PRESS RELEASE: South Tampa Chamber Celebrates 100 Years at Annual Meeting - 2025 Award Winners & 2026 Board of Directors Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

South Tampa Chamber Celebrates 100 Years at Annual Meeting
2025 Award Winners & 2026 Board of Directors Announced

 
Tampa, FL (December 3, 2025) – The South Tampa Chamber proudly celebrated its members’ achievements during their 2025 Annual Meeting on December 3, 2025 at the historic Tampa Theatre, honoring individuals whose dedication and impact strengthen the local business community. The event also marked a milestone year as the Chamber approaches its 100th anniversary.
 
2025 Award Recipients
The Chamber recognized the following outstanding members for their contributions:
 
Citizen of the Year: Tim Marks
Hero Award: Terry Montrose
Champion for Women: Debra Palmer
Volunteer of the Year: Olivia Jones
Ambassador of the Year: Ana Thompson
Spotlight Award: Craig Kuhl
Member of the Year: Liz Montante
Chairman’s Award: Opal Hudson
President’s Award: Heather DeGrave and Laura Webb
 
“These awards celebrate the exceptional leadership, service, and community impact of our members,” said Kelly Flannery, President & CEO of the South Tampa Chamber. “Their commitment strengthens South Tampa and inspires all of us to make a difference.”

The 2026 Board of Directors was also introduced at the meeting and will be led by Blake Guthrie, who will serve as Chair of the Board. Blake brings a dynamic blend of leadership and community engagement to the role. As Director of Community Partnerships for the ReliaQuest Bowl, he oversees strategic partnerships, community outreach, and major bowl events. With more than 20 years in sports management—including roles with ESPN Events, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and USF Athletics—Blake is deeply involved across Tampa Bay and serves on multiple community boards.

Executive Committee
Chair of the Board – Blake Guthrie, ReliaQuest Bowl
Chair-Elect – Elizabeth Montante, TIG Tampa
Immediate Past Chair – Tanya Cielo, Sky Strategic Marketing
Treasurer – Susan Nieland, CFO2U
Treasurer-Elect – Bobby Daniel, United Community
Consulting Attorney – Chris Bentley, Johnson Jackson, PLLC
President & CEO – Kelly Flannery, South Tampa Chamber

Board of Directors
Brian Ramirez, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority
Craig Kuhl, Kuhl Benefits and Insurance
Dean Akers, Adjunct CEO
Elan Melamed, Tampa General Hospital
Jennifer Frazier
Jessica Jaeckel, Perform24 | Keller Williams Realty
Joel Brown, Tampa Electric
Juan Concheiro, Domain Homes
Kristin Davis, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Lisa Demmi, The Small Magic Foundation
Paige Niehaus, Hillsborough College – Dale Mabry Campus
Shae Gee, SG Guardian Home Watch, LLC
 
Outgoing Chair Tanya Cielo reflected on 2025, saying, “It was a record-setting year for the South Tampa Chamber. We welcomed more than 200 new members, hosted nearly 100 sold-out events, achieved meaningful advocacy wins, and provided critical support to businesses navigating growth and challenges. These accomplishments reflect the engagement and leadership of our members, board, and staff.”
 
Incoming Chair Blake Guthrie shared his vision, stating, “As we look to our next 100 years, we remain focused on strengthening local commerce, advocating for our business community, and delivering value to our members. We aim to connect businesses to opportunities, resources, and each other, fostering a strong and vibrant South Tampa economy.”
 
About the South Tampa Chamber
Founded in 1926, the South Tampa Chamber represents more than 650 businesses, organizations, and individuals dedicated to making South Tampa a premier place to live, work, and do business. The Chamber has been recognized as a Certified+ Chamber by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, a Three-Star Chamber of Valor by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and was named Chamber of the Year in 2020. For more information, visit www.SouthTampaChamber.org.
 
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Past Chairs pass the gavel to 2026 Chair of the Board, Blake Guthrie


South Tampa Chamber presented with a Commendation from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners 


Citizen of the Year: Tim Marks


Hero Award: Terry Montrose


Champion for Women: Debra Palmer