Coffee An' Networking

When: Thursday, January 19 at 7:45 AM

Where: Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo 33774

FREE for Members: $25 for Non-Members

Register as a Sponsor here. (Sponsorships are $250! They include logo placement and time on the mic.)

Purchase tickets for the Caribbean Nights Casino Party here

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

When: Thursday, January 12

8:30 AM

Where: Any Lab Test Now - Largo

13847 Walsingham Road, Suite J,

Largo 33774

Register here.

Chamber team visits KnowBe4

*******Members of the Chamber's Economic Development Committee were treated to a recent tour of KnowBe4's corporate headquarters in Clearwater. KnowBe4 is the world's first and largest "New-School" security awareness training and simulated phishing platform that helps clients manage the ongoing problem of social engineering. The company employs more than 600 in Clearwater and abroad.

*******Joining in the program, from left, Mariana Leslie of Pinellas Public Schools,

Tom Morrissette of the Chamber, David Ardman of McKim & Creed, Jake Prokop of Pinellas Technical College and Chamber Chairman, Kay McKenzie of Check Before Hire, Cindy Margiotta of Pinellas County Economic Development, David Puckett of Achieva Credit Union and Alyssa Nichols, Global Talent Outreach Manager at KnowBe4.

*******If you'd like to learn more or become part of the Chamber Economic Development Committee, email or call Tom at Tom@CentralChamber.biz, 727-584-2321.

Florida is the fastest-growing state in the nation, Census estimates show

It’s not your imagination: People really are flocking to Florida. The Sunshine State had the fastest-growing population in the country last year — the first time the state has taken the top spot since 1957.

Agriculture industry looks to new technology to raise, harvest Florida crops

For generations, harvest time in Florida has brought an army of migrants to pick crops by hand, but now, fewer people want jobs picking. It's sending labor costs up and sending farmers looking for new technology to help raise and harvest their crops.

A look back at the year in business in Central Florida

Tourist Development tax revenue in Orange County was up 46% in October 2022 compared to the last year. Tim Giuliani, CEO of Orlando Economic Partnership, said that signals the return of tourism which has led to more hiring.

Three months after Ian, Florida relief numbers continue to grow

More than $4 billion in federal aid has been received by Florida state authorities and those affected by Hurricane Ian since it made landfall on Florida's west coast on Sept. 28.

South Florida's rents among the highest in the nation as price hikes continue

While rent fell between October and November in most parts of the U.S., they continued to climb in South Florida.