Member News
Florida Chamber of Commerce member press releases/updates.
-
May- 2026 -11 May
Eglin FCU Supports Suicide Prevention by Sponsoring Bring Hope Now’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival for the 4th Year
Eglin Federal Credit Union is proud to be a Presenting Sponsor for Bring Hope Now’s Dragon Boat Race and Festival for the 4th consecutive year. This year’s event was held May 2 at the newly renovated Landing Park in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Through employee-led initiatives such as dessert auctions and luncheons, Eglin FCU teams Anchor Management and Royal Eagles raised over $7,000 for Bring Hope Now. In addition, Eglin FCU made a $10,000 corporate…
Read More » -
11 May
Florida Poly Reaches Housing Capacity as Record Growth Drives Need for Strategic Investment
Florida Polytechnic University has reached on-campus housing capacity for the upcoming academic year, reflecting continued strong demand and record student interest. As a result, students are being placed on a housing waitlist while the University evaluates immediate and long-term solutions to support its rapid growth. The milestone comes as Florida Poly experiences a 39% increase in student net deposits compared to this time last year, a clear signal of the institution’s rising reputation and appeal…
Read More » -
5 May
Florida Blue Volunteers Support Hunger Relief at Mitzvah Kitchen Miami
Florida Blue members volunteered at Mitzvah Kitchen Miami, dedicating their time to support families facing food insecurity in South Florida through hands-on meal preparation. During the volunteer effort, team members helped prepare 400 meals and baked hundreds of cookies that were distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the Miami area. The work directly supported Mitzvah Kitchen Miami’s mission to provide nutritious food and compassionate assistance to vulnerable community members. The service project reflected…
Read More » -
5 May
CSX Transportation Partners with Feeding Northeast Florida for “Warehouse Jams” Silent Disco Volunteer Event
CSX Transportation partnered with Feeding Northeast Florida to support a creative volunteer initiative in Jacksonville that blended community service with a silent disco experience as part of the organization’s “Warehouse Jams” series. Hosted at Feeding Northeast Florida’s warehouse on Old Kings Road, the event brought together volunteers to assist with sorting and packing food for families experiencing food insecurity across the region. While contributing to hunger relief efforts, participants also wore wireless headphones and listened…
Read More » -
5 May
Disney VoluntEARS Assembled 10,000 Make-A-Wish Kits During Week of Wishes
As part of Disney’s Week of Wishes celebration, Disney VoluntEARS across the company came together to assemble more than 10,000 Make-A-Wish kits for families preparing for upcoming wish trips. The initiative brought together cast members and employees from multiple locations, including Walt Disney World in Florida, where hundreds of volunteers helped pack thousands of kits. Each kit was designed to help families get ready for their wish experience and included travel essentials such as luggage…
Read More » -
5 May
Publix Checkout Campaign Supports Florida Environmental Projects
Publix supported environmental initiatives across Florida through a checkout campaign that ran at the end of April, giving customers an opportunity to contribute to local conservation efforts while grocery shopping. Shoppers at Publix locations were able to make small donations at checkout, with proceeds directed toward a range of environmental projects throughout the state. These initiatives focused on protecting natural resources, improving water quality, and advancing sustainability efforts aimed at benefiting Florida’s communities and ecosystems.…
Read More » -
5 May
Florida Blue Volunteers Support Community Health Efforts at 4Roots Farm During National Volunteer Week
During National Volunteer Week, community members came together at the 4Roots Farm Campus in Orlando to support hands-on efforts that advance local food access and sustainable agriculture. Volunteers dedicated their time to essential farm work, including de-weeding fields, harvesting fresh produce, and assembling meal-prep kit bags for the organization’s Get Cooking Program. The service activity reflected 4Roots’ broader mission of using food as a catalyst for health and wellness. As a nonprofit focused on building…
Read More » -
5 May
Holland & Knight Chair and CEO Bob Grammig Named to Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame
Holland & Knight has announced that its Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Bob Grammig, has been inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame for the class of 2026. The honor, presented by the Florida Council on Economic Education, recognizes business leaders from the Tampa Bay region whose leadership, integrity and impact have helped shape the community and inspired others. The induction ceremony took place on April 23, during an event that raised more…
Read More » -
5 May
Robert E. White, Jr., President of TDC Group, to Receive 2026 MPL Association Award of Excellence in Honor of Peter Sweetland
The Medical Professional Liability Association (MPL Association) has selected Robert E. White, Jr., President of TDC Group, as the 2026 recipient of the Award of Excellence in Honor of Peter Sweetland. This distinction is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical professional liability insurance field and the association’s mission. White brings nearly six decades of experience in the insurance industry. In his role leading TDC Group, he oversees its main business…
Read More » -
5 May
Success Academy Announces Locations of Five New, High-Quality Miami-Dade Schools Opening in 2027
Success Academy, the nation’s leading non-profit charter school organization, announced the locations of its first five elementary schools across Miami-Dade. The five locations are: ● Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School ● Homestead Senior High School ● Miami Jackson Senior High School ● North Miami Senior High School ● Westland Hialeah Senior High School Success Academy’s Miami schools mark the organization’s first expansion outside of New York. These 100% free, high-quality public schools will bring Success…
Read More » -
Apr- 2026 -23 April
Florida Virtual School Leader Recognized as One of the Nation’s Best in K–12 Education
The Florida Chamber of Commerce congratulates Board of Trustee member Sam Verghese, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Deputy Superintendent of Florida Virtual School, on being named Best Leader of a K–12 School/District in the 2025 EdTech Chronicle Best in Education Awards. The national recognition highlights Sam Verghese’s leadership approach, which emphasizes empowering teams, investing in professional development, and creating a collaborative culture focused on meaningful outcomes for students and educators alike. Florida Virtual School continues…
Read More » -
22 April
Florida Poly President Earns Distinguished Statewide Recognition
Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been named one of Florida’s 50 most influential leaders over the age of 50 by the News Service of Florida. The Florida 50 Over 50 recognition acknowledges individuals across multiple sectors, including government, advocacy, media, business, and education, who continue to shape the state through their leadership, achievements, and commitment to making a difference. “I am deeply honored to be included among these accomplished leaders who…
Read More » -
20 April
Florida Blue Foundation Directs $525,000 Toward Innovative Community Health Solutions
Florida Blue Foundation is expanding its support for community-driven health solutions by investing $525,000 in organizations across Florida through its 2026 Sapphire Awards program. The funding supports initiatives that address complex health challenges with creative, locally informed approaches. The selected programs focus on areas such as maternal and infant health, mental and behavioral health services, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Each recipient is working to improve access to care and strengthen support systems for individuals…
Read More » -
17 April
Wells Fargo Veteran and Florida Chamber Board Member Jim Themides to Retire
Wells Fargo announced that Leila Tooley has been named Florida Gulf Coast Market Executive for Commercial Banking, succeeding Jim Themides, who will retire at the end of 2026 after 40 years with the bank. Following many years of collaboration, Themides and Tooley will work hand in hand to ensure continuity for clients and support a smooth transition across Wells Fargo’s work in the West Florida community. Tooley will oversee a team of local bankers serving…
Read More » -
16 April
Duke Energy Foundation Announces Grants to Support Local Parks and Community Green Spaces
Duke Energy, through the Duke Energy Foundation, has announced the first round of its America250 grant program, supporting community projects that will help revitalize public parks and enhance shared green spaces across its service areas. The initiative is part of a broader effort tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary and focuses on projects that strengthen civic engagement, preserve community spaces, and improve access to local outdoor areas. Funding will support nonprofit-led efforts that include park…
Read More »