headliners

February: A Look Ahead to Spring Training

Featuring Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington

Join fellow Chamber leaders for a preview of the Pittsburgh Pirates 2023 season. We will discuss the importance that Bradenton and Manatee County play as the Pirates' Southern Home since 1969 - not only for Major League Spring Training but yearround player development, too.

Ben Cherington was named General Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019, becoming the 13th GM in the history of the club. The 2023 season will mark Ben’s 25th year in Major League Baseball. He is responsible for the entire baseball operations department, which includes overseeing the Major League club as well as scouting and player development.

Wednesday, February 8

11:30 AM –1:00 PM | Rosedale Golf & Country Club

5100 87th St. E., Bradenton 34211

HEADLINERS RSVPs:

$35 for Chamber & MYP Members ($45 at the door)

$49 Future Members & Guests

Jenny Szink | 941-748-4842, ext. 235

JennyS@ManateeChamber.com | ManateeChamber.com/Events

March: Tourism Is a Critical Economic Driver for Our Region and State What Is on the Horizon?

Featuring Elliott Falcione Executive Director, Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism is big business and a major economic driver for our area. How have we recovered post-pandemic and what can we expect this season and in the future? How does the Bradenton Area CVB capitalize on our unique assets and amenities to attract visitors through effective market messaging? Elliott and his team will share the Bradenton Area's story and keys to successful visitor marketing.

Wednesday, March 15 11:30 AM –1:00 PM | Pier 22 1200 1st Ave. W., Bradenton 34205

Manatee Chamber Day at LECOM Park

Tuesday, March 28 | Pirates v Twins

Last '23 Spring Training Home Game for the Pirates!

$30 includes ticket to the game and a Boardwalk BBQ (a $60 value)

11:30 AM Gates Open | 12:00-2:00 PM BBQ on the Boardwalk | 1:05 PM First Pitch

Webinar: Employee Retention Tax Credit

Presented by Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC

Friday, February 10

10:00 - 11:30 AM | via Zoom

Learn if you qualify for this COVID-19 relief tax credit designed to help business that kept workers employed even when they suffered economic losses.

Seminar: Resources and Grant Opportunities for Small Businesses

Presented by CareerSource Suncoast

Thursday, February 23

3:00 - 4:30 PM | Bradenton Office - Air & Energy Board Room

CareerSource Suncoast provides workforce solutions customized to meet small business needs. Resources include recruitment, training, and retention, and opportunities for grant funding for employers seeking to staff up their business. Join us to learn more about the resources available to help you grow your business.

Seminar:

Marketing Tips for Small Business Success

Tuesday, March 7

2:00 - 4:00 PM | Lakewood Ranch Office

Hear from a panel of experts on how to leverage print, electronic, internet, and face-to-face marketing.

Seminar: Google My Business

Tuesday, March 21

9:00 - 11:00 AM | Bradenton Office - Air & Energy Board Room

More than 60% of customers check Google reviews online before visiting a business. Reviews not only raise the profile of your business online, they also help your search engine optimization, add a star rating to your business in your profile, and enable you to receive feedback from your customers.

Small business owners as well as marketing / sales staff will benefit from learning more about how Google Reviews can grow their businesses.