Tampa Bay Chamber

08/21/2026

What does a strong workforce need to thrive in Tampa Bay? 🏙️

Jobs are only part of the equation. Access to attainable housing and affordable, reliable childcare can directly impact whether people are able to live, work and build their futures in our region—and whether local employers can attract and retain the talent they need.

Join us on September 2 for State of the Workforce, where local leaders will explore how housing, childcare, education and community development are shaping Tampa Bay’s workforce.

Hear from:
🔹 Patricia Rendon, Hillsborough County School Board Member, District 4
🔹 Abbye Feeley, Administrator for Development and Economic Opportunity, City of Tampa
🔹 Michelle Bauer, Chief Operating Officer, Tampa Bay EDC

Together, we’ll explore the challenges facing working families and employers—and the opportunities for public and private sector collaboration to build a stronger, more resilient regional workforce.

📅 September 2 | 8:00–9:30 a.m.
📍 The Tampa Club
🔗 Register today: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/events/2026/09/02/work-redefined/state-of-the-workforce/

08/20/2026

Last week, we officially kicked off an exciting year ahead for the Leadership Tampa Class of 2027! 🎊

The evening gave our newest class members a chance to meet one another, connect with the program day sponsors, chairs, LTA members who will be part of their journey throughout the year.

Over the months ahead, this group will experience Tampa Bay from new perspectives, deepen their understanding of the people and issues shaping our region, and build relationships that extend far beyond the program.

We can’t wait to see what this class accomplishes. Welcome to the Leadership Tampa family, LT’27! 🥳

08/19/2026

As we look ahead to November, now is the time to understand the issues and referendums that voters will see on the 2026 ballot.

Join us next week for our Public Policy Roundtable: Understanding the 2026 Ballot – Property Taxes and Key Referendums.

Moderated by Monica Maybank, Founder & CEO of The Almond Group, the conversation will feature:

🏛️ Bob Henriquez, CFA — Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
🏛️ Ken Hagan — Chair, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners
📚 Kristin Davis — Assistant Superintendent of Government Affairs, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Together, they’ll provide insight into proposed property tax measures, key referendums and how these issues intersect with public services, education, residents and our regional economy.

📅 August 26 | 8:00–9:30 a.m.
📍 The Tampa Club

Secure your seat: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/events/2026/08/26/policy-advocacy/ppr-understanding-the-2026-ballot-property-taxes-and-key-referendums/

08/17/2026

🗳️ Primary Election Day is tomorrow, August 18! Make your voice heard and take a moment today to confirm your polling location and prepare for Election Day.

See the information below from the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections to make sure you’re ready to vote.

Election Day for the 2026 Primary is tomorrow – make sure you know where to go! You can find your assigned polling place and view the acceptable photo IDs for voting at VoteHillsborough.gov/ElectionDay

08/17/2026

🏴‍☠️ Mayor Jane Castor has a message for Bucs fans: Join us this Saturday!

There’s still time to secure your spot for Cannon Fire & Tailgate on August 22 as the Tampa Bay Chamber and Tampa Bay Buccaneers come together for one of our favorite annual traditions before the Bucs take on the Kansas City Chiefs!

Your all-inclusive experience includes unlimited food and beverages, live entertainment, networking, an East Club game ticket and parking—everything you need for an unforgettable game day at Raymond James Stadium.

📅 Saturday, August 22
🏈 Buccaneers vs. Chiefs
🎟️ Register: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/events/2026/08/22/sport-events/cannon-fire-tailgate/

Fire the cannons and we’ll see you on game day! 🏴‍☠️🔥

08/13/2026

A packed room, with more than 50 participating campaigns and hundreds of engaged constituents made our 2026 Political Hob Nob, presented by St. Joseph's Hospital Baycare Health System, an incredible evening of civic engagement across Tampa Bay.

We loved seeing both our Chamber members and the broader community come together to meet candidates, ask questions and take part in the on-site straw poll. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success! 😊

The Tampa Bay Chamber is nonpartisan and does not endorse or support any candidate. Straw poll results reflect the opinions of attendees only and do not represent an endorsement by the Chamber or its membership.

🔗 View the full 2026 Hob Nob recap and straw poll results here: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/blog/2026/08/11/public-policy/tampa-bay-chamber-s-2026-political-hob-nob-straw-poll-bring-constituents-and-candidates-together/

08/11/2026

52 more local small businesses have something to celebrate! 🎉

The Glazer Family Small Business Fund has now supported 350 businesses across Tampa Bay and West Central Florida since 2024, and we’re excited to congratulate the latest recipients—including several Tampa Bay Chamber members!

We’re proud to partner with the Glazer Family and seven other area chambers to help support the small businesses that create jobs, serve our neighbors and strengthen communities throughout our region. ☺️

🔗See the 2026 first-round recipients and learn more about the Fund: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/blog/2026/08/11/member-news/glazer-family-small-business-fund-2026-first-round-recipients-announced/

08/07/2026

🌵 Why Phoenix?

Every year, the Tampa Bay Chamber's Benchmarking visit brings regional leaders together to explore innovative ideas and bring proven strategies back to strengthen our community.

This week, we're featuring Lorena Hardwick, Chief External Affairs Officer at Feeding Tampa Bay, and why she's joining this year's delegation.

Ready to join us?

➡️ Register today: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/events/2026/10/05/policy-advocacy/benchmarking-phoenix/

08/06/2026

🗳️ What will be on the 2026 ballot—and what could it mean for Tampa Bay?

Join the Tampa Bay Chamber for our upcoming Public Policy Roundtable, where local experts will break down key ballot initiatives, including proposed property tax measures, and discuss what they could mean for businesses, residents, public education, and our region's future.

Hear insights from local leaders and subject matter experts during this informative, nonpartisan discussion designed to help our community stay informed ahead of Election Day.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, St. Joseph's Hospital BayCare Health System, and Gold Sponsor, Tampa Electric, for supporting this important community conversation.

📅 Register today: https://www.tampabaychamber.com/events/2026/08/26/policy-advocacy/ppr-understanding-the-2026-ballot-property-taxes-and-key-referendums/