CATALYST
Chamber leadership held collaborative regional strategy meetings with the executive leadership teams of AMPLIFY Clearwater and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, respectively.
The Chamber’s Policy Advisory Committee hosted Andrew Cary, founder of The PT Solution to discuss micro-mobility and transit innovation.
Commissioner Gwen Myers was the featured speaker at a Transportation Council meeting. Commissioner Myers reviewed the County Commission’s plan to move the 2022 transportation surtax referendum to the ballot in November.
To close out the 2022 session, the Chamber hosted a successful Legislative Wrap Up event, featuring senators and representatives from the Tampa Bay legislative delegation.
The Chamber hosted our MOU Partners, both volunteers and staff leaders, for a collaborative lunch, focused on regional cooperation.
Transportation Council hosted an in-depth conversation about innovation in transportation, featuring Senior Executives from HyperloopTT.
With Tampa Bay’s transit needs in focus, the Chamber signed onto a letter of support appealing to the Administration and congressional leaders to release dedicated transit funds for local transportation agencies as part of the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
In partnership with Congresswoman Kathy Castor, the MacDill Means Mobility Task Force, and the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce, our joint advocacy efforts were successful in MacDill Air Force Base being awarded the new KC-46 tanker mission.
The Chamber and the business community welcomed new partner-level member, Rapid7, at a reception featuring the company’s executive leadership team.
Workforce Housing
The Workforce Housing Committee met with Dan Coakley, President of PMG Affordable to discuss the progress at Robles Park in Tampa.
Presented to the Leadership Tampa class on workforce housing initiatives in Tampa Bay.
The Workforce Housing Committee met with Nicholas Glover to discuss legislative priorities and opportunities for both local and state engagements.
Met with Bill Mague, Director of Acquisitions & Special Projects with Aeon to discuss creative funding solutions that preserve existing Natural Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH).
Workforce Development Committee
Partnered with Hillsborough County Public Schools to encourage member engagement in their workforce development initiative focused on new programs that are designed to prepare students to enter medical and construction positions.
Hosted the first event in our Work Redefined series focusing on addressing Tampa Bay’s skills gap. Over 40 Chamber members heard from John Flanagan, President & CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay on the demographic drought and opportunities to tap into underserved talent pipelines to address workforce needs.
Partnered with the Florida Chamber Foundation to encourage member participation in their Workforce Needs survey.
Inclusive organization
Military
The Military Advisory Committee met with DJ Reyes to discuss the Hillsborough County Veterans’ Treatment Court.
The Military Council met with Mayor Jane Castor and Tampa Bay EDC President/CEO Craig Richard to discuss the economic impact of and growth opportunities for government contracting in Tampa Bay.
Hosted the Transition Tampa Bay: Industry Connect event at Quiet Professionals where 10 transitioning service members learned more about government contracting positions in Tampa Bay.
Briefed the Onward to Opportunity class on the resources available to transitioning service members in Tampa Bay.
The Military Advisory Committee heard from the Cohen Clinic at Aspire Health on the multitude of mental health resources for military families in Tampa Bay.
Participated in Congresswoman Kathy Castor’s Veterans Roundtable event to discuss policy priorities that support military families in Tampa Bay.
Hosted our first Business with the Government event which focused on growing your business with federal contracts. Over 30 Chamber members heard from Lauren Weiner, WWC Global, and Amy Martinez-Monfort, Tampa Laundry Company, on how Amy diversified her company’s revenue stream by winning a contract with MacDill Air Force Base.
Met with Senior Enlisted Advisors from MacDill Air Force Base to discuss the needs of their military families and how the business community can best support their quality of life.
Members of the Tampa Bay Chamber met with Rear Admiral Sara Joyner, Chief of Legislative Affairs, as part of the 2022 Navy Week to discuss the various ways the Navy’s mission impacts our community.
Supported the 2022 AirFest and visited the new KC-46 aircraft that will soon call MacDill AFB home.
Participated in the Cohen Clinic at Aspire Health townhall that showcased resources for veterans in Tampa Bay.
Minority Business Accelerator
The Minority Business Kick-Off Reception was held Feb. 24, 2022. Guests included MBA participants/mentors/sponsors, Alumni, Minority Empowerment participants and Chamber Board members. View pictures from the Kick-off Reception.
2021 Impact Metrics: Cohorts ’20 and ‘21
- New Jobs Created: 218
- Vacancies Filled: 192
- New Corporate Contracts: 45
- New Assets Acquired: 17
- Strategic Introductions Made: 55
- (Company) Secured Capital: $625k+
- Gross Sales: $8.1M+
MBA Sessions Held
- January 28 – Cohort ’23: Orientation
- February 11 – Cohort ’23: Strategic Vision Session
- February 25 - Cohort ’22: Marketing/Advertising/PR
- March 4 - Cohort ’23: Finance & Lending
- March 11 - Cohort ’22: Profitability & Growth
2022 MEP Program
Inaugural sponsors AT&T, Amgen, Regions, Moffitt, Whiting Turner, and Nielsen, agreed to underwrite the Minority Empowerment Program (MEP) again for 2022. Bank of America joined the list of sponsors and the program welcomed 18 new minority businesses to the Chamber. Members have attended Orientation, a professional development training, and were invited to attend a networking event with the Minority Business Accelerator program. After the successes of 2021, 28% of last year’s MEP members have found value in their Chamber partnership and are continuing their participation in 2022.
MEP Session Held
- March 16 – Next Level Networking/Imposter Syndrome
Collegiate Leadership
Chair, Wyatt Krapf (Emerge) and Vice-Chair, Lindsay Grinstead (LT’18)
Collegiate Leadership is a program for 24 college students from the University of Tampa, St. Leo University, and the University of South Florida. It mirrors the Leadership Tampa program and allows the college students to explore different career paths, understand how Tampa operates, and hopefully it’ll lead to us retaining the amazing talent in Tampa Bay.
The 2022 class of Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay had three program days, closing session and graduation in Q1.
Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders kicked off the 2022 Mentor Protégé Program with 66 pairings. This exclusive mentoring program aims to develop long-term mutually beneficial relationships between experienced business leaders and motivated young professionals.
- Hosted 9 Group Meetings in Q1
- Current ELTB membership is 314
Hub for Business
Membership
Business in Tampa Bay is thriving. The Chamber welcomed 83 new member companies in the first quarter of 2022. Included are three new Partner members: Trellance, Rapid7 and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Members appreciate the value of their Chamber membership and retention stands strong at 94.9%.
Ambassador Committee
Our Chamber Ambassadors play an important role in welcoming new members. They connected with first year members to offer their expertise and help ensure that they are finding ways to make the most of their Chamber membership. “Thank you for Your Membership” gift bags were delivered to members celebrating their first year and five-year Chamber anniversaries. Ambassadors also attended Ribbon Cutting celebrations for seven members who opened their businesses in Tampa Bay.
Networking
Business Around The Bay
Business Around the Bay held its first Business Leaders Roundtable in February. 17 top-tier members discussed issues from finding talent, to transportation, return to the workplace among other topics. This bi-monthly, program format is for top-tier leaders to connect, provide insights and exchange ideas as we work to move forward together.
Coffee Connection
Chamber Ambassadors hosted 24 members on March 30th at Coffee Connection to learn more about their Chamber membership, network, and create new business partnerships.
Get Connected
Bringing businesses together, our very popular speed networking event, Get Connected, was held in person at the Chamber on February 17. 20 participants gave their two-minute elevator pitch making new strategic connections and strengthening existing relationships.
Community Outreach Committee
After closing 2021 at the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday tent, the Community Outreach Committee explored new opportunities from Junior Achievement, Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity for 2022. Volunteers from LTA, Emerge and the Chamber generously give their time and talent to support our non-profit members through community service.
Events
Hosted attendees at events across Tampa Bay in person and virtually.
- Q1: 2,100+
- YTD: 2,100+
Circle of Influence
In March, top tier members attended the first Circle of Influence event of the year and heard from featured speaker, Greg Slater, Executive Director and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority. After attendees heard remarks from Mr. Slater, a live Q&A session was held.
Upcoming Events
Women of Influence Luncheon
April 14, 2022
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Marriott Water Street
Presented by Tampa General Hospital
Military Appreciation
May 4, 2022
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
The Florida Aquarium
Presented by USAA
Benchmarking: Dublin
July 31 - August 5, 2022
Registration is open, only 1 spot available as of April 4!
Benchmarking: Research Triangle
Raleigh - Durham - Chapel Hill
October 23 - 25, 2022
Leadership Tampa
LT’23 Chair Mark Colvenbach (LT’12), The University of Tampa and LT’23 Vice-Chair Terrie Daniels (LT’20), Cardinal Consulting Group will lead the 2023 Leadership Tampa class.
LT’23 recruitment began, who within your organization is an established business community leader? Check out our info sessions for details on the program
Leadership Tampa Alumni
February 17 – LTA Annual Meeting was held at the Embassy Suites Downtown. Chair Crystal Lauderdale (LT’15), Ultimate Medical Academy and Vice-Chair Jeff Chernoff (LT’16), IAT are leading Leadership Tampa Alumni through 2022. Troy Manthey (LT’03) President/CEO at Yacht StarShip & Pirate Water Taxi was awarded the 2021 Leadership Tampa Alumni Parke Wright III Award.
- Committee Meetings in Q1 – 21
- Current LTA membership: 438
Insight Tampa Bay
The Insight Tampa Bay program allows CEOs, Presidents, and comparable level executives who have been recently promoted or relocated to the Tampa Bay market to connect, discuss, and explore the issues and concerns that affect business in the Tampa Bay Area. The program is held bi-annually and is by invitation only.
The 2022 Insight Tampa Bay class kicked off the program in February at MacDill Air Force Base for Military & Community Day. In March they met at Tampa International Airport's SkyCenter One for Transportation & Infrastructure Day.