Manatee Chamber Looking for 'Re-Invented Business' Stories

Abracadabra! Well, OK...it's not that easy (to re-invent yourself, that is!) Still, some very creative folks have found ways to do just that.

We doubt anyone needs to be told about our current economic situation. Well, we're all in this together and the more ideas we share, the more we are all going to benefit.

Remember the old saying, "when life gives you lemons...."? That thought has come to mind to a number of our members. They've dug their heels in and come up with ways to "re-invent" their businesses. And, we'd like to pass their stories along.

If you (or someone you know) has found a way to modify and adapt their business in response to the "R" word, please let us know. We would like to feature them in the Current. Who knows what might spark the imagination of our members and what it might lead to. Let's find out !

Please call Carey Miller at 748-4842 x113 for information on where to send your story.

Tackling the Challenging Economy

During these turbulent economic times, Manatee Chamber of Commerce members are encouraged to fully utilize all the services from this new "tool kit" to strengthen their business. In this online guide, you will find links to a number of services tailor-made to help member businesses during these times.

Visit www.manateechamber.com/tacklingeconomy.asp for more information.

New RFP Tool Launched!

In an effort to boost the local economy and drive additional business to Manatee Chamber Members, we have recently completed programming on a new Request for Proposal Tool. Do you need printed materials, catering services, photocopiers, signage, etc? Save time and money by submitting your request online and receiving bids from your fellow Chamber Members.

Visit www.ManateeChamber.com and click on the RFP Tool. Complete the form and select the business categories that match your request. All Manatee Chamber Members in those categories will automatically receive your request and the opportunity to contact you to provide a quote.

The tool is available to everyone - you do not have to be a Member to send a request. However, the opportunity to receive requests will only be given to Chamber Members.

Not already a Chamber Member? Contact Marie Pender at 748-4842 x121 for information on joining.

Early Voting Available Now!

Voters unable to go to the polls on November 4 or who want to cast their ballot early have two ways to vote early in Manatee County.

Absentee/Mail-In Ballot: You may request an Absentee Ballot by calling 941-741-3823 The deadline is Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. for the Supervisor of Elections office to receive your request for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you.

Early Voting In-Person: You may stop by the Supervisor of Elections Office during on following dates/times and cast your vote in-person:

Monday, October 20th through Saturday, October 25th
Monday, October 27th through Saturday, November 1st
Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Supervisor of Elections Office
600 301 Boulevard West, Suite 118
(across from DeSoto Square Mall)
Bradenton, FL 34205

Preferred Business Directory Upgrade!

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce online Preferred Business Directory is a great location for individuals to find member businesses. Used by the community, visitors, prospective new residents and, of course, members, it’s vital that this Directory be concise and easy to navigate.

In an effort to improve this vehicle, we will be consolidating some duplicate categories. Don’t think this means you won’t be able to let visitors know what you do! We’ll maintain the complimentary business description online, which gives you an opportunity to provide keywords and more information on your products and services. And we’ll continue to link your email and website free of charge as well.

These changes will make the online Directory more user-friendly and will also result in the search feature working better. Easy navigation = more users = more business coming your way. Businesses will be listed in the category (multiple categories online only) that fits their products and services.

We’ll complete the changes in the next month and let you know when it’s been re-vamped and improved to better serve you.

Manatee Chamber of Commerce Partners with FishLadder to Provide Free Online Human Resources Solutions Center

The Manatee Chamber has teamed with FishLadder to offer our members an impressive and comprehensive one-stop human resource center designed to help any size business. This complimentary new service, referred to as FishKnowledge Classic, can be found online in the Members Only Section of www.manateechamber.com.

FishKnowledge Classic gives members access to extensive HR information that will help businesses manage employees from hiring to retiring. Information contained in this site is provided to members at no cost and includes: sample employee handbook, library of office policies, job descriptions, HR forms, business letters, federal and state HR laws, Q & A database, and more!

All About FishLadder
FishLadder is an HR solutions company. Simply put, we provide HR solutions in three primary categories: Administrative, Tactical and Strategic.

Payroll processing, payroll tax administration, administering a 401 k plan and handling routine HR paperwork are a few examples of tasks within the Administrative category. This is critical work and doing it right the first time saves time, money and frustration.

Tactical HR solutions include having in place an employee handbook, company policies and procedures and having access to HR tools like FishKnowledge Classic. It may also include providing your employees with health & welfare benefits or a retirement plan. These tactical steps are critical in establishing your company as a great place to work, as well as helping to protect against potential employee related liabilities.

Last, but certainly not least, comes Strategic HR. This category includes benchmarking your HR processes against best practices and taking steps to close any significant gaps. Are your processes for hiring, developing and terminating employees compliant and effective? Is your employee turnover rate reasonable? Are you matching your benefit packages with the quality of people required in order for your organization to excel? Your effectiveness in handling these types of issues can have a material impact on your company’s performance.

At FishLadder, we focus on all aspects of HR: Administrative, Tactical and Strategic. The scope and timing really depends on our client’s needs and priorities.

Check out all our solutions at www.fishladder.com or give us a call today at 941-932-8095. In the meantime, please enjoy the benefits of FishKnowledge Classic.

Not already a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce? Contact Marie Pender at 748-4842 x121 for access to FishLadder Classic and a host of other benefits.

Florida Chamber Announces Positions on Amendments

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has announced its positions on the upcoming nine constitutional amendments on the November 4th General Election ballot.

• Download a Florida Chamber Amendment Fact Sheet
  
• Visit the Florida Chamber Election Center
  
• Read Florida Chamber Release Including New Polling Data on Amendment #5

The Florida Chamber of Commerce, the state’s largest business advocacy organization representing more than 139,000 grassroots members with more than 3 million employees, announced the following positions today on this year’s proposed constitutional amendments:

AMENDMENT #1: NO POSITION
Relating to Property Rights/Ineligible Aliens

AMENDMENT #2: NO POSITION
Florida Marriage Protection Amendment

AMENDMENT #3: SUPPORT
Tax Exemption for Wind Hardening and Renewable Energy

AMENDMENT #4: SUPPORT
Tax Exemption for Conservation Property

AMENDMENT #5: OPPOSE
So-Called “Tax Swap”

AMENDMENT #6: SUPPORT
Working Waterfront

AMENDMENT #7: NO POSITION
Public Funding for Religious Institutions

AMENDMENT #8: NO POSITION
Community College Funding

AMENDMENT #9: NO POSITION
Sixty-five Percent in Classroom/Funding School Choice