E-Connection - We Make Networking Easy Edition

Volume 280 | May 2026

Weekly E-Connection

801 West Bay Drive, Suite 602

Largo, Florida 33770

Tel: 727-584-2321 www.CentralChamber.biz

We Make Networking Easy Edition

May 12, 2026

Join us next week!

Limited Exhibit Space Available.

Here's the link: SPRINGTIME EXPO

Expo Passport to

Free Groceries!

Attend the Business in Springtime Expo on May 21 for a chance to win a $100 Publix gift card. Visit the Chamber registration table for an Export Passport card. Have it stamped by all our four Passport Sponsors and return to the Chamber table. We'll draw the lucky winner at 7 p.m.

The Expo is free to attend and open to the general public!

The Power of Networking

The Chamber has many opportunities for you and your business to shine!

To assist in making the most of our annual Business in Springtime Expo next week, or whenever promoting what you do, here are some great tips.

Five detailed, actionable strategies for effective networking:

Practice "Strategic Generosity" (Give Before You Ask): Focus on providing value to others without expecting immediate returns, such as sharing industry insights, offering feedback, or connecting people, which establishes trust-based relationships.
Be Authentic and Intentional: Build meaningful connections by being genuine, as high-quality relationships are more valuable than a high volume of surface-level contacts.
Follow Up with Intention: Within a day or two of meeting someone, send a personalized follow-up email or message to solidify the connection, rather than just connecting on social media and letting it go cold.
Go Beyond Your Immediate Industry: Connect with people outside your standard professional field to gain new perspectives, as this often leads to unique opportunities and collaborations that peers within your sector cannot offer.
Optimize Your Online Professional Presence: Ensure your online profiles are updated with a professional headshot, clear bio, and key achievements, allowing people to identify your value immediately.

-Additional Tips for Success:

Prepare a 30-Second Introduction: Create a concise "informercial" about who you are and what you do to confidently introduce yourself.
Attend Targeted Events: Participate in conferences, webinars, and networking groups to meet like-minded professionals. The Chamber hosts many of these!
Set Networking Goals: Define what you want to achieve, such as meeting three new people at an event, to make your efforts measurable.

Happy Birthday Jersey College!

Ready to serve the cake, Campus Administrator Tesfa Miller of Jersey College School of Nursing Largo Campus, is seen with college team members celebrating the school's 10th anniversary last week. Since first launching in 2016, Jersey College's affiliation with HCA Florida Largo Hospital has prepared nursing students with the opportunity for a hands-on nursing school experience. The hospital-affiliated program offers students the ability to learn the art and science of nursing wihle working alongside experienced healthcare professionals. For more information, here's the college website: Jersey College

FINAL WEEKS TO RESERVE AN AD!

Email me about rates: Tom@CentralChamber.biz

Duke Forum - Power for the People!

Several speakers and a panel discussion highlighted the Duke Energy Florida Regional Growth & Economic Outlook event held last week at Jabil's world headquarters. Presenters, including Dr. Cynthia Johnson of Pinellas County Economic Development, speaking above, highlighted Florida's resilient economic landscape and the critical role of advanced manufacturing and energy infrastructure in driving future regional growth.

Promote your business, special sale or event for cheap!

50 bucks an ad - 25 bucks non-profit rate.

Order your ad here: E-Connection

Some of Florida’s biggest lottery winners are store owners, clerks who sell the tickets - About 50 store owners in Florida cashed in at least half their store’s winning tickets, all worth $600 or more, according to an analysis of state data. And at least 30 licensed lottery retailers claimed 50 or more winners. All told, lottery store owners took home more than $26 million between 2015 and mid-December 2025, data show. It’s possible store owners are spending bundles, legally buying rolls of tickets, said Dawn Nettles, a watchdog to the Texas Lottery since 1992. But Nettles doubts they’re doing that, she said. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

Gas decline in Florida faces U-turn - A decline in gas prices across Florida the past week isn’t expected to continue as oil prices surged early Monday after President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal to end the war “totally unacceptable.” Florida’s average pump price dipped to $4.40 per gallon Monday, a 7 cent decline from the prior Monday. The price has fallen for four consecutive days, with averages across the state ranging from $4.09 in Gulf County to $4.66 in Monroe County. More from the News Service of Florida.

European company to acquire Miami pharma business for $4.1 billion

An Italian company plans to enter the U.S. market with the acquisition of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals. Angelini Pharma will purchase the firm in an all-cash transaction valued at $4.1 billion. Under the terms of the deal, it agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Catalyst for $31.50. Headquartered in Coral Gables, Catalyst focuses on developing and commercializing medicines for rare neurological and neuromuscular diseases. More from the South Florida Business Journal.

Japanese lifestyle retailer bringing its largest-ever store to Tampa

Ebisu Life Store, an internet famous Japanese and Asian lifestyle retailer, will soon open a location in Tampa Bay — its largest ever store. The popular retail chain has signed a lease to open a corporate store at 6234 Commerce Drive in Tampa Palms — a former Joann Fabrics store that anchors the Market Square retail center, along with BJ’s Wholesale Club, PetSmart and Ross Dress for Less. More from the Business Observer.