Testimonials
Endorsements
Below you will find endorsements and testimonials from the municipalities we serve, elected officials, business associations, member businesses, as well as visitors. If you'd like to provide the TBBCoC an endorsement or testimonial, please submit the endorsement form to info@tampabaybeaches.com and we will feature you below.
Municipalities
The cities listed below endorse the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce as their area Chamber of Commerce. Click on the city to view their declaration (declarations open in a new web tab for easy navigation).
Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Shores
Madeira Beach
North Redington Beach
Redington Beach
Redington Shores
South Pasadena
St. Pete Beach
Treasure Island
Officials
Jeff Atwater, Chief Financial Officer, State of Florida
Representative Kathleen Peters, Florida House
Darden Rice, City Council Member, City of St. Petersburg
Associations
Julie Tylicki, Solutions Insurance & Tierra Verde Business Association:
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is an invaluable organization providing resources, support and connections throughout the community. When the Tierra Verde Business Partnership formed, a membership with the TBBCOC was pivotal to the success, growth and stability of the association. Through the dedication and inspiration of the incredible team at the heart of the TBBCOC, this organization defines what it is to go above and beyond any and all expectations.
Member Businesses
The Spice & Tea Exchange of John's Pass, Brian Himert
The TBBCOC is one of the finest chambers we have ever been part of! The support & commitment to their members is incredible! We have enjoyed great success as an active member & highly recommend any business along our beaches join us. They offer informative & fun events that are well organized and heavily attended. We’ve been fortunate enough to create many new business relationships as a result of our membership & participation in the Beaches Referral Team. We enjoy the extra value of knowing our chamber is looking for ways to promote our shop & products to others members through networking & word of mouth. The staff is helpful, engaging and genuinely interested in assisting members to be even more successful. We are very satisfied with every aspect of our relationship with the TBBCOC!
Top It Off Imprints and Embroideries, Gary and Laura Eaton
Our experience has been positive in that we are able to attend many of the networking socials after work. Also, since joining the BRT we have been able to make connections and grow our customer base.
Chick-Fil-A St. Pete Beach, Robert Steeg
The chamber is always giving us great referrals! Employees also come by frequently.
Paradise News, Peter Roos
Paradise News is a 25-year-old magazine and 10-year-old website that has benefited from membership in the chamber in many ways. Each mixer, learn at lunch, and referral group meeting is a great opportunity to network with other business people in our market. it is so true that you get back what you put in. People do business with people they like. The chamber provides the opportunity to interact.
Thrive! Chiropractic and Wellness, Dr. Kelley Mulhern
We've just started our second year as a TBBCoC member, and it has been good for our business! There are plenty of fun networking opportunities, but not so much that it's overwhelming. The TBBCoC has introduced us to people we're now proud to call our clients and friends. There are many chamber options in the Tampa Bay area, so I encourage potential members to take a close look at TBBCoC...you won't regret it!
Creative Copy by Steve Traiman
A member since 2000 when we relocated from New Jersey. I've found my investment has paid back many times over. Have referred many prospective members and was a member of the Beaches Referral Team. It continues to pay dividends in new business.
Fifth Third Bank, John Bond
I have had a great experience with TBBCoC. I have met many great people and feel that the chamber has helped my business. I am also an Ambassador.
Kip Kollmeyer, Mitchell Insurance Services, Inc.
I really enjoy our relationship with the TBBCoC and its members. Being involved with the Beaches Referral Team has helped us develop great relationships and establish great exposure for our business.
Heather Zima, Champions Mortgage
My husband Adam and I decided to join our business, Champions Mortgage, with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce after being invited to go to one of their mixers by Kelly Vaughn of Seminole Lake Country Club and meeting Karen Casabura. I am so glad we did! The team is so helpful, organized, and professional. We received contacts from Robin Miller herself that would help to grow our business that same day after meeting with her. Several awesome opportunities have come from the chamber already, and all we did was sign up! I am excited to see what the rest of the year will hold for us with the TBBCoC. Or several years, as this is an awesome investment that Champions will definitely be renewing again.
Tim Johnson, Waterfront Realty
"We have been a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber now for years. Prior to joining TBBC we tried a few other chambers. Our expectations have been exceeded in every way. Robin and her team are constantly doing the right things to help all of the beach businesses. Marketing, growth, local legislation and networking efforts are all fantastic. If you are a beach business and not part of this critical chamber you are missing out."
Mike Mikurak, Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board Member:
“ I had the opportunity this participate with the Pinellas County Chambers of Commerce in Tallahassee as we met with our State Representative and presented the Priority of Needs for the County. Each member of the leadership within each of the Chambers of Commerce provided their input to our presentation and at each of the discussions with our State Representative. What I found very impressive thought out the process of preparation and delivery was the role that the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber took in this process. Their willingness to collaborate with each of the other Chambers, their willingness to prepare a high quality presentation package with all the specific information we were to cover on our trip as well as their take charge approach to transportation, lodging and the reception use as a meet and greet was exceptional. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce proved to me their commitment to their Community and the County. I congratulate them as well as the other Pinellas County Chamber Leaders for a job well done.”
Anthony Satterfield, The Alden Suites:
"The Alden has been a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce since its inception. The hotel has always benefited from this chamber and recently it has been a major source of business. The Chamber's website consistently shows up in our top 5 monthly Search Engine Marketing Traffic Report. There is no doubt that many of the visitors to their site end up taking a look at our site.TBBCOC has saved the hotel money. We attend many of the mixers and gatherings and have met local businesses that have performed work or provided services that were less expensive than companies we were using. During the past few years the TBBCOC has taken stands against legislation and political action groups that could harm our number one industry, tourism. I also feel that many local politicians seek out the Chamber's opinion before voting or when fact finding. We are proud members of the TBBCOC and look forward to a long and lasting relationship."
Bill Priakos, Barefoot Beach Resort – Indian Shores:
"One of the first tasks upon arrival was to place my desk and the second was to join the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. I have made hundreds of contacts, yes, hundreds of friends through this association and my business has grown every year as a result…thank you TBBCoC!"
Stephen Collins, Coast Brothers:
"Several months ago, Mike McElvogue [TBBCoC Staff Member] mentioned that he felt that there was a group of consultants sponsored by the Florida SBDC who could provide a different prospective. Although the gentleman that he introduced me to at a lunch at the Chamber did not have the skill set that I needed, the group was able to identify a finance person from the Florida SBDC, as well as a small business marketing consultant who were, in fact, very knowledgeable and provided their respective prospective. Their work was very positive."
Jeffrey Hahn, Conference Direct:
"Through a referral we were introduced to an international association looking for a venue for their annual meeting. Thank you TBBCoC!"
Steve Schwalb, Digital Eel:
"Digital Eel has been a TBBCOC member for many years – and, each year, the value of our membership has increased. From direct leads, to networking, to referrals, to educational materials, to social gatherings and more, the Chamber has provided real, tangible benefits to our business. The staff and management of the Chamber is absolutely outstanding, and all of my dealings with them have left me with a very positive impression. I highly recommend membership to both new and established local businesses!"
Diana Schwarz, Fiduciary Funding:
"Being a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber allows a business and those who make up the business to become involved in their community’s affairs. This involvement includes cultural, government and social programs. As a team member of Fiduciary Funding, LLC, I joined the Community Advocacy group last year to better understand the civic workings on a city, county and state level. An annual event of the committee is the Pinellas Chambers Legislative Coalition Capitol Trip, a multi-county chamber trip to the State Capitol. In March this year, seven Chamber of Commerce groups from around the County arrived in Tallahassee on a Wednesday afternoon for a briefing with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and a preview of what to expect during the next 24 hours. A reception to meet several of State Representatives was planned in the early evening at the Governors Club.
The following day meetings were held in a conference room at the Capitol offices. State representatives from both parties were scheduled for 15 minute sessions to talk about legislation they were working on with time left over for Q & A. It is not often the public gets an opportunity to learn and ask questions in such a consolidated venue. Aside from meeting public officials in Tallahassee the trip afforded an opportunity to network with local chamber officials and chamber members during unscheduled times and the 4 hour trip up and back. For a one- time event, this is a trip not soon forgotten. As an ongoing annual event, chamber members who are part of the Community Advocacy group are afforded the opportunity to be well versed in their city, county and state affairs. For TBBC chamber members interested in learning more about their community and the policies which affect growth, development and structure, I would recommend joining the Community Advocacy group."
Greg Phillips, Gone to the Dogs Boutique:
"I was always hesitant in joining a chamber of commerce. I didn't understand how a chamber could help me run a successful business. After meeting with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce member specialist, Roxanne Anderson, I was 100% convinced that I needed to be part of this chamber. This chamber actively promotes its member group to all beach communities. Other perks are networking events with chamber members, being listed on the chamber web site, and advertising in the relocation guides and visitor's guides. I was very impressed that the chamber was front and center during the oil spill, the flood insurance debate and proposed oil drilling off our coast. My business was also recognized by the chamber as the 2009 Small Business of the Year. Being part of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce was one of the smartest decisions I made as a small business owner!"
Judy Goetz, Palms of Pasadena Hospital:
"Palms of Pasadena Hospital has been a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce for over five years. Robin and her excellent team are constantly enhancing membership opportunities and benefits. Their dedication and innovative programs add value to our relationship, helping us to connect with our community on a personal level. As a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Board, I have watched the chamber grow in leaps and bounds providing its members with opportunities for business growth, political awareness and influential connections. Robin and her dedicated staff have created an exceptional program advancing the business environment and quality of life for the St. Petersburg beach communities. Working together on common goals with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce helps keep businesses involved in important community initiatives and connect with the population we serve. Palms of Pasadena Hospital has taken part in the multitude of marketing opportunities offered to members which has increased our exposure to the community.”
Sarah Laracuente, Times Publishing Co.:
"The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber is run by a wonderful group of people that goes above and beyond to help the business community. Being involved with the chamber helps us to stay connected to the businesses, learn about new and changing needs of the community, which helps us to grow our business and serve our customers better.”
Gayle Liteheart, Weddings On A Whim.com:
"Congratulations on the many & amazing contributions! Our Community is blessed to have your enthusiasm, talents and intelligence.”
Patrick Collins, Coast Brothers:
"We were having an issue with Aflac and our representative, Stephen – who I believe is an Ambassador with the Chamber – came in and spent almost two days straight in our office working the issue out. While here, I mentioned to Stephen my dissatisfaction with my current health insurance provider. Stephen directed another Ambassador of the chamber, Nancy Fish, to call me. She called me within 48 hours and because she referenced Stephen and the Chamber, I discussed what I was looking for and signed up with one of the health insurance companies that she represents. If Nancy had not referenced Stephen and the Chamber, I would have dismissed the call. Success begets success."
Visitors
April & David Betsch:
"We are getting married on St.Pete beach in September and we stopped by the Chamber of Commerce to collect some local information for our guests staying in the hotel. We were SO IMPRESSED by Charlie, the staff member who assisted us. We live in SC and only had a few hours to spend in St. Pete getting several errands done. He dropped what he was doing and went out of his way to ensure that we got everything we needed. He was knowledgable on all of our questions and we left feeling WOWed by the service we received. A great operation in there and a wonderful service that you offer. Charlie is a great member of your team!"
Leadership Institute Testimonial
The TBBCOC is one of the finest chambers we have ever been part of! The support & commitment to their members is incredible! We have enjoyed great success as an active member & highly recommend any business along our beaches join us. They offer informative & fun events that are well organized and heavily attended. We’ve been fortunate enough to create many new business relationships as a result of our membership & participation in the Beaches Referral Team. We enjoy the extra value of knowing our chamber is looking for ways to promote our shop & products to others members through networking & word of mouth. The staff is helpful, engaging and genuinely interested in assisting members to be even more successful. We are very satisfied with every aspect of our relationship with the TBBCOC!
Top It Off Imprints and Embroideries, Gary and Laura Eaton
Our experience has been positive in that we are able to attend many of the networking socials after work. Also, since joining the BRT we have been able to make connections and grow our customer base.
Chick-Fil-A St. Pete Beach, Robert Steeg
The chamber is always giving us great referrals! Employees also come by frequently.
Paradise News, Peter Roos
Paradise News is a 25-year-old magazine and 10-year-old website that has benefited from membership in the chamber in many ways. Each mixer, learn at lunch, and referral group meeting is a great opportunity to network with other business people in our market. it is so true that you get back what you put in. People do business with people they like. The chamber provides the opportunity to interact.
Thrive! Chiropractic and Wellness, Dr. Kelley Mulhern
We've just started our second year as a TBBCoC member, and it has been good for our business! There are plenty of fun networking opportunities, but not so much that it's overwhelming. The TBBCoC has introduced us to people we're now proud to call our clients and friends. There are many chamber options in the Tampa Bay area, so I encourage potential members to take a close look at TBBCoC...you won't regret it!
Creative Copy by Steve Traiman
A member since 2000 when we relocated from New Jersey. I've found my investment has paid back many times over. Have referred many prospective members and was a member of the Beaches Referral Team. It continues to pay dividends in new business.
Fifth Third Bank, John Bond
I have had a great experience with TBBCoC. I have met many great people and feel that the chamber has helped my business. I am also an Ambassador.
Kip Kollmeyer, Mitchell Insurance Services, Inc.
I really enjoy our relationship with the TBBCoC and its members. Being involved with the Beaches Referral Team has helped us develop great relationships and establish great exposure for our business.
Heather Zima, Champions Mortgage
My husband Adam and I decided to join our business, Champions Mortgage, with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce after being invited to go to one of their mixers by Kelly Vaughn of Seminole Lake Country Club and meeting Karen Casabura. I am so glad we did! The team is so helpful, organized, and professional. We received contacts from Robin Miller herself that would help to grow our business that same day after meeting with her. Several awesome opportunities have come from the chamber already, and all we did was sign up! I am excited to see what the rest of the year will hold for us with the TBBCoC. Or several years, as this is an awesome investment that Champions will definitely be renewing again.
Tim Johnson, Waterfront Realty
"We have been a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber now for years. Prior to joining TBBC we tried a few other chambers. Our expectations have been exceeded in every way. Robin and her team are constantly doing the right things to help all of the beach businesses. Marketing, growth, local legislation and networking efforts are all fantastic. If you are a beach business and not part of this critical chamber you are missing out."
Mike Mikurak, Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board Member:
“ I had the opportunity this participate with the Pinellas County Chambers of Commerce in Tallahassee as we met with our State Representative and presented the Priority of Needs for the County. Each member of the leadership within each of the Chambers of Commerce provided their input to our presentation and at each of the discussions with our State Representative. What I found very impressive thought out the process of preparation and delivery was the role that the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber took in this process. Their willingness to collaborate with each of the other Chambers, their willingness to prepare a high quality presentation package with all the specific information we were to cover on our trip as well as their take charge approach to transportation, lodging and the reception use as a meet and greet was exceptional. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce proved to me their commitment to their Community and the County. I congratulate them as well as the other Pinellas County Chamber Leaders for a job well done.”
Anthony Satterfield, The Alden Suites:
"The Alden has been a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce since its inception. The hotel has always benefited from this chamber and recently it has been a major source of business. The Chamber's website consistently shows up in our top 5 monthly Search Engine Marketing Traffic Report. There is no doubt that many of the visitors to their site end up taking a look at our site.TBBCOC has saved the hotel money. We attend many of the mixers and gatherings and have met local businesses that have performed work or provided services that were less expensive than companies we were using. During the past few years the TBBCOC has taken stands against legislation and political action groups that could harm our number one industry, tourism. I also feel that many local politicians seek out the Chamber's opinion before voting or when fact finding. We are proud members of the TBBCOC and look forward to a long and lasting relationship."
Bill Priakos, Barefoot Beach Resort – Indian Shores:
"One of the first tasks upon arrival was to place my desk and the second was to join the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. I have made hundreds of contacts, yes, hundreds of friends through this association and my business has grown every year as a result…thank you TBBCoC!"
Stephen Collins, Coast Brothers:
"Several months ago, Mike McElvogue [TBBCoC Staff Member] mentioned that he felt that there was a group of consultants sponsored by the Florida SBDC who could provide a different prospective. Although the gentleman that he introduced me to at a lunch at the Chamber did not have the skill set that I needed, the group was able to identify a finance person from the Florida SBDC, as well as a small business marketing consultant who were, in fact, very knowledgeable and provided their respective prospective. Their work was very positive."
Jeffrey Hahn, Conference Direct:
"Through a referral we were introduced to an international association looking for a venue for their annual meeting. Thank you TBBCoC!"
Steve Schwalb, Digital Eel:
"Digital Eel has been a TBBCOC member for many years – and, each year, the value of our membership has increased. From direct leads, to networking, to referrals, to educational materials, to social gatherings and more, the Chamber has provided real, tangible benefits to our business. The staff and management of the Chamber is absolutely outstanding, and all of my dealings with them have left me with a very positive impression. I highly recommend membership to both new and established local businesses!"
Diana Schwarz, Fiduciary Funding:
"Being a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber allows a business and those who make up the business to become involved in their community’s affairs. This involvement includes cultural, government and social programs. As a team member of Fiduciary Funding, LLC, I joined the Community Advocacy group last year to better understand the civic workings on a city, county and state level. An annual event of the committee is the Pinellas Chambers Legislative Coalition Capitol Trip, a multi-county chamber trip to the State Capitol. In March this year, seven Chamber of Commerce groups from around the County arrived in Tallahassee on a Wednesday afternoon for a briefing with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and a preview of what to expect during the next 24 hours. A reception to meet several of State Representatives was planned in the early evening at the Governors Club.
The following day meetings were held in a conference room at the Capitol offices. State representatives from both parties were scheduled for 15 minute sessions to talk about legislation they were working on with time left over for Q & A. It is not often the public gets an opportunity to learn and ask questions in such a consolidated venue. Aside from meeting public officials in Tallahassee the trip afforded an opportunity to network with local chamber officials and chamber members during unscheduled times and the 4 hour trip up and back. For a one- time event, this is a trip not soon forgotten. As an ongoing annual event, chamber members who are part of the Community Advocacy group are afforded the opportunity to be well versed in their city, county and state affairs. For TBBC chamber members interested in learning more about their community and the policies which affect growth, development and structure, I would recommend joining the Community Advocacy group."
Greg Phillips, Gone to the Dogs Boutique:
"I was always hesitant in joining a chamber of commerce. I didn't understand how a chamber could help me run a successful business. After meeting with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce member specialist, Roxanne Anderson, I was 100% convinced that I needed to be part of this chamber. This chamber actively promotes its member group to all beach communities. Other perks are networking events with chamber members, being listed on the chamber web site, and advertising in the relocation guides and visitor's guides. I was very impressed that the chamber was front and center during the oil spill, the flood insurance debate and proposed oil drilling off our coast. My business was also recognized by the chamber as the 2009 Small Business of the Year. Being part of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce was one of the smartest decisions I made as a small business owner!"
Judy Goetz, Palms of Pasadena Hospital:
"Palms of Pasadena Hospital has been a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce for over five years. Robin and her excellent team are constantly enhancing membership opportunities and benefits. Their dedication and innovative programs add value to our relationship, helping us to connect with our community on a personal level. As a member of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Board, I have watched the chamber grow in leaps and bounds providing its members with opportunities for business growth, political awareness and influential connections. Robin and her dedicated staff have created an exceptional program advancing the business environment and quality of life for the St. Petersburg beach communities. Working together on common goals with the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce helps keep businesses involved in important community initiatives and connect with the population we serve. Palms of Pasadena Hospital has taken part in the multitude of marketing opportunities offered to members which has increased our exposure to the community.”
Sarah Laracuente, Times Publishing Co.:
"The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber is run by a wonderful group of people that goes above and beyond to help the business community. Being involved with the chamber helps us to stay connected to the businesses, learn about new and changing needs of the community, which helps us to grow our business and serve our customers better.”
Gayle Liteheart, Weddings On A Whim.com:
"Congratulations on the many & amazing contributions! Our Community is blessed to have your enthusiasm, talents and intelligence.”
Patrick Collins, Coast Brothers:
"We were having an issue with Aflac and our representative, Stephen – who I believe is an Ambassador with the Chamber – came in and spent almost two days straight in our office working the issue out. While here, I mentioned to Stephen my dissatisfaction with my current health insurance provider. Stephen directed another Ambassador of the chamber, Nancy Fish, to call me. She called me within 48 hours and because she referenced Stephen and the Chamber, I discussed what I was looking for and signed up with one of the health insurance companies that she represents. If Nancy had not referenced Stephen and the Chamber, I would have dismissed the call. Success begets success."
Visitors
April & David Betsch:
"We are getting married on St.Pete beach in September and we stopped by the Chamber of Commerce to collect some local information for our guests staying in the hotel. We were SO IMPRESSED by Charlie, the staff member who assisted us. We live in SC and only had a few hours to spend in St. Pete getting several errands done. He dropped what he was doing and went out of his way to ensure that we got everything we needed. He was knowledgable on all of our questions and we left feeling WOWed by the service we received. A great operation in there and a wonderful service that you offer. Charlie is a great member of your team!"
Leadership Institute Testimonial
