Chamber Committees

2012- 2013 Committee Structure and Sign-Up The following is a general overview for the chamber’s seven main committees, including meeting days and times. You are invited and encouraged to participate in one or more committees that spark your interest or serve your business/organization:

Member Development: This committee identifies and implements ways to recruit and support new members. Some of their efforts may include an ambassador program, outreach and calls to new business in town and membership drives. This committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 9:30am. They meet at the North Port Sun Building (13644 Tamiami Trail).For more information please contact committee chair Beverly Grove at Tenbusch Construction at (941) 426-7255

Member Retention: This committee identifies and implements ways to maintain existing membership. Some of their efforts may include retention surveys, member events, networking events and a chamber mentor program. This committee meets on the second Thursday of every month at 4:00pm. They meet at American Stor-All (12560 Tamiami Trail). For more information please contact committee chair Nancy Block at American Stor-All at (941) 423-7793.

Capacity Building: This committee designs and implements diverse funding for working capital in support of the chamber’s mission. This could include enhanced exposure opportunities for members, sponsorships, public-private funding and grant writing. This committee also oversees special events subcommittees such as the Golf Tournament, the Annual Awards Banquet, the Business and Community Expo, the Kidfest, the Hob Nob, etc. This committee meets the fourth Thursday of every month at 8:00 am. They meet at the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce office(15141 Tamiami Trail). For more information please contact committee chair Bill Werdell at Calusa National Bank at (941) 564-3110.

Public Relations: This committee identifies and implements ways to promote and enhance the chamber’s image and place in the community. This Committee is responsible for telling the chamber’s story through promotional and marketing activities. This committee meets the first Friday of every month at 9:00am. They meet at the North Port Sun Building (13644 Tamiami Trail). For more information please contact committee chair Adam Bartolotta at ROI Media at (941) 257-4352.

Government Relations: This committee acts as the liaison between chamber members and the various local regional, and state governing bodies, as well as monitoring any public policy or legislation that we feel may have an effect on the business community. This committee meets on the first Thursday of every month at 3:30 pm. They meet at the North Port City Hall in room 244. For more information please contact committee chair Fred Tower at (941) 416-0876.

Business & Economic Development: This committee assists the business community with business, economic and workforce development. Some of the things this committee may focus on include seminars, workshops, education outreach and maintenance of our Guide to Doing Business in North Port and the establishment of a leadership program. This committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 8:30am. They meet at University of South Florida Campus in north Port (5920 Pan American Boulevard, 2nd floor). For more information please contact committee chair Ed Davis at (941) 740-0335.

North Port Young Professionals: This committee is less of a committee and more of a networking group, intended to connect chamber members ages 21-40 via unique networking, marketing, and service opportunities. The NPYP meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm. The location of this meeting will rotate to expose the NPYP to a number of chamber partners throughout the year. The office will contact you monthly with a location if you indicate your interest in the NPYP. For more information please contact committee chair Marc Miles at Law Offices of Marc J. Miles, P.A. at (941) 256-0434.

In addition to these standing committees, there will occasionally be a specific work group, sub-committee or task force established for annual events or special projects. These will typically meet often for a short period of time.