A Message from the 2026 Chair of the Board
Dear Valued Members,
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 Chamber has been guided by the same enduring purpose: to make South Tampa a better place to live, work, and play.
As we look to our next 100 years, our focus remains on enhancing local commerce, advocating for our community, and delivering exceptional experiences for our members. We are committed to helping businesses of all sizes thrive, by connecting them with opportunities, resources, and one another. Whether it’s amplifying the voice of local business through advocacy efforts or creating meaningful programs and events that foster growth, our goal is to strengthen the fabric of South Tampa’s economy and community.
We will also continue to focus on expanding our membership and demonstrating the tangible value of Chamber involvement. From networking and visibility to professional development and community engagement, we want every member, and future member, to see their investment in the Chamber as a catalyst for success. Our initiatives in the year ahead will highlight not only why membership matters, but also the benefits of deepening involvement through upgraded partnerships and enhanced engagement opportunities.
As we celebrate our 100th year, we honor the visionary leaders, devoted members, and passionate community partners who helped us reach this remarkable milestone. Together, we will continue building upon their legacy, fostering growth, supporting one another, and ensuring that South Tampa remains a thriving, connected, and welcoming place for the next 100 years.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. Here’s to celebrating our past, and shaping our future, together.
Blake Guthrie
2026 Chair of the Board
South Tampa Chamber
boardchair@southtampachamber.org