By Peter Roos
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Dinner at the Tradewinds Resort on Feb. 7, serving a delicious surf and turf dinner, hosted a speaker on AI, introduced the new board and recognized the winners in three categories for 2023.
Tevi Lawson, a commercial realtor with Polaris Realty, was named volunteer of the year by President and CEO Robin Miller. Plumlee Realty, which has run a vacation rental business for over 33 years was named business of the year. The Tradewinds Resorts were named “Environmental Business of the Year.” Paradise News, by the way, was named Small Business of the Year in 2008 and Woman-Owned Business of the Year in 2013.
Nigel Duffett, COO of Premier Hotel Corp., was appointed Chairman of the Board, replacing Mathew Dahm of Mastry’s Brewing, who filled in when last year’s chairperson, Kylie Diaz, was hired away from the Clearwater Aquarium by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater.
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce itself won three major awards including Chamber of the Year and awards for online communications and marketing materials from the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.
They held 108 networking and educational events and signed up 118 new members during 2023. There is an upcoming mixer at the Dolphin Beach Resort, 4900 Gulf Blvd., on April 9 from 5:30-7pm. For more information, stop by the chamber, 6990 Gulf Blvd., in St. Pete Beach, visit www.TampabayBeaches.com email roxanne@Tampabaybeaches.com or call the chamber at 727-360-6957.
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber is celebrating 40 years of service to the Gulfport Community. As the GMC embarks on this momentous milestone, they are reaching out to the community for support in continuing their mission of excellence.
President Sarah Laracuente expresses, “The Gulfport Merchants Chamber has been a pillar of support for our community for 40 years, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone. However, with the changes in our community and residents’ availability, we need to rally together now more than ever. We are calling on enthusiastic individuals to join us as volunteers and help us continue our legacy of community service.”
Volunteers are needed for the new Welcome Center, 5317 Gulfport Blvd., where they’ll have the opportunity to greet and assist visitors to Gulfport, showcasing the warmth and hospitality the town is known for. Additionally, the chamber is seeking event ambassadors for the beloved Tuesday Market, First Friday Artwalk, Third Saturday IndieFaire, and Pink Flamingo Home Tour.
These events are integral to the fabric of the community, and the GMC is in need of dedicated volunteers to ensure their success. “We’re hoping to develop a foundation of core volunteers to ensure the continued success of our events and initiatives,” says Laracuente. “Your support will make a tangible difference in our community and help us continue to grow and thrive together.”
Help celebrate 40 years of community support by becoming a volunteer with the Gulfport Merchants Chamber today! To sign up or learn more about volunteer opportunities, please visit the Chamber signup site or contact volunteer@visitgulfportflorida.com for more information.
The Treasure Island / Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts monthly mixers and relationship building meetings in Madeira Beach. Their annual awards luncheon on March 1 at the Bilmar Resort in Treasure Island was too late for inclusion of the award winners this month. Visit 12601 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706. Call 727-360-4121, email Info@TIMBchamber.org or visit www.TIMBchamber.org
Leadership from St. Pete Chamber and St. Pete Economic Development Corporation recently met with Congresswoman Kathy Castor at the Chamber office. Congresswoman Castor was interested to hear about initiatives important to the St. Petersburg business community including regional transportation and the Gas Plant redevelopment. The St. Pete Chamber is fortunate to have a great working relationship with the Congresswoman’s local team throughout the year in the Tampa Bay area. Congresswoman Castor was passionate about sharing details regarding the Inflation Reduction Act and opportunities for businesses to unlock solar opportunities, which aligns with the Chamber’s Sustainability and Resiliency Committee goals.