In response to a request for help from Florida Blood Services, “Give the Gift of Life” was created as the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 1st Annual Hospitality Blood Drive and will commence on Thursday, September 10th.

Clearwater, FL, September 9, 2009 – Teaming up with Florida Blood Services, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 1st Annual “Give the Gift of Life” Hospitality Blood Drive on Thursday, September 10th from 1pm – 6pm at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites on S. Gulfview Blvd. on Clearwater Beach.  The blood drive was created by the Chamber in an answer to help FBS.  According to fbsblood.org, the overall current total blood supply is low.  The counts are as follows:

·         O-, A- and B- are at the “Critical Level” = 1-day available supply or less.  There is just not enough blood on hand to meet routine or emergency needs.

·         O+ and AB- are at the “Minimum Safe Level” = a 2-day available supply, but not enough blood to release to take care of patients in a major trauma or emergency.

·         A+, B+ and AB+ are at the “Preferred Level” = a 3-day available supply or more, which is enough blood for one major emergency to strike.

To make the inaugural hospitality blood drive fun, all lifesaving donors will receive:
·         a pirate themed T-shirt;
·         a coupon from Pirates Dinner Adventure for a buy-one-ticket, get-one-FREE;
·         a chance to find the “Lucky Treasure” that includes a 2-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal; 2 FREE entry tickets to Pirates Dinner Adventure; and
·         a $50 gas card.

In addition to the prizes, wellness check-ups and cholesterol screenings will be awarded.  Food and beverages will also be served.

About the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Established in 1922, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce set out with the vision to be the premier Voice of Business in the Clearwater region.  Representing more than 1,400 member businesses, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is one of the largest chambers in the Bay area and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and its members.  CRCC’s mission is to enhance the business environment and promote economic health and growth in the Clearwater region.  Visit http://www.clearwaterflorida.org

The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) has new digs in Downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District.

Clearwater, FL August 26, 2009 – On September 1st, Clearwaterans will see a new look and location for the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce office.  CRCC will be moving to their new digs located at 401 Cleveland Street right next to the Capitol Theater in Downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District (on the corner of Cleveland and Osceola).  The Chamber will be closed for the move on Monday August 31st and will reopen Tuesday morning September 1st accepting visitors and “Welcome to the Neighborhood” plants galore!  They can be contacted at their usual phone number at (727) 461-0011.

About the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Established in 1922, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce set out with the vision to be the premier Voice of Business in the Clearwater region.  Representing more than 1,400 member businesses, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is one of the largest chambers in the Bay area and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and its members.  CRCC’s mission is to enhance the business environment and promote economic health and growth in the Clearwater region.  Visit http://www.clearwaterflorida.org /

Deciding to tackle awareness issues among its membership, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce decided to do something about the fact that the Not-For-Profit membership does not often interact with each other to share information, resources or form any types of strategic partnerships.

Clearwater, FL, July 31, 2009 – What is the number one challenge facing Not-For-Profit Organizations in the Clearwater area?  That is the question the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) recently posed to 91 of their Not-For-Profits member organizations.  This survey determined that “Awareness” of a Not-For-Profit’s mission and focus to be a priority not only with the general public but within the CRCC Not-For-Profit membership. Deciding to tackle awareness issues among its membership first, the CRCC decided to do something about the fact that the Not-For-Profit membership does not often interact with each other to share information, resources or form any types of strategic partnerships.  As part of overcoming the challenge the CRCC hosted the first Not-For-Profit Awareness and Information event on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

The event was open to all Not-For-Profit organizations, whether they were members or not, in order to create an even greater “awareness” and to encourage as much interaction as possible.  “What a fantastic event and turnout.  I was able to meet many wonderful people and find out more about the organizations in our community and how we could work together”, said Karen Milne – Community Outreach Coordinator Project Grace.

The CRCC will continue to move forward to address the issues of our Not-For-Profit member organizations.  We will provide both social and educational events that will help them achieve the awareness they desire.  We will also make available the tools they need to assist them in meeting the challenges they are facing in this economy and in the future.

About the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Established in 1922, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce set out with the vision to be the premier Voice of Business in the Clearwater region.  Representing more than 1,400 member businesses, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) is one of the largest chambers in the Bay area and has become a large and powerful voice for its members through its ability to partner with other agencies and advocate on behalf of business and its members.  CRCC’s mission is to enhance the business environment and promote economic health and growth in the Clearwater region.  Visit http://www.clearwaterflorida.org /