From the President's Desk Edition E-Connection

Volume 124 l May 2023

Weekly eConnection

801 West Bay Drive, Suite 602 Largo, FL 33770

Tel: 727-584-2321 Fax: 727-586-3112

President's Edition

Chamber committee leaders planning the 2023 program year.

From the President’s Desk…

*****It’s all about getting involved! There’s no better way to make the most of your investment in the Chamber.

*****We have committees sure to satisfy any interest. Join one or several. It’s a great way to help us achieve our goals and for you to have a voice in the organization’s direction.

*****Here’s a breakdown of each. To see when they meet, check out the Events link at www.CentralChamber.biz or call us at 727-584-2321.

*****Ambassadors Team: Ambassadors work to connect businesses, strengthen membership, and enhance the image of the Chamber.

*****Economic Development Committee – Works in partnership with city, county and state representatives on business growth/retention strategies and programs supporting business advancement.

*****Government Advocacy Panel (GAP) – Addresses issues that impact businesses and provides education and advocacy on the priorities of the membership to the proper government body.

*****Women’s Leadership Committee − Coordinates programs focused on women’s business issues, and the Annual Inspire Awards and Annual Holiday Luncheon events.

*****Thanks to the many volunteers who already represent these committees. You are the champions of our success!

*****All the best for a happy and prosperous month,

*****Tom Morrissette

Facing a crisis through unity

*****Your Chamber was represented along with more than 120 business, elected and community leaders last week at the 2023 Homes for Pinellas Summit: A Time to Act. It took place at the Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo.

*****During the event, local governments that signed onto the Advantage Pinellas Housing Compact rolled out a new Housing Action Plan. It highlights specific ways the region can bring more housing choices to Pinellas County over the next 10 years.

*****Among its recommendations…Updating codes and streamlining regulations to allow for more types of homes; building more homes for workers along transit corridors; and creating new sources for financing across jurisdictions.

*****“Adequate/Affordable Employee Housing” was a top concern of respondents to the Chamber’s 2023 Central Pinellas Business Survey. It’s a major challenge that impacts our economy, and we’ll be joining those from around the county seeking solutions to this challenge.

*****To learn how you can help, here’s a link to the full plan: https://advantagepinellas.org/homes-for-pinellas/the-housing-action-plan/

And here’s the full video from the Summit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i2uBtZxy20

Coffee An' Networking at the Florida Botanical Gardens

Thank you to the Florida Botanical Gardens for hosting our Coffee An' Networking event. What a great turnout! Thank you to our members, prospects and Ambassadors for coming out and networking with us. Thank you to our sponsors Cloud Law Firm PA, Piper Fire Protection and Options Medical Weight Loss Largo, and shout out to Advanced Video Systems for the photos.

Florida Legislative Wrap Up & Happy Hour

Date & time: Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 4:30 PM Registration, 5:00 PM Program/Reception

Cambria Hotel, 15015 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach FL, 33708

$15.00 per seat *LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE

Cost includes light hors d'oeuvres and one (1) drink ticket.

Registration is through Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber.

Get your ticket here: 2023 Legislative Wrap-up & Happy Hour

Florida ranks second best state for business

Florida ranked second for the second year in a row for its “low taxes and strong stance against pandemic-motivated business shutdowns,” according to a newly released report.

Royal Caribbean makes move to take down Carnival, (maybe Disney)

Royal Caribbean and Carnival have steadily been adding features to their latest ships designed to appeal to kids of all ages, but Royal Caribbean has raised the bar.

Florida gas prices move lower as fuel supplies stabilize

Florida gas prices are moving lower again, now that the fuel supplies have largely recovered from the record flooding that caused widespread outages in South Florida.

Orlando Sanford airport pursues cargo, industrial, commercial users for its developable land

If economic momentum for the area around Orlando Sanford International Airport is taking off, then the 450 acres of developable land on airport property is taxiing on the runway and not far behind.

Florida Uber and Lyft drivers launch effort to organize for better pay, better app policies

Uber and Lyft drivers rallied outside airports in Orlando, Tampa and Miami to launch a campaign for fairer pay distribution and the right to negotiate for things such as better app policies and job protections.