Volume 49 l December 2019
The Weekly E-Connection is made possible by the following generous sponsors:
Central Pinellas Chamber Upcoming Events
Check our home page for registrations, times and locations

12/13 - Chamber Annual Holiday Luncheon - 11:45a - 1:15p   
1/23 - Focus on 2020: A Tampa Bay Economic Forecast - 7:30a - 9:30a   
2/5 - Coffee An' Networking at SPCA Tampa Bay - 7:30a - 9:30a   
From your President's desk ...........

Tis the time of year when celebrations and family gatherings edge out meetings and late-night conference calls; when budget reviews take a back seat to a glass of cheer with good friends.
It’s also the time to begin planning for a new year, one rich with unknown possibilities and opportunities. Your Chamber is already in high gear for a year we believe will provide an even greater return on your membership investment. Our many committees of dedicated volunteers have a fantastic line-up of events and programs in the works.
           What better way to kick off a new year than some predictions from seasoned experts on what the future holds! Focus on 2020: A Tampa Bay Economic Forecast will provide an outlook on what businesses can expect for the year from a national, state and regional perspective. See below for more information.
           As you are contemplating New Years’ resolutions, consider serving on a Chamber committee to help plan these programs. You get to meet some terrific people and can have a direct say in our event offerings.
On behalf of the entire Chamber staff, I want to thank all of you for your continued support. Our best wishes for this holiday season!
Tom Morrissette
Florida leads the nation again in Affordable Care Act signups
Florida is again surging ahead in Affordable Care Act sign ups, with nearly half a million people opting for coverage three weeks into the enrollment period. Since Nov. 1, when the period began, 463,066 Floridians have signed up for health insurance next year under the act, commonly known as Obamacare, according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. More from the  Tampa Bay Times .
The Chamber B2B Happy Hour at the Clearwater Yacht Club
The Central Pinellas  Chamber of Commerce held a B2B Happy Hour Wednesday evening, November 20th. Nearly 50 in attendance enjoyed drinks, delicious food and making new connections. Thank you to our host, the  Clearwater Yacht Club ; they have a beautiful facility and professional staff. Thank you to our sponsor, Tracy Hampton with  Key Palm Insurance ; think of your insurance agents too this time of year. We're working on planning our next happy hour, the first of 2020. Stay tuned for details.
More Florida millennials plan to “always rent” and forgo purchasing home
A new study by Apartment List finds that 10.2% of Florida millennials plan to “always rent” and forgo purchasing a home altogether. This is share is up from 8.4% in 2018. The study reports findings from 34 metros nationwide, including Florida metros of Tampa, Orlando and Miami. Tampa surpasses the state and national (12.3%) rate of “always rent” millennials, with 14.9% of the metro’s millennials planning to rent forever. More from  Florida Trend .
We’re about Value!

A new Chamber program year is upon us! And we’ll be continuing to tout our five “value” principles and how each relates to being part of the organization.
            Value of Investment - The Chamber brings members valuable cost-savings resources that directly impact their bottom line. From member-to-member discounts to affinity partnerships - all are designed to lower the cost of doing business.
            Value of Information – The Chamber brings members unique resources. Roundtable discussions, workshops, advocacy on local and state issues, contacts, reference to other businesses, expertise, etc. Information that is timely and relevant to the success of all business operations.
            Value of Influence – The Chamber represents the interests of its members and communities. Whether at the local, state or federal level, it is the advocate on all issues of importance to business.
            Value of Interaction – The Chamber provides its members opportunity. People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. Networking events, B2B programs, and partnerships foster relationships that encourage leads, referrals and more business for our members.
            Value of Impact – The Chamber is one of the few, if not the only, organization that can impact the three main pillars in its service area – government, citizens, and businesses. We deliver results that directly benefit our members.
If you would like to assist in volunteering on a committee to help influence these values, just give us a call. It’s another sure way to build business connections. It really is great to belong!
Reserve your space now!

Run your Ad or Logo in the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce's eConnection Newsletter that publishes weekly. Be seen by over 2,000 members and friends. Take advantage of an open/read rate that exceeds 25%.
 
Contact Kelvin at the Chamber, 727.584.2321 or events@centralchamber.biz