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

REGISTER HERE: Springtime Expo

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.

Register Here: Happy Hour

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.

Save the Date...

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The Florida Senate on Wednesday backed away from proposed changes that supporters said were needed to clarify a controversial 2023 law that restricted people from China from owning property in the state.

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The Sunshine State, true to its name, will not be in the path of totality, but that doesn't mean we won't see anything at all.

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 County Housing Authority

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