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

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!

Why Florida small business owners should put fraud protection at the top of their holiday wish lists

The holiday season can be the most wonderful time of the year for many small businesses, with sales boost from gift buying and holiday party spending. But larger sales volumes can make it harder for business owners to spot suspicious activity.

Florida’s Citizens may seek $5.5 billion in reinsurance in 2024

Florida's insurer of last resort Citizens may seek some $5.5 billion in traditional and capital market reinsurance for the 2024 season, a proposal prepared for board consideration indicates.

A wet future: South Florida’s plan to fight flooding if sea levels rise 3 feet by 2075

The multitude of canals and spillways that drain Miami-Dade and Broward counties are becoming obsolete, and the Army Corps of Engineers and SFWMD are concerned enough to hatch a plan.

Manatees that have lived at Florida theme park since 1956 to be freed

After a near lifetime of captivity, two manatees will finally be freed from a Florida aquarium that authorities say held at least one of them in deteriorating living conditions.

Florida gasoline price averages flirt with sub-$3 before spike in last week of November

Florida gasoline prices are falling again after a sudden spike in the middle of last week. Gas hit a new low of $3.01 per gallon last Monday, but jumped to $3.17 by Thursday.

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