From the President’s Desk

    The end of 2023 is upon us and with it the joy of the holiday season and Florida’s most spectacular weather!

    It’s also the time to begin planning for a new year of business success. 

    What better way to kick it off than with predictions from seasoned experts on what the future holds! Focus on 2024: A Tampa Bay Economic Forecast will provide an outlook on what you can expect for the year from a national, state and regional perspective. It takes place Jan. 23. See below for more information.

           You can also help us get our new year on the go by responding to our 2024 Business Survey. It takes just a few minutes to let us know how you’re doing so we can develop appropriate programs and services. Here’s the link, and thanks in advance: Chamber Biz Survey

           My best wishes to you this holiday season and may you all enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024. And as always, thank you for your continued Chamber support and loyalty!

           Tom Morrissette, President

D.O.D. Coffee Roastery

Chamber welcomes Leonardo DRS

     A contingency of Chamber representatives recently took a tour of Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics and welcomed the defense contractor as a new member. Seen above, Jim England of England Brothers Construction and chairman of the Chamber Business Development & Advocacy Committee presents a plaque to James Sloss Sr. Leonardo DRS Director of Operations.

         Leonardo DRS is a provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. It specializes in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies. Its 113,000 square-foot facility 6200 118th Ave., Largo houses a rigorous test and development environment for its microwave and radio frequency (RF) integration expertise.

Chamber Night at the Florida Botanical Gardens

     Chamber Night at the Florida Botanical Gardens last week got everyone in the Christmas spirit as we walked around to view the incredible display of lights. Thank you to the Gardens for hosting the event and to all who attended!

Floridians likely to factor inflation into their holiday budget

The Florida Retail Federation expects consumers in the state to spend an average of $875 on gifts, decorations and other items this holiday shopping season.

Florida escapes ‘Judicial Hellhole’ designation as tort reform measures take effect

Following a series of legal reforms, the American Tort Reform Foundation (ATRF) has removed Florida from its ‘Judicial Hellhole‘ list, a long-held designation reflecting the state’s history of excessive litigation and frivolous lawsuits.

Hard Rock sports betting app is now available to everyone in Florida

The full launch comes amid two lawsuits filed by a group of betting companies that seek to halt mobile sports betting, one before the Florida Supreme Court and the other before the U.S Supreme Court.

Publisher's column: The impact of a Floridian

One of the editions I treasure most each year is our annual Floridian of the Year issue, published each December. This year, the choice of Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson was one that came together quite easily.

Citizens tries to tamp down concerns

Saying the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has “never sought a federal bailout, period,” Citizens President and CEO Tim Cerio took issue with a U.S. Senate Budget Committee request for information about the insurer’s finances.

Bay Care/Morton Plant Hospital

Business & Family Insurors

Check Before Hire

Cloud Law Firm PA

Duke Energy

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital

HCA Florida Largo Hospital

Home Instead/Be a Santa

Jackson & Associates CPA

Melody Hunter Homes

National Aviation Academy

Pinellas Technical College

Piper Fire Protection

Platinum Information Services

Regions Bank

State Farm - Team Cocco

The Palms of Largo

Valley National Bank

Village Inn

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

Wealth Builders