Because of You: A Letter from the President Reflecting on 2025
.jpg)
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.
Here’s what we accomplished in 2025:
We welcomed 218 new members, strengthening and expanding our business network. With 650 active members, our membership roster is now at a record high, including 40 Chairman’s Circle members and 6 Trustees.
We hosted 94 events connecting businesses, leaders, and the community, with nearly every Chamber event selling out - a true testament to your engagement and commitment.
We celebrated 50 ribbon cuttings, highlighting growth and entrepreneurship across our region.
We received $150,000 in grants from the Glazer Family Small Business Fund, directly reinvested into 32 local small businesses who were impacted by the 2024 Hurricane Season.
We achieved a major advocacy win with the elimination of the business rent tax, putting real dollars back into the hands of businesses.
Tampa Bay was named this year’s recipient of the Abilene Trophy, recognizing our long standing relationship with MacDill Air Force Base and the nation’s most outstanding community support for an Air Mobility Command base.
We continued MOU partnerships with surrounding chambers, expanding collaboration and regional impact.
We advanced strategic workforce initiatives with key partners to prepare today’s talent for tomorrow’s jobs.
We renewed and strengthened our commitment to the nonprofit community through expanded partnerships, visibility, and support.
We opened our new Chamber office, reflecting our growth, momentum, and long-term investment in serving our members.
Through every ribbon cut, every policy win, every partnership formed, and every dollar reinvested into our business community, one thing is abundantly clear.
None of this happens without you.
Our members, partners, volunteers, and leaders continue to believe in the mission of the South Tampa Chamber and in the power of working together. Your engagement, leadership, and support are the foundation of our success.
As we look ahead to this milestone year, we extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support, partnership, and involvement. Together, we are shaping the future of South Tampa’s business community, and we look forward to celebrating this historic year with you.
Thank you for an extraordinary year. Here’s to celebrating 100 years of impact and building an even stronger future together.
Cheers to the New Year!
Kelly Flannery, IOM, FCCP
President & CEO
South Tampa Chamber
We hosted 94 events connecting businesses, leaders, and the community, with nearly every Chamber event selling out - a true testament to your engagement and commitment.
We celebrated 50 ribbon cuttings, highlighting growth and entrepreneurship across our region.
We received $150,000 in grants from the Glazer Family Small Business Fund, directly reinvested into 32 local small businesses who were impacted by the 2024 Hurricane Season.
We achieved a major advocacy win with the elimination of the business rent tax, putting real dollars back into the hands of businesses.
Tampa Bay was named this year’s recipient of the Abilene Trophy, recognizing our long standing relationship with MacDill Air Force Base and the nation’s most outstanding community support for an Air Mobility Command base.
We continued MOU partnerships with surrounding chambers, expanding collaboration and regional impact.
We advanced strategic workforce initiatives with key partners to prepare today’s talent for tomorrow’s jobs.
We renewed and strengthened our commitment to the nonprofit community through expanded partnerships, visibility, and support.
We opened our new Chamber office, reflecting our growth, momentum, and long-term investment in serving our members.
Through every ribbon cut, every policy win, every partnership formed, and every dollar reinvested into our business community, one thing is abundantly clear.
None of this happens without you.
Our members, partners, volunteers, and leaders continue to believe in the mission of the South Tampa Chamber and in the power of working together. Your engagement, leadership, and support are the foundation of our success.
As we look ahead to this milestone year, we extend our sincere gratitude for your continued support, partnership, and involvement. Together, we are shaping the future of South Tampa’s business community, and we look forward to celebrating this historic year with you.
Thank you for an extraordinary year. Here’s to celebrating 100 years of impact and building an even stronger future together.
Cheers to the New Year!
Kelly Flannery, IOM, FCCP
President & CEO
South Tampa Chamber