Catalyst

 

Business Leaders Support Renewal of the Community Investment Tax

 

On May 23rd the full Board of Directors of the Tampa Bay Chamber voted to take a position of support for the renewal of the Community Investment Tax (CIT) at a 15-year renewal and 5% allocation for education. These are the terms that will be put to voters on the November ballot. We urge you to take this time to get informed on CIT impacts and, on election day, vote in support of the renewal.

 

 

 

 

 

How Resilient Businesses Prepare for Hurricane Season

Thursday, June 6, 2024
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Tampa Bay Chamber

 

“This season is looking to be an extraordinary one in a number of ways,” said National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator Rick Spinrad in a press conference.

 

NOAA is forecasting the season will bring 85% odds of an above normal season, with 17-25 named storms of tropical storm intensity or greater, eight to 13 of which will become hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or greater.

 

As we approach hurricane season, it is crucial for us to take proactive steps to safeguard our employees, assets, and business operations. Preparing for potential hurricanes is not only a matter of safety but also of ensuring business continuity in the face of natural disasters.

  • How hazards can be accounted for in your organization’s emergency preparedness plan.
  • Best practices for resilient risk mitigation.
  • What resources are available for businesses to prepare and respond to natural disasters.

Join us on June 6th for a panel discussion as we learn:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last week we held our annual Face the Chamber event where Tampa Mayor Jane Castor participated in an interview style discussion, addressing the Chamber and the greater business community about important issues facing the city and region. 10 News Tampa Bay Morning Anchor Jamison Uhler moderated, skillfully posing the questions submitted by Chamber members on behalf of the business community.

 

In her responses, Mayor Castor emphasized Tampa’s responsibility to grow thoughtfully and inclusively, highlighting the city’s diversity as part of its identity. On transportation, she acknowledged the failed All For Transportation referendum but outlined initiatives to improve mobility. These include increasing parking signage, promoting the DASH circulator, exploring water transit like a ferry to MacDill Air Force Base, and building more protected bike lanes to encourage e-bike usage. The mayor’s goal is to get traffic moving more quickly overall.

 

She also discussed efforts to address the high cost of living, touting the Live Local Act to provide housing at all levels. She stressed workforce housing and transportation are “interwoven issues”, with housing costs outpacing wages. Increasing the supply of housing units is viewed as the best way to improve affordability. The mayor further emphasized education, voicing support for raising teacher wages as “teachers are foundational to the success of the community.” Looking ahead, Castor wants the Riverwalk to become a true transportation option and hopes to advance larger projects like Brightline rail.

 

Thank you to the University of Tampa for sponsoring this event, and thank you to Aeromexico, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic for generously donating flight tickets for our raffle giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

 

In part 4, the final part in our Military Appreciation Video Series, we interview Brianne Brown, Veteran & Regional Director of The Fire Watch, and Elizabeth Christiana of Operation Healing Forces.  They discuss their important work in the prevention of veteran suicide and how businesses can get involved and take advantage of free training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our popular Tampa Bay @ Sunset networking event was hosted at the beautiful Columbia Museum in Ybor City, last Thursday. Guests enjoyed complimentary food and drinks while enjoying the historical backdrop of one of Tampa’s most famous restaurants. It was a perfect venue for our professionals from across Tampa Bay to connect with one another.

 

If you were unable to attend this event, make sure you register for Engage @ Sunset happening on June 27th! Register here.

 

 

 

 

 

The Tampa Bay Chamber Transportation Council met at Tampa International Airport. The committee was hosted by Gina Dew, director of government and community relations at the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. The group received an overview of airport operations, along with a progress update and viewing of the construction of the red side express curbs and Airside D shuttle station. The new red side express curbsides will improve traffic flow and make dropping off and picking up passengers more efficient when completed. The Airside D shuttle station renovations will also enhance the passenger experience with a modern upgrade.

 

 

 

 

Inclusive Organization

 

 

We are taking applications for the Chamber’s globally recognized Minority Business Accelerator program! The next information session will be held on June 12th at Suncoast Credit Union located on East Hillsborough Avenue.

This program is designed to aid Black and Hispanic businesses prepare for growth. The MBA helps these businesses identify and overcome barriers, which often include limited access to capital, key decision makers, and information. By providing practical tools for change, program participants are positioned to increase capacity, create jobs, and build wealth.

 

 

 

 

 

The Tampa Bay Chamber has several sponsorship options remaining for 2024, please contact Staci Fraser if interested:

 

*Presenting Sponsor of our Circle of Influence Series:

Circle of Influence is an event series offered three times per year exclusively to the Tampa Bay Chamber’s top-tier members: Fit 3, Fit 4, and Partner levels. The program provides them with the opportunity to hear from key influencers in the Tampa Bay region, followed by a live Q&A session. Focuses include sharing leadership journeys, addressing key issues in the Tampa Bay Area, and discussing strategic visions for their organization’s growth and development. Sponsorships are currently available and needed for the June and October events.

 

*Presenting Sponsor for our Competitive Edge Series:

The Competitive Edge Series is open to all Chamber members and is our leading educational program designed to enhance business and professional development. These sessions deliver fresh competencies with direct, real-world utility. Attendees can expect to acquire valuable new skills and immediately apply them in their own business endeavors, giving them a competitive edge within the market. Sponsorships are currently available and needed for the August and November events.

 

*Work Redefined:

Investing in a skilled and educated workforce is essential to growing Tampa Bay’s economy. This includes addressing the gaps that exist in workforce development and workforce talent. By advocating for innovative educational initiatives, developing workforce talent, and inspiring meaningful academic and business partnerships your organization will be uniquely positioned to address the workforce needs of our community. Sponsorships are currently available and needed for June, September, and November events.

 

 

 
Become a part of the Military Bay, USA™ community! Help us spread the word to our military community by using #MilitaryBayUSA in your social media posts. You must register with the Tampa Bay Chamber in order to use the Military Bay, USA™ moniker. The Tampa Bay Chamber reserves the right to ban inappropriate use of the trademark.