Councils

Members of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of both their business and the greater Sarasota community by serving on various Chamber council and committees. This opportunity is available not only to you personally, but to all your staff as well. Volunteer services afford Chamber members a mean to become actively involved in community affairs. Even more importantly, it provides vehicles necessary to bring together the wealth of talent, experience and expertise within our membership ranks for the benefit of our business community. See the listing below to discover ways to get involved, share your vision and have a voice in issues that affect your business. If you are interested in volunteering on one of these councils or committees, download our Committee Sign-Up Form.

Assignment Downtown Council

The members of the Assignment Downtown Council (ADC) strive to achieve four cornerstones: 1) COLLABORATION & TRANSPARENCY: We will collaborate with other groups to ensure that we leverage our partnerships; 2) DIVERSITY & INCLUSION: In addition to business, property owners, residents, government, merchants and hospitality, we will reach out to neighbors and neighborhoods within and adjoining our downtown; 3) ENERGY & VITALITY: We are selecting council members who will use their energy and talents to continue their belief in downtown; and 4) EXCELLENCE: We will strive to create an exemplary Downtown.

Chair: Andy Dorr. Githler Development
Staff Contact: Valorie Hillerich

Communications Council

This council exists to develop and implement initiatives to educate and retain The GSCC's membership, Sarasota Tomorrow partners and the community at-large through engaging communications strategies.

Chair: Bob Hite,  (council membership appointed)
Staff Contact: Brittany Lamont 

Governmental Issues Council

The mission of the Governmental Issues Council (GIC) is to improve the business climate of Sarasota County by influencing the development and implementation of public policy at the federal, state and local levels. The (GIC) does this by:
Researching and developing public policy on key business climate issues for The Chamber's Board of Directors; Lobbying these positions with various public bodies and monitoring governmental actions; Advocating the concerns of the business community to the public; Promoting a unified community agenda that fosters a spirit of cooperation in Sarasota County with other chambers, governmental units and interested parties.

Chair: Chris Gallagher, Jonathan Parks Architect
Staff Contact: Valorie Hillerich

Green Business Leadership Council

This new Chamber committee is dedicated to assisting businesses in developing sustainable best practices, promoting sustainable business policies and educating the community on sustainable business initiatives.

Chair: Julie Henry, Conservation Enterprises Unlimited
Staff Contacts: Vicki Vega, Anthony Hartman

International Business Council

This council’s mission is to develop and maintain the appropriate business services, partners, resources and international relations that will enable the greater Sarasota/Southwest Florida area to become a leader in the promotion and facilitation of environmentally friendly commerce and international trade.

Co-Chairs: Rich Odato, Odato Marketing and Steve Tyndall, Port Manatee/Manatee County Port Authority  
Staff Contacts: Vicki Vega , Amy Mosshart

Leadership Sarasota County

The Leadership Sarasota County program is designed to provide knowledge, opportunity and insight about "how things work in our community. Participants are exposed to diverse and effective leadership philosophies challenged by their peers and are expected to contribute in all the sessions and the class project. The sessions include study of local government, commerce and industry, education and the arts, health and human services and the media. More Info

Chair: Robert Ludwig, Ludwig-Walpole Insurance Agency (participation by application/selection) Council Roster
Staff Contact: Barbara Hines

Membership Benefits & Events Council

Volunteer service opportunities exist in the areas of special events, networking opportunities, member relations and providing input to The Chamber’s membership growth plan.

Chair: Tom Roberts, A New Approach Financial Planning
Staff Contacts: Morgan Gerhart , Jamie Overmiller

Small Business Council

The Small Business Council acts as an advocate and resource for small business members of The Chamber. The SBC provides workshops and seminars on a variety of small business topics and one-on-one counseling sessions with SCORE and the MCC/SBDC. Current Small Business Council committees: Good Business & Ethics and Small Business Issues. The Small Business Council also organizes the Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards held every June.

Chair: Angela Massaro-Fain, Grapevine Communications Int'l. Inc. - Advertising Agency
Staff Contacts: Vicki Vega, Amy Mosshart

Workforce Innovations & Talent Development Council

Rolling up their sleeves to meet the urgent needs surfacing from a challenging economy, members of this council work with like-minded entities to provide job seekers with tools and information to enter, re-enter or plan for entry into the changing job market.  Also lending support for an evolving conversation about we maximize Great Sarasota’s position as a Mecca for aging baby boomers.

Chair: Jennifer Compton, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Staff Contact: Vicki Vega, Amy Mosshart

Young Professionals Group

Young Professionals Group (YPG) is a meaningful networking organization of dedicated, talented young professionals ranging in age from 21-40 in Sarasota County. YPG began with an explosive launch in May 2003 and a simple agenda: To enrich our community by uniting and developing our young professionals. More Info

Chair: Frank Maggio, Insignia Bank
Staff Contact: Amy Mosshart

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Committees

Business and Networking Groups (B.A.N.G)

The B.A.N.G Committee is the creative force behind The Chamber’s many innovative networking events. First Monday, Power Hour Live Lunches, MegaMingle SRQ, Breakfast with a BANG are some of the events that members work on as a part of this vibrant committee. If you love networking, planning events and making new connections, the B.A.N.G Committee will be a great fit for you

Chairs: Syd Krawczyk, Concept Digital Media
Staff Contacts: Morgan Gerhart and Jamie Overmiller

Chamber Partners

The Chamber Partners are member volunteers serving as liaisons and support network to The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce staff and fellow members. The group’s focus is to involve and inform new and long term members of the numerous Chamber activities and benefits and to engage them fully in their membership. The Chamber Partners enjoy the opportunity to meet new members one on one and reach out to current members each month as well as build strong business relationships amongst themselves. The group combines fun and business while providing vital assistance to The Chamber. This is a perfect avenue for those looking to get more involved in The Chamber, enjoys speaking to people and loves helping others.

Chair: Sharon Viner, CNL Bank
Staff Contacts: Morgan Gerhart and Jamie Overmiller

Programming Committee

The Programming Committee is involved with coordinating all educational programming for The Chamber, including the Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick Chamber University.

Chair: Jan Pitchford, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Staff Contacts: Morgan Gerhart, Amy Mosshart, Vicki Vega