Bob Bartz, Manatee Chamber President, Dies

BRADENTON, FL — Bob Bartz, the longtime president of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, died Sunday afternoon, according to chamber officials.

Bartz’s death was announced by the chamber on its Facebook page Monday morning. “We have lost a dear friend, valued colleague and selfless leader,” the chamber wrote. “Our grief and confusion at this time are coupled with the deepest sympathy we have for what Bob’s family must be feeling.”

It is unclear how Bartz died, but the chamber said his wife, Vicki, and son Jason were by his side when he passed.

Bartz had served as the chamber’s president since 1982.

“Bob’s leadership and positive contributions to our community span decades,” U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan said in a Monday statement. “In that time, he made Manatee County a better place for business, for residents and for visitors. Bob exemplified the spirt of public service and will be missed.”

Buchanan read a recognition of the chamber into the Congressional Record back in 2007. The organization was lauded for being named the 2007 Chamber of the Year.

“By winning this award, the Manatee chamber has demonstrated its organizational strength and success in community leadership by being the best in the nation in its category for financial and membership growth as well as making a significant impact on important community issues, including economic development, education, transportation, healthcare and cultural activities,” Buchanan said in 2007.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The chamber said it will post information on its Facebook page when it is available.

No further information is available at this time.

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