Volume 164 | February 2024

 
Weekly eConnection
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President's Edition & Members' Promotions

From the President's Desk

   I want to begin by thanking everyone who helped make our Focus on 2024 Economic Forecast program a success! It was our first signature event of the year, and filled with information about what lies ahead.

    And another shout out to Nick Patel of Flagship Bank, who was awarded our Economist of the Year that morning. It will be interesting to see who walks away with the 2024 honor. Much is sure to happen between now and Dec. 31!

    In keeping with our mission to support business growth through education and information, our “ChamberSMART!” programming returns Feb. 29 with Business Tips for Success. It will feature presentations by Chamber members who are experts in their trades. Look below for more information/registration.

    Some of our other event dates you might pencil in – March 21: Business in Springtime Expo; April 3: State Legislative Wrap-up Reception, and April 25: Annual Ballpark Bash with the Threshers.

    And to recognize you for taking part in these and our many other activities, we’ve just kicked off our Chamber Champions sweepstakes. It’s being sponsored by GarrisonPro. Just submit your business card at every meeting and event to qualify for our quarterly drawing.

    For a complete list of all that’s happening with your Chamber, please visit www.CentralChamber.biz.

    All the best for a happy and prosperous month!

    Tom

Coffee An'Networking- Valentine's Edition

Thank you to those who attended our "Valentine’s Edition" Coffee An' Networking last week hosted by Serenity Funeral Home!


We had a great time connecting with everyone and learning about where everyone went on their first date. Several are still with their first date! 


Thank you to our sponsors, Cloud Law Firm, Piper Fire Protection, Cruise Planners, and D.O.D Coffee Roastery.

You are the Champions!

New initiative celebrates being there

Our new Chamber Champions campaign officially began last month. It recognizes participation at Chamber meetings, programs and events. Just being there and a business card is all it takes to enter.

 

It’s being sponsored by IT/Cyber Security experts GarrisonPro. At left, GarrisonPro CEO and Chamber Director Joe Pilliod with the official Chamber Champions entry box. He’s joined by Bonnie Schroder of Tampa Bay Newspapers, whose business card was drawn at last week’s Coffee An’Networking for a bottle of wine.

 

A Chamber Champion drawing will take place quarterly at a Chamber Executive Committee meeting. Winners will receive a free business profile in our E-Connection newsletter, recognition on our social media platforms and a gift card. The more you show up, the more entries you earn! 

Early Bird Rate now open...

Florida's wage growth continues to rise

A recent report shows that wage growth is rising in Florida, and median salary continues to increase for workers who have stayed in their roles for a year or more.

10 big issues mid-session

Florida’s annual 60-day legislative session reached its halfway point Wednesday. Bills on child labor, social media, Confederate monuments, education and more are still moving.

ALICE in Florida: Barely getting by

One in three Florida families – nearly 2.7 million households led by working Floridians – who are above the poverty level are struggling to make ends meet.

Florida’s 2024 presidential primary, explained

Florida’s March 19 presidential primary is more than a month away. But for thousands of voters, the election is already here.

Florida leads nation in child drownings. Lawmakers want to fix that

For years, Florida has led the nation in child drowning deaths, and 2023 was no exception. Florida Department of Children and Families data shows that at least 97 kids drowned to death last year.

Thank you to our Trustees and Newsletter Sponsors

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Check Before Hire

Cloud Law Firm PA

Duke Energy

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

HCA Florida Largo Hospital

Home Instead/Be a Santa

Jackson & Associates CPA

Melody Hunter Homes

National Aviation Academy

Pinellas Technical College

Piper Fire Protection

Platinum Information Services

Regions Bank

State Farm - Team Cocco

The Palms of Largo

Valley National Bank

Village Inn

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Wealth Builders

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