Chamber Buzz weekly news & updates
May 4, 2021 | Issue #176
Putting Our Members First
Opportunity Is Knocking: Launch of New Internship Program
Do you know an employer or high school graduate interested in participating in a fully-funded internship program this summer?

We encourage you to apply for the new Opportunities For All Summer Internship Program, which will assist in matching minority interns and businesses for a fully-funded eight (8) week internship experience.
This program is an opportunity for employers to connect with rising leaders and assistance with their work. If you are interested, please click below to apply. The application deadline is Friday, May 14.

For more information or questions, please contact Kaveecia Moore, Opportunities For All Manager, at kmoore@sarasotachamber.com.
A Message From the CEO/President
Hello May!

Here we are making our way through 2021, and we have so many A-M-A-Z-I-N-G things happening at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

We recently launched applications for our Leadership Class of 2022. This prestigious program is focused on grooming community leaders and professionals. Being a graduate of the Class of 2014, I can say with confidence that the professional growth and connections that one can reap from this program are significant. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sara Rachon, Programs Manager, with any questions you may have about the Leadership Sarasota program. The application deadline for the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2022 is June 14 at 12 p.m.
This week we will also be hosting our first Women At Work luncheon at the Art Ovation Hotel, presented by HBK CPAs & Consultants. There's still time to register - register today by 12 p.m. to reserve your seat.

And my favorite event of the year, our Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards, presented by the Herald-Tribune Media Group, is in full swing as well! Stay tuned as we’ll be naming the awards finalists later this month.

We look forward to seeing you soon at an upcoming Chamber event, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with anything our team can do to support you and your business.
Upcoming Events: Meeting You Where You Are
Your Chamber is meeting you where you’re at. We are offering our members both
in-person events with safety protocols in place as well as virtual events held on Zoom. Check out the upcoming events below, or for the full Chamber Event Calendar visit sarasotachamber.com for more information. 
Many people don’t know the “right” way to ask for the raise they’ve been wanting, so they don’t ask at all. What about asking for a promotion? How do you go about that? Join us for a session covering techniques that can make or break your quest for a promotion or higher compensation.  

Featuring Lisa KrouseBoard Member of FCCI Insurance Group & Sr. Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

11:30 a.m. - Lunch and Networking | 12 p.m. - Presentation
Members - $10
Non-Members- $15
Make connections with Chamber business professionals! Meet us at our after-hours event, Chamber Connect--held bi-monthly on the third Thursday at various locations throughout Greater Sarasota. You are invited to enjoy light appetizers and drinks in a laid-back atmosphere perfect for meeting your next customer or client. 

This is an event you don't want to miss and a great way to kick-off an early start to the weekend! 
Members - Complimentary
Non-Members - $20
Sponsored by:
Join guest speakers Kirk Boylston, President, Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty and Monaca Onstad, Director, Community Relations as they update us on the opening of Waterside Place. Waterside Place is a mixed-use development in Lakewood Ranch that will include apartments, townhomes, shops, restaurants, office space, a theater and an 8-acre park. One of the largest projects to date on the Sarasota County side of Lakewood Ranch, it is under construction now and is expected to open Summer 2021.

Members - Complimentary
Non-Members - Complimentary
Upcoming Job Fair at University Town Center
University Town Center (UTC), the premier destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, is hosting a Job Fair on Tuesday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 50 national and local businesses within the UTC district, ranging from upscale and fast-casual restaurants to fashion boutiques, fitness studios and hotels, are expected to participate and will be offering positions for all skill levels.
Share Your Input on the Future of The Bay Park
Please take a moment to complete the short 5-10 minute park visitor survey designed to understand the needs and wants of future visitors to The Bay Park. Survey responses will help guide park development and operations.

The Bay Park will be an iconic, enlivened destination that welcomes the full diversity of our community and serves as a venue for multi-generational, inter-neighborhood, broad-based enjoyment.
State College of Florida (SCF) HR Management Program
Many small businesses may not have a Human Resources (HR) department but require a
non-HR professional to manage HR-related requirements, such as hiring, supervision, discipline and legal responsibilities.

This eight-week evening course is geared for non-HR professionals, but will also be beneficial to
professionals who are interested in learning whether the Human Resources specialty is right for them.