On February 4, 2025, we proudly celebrated our 126th Annual Meeting at the Mahaffey Theater, gathering leaders, members, and supporters for an evening of reflection, recognition, and a commitment to building a thriving community.

The evening commenced with a moving performance by a quartet from the Florida Orchestra, setting a serene tone amidst recent challenges. Ignacio Barron Viela, President & CEO of the Florida Orchestra and a Chamber Board of Governors member, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of arts and culture in fostering resilience.

“We were excited to offer a taste of what the Florida Orchestra brings to this beautiful theater throughout the year,” Barron Viela noted.

Jason Spears, 2024 Chairman of the Chamber, took the stage to emphasize the theme of “Building Back,” reflecting on the community’s strength and perseverance in the wake of three hurricanes over the past 60 days. “As much as I tried, I couldn’t find any adage about the meaning of three hurricanes in 60 days,” Spears quipped. “But I suspect they symbolize the heartbreak, struggles, and profound resilience found in a life worth building – and rebuilding.”

Spears highlighted the Chamber’s efforts to support members and businesses through these challenges, sharing, “We’re rebuilding our community and our Chamber, together.” Jason encouraged members to engage in rebuilding efforts through new initiatives and partnerships.

The Chamber also honored its Title Sponsor, The Bank of Tampa, and Cornerstone Partners, including L5 and the Tampa Bay Rays, for their continued support. “These partnerships are critical to our mission,” said Spears. “We are incredibly grateful for the contributions that help us achieve our goals.”

Elected officials in attendance included Mayor Ken Welch, Pinellas County Commission Chair Brian Scott, Commissioner Vince Nowicki, and St. Pete City Council Members Gina Driscoll, Corey Givens, Jr., and Mike Harting. Mayor Welch, fresh from delivering the State of the City address, spoke about the ongoing efforts to strengthen St. Pete’s economic and cultural landscape. His remarks underscored the Chamber’s integral role in these efforts.

In a tribute to St. Pete’s vibrant cultural scene, the St. Pete Opera took the stage for a special performance that left the audience inspired. Spears praised the Opera, saying, “Thank you for reminding us of the strength and beauty that the arts bring to our city.”

Following this, Chamber leaders presented a high-level overview of their initiatives and expressed gratitude to the many volunteers, sponsors, and staff members who drive the organization’s success.

Chris Steinocher, President and CEO of the St. Pete Chamber, added a personal touch to the night by engaging directly with attendees in the audience. In one memorable moment, Steinocher led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to Bill Edwards, owner of the Mahaffey Theater.

Edwards shared his experience while recently touring the Chamber's offices, shocked to learn how badly the building was damaged, especially the interior. Edwards announced that he, with Big 3 Entertainment and the Mahaffey, have pledged to match up to $50,000 in contributions towards the rebuild efforts. Behind him on the screen was a QR code attendees could scan to donate to the Building Relief Fund.

Steinocher also stopped to spotlight several sponsors, partners and volunteers, including Doug Jackson of the Law Firm of Douglas G. Jackson and 2024 Ambassador Chair, who was presented with the prestigious Member of the Year Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the Chamber and the St. Pete community.

Accomplishments in 2024 included significant advocacy initiatives like the opening of the Gateway Expressway, leadership development programs, and small business support through events like St. Pete Pitch Nights and Entrepreneurial Academy. The Chamber also emphasized its commitment to workforce development with the unveiling of the “Hire St. Pete” initiative. This collaborative effort seeks to connect businesses, education, and workforce resources to address talent gaps in the region.

“Our mission is to strengthen the local talent pipeline by creating pathways for education and employment,” said Christie Bruner, Vice President of Advocacy at the Chamber of Commerce. “We are looking to our business community to support this initiative and ensure that St. Pete continues to thrive.”

The meeting also featured a forward-looking economic discussion led by Owen LaFave from The Bank of Tampa and economist Jeffrey Schultz, who provided insights into how broader economic trends may shape St. Pete’s recovery and growth.

As the meeting drew to a close, Spears expressed deep gratitude to the Chamber’s volunteer leaders, executive committee, and board members. He recognized outgoing board members, including Martha Boden, Anne Pollack, Roy James Jr., and Dr. Shameka Jones, for their years of dedicated service.

Before announcing the new 2025 Executive Board, Spears concluded by thanking his family and team at Peninsular Mechanical for their support throughout his leadership journey. In a symbolic moment, he passed the gavel to Owen LaFave as the 2025 Board Chair, signaling the start of a new chapter for the Chamber.

“Leading an organization of this caliber is a privilege and truly humbling,” Spears said. “Together, we are building a brighter future for St. Pete.”

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Media
Photos of the event can be found on the Chamber's Flickr account.
A recording of the event by Hartley Aerial will be shared when available.

About the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce

The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce has been a pillar of the community for over a century, advocating for businesses, fostering economic development, and promoting a vibrant quality of life. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, the Chamber is committed to shaping a prosperous future for St. Pete.

For more information on the Chamber’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit stpete.com.