Sarasota Chamber hosts 96th annual Kickoff

Business and community leaders gathered for the 96th annual Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Kickoff Breakfast Friday morning at the Polo Bar and Grill in Lakewood Ranch. 

The morning began with the chamber recognizing quarterly ambassadors for their efforts throughout the year. Among the members being recognized were Fay Lynne Huang, Gigi Kovach, Phil Mott and Hank Prograr. Troy Peterman of PayServ Systems was recognized as the ambassador of the year. 

Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation Executive Vice President Tony Carvajal served as the featured speaker discussing the how Florida workforce can meet the needs of the future and the role local businesses can play. Carvajal expressed that programs like  

“This state has to find 2 million more jobs to keep up with employment rates,” Carvajal said. “There’s not necessarily a challenge with the jobs, there’s a challenge in people with the right skills and where there are located.”