Volume 218 | February 2025

 

Weekly E-Connection

801 West Bay Drive, Suite 602 Largo, FL 33770

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


Welcome to March Edition

March 4, 2025

Does anybody really know what time it is?


From the President’s Desk


Beware the Ides of March!

In addition to a famous Shakespeare line, did you know the Ides of March (March 15) once signified the new year with celebrations and rejoicing?

 

Well, this weekend, we lose an hour of sleep.  Something to celebrate?  Keep Standard Time and let us morning people enjoy the early light! My opinion, for what it’s worth.  Let me know what you think here: Change Clocks Survey. I’ll share the results next week.

 

In continuing efforts to grow your Chamber, we’ll soon be kicking off a special campaign and we could use your help. It’s called “Each One, Reach One.” For those who remember, we had success with this several years ago. It’s pretty straight forward. Each member recruits into the Chamber a business they know and/or work with.

 

To sweeten the pot, we’re looking for incentives to offer them when they join. The Chamber will be providing a free exhibit space at our Business in Springtime Expo on May 15 – a $300 value.

 

If you’d like to promote your business with a deal, there’s more information below. And think about someone you know who would make a great Chamber member.  Thanks in advance for your support!

 

I hope you have a great month, and I look forward to catching up with you at an upcoming meeting or event!  Tom Morrissette


Support our campaign and welcome our new members!

Here's a form to provide us with your incentive:

Each One, Reach One Incentive

Email to Tom@CentralChamber.biz Or call us 727-584-2321.

$25 includes a great lunch!

Register here: Money, Money, Money

Chamber Annual Ballpark Bash - April 24, 2025

Tickets now on sale!

$20 a ticket. $200 marketing table.

Register here: Ballpark Bash


Five years after arrival of COVID-19, a changed Florida

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant political, social, and economic changes in Florida. The pandemic had a lasting impact on Florida's education system as well.


Five big questions for the 2025 legislative session

Lawmakers will likely grapple with issues including rising insurance rates, increasing condominium costs, and ongoing hurricane recovery efforts.


Commentary: Thoroughbred industry is part of Florida’s rural renaissance - Florida’s rural communities have long been the backbone of our state, sustained by industries that have flourished for generations. Among them, the thoroughbred horse industry stands as a pillar of economic strength.


Who’s to blame for Florida’s ‘unacceptable’ national nursing exam pass rate?

Florida is racing against time to avert a projected shortage of 60,000 nurses by 2035, and the national licensure exam is a big obstacle to that mission.


Florida Power & Light seeks a $9B rate hike. It may be largest request in U.S. history --Florida Power & Light, the state’s largest utility, is seeking a nearly $9 billion hike to customers’ base rates over four years, a sum that affordability advocates said represents the largest rate hike request in U.S. history.


Thank you to our Board of Trustees and E-Connection Sponsors

Acropol Family Restaurant

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Cloud Law Firm PA

Duke Energy

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

HCA Florida Largo Hospital

Home Instead/Be a Santa

Jackson & Associates CPA

JR's Sports Pub/Source 1 Solutions

Melody Hunter Homes

National Aviation Academy

Pinellas County Housing Authority

Piper Fire Protection

Platinum Information Services

Regions Bank

State Farm - Team Cocco

The Palms of Largo

Tommy's Express Car Wash

Valley National Bank

Village Inn

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

To learn more about becoming a Trustee, email Tom@CentralChamber.biz

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