Member News
Florida SBDC at USF Team Members Honored for Service and Excellence at the Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) proudly announces that several team members were recognized on August 18, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay during the 2025 Florida SBDC Network’s Performance Excellence Awards, a prestigious statewide event celebrating outstanding contributions across Florida’s nine regional small business development centers. "It was a true honor to attend the Florida SBDC Network’s Annual Awards Celebration and recognize our
Senior Friendship Centers’ BeWell! Health and Wellness Lecture Series kicks off with Derrick DeSilva, Jr., M.D.
Senior Friendship Centers’ BeWell! Health and Wellness Lecture Series kicks off with Derrick DeSilva, Jr., M.D. The new BeWell! Health and Wellness Lecture Series, presented by Senior Friendship Centers Alumni Association, will kick off with a lecture by Derrick DeSilva, Jr., M.D., a world-renowned doctor, scientist and educator. The lecture, with its theme “Navigating Personal Wellness Within the Healthcare System,” will be held on Sept. 16 from 5 to 6 p.m., at Senior Friendship Centers Activity Center
From Sidewalk to Search Bar: The Urgent Case for Going Digital
The storefront is no longer the only window into your business. Whether you’re running a neighborhood bakery or an independent clothing boutique, your physical location is just one layer of how people find, judge, and decide to engage with you. In the past, visibility was about street corners and signage. Today, it’s about search bars, smartphones, and fast-scrolling thumbs. A digital presence doesn’t just complement your brick-and-mortar operation—it multiplies its power, acting as a signal, a filter,
CPC’s Capital Campaign Manager Achieves Certified Fund Raising Executive Credential (CFRE) Designation
CFRE International has named CPC’s Capital Campaign and Grants Manager, Elizabeth K. Topp, as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Elizabeth joins over 8,000 professionals around the world who hold the CFRE designation. Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, and demonstrated fundraising achievement. They have also passed a rigorous exam testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of
BREAKWATER HOME FASHIONS ART GALA - BENEFITING SUNCOAST HUMANE SOCIETY
Come join Wellen Park's BREAKWATER HOME FASHIONS for their ART GALA benefiting Suncoast Humane Society. Starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, join us at SOLIS HALL and check out the artwork. Bring cash for the 50/50 and purchase raffle tickets for an amazing artwork raffle. Registration preferred; please REGISTER here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FA4AB29ABFBC43-57284312-breakwater#/
Children First Named as Top Workplace for Seventh Consecutive Year, Earns National Recognition for Culture and Leadership
Children First, Inc. has once again been named a top employer in the Sarasota-Manatee Top Workplaces competition, marking its seventh consecutive year of recognition for workplace excellence. The Top Workplaces program, sponsored regionally by Energage and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, honors organizations that excel in creating exceptional workplace cultures. Awards are based exclusively on employee feedback gathered through confidential surveys measuring key drivers such as leadership, purpose and
HCA Florida Healthcare Emergency Nurses Lead Lifesaving CPR Training for the Community
Every second counts in a cardiac emergency—and you could be the difference between life and death. Community members are invited to attend a free hands-only CPR training session on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen Park, located at 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice, FL 34293. The training, hosted by emergency teams from HCA Florida Tamiami Trail Emergency (Port Charlotte), HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency (Venice) and HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency (Venice)
2025 Family Promise of South Sarasota County - Sweet Dreams: Night of Giving Gala
Family Promise of South Sarasota County Announces Gala Celebrating 10 Years of Impact What: Sweet Dreams: A Night of Giving GalaWhen: October, 11th, 2025Where: Plantation Golf & Country ClubWho: PublicWhy: Raise funds to support Family Promise of South Sarasota County's impactful programs and projectsFamily Promise of South Sarasota County (FPSSC) is thrilled to announce its inaugural gala, Sweet Dreams: A Night of Giving Gala October 11, 2025 at Planation Golf & Country Club. This milestone event will
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Backup Now, Recover Faster: Peace of Mind Starts with UBER ISP
In the face of an unpredictable hurricane season, UBER ISP is reminding Sarasota and Charlotte County businesses that preparation is the key to fast recovery. Backing up your internet, data, and communication systems now can mean the difference between a minor disruption and a major disaster. “Peace of mind doesn’t come after the storm—it starts with the steps you take before it hits,” said Erik Zimmer of UBER ISP. “The time to protect your business is now.” UBER ISP specializes in resilient internet
Local Practice Recognized as a Top Workplace in the State
Bliss Dermatology + Wellness has been named one of The Best Companies to Work for in Florida according to Florida Trend. This recognition reflects Bliss Dermatology + Wellness’ ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, team-focused environment. The practice values collaboration, employee well-being, and community involvement, key elements that contribute to overall team satisfaction. The annual list, featured in the August issue, highlights companies that prioritize a strong workplace culture,
Williams Parker Attorneys Recognized as 2025 Florida Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
Williams Parker, Sarasota’s largest law firm, is proud to announce that twelve of the firm’s attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of Florida Super Lawyers, and five attorneys as Florida Rising Stars. This prestigious recognition honors attorneys who demonstrate outstanding professional achievement and peer recognition. Only 5% of attorneys in Florida are named to the Super Lawyers list, while the Rising Stars distinction is awarded to just 2.5% of eligible lawyers under age 40 or
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Don’t Let Your Internet Go Down with the Storm — Is Your Internet Storm-Proof?
As hurricane season approaches, UBER ISP is warning Charlotte and Sarasota County businesses not to overlook one of their most critical assets: internet connectivity. When the winds pick up and the power goes out, will your business stay online—or go dark? “Too many companies don’t realize the risk until it’s too late,” said Erik Zimmer, UBER ISP. “If your internet goes down with the storm, so does your ability to operate, communicate, and recover.” UBER ISP delivers storm-proof internet and voice
Children First Leader Joins Fellowship Advancing Early Childhood Advocacy
Children First proudly announces that Flora Oynick, Curriculum and Instruction Manager, has been selected to join the Florida Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship (FECAF), a statewide initiative led by the Children’s Forum to equip and empower early childhood leaders as advocates for children, families, and the early learning workforce. The year-long fellowship offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the legislative process, participate in the Children’s Forum in
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UBER ISP Recommends You Stay Ahead of the Storm: Is Your Business Ready?
As hurricane season looms, UBER ISP is urging businesses across Sarasota and Charlotte Counties to assess their readiness before the first storm strikes. Power outages, network disruptions, and communication failures can grind operations to a halt—unless you have a plan in place. “Ask yourself: if a storm hits tomorrow, what will you do? How will your business stay online and stay in touch?” said Erik Zimmer, UBER ISP Account Manager. “Now is the time to take control, not when the winds are already
The Child Protection Center Celebrates 45 Years in the Fight Against Child Abuse
?The Child Protection Center (CPC), a local nonprofit and nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center, has reached a milestone anniversary of 45 years. Since opening its doors in 1980, CPC has made a lasting impact for children and families in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties through its mission: to prevent child abuse, to intervene on behalf of abused children, and to treat survivors of child abuse. The organization has helped hundreds of thousands of children find safety and hope through its essential
CPC Presents 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert at the annual Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala. This award honors a career dedicated to protecting children, advancing medical knowledge, and leading transformational change within Florida’s child welfare system. Dr. Lambert has served tirelessly for the past 36 years as a beacon of expertise, compassion, and commitment. As a Child Protection Team (CPT) Medical Director and Associate Statewide Medical
Child Protection Center Honors Four Foundations With Sapphire Award
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly presented the Sapphire Award at its annual Blue Ties & Butterflies gala in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, to four exceptional foundations. The foundations were honored for their enduring support and leadership, which have helped shape the agency's 45-year legacy in the fight against child abuse. In celebration of CPC’s 45th anniversary, the Sapphire Award—named after the traditional 45th anniversary gem—was created to recognize long-standing community
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UBER ISP is proud to announce Reliable Cabinet Designs to our ever-growing family of satisfied customers.
UBER ISP is proud to announce the addition of Reliable Cabinet Designs to our ever-growing family of satisfied customers. Known for our Always On, Always Connected promise, we are dedicated to delivering reliable internet and telecommunications solutions that keep businesses running smoothly and efficiently. These new partnerships reflect our unwavering commitment to providing the connectivity that drives innovation and success in the modern business world. Reliable Cabinet Designs, located in
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for Venice, FL Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1. Determine if