July 2016 Issue
Transcription
July 2016 Issue
BRIDGE THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE JULY 2016 BUILD YOUR NETWORK BUILD VISIBILITY BUILD YOUR BOTTOM LINE CHAMBER HONORS SMALL BUSINESS PAGE 6 BUILD KNOWLEDGE BUILD OUR ECONOMY In an emergency, DON’T WAIT! CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. That way, life saving treatment can begin as soon as the ambulance arrives. The Emergency Department at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center offers 24-hour prompt, comprehensive treatment for adults, older adults and children of all ages. Advanced, accredited chest pain and cardiovascular treatment Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is an accredited Chest Pain Center by the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. Our collaborative team of skilled physicians, cardiologists, nurses and technologists work together to provide acute cardiovascular treatment to help put patients on the road to recovery. For more information on emergency services at our hospital, please call 941.782.2113. Physicians are on the medical staff of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 160579 6/16 8330 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Bradenton, FL 34202 www.lakewoodranchmedicalcenter.com PRESIDENT’S DESK CHAMBER STAFF Steve Queior, CCE President and CEO squeior@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 250 MORE CUSTOMIZED BENEFITS FOR YOU Dillon Buckland Communications Coordinator dbuckland@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 239 You deserve choices in your Chamber membership benefits, and we are offering you more choices this year and next. Amy Tuck Farrington VP Public Policy and Sarasota Tomorrow afarrington@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 245 It was noted in an article recently that I’m well into my 40th year of working with and for Chamber members, and best practices have definitely evolved over those decades. Just as you tailor your smartphone capabilities, television and computer services, and airline or hotel experience to meet your individual needs, The Greater Sarasota Chamber is introducing seven packages of benefits. Sarah Felder Membership Development Representative sfelder@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 229 Mimi Cirbusova YPG Coordinator mfleck@sarasotachamber.com; ext 238 Matt Gower Membership Development Representative mgower@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 258 Donna Havens Information Coordinator dhavens@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 225 Barbara Hines Leadership Sarasota County bhines@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 226 Brittany Lamont Director, Communications & Events blamont@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 240 Craig McGonigal Membership and Events Coordinator cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 234 Christine Miller Executive Assistant to the President cmiller@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 251 Sarah Murphy Director, Member Services smurphy@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 231 Helen Reilly Information Coordinator hreilly@sarasotachamber.com; ext. 221 Don Schleicher Controller dschleicher@sarasotachamber.com; ext 246 SERVING OUR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce exists to maximize our members’ success, the community’s competitiveness, and the area’s economic strength. LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO WHAT WE CALL TIERED MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Traditional dues structures are based on the number of employees, the value of assets, or the annual revenues of a business. These scaled amounts match to a schedule of dues to determine how much a business pays to be a member of an association or a chamber of commerce. In a traditional dues structure they are: • • • • Investment is based on employee count Benefits are the same regardless of investment Businesses are punished for growing Members are not differentiated or segmented Membership Tiers are packages of benefits which better meet members’ needs and are: • • • • • • Based on choice Benefits increase with investment Grows with business-member Recognizes member for their investment Simplified annual planning and purchasing Specific reason for buying The best practice in membership is to turn your benefits into a quantifiable list of individual reasons for you to base a buying decision.t WHY ARE WE CONSIDERING TIERED DUES? There are many benefits of adapting this strategy for longterm success: • Clarity and focus throughout the organization • Realignment of business purpose to match customer needs • Better opportunity to engage members • Members are given control and choices • One clear and concise message is created • Strong value propositions • Increased membership (both new and current members) Tiered investment structures allow Chambers to adapt to rapid change. Chambers can demonstrate a return of investment for members since the tiers are segmented to match products and services to member needs and desires. WHAT DOES THE WHOLE TIERED DUES APPROACH ENTAIL? Our tiered membership program design consists of: • Pre-determined number of investment tiers that are priced to the Sarasota market • Added value throughout the tiers • Customized tiers to match the needs of your segmented target audiences • Value proposition created for each tier • Fluidity to keep the tiers from becoming static The new tiered structure allows businesses to choose how they want to invest in The Chamber, rather than being told how they should invest. It gives each business an opportunity to market themselves regardless of how many employees they have or what kind of business they are. NEW MEMBERSHIP TIERS • • • • • • • Regional Leader Sarasota Chamber Champion Economic Driver Community Builder Corporate Trustee Market Mover Business Connector For more information on Membership Tiers, contact Sarah Murphy at smurphy@sarasotachamber.com or (941) 556-4031 Phone 941-955-8187 Fax 941-366-5621 Referrals/Consumer Info 941-366-3144 DESIGN BY SRQ | THE MAGAZINE PARTNERING TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS STEVE QUEIOR, CCE PRESIDENT GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • JULY 2016 • BRIDGE 3 CHAMBER CORNER LEADERSHIP SARASOTA COUNTY 2016 WRAP UP ADULT LEADERSHIP: 43 participants in the Class of 2016 graduated on June YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY (YEA!): YEA! graduated 18 students 16th. To be known as the “Spiciest Class,” they enhanced the organic garden at who created 10 businesses. The students represented 12 area schools. They Easter Seals Southwest Florida as their class project. pitched their businesses to a panel of ten investors and six of them received startup funds. Coming out on top were “You Glow Girl” who traveled to Rochester, NY for the regional competition. Even though they didn’t win a place in the finals, they certainly did “GLOW”! YOUTH LEADERSHIP: Youth Leadership graduated 26 high school juniors on April 26th. Nine area schools were represented. Two students from the Class of 2015, Robyn Natherson and Veronica Phifer each received a $1,000 scholarship from the Vern Buchanan Family Donor Fund to assist in their postsecondary education. CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP: At this years luncheon, three outstanding leadership alums were honored for their commitment to the program and the community. Frank Maggio, Tom Tryon, and Terry Redman were recognized for their accomplishments and dedication. Attending the celebration were over 250 of their friends and colleagues. For additional information on any of the leadership programs, contact Barbara Hines, bhines@sarasotachamber.com or 556.4026. 4 BRIDGE • JULY 2016 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE Ma rke tin Ca ai g n e mp Strategy S o lutio ns We offer innovative ways to help you connect with your customers. ti v c il a tM SUCCESS g Dir e Serbin – Connecting you with Proven Success! Collabor ation a e r C From concept to mailbox, Serbin’s dedicated team of marketing professionals work to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions to enhance the overall success of your business or organization. 45 years CONNECTING local companies with their customers. 1500 N. Washington Blvd. Sarasota, Florida 34236 941-366-0755 • 800-282-6192 SerbinPrinting.com Member The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce DSA – Downtown Sarasota Alliance AFP – Association of Fundraising Professionals Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance PODi – Print On Demand initiative PAF – Printing Association of Florida ASI – Advertising Specialty Institute Xerox Premier Partner CHAMBER HONORS SMALL BUSINESS AT 26TH ANNUAL AWARDS THE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, along with over 450 business and community leaders, celebrated small business by awarding six category winners at the 26th Annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards on June 3. This marks the 26th year that The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has presented these awards. All winners are extraordinary examples of successful business people that truly exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of Frank G. Berlin, SR, a successful business person and community leader who chaired The Chamber more than 65 years ago. SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: GORILLA KLEEN YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: HEATHER WILLIAMS 6 BRIDGE • NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR: CAT DEPOT JULY 2016 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE HEALTH CARE/WELLNESS ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR: TEAM TONY CANCER FOUNDATION Mavella Photography and Concept Digital Media CULTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR: THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY RETAIL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: WOMAN’S EXCHANGE, INC. SARASOTA The annual Small Business Awards is presented by the Herald-Tribune Media Group and is a program of The Chamber’s Member Services and Small Business Support Council. Awards sponsors were Herald-Tribune Media Group, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Additional Sponsors were The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Comcast Business, Comcast Spotlight, and SunTrust Bank. “These 18 award finalists, and hundreds of other small enterprises are the backbone of our community’s economy. It is a great honor to celebrate their innovation and excellence.” –Chamber President Steve Queior GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • JULY 2016 • BRIDGE 7 MEMBER PHOTOS C o r p o r a t e Tr u s t e e I n d u c t i o n s Sabadell Bank and Trust Dai Solutions Intus Personal and Group Transformation SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS PRESENTED BY HERALD TRIBUNE MEDIA GROUP BLUES BY THE BAY WITH THE MANATEE CHAMBER PRESENTED BY SAM’S CLUB 8 BRIDGE • JULY 2016 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE U P C O M I N G E V E N T S J U LY – S E P T E M B E R MONTHLY EVENTS POWER HOUR LUNCHEON 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. $20 Prepaid Members $25 All Walk-Ins Friday, July 29th Sol’s NYC Delicatessen Wednesday, August 10th Hotel Indigo ANNUAL EVENTS CHAMBER BOWLING TOURNAMENT Wednesday, August 17 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sarasota Lanes GOLF CLASSIC Friday, September 16, 2016 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. TPC Prestancia Wednesday, August 26th Location: Der Dutchman Wednesday, Sept., 14th Location: HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Sarasota Friday, Sept.,30th TBD MONDAY MIXER 5 – 6:30 p.m. $5 Members; Prepaid by 3 p.m. $10 All Walk-Ins Monday, July 11 Crunch Fitness (Food by Pizza SRQ, Drinks by 15 South Ristorante) Monday, August 8 Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Monday, Sept., 12 TBD CHAMBER 411 The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Boardroom RSVP Requested; Free for Members. PRESENTED BY WASTE PRO Tuesday, July 19 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 16 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept., 20 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m CHAMBER UNIVERSITY 8:00-9:30 a.m. $5 Members; $10 Non-Members Location & Topic vary. Thursday, July 14 How to Make Networking Work for You hosted by Marc Simms, CPBA, CPVA Chamber Boardroom Wednesday, August 3 New overtime payWhat you need to know Presented by Shumaker sarasotachamber.com/events HOB NOB PRESENTED BY COLONIAL LIFE GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • JULY 2016 • BRIDGE 9 RIBBON CUTTINGS January 24 – March 11th To book your Ribbon Cutting for a grand opening or relocation, contact Craig McGonigal, cmcgonigal@sarasotachamber.com or 941-556-4034 Aloft Sarasota 1401 Ringling Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34236 aloftsarasota.com Art Avenue 3501 South Tamiami Trail, #747 Sarasota, FL 34239 artavenueflorida.com El Bombon Restaurant Bar & Lounge 1118 N. Washington Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34236 sarasotabombon.com Concorde Concierge Services 575 Interstate Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34240 H&R Block Advisors (Block Advisors) 4216 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 hrblock.com Kahwa Coffee 1487 2nd Street North Sarasota, FL 34236 kahwacoffee.com Longevity Wellness Clinic 2106 Bispham Road, Suite E Sarasota, FL 34231 longevitywellnessclinic.com Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern 257 North Cattleman Road Sarasota, FL 34243 myrustybucket.com Schirmer Dentistry 1435 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34239 schirmerdental.com Scorch Fitness 4638 Clark Road Sarasota, FL 34233 scorchfitness.com Sunshine Baskets 3805 MacIntosh Road Sarasota, FL 34232 sunshinebaskets.org University Parkway Dental 3315 University Parkway, Suite 103 Sarasota, FL 34243 universityparkwaydental.com 10 BRIDGE • JULY 2016 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE Thank You for Your Trust in We’re proud to help local small businesses achieve optimum performance with their technology systems. To prove it, we are providing six months of FREE employee security awareness training for members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance with the purchase of a 12-month subscription. Consider it our way of saying “thank you” for your support. Choose SouthTech for award-winning network and communication solutions designed to move you forward. 941.953.7455 | 2801 Fruitville Road, Ste. 250 | Sarasota, FL 34237 | www.SouthTech.com NEW MEMBERS CHAMBER MEMBERS IN THE NEWS March 1, 2016 to May 31, 2016 Achievements Unlimited Marketing Amazing Lash Studio Sarasota South Apricot Lane Boutique Ashton Woods Baldwin Krystyn Sherman - BKS Barbara Clements & Associates, Inc. Benefit Intelligence Insurance Service Inc. Booker Middle School Budget Self Storage - South Tamiami Capital Point Financial Group, Ltd. Caron Realty, Inc. Chef Craig Chasky Chick-fil-A at Westfield Sarasota Square Cleaning by Rachelle Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Commodore Realty Cosimo’s Restaurant & Catering Counseling Associates of Sarasota, LLC Daily Eats David Weekley Homes Dr. Leonard Slazinski, MD, PA DTC Elite Holistic Massage Elite Wealth Advisors, LLC Escape Countdown Falfas Cabinet & Stone First Citizens Bank Fresh Kitchen GIT Florida Title Services Glaser Family Medical Center PLLC GTE Federal Credit Union Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota JBW Employment Services Keller Williams on the Water Realty/ Joshua Stark Wallace 12 BRIDGE • Keller Williams Real Estate/ Rick Mountjoy, Sr. Khoury Medical Latitude 27 Properties, LLC Law Office of Robert K. Lincoln, P.A. Lido Towers Owners Association Listening 2 Leaders LyteWorks Meadows Country Club Mercato Pizzeria & Bar Miracle League of Manasota My Shower Door Newk’s Eatery ONE Sarasota Realty Group Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Reconstructive Ideas Sarasota Architectural Salvage Sarasota Bookkeepers & Accounting LLC Sarasota Dental Arts Sarasota Helicopter Services SEKO Logistics Serve to Protect LLC Shapps Bagels LLC SilverSun Landscapes Sol’s NYC Delicatessen Stonegate Bank The Little Salon in Sarasota The Palms Golf Club at Forest Lakes Ty Smith Lawns UniFirst Corporation Vali Cooper & Associates Valpak of the Suncoast Victoria Gehrisch Winghouse Sarasota X 30 Fit Boot Camp SARASOTA COUNTY AREA TRANSIT (SCAT) is offering free bus rides on Election Day, as part of an effort to encourage residents to get out and vote. HALLIDAY FINANCIAL, a local wealth management firm, has been named in Investment Advisor’s recent Broker Dealer Reference Guide as one of the country’s Top 25 Independent Broker Dealers by highest median production for 2015. GRAPEVINE COMMUNICATIONS, the area’s leading full-service advertising, marketing and public relations agency, is pleased to announce the addition of two members to its staff. Britney Guertin was hired as PR & Social Media Associate and Heidi Cook rejoined Grapevine as Special Projects Coordinator. WILLIS SMITH CONSTRUCTION is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David Carey to Chief Financial Officer. TANDEM CONSTRUCTION has announced today that Steve Arrington, an award-winning Project Manager in Sarasota, Florida, has been hired as a Senior Project Manager. DOCTORS HOSPITAL OF SARASOTA was one of 798 hospitals to receive an “A” ranking among the safest hospitals in the United States. This is the fourth consecutive A grade the facility has received. OSPREY BIOTECHNICS was named a 2016 Partner of the Year Award Winner by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Program. THE PLAYERS THEATRE, the oldest community theatre in Sarasota and second oldest in Florida, is proud to announce the plans to sell their existing building and property and move east of I-75 in Sarasota County to be the Arts and Entertainment piece in the new Schroeder Manatee Ranch’s Waterside Development in Lakewood Ranch. Susan Moseley, Founder and CEO of MOSELEY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. has been honored by the prestigious weekly financial and business publication Barron’s as a “Top Independent Woman Advisor”. GOODWILL MANASOTA works toward zero waste through salvage partnerships. THE SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY (SMAA) is pleased to announce the installation of 4 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ). Residential mortgage lender RUOFF HOME MORTGAGE announced that Greg Miller was the top loan originator for their Sarasota office for the month of May 2016. SARASOTA FIRM HALL ARCHITECTS received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation for the rehabilitation and shade structure reconstruction of the Umbrella House. MORIAH TALIAFERRO has joined VANDYK Group of Companies as a Sales Representative for the communities of ONE88 on Golden Gate Point and Orange Club Boutique Condos and Townhomes. JULY 2016 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE THE SARASOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP TO HOST FIRST ANNUAL YP SUMMIT PRESENTED BY THE SARASOTA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP (YPG), a program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce their first annual “YP Summit” to be held on August 24th, 2016 at the historic Sarasota Opera House. With the theme of “Launch,” this unique event is designed to inspire and engage our region’s young professionals in personal, professional, and community development. Attendance is $35 for YPG/Chamber Members ($45 for nonmembers). Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact YPG Coordinator, Mimi Cirbusova, at mfleck@sarasotachamber.com or 941-556-4038. High Standards. Not High Pressure. Some air conditioning companies try and sell you something you don’t need at a price that’s out of sight. At Conditioned Air, we take a different approach. We earn your business by treating you exactly the way we would want to be treated – with no gimmicks or sales pressure, just expert, honest service. • Honesty • Integrity • 100% Purposeful Effort TH 1 9 6 2 - 6 2 0 1 • Respect • Safety • Exceed Expectations You deserve no-nonsense solutions that fit your situation and budget … not fast talk from sales people disguised as technicians. Experience the trusted team that takes the stress out of home comfort. Ease on over to Conditioned Air. Every day, we aim to follow our mission and core values when working with our customers, stakeholders, vendors and fellow team members. Make the comfortable choice and call Conditioned Air today. 1-888-COLD-AIR • (941) 893-6450 • www.conditionedair.com 1040 Knights Trail Rd., Unit A • North Venice 34275 Serving All Of Southwest Florida! • License# CACA29360 Scan this code with your smart phone to learn about Conditioned Air. Wednesday, August 17, 2016 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Sarasota Lanes Team of 5 - $175 Individual Bowler - $40 Social Attendee - $ 10 Visit SarasotaChamber.com to register 刀䔀匀䔀刀嘀䔀 吀䤀䌀䬀䔀吀匀 䄀吀 匀刀儀匀䈀㈀⸀䌀伀䴀 刀䔀匀䔀刀嘀䔀 吀䤀䌀䬀䔀吀匀 伀一䰀䤀一䔀 吀䠀唀刀匀䐀䄀夀Ⰰ 䨀唀䰀夀 ㈀㠀Ⰰ ㈀ 㘀 䀀 㜀㨀㌀ 䄀䴀 䤀一匀倀䤀刀䤀一䜀 吀刀䄀一匀䘀伀刀䴀䄀吀䤀伀一 吀䤀䌀䬀䔀吀匀 ␀㌀㔀 簀 吀䠀䔀 䘀刀䄀一䌀䤀匀Ⰰ 匀䄀刀䄀匀伀吀䄀 䐀爀⸀ 䴀椀挀栀愀攀氀 䌀爀漀猀戀礀 䴀漀琀攀 䴀愀爀椀渀攀 䨀漀栀渀攀琀琀攀 䤀猀栀愀洀 刀攀愀氀椀稀攀 䈀爀愀搀攀渀琀漀渀 䴀椀爀攀礀愀 䔀愀瘀攀礀 唀渀椀琀攀搀 圀愀礀 匀甀渀挀漀愀猀琀Ⰰ 匀愀爀愀猀漀琀愀 䬀䔀夀一伀吀䔀 匀倀䔀䄀䬀䔀刀 䰀愀爀爀礀 吀栀漀洀瀀猀漀渀 刀椀渀最氀椀渀最 䌀漀氀氀攀最攀 漀昀 䄀爀琀 愀渀搀 䐀攀猀椀最渀 䰀椀氀氀礀 圀攀椀渀戀攀爀最Ⰰ 䐀椀爀攀挀琀漀爀 漀昀 䌀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀 䘀漀甀渀搀愀琀椀漀渀猀 䬀渀椀最栀琀 䘀漀甀渀搀愀琀椀漀渀 伀渀 洀愀渀愀最椀渀最 䬀渀椀最栀琀ᤠ猀 ␀㐀 洀椀氀氀椀漀渀 椀渀瘀攀猀琀洀攀渀琀 椀渀 㠀 渀漀渀爀攀猀椀搀攀渀琀 挀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀椀攀猀⸀ Lock up & throw away the key. Manage your business in real time,without keys. Lic# EF20000499 14 BRIDGE • JULY 2016 • GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE www.redwireus.com ADVANCING LOCAL STUDENTS SARASOTA TOMORROW CONTINUES TO WORK TOWARDS SECURING A MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE for the Sarasota region through its many programs and initiatives. While the Sarasota Tomorrow (ST) initiative is broad, focus on key strategic areas including business climate and education/workforce development ensure that the Sarasota area has a strong economy for employers and the jobs they create. The Talent4Tomorrow Partnership, supported by Sarasota Tomorrow, found that one of the most prevalent reasons that high school graduates do not move on to any kind of higher education is the lack of access to financial resources. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a financial aid form that is essential for high school seniors to fill out so that they can be considered for all possible sources of student financial aid. Because it is required for many types of financial aid, the FAFSA is key to bridging the gap between perceived lack of access and available sources of funding. To raise FAFSA completion rates and ultimately access to post-secondary education, the Local College Access Network (LCAN), a part of the larger Talent4Tomorrow Partnership, launched an outreach effort to raise awareness, increase participation and ultimately completion of the FAFSA. This collaborative effort by over 30 area organizations, including the Sarasota County School District, has resulted in events at area high schools and other community activities to assist students and families in FAFSA completion and an awareness campaign launched through local media channels. These efforts have paid off. Sarasota moved from 35th in the state for completion rates to 1st place. While statistics are important, the real win here is changing the prospects – and likely the lives – of 250-300 young Sarasotans. These students are now well situated to have access to additional funding including grants and scholarships. IMPROVING THE COUNTY’S PLAN In Florida, Comprehensive Plans are a tool for the vision, framework and future within the unincorporated areas of the county. The Comprehensive Plan sets out goals, objectives, policies and strategies for how we, as a county, consistently analyze and balance future development and county amenity decisions based on our community principles as provided within the environmental, economic, land use and other elements of the Plan. Florida law requires regular updates to county plans and Sarasota County is coming to the end of an 18 month review and update process. The Government Issues Council (GIC) of The Chamber has been involved from the beginning to ensure that the voice of business is a part of developing a plan that supports community sustainability as well as business and economic development. Many chamber members have volunteered their time, talent and expertise to provide input and participate in the update process. The GIC has played a continuous, active role by meeting with county staff in a “deep dive” session, submitting written comments, and attending Planning Commission and Board of County Commission hearings. GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE • JULY 2016 • BRIDGE 15 I OFFER HOME INSURANCE OPTIONS Here in Florida, your choice is clear. Everyone likes options. My office not only offers car insurance backed by a company with 80 years of experience, but also offers home insurance from several companies. Call me today! Dakkak Insurance LLC (941) 926-2800 3629 Webber Street, Suite A Sarasota www.dakkakinsurance.com marydakkak@allstate.com Allstate has no financial responsibility to you for any home insurance policy you purchase and would not be responsible for any claims. Allstate does not make any representations or accept liability related to operations of home insurance companies, including, but not limited to, their financial conditions. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. © 2012 Allstate Insurance Co. 104381 Dakkak Insurance is a Proud Member of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.