Member Highlights: Nov. 17 – 21, 2014

Inside this Week’s Member Highlights

Member News

• The Dikman Company Announces Several Commercial Property Lease Renewals
• Tickets Now on Sale for the 2015 Valspar Championship
• Port Tampa Bay Supports Operation Reveille, Collaborative Homeless Veterans Initiative
• Absolute Mobile Solutions Helps the Florida Holocaust Museum Reach Future Generations with New Interactive Website
• Launch of Conversa Brings New Communications Strategies to Local, State and National Organizations
• Abe Brown Ministries Gets $1.5 Million to Help Ex-Cons Start Over
• Moffitt Healthy Kidz Program Encourages Youth to Live Tobacco Free
• Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney | Fowler White Boggs Announces Consolidation of its Tampa Offices

Member Events

• Society of Emotional Intelligence Presents: Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach Training Dec. 10-13

Member Accolades

• Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. Receives Seven First-Tier Rankings in the 2015 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Guide
• GrayRobinson Shareholder Named to the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys
• Carlton Fields Jorden Burt Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for Sixth Consecutive Year

New Hires & Promotions

• Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. Welcomes New Associates
• Elevate, Inc. Welcomes New Team Members
• ChappellRoberts Promotes From Within and Adds to Account Service Team
• Tucker/Hall Welcomes New Senior Account Supervisor

Member News

The Dikman Company Announces Several Commercial Property Lease Renewals

The Dikman Company announced that they have completed a total of three renewal lease transactions including:

•  Savia and Coffee House & More renewed its lease of 7,252 sq. ft. at Centreport 60 on Adamo Drive in Tampa.
• Solution One Maritime, LLC renewed its lease of 15,000 sq. ft. at 2721 E. Adamo Drive in Tampa.

“These lease renewals are a great indicator that businesses in many different industries are thriving in Tampa Bay,” said Bob Dikman, Chairman and CEO of The Dikman Company. “It’s positive to see our area slowly recover from previous economic issues and we are looking forward to continuously working with these tenants.”

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Tickets Now on Sale for the 2015 Valspar Championship

Tickets are now on sale for the 2015 Valspar Championship presented by BB&T, including the concert by The Band Perry on Saturday, March 14, at ValsparChampionship.com.

In addition, shoppers can now pick up Valspar Championship tickets and select merchandise during the holiday season in the tournament’s kiosk at Countryside Mall, not far from the entrance to the Cobb Movie Theaters.  The kiosk will open for business starting this week.

VOLUNTEERS – SIGN UP NOW

The Valspar Championship is taking applications for volunteer positions now.  There are exciting opportunities in transportation, suite services, laser scoring and other committees.  Contact Doug Laseter or Shirley Gresham at 727-942-5557 or dlaseter@thecopperheads.org.

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Port Tampa Bay Supports Operation Reveille, Collaborative Homeless Veterans Initiative

L to R: Antoinette Hayes Triplett, CEO, Tampa-Hillsborough Homeless Initiative (center), receives a proclamation from Mark Sharpe and Sandy Murman, on behalf of the Hillsborough County Commission, Tuesday, November 11. Scores of volunteers were on hand to assist with Operation Reveille in a variety of ways, primarily processing veterans into the homeless placement program. Paul Anderson, president & CEO, Port Tampa Bay; Sandy Murman, Hillsborough County Commissioner; General Lloyd Austin, U.S. Army/Commander, U.S. Central Command; and Bob Buckhorn, Mayor of Tampa, all take part in the collaborative homeless initiative.

Port Tampa Bay was very pleased to spend Veterans’ Day hosting scores of veterans, volunteers and other participants in the homeless veterans initiative Operation Reveille, Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the port’s Cruise Terminal 6.  Operation Reveille is a program of the Tampa-Hillsborough Homeless Initiative, along with the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County, with the goal of ending veteran homelessness in Hillsborough County by Veterans Day 2015. Read more…

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Absolute Mobile Solutions Helps the Florida Holocaust Museum Reach Future Generations with New Interactive Website

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to serve a broader audience with the important message of preserving human dignity has never been greater. The Florida Holocaust Museum recognized the potential to extend the reach of its resources to future generations of tech savvy individuals and how the Internet can help them enhance their mission beyond the walls of the museum‏.

Aiding them in this important initiative, Absolute Mobile Solutions, a Tampa digital marketing agency that specializes in responsive website design, produced an interactive website that will not only brand the museum in a fresh way, but also provide a dynamic platform for utilizing the museum’s comprehensive educational resources.

The new website (www.flholocaustmuseum.org) features an engaging design with specific emphasis on making the museum’s offerings easily accessible. Read more…

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Launch of Conversa Brings New Communications Strategies to Local, State and National Organizations

A new full-service, minority and women-owned communications firm, Conversa, recently opened its doors in Florida, offering local, state and national organizations public
relations, public affairs and public research support.

Founded by partners Arlene DiBenigno, Kelsey Lehtomaa Frouge, and Sarah Beth Hopton, the team uses its combined experience to develop comprehensive campaigns that create conditions for effective change. Employing traditional and digital tools, along with in-house research capabilities, Conversa builds mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its publics, influencing public policy by shifting public
opinion. Read more…

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Abe Brown Ministries Gets $1.5 Million to Help Ex-Cons Start Over

Excerpt from the Tampa Tribune:

“Abe Brown Ministries, a non-profit Tampa agency that has been working to help ex-convicts rejoin society since 1976, is putting to work $1.5 million in state money for a training and job-placement program.

The state appropriation, along with $350,000 from the Hillsborough County Commission, will help the ministry adopt Ready 4 Work — started by President George W. Bush to help former prisoners get jobs. The money will help manage clients’ cases, coach them on behavior, train them in employability, and place them in jobs.” Read more…

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Moffitt Healthy Kidz Program Encourages Youth to Live Tobacco Free

Excerpt from the Tampa Bay Times:

Nikki Ross-Inda likes to carry around a plastic container full of thick, brownish liquid.

A child might mistake it for Aunt Jemima syrup, but Ross-Inda intends to make sure kids understand the “jar of tar” — the approximate amount of tar that passes through a smoker’s lungs each year from smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day — represents one of the 4,000 chemicals contained in cigarettes. Sixty of those chemicals are known to cause cancer. Read more…

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Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney | Fowler White Boggs Announces Consolidation of its Tampa Offices

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney | Fowler White Boggs signed a commercial real estate lease to consolidate its Tampa offices on two floors in the SunTrust Financial Centre in mid-2015.

The firms merged in March in one of the largest law firm combinations of 2014. The consolidation of the firm’s legacy offices in Tampa will bring together more than 50 attorneys, including the head of Buchanan’s national healthcare practice, Dale S. Webber. Webber will continue as co-managing shareholder of the Tampa office with Hala A. Sandridge, head of the firm’s appellate practice. Read more…

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Member Events

Society of Emotional Intelligence Presents: Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach Training Dec. 10-13

A Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach© helps people identify goals in their personal and professional lives. By asking the right questions, they determine their goals and help their client make a plan to achieve them. In short, coaching helps individuals and companies focus on what matters most in life and business.

 

Make a difference every day – professional coaches make a difference in their communities and in the world by transforming lives, one client at a time. As a coach you will naturally accelerates your personal and professional development.

 

Improve your coaching skills. Become a Certified Emotional Intelligence Coach! Click here for more info!

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Member Accolades

Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. Receives Seven First-Tier Rankings in the 2015 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Guide

Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. is pleased to announce 7 of its practice areas have been ranked “Tier One” (the highest rating) by U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers. The rankings provide a comprehensive view of the U.S. legal profession that is unprecedented both in the range of firms represented and in the range of qualitative and quantitative data used to develop the rankings.

Click here to view a full list of Banker Lopez Gassler’s Best Lawyers 2015 rankings.

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GrayRobinson Shareholder Named to the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys

Richard Blau

GrayRobinson Shareholder Richard M. Blau was named to the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys (AHIA) Board of Directors at their fall meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

The AHIA was formed by a group of attorneys from across the United States who represent clients engaged in the hotel, restaurant, hospitality, travel, meeting, convention, tourism and related industries. The Academy is committed to promoting professionalism and education and improved communication to create a network of competent, experienced attorneys to improve legal services to clients in the hospitality industry. Membership in AHIA is open to lawyers with more than 10 years’ legal experience in the hospitality industry and have at least 50% of their clients in the hotel, restaurant, meeting, convention, travel, tourism and related hospitality industries.  Membership includes both in-house corporate counsel and lawyers in private practice.

Richard Blau is the chair of GrayRobinson’s Alcohol Beverage and Food Department and presides over the firm’s Alcohol Industry Team. Richard and his colleagues focus on the rules, regulations, and business practices that govern the marketing, sale, and consumption of distilled spirits, wine, beer and other licensed beverages.

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Carlton Fields Jorden Burt Earns Perfect Score on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for Sixth Consecutive Year

Carlton Fields Jorden Burt is pleased to announce that for the sixth consecutive year, the firm received a perfect score – 100 percent rating – on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). Carlton Fields Jorden Burt is one of 89 law firms in the country that scored 100 percent.

HRC President Chad Griffin said, “In order to achieve a perfect score, a company has to show a deep and serious commitment to treating their LGBT employees fairly and equally on the job. We also look at whether a company is speaking out in the public square to advocate for LGBT equality here in this country and around the world. Carlton Fields Jorden Burt not only meets these standards, they go above and beyond the call of duty, making commitment to equality a fundamental aspect of its corporate values.” Read more…

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New Hires & Promotions

Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. Welcomes New Associates

Thomas (Ted) Kane, Jr., Timothy McHaffie and Eric Hogrefe have joined Banker Lopez Gassler P.A. as associate attorneys.

Mr. Kane received his BA from the University of South Florida and his JD from Stetson University College of Law.  His practice will focus on automobile negligence, personal injury litigation, property damage litigation, premises liability and wrongful death.

Mr. McHaffie received his BA from the University of Florida and his JD from Stetson University College of Law.  His practice will focus on construction defect and commercial litigation.

Mr. Hogrefe received his BS and JD from the University of Florida.  His practice will focus on personal injury protection, personal injury litigation, premises liability, insurance fraud and automobile negligence.

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Elevate, Inc. Welcomes New Team Members

Elevate, Inc. has hired , Ansley Kahn, Raquel Sacal, Jerimie Jackson and Mariaelisa Lichoa as Public Relations & Communications Assistants.

Ansley Kahn is a recent graduate of the University of South Florida where she majored in International Relations and minored in Economics. As a student, she was an officer and charter member of the United Nations Association club and had the opportunity to travel to New York City and the District of Columbia for internships within the federal government. Ansley has a proven track record for working hard and producing results and looks forward to doing the same during her time at Elevate Inc. Follow Ansley on Twitter @AnsleyAtElevate.

Raquel Sacal is a junior at the University of Tampa majoring in PR & Advertising. She hit the ground running as a freshman and was involved in campus organizations immediately.  She joined Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, eventually serving as New Member Coordinator and was recently elected to hold the position of VP of Communications. Take time today to follow @RaquelAtElevate on Twitter.

Jerimie Jackson is currently a senior at the University of Tampa majoring in Entrepreneurship and minoring in Spanish. Jerimie serves as a chapter president of Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc. as he is also a member of Delta Sigma Pi, Professional Fraternity at the University of Tampa. While being involved with these organizations, amongst others, Jerimie has acquired skills that directly relate to building business relationships, utilizing time management processes, and event planning. Follow Jerimie on Twitter @JayatElevate.

Mariaelisa Lichoa is a junior at the University of South Florida majoring in Marketing. New to Tampa, she has become heavily involved on campus, primarily as a member of the American Marketing Association and the Bulls Business Community. Be sure to follow Mariaelisa’s journey on Twitter @MarAtElevate!

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ChappellRoberts Promotes From Within and Adds to Account Service Team

ChappellRoberts continues to grow its agency talent by hiring a new employee as well as promoting an employee. Megan Federico has joined the team as an assistant account executive and Katy Parsons, APR, was promoted to senior account executive.

“As agency owner, my number one focus is the cultivation of our talent,” said Colleen Chappell, president and CEO of ChappellRoberts. “We are proud of our recent team growth and strong employee performance.”

Parsons was previously an account executive within the agency. As a senior account executive, Parsons will be responsible for strategic marketing and communications efforts for agency accounts including The Mosaic Company, Verizon Wireless and SPCA Tampa Bay. She recently joined the selective group of 5,000 professionals in the U.S. who are accredited in public relations.

As an assistant account executive, Federico will be collaborating with the account service team on idea generation and project management for clients. She is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in communications, and has a public relations and social media background.
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Tucker/Hall Welcomes New Senior Account Supervisor

Tucker/Hall is proud to announce that Sasha Lohn-McDermott has joined the firm as a Senior Account Supervisor. She will advise clients in the areas of public affairs and crisis management.

Lohn-McDermott most recently served as an assistant statewide prosecutor at the Florida Attorney General’s office where she managed multi-agency law enforcement teams in the prosecution of crime throughout the state. During her years with the Attorney General, Lohn-McDermott was recognized annually as a Top Government Attorney by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite.

Prior to joining the Attorney General’s office, Lohn-McDermott clerked for the Honorable Virginia M. Hernandez Covington in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. Lohn-McDermott also practiced with Bush Ross, P.A. in the areas of commercial litigation and bankruptcy.

Lohn-McDermott holds a Bachelor’s degree in English, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Florida State University. She also holds a Juris Doctorate degree, cum laude,  from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she was a member and editor of the Florida Law Review.

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Member Highlights: October 27 – 31

Inside this Week’s Member Highlights

Member News

• All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine Opens South Tampa Outpatient Care Center
• Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors to Appear on ABC’s Weekend Planner TV Show November 14
• Port Tampa Bay Board Approves New High-Profile Container Crane Purchase
• Promote Your Business and Support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

Member Events

• Join Poynter for a Luncheon in Honor of Retiring News Anchors Gayle Sierens and John Wilson November 5
• Congresswoman Kathy Castor Hosts Affordable Care Act Workshop for Small Businesses November 7
• Tijuana Flats Presents Horsepower for Heroes November 8
• HCC’s Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education Hosts Fall Fashion Show Event at the Straz Center November 13
• Community Tampa Bay presents “Evident Impact” November 13
• Attend a Free Dale Carnegie Session on Leadership, Sales, Presentation, Human Relations/Communication November 4 | Dale Carnegie Training Presents Half-Day Leadership Coaching Seminar, November 14
• HCC Hosts Second Annual Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Symposium November 15

Member Accolades

• Trenam Kemker Attorney Elected to International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation Board | Trenam Kemker Announces New Shareholders

Member News

All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine Opens South Tampa Outpatient Care Center

All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine opened its newest outpatient care center in South Tampa this week and is already accepting appointments with physicians in several specialties. An official grand opening and tour of the facility for the public will take place in early 2015.

The new outpatient center brings a range of specialized pediatric services tailored to the health care needs of local families, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language therapy, cardiology testing as well as pediatric specialty physician visits. The facility will also feature walk-in laboratory services for collecting blood work and other samples. Read more…

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Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors  to Appear on ABC’s Weekend Planner TV Show November 14

Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors will be guests on ABC’s Weekend Planner TV Show November 14, 2014 which starts at 9am. Tune in and watch Priscilla Castellano and Andrea Vega talk about “What’s Trending in the 2014 Holiday Season!”

Chamber Members…OPEN HOUSE…Join us every Friday from 10 am to 4 pm in our Design Center. Purchase one-of-a kind items, furniture, paintings, and more…10% Discount to our Chamber Members.

Andrea Lauren Elegant Interiors
5118 N. 56^th Street, Suite #114
Tampa, 33610
(813) 627-9000

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Port Tampa Bay Board Approves New High-Profile Container Crane Purchase

Port Tampa Bay commissioners approved the purchase of two new post-Panamax gantry cranes, like those seen above, right. Combined with the port’s share of financing, the purchase will also be made possible through $12 million in state funding, approved in the governor’s 2015 budget and a grant program of the Florida Department of Transportation. New high-profile cranes will enable increased container capacity at the Port Tampa Bay Container Terminal. Left image: Rendering of berths 212 and 213 at Port Tampa Bay Container Terminal, future site of two new post-Panamax gantry cranes.

Port Tampa Bay commissioners, during the October 21 regular monthly board meeting, helped usher in a new era for the port’s burgeoning container business.  In a unanimous vote, the board approved a $24 million project with Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) for the acquisition of two new post-Panamax container gantry cranes.

ZPMC will fabricate and deliver both 65-ton gantry cranes, with a 174-foot out-reach, that will service up to 19 rows of containers—significantly longer reach than the current gantries, which service container vessels up to 4,000 TEU capacity and are 40+ years old. The addition of this modern equipment will enable the port to significantly augment the work of the older generation of cranes. Read more..

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Promote Your Business and Support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

From October 15 to December 15, 2014, Chameleon Custom Solutions will donate $50 from each retractable banner sold to support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay!

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 Member Events

Join Poynter for a Luncheon in Honor of Retiring News Anchors Gayle Sierens and John Wilson November 5

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Congresswoman Kathy Castor Hosts Affordable Care Act Workshop for Small Businesses November 7

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Tijuana Flats Presents Horsepower for Heroes November 8

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HCC’s Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education Hosts Fall Fashion Show Event at the Straz Center November 13

HCC’s Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education is hosting a Fall Fashion Show Event at the Straz Center on Thursday, November 13^th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Come out to support the launch of HCC’s Women’s Institute and enjoy a wonderful evening of fashion, food, drinks, entertainment and of course, fun.  Click here to purchase tickets or visit www.tampatraining.com.  Once there, click on the Personal Enrichment tab and Women’s Institute. Tickets are $35.00.

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Community Tampa Bay presents “Evident Impact” November 13

Evident Impact is an educational and relationship building event that will feature a panel discussion on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Panelists will share their perspectives on why building an inclusive workforce is the right thing to do for many reasons, including boosting the bottom line.

Panelists include:

• The Honorable Rick Kriseman, Mayor – City of St. Petersburg
• Joe Conrod, Director of Diversity & Employee Relations – All Children’s Hospital
• Yolanda Fernandez, Public Awareness Manager – St. Petersburg Police Department
• Lori Matway, Associate Superintendent – Pinellas County Schools
• John Tonnison, Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer – Tech Data Corporation

Click here to register.

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Attend a Free Dale Carnegie Session on Leadership, Sales, Presentation, Human Relations/Communication November 4

Look around you at successful business people, world leaders, professional athletes and famous entertainers. You’ll find a disproportionately high number of Dale Carnegie Course graduates. In fact, the Dale Carnegie Course has transformed the lives of over 8 million graduates.

Get the power for you to move far beyond your comfort zone as you stretch for and attain ambitious new goals. Register today for a session of our Dale Carnegie Course…FREE. Topics available: Leadership, Sales, Presentations, Human Relations/Communication. Next Free Session is Nov. 4, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Embassy Suites of Westshore, Tampa. For more information on each topic and to register: www.tampabay.dalecarnegie.com or call 813.288.8778 to speak with a Business Performance Consultant
Dale Carnegie Training Presents Half-Day Leadership Coaching Seminar, November 14

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HCC Hosts Second Annual Veterans Entrepreneurship Training Symposium November 15

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 Member Accolades

Trenam Kemker Attorney Elected to International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation Board

Trenam Kemker attorney Lori Vaughan has been elected to the Board of Directors of the  International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC).  IWIRC is the premier international, networking and professional growth organization for women in the restructuring and insolvency industry.  She will serve a two year term from October 2014 – 2016.

Lori is a Shareholder based in the firm’s Tampa Office.  Her practice involves business reorganizations (debtor and creditor representation), trustee representation, bankruptcy litigation, the representation of official committees appointed by the Bankruptcy Court, commercial foreclosure and lender liability.

Trenam Kemker Announces New Shareholders

Trenam Kemker is pleased to announce that three attorneys have been elected shareholders of the firm.

Michael Igel is a member of the Business Transactions Group and concentrates his practice on the representation of hospitals, health systems, physician groups, home health agencies and other health care companies in a variety of regulatory, compliance and health care business matters.  Michael also leads the firm’s Health Care Audit Defense Group.  He is based in the St. Petersburg Tampa office.

Stephanie Leuthauser is a member of the Commercial Litigation Group and focuses her practice on commercial disputes, including landlord/tenant litigation, and intellectual property litigation matters, namely copyright and trademark disputes.  She is based in the Tampa office.

Roxanne Fixsen is a member of the Commercial Litigation Group.  Her practice focuses on creditors’ rights matters and title issues.   She is based in the St. Petersburg office.

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Member Spotlight: Hampton Inn Westshore & Hyatt Place Westshore

Sister Properties Working as One

The Hampton Inn Tampa Westshore and the Hyatt Place Tampa Westshore, both managed by Pillar Hotels and Resorts are hotels working together to bring an unforgettable experience for their guests. Located in the thriving Westshore District, the Hampton Inn offers 133 renovated rooms and the Hyatt Place offers 124 contemporary, spacious suites.
 
The newly renovated Hampton Inn Tampa Westshore offers all of the conveniences of the Hampton brand including  complimentary On The House hot breakfast each morning, Cloud Nine bedding experience, and the new Perfect Mix Lobby. The Hampton Inn also offers complimentary 24 hour shuttle within 3 miles of the hotel which includes Tampa International Airport, outdoor swimming pool, 24 hour fitness center and complimentary wireless internet throughout the hotel. For a comfortable guest room at a superior value, please visit www.hamptoninntampaairport.com to make your reservation today.
 
The Hyatt Place Tampa Westshore is a new kind of Hyatt designed for you. Each spacious suite includes 42” flat panel HDTV with the Hyatt Plug Panel for connecting your laptop or personal media devices, Hyatt Grand Bed, Cozy Corner Sectional sofa-sleeper and complimentary wireless internet. Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning , 24/7 dining options, and wine or beer in the Galley. The Hyatt  Place Westshore also offers flexible meeting space for your company or social event with unique food and beverage options. Visit the Hyatt Place at www.tampaairport.place.hyatt.com  to find out more details about this unique and exciting hotel.
 
Both hotels are located conveniently in the Westshore Business District only minutes from two shopping plazas, numerous dining options, the Tampa International Airport, and Raymond James Stadium. An easy drive will also take you to the Port of Tampa, Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico Beaches. For any of your hotel needs, please contact the sales staff for more information.

Got advertising dollars to spend? Advertise with the Chamber!

If you’re looking for a great way to get the word out about your company, consider advertising with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. We have several on-going advertising opportunities available:

2012 Location Guide
Our location guide is distributed to members, individuals looking to relocate to the Tampa Bay area and those seeking more information about our local economy, business and industry, arts, healthcare, education and local neighborhoods. Advertising in our guide allows companies to make a great initial impression to new residents and visitors. Tampa Bay is truly a great place to work, live, play and stay – don’t miss this opportunity to market your company’s message to an engaged audience.

Time is running out to secure a prime space! The back cover and inside back cover are still available, along with a wide-array of sizes for the inside of the magazine.

For more information about advertising in the 2012 Location Guide, download the spec sheet or contact Felicia Harvey, Director of Communications.

Electronic Advertising
Semi-Weekly Newsletters
The Chamber’s two weekly electronic newsletters are sent to representatives from our 1600 member companies, as well as nearly 500 non-members, for a total distribution of over 6,500. The Chamber offers one banner ad per month, per issue as an advertising opportunity to only Chamber members.

• eView focuses on both Chamber and member news and is released on Thursdays.
• Events highlights the Chamber’s upcoming events and is released on Tuesdays.

Website Advertising
Advertising on the Chamber website is a cost effective way to market your business to thousands of visitors each month. The Chamber offers one banner ad per month on each of our most visible pages:

• About Tampa
• Chamber Events
• Chamber Programs
• Business Resources
• Business Advocacy
• Membership
• Your Chamber

For more information about newsletter or website advertising, download the spec sheet or contact Brianna Faulkner, Graphic Designer. You can also view the newsletter archives on our website.

To read more about these advertising opportunities, please download our 2012 Media Kit.

St. Petersburg Times will become Tampa Bay Times

Florida’s Best Newspaper serves all of Tampa Bay,
remains independent and locally owned.

TAMPA BAY, Fla. – In a move to better describe the newspaper it has already become, the St. Petersburg Times is changing its name to Tampa Bay Times on Jan. 1, 2012.

The Times is the largest newspaper in Florida because it has found a large audience throughout the Tampa Bay region. Three-fourths of Times readers live outside St. Petersburg.

Times chairman and CEO Paul Tash predicted the change also would reinforce the area’s identity, both locally and across the nation. “We are putting our own greatest asset – our good name – toward the future of the Tampa Bay region,” Tash said.

The Tampa Bay Times will remain independent and locally owned, by the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, based in St. Petersburg.

The St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa will be renamed the Tampa Bay Times Forum. It is home to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, and it will be the site for the 2012 Republican National Convention.

The newspaper’s philanthropic fund, which awards grants and college scholarships, will become the Tampa Bay Times Fund, Inc.

Times Publishing first used the new name in 2004, when it launched tbt* Tampa Bay Times, a free tabloid for young adults. tbt* will remain free and published as an edition of the Tampa Bay Times.

For more information, go to http://www.tampabay.com/newname.

Member Spotlight: United States Postal Service

The United States Postal Service delivers more than just mail. We offer training opportunities and assistance to anyone who wants to learn more about using the mail for cost-effective business growth. Whether you’re a small or large business owner looking for training in direct mail, a mail professional looking for workshops and certification, or you’d like to join the greater community of business mailers, we’re here to help.

Postal Customer Council^® (PCC)
Your local PCC is a great way to get training, stay on top of mail innovations, and work hand-in-hand with local Post Offices™ to develop more effective, efficient, and profitable mailings. Visit www.tampapcc.org for more information.

Simplified Mailing
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) from the U.S. Postal Service makes Direct Mail easier and less costly for local businesses. With EDDM, you can target specific areas in your local market without the need of a mailing list. And since you don’t have to buy customer addresses or pay to have names and addresses printed on your mailpieces, EDDM can save you time and money! For information contact Patricia Meredith or visit www.uspseverydoor.com

Self Service Ship and Mail Centers are available in Tampa at the following locations:
Carrollwood Branch
Ehrlich Branch
Forest Hills Station
Main Office Window Unit
New Tampa Station
Peninsula Station
Temple Terrace Branch
Town N Country Branch

Our various community-minded programs help foster community spirit, while educating and supporting worthwhile causes. The United States Postal Service helps America connect in more ways than just the mail. Whether it’s finding missing children, fundraising stamps, or bone marrow donor programs, USPS gets involved – in your community and nationwide. Keep informed about USPS activities such as our Stamp Out Hunger food drive and how our employees act as local heroes. We deliver more than mail to you – we deliver community service.

To serve our members…

…and enhance our community by building business success is the mission of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.  We have played an integral role in defining Tampa Bay’s business identity and we are constantly working to create the next level of economic prosperity in our community.

This blog is our way of providing a greater level of engagement.  You will hear from Chamber and business leaders about different topics relevant to business and quality of life in the Tampa Bay area.  We’ll share information about events, programs and what’s going on at the Chamber and we’ll also share testimonials from our members about the great work that the Chamber is engaged in.

Thanks for stopping by – don’t make this visit your last!