From the President's Desk E-Connection

Volume 168 | March 2024

Weekly eConnection

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From the President’s Desk Edition

Another spring is on our doorstep, following a Florida fall & winter that satisfied this former New England guy!

To kick-off the new season, I invite you to be part of our Business in Springtime Expo on March 21. It’s our only 2024 business-to-business, business-to-consumer show.

If you’re looking for new business contacts and regional “expo”sure, reserve a space. (SEE BELOW). Or, at the least, show up that afternoon to meet representatives of some of the best area businesses and associations.

Also, this month we’re partnering with our friends at the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber for our annual State Legislative Wrap-up & Happy Hour. It’s on March 28 at the Cambria Hotel on Madeira Beach. A beautiful setting to hear about what our legislators did (or didn’t) do for you. (SEE BELOW).

And to recognize you for taking part in these and our many other activities, remember our Chamber Champions sweepstakes is underway. It’s being sponsored by GarrisonPro. Just submit your business card at every meeting and event to qualify for our quarterly drawing.

For a complete list of all that’s happening with your Chamber, please visit www.CentralChamber.biz.

All the best for a happy and prosperous month!

Tom

ChamberSMART Lunch & Learn

Guests at our ChamberSMART Lunch & Learn last week got many “Tips for Business Success” from our panel of Chamber member experts. Most notably, info about the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

CTA went into effect Jan. 1 and requires corporations and LLCs to file and disclose all beneficial owners of at least 25% percent of the entity. The fine for not filing by Dec. 31 could be as much as $500 a day! The information is filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a division of the US Treasury.

Thanks to our presenters Christine Cook of Regions Bank, Josh Brown of Viking Title LLC and Tracy Jackson of Jackson & Associates, CPA, PA. And kudos to our program coordinator/moderator Rhonda Andersen of Mutual of Omaha Mortgage.

The Chamber Events Planning Committee will be holding additional ChamberSMART sessions in the months ahead, so keep an eye out.

Blue Penguin Car Wash Ribbon Cutting

The first Blue Penguin Car Wash in Florida is officially open at 6701 Ulmerton Road in Largo! Chamber Ambassadors and supporters gathered around Sir Waddle, the Blue Penguin mascot, to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting.

Blue Penguin Car Wash offers four wash styles to fit your needs with monthly or single wash options. Don’t forget the interior with free microfiber towels, vacuums, and mat cleaners. Visit bluepenguincarwashfl.com to learn more.