News

Spirit of Philanthropy to be Celebrated Nov. 13

Stuart, FL -- Join the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Treasure Coast Chapter, in celebrating the spirit of giving and generosity at the annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Willoughby Golf Club in Stuart. Registration begins at 11:30am, and the program begins at noon. This special celebration will honor the power and impact of philanthropy in the Treasure Coast, plus special recognition of the 2026 celebration award nominees.  Nominees for the

Trust Sells: The Marketing Strategy That Wins Customers

Trouble viewing? View in your browser. Small Business Workshop Trust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand    October 28, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes   LIVE ONLINE WorkshopTrust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand In today’s noisy marketplace, small businesses don’t just need more visibility—they need more trust. Buyers are overwhelmed by ads, skeptical

In-Person Registration Closes This Week!

REGISTERSPONSORIn-Person Registration Closes This Thursday.Register your team now!. Your F3 Experience Starts Next Tuesday!Here is What's on the Agenda: Thursday is your last chance to register to attend the2026 Future of Florida Forum (F3) & Florida Chamber Annual Meetingin person, October 27-28, at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek.Register now to secure a front-row seat to this premier 2-day event, where Florida's business, political, non-profit, and community leaders will unite to focus on securing

Early Voting and Election Day Information

What Happened When Sarah Opened the Door?

           The Day Sarah Found Home           Sarah and her daughter spent months without a place to call home.  Some nights they found space in a shelter, and other nights they slept in their car. Sarah worked long hours delivering for a local delivery company, often just to give her daughter a good night’s sleep in a hotel. Through all of it, she kept working to provide what she could.  Then came the day they opened the door to their Villages of Hope apartment for the first

Wear purple with SafeSpace this Thursday

 Wear purple. Help someone find support.A purple shirt can start a conversation. What we share next can help someone find the support they need.This Thursday, Oct. 22, join SafeSpace for Wear Purple Day in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Wear purple at work, gather your community group or invite a friend to participate.Share your photo using #AwarenessToAction and include SafeSpace’s 24/7 hotline, 772-288-7023. You can also share our website, SafeSpaceFL.org, where people can learn about

November Community Lectures

View this email in your browserCLICK HERE TO SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTSNovember 2026 Community Calendar Breathe Easy: What You Need to Know About Lung Health Take a deep breath and discover how to keep your lungs working their best. This informative program will explore asthma and COPD, signs and symptoms you shouldn’t ignore, and today’s approaches to managing chronic lung conditions. You’ll also learn about lung cancer screenings, who may benefit and why early detection matters. Gain practical information to

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Tourism Support to Northwest Florida Following Hurricane Isaias

For Immediate Release: October 14, 2026Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282,  media@eog.myflorida.com Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Tourism Support to Northwest Florida Following Hurricane Isaias  TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $1 million investment through VISIT FLORIDA to support tourism recovery efforts in Northwest Florida following Hurricane Isaias. The funding will be awarded to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council to resume the

Trust Sells: The Marketing Strategy That Wins Customers

 Small Business Workshop Trust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand    October 28, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes   LIVE ONLINE WorkshopTrust-Based Marketing: Building Credibility, Authority, and Demand In today’s noisy marketplace, small businesses don’t just need more visibility—they need more trust. Buyers are overwhelmed by ads, skeptical of sales tactics, and selective about

From Solopreneur to Sales Team: Hiring Your First Salesperson

Trouble viewing? View in your browser. Small Business Workshop Hiring Your First Salesperson: A Solopreneur’s Playbook    October 21, 2026 @ 9:00 am EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes   LIVE ONLINE WorkshopHiring Your First Salesperson: A Solopreneur’s Playbook Hiring your first salesperson is one of the biggest growth decisions a business owner can make — and one of the riskiest. A poor hire can cost $150K+ and set growth

2026 Amendment Voter Guide

For your convenience...please see the following James Madison Institute Voter Guide for the Nov. 2026 ballot amendments.   TABLE OF AMENDMENTS   TYPETITLESUBJECTDESCRIPTIONFlorida LegislatureAmendment 1State Budget / Fiscal PolicyRaises the cap on Florida's budget stabilization ("rainy day") fund from 10% to 25% of general revenue, requires annual transfers into the fund, and sets conditions for withdrawals.Florida LegislatureAmendment

October 11, 2026 - National Manufacturing Month

The Mayfield Minute - October 11, 2026Good Morning!National Manufacturing WeekNational Manufacturing Week highlights the vital role American industry plays in driving innovation, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening national security, and maintaining global economic competitiveness. Launched by the Manufacturing Institute in 2011, National Manufacturing Week aims to showcase modern, high-tech manufacturing careers, challenge outdated stereotypes of the industry, and inspire the next generation of

Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Isaias Resources

Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Isaias ResourcesDear Fellow Floridian,We are just hours away from Hurricane Isaias impacting Florida’s Gulf Coast. Now is the time for all Floridians, especially those in the Panhandle, to take steps to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their homes.Floridians in the Panhandle should be ready for: life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and potential tornadoes, and heavy rainfall and flooding. Please listen to local officials! If they say evacuate, then GET OUT.

Molly’s House made the news!

        Did you happen to catch Molly’s House on WPTV? We’re still smiling about it.  As part of our 30th anniversary, WPTV’s T.A. Walker stopped by Molly’s House to shine a light on the families who walk through our doors—and the dream that started it all 30 years ago.         [WATCH THE STORY]     The story features some familiar faces, including Molly’s sister Kate and

FEMA is awarding Florida more than $46.4 million

FEMA is awarding Florida more than $46.4 million for projects that will prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster-related damage.  The efforts will focus on cost-effective residential mitigation projects statewide, including work on 62 homes through elevations, property acquisitions, demolitions and reconstruction of eligible homes. The wheels of the bus fall off!Commissioner Capps is a frustrated teacher!Great job if you can get it!Tax rate remains the same, but BOCC gets $41,404,488 more of your tax

A First Look at the B20 USA Summit Agenda

  B20 USA 2026The Premier Gathering of the World’s Business and Policy Leaders   This November 9–11, global business leaders will converge on Washington D.C.'s iconic Wharf District for the B20 Summit. The B20 USA Campus will feature the big conversations, networking, and unprecedented access to the most influential names in business—taking delegates beyond the headlines to tackle today's challenges and seize tomorrow's opportunities.   We're pleased to share a first look at the agenda,

No Camera, No Problem: An Interactive Faceless AI Video Workshop

 No Camera, No Problem: An Interactive Faceless AI Video WorkshopOctober 21st @ 6:00PM I Fee: $10Location:Online WorkshopRegister NowThis session empowers camera-shy entrepreneurs to break through the intense barrier of visibility by mastering the art of faceless video creation. Participants will explore a variety of high-impact formats—from screen recordings and slide decks to B-roll and animation—that make it possible to create engaging content and powerful storytelling without ever appearing on screen.

Hiring Optimism Despite AI Concerns

October 2026Employers Stay Optimistic About Hiring Despite AI Concerns Many employers plan to maintain or increase hiring despite ongoing concerns around AI adoption and talent shortages. As AI skills become more valuable in the workforce, leaders should prioritize workforce planning, upskilling, and adaptable hiring strategies.Competitive Pay Still Matters; Don’t Let It Cost You Top Talent Competitive compensation remains a key differentiator in attracting and retaining skilled

Ready to Be Seen? Master the Mindset to Finally Press Record

Live Online WorkshopsFearless Visibility: The Mechanics and Mindset to Finally Press RecordOctober 13th @ 10:00AM I Fee: $10Location:Online WorkshopRegister NowIn this comprehensive session, video strategist and coach Edie Clarke and hypnotist and coach Heather Jones join forces to help service-based entrepreneurs dismantle the barriers to going live. By introducing a clear "visibility ladder," attendees learn to build confidence incrementally, starting with faceless videos and screen recordings. This

AI: A Plain-English Guide for You to Start Using AI in Your Small Business 10/20/26

 AI: A Plain-English Guide for You to Start Using AI in Your Small BusinessAI: A Plain-English Guide for You to Start Using AI in Your Small Business   October 20, 2026 @ 11:00am Central TimeCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes   LIVE ONLINE WorkshopREGISTERYou've heard about AI. You may have even tried it. But if you're being honest, you're not entirely sure you're doing it right — and you have a nagging feeling there's a lot you don't know

Discover What’s Happening at Florida Atlantic

View this email in your browser.Dear Friends, Florida Atlantic continues to reach new heights, giving our entire community more reasons to celebrate. You are part of the momentum we are building together. For the second consecutive year, Florida Atlantic is ranked among the nation’s Top 100 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, marking another step forward as a leading public research university. We are also thrilled to announce that our FAU Lab Schools — A.D. Henderson

This October, help turn awareness into action

 Safety. Solidarity. Solutions.Everyone deserves to feel safe at home. For someone experiencing domestic violence, knowing where to turn for help is an important first step. Having access to support and services makes it possible to take the next one.This October, SafeSpace invites you to join us for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we’ll share information and resources to help our community recognize abuse, support survivors and turn awareness into action.You can be part of this

It's time for your monthly catch-up: 10/5/2026

   This month I’ve not the time to pour my heart out. I would, however, like to share with you how the strength of belonging improves lives and how you can help. As we work alongside families experiencing homelessness, our goal is never simply to help them find housing.At Family Promise, we are committed to helping parents and children build the skills, confidence, relationships, and support systems they need to achieve lasting independence and, hopefully, never experience homelessness again.This month,

Build Business Skills This Week With SCORE: October 5-12

 Trouble viewing? View in your browser.Small Business Workshops | October 5-12October 5, 6:00pm EDTFranchising: A Business Strategy for Creating WealthLearn how franchising works as a strategy and which traits support successful ownership.REGISTEROctober 5, 6:00pm EDTFrom Intimidation to Implementation: Making AI Work for Your Small BusinessLearn how to implement AI effectively and responsibly in practical business operations.REGISTEROctober 6, 5:00pm EDTEffective Employee Selection, Interviewing &

This October, help turn awareness into action

 Safety. Solidarity. Solutions.Everyone deserves to feel safe at home. For someone experiencing domestic violence, knowing where to turn for help is an important first step. Having access to support and services makes it possible to take the next one.This October, SafeSpace invites you to join us for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we’ll share information and resources to help our community recognize abuse, support survivors and turn awareness into action.You can be part of this

Community Updates from Commissioner Heard 10/05/2026

Martin County Commissioner Sarah HeardDistrict 4 Newsletter, October 5, 2026Dear Friends, Election Day is looming and an important Constitutional Amendment is on the ballot, Amendment 3. Amendment 3 proposes to decrease the amount of property taxes assessed on homestead-ed residential properties. If passed by 60% of Florida's voters, Amendment 3 will have significant impacts on services in counties like Martin that are heavily dependent upon residential property taxes. The

The Free Enterprise Express Is Rolling

October 2, 2026U.S. Chamber ActionStand Up for Free EnterpriseThe Free Enterprise Express Is on the RoadShop owners, contractors, and coffee roasters tell us what free enterprise means to them.The U.S. Chamber's Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour is traveling across America—stopping in towns and cities to hear directly from the business owners and workers who make the free enterprise system work.  Why it matters: Free enterprise is the surest path to opportunity, affordability, and better

FAU Harbor Branch News: 10/1/2026

 Trouble viewing this email?Click here. September 2026Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., Named Edwin A. Link Endowed Professor Michael Twardowski, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in optical oceanography and marine sensing technologies, has been named the Edwin A. Link Ocean Technology and Defense Endowed Professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. This first endowed professorship at FAU Harbor Branch was made possible through the generous support of the

From Awareness to Action: The Latest from the Florida Alliance

  2026 Human Trafficking Summit Now Available  The 2026 Human Trafficking Summit has officially launched, bringing together local, state, and national leaders to share expertise, emerging trends, promising practices, and strategies to strengthen Florida’s response to human trafficking. Presented by the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking and its partners, the free, virtual Summit features sessions focused on legal issues, service delivery, and education and awareness.

Rethinking Florida’s Cat Fund: Hear Directly from Industry Leaders at the Florida Chamber Insurance Summit

 For nearly two decades, the Florida Chamber Annual Insurance Summit has brought together Florida's business leaders, insurance professionals, regulators, lawmakers and key stakeholders for timely discussions on the issues shaping our state's insurance market.  Join us December 10–11 in Orlando for our 19th year as we examine the latest market trends, regulatory developments and opportunities ahead. From property and auto insurance to reinsurance, catastrophe risk, litigation and emerging

The 10 Pillars of Business Success—Are You Missing Any?

 Small Business Workshop Ten Pillars to Building a Successful Company    October 7, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes   LIVE ONLINE WorkshopTen Pillars to Building a Successful Company This course introduces the 10 critical Pillars every entrepreneur should understand to build, strengthen, and grow a successful company. While participants will gain exposure to all 10 Pillars, the session will take a deeper

Ready to Apply? Our Grant Cycle Opens Nov 1

 September 2026 Community Foundation Launches 2027 Competitive Grantmaking Cycle on Nov. 1The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties has announced the launch of its 2026-2027 competitive Community Impact grantmaking cycle, offering nonprofit organizations serving Palm Beach and Martin Counties the opportunity to apply for funding to support programs, operations and organizational growth. Applications open November 2, 2026 and close December 18, 2026 at 5 p.m. Grant

Owls Return Home For Owls Family Weekend

It's GAMEWEEK In Paradise;Owls Look To Remain Undefeated At Home   Florida Atlantic football returns home for another game under the lights of Flager Credit Union Stadium this Saturday, October 3rd, presented by Baptist Health.The team hosts Texas Southern at Howard Schnellenberger Field and kick off is slated for 6:00 p.m.    The Owls are undefeated at home and we need YOU to support your Hometown Team this weekend. Bring your family, friends, and the

September 27, 2026 - Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day

The Mayfield Minute - September 27, 2026Good Morning!Today, our nation observes Gold Star Mother’s and Family's Day in support of grieving mothers and families whose loved ones were lost while serving in the military. We honor the memory of sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, and all relatives who courageously gave their lives to defend our nation.  In 1928, Grace Darling Seibold, whose son George died in WWI, founded American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. to support

TCBA, Here to Serve Our Members!

Share the excitement that you are a proud member of the TCBA!IndexBuilder NewsHouse Bill Seeks Tariff Relief for Building MaterialsNAHB Responds as Immigration Enforcement Keeps Legal Workers Off Job SitesIndian River County Permit System — Current StatusMember Directory2027 TCBA Member Directory in the WorksTCBA in ActionBuilder Breakfast in Martin CountyBlue Collar Big Dollar ConcertUpcoming EventsAnnual Golf TournamentFuture EventsUpcoming MeetingsBuilder Breakfast in St. LucieBuilder Breakfast in

Once Homeless, Now Changing Lives!

      Defying The Odds: Will's Story           When Will Clervil Tiano first came to us many years ago, he was missing the one thing our name promises.  "It's kind of ironic that the name of the group home is called Place of Hope," Will said, "because that was the one thing I was missing was hope."  Before Will found his way to us, he spent years growing up homeless with his mother and brother, often staying in

S.R. A1A from NE Shore Village Terrace to S.R. 732/Jensen Beach

State Road (S.R.) A1A from NE Shore Village Ter to S.R. 732/Jensen Beach Causeway Resurfacing, Restoration, & Rehabilitation (RRR) Project Weekly Construction & Lane Closure Update             CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES  Drainage operationsPavement widening operations  LANE CLOSURE INFORMATION:Drivers should expect the following closures throughout the work zone.   Monday, September 28, through Friday, October 2: Intermittent single lane closures along S.R. A1A within the project

Your News to Use: 9/28/2026

   Fall Satellite Media Tour Puts Florida in National Spotlight   To position Florida as a top autumn getaway, VISIT FLORIDA recently spearheaded a nationwide Satellite Media Tour (SMT) celebrating the state’s vibrant seasonal seafood, fall adventures, and can't-miss festivals & events. The SMT has generated more than 17.3 million impressions already! Partnering with Food Network star, two-time Chopped champion, and cookbook author Chef James

Federal Reserve Raises Fed Funds Rate as Florida’s Labor Market Shows Continued Signs of Strength

 FLORIDA BY THE NUMBERS Federal Reserve Raises Fed Funds Rate as Florida's Labor Market Shows Continued Signs of Strength   The September 2026 edition ofFlorida By The Numbersis now available. Florida's latest economic data shows continued job growth, while also highlighting important trends in unemployment, housing, inflation, and interest rates.Florida Chamber Foundation Senior Director of Economic Research, Sheridan Morby, breaks down what the latest numbers mean for Florida and why these economic trends

Plan Ahead With SCORE Workshops: Sept. 24-Oct. 10

Trouble viewing? View in your browser.Small Business Workshops | September 24 - October 10September 24, 12:00pm EDTSEO in 2026: Is Your Website Still Getting Found?REGISTERSeptember 28, 6:00pm EDTSales 101 - Increasing Your Sales Skills Increases Your RevenueREGISTERSeptember 28, 6:00pm EDTHow Government Contracts Really Work (And Why Most Businesses Miss Out)REGISTERSeptember 28, 6:00pm EDTSourcing Capital For Your New or Existing BusinessREGISTERSeptember 29, 12:00pm EDTCreative Marketing

Unlock Opportunities for Minority & Women-Owned Businesses

 Small Business Workshop Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Workshop   October 1, 2026 @ 6:00 pm EDTCost: $10.00Duration: 120 minutes   LIVE ONLINE WorkshopSmall, Minority and Women Owned Business Workshop  Grow your business with the city, state, and other agencies. Become certified as a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (EBE) Locally-based Business Enterprise (LBE). Companies that become

A Buyer's Guide to AI Animation Generators for Treasure Coast Tourism and Marine Businesses

On the Treasure Coast, motion sells. A few seconds of water moving, a sailfish breaking the surface, a boat easing out of a Stuart marina at first light: short animated clips stop the scroll in a way a still image cannot. For the tourism operators, waterfront businesses, and marine and boating retailers that drive so much of Martin County's economy, animated social content has become table stakes, and AI animation generators now let a small team produce it without a video crew or an editing suite. That

Chapman School of Seamanship named Maritime Center of Excellence for Workforce Training and Education

U.S. Department of Transportation (MARAD) Designates Chapman School of Seamanship a Maritime Center of Excellence for Domestic Workforce Training and Education  Federal designation recognizes Chapman’s maritime training, workforce outcomes, and role in preparing the next generation of America’s maritime professionalsSTUART, Fla. — August 25, 2026 — Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship has been designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department

Create Marketing Content with Adobe Firefly: A Practical Guide for Local Auto Repair Shops

What Is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a standalone generative artificial intelligence application built to assist small businesses and creators with visual asset generation through plain language instructions. The system operates via a web browser interface, converting detailed text descriptions into accurate graphics, stylized artwork, or high definition video sequences. Every output generated through its production ready features is certified and cleared for commercial marketing use, protecting your

Ecopreneurship 101: A Green Business and Marketing Guide for Treasure Coast Entrepreneurs

The Treasure Coast is one of Florida's most ecologically distinct regions — home to the Indian River Lagoon, the St. Lucie River, and a business community that has long treated environmental stewardship as a civic value, not a marketing angle. The Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce is a member of the River Coalition, which signals something real about how local businesses relate to the natural systems around them. That context matters if you're thinking about launching a business

How Multiple Consultants Improve Business Performance and Decision-Making

Businesses of all sizes rely on consultants to solve problems, improve performance, and unlock growth. A consultant is a specialized professional who offers expert advice in a defined area such as finance, marketing, operations, or technology. Rather than depending on a single perspective, many companies benefit from working with different consultants across disciplines.Key Takeaways at a Glance Different consultants bring specialized expertise that internal teams may lack. External advisors offer

SBA Offers Disaster Relief For Businesses Affected By The Freeze From 1/23 Thru 2/5/26

Small Business Administration Date: 03/04/2026 U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FACT SHEET – ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS (SBA DISASTER DECLARATION DUE TO DESIGNATION BY THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE) FLORIDA Declaration 21457 (Disaster: FL-20034) Incident: FREEZE, FROST, ICE, AND HIGH WINDS occurring: January 23, 2026 through February 5, 2026 in the Florida counties of: Broward, Palm Beach and Sumter; and the contiguous Florida counties of: Citrus, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Marion,

SBA offers Disaster Relief To Florida Small Businesses & Non-Profits Affected By The Freeze

OFFICE OF DISASTER RECOVERY & RESILIENCE Release Date: March 10, 2026 Contact: Karen.Knapik@sba.gov Release Number: FL-20034-01 Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Freeze, Frost, Ice and High Winds Low interest disaster loans now available WASHINGTON— The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)

The Treasure Coast Business Guide to Video and Audio Marketing Without a Production Budget

Video and audio have become the default language of digital discovery — and for member businesses across Martin County and Port St. Lucie, that shift is too significant to ignore. How widely video has been adopted tells the story plainly: 91% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, with 93% of video marketers calling it an important part of their overall strategy. Port St. Lucie is one of Florida's fastest-growing cities, with a metro area topping 500,000 residents and rising. The chamber members