Volume 89 l September 2022

 
Weekly eConnection
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President's Edition

From the President's Desk

****Where has the time gone? We’re already in the BER months, with the holiday season coming at us fast.

****This month marks the end of our Chamber program year, one that saw increased participation in our programs and several new ventures. And we’re already in high gear planning for a new one we hope will provide a greater value on your investment with us.

****In three weeks, at our 69th Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast, we will be reviewing our successes in these changed times. I hope many of you will be there to join in the celebration!

My special thanks to all those who gave of their time and energy this year, most notably our Chairman, Nate Cocco of State Farm Team Cocco. His message of “success through engagement” was instrumental in putting the challenges of the past two years behind us.

****As you’re looking at ways to get the most from your Chamber, please consider serving on a committee. There’s one to meet every interest. And you get to meet some terrific people. Just give me a call and we can discuss. It’s great to belong!

****Tom Morrissette 

2022 Chamber Citizen of the Year

County Commissioner Karen Seel recognized for community service

******For her decades long service to the people of Pinellas County, Karen Seel has been named the 2022 Citizen of the Year by the Central Pinellas Chamber.She will be formally recognized at the Chamber’s 69th Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast on Sept. 27 at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort.

******Commissioner Seel was appointed to the Pinellas County Commission by Governor Jeb Bush in January 1999. She has since been reelected in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. Prior to this, she served as a Clearwater City Commissioner from 1996 to 1999.

******Among her accomplishments are the many miles of improvements to the Route 19 corridor. She has, and continues to serve, on numerous civic and non-profit boards.

****Reservations to the event are now open. Here’s the link: Annual Mtg Awards Breakfast

Chamber 101 Lunch Meeting for New Members

******Last week we met and welcomed our new members at the Chamber's 101 New Member Lunch Meeting. Nate Cocco of State Farm Team Cocco and Tom Morrissette, Chamber President are seen here presenting the Chamber's Committees to the group.

******Thank you to Village Inn for the lunches! Sue Osborne was representing for Village Inn, as well as the Ambassadors Committee and the Women Leadership Committee.

Mary Taylor of McManus & McManus PA was also representing for the Economic Development and Women Leadership Committees. Thank you everyone for coming!


*****Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony


*****When: September 29 at 1 PM

*****Where: AMA Medical Group

*****1280 Missouri Avenue, Largo 33770

*****Register here.

Florida jobless claims remain at pre-pandemic pace

First-time unemployment claims in Florida remain relatively flat and at a pre-pandemic pace, reflecting strong economic activity amid lingering inflation.

Cruise ships becoming home for adventurous retirees and millennial remote workers

From the millennials untethered to an office to retirees, these cruisers are quick to point out their lifestyle choices come with daily maid service, plenty of swimming pools and daily meals prepared for and served to them — all for less than the price of a South Florida condominium.

Florida TaxWatch: Remote work, ‘Great Resignation’ and other changes in state’s workforce

Florida TaxWatch recently released its Florida Workforce Update, a commentary on the shifts in Florida’s workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic. It outlines the status of remote work, women in the labor force, and the "Great Resignation."

Earl finally forms but no threat to Florida

After five full days as Invest 91L and nearly nine days after rolling off the coast of Africa, the disturbance tracking through the tropical Atlantic all week finally gathered enough organization to become Tropical Storm Earl.

Florida National Guard could help at short-staffed prisons

As the state continues to struggle with a shortage of correctional officers, a legislative panel this week will consider a plan that would activate Florida National Guard members to help at prisons.

Thank you to our Trustees and Newsletter Sponsors
Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital
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Home Instead/Be a Santa
Jackson & Associates CPA
Melody Hunter, Charles Rutenberg Realty
National Aviation Academy
Nova Southeastern University - Tampa Bay
Piper Fire Protection
Platinum Information Services
Regions Bank
Spectrum Reach
The Palms of Largo
Valley National Bank
Village Inn
Wealth Builders
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