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Apr 03
Children's Board - Child Abuse Prevention Month
We all have a role to play in supporting a healthy community in which we live, work, and raise our children, especially now. COVID-19 has caused many stressors to our everyday lives and forced us to adjust. The Children's Board and our community partners are diligently working on solutions to bring relief to families experiencing crisis during this time. Throughout the nation, parents and caregivers are being asked to isolate at home with their children. Students are adjusting to e-learning and many
Apr 02Centra Care Is Open During Regular Business Hours
The AdventHealth team continues our work against the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is making every effort to keep your employees and our patients safe. A key part of that effort is to convey timely, accurate information to our stakeholders. To accomplish that goal, we will be sending recurring communications to give you the latest news from our system. For general information, please keep the following resources in mind: AdventHealth up to date information can be found here. CDC
Apr 02Aakash Patel: Five Inspiring Stories of the Entrepreneurial Spirit During COVID-19
Five inspiring stories of the entrepreneurial spirit during COVID-19March 26, 2020 By Aakash Patel, Founder and President of Elevate, Inc. As COVID-19 closures continue to rock our economy, some of the hardest hit are small businesses. The restaurant industry alone is projected to lose $225 billion in revenue and up to seven million jobs over the next three months, according to the National Restaurant Association. As business leaders, we strive to plan for and anticipate risks, but the coronavirus
Apr 02Caspers Company McDonald’s® Restaurants Remain Open Serving the Community in a Safe, Fast, and Touch-less Experience
Caspers Company McDonald’s® Restaurants Remain Open Serving the Community in a Safe, Fast, and Touch-less Experience. Tampa, FL (March 30, 2020) - Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Tampa-based Caspers Company McDonald’s Restaurants remain open for business, including fifty-three Tampa Bay locations and ten in Jacksonville, FL. Drive-thru, Mobile Order and Pay with the McDonald’s app, and McDelivery with Uber Eats and Door Dash are available. For the convenience of our customers, McDonald’s is offering
Apr 01STCOC Lenders: Paycheck Protection Program
We would like to provide you with some information regarding the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which will provide relief to small businesses around Florida and the U.S.Click here to view a one page overview of the PPPFAQ sheet for small businesses who may be interested in participatingBelow is additional information from the U.S. Treasury Department and links to both Paycheck Protection Program and CARES Act FAQs which may also be helpful. We are expecting additional guidance on the program’s
Apr 01IRS: Employee Retention Credit available for many businesses financially impacted by COVID-19
WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. Does my business qualify to receive the Employee Retention Credit? The credit is available to all employers regardless of size, including tax-exempt organizations. There are
Mar 31State Leaders Extend School Closures Across the State Through May 1
Following guidance from the Florida Department of Health and the CDC, state leaders announce school closures across the state are now extended through May 1. Here is what this closure means for our schools: All schools – traditional and charter – will be closed through May 1; All extra-curricular activities will be canceled during this timeframe Even though campuses will remain closed, our eLearning plans will continue. Today, students and teachers across our district began their class work online.
Mar 30A Message to Our Valued Chamber Members
Dear Valued Members, First and foremost we hope this email finds you well and healthy, with physical distancing in a place where you have access to the essentials you need. Here at the South Tampa Chamber, we understand that there can be a lot of anxiety surrounding these unprecedented times. While each business is unique, we all share concerns about the well being of our families, friends, employees, community, and world. Over the past several weeks your Chamber has diverted our attention to these main
Mar 30South Tampa Chamber: Physical Distancing Activities Guide
Tampa businesses are dealing with the impacts of government-mandated physical distancing to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Many are now offering their services through digital platforms to help keep their doors open! Here is a growing list of Tampa businesses that you can support that are modifying their services during the Coronavirus crisis:Fitness: Palma Ciea Fit Body Boot CampNow you can do the popular 30-minute Fit Body Foot Camp fat burning workouts at home. Best of all they're fun,
Mar 28South Tampa is Open for Business
Although we may be doing business differently these days, South Tampa is still open for business! The South Tampa Chamber is here to be your business and community resource during and after crisis. A few ways you can use your chamber membership to promote your business: 1. Make sure your member account and directory listing are up to date so that members and potential customers who may need your services are able to connect with you! | Log In Here 2. Tag us and use #OpenForBusiness and
Mar 27The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
On March, 27, 2020 the U.S. Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which is a stimulus bill that includes a loan program called The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP will provide relief to small businesses whose business has been negatively affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. The PPP will help cover near-term operating expenses during the worst of the crisis, and provide incentives for employers to retain their employees with a FORGIVABLE loan up to the
Mar 27Visit Tampa Bay’s free virtual backgrounds for Zoom
Whether you’re utilizing video conferencing for business or leisure, do it in style! Check out Visit Tampa Bay’s free virtual backgrounds that are easy to upload on Zoom and will immediately send you on a vacation from the comfort of your home. Click here to download.
Mar 26STCOC Virtual Meeting Recordings
Introducing Virtual Programming! We are excited to introduce our new virtual programming via Zoom! While we may not be able to currently meet face to face, we still want to provide valuable connection and education opportunities for our members. It is recommended that you sign up and familiarize yourself with the program prior to participating. Sign up for free @ www.zoom.usVisit our online calendar to see a full list of upcoming virtual events!Recordings: March 24th: How to Successfully Work &
Mar 26Tampa Electric Seeks to Significantly Lower Energy Bills
Residential customers could save nearly $90 on their electric bills for the second half of the year Due to lower natural gas prices, Tampa Electric today requested a significant decrease to customer bills from the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC). Because of the unusual circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, the utility is seeking to accelerate the savings for customers, beginning in June. In total, a residential customer could save nearly $90 or more on their power costs for the rest
Mar 25Pet Food Drive with Commissioner Sandy Murman
Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center is working to help the many people in our county who suffer from food insecurity and who could also use some help to feed their pets in these difficult times. We are offering free dog and cat food to citizens who are struggling to feed their pets. Homebound and elderly citizens who are unable to travel to the Pet Resource Center, can arrange for delivery of supplies of dog and cat food. Recipients must be Hillsborough County residents and
Mar 25CareerSource Tampa Bay COVID-19 JOB RESOURCE Toolkit
This is a difficult time for all of us as we work to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our staff, job seekers, businesses, partners and communities. Not only are school classes moving to online platforms, but many America Job Centers and other organizations that serve the workforce are looking to provide services beyond traditional brick and mortar sites in order to remotely meet their client needs. To support our customers in this effort, and to help you avoid interruption of service, we want to
Mar 25New U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Information provided by the US Chamber of Commerce The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division issued their first level of guidance on how the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will affect employers and employees. In the text, the DOL makes it clear that they will be issuing further guidance and regulations related to the exemptions for employers with fewer than 50 employees, as well as health care providers—which will we share with you as soon as it becomes available. The
Mar 23Dawning Family Services Staff Continue to Help Vulnerable Families Who Are Homeless or At Risk of Homelessness During COVID-19 Outbreak
Due to the progression of COVID-19, and in the best interest of our clients, staff, and community, all business operations will be conducted remotely beginning Monday, March 23, 2020. We have fully communicated with our emergency shelter clients, and those who participate in our post-shelter support services regarding personal hygiene and social distancing, as well as provided detailed information for accessing food/nutrition and academic resources throughout these challenging times. During normal
Mar 23STCOC Military Affairs Update - March 2020
March Meeting Recap: The South Tampa Chamber & Tampa Bay Chamber Military Affairs Committees held a joint meeting on March 10th to discuss resources and programs supporting transitioning military and military spouse employment. The meeting also featured a presentation by Aleksandra Johnston the Tampa Bay Program Manager for the Corporate Fellowship Program at Hiring Our Heroes. Info @ https://www.hiringourheroes.org/fellowships Thank you MIDFLORIDA Credit Union for hosting this esteemed group of
Mar 23STCOC Education Committee Update - March 2020
Thank you to our members who participated in Read Across America Week! Early Learning Book Drive – Now through April 30th Click here for more information! Amazon link to purchase and ship directly to the South Tampa Chamber office. Student Scholarship Applications Now Available - Click here to download the application Students will be selected from HB Plant and TR Robinson High Schools to receive $500.00 scholarships. The recipients will be notified no later than April 17, 2020. The scholarships
Mar 18Governor Ron DeSantis Activates Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period opens tomorrow, March 17, 2020 and runs through May 8, 2020. “As we mitigate against the spread of
Mar 18South Tampa Restaurant Guide
Some of the Restaurants Currently Open for Business:Flames Indian Cuisine Business Hours: Lunch 11AM-2PM; Dinner 5PM-10PM To-Go Curb-Side Pick Up Delivery (No Fee) Current Promotions: 10% off for Chamber Members and buy a $50 gift card for $40. Nothing Bundt Cakes Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 9AM-7PM; Sat: 10AM-6PM; Sun: CLOSED Pick Up Orders Curb-Side Pick Up Delivery Online Ordering Tampa Pizza Company Business Hours: 4-9PM Daily To-Go Orders Curb-Side Pick Up Delivery (No Fee) Current
Mar 17Hospitality & Restaurant Assistance - Resources from the South Tampa Chamber
Dear Hospitality & Restaurant Partners, As each day passes, and more restrictions are announced inhibiting our hospitality and restaurant partners to do "business as usual," the South Tampa Chamber is seeking suggestions on how we can assist you and your business at this unprecedented time. Restaurant Guide: We are in process of putting together a restaurant guide to promote our member restaurants, caterers and food/beverage providers that can be easily shared with the community via email, social
Mar 17Retail/Point of Sale Assistance - Resources from the South Tampa Chamber
Dear Retail and Point of Sale Businesses, As each day passes with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our community, we know that it is becoming more and more difficult to operate "business as usual." The South Tampa Chamber is seeking suggestions from our Retail and Point of Sale businesses on how we can assist you and your business at this unprecedented time. Shopping & Services Guide: We are in process of putting together a shopping and services guide to promote our member retail and point of sale
Mar 17Governor DeSantis Orders All Public Schools to Close Until April 15
In an afternoon press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced he is extending school closures across the state.Students and staff will not return to school until April 15. Here is what this closure means for our schools: All schools will be closed until April 15; All extra-curricular activities will be canceled until April 15; All K-12 state-wide assessments are canceled for this school year; School grades will not be provided for this school year The state is still determining 3rd
Mar 17Google Resources to help your small business manage through uncertainty.
As communities throughout the world respond to COVID-19 (coronavirus), we know that this time presents unique challenges for businesses. Here are some tips and recommendations from Google to help you navigate this for your employees and customers. | Click here to see all Google resources. Communicating with your customersIf your hours of operation have changed, edit your Business Profile on Google.Use Posts to communicate information directly on your Business Profile on Google, like special offers or
Mar 17AdventHealth has launched a free phone service for Floridians who have questions about COVID-19
Our teams are working diligently with local, state and national officials to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and to keep your employees and our patients safe. We are prepared for a variety of scenarios and are committed to providing the highest quality of care. Our teams have been trained to properly address any potential cases of COVID-19. We have a robust infection prevention program and policies that ensure patients, team members and the greater community are safeguarded. Our
Mar 16State of Florida Opens Bridge Loan Program for COVID-19
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is currently available to small business owners located in all Florida counties statewide that experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19. Designated Disaster Areas: All Florida counties statewide per Executive Order 20-52. Qualified Applicant: Applications will be accepted by qualified for-profit, privately held small businesses that maintain a place of business in the state of Florida. All qualified applicants must have been established
Mar 14South Tampa Chamber Statement on COVID-19, Event Announcements & Office Hours
Dear Valued Members, We know that you have no doubt received a lot of communications and information this past week regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The South Tampa Chamber has been in contact with local, state and federal governments, as well as health care organizations over the past several weeks to gather information and determine how to best to protect our community and assist local businesses. The executive committee and staff of the South Tampa Chamber recently met to determine the best course
Feb 29Marketing Opportunities Now Available for the 2020-21 South Tampa Chamber Magazine!
The South Tampa Business Directory provides advertisers with great benefits. 3,000 copies of the Business Guide will be distributed throughout your community. Your business will be exposed to the Chamber, the community and visitors throughout the year. Your advertisement will be viewed both in print and online with the GoGuide®, a digital version of the publication that is accessed directly on the South Tampa chamber website. Contact Lunar Cow Publishing's advertising sales department at 800.594.9620
Feb 20Sign Up to be a Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Ambassador!
In 2021, the Super Bowl is set to return to the Tampa Bay community for the fifth time. As with all major events, the Super Bowl LV Host Committee, Tampa Bay Sports Commission and NFL will rely heavily on the volunteer and community support to help execute and elevate the overall event. A large variety of volunteer shifts will be available throughout the championship week. Please click to sign up and receive volunteer information and event updates. The official Super Bowl LV Volunteer Registration site
Feb 20STCOC Military Affairs Update – February 2020
Join us on March 10th for our next MAC Meeting - RSVP Here Guest Speaker: Aleksandra Johnston, Tampa Bay Program Manager for Corporate Fellowship Program at Hiring Our HeroesOur next Facilitated Networking Event for Transitioning Military Members is on April 2nd - RSVP Here!The Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program provides transitioning service members with professional training and hands-on experience in the civilian workforce, expanding corporate America's understanding of the veteran job
Feb 17South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Announces Award Winners & 2020 Board of Directors
The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner on February 13 to announce their 2020 Business of the Year Winners and install the new Board of Directors. The event was presented by Webb Insurance Group. After recounting some of the Chamber’s achievements from the past year including adding 223 new members, increasing staff and producing several sold out events, Connie Gage, the chamber’s chairman of the board, said, “2020 will be ‘the year of the member’. Our members are
Feb 02South Tampa Chamber Book Drive
The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, in partnership with Hillsborough County School Board Member Dr. Stacy Hahn, invite the community to participate in a book drive in support of literacy and early learning. Literacy is a top priority for Hillsborough Schools and Dr. Stacy Hahn, School Board Member for District 2, has made literacy her primary issue. Studies have shown that children who are not able to read on grade level by 3rd grade are four times less likely to graduate by age
Jan 20Thaddeus Bullard Announced as South Tampa Chamber 2020 Citizen of the Year
The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Thaddeus Bullard (also known as WWE Superstar Titus O’Neail) has been chosen as the Chamber’s 2020 Citizen of the Year. The Chamber will present Bullard with the award at their annual awards dinner on February 13th to take place at The Barrymore Hotel in Downtown Tampa. Board Chair Connie Gage said, “Thaddeus Bullard is an inspiration. He started the United Way’s “Walking School Bus Program” where he would walk children to school and