The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting is held each year in December to celebrate the achievements of the Chamber and mark the official changing of guard from the outgoing to the incoming chair.
The 124th Annual Meeting took place on December 15 at the Tampa Convention Center. More than 700 attendees marked the transition between outgoing Chamber Chair Henry Gonzalez, III of the Bank of Tampa and incoming Chair Chuck Sykes of Sykes Enterprises. Addtionally, the 2009 H.L. Culbreath, Jr. Profile in Leadership Award was presented to Mandell “Hinks” Shimberg, Chairman of Shimberg-Cross Company.
“2009 has been a year of change and evolution for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce,” said Gonzalez. “But change is good. With change comes opportunity – opportunities for leadership, for education and for the exchange of ideas.”
Gonzalez highlighted several big changes in the life of the Chamber, including welcoming new President and CEO Bob Rohrlack in April and the formation of the new Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation. He touched on the many achievements during 2009, including an increased business advocacy role, strengthened relationships with our elected officials and an increase in attendance at many events including small business educational programming. Gonzalez announced that the Chamber outperformed its 2009 budget and closed by thanking his family, board members, executive committee and the Chamber staff.
Afterward, Gonzalez and Sykes completed the ceremonial exchange of the Chair’s gavel. Sykes offered his thoughts on the priority issues for the Chamber in 2010, including the defeat of Amendment 4 and the passage of a ballot initiative to fund transit, road projects and improvements. He also announced plans to draft a strategic plan to guide the Chamber’s growth for the next three years.
“I’m confident we can continue our efforts to make the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce one of the premier Chambers in this country,” said Sykes. “Whether you want the best for your company or the best for your community, there is no better organization to be a part of in Tampa Bay than the Chamber.”
Sykes welcomed in the 2010 Executive Committee Members. To see the entire 2010 Board of Directors, click here.
Sponsors:
Special thanks to:
