Meet Janette Blanco, Interim Director, Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County
Janette Blanco is an award-winning business strategist and the Interim Director of the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County, where she leads high-impact initiatives that strengthen and expand the region’s small business ecosystem. With more than 25 years of professional experience and over 12,000 hours of direct consulting, Janette has empowered more than 3,500 entrepreneurs throughout Tampa Bay—driving growth, securing capital, and positioning local businesses for long-term success.
Kelly Flannery
A Message from the 2026 Chair of the Board
It is an incredible honor to serve as Chair of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce in our 100th year, a milestone century of connection, service, and community leadership. Our history begins in 1926 as the Port Tampa Assembly of Businessmen, founded by members of the Port Tampa Board of Trade. Even in those early days, our mission was clear, to support local businesses and strengthen our growing community. Today, the South Tampa Chamber is home to 650 member businesses and growing! For a century, our
Kelly Flannery
Because of You: A Letter from the President Reflecting on 2025
As we embark on our 100th year at the South Tampa Chamber, we want to pause and reflect on the past year and the incredible momentum our community has built together. This milestone year is not only a celebration of our legacy, but a reminder of what is possible when our business community comes together with purpose.
Kelly Flannery
PRESS RELEASE: South Tampa Chamber Celebrates 100 Years at Annual Meeting - 2025 Award Winners & 2026 Board of Directors Announced
South Tampa Chamber Celebrates 100 Years at Annual Meeting 2025 Award Winners & 2026 Board of Directors Announced
Kelly Flannery
South Tampa Chamber Welcomes 2026 Board of Directors
The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors, which will guide the organization as it proudly enters its 100th year of service to the South Tampa business community. The Chamber’s objectives for the coming year include growing membership through targeted recruitment and retention efforts, enhancing advocacy initiatives through an updated legislative agenda, and expanding educational programs and resources for professionals at every stage of their careers.
Kelly Flannery
2025 South Tampa Chamber Award Winners & Annual Meeting Recap
Thank you for joining us at the South Tampa Chamber’s Centennial Annual Meeting & Awards, presented by Tampa General Hospital, at the historic Tampa Theatre. What an unforgettable afternoon of celebration and community! Your presence helped make this milestone truly special.
Kelly Flannery
South Tampa Chamber to Celebrate 100 Years at Annual Meeting
The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce will mark a remarkable milestone at its 100th Annual Meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The event will bring together members, community leaders, and business partners to honor a century of supporting and promoting South Tampa’s thriving business community.
Kelly Flannery
Tampa Bay Community Earns National Recognition for Outstanding Military Support
The Tampa Bay Chamber, South Tampa Chamber, Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, and the MacDill Support Council are proud to announce that the Tampa Bay region has been awarded the 2024 Abilene Trophy, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding community support to an Air Mobility Command (AMC) base. The award was officially announced by the Abilene Military Affairs Committee in partnership with AMC and Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs offices.
Kelly Flannery
JMI Now Accepting Applications: No Cost Small Business Executive Program – Tampa Bay Spring 2026
Now Accepting Applications: Small Business Executive Program – Tampa Bay The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship invites small business owners, CEOs, and entrepreneurs to apply for the Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) in Tampa and St. Petersburg. This world-class, no-cost program helps leaders work on their business—not just in it—through hands-on learning, best practices, and strategic growth tools.
Kelly Flannery
City of Tampa to Distribute Additional $2M in aid for Hurricane Repairs
Beginning November 17th, more financial aid will be available for Tampa homeowners affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The City of Tampa, with the support of the Tampa City Council, will be distributing $2 million to primary homesteaded and income eligible residents for repairs. The program, Homeowner Hurricane Assistance (HHA), will prioritize homeowners in the hardest hit zip-codes, including Forest Hills, Palmetto Beach and South of Gandy/Port Tampa.
Kelly Flannery