AMENDMENT 4 - Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce

JULY/AUGUST 2010
Presented By:
A PUBLICATION OF THE CLEARWATER REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AMENDMENT 4: WHAT EVERY FLORIDIAN SHOULD
KNOW
What are the facts?
On November 2nd, you
will be asked to vote yes
or no on a plan to alter
Florida’s Constitution called
Amendment 4. Special
interest lawyers, adult
entertainment interests and
population control groups
have designed, funded and
proposed this amendment to our Constitution. Take a
moment to learn more about who’s backing Amendment
4 and why.
What is the issue?
Amendment 4 will prolong the recession and put
recovery out of reach for thousands of working
Floridians. As a result, leading business, labor, and
civic groups oppose Amendment 4
What will the measure do?
This proposed change to Florida’s Constitution would
require a taxpayer-funded referendum for every single
change to a local government comprehensive plan.
Simply stated, Amendment 4 would force Floridians,
not the representatives they elect, to decide hundreds
of minor, technical comprehensive plan changes each
year on issues like drainage, traffic circulation, and
intergovernmental coordination.
What does that mean for you?
Here is what Amendment 4 means for you: (1) a Florida
with drastically fewer jobs, (2) a significantly weaker
economy, and (3) unbearably higher taxes to feed the
Amendment 4 “litigation” bureaucracy.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce asked leading
economists to study the impact of Amendment 4. The
study indicates that Amendment 4 would likely put more
than 267,000 Floridians out of work, shrink Florida’s
economic output by more than $34 billion annually, and
take nearly $12 billion out of the pockets of working
families.
With Florida’s jobless rate reaching well into double
digits, our state’s top business and labor groups have
put politics aside to oppose Amendment 4. Mark
Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce
wrote: “If you like the recession, you’ll love Amendment
4.” Frank Ortis, executive board member with Florida’s
AFL-CIO noted that “Amendment 4 will devastate
Florida’s economy by costing hundreds of thousands of
jobs and driving the unemployment rate even higher.”
According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The cost to local
governments of [Amendment 4] would soar into
the millions.” Those costs would be shouldered by
Florida’s taxpayers who could expect to see not only
more government waste, but also nonstop lawsuits as
special interests wage war in court over the technical
wording of endless ballot summaries. Referencing
a failed experiment in Amendment 4-style rule in the
small Florida town of St. Pete Beach, the St. Petersburg
Times wrote that Amendment 4 leads to “short-term
thinking” and “invites lawsuits…”
What is the conclusion?
Florida’s jobless rate is high—but it could get much,
much worse with the passage of Amendment 4. At a
time when many families and small businesses are
struggling to make ends meet, that’s the last thing
we need. Please take the time to learn more about
Amendment 4 by visiting www.Florida2010.org.
Paid political advertisement - paid for and sponsored by
Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, Inc.
610 South Blvd, Tampa FL 33606
The Premier Voice of Business
401 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL 33755
Phone: 727.461.0011
Fax: 727.449.2889
The Voice of Business is published by the
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce as
a primary communications vehicle between the
Chamber and its members and other community
leaders.
All copyright privileges are reserved by the
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce, and
any reproduction – in whole or in part – without
the expressed written permission of the Chamber
is prohibited. Articles, story ideas and comments
are welcomed. However, the Chamber does not
assume responsibility for the return of unsolicited
material, including: manuscripts, photographs,
negatives and/or transparencies.
The purpose of this publication is to inform
members, employees of member businesses
and others on how to more effectively use
the benefits of the Chamber membership. Its
mission includes making readers more cognizant
of what the Chamber and it’s individual members
contribute to the community. Information about
specific Chamber programs is offered so that the
readers can become more aware of the variety of
opportunities the Chamber offers.
PRESIDENT/CEO:
Bob Clifford
A Message to our Members
It’s almost August and summer has been super charged
at the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce! Our
networking events have been growing in new attendees
every month. Our new Countryside Networking group has
been very successful and the Home-Based Business Council
will have its official kickoff on July 23rd. While it has been
busy, it’s been very rewarding to watch the changes that are
taking place for our members. We are connecting those dots
and making those important personal introductions. Alison
and I want you to know that your membership is important
to us and our desire is that you receive “extreme” value for
every event you attend. Sometimes we feel like a comedy
team as we try to make the events special. Often we feel
like Lucy and Ethel and ONE very creative member took
it upon himself to send me the picture below. I can not tell
you how much that tickled us and we hope it tickles you as
well. Have a safe rest of the summer and we look forward
to seeing you at the next incredible event sponsored by the
Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Karen Christensen
Director of Membership Relations
V.P. COMMUNITY RELATIONS:
Sherri Callahan
V.P. of PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
Kathleen Peters
V.P. of BUSINESS & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT:
Cathy Germer
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP RELATIONS
Karen Christensen
MEMBERSHIP CONSULTANT
Alison O’Grady
MEMBERSHIP CONCIERGE:
Mimi Farley
Photo created by Tom Scotti - Jiffy Reprographics
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
RIBBON CUTTINGS & MORE
421 Cafe’
Clearwater Sports & Wellness
Suncoast Hospice Resale Shoppe
Neighborly Care with Jane Pauley
Chicken Kitchen Westfield Countryside Mall
Consumer Energy Solutions
Communicare
Votka Gastro Lounge
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
Wing House Gulf to Bay Blvd.
Carlson Wildwood Florist
1488 Clearwater Largo Road
Largo FL 33770
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Eckerd Youth Alternatives Named 2010
Nonprofit of the Year!
We are pleased to announce that Eckerd Youth
Alternatives has been named 2010 Nonprofit of
the Year! Sponsored by the Tampa Bay Business
Journal.
The foundation of Eckerd Youth Alternatives was
built by Jack Eckerd, and his wife Ruth, more
than 40 years ago to provide better therapeutic
alternatives for at-risk and troubled youth. Today,
Eckerd Youth Alternatives is among the largest
nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area and
a national leader in helping youth succeed with
more than 40 behavioral health and child welfare
programs in eight states.
Eckerd surpassed more than 250 Tampa Bay
nonprofits vying for this award – a recordbreaking number according to the Tampa Bay
Business Journal. This was the Journal’s fifth year
recognizing local nonprofit organizations that are
making a difference in the greater Tampa Bay area
each day.
ActionCOACH named finalist...
Barb Kyes of ActionCOACH named Finalist for
Tampa Bay Business Journal Woman of the Year
Barb Kyes is an ActionCOACH firm owner in Pinellas
County, Florida.
LAS VEGAS – ActionCOACH is proud to announce
that firm owner Barb Kyes has been named a finalist
for the Tampa Bay Business Journal Woman of the
Year Award for 2010. She is one of nine finalists in
the business services category and one of 60 overall
finalists culled from over 300 nominees. There will
be a winner for each category and an overall winner.
They will be announced at a gala at the Grand Hyatt
Tampa Bay on Friday August 20.
Kyes began her career with ActionCOACH in 2007
as a co-founder of ActionCOACH Pinellas where
today she is President and Managing Partner.
After winning top honors in the Health and Human
Services category, Eckerd took home the esteemed
2010 Nonprofit of the Year Award and a prize
package valued at more than $37,000.
Tampa Bay Business Journal “2010 Nonprofit of the
Year” Finalists included some of the biggest names
in the nonprofit arena.
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
Government Affairs
If the Oil Spill has Impacted Your Business, Get Help Through the
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
If you are a small business owner and your business has been adversely
affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you may now apply for an
interest-free loan through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge
Loan Program.
Small business applicants are eligible for up to $25,000 in interest-free
assistance for up to 12 months to help bridge the gap between the time a
catastrophe hits and when the business secures other resources, including
payment of BP claims, federal disaster assistance, profits from revived
business or long-term loans.
Applications will be accepted under this program through September 30,
2010 based on the availability of loan funds.
Eligible Businesses:
Small businesses established in Florida at least one year prior to the April
20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
1. Maximum size of business- 100 employees.
2. Minimum number of employees- two. (Self-employed individuals may be eligible on a case by case basis.)
3. Must have one of the following:
• Evidence of (a) receipt of a claim payment from BP, or (b) submission of a completed BP claim;
• A BP Claim # and an intake # for an application for federal disaster assistance;
• A copy of a current business interruption insurance policy covering the applicant business.
Businesses or individuals that have not fully repaid previous Small
Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program loans are not eligible.
For more information: www.floridaoilhelp.com.
The Florida Small Business Development Center at USF has been
designated the primary technical assistance provider and coordinator
of the application process for small businesses in need of the Florida
Emergency Bridge Loan Program for this region. Bridge Loan applicants
must contact the SBDC in order to submit their loan applications.
Bridge Loan Program Hotline in English: 813-384-8232
Bridge Loan Program Hotline in Spanish: 813-384-8233
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
Government Affairs
Politics in the Park, Hobnob and Straw Poll
Thursday, August 12, 2010
5:00pm-7:30pm
Feather Sound Country Club
2201 Feather Sound Drive, Clearwater, FL 33762
Don't miss this opportunity to meet the candidates
for all of the 2010 races, including Judges, School Board, County Commission,
State legislature, CFO, Attorney General, Governor and more. This event is a
great opportunity to question our future leaders about issues that are important
to you.
Admission is $10 and includes a ballot to participate in the straw poll. Pinellas
County Supervisor of Elections will be on site conducting the straw poll.
Refreshments will be served and valet parking is free.
Thank you to our event sponsors:
Feather Sound Country Club Ribbon Cutting
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
Welcome to our New & Renewing Members
NEW MEMBERS
Attorneys First Insurance
Bayou Club
Beacon Windows
Bedaholics
Cafe 421
Clearwater Central
Clearwater Christian College
Cody’s Original Roadhouse
Custom Dental Designs
DINNER AT 8
Florida Destinations & Incentives,
Inc.
Foresight Financial Solutions
Global Employment Solutions
Great Florida Insurance
Handyman Matters
Havana Exclusive Cigars
Iconique Plastic Surgery
Identa-Check, Inc.
Joey Mobile
LifeLink Foundation
Market Edge Consulting
MDC Group, Inc.
Our Town
Pssghetti’s
Safelink Networks LLC
Sand Dollar Services, Inc.
Sunshine Janitorial Services
Tequila Blue
Thai Coconut
The Sports Facility Advisory
RENEWING MEMBERS
A Place For Her
Aegon
Alley Rehbaum & Capes Assurance,
Inc.
APG Electric, Inc.
Armed Forces Military Museum
Bayshore Trophies & Awards
Bob’s Carpet Mart
Boos Development Group, Inc.
Brooks Rehabilitiation
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Cash America
City of Clearwater
Clearwater Community Sailing
Assoc. Inc.
Clearwater Community Volunteers
Clearwater Homeless Intervention
Project Inc.
Clearwater Houseing Authority
Clearwater Yacht Club
Colliers Arnold
Cumbey & Fair, Inc.
Debbie White
Directors for Mental Health Inc.
Doctor’s Walk-In-Clinic
Downtown Clearwater Farmer’s
Market
EyeKon Medical
Florida Lyfestyle Vacation Rentals
GrillSmith
Hampton at Clearwater
Haruspex, Inc.
Holiday Inn Express -ICOT Center
Home Team Realty, Inc.
Island Inn Beach Resort
Island Way Grill
JK Flowers
Kimberly Home Inc.
Kirkland, Russ, Murphy & Tapp, P.A.
Klar & Klar Architects, Inc.
Lansbrook Village Condominums
Lewis, Birch & Ricardo, P.A.
Morgan Stanley
Morton Plant Mease Foundation
Mugs Grill & Bar on Missouri
Murphy Business & Financial
Services, Inc.
Neighborly Care Network
Occasions, Weddings & Events Inc.
Open Air Florist, Inc.
Palm Pavillon Inn
Peter R. Brown Construction, Inc.
Philadelphia Phillies/Clearwater
Threshers
Regency Oaks
Reiss Engineering Inc.
Roberts Christmas Wonderland
Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
Sandler Sales Institute
Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure,
Inc.
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Sign-Age of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Skinzwear.com.
Starlite Cruises
State Farm - Katherine Jones
Insurance Agency Inc.
Sunbelt Software USA
Sunstate Academy
SuperShuttle Tampa Bay
Total Title Solutions
United Way of Tampa Bay
US Postal Service
Wallace Welsh & Willingham
West Side Realty, Inc.
Workman Enterprises, Inc.
Yesner & Boss PA
Zonta Club of Pinellas
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
News from Business Assistance
SATOP
SPACE ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY OUTREACH PROGRAM
SATOP is designed to provide technical/engineering assistance and speed the transfer
of U.S. Space Program technology to the private sector. It does so by providing up to 40
hours of free technical/engineering assistance to small businesses, helping them solve
their challenges and increase their odds of succeeding. This program is directed to all
types of businesses, not just high tech.
Using SATOP is very simple.
Small businesses may visit their website www.
SpaceTechSolutions.com to learn more about the program and enter a Request for
Technical Assistance (RTA) using their one-page online form. A SATOP engineer will
personally call the small business to discuss their request and match it with a technical
expert in the US Space program. SATOP’s areas of expertise include manufacturing,
mechanical, electrical, fluids, chemical, structural, robotics, materials and many more.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH
HEALTH CARE REFORM PRESENTATION
FACTS ON HOW IT WILL IMPACT
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
SPONSORED BY THE CLEARWATER REGIONAL
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NOT-FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS COUNCIL
TIME: 7:30am – 9:30 am
PLACE: PROJECT GRACE @ Suncoast Hospice
5771 Roosevelt, Clearwater 33760
COST: Members - $10 Non-Members - $20
To receive additional information please contact Cathy Germer
at cgermer@clearwaterflorida.org or 727 461-0011 ext 233
RESOURCES FOR STARTING AND
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
This is a first in a series of articles
regarding resources to start and grow your
business.
SCORE – This not-for-profit association
offers free and confidential business
advice via a network of volunteer
counselors in 364 chapters nationwide.
Its 12,400 business mentors and coaches
can help with assessing an idea, writing a
business plan, finding funding and growing
a business. SCORE also offers online
workshops, planning templates on things
such as startup costs and even an email
hot line for business questions.
The local SCORE office is located at 4707
140th Avenue N. Suite #311
Clearwater, FL 727 532-6800
www.scorepinellas.org. SCORE also offers
counseling in several remote locations
throughout the County.
Starting August 13 and held every
second Friday of the month from 8AM9AM SCORE will sponsor a Business
Roundtable at the Clearwater Regional
Chamber of Commerce. Different topics
will be addressed monthly and lead by a
SCORE facilitator. If you are interested in
participating please contact Cathy Germer
at cgermer@clearwaterflorida.org or by
phone at 727 461-0011 ext 233. You
must pre-register as the size of the group
is limited to 20 and there is no charge for
Chamber members to attend.
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
AN INVITATION TO BE SHARED
One of the hardest hit sectors in the tourism industry is the meetings and convention
business. The first challenge was the economic downturn and the second, the oil spill
in the Gulf of Mexico. BUT, you can help turn this around for the Clearwater area.
This is such an easy task. Each of you knows all the advantages associated with living,
working and playing in Clearwater. Now we are asking you to share that knowledge
and invite others to experience for themselves what makes Clearwater, Florida so
special.
Tourism
Over 50 hotels and motels in this community have meeting rooms and function space.
Additionally, some restaurants and other venues can host group gatherings.
The initial step is for you to make a list of all of the professional and educational
associations, civic, hobby and sports clubs, religious organizations, volunteer
associations and upcoming family events (reunions, weddings, graduations…) that
you can identify. Each of these groups is a viable lead for meeting in Clearwater. Once
you prepare your hit list, the rest is simple; there are many professionals who are
ready to assist. Contact the Chamber with your list. We will help you find the perfect
venue for your group. We will also provide staffing for the recruitment and servicing
of the event.
Don’t underestimate the opportunities available – if you are a Star Trek follower, there
is a Trekkie convention – if you are a Harley biker, there are annual HOG rallies – if
you belong to a local quilting club, there are statewide, regional and national quilting
gatherings – for every professional association for which you are a member, there are
generally national and international conferences – as an alumni, many educational
associations have meetings and retreats off campus – when was the last time your
entire family gathered, if there are too many to fit into your own home, plan your family
reunion at one of your favorite local hotels. These are just a few of the ideas that can
save you personal travel time and money and provide you with a chance to showcase
your home town to colleagues, friends and family.
It all begins with “I would like to invite you to hold our next _______ in Clearwater.”
Guests from West Chester, Pennsylvania
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
OTHER NEWS & EVENTS PAGE
JULY:
Thank you to the
Hyatt Clearwater
Beach Resort &
Spa for hosting
the Artistic Tastings
event.
28th: Breakfast & Leads
28th: Ribbon Cutting - Pelican Aire Commer
cial Services
AUGUST
2nd: Ambassador Social
3rd: Hooters Meet & Greet
5th: Ambassador Meeting
6th: Countryside Networking Event
7th: CYP Softball Tournament
10th: Voice of Business Luncheon
12th: Politics In The Park Meet the Candi
dates
17th: Trustee Luncheon
18th: Ribbon Cutting Bayview Gardens
19th: Lunch & Leads
24th: “Get Connected” with BNI
25th: Breakfast & Leads
26th: Regency Oaks Social
Nancy Longstreth
with Frank Chivas.
Mr. Mike Bell and
Mary David.
Lynn Parrish
artist of the
Clearwater
Turtle
SEPTEMBER
A TASTE OF CLEARWATER
September 23, 2010 at
Ruth Eckerd Hall
August 26, 2010 join the Clearwater Regional
Chamber of Commerce for a great night at
Regency Oaks! Regency Oaks will be hosting
a tropical mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 in the town
hall. There will be delicious food and drinks
and door prizes
Regency Oaks is a Life Care community on 40
acres with an active lifestyle
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JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
JULY/AUGUST 2010 • The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce •
The Premier VOICE OF BUSINESS
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Since 1972
CACO58340
Air Conditioning/Heating Appliances
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www.fastofflorida.com
Clearwater Regional Chamber
Division Partners