Members:

Busy season is officially upon us! The start of school marks our annual ramp up for events season and we're excited to bring you your fall programming for the year . Be sure to join us at this fall's special Chamber events which include the annual bowling tournament, Suncoast Credit Union Plant City Pig Jam, monthly Networking Lunches, Java & Jeans, Bike Fest, and the Strawberry Classic Cruise-In. Check out the events section of this newsletter for more information and ways to get plugged in.

I would also like to celebrate a new Chamber event with you - the inaugural Plant City Candidate Forum was held on August 21st at the HCC Trinkle Center! Over 60 campaigns registered for this forum where we were able to provide a platform for citizens to get informed about the upcoming elections before the primaries. This was the first time the Chamber has hosted a political forum of this size in Plant City and it will undoubtedly be the first of many to come. Jay Hollenkamp, a resident of Plant City and event attendee said he believed the event was a "home run" for the Chamber and that we "put on a pretty close to flawless performance." Birthed out of the efforts of the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee, the event was created to help citizens have the opportunity to be as informed as possible when they step into the voting booth this November. We look forward to hosting another in 2020.

I'm excited to announce that the Chamber team has grown! Our Community Relations Manager, Sophia, and her husband, Brandon welcomed a beautiful baby boy in to the world on Saturday, August 25th. William "Liam" Hyde was 23 inches long and weighed 9lbs 10 oz. Mom and baby are doing well and recovering. Sophia will be out of the office for a few weeks as they welcome Liam. Please join us in celebrating!




Make it a great September!

Christine