The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce was named the state Chamber of the Year by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP). It won the award in the category of chambers with budgets of more than $1 million, according to a statement.
To win the award, a chamber had to be nominated then evaluated by three FACP judges, President of the FACP Tammy Bracewell says in an email. Chambers were assessed over a three-year period across areas ranging from financial stability to special events to membership recruitment and retention.
“The Sarasota chamber excelled in all areas,” Bracewell says by email.
Among the Sarasota chamber’s accomplishments were that it paid off its mortgage, positioning it to have zero long-term debt moving forward, Bracewell says; it also helped fund the creation of a tiny home through its CareerEdge program in a partnership with Suncoast Technical College, providing hands-on opportunities for students in various trade programs.
In addition, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce was a top three finalist for national chamber of the year, in the 2024 competition sponsored by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
“We are truly honored,” Sarasota Chamber President and CEO Heather Kasten says in a statement. “These awards not only highlight the success of our programs and initiatives but also reflect the strength and engagement of our vibrant business community.”
The Sarasota chamber received its Florida Chamber of the Year award at the FACP’s annual conference at the end of September in Boca Raton.