This edition of the Business Matters Blog was published in the Venice Gondolier on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026.  

The second quarter of 2026 has been another busy and productive season for the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. From educational programs and networking opportunities to leadership development and economic updates, we continue to focus on strengthening local businesses and connecting our community.

One of the highlights of the quarter was our annual Health & Wellness Expo, where more than 50 Chamber member businesses shared information about their services and resources. Attendees also enjoyed samples and specialties from local restaurants while learning about health, wellness, and lifestyle opportunities available throughout our community. The event attracted a wonderful turnout and showcased the many businesses that help make the Venice Area a healthy, and vibrant place to live and work.

We also hosted our annual Chamber Golf Tournament, welcoming 240 golfers for a day of networking, relationship-building, and friendly competition. The weather was what I like to call "Chamber of Commerce weather," absolutely perfect. While golf tournaments are certainly fun, I'm positive there was plenty of business happening from the tee boxes to the clubhouse. Some of the best business conversations happen when people have the opportunity to connect outside the office.

With hurricane season upon us, preparedness is an important focus. We hosted a comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Workshop for businesses featuring Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Emergency Management Chief for Sarasota County; Rob Lewis, Director of Governmental Relations for Sarasota County; and Frank Giddens, Venice Fire Chief. Participants learned how Sarasota County's emergency management system operates, what steps businesses should take before storm season, where to find official updates and resources, and how to protect employees, facilities, equipment, and operations during emergencies.

A special thank you goes to the Venice Police Department for allowing us to host the workshop in the Emergency Operations Center. Attendees received a practical preparedness guide complete with checklists, phone numbers, and websites. That guide is available at VeniceChamber.com. Throughout the quarter, we also continued sharing preparedness information, forms, and resources to help our businesses stay informed and ready.

Another standout event was our annual Economic Outlook Breakfast featuring Chief Economist Dr. Jerry Parrish. We had a packed room eager to hear insights on our regional economy. One statistic that stood out was that the Sarasota-Bradenton-North Port region created more than 4,200 net new jobs in 2025, ranking second only to Orlando among Florida metro areas. The enthusiasm in the room reflected the confidence many feel about the continued growth and strength of our region.

Leadership development remains one of the Chamber's most important investments in the future. We recently welcomed the Leadership Venice Class of 2026, a nine-month program designed to expose current and future leaders to all aspects of the Venice community. We are also preparing for another year of our Teen Leadership Program, helping local students develop leadership skills and civic awareness. Applications are open and available on our website.

The work we do locally reflects what chambers are accomplishing nationwide. According to a recent public opinion poll conducted by “The Harris Poll,” on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), “81% of Americans view their local chamber as a trusted resource for businesses, and 91% believe chambers have a positive impact on growing local businesses”. Those findings reinforce what we experience every day in Venice and how the chambers play a vital role in supporting businesses, strengthening local economies, and bringing communities together.

Looking ahead, we have several opportunities for community engagement. Our Candidate Forum that is free to the public, is scheduled for July 29, providing a welcoming and informative space for businesses and residents to engage directly with candidates seeking public office. The evening begins with one-on-one conversations, hob-nob style, followed by a fast-paced 90-second spotlight for each candidate to share how they plan to make a positive impact in the Venice Area. Our goal is simple: empower voters with clear, respectful information so they can make informed decisions. Registration is on our website.

To further support an informed community, the Chamber will host an Open Conversation on the Property Tax Referendum appearing on November's ballot. This discussion will feature City of Venice Manager, James Clinch, and Sarasota County Administrator, Jonathan Lewis. This event will be held on August 12^th, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Venice Community Center. Community members are invited to attend and gain a better understanding of the Referendum and its potential impact. Registration is on our website.

We're also excited to continue our popular Buy Local Program throughout July, August, and September. For every $25 spent within the Chamber's service area, shoppers receive an entry into a monthly drawing for $1,000, with a winner selected each month. Supporting local businesses not only strengthens our economy but could also result in a very nice surprise for one lucky shopper.

And speaking of supporting local businesses, August starts a new initiative: A Taste of Summer Specials. Participating are our Chamber member restaurants that will feature special menu offerings throughout the month for our locals. Residents and visitors can find participating restaurants and their specials at VeniceChamber.com or stop by the Chamber office to view the listings.

Thank you to our members, volunteers, partners, board members, and community partners for your continued support. Together, we're helping the Venice Area remain a thriving place to live, work, and do business.

Kathy Lehner

President/CEO