Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce: Thriving businesses focused on growth

Gulfport: best kept secret

Locals sometimes refer to the City of Gulfport as a “best kept secret.” It’s where Pinellas County residents often go to visit small shops, quiet beaches, quaint restaurants and bars and check out its community of local artists, often featured through festivals and community events such as its annual Gecko Fest and the monthly Gulfport Art Walk. Gulfport locals would argue, however, that the community’s true “best kept secret” is its thriving business community.

Behind the scenes of this business community is the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce, which is a collaborative leadership force that reaches beyond the City of Gulfport.According to Barry Rubin, president of the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce, over the past decade, the Gulfport Chamber has evolved from acting as a small, local association into being an active regional chamber with membership growing past the geographic borders of Gulfport, welcoming members throughout south St. Petersburg and Pasadena.

“These areas are bursting with vibrant, exciting businesses that need relationships, representation and exposure,” said Rubin, and he continued to explain that supporting these needs is the primary objective of the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce.

There is new leadership within the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce, including its new president, Barry Rubin of Time Systems. In describing this new leadership, Rubin said, “Our current leadership is reflective of our current membership: optimistic; attentive to their family, businesses and community, and they are connected to the community and other businesses.”

The Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce intends to lead with vision for the future of economic development and business sustainability and growth for its region, which Rubin described in specific detail.

“I see the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce as the leader in creating a thriving business environment with growth opportunities for our members and will continue to do so with an increased footprint,” said Rubin. We will connect members at more than a dozenchamber events each year, and we have begun partnership programs with other local chambers to improve business opportunities and expand the network of our members.”

Advocacy for businesses and their needs also is a strong part of the chamber’s role, explained Rubin: “[The chamber continues] to advocate with a common voice and work with every level of government to enhance our community and improve the business climate for our membership.”

To that end, Rubin has identified the top three issues that the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce is prioritizing: “One, membership—increasing our membership means more opportunities for current and prospective members. Two, footprint—growing our territorial footprint into underserved and underrepresented areas and offering support and specific programs to those areas. Three, partnership—expanded multi-chamber events with our neighboring chambers, create a stronger working relationship with the governments of our entire service area and state. Also, we will develop underwriting opportunities for corporations who would recognize a mutual benefit to these relationships.

Expect more activities, collaborations and opportunities for business members in the near future that will help strengthen the community, said Rubin, and he encourages all local businesses to explore the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce and to become an active member to help the community grow together.

For more information on the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact: 727-344-3711, and visit: http://gulfportareachamberofcommerce.org

Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce: thriving businesses focused on growth.