Most businesses fail because of common, avoidable mistakes in response the Hispanic Business Council of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce in its efforts to assist Hispanic businesses to succeed will present three of the Tampa Bay areas successful Hispanic business leaders.
Clearwater, FL., September 2009 – These individual will share their stories and practical tips focusing on marketing that you can apply to your business.  Featured speakers are Mr. Leo Rodriguez, Los Amigos I & II (restaurateur); Mr. Luis Eduardo Baron, Siete Dias (news media); and Ms. Martha Istefanidis, N-fini (shapewearmanufacturer). Get a behind-the-scenes look at real-life success stories and how they were able to achieve their dreams.

The seminar is for entrepreneurs wanting to growa n existing business or those who want to start a business.Organizations offering free business consultation will be available and light refreshments will be served.
The event will be held on Tuesday, September 29th starting at 5:30-6:00PM for Networking and 6:00-7:30PM Presentation.  It will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, 2580 Gulf-To-Bay Blvd. Clearwater.
No Charge to attend as this event is generously sponsored by the Holiday Inn Express.
For additional information and to RSVP please contact Lourdes Mayorga, Florida Bank at 727 608-2233
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

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 /

Clearwater, FL, July 14, 2009 – Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce (CRCC) President and CEO Bob Clifford recently announced that Robert A. Freedman, President and CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall, has been elected as the Chairman Elect of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

“The Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce is extremely excited to continue the long tradition of highly respected business community leaders with the appointment of Robert Freedman as Chair Elect. His support of the chamber over the past five years has provided great insight and direction,” said Clifford.

Robert will hold the second highest volunteer position of the 87-year-old Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.  His role as Chairman Elect will be to assist the current Chairman of the Board, Carol Hague, in implementing the policies and directives established by the membership of the Chamber and will assume Ms. Hague’s duties in her absence.

Additionally, Robert will immerse himself in membership relations and in developing new relationships in the area’s business community.  His position includes membership on the Chamber’s Executive Board, and as Chairman Elect, he will be developing his full board of the Chamber for 2011.

“Not only is it very important for a not for profit donor based organization like Ruth Eckerd Hall to be a meaningful player in the business community, it is also very important to give back with our volunteer time,” said Freedman.  “Not for profit businesses are a major part of the Clearwater Chamber and our community and I am looking forward to working on behalf of the Chamber and the business community,” concluded Robert.

Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Ruth Eckerd Hall Foundation are 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations

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 1,650 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 www.clearwaterflorida.org