March 2021
From Our Community Supporter, Hill Ward Henderson
We have all heard the phrase “small businesses are the backbone of the community.” The truth of this statement was never more evident to me and my colleagues at Hill Ward Henderson than during our presentation to the Tampa Bay Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) Program. Our law firm has had a long and dynamic relationship with the Tampa Bay Chamber. Thus, the opportunity to engage with the MBA program as subject matter experts was a natural extension of our relationship, and in-line with the firm’s core value surrounding diversity and inclusion. 

Hill Ward Henderson has made increased and improved diversity & inclusion a part of our strategic plan. As the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Shareholder, I help lead the execution of our D&I initiatives. This includes impacting not only our firm’s internal diversity and inclusion, but also our engagement with diverse businesses and organizations in the Tampa Bay community. Our participation with the MBA program as subject matter experts is a perfect example of the firm’s commitment to the development of diverse and inclusive community partners.

Minority Business Accelerator in the News
Derek Mateos, Matcon Construction Services, Inc. and Ed Narain, AT&T spoke about the Minority Business Accelerator and the Empowerment Program on WFLA News Channel 8. View the segment here.
Cohort Spotlight
OHC Environmental Engineering, Inc. has competed, and been awarded the opportunity to work with the Department of Management Services and all the State agencies within the State of Florida.

Another major win for OHC, ranking 3rd out of 18 consultants who submitted proposals for the RFQ 21-020EN-FC Library of Engineering Services in the Environmental Engineering Category opportunity. The city of Plant City “was one of the hardest proposals we worked on, competing against all the largest Environmental consultants in the State of Florida. Audra, on our team did an outstanding job putting this proposal together and coordinating with all our teaming partners,” said Jim Rizk, Owner & Founder, OHC Environmental. 
eSmart Recycling CEO, Tony Selvaggio, was featured on HuffPost Life. Check out the video here!
Community Initiatives
CareerSource Tampa Bay's Summer Job Connection registration has been extended to April 5th

The Summer Job Connection (SJC) 2021 program is extending the deadline for Hillsborough County Youth to register for a summer job. The new deadline for youth, 16 to 24-years of age is Monday, April 5, 2021.

“We recently had the Hillsborough School District Board vote to officially participate in the program,” said CSTB CEO John Flanagan. “This will allow youth who just heard about the program to sign up for this wonderful opportunity.”

This year, the program is expanding its opportunities, hoping to serve 1,200 young adults through an 8-week part-time paid work experience, virtual career exploration, and a new youth leadership academy for young adults that meet specific eligibility requirements. The program will run from June 14, 2021, to August 6, 2021.

Applicants are required to complete a Summer Job Connection 2021 online application here or at www.TampaSummerJobs.com.

To learn more about the program, visit the program website.
Leadership Tampa 2022
Applications are now open for the 2022 Class of Leadership Tampa!

Tampa Bay needs principled leaders. As the world continues to evolve and change, there are numerous opportunities for people with strong beliefs and a desire to make a difference to lean in. Our hometown needs people who can come together and help set the stage for our shared future. Now is the time for a new generation of diverse leaders to emerge and move us forward. Members of Leadership Tampa are established business professionals within their organizations. Leadership Tampa is committed to having a diverse and dynamic class.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Friday, April 16th, 2021
8:30 am – 10:00 am
Tampa Bay Chamber 

So you’ve done some networking, found a prospect that is interested in your business, and you have a meeting set up. Now what? Our next “Return on Relationships” session is going to give you strategies and techniques to ensure your efforts are successful. This session will be very interactive. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. This event is limited to the first 30 people who register.

We’ll discuss:
  • Pre-Call planning strategies. How to set objectives and ensure you are prepared for the call.
  • It's your sales call. We'll discuss how to be conversational and consultative straight from the beginning.
  • How to establish Equal Business Stature, so you are not treated like another “sales person”.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to our Community Partners