The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce - Sarasota, Florida

Patty ?. R.

We went for a meeting with a Small Business Advisor, which is a free service they offer. So valuable.
And the Chamber was clean and organized and the staff were friendly and informative.

Emily W.

Whenever someone moves to Sarasota or starts a business, the first (and best) piece of advice I give them is to join the Chamber. The Sarasota Chamber offers so many opportunities to connect with other business owners, meet people and learn about the amazing things going on in our community.

A E. L. M.

We played beach pass. We stopped at 12 beaches and won a free Tervis cup. It encouraged us to hit a few extra beaches than we would have with out the extra incentive. The person who helped us was the perfect person for the job. Super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. She helped us find where we were going to kayak and gave a us some coupons for lunch afterwards. There are lots of brochures in side for activities and restaurants. Good place to stop if your visiting the area and need some fun ideas.

chris W.

I've decided with reservation, to post a troubling experience that I had at Cool Today Park on Sunday April 18, 2024. After this experience, I contacted Cool Today Park, County Commissioner Neil Rainford, and Camber of Commerce attn Jamie DiDominico with the details of my experience. Within my initial communication with these gentlemen, I detailed that I was approached by a security agent in an aggressive and offensive nature as if I was an adversary. Below is a copy of my initial correspondence:
Please allow me to briefly introduce myself to you and your staff. I am Chris Whitnell a 68 year old resident of Wysteria at Wellen Park, Venice Florida and retired Marine Corps/Air Force A-4 Skyhawk pilot. I live with my wife, Marilyn Charville, who is a 73 year old retired Special Education teacher. We moved to Florida several months ago to enjoy the mild climate and the convenient access to the Gulf of Mexico. We purchased a home in Wellen Park for several reasons, which include but are not limited to: new pristine neighborhoods, HOA amenities, close proximity to restaurants, entertainment, medical facilities, etc. We are both very active older retirees who enjoy lap swimming, pickleball, biking, baseball games; so, access to Cool Today Park by bicycle has been a wonderful benefit. Since moving here five months ago, the Park has been a great go to place for Friday/Saturday night bands, practice baseball games, and today we rode our bikes over to watch the Budweiser Clydesdales. And herein lies the reason for this letter. On every other occasion at the Park the security staff has been amazingly friendly and professional.
Except today! And after our experience, I think, it is a somewhat disturbing occurrence. I was walking beside my bike toward the bike rack at the Tiki Bar close to where the Clydesdale trailers we're parked. Suddenly, I was approached by a Security agent on a golf cart in an assertive fashion as I was locking my bike in the rack. Although I hadn't been riding on the sidewalk, he informed me in an aggressive voice, that it was prohibited to ride your bike on the sidewalk. I responded that I regularly frequented the Park and I was aware of that. Additionally, I told him that I didn't understand why he had approached me, and that, if I would have been riding the bike on the sidewalk he would have had a reason to stop me. He responded with, "I would have had to have had the rooftop sniper shoot you". No affect No smile, Nothing, but a smug arrogant smile and dismissive smirk. I turned away and walked up to the tiki bar.
So, as I was watching the Clydesdale's trot down the avenue, I thought about the confrontation and decided to identify the security agent and take a picture of his identification badge. Enclosed is a picture of his name and badge #. Something like this has never happened to me! Thanking you in advance for your time.

Sincerely,

Lt Col Chris Whitnell (retired)

PS I have not received any type of response from the individuals or organizations I initially contacted!

Joe C. H.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is an amazing organization that leverages great events and relationships that bring together great local businesses and business leaders to build and sustain a prosperous Sarasota.

Jerry B.

The Sarasota Chamber is a great investment for new business owners that want to improve their networking and for members of the community that to connect with business professionals. In just a few months, I have found a excellent golf instructor as well as new clients of my own. Naturally, chamber membership is what you make of it and if you want to get the benenfits, you have to invest time and money in getting to know the other members and giving them your business. As a new business owner and resident of Sarasota, I have found chamber membership to be the perfect place to start networking in the community!

PayServ S.

Every business / organization should be a member of the chamber. It just makes sense. There's so much to gain from membership. Community involvement, volunteering, networking, business development, and a voice on local important issues.

Troy Peterman VP Sales & Marketing
PayServ Systems

Local G. L. G.

We had a great experience with Matthew at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. His Chamber pitch was clear as well as personable. We plan to join.