Marketing Insights and Creative Strategies Shared at Lunch & Learn

At last week’s Lunch & Learn, we were joined by industry experts Carla Robinson from Professional Systems, and Matt Miller and Michelle Stoner from Spectrum Reach. They shared powerful strategies on marketing trends and how businesses can boost visibility. Here’s a fun tidbit: Did you know that promotional pens are kept for up to a year? Your brand could be making an impact for much longer than you think! A huge thank you to our fantastic presenters and all who attended!

Welcome, Maggie's Maids!

   Magda Bruning owner of Maggie’s Maids was presented with her official Chamber membership plaque by Chamber Director, Karen Gonzalez of Business & Family Insurors and Ambassador, Dr. Rosemary DePasque of Belleair Bluffs Chiropractic.

    Maggie’s Maids is a trusted provider of residential and commercial cleaning services across Tampa Bay. With a strong passion for cleaning and a commitment to quality, Magda established her business on the values of reliability and thoroughness. Her team undergoes rigorous hiring and training to ensure exceptional service for homes, offices, and vacation rentals. Maggie’s Maids also offers eco-friendly "Green Clean" products for clients seeking environmentally safe options. Whether it's routine cleaning or last-minute service, Maggie's Maids delivers top-notch results every time. Learn more at MaggiesMaidsCleaning.com.

A face-to-face business exchange…

2025 Leads Team enrollment now underway

The Chamber’s Pinellas East Leads Team meets at its new location - J.R.’s Sports Pub on Roosevelt Blvd. It’s held every 2nd and 4th Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.  There are openings in several business categories. If you’re interested in joining this Team or our breakfast group that meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at Village on Walsingham, reach out to Tom at the Chamber – Tom@CentralChamber.biz  Cost is $100 for Chamber members only.

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The Disaster Recovery Center is located at the Florida Botanical Gardens, Magnolia Room, 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo.

DRCs serve as centralized locations where people can access various services and information related to disaster recovery, including:

• Information and Guidance: DRCs provide information on available disaster assistance programs and resources.
• Application Assistance: You can receive help with applying for federal disaster assistance programs, such as FEMA grants and low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration DRC staff can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and explaining the application process.
• Translation and Accessibility Services: The DRC offers translation services for individuals with limited English proficiency. They also provide accommodations for people with disabilities to ensure equal access to assistance.
• Status Updates: If you have already applied for assistance, you can check the status of your application at a DRC.
• Access to Disaster-related Resources: The DRC will have numerous state agencies and social service organizations on site to help you get additional help, such as housing, legal services, and counseling.
• Access to Computers and Phones: The DRC offers computer access and phone services, allowing you to complete online applications. 

In addition to FEMA, the following agencies will provide assistance at the DRC: Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Commerce, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Florida Department of Insurance Regulation and Florida Department of Children and Families with Hope Florida Navigators.

When visiting a DRC, it’s a good idea to bring identification, proof of residence, insurance information, and any documentation related to your disaster-related losses to facilitate the application process and ensure you receive the appropriate assistance.

Residents can register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Pinellas County Economic Development is here to support you in any way possible as we navigate the aftermath of Helene and Milton together.

• Florida Commerce has released the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey for businesses damaged physically or economically by Hurricane Milton. The survey is available online: https://floridadisaster.biz/Respond/BusinessDamageAssessmentsSurvey Please note that if a business already submitted a survey for damages from Hurricane Helene, and were subsequently damaged by Hurricane Milton, they must once again fill out a new survey and select “Hurricane Milton.”
• The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan application is also now available online: https://floridacommerce.my.site.com/RebuildFloridaBusinessLoanFund/s/
• The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.
• Loans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds – they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.

Florida’s next economic boom: Ocean takes stage for state’s new business strategy

Florida has long boomed economically from three revenue sources — farming, real estate, tourism. Now, local leaders would like to add the ocean to that list.

A look at the manufacturing industry in the state of Florida

Florida's manufacturing sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with over 427,600 jobs reported in May 2024 (an increase of 6,900 jobs over the year). This represents the 37th consecutive increase since April 2021.

Florida is one of the least charitable states, according to new study

Florida is the 43rd most charitable state, according to the study. It ranked 46th for volunteering and service and 21st for charitable giving.

South Florida ports set cruise records

PortMiami and Port Everglades, South Florida’s primary seaports, achieved record-breaking cruise passenger numbers in fiscal year 2024, reaffirming the region's global prominence in the cruise industry.

Deadline to apply for Hurricane Helene-related SBA disaster loans is coming up

The deadline to apply for disaster loans from the Small Business Administration for damage caused by Hurricane Helene is Wednesday, Nov. 27.

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

Wealth Builders