Volume 37 l September 2021

Weekly eConnection 801 West Bay Drive, Suite 602 Largo, FL 33770 Tel: 727-584-2321 Fax: 727-586-3112

President's Report Edition

From the President’s Desk… *****Ah, September! The end of another program year for your Chamber. And another during historic times. *****Our slogan “It’s Great to Belong!” has never been more relevant. While the challenges we all faced seemed insurmountable, the spirit of camaraderie among Chamber members has been refreshing. We are better together! *****On September 30, at our 68th Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast, we will be reviewing our past successes and future plans in these new times. How we move forward will rely on the continued support of the membership, be it through direct participation and/or financial investment. You are the Chamber! *****My special thanks to all those who gave of their time and energy this year, most notably our Chairman, Rob England of England Brothers Construction. Rob actually held the helm for a two-year term to steer us through the COVID unknown. Kudos to him, the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and all our active committee leaders and volunteers. You kept us on course! *****To those of you looking to gain more from your Chamber experience, please consider serving on a committee. There’s one to meet every interest. You get to meet some terrific people! Just give me a call and we can discuss. *****Hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on September 30 or before! *****Best for a prosperous month, Tom Morrissette

Annual Chamber Meeting & Awards Breakfast Individual tickets $49.75 - purchase here

Greater Largo Library Foundation Inspire Award

Pictured from left to right are Geri Remming, Assistant Library Director, Patricia Bell and Elliott Rakofsky, Foundation Director. Pat received her Inspire Award for Dedication to Community Service. She was nominated for her boundless support of several Tampa Bay non-profits and the multiple fundraising projects she has led for the benefit of others. "Pat was extremely happy to receive this award from the Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce!"

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the BioLife Plasma Services Largo location! Where: BioLife Plasma Services, 2178 East Bay Dr., Largo When: September 23rd @ 8:30 a.m. Register here

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the Diagnostic Clinic Medical Group St. Pete location! Where: Diagnostic Clinic, 6735 Crosswinds Dr. N, St Pete 33710. When: September 28th @ 10 a.m. Register here

ChamberCARES! in support of Santa to a Senior

Employers Looking for Employees Wanted!

Florida's leaders review financial outlook. State is in ‘great shape,' but don't expect new programs And even with an anticipated influx of tax dollars, don’t expect budget leaders to support proposals for new or expanded programs as lawmakers hold an election-year legislative session that begins in January. Florida grapples with COVID-19's deadliest phase yet While Florida’s vaccination rate is slightly higher than the national average, the Sunshine State has an outsize population of elderly people, who are especially vulnerable to the virus. It also has a vibrant party scene. Tropical disturbance on projected path to Florida. Here’s the latest The peak of hurricane season is this Friday, so the tropics are expectedly active. An area of low pressure will try to develop in the northern Gulf of Mexico and then move over North Florida by the middle of the week. Florida sees substitute teacher shortage during pandemic The coronavirus pandemic altered how students learn in the classroom. Now, it’s the main factor behind a statewide substitute teacher shortage, according to the President of the Duval County Teachers United. Affordable housing initiative tops 62,000 signatures Backers of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring money for affordable housing continue adding petition signatures as they try to get on the November 2022 ballot.

Thank you to our Trustees and Newsletter Sponsors

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital Business & Family Insurors Cloud Law Firm PA Duke Energy Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Home Instead/Be a Santa Jackson & Associates CPA Melody Hunter, Charles Rutenberg Realty National Aviation Academy

Nova Southeastern University - Tampa Bay Paradise Air Piper Fire Protection Platinum Information Services Regions Bank The Palms of Largo Valley National Bank Village Inn Wealth Builders

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