Nominations Open for 2026 STCOC Business of the Year
The Business of the Year Awards recognize and honor our members that have demonstrated leadership, positive growth, development, and integrity in operation as a business, as well as a commitment to the community. This year's awards will include: Small, Medium, Large, Emerging & Minority Owned Businesses, as well as awards for Innovation, Non-Profit, Leadership, Young Professional and Community Impact.
Kelly Flannery
Black History Month - February 2026
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. Throughout the month, the South Tampa Chamber will be featuring our members who are Black owned businesses and/or Black community leaders.
Kelly Flannery
12th Annual Breakfast with the Mayor
On January 21, 2026, the South Tampa Chamber hosted its 12th Annual Breakfast with the Mayor, presented by the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority. The event brought together business, civic, and community leaders from across the region for a dynamic morning of dialogue, insight, and meaningful connection focused on the future of Tampa.
Kelly Flannery
Tampa Bay Community Honored with Abilene Trophy for Outstanding Support of MacDill Air Force Base
The Tampa Bay community was proudly recognized with the Abilene Trophy, honoring the community that best supported its Air Mobility Command and Air Force Reserve Command base in 2024, as presented by civic leaders representing the Abilene Military Affairs Committee. The award-winning submission was led by the Tampa Bay Chamber, in partnership with the South Tampa Chamber, the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance, and the MacDill Support Council, on behalf of MacDill Air Force Base and the greater Tampa Bay community.
Kelly Flannery
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