2022 Annual Report
Hub For Business
254
New Members
25
Member Upgrades
Ambassador Committee
Our Ambassador Committee is a key component of the Chamber’s retention strategy, helping new members make the most of their Chamber experience. Ambassadors help members “get noticed”, leverage their growing network and identify key areas of interest. Barbie Blank of Florida Capital Bank, served as the Chair of the Ambassador Committee.
| 2022 Transition Tampa Bay Industry Connects |
|---|
| Assisted members in leveraging their Chamber involvement |
| Face-to-face member visits and outreach with 1st year Chamber members |
| Approximately 30 Ribbon Cuttings in 2022 |
Thanks to engagement by Chamber members, community outreach is woven into the fabric of our three guiding pillars, making it possible for us to continue to serve as a Catalyst, Inclusive Organization and a Hub For Business. In 2022, the Community Outreach Committee was led by Co- Chairs Kristin Johnson of Atlas Professional Services and Elizabeth Brusa of the Bradley national law firm. Connecting volunteers from LTA and Emerge with community organizations, the Community Outreach Committee brought Chamber members together to create lasting memories with Junior Achievement, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.
Special Olympics Area 5 Summer Games
| Date | April 9 |
| Spotlight | Chamber and Emerging Leaders volunteers helped serve 700+ athletes. |
Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Annual Supply Drive
| Date | August 26 |
| Spotlight | Chamber volunteers helps itemize and stage enough school supply items to fill 37 boxes at the Teachers Supply & Resource Center. |
Williams Park Playground
| Date | October 8 |
| Spotlight | Installation of new playground at Williams Park in North Tampa to annually serve over 1,000 neighborhood children. 23 Chamber volunteers joined Hancock Whitney and City of Tampa to transform the once-barren area into a state-of-the- art Kaboom playground. |
“It is critical that the children in every neighborhood have access to a great, safe place to play, learn and grow. We know that when the community is invested and involved in the process, the ownership over their space is that much greater.”
Sherisha Hills – Director, Tampa Parks and Recreation
Feeding Tampa Bay
| Date | December 10 |
| Spotlight | Chamber volunteers helped sort and organize donations at the charity’s warehouse and distribution site. |
The Insight Leadership program allows CEO’s, 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.
| 2022 Insight Leadership Programs |
|---|
| Military and Community – MacDill Air Force Base |
| Transportation and Infrastructure – Tampa International Airport |
| Education, Talent Supply, and the Workforce – Hillsborough Community College |
| Government and Economic Development – Tampa Bay Chamber |
| Quality of Life and Places – Tampa Theatre |
The 3rd Oldest Leadership Program in the Nation
Since 1970, Leadership Tampa has provided a robust career, leadership and community engagement program to professionals in leadership positions within their companies or organizations. This intensive 9-month course remains the longest running leadership program in the region and the third oldest leadership program in the USA. To date, graduating 2,500+ professionals.
Each year’s class is immersed in key aspects of life in Tampa Bay, including educational sessions, tours with industry leaders, and candid conversations with community decision makers and influencers.
Leadership Tampa Class of 2022
Chair – Amanda Uliano (LT’13) – Uliano Law
Vice-Chair – Mark Colvenbach (LT’12) – The University of Tampa
LT '22 Graduation
The June 1 graduation of the 46 members of Leadership Tampa Class of 2022 marked the 51st LT class to graduate from the program.
Leadership Tampa Class of 2022 Graduates
- Sylvia Acevedo – Gulf Coast JFCS
- Holly S Atkins – Saint Leo University
- Rae Ann Boyle – ASD|SKY
- Rob Brown – Ernst and Young (EY)
- Tony T. Brown – Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
- Sherri T. Brown – Visit Tampa Bay
- Jacquelyn Bryan – Tampa Bay Chamber
- Angie Caldwell – PYA, P.C.
- Ed Carey – CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
- Dave Cellitti – Quarles & Brady LLP
- Vincent Cordo – Holland & Knight
- Jennifer Crabtree – Tampa General Hospital
- Candace Culver – Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
- Kristin Davis – Hillsborough County Public Schools
- Terrie Dodson-Caldevilla – Cristo Rey Tampa High School
- Amy Doye – MacDill Air Force Base
- Carlos Echeverry – BMO Bank
- Ken Gibson – Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
- Vincent Grizio – US Special Operations Command
- Matthew Hall – Hill Ward & Henderson
- Jourdan Haynes – Carlton Fields
- Ashley Heath Dietz – Florida Philanthropic Network
- Isaac Henderson – Jacobs
- Tracy Hunt – Skanska USA Building Inc.
- Amanda Jacobson – United Way Suncoast
- Ashley N. James – Cushman & Wakefield
- Nicole Kinzel – Yacht StarShip Dining Cruises & Pirate Water Taxi
- Deborah Kish Johansen – Hillsborough Community College
- Molly Longmire – Civil Air Patrol
- Marc Maseman – Florida Chemical Supply, Inc.
- Brenda McKenzie – City of Tampa
- Rich Mills – Tampa Police Department
- Laurie Noyes – Tampa International Airport
- Thomas N. Palermo – 13th Judicial Circuit Hillsborough County
- Luis Pardo – USAA
- Thais Pepe – Neighborhood Lending Partners of Florida, Inc.
- Jay Quigley – Florida Executive Realty
- Celeste Roberts – The Skills Center
- Edmondo Robinson – H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
- Frank Rygiel – Walbridge
- Lakisha E Sharpe – Tampa Bay Lightning/Vinik Sports Group
- Rich Thompson – BKS Partners
- David Tyler – Frameworks of Tampa Bay
- Matt Valentine – Hoar Construction
- MaryLou F. Whaley – Hillsborough County Clerk of Court & Comptroller
- Aaron W. Wheeler – Amgen
Leadership Tampa Class of 2023
Chair – Mark Colvenbach (LT’12) – The University of Tampa
Vice-Chair – Terrie Daniel (LT ‘20) – Cardinal Consulting Group
LT ‘23 Kickoff
The 2023 Class program kicked off in August. Their food drive for Feeding Tampa Bay collected 371 pounds which provides 309 meals to our neighbors.
Gain. Grow. Give.
Leadership Tampa Alumni connects the strength and talent of established leaders working across industries who have graduated from the Leadership Tampa program and are committed to further developing an engaged, inclusive, and prosperous Tampa Bay community. More than 550-members strong in 2022, LTA events ranged from guest speakers to unique behind-the-scenes tours.
In 2022, LTA was led by Chair Crystal Lauderdale (LT’15) of Ultimate Medical Academy and Vice-Chair Jeff Chernoff (LT’16) of IAT Inc.
550+
Members
77
Committee Meetings
LTA Annual Meeting
| Date | February 17 |
| Spotlight | Captain Troy Manthey, President/CEO of Yacht StarShip and Pirate Water Taxi, was presented the 2021 Parke Wright III Leadership Award. |
During the Annual Meeting of Leadership Tampa Alumni, Captain Troy Manthey was honored by his LTA peers for demonstrating exceptional leadership and making a significant, positive difference in the Tampa Bay region. Manthey is a fifth generation New Orleans riverboat captain. He relocated his business to Tampa in 2001 and is a graduate of the LT Class of 2003.
LTA Highlights
Spring Fling
| Date | March 23 |
| Spotlight | New LTA members connected with alumni from the past 50 years at George Steinbrenner Field, home to NY Yankees’ Spring Training Camp. |
Chair’s Choice
| Date | April 27 |
| Spotlight | Featuring Author Jennifer Currence (LT’15) on “Leading for Impact”, plus a group tour of WFLA studios. |
Connect with Coffee
| Date | June 23 |
| Spotlight | Behind-the-scenes tour of the University of Tampa’s new Ferman Center for the Arts. |
Community Outreach
| Date | September 17 & November 9 |
| Spotlight | LTA members participated in group experiences volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill’s BookWorks Literacy Program. |
Conversations With Influence
| Date | September 21 |
| Spotlight | Fireside chat with Rhea Law, newly named President of the University of South Florida and graduate of Leadership Tampa Class of 1991. |
LTA Bowling
| Date | November 16 |
| Spotlight | The annual gathering of fun and networking brings together multiple classes of LTA. In 2022, it was LT ’04 that won “Best Team Costume” with its creative “Star Fours” theme! |
The Workforce Development Committee helps the Chamber advocate for innovative educational initiatives that strengthen the region’s workforce talent. Committee members are a moving force behind academic and business partnerships that connect the business community with training partners developing their workforce in various industries, as well as academic institutions in Tampa Bay. Part of the Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation, the Workforce Development Committee also supports our advocacy initiatives in workforce development and business growth.
The Workforce Development Committee was chaired by April Neumann of Ultimate Medical Academy.
| Workforce Development Committee Highlights |
|---|
| Hillsborough County Public Schools Partnership – focused on new programs designed to prepare students for entry into the medical and construction sectors |
| Florida Chamber Foundation Partnership – encourage TBC members to participate in state survey on Workforce Needs |
| CareerSource Tampa Bay – learned about its programming that connects talent with local businesses |
| Tampa Mayor’s Workforce Development – participated in Returning Workers work-group |
| The Grow Group – learned about its job training and work-based learning programs |
| Junior Achievement – learned about its 3DE Schools Initiative, re- engineering high school education to provide training and access to in-demand careers to meet the demands of the future economy |
Work Redefined
Sponsor
The Work Redefined series enhances our Workforce Development programming at the Chamber. The professional development program is designed for businesses and academic institutions, helps grow and retain top talent in the region. In 2022, Workforce Redefined events created thoughtful dialogue around key themes to enhance sustainable talent pipelines in Tampa Bay.
Addressing Tampa Bay’s Skills Gap
| Date | March 1 |
| Spotlight | CareerSource Tampa Bay President & CEO John Flanagan on the opportunities to tap underserved talent pipelines to address workforce needs. |
| Attendance | 40+ Chamber Members |
Developing Inclusive Hiring Practices
| Date | May 3 |
| Spotlight | Global Alliance Solutions founder Nikki Pardo presented the business case for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and how organizations can apply an equitable lens to recruitment and retention of top talent. |
| Attendance | 40+ Chamber Members |
State of Workforce Development
| Date | September 13 |
| Spotlight | A discussion on best practices to align training and education with the needs of the business community. |
| Attendance | 90+ Chamber Members |
Leveraging Apprenticeships
| Date | November 1 |
| Spotlight | Event focused on the latest trends that companies are using to develop apprenticeship programs to build diverse talent pipelines. |
| Attendance | 30 members |
Top-tier members come together for discussions on high-interest topics in the business community.
11,400+
Event Attendees
Business Around The Bay
Winter
First Business Leaders Roundtable of 2022. Spotlight on talent recruitment in the workforce, transportation and the return to the workforce post COVID-19.
Summer
Board members and top-tier leaders gathered around the issues of the current work environment, including challenges and opportunities under the umbrella of Workforce Development and Workforce Housing & Transportation.
Circle Of Influence
Spring
Featured speaker was Greg Slater, CEO/Executive Directory of Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority.
Summer
Featured speaker was Conan Gallaty, President/CEO, Tampa Bay Times.
Fall
Featured speaker was Archie Collins, President/CEO of Tampa Electric.
Coffee Connection
Year-round events by Chamber Ambassadors, Coffee Connections were attended by more than 80 members, who learned more about their Chamber membership, growing their network, and creating new business partnerships.
Get Connected
Held in summer and winter, these popular events of speed-networking, had guests delivering their 2-minute “elevator pitch”. More than 55 attendees connected with other members and member companies from various sectors. Events were held at the Chamber and Empire, both offices located in Downtown Tampa
Cannon Fire & Cocktails
More than 550 attendees gathered at Armature Works to celebrate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ season preview.
Featured guests were Bucs Owner/ Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer, Bucs General Manager Jason Licht, Head Coach Todd Bowles, and Bucs Quarterback Tom Brady. The conversation was moderated by Casey Phillips, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Reporter.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, networking with other Tampa Bay community members and visiting with Bucs cheerleaders and the team mascot – Captain Fear!
For more than two decades, the Tampa Bay Chamber has made annual Benchmarking Visits to investigate new programs and initiatives in a city facing similar business trends or community dynamics to Tampa Bay’s. The trip gives Chamber Members and our Board the opportunity to study best practices or innovations that could meet our region’s own needs.
In August, Chamber members visited South Dublin, Ireland, and Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Dublin, Ireland
August 1 – 5
Fifty Chamber members visited Dublin for sessions with the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, a tour of Dáil Éireann – the Irish Legislature – and presentations on Dublin’s “Smart Cities” initiative. The Tampa Bay delegation then headed north to meet with the Belfast Chamber
Strategic partnerships resulting from the trip included a Continuing Sister City Agreement signed by the Mayors of Tampa and South Dublin, plus a Continuing Cooperative Agreement mutually beneficial to our Chamber and the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
The Research Triangle, North Carolina
Sponsors
October 23 – 25
In the fall, Chamber members visited North Carolina’s Research Triangle – led by Benchmarking Chair Robin DeLaVergne of Tampa General Hospital.
Over 80 local business leaders traveled to North Carolina’s “Research Triangle” – the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area is known for its proximity to three major research universities and as a hub for technology and biotech companies.
Key areas of focus were innovation, higher education, advocacy, workforce development and workforce housing. The deliberate approach resulted in best practices and innovative initiatives to pursue in the Tampa Bay region.
Presenting Sponsors
For 41 years the Chamber has hosted the Small Business of the Year Awards. The event is the culmination of a nine-month long process for nominations and selections of Small Business of the Year. Every year, companies from all over the region vie for the chance to take home the title in 5 categories.
The SBOY committee chair in 2022 was Caroline Black Sikorske of the Sessums Black Family Law.
In one of the most talked about acceptance speeches of the night, one emotional winner told the audience she had been inspired to start her own business while attending another Chamber event.
“5 1⁄2 years ago, I attended a Woman of Influence luncheon with the Chamber, and I walked out of that and said ‘It’s time for me to start my business!’ So, I want to thank the Tampa Bay Chamber, because what you have done for me, my business, and my people is above and beyond – more than you’ll ever know!”
Cole Robinson, Owner, Fish Window Cleaning
Woodie’s Wash Shack
Fish Window Cleaning
Roger West Creative & Code
Iron EagleX, Inc.
Cammie Chatterton – Bay Food Brokerage
Presenting Sponsor
On December 1 more than 800 attendees gathered for the Chamber’s 137th Annual Meeting. Held at the Tampa Convention Center, the gathering brings members, the Board of Directors, and Chamber businesses together to celebrate the year’s achievements and honor the individuals who’ve helped to make those wins count for the entire Tampa Bay region!
2022 Chamber Chair, Andy Mayts, SHUMAKER, passed the gavel to 2023 Chair Brian Butler, Vistra Communications, and the 2023 Chamber Board and Executive Committee were announced.
In a symbolic moment, John Couris, President/CEO of Tampa General Hospital and the recipient of the 2021 H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award, presented the 2022 award to H. Lee Moffitt, founder of the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.
The honor dating back to 1997 and established by Leadership Tampa Alumni, recognizes a leader who has made a lasting, positive impact on the Tampa Bay region.
Metropolitan Ministries
Metropolitan Ministries benefited from the generosity of Chamber members who donated toys for children in need. During the holiday season, Metropolitan Ministries served more than 26,500 children in Tampa Bay.
