Member News
Florida Chamber of Commerce member press releases/updates.
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Sep- 2024 -4 September
Tampa General strengthens partnership with USF Health with $162M investment
via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics — Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine have become quite a power couple — a relationship further strengthened with the influx of $162 million from Tampa General. The historic investment in academic medicine will enhance integration across the two organizations and deepen their commitment to excellence in quality health care. The more than $162 million that Tampa General will direct to…
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4 September
Florida Poly expands engineering horizons with two new master’s degrees
New master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering are being offered at Florida Polytechnic University this fall. LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is expanding its educational offerings this fall with the addition of two new, industry-driven master’s degrees: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. “Introducing two master’s degrees in these critical fields shows Florida Poly’s commitment to providing students with the specialized STEM education they need…
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4 September
Whiskers & Waddles: Walrus Calf Rescue and Rehabilitation
In July, a newborn female walrus calf was spotted alone near Utqiagvik, Alaska after her herd left the area. Upon being rescued, specialists from the Alaska SeaLife Center determined the calf was in critical condition, exhibiting signs of dehydration and malnourishment. The youngster was also covered in cuts and scrapes. Walrus calves require intense, 24-hour care, prompting the center to call in some extra hands. Organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)…
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4 September
Eglin Federal Credit Union Promotes Neko Stubblefield to Senior VP of Membership and Community Development
Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Sept. 3, 2024) – Eglin Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce Neko Stubblefield of Baker has been promoted to the Senior VP of Membership and Community Development. Stubblefield has worked for the Credit Union since 2017. She oversees membership growth, community development and financial education. In her new role, she will have expanded responsibilities to include community development across the Credit Union’s expanding footprint. President/CEO Jerry Williams said, “We…
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4 September
Rita Case Presented with Lifetime Achievement Award from National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers
Miami, Florida (September 3, 2024) – The National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) presented Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, with its Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a lifetime of significant contributions to the automotive industry and to the spirit of diversity and inclusion. “As a female in the auto industry, I strive to be a role model for all women, where the only barriers to a career are the…
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Aug- 2024 -29 August
PNC Bank, EVERFI from Blackbaud to Provide Financial Education to Florida High School Students
MIAMI, Aug. 28, 2024 – PNC Bank and EVERFI® from Blackbaud® are teaming up to provide financial education to high school students in Florida. The free curriculum, available to all school districts across the state, is designed to teach essential financial skills and empower students and their families to make informed financial decisions beyond the classroom. The comprehensive program features in-class learning modules to help students approach financial planning for life by covering a range…
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28 August
Bloomin’ Brands Names Michael L. Spanos As Chief Executive Officer
TAMPA, Fla. (August 26, 2024) – Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLMN) today announced that Michael L. “Mike” Spanos has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the company. Spanos will begin his new role in Tampa on September 3, 2024. Former CEO David Deno announced on May 7, 2024, his planned retirement as CEO and from the Board of Directors. Spanos joins the company from Delta Air Lines where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief…
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28 August
Polk State College District Board of Trustees selects 2024-2025 leadership
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 — The Polk State College District Board of Trustees (DBOT) selected Cindy Hartley Ross as Chair and Ann Barnhart as Vice Chair for the 2024-2025 Academic Year during the Board’s August meeting on Monday. President Angela Garcia Falconetti expressed gratitude to Teresa V. Martinez for her service as Chair and Ross for her service as Vice Chair for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. The Board also includes members Ashley Bell Barnett, Greg…
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26 August
Mosaic Announces Gift to The Florida Aquarium
August 23, 2024 The Mosaic Company is proud to announce that it will be donating $3 million to The Florida Aquarium in support of their $45 million expansion project. As part of this partnership, Mosaic becomes the presenting sponsor for the upcoming Sea Lion Exhibit, further solidifying its longstanding commitment to the Aquarium and the Tampa Bay community. It is one of the first leadership gifts and the largest corporate investment in the Sea Change…
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21 August
Florida Poly kicks off year with record enrollment and new residence
Dr. Devin Stephenson, Florida Polytechnic University president, addresses new students during the President’s Welcome event held at the Lakeland, Florida, campus on Monday, Aug.19. LAKELAND, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University campus soared to life on Tuesday, Aug. 20, welcoming the highest enrollment in the history of the institution and opening the doors to a brand new, state-of-the-art student residence facility. Florida Poly’s total enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester reached over 1,700 students,…
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16 August
Polk State Lake Wales to host Ready to Soar giveaway with 500 backpacks & 1,500 books
Friday, August 9, 2024 — Polk State College is hosting its Ready to Soar event on August 17 at the JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales to provide students and families with support and resources as the new school year begins, including up to 500 backpacks and 1,500 books. Polk State College’s Ready to Soar Backpack, book, and school supply giveaway Saturday, August 17, 2024 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Polk State…
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16 August
Florida Poly’s new VP to champion student growth and success
Bryan Brooks is the new vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications at Florida Polytechnic University. LAKELAND, Fla – Bryan Brooks is stepping into his role as Florida Polytechnic University’s new vice president of student affairs, enrollment management and strategic communications with the drive to rapidly build upon the University’s strong foundation and the experience to make it happen. “Florida Polytechnic University stands at the threshold of possibility. This is an…
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7 August
Sachs Media Earns Top 10 Ranking on Florida Trend’s “Best Companies to Work For” List
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The team at Sachs Media knows they have a great workplace and is thrilled that Florida Trend agrees, ranking the communications firm in the Top 10 among small firms in its 2024 “Best Companies to Work For in Florida” list. The #10 ranking is a testament to Sachs Media’s dedication to cultivating an exceptional workplace environment and marks the third consecutive year the company has made Florida Trend’s prestigious list. “We’re incredibly…
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6 August
Florida Poly study reveals complex AI limitations in simple games
Dr. Oguzhan Topsakal, assistant professor of computer science at Florida Polytechnic University (left), and computer science seniors Jackson Harper and Colby Edell, completed a research project this summer creating a benchmarking tool to measure the reasoning and planning abilities of large language models like ChatGPT. LAKELAND, Fla – Dr. Oguzhan Topsakal, assistant professor of computer science at Florida Polytechnic University, and two undergraduate research assistants have created a pioneering benchmarking tool to evaluate the…
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Jul- 2024 -31 July
TCA Named an “A” School by the Florida Department of Education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 31, 2024 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tallahassee Collegiate Academy (TCA) has been recognized as an “A” school in its first year by the Florida Department of Education, affirming its commitment to academic excellence and student success. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the Florida Department of Education,” said Jessica Chapman, Principal of TCA. “It is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and Governing Board. We…
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