award to Alex Sink. The award is presented annually in recognition of an individual whose leadership has made a positive impact within the greater Tampa community.

Alex Sink served as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from 2007 to 2011 as one of four statewide elected officials. She managed over $15 billion in state treasury funds, was responsible for state accounting, and implemented reforms in contracting and transparency for citizens. Before elected office, Alex had a 26-year career with Bank of America. She retired as President of Florida operations in 2000, managing the state’s largest bank leading 9000 employees. From 2011 to 2013, she was Senior Advisor to Hyde Park Capital Advisors, a middle market boutique M&A firm. Alex founded Florida Next Foundation, a non-profit devoted to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Florida. She subsequently joined the board of Tampa Wave in 2016 to continue her work in supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Florida. She is a Life Trustee at Wake Forest University, serves on the boards of the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, United Way Worldwide Leadership Council, United Way Suncoast, and Junior Achievement.

In addition, the guest speakers for the first two signature events of 2017 were also revealed. The 20^th Annual Military Appreciation Awards on February 15^th will feature Corporal Michael Jernigan, USMC (Ret.). While deployed in Iraq, Michael suffered life-changing injuries including the loss of both eyes.  The guest speaker for the Women of Influence Luncheon on April 26^th is Linda Alvarado, CEO of Alvarado Construction, Inc. – a large, Denver-based industrial contracting/site design firm. Linda made history as the first female owner and the first Hispanic owner of a Major League Baseball franchise, the Colorado Rockies.

Tampa Bay named 2018 Great American Defense Community

Tampa, Fla. – Tampa Bay has been recognized as a 2018 Great American Defense Community. Selected communities are recognized nationally for their exceptional commitment to improve the lives of service members, veterans and their families as a model for all communities.

In a joint effort, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance nominated Tampa Bay for the program based on community initiatives that support installations and create a high quality of life for military families and veterans. The Chamber and Defense Alliance thank Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Bill Nelson and Representative Kathy Castor for their letters of support for the joint application to recognize Tampa Bay as a Great American Defense Community.

“We are grateful that Tampa Bay has been recognized as a community that embraces and supports our military, veterans, and their families,” said Lisa Monnet, President of the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance.

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and Tampa Bay Defense Alliance application included the Chamber’s Operation Partnership program, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Salute to Service initiatives and the Tinker K-8 School  success story.

“This designation is a proud moment for Tampa Bay and validates the many community partners that work to make us a model military community,” said Chamber president and CEO Bob Rohrlack. “This award reflects our community’s ongoing dedication to our military, veterans and their families.”

Great American Defense Communities

The Great American Defense Communities program was designed by the Association of Defense Communities in conjunction with the House and Senate Defense Communities Caucuses to recognize and celebrate communities whose exceptional commitment to improve the lives of service members, veterans and their families as a model for all communities.

About the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance

The mission of the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance is to champion their defense community. They promote a collaborative and engaged environment that vigorously supports a robust and growing defense community. Unified in actions, they are a forum of community leaders supporting veterans, our military personnel and their families.

 

Chamber Applauds Tampa Bay Rays Stadium Announcement

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce applauds Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan’s announcement of the Ybor City site as the next step in the stadium selection process to keep the Rays in Tampa Bay.

“After many years of thoughtful discussion, this is an important step forward for Rays fans and our community,” said Chair Mike Griffin.  “The Chamber looks forward to continuing its leadership on this issue as we work together to mobilize the business community’s support of Rays baseball.”

In addition to the Rays’ faithful throughout Tampa Bay and beyond, the proposed site between Channelside and Ybor City could draw an energetic fan base who works and lives in the greater downtown Tampa area and increase the economic engine in the historic Ybor City district.

Recognizing there is much more planning ahead, the Chamber thanks Hillsborough County Commissioner Hagan and Rays leadership for working tirelessly to get to this stage in negotiations.

“Historic Ybor City is a central location for the new stadium,” said Chair Elect Steven Bernstein.  “Thank you to Commissioner Hagan and the Rays for their well-deserved progress.”

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mike Griffin appointed to Tampa Port Authority

Governor Rick Scott on Tuesday appointed Mike Griffin to the Tampa Port Authority. Governor Scott said, “I am confident that Mike Griffin will do a great job on the Tampa Port Authority and will work with the entire board to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

“The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce extends our congratulations to Mike. He has been a dynamic leader for the Chamber Board of Directors and we know he will take that same leadership to the Port Authority,” said Chamber President and CEO Bob Rohrlack. “Mike’s commitment to Tampa Bay and his focus on strengthening the regional economy will make him an asset in his new role.”

Mike is a Senior Managing Director for Savills Studley Occupier Services. In addition to his Chairmanship, Mike is a graduate of Leadership Tampa Class of 2004 and Leadership Florida (Class 26). He was co-founder and Executive Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay program. Mike was also the inaugural recipient of the Chamber’s Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award.

Chamber installs new leadership at 131st Annual Meeting

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce held its 131st Annual Meeting today at the Tampa Convention Center. A sold-out crowd of 1050 attendees came together to celebrate the Chamber’s 2016 achievements. 2016 Chamber Chair Guy King III of M.E. Wilson Co., Inc. passed the gavel to 2017 Chair Mike Griffin of Savills Studley Occupier Services. The Chamber also received greetings from U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Stacy White. The Chamber collected toys at the event, teaming with Metropolitan Ministries to help bring gifts to the Holiday Tent, which serves more than 19,000 children in the Bay area.

Griffin unveiled the Chamber’s 10-year vision plan, which is comprised of three pillars – Catalyst, Inclusive Organization and HUB for Business, all supported by a foundation of Organizational Excellence. To review the entire 10-year vision plan, please click here.

Griffin also introduced the Chamber’s 2017 Executive Committee Members, including:

Chair	Mike Griffin	Savills Studley Occupier Services
Chair-Elect	Steven Bernstein, Esq.	Fisher Phillips
Treasurer	Jamie Harden	Creative Sign Designs
Finance	Yvette Segura	USAA
At Large	Hugh Campbell Bruce Faulmann	AC4S Tampa Bay Times
	Steve Griggs Marilyn Mullen Healy, Esq.	Tampa Bay Lightning Adams and Reese LLP
	Derek Holmes Lauren Key	Tec-Link, LLC Florida Hospital
	Andy Mayts, Esq. Christopher Rogers	GrayRobinson Sykes Enterprises Incorporated
Legal Counsel	Kareem Spratling, Esq.	Bryant Miller Olive P.A.

The Chamber also presented the 2016 H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award to Chuck Sykes, president and CEO of Sykes Enterprises Incorporated. The award, established in 1997 by Leadership Tampa Alumni, a committee of the Chamber, is presented annually in recognition of an individual whose leadership has made a positive impact within the greater Tampa community.

Chuck Sykes has spent his career working his way through the ranks of his business and industry – beginning in low-level administrative roles and eventually becoming president & CEO of a publicly-traded global company. Words used to describe this individual include consistent, loyal, dependable, caring, trustworthy, and diplomatic. In his own words, he often talks of being a mentor, teacher, and collaborator. Above all else, he is genuine. He is consistent in his values and beliefs, leading always to the greater good. Our recipient is extensively and passionately involved in the Tampa Bay community. His past leadership roles include chairing the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce at a pivotal time in our evolution as well as service on countless boards for nonprofits in our area.

In addition, the Chamber announced its 2017 class of Startup Scholars, which include Simo Juice, The Blind Tiger Café, Wedding Wiz, WeGo Kids, and Wingu Technology. The guest speakers for the first two signature events of 2017 were also revealed. The Military Appreciation Awards on February 22^nd will feature General Ann Dunwoody, the first woman in U.S. Military history to achieve the rank of 4-star general. General Dunwoody retired in 2012 after 37 years of service to our country. The guest speaker for the Women of Influence Luncheon on April 13^th is Debbie Sterling, founder of GoldieBlox. In 2014, Fast Company named GoldieBlox to its list of Most Innovative Companies and in 2015, GoldieBlox won Parents Magazine’s Toy of the Year and Debbie was inducted by President Obama as a Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship.

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce statement regarding proposed PTC regulations

TAMPA, Fla. – The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce released the following statement regarding the rules proposed by the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission for rideshare companies:

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports a uniform framework on the regulation of transportation networking companies that protects the consumer, while providing competitive and innovative choices. The Chamber believes that the recent local restrictions that are being recommended are regressive and do not allow for fair competition. Regulation should not be implemented on a county-by-county basis but should be addressed by the state legislature and the same for all of Florida’s 67 counties.

About the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving our members and enhancing our community by building business success. The Chamber provides a greater return on investment and involvement by providing innovative leadership, inside access, influential advocacy and increased opportunities.