Happy 4th of July from the Manatee Chamber of Commerce!         -----------------------------------   Manatee Chamber of Commerce Receives 5-Star Accreditation   The Manatee Chamber of Commerce was awarded with the U.S. Chamber's accreditation for their sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on their communities. To achieve accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take from three to six months to complete and recognizes quality program, effective organization and positive community action.   Local chambers are rated Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars.  The Manatee Chamber of Commerce is one of only 49 Chambers in the country to receive the 5-Star designation, placing it among the top 1% of Chambers in the U.S.   -----------------------------------   2009 - 2010 Leadership Manatee Class Announced   The Leadership Manatee program is designed to expose current and future leaders to all aspects of Manatee County. Selected applicants will participate in a comprehensive series of lectures, discussions, and field trips designed to educate them about the present and future needs of Manatee County.   Click here for a list of the 2009 - 2010 Leadership Manatee class   -----------------------------------   Are you looking for a product or service for your home or business?  Submit a request to all Chamber members in the appropriate category and receive multiple quotes with ease.     ----------------------------------- Backyard Card (Buy Local) Program   Businesses wishing to offer discounts to to Florida consumers and take advantage of a unique advertising opportunity can do so by clicking this link and entering a promotion.   Buy Local. Money spent close to home adds up to better job security for everyone in the community. Out-of-state spending means fewer jobs in Florida.   Plant the seeds of economic recovery in your own backyard. Support the businesses that will reinvest your dollars in your community.  Click here to search for discounts offered by local companies.   -----------------------------------   Tackling the Challenging Economy   During these turbulent economic times, Manatee Chamber of Commerce members are encouraged to fully utilize all the services from a new "tool kit" designed to strengthen their business.  In this online guide, you will find links to a number of services tailor-made to help member businesses during these times.   ----------------------------------- Manatee County Health Care Study Results   A year-long study on the state of Health Care in Manatee County was recently completed. Its aims were to assess the health care delivery system, challenges to the Manatee County health system, health care resources, and health care organizing and financing.  Click here for the results of this study.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce, a Florida Chamber of Commerce, is located in Bradenton, Florida and serves Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Palmetto, Parrish, and Myakka City. Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key are bi-County areas, split between Sarasota and Manatee.  The area is considered part of the South Tampa Bay Region.  We provide education and networking opportunities, job / employment assistance, and small business start-up counseling while working on community issues such as legislation, water, transportation, and general quality of life.  The Manatee Chamber has a full-service Better Business Council, Drug-Free Workplace Program, and Economic Development Council.