Member News
Florida Chamber of Commerce member press releases/updates.
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Nov- 2025 -7 November
The Kavalieros Family Honors Daughter Ellie with Gift Advancing Pediatric Brain Cancer Research
In loving memory of their daughter Ellie, who passed away in 2011 at just 11 years old after a courageous battle with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), the Kavalieros family has made a transformative gift to the University of Florida’s Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program in partnership with Golf Fights Cancer. Their support will accelerate pioneering research exploring how blood stem cells can be programmed to target and destroy pediatric brain tumors, a promising step toward…
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7 November
Disney Launches “Disney Celebrates America” to Honor the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
The Walt Disney Company has announced the launch of “Disney Celebrates America,” a nationwide initiative commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary. Running from Veterans Day 2025 through the Fourth of July 2026, the campaign will feature a 24-hour multi-platform broadcast event, the debut of “Soarin’ Across America” attractions at Disney parks, and a $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families in support of military communities. Disney will also showcase stories that celebrate the country’s diversity,…
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7 November
Florida Blue Foundation Invests $2.75 Million to Strengthen Mental Health Services and Workforce
Florida Blue Foundation is investing $2.75 million in eight community-based programs across Florida to expand access to mental health care and address the state’s growing provider shortage. The funding will help embed licensed therapists in rural and underserved hospitals, support workforce training initiatives for future mental health professionals, and provide resources to strengthen adolescent and senior well-being. These grants are part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes and promoting holistic wellness…
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7 November
Ascension Florida Awarded $7.8 Million Grant to Expand Maternal Telehealth Services
Ascension Florida has been awarded a $7.8 million grant from the Florida Department of Health to expand its maternal telehealth programs, enhancing access to care for expectant and new mothers across the state. The funding will help establish a comprehensive telehealth network connecting patients with vital services such as lactation support, nutrition guidance, mental health counseling, car seat safety education, and stress management. The program, set to launch in early 2026, will provide patient navigators…
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6 November
Florida Poly President Strengthens Global Ties on Trade Mission to Asia
Florida Polytechnic University President Dr. Devin Stephenson joined Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Secretary of State Cord Byrd on a two-week international trade and business development mission to Taiwan and Japan, advancing Florida’s global economic strategy. Organized by SelectFlorida, the delegation included leaders from the state’s business, tech, space, and academic sectors. During the mission, Stephenson—the only university president in attendance—met with officials from National Taiwan University, the Taiwan Space Agency, and…
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4 November
NSU Researchers Explore Greenland in Expedition to Study Melting Ice Sheets
Researchers from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) embarked on a field expedition to Greenland to investigate how the island’s ice sheets are responding to climate change and to better understand their impact on global sea levels. During the journey, the team conducted hands-on studies in harsh Arctic conditions, collecting vital data on ice melt, sub-ice terrain, and fluid dynamics beneath the ice sheets. The project aimed to bridge cutting-edge climate science with education and outreach, offering…
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4 November
NSU Receives $6 Million State Appropriation to Expand Veterans Care Program
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) has received a $6 million appropriation from the State of Florida to expand its Veterans Care Program, which provides vital health services to veterans and their families at little or no cost. Of the funding, $5 million will go toward enhancing patient care in key areas such as dental, vision, hearing, and mental-health services, while $1 million will support capital improvements to NSU’s dental facilities. Since its launch in 2019, the…
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4 November
CFX’s “Drive Smart Florida” Safety Campaign Wins Global Award
The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) has received international recognition for its “Drive Smart Florida” safety campaign, which has been honored with a 2025 Toll Excellence Award in the Safety category by the International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association (IBTTA). The campaign employs behavior-change marketing to address the top causes of preventable crashes—tailgating, merging, and aggressive driving—using partnerships with the Florida Highway Patrol, local media, and social media outreach. By promoting simple habits like the…
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Oct- 2025 -30 October
Ronald A. Christaldi Named to Florida Trend’s 2025 Florida 500 List of Influential Leaders
Ronald A. Christaldi, Partner at Shumaker and President/CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, LLC, has been named to Florida Trend’s 2025 Florida 500, recognizing the state’s most influential leaders shaping Florida’s future. A nationally recognized business attorney and strategic advisor, Christaldi is known for his ability to unite legal expertise with business strategy, guiding clients through complex transactions and driving impactful community initiatives. His leadership spans both the private and public sectors, earning honors such as…
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30 October
Rita Case Donates $2 Million to Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital to Advance Research, Education, and Innovation
Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, has made a transformative $2 million donation to Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to advancing healthcare and community well-being in South Florida. The generous gift will support research, education, patient care, and key capital initiatives, furthering the hospital’s mission to deliver world-class care. In recognition, Cleveland Clinic unveiled the newly named Rita and Rick Case Corridor, a central hub within its multispecialty…
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30 October
Florida Poly Named Among Nation’s Top 20 Universities for Return on Investment
Florida Polytechnic University has been ranked among the Top 20 universities in the nation for return on investment (ROI) by EDsmart, outperforming elite institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT. The analysis of 1,755 four-year colleges found Florida Poly’s ROI at 163%, compared to an average of 148% among top-tier schools—showcasing the University’s commitment to high-value, affordable STEM education. With the highest alumni salaries in Florida’s State University System and the lowest student debt according to…
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28 October
Wells Fargo Foundation Donates $4.6 Million to Habitat for Humanity
The Wells Fargo Foundation has pledged $4.6 million through its 2025 Wells Fargo Builds program to support Habitat for Humanity International. This contribution will aid in the construction, renovation, and repair of homes, benefiting families in need of affordable housing. Since 2015, Wells Fargo has donated over $102 million to Habitat for Humanity, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to community development and affordable housing initiatives.
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28 October
Publix Charities Partners with Hillsborough Education Foundation to Empower Students
Publix Charities has partnered with the Hillsborough Education Foundation to support public education in Hillsborough County. This collaboration includes Publix Charities serving as a Principal Sponsor for the EmpowerED 2025: Pencils to Possibilities event, which aims to empower students through quality public education. The Hillsborough Education Foundation is dedicated to strengthening public education by providing essential resources such as classroom grants, scholarships, and professional development for teachers. Their initiatives support students from preschool through high…
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28 October
KEITH Volunteers Help Palm Beach County Teachers Save $18K in Classroom Supplies
The KEITH Community Champions returned to the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County’s Red Apple Supplies, this time trading their consulting roles for volunteer work. Having previously contributed professional services to this KEITH Life project, the team spent the day helping operate the free teacher resource store, which provides essential classroom supplies to educators across the county. Through their efforts, KEITH helped 51 teachers save more than $18,000 in much-needed materials—funds that would have otherwise…
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28 October
JPMorgan Chase Launches $30+ Million Initiative to Build & Preserve Wealth in Underserved Communities
JPMorgan Chase is taking a major step toward narrowing the wealth gap by unveiling a multifaceted initiative that includes over $18 million in philanthropic funding and a $12 million impact loan, aimed at helping individuals build and sustain wealth. The program focuses on key pillars: business growth and entrepreneurship, homeownership and community development, career skills, and financial health. Among the efforts are programs to support small business succession, affordable mortgage access, workplace benefit solutions, and…
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