Venice Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Report

2025 ANNUAL REPORT

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS

and counting!

Appreciation Cookout

As we reflect on the past year, we do so with immense pride in the legacy and momentum of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. Celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2025 reminded us of the enduring commitment that has guided us since 1925: promoting business growth and success and serving as the unwavering voice of our business community. That mission continues to shape every initiative, every partnership, and every conversation we carry forward on behalf of our members. This year also brought a milestone that stands among the highest honors a chamber can achieve: earning the prestigious 5 Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Fewer than 200 chambers out of more than 7,000 nationwide hold this distinction, placing the Venice Area Chamber among the top tier of chambers in the country.

This recognition affirms that the work we are doing on behalf of our business community is not only impactful, but aligned with the highest national standards of excellence, advocacy, and organizational strength. Advocacy remained a cornerstone of our efforts, as we represented our members in Tallahassee and worked closely with state leaders to ensure their priorities were heard. We also expanded opportunities for visibility and connection, including launching our new Health and Wellness Expo to spotlight the many professionals who support the well being of our region. Our Buy Local campaign once again energized the community during the three most challenging months of the year July, August, and September. Funded entirely by our Board of Directors, without the use of member dues, the campaign encouraged residents to shop locally and submit their receipts for a chance to win monthly cash prizes. The results were remarkable: more than 14 million dollars in economic impact and a powerful demonstration of what community support can achieve. Throughout the year, our Chamber team remained a trusted resource for both residents and visitors, assisting more than 11,000 individuals seeking information about our area and its businesses. This daily engagement reflects the heart of who we are. We’re an organization dedicated to strengthening our local championing our members, and building a thriving future for the Venice area. It is an honor to serve this remarkable business community, and I look forward to continuing our work together as we shape the next century of progress.

Kathy Lehner, President & CEO

2025 OFFICERS

Michael Bacon Chair of the Board, Bacon Brands

Karen Fordham Chair Elect, Wound Rx

2025 DIRECTORS

Annette Boone, Boone Law Firm

Matthew DePalma, Capstan Financial Consulting Group

Lourdes Fuller, Lightspeed Voice

James Griffith, James Griffith Salon

John LaCivita, Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc.

Christine Masney, Mattamy Homes - Wellen Park

Jim Normandin, Venice Gondolier Sun (APG Florida)

Justin Taylor, MRT Lawn and Garden Center

Rich Serino, Richard's Carpet Warehouse & Flooring

Tish Scott-Murphy Treasurer, Seacoast Bank

Dane DeSantis, Immediate Past Chair, Hallmark Business Brokers

Kathy Lehner

President & CEO, Venice Area Chamber of Commerce

Beau Walker, Home & Condo Rentals and Property Management, Inc

Natalie Woody, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC

OUR MISSION: Promoting Business Growth & Success Since 1925.

TITANIUM PLATINUM

Alliance IT/Ring Authority • An Organized Move • Babe's Plumbing, Inc. & Fire Sprinklers BrewBurgers • Shuck N’ Ale • Brew-Za-Bagels • Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC, Attorneys At Law Bishop Construction Services, Inc. • British Open Pub

Völkers

ADVOCACY

WE ARE THE VOICE OF BUSINESS

The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to being the voice of business for our community. With our members input, we developed a list of legislative priorities to advocate for public policymaking at county and state levels on issues that align with our mission of promoting business growth and success. Together, we send the message that our businesses are active, engaged, and strive for a thriving, vibrant, and prosperous community. We are with our businesses every step of the way to ensure that the business voice is heard.

During the legislative session in Tallahassee, we send out email updates that go over meaningful bills to the business community and their progress during the weeks.

Enjoy a cup of coffee while hearing from officials of the city and the county from a variety of departments and areas of expertise.

Dr. Jerry D. Parrish, Chief Economist and Director of Research for the Florida Chamber Foundation, presents an annual analysis of the national, state and regional economy.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Hear first-hand from City, County, and Chamber leaders about the state of our business community.

Community Event & Expo connects our member businesses with community members by allowing them to promote their products & services face-to-face in a unique venue.

The Community Health & Wellness Fair gives people the opportunity to learn more about the amazing services in the Venice area for their health.

Non-Profit Rally is where you can discover the vital non-profits in the greater Venice area and learn how your support as a volunteer can make a difference in our community.

Event & Expo Event & Expo Event & Expo

VENICE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CO M M U N I T Y

$16.5 MILLION

ECONOMIC IMPACT IN 2025

MBER OF COMMERCE

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

2025 WINNERS 2025WINNERS

AJAXPAVING AJAXPAVING

Our annual Golf Tournament is our only fundraiser event and sells out every year! It offers unique marketing opportunities and the chance to spend time with current and future customers.

The Spark Behind Local Success

EXCHANGE GROUP

B z

B tes The Chamber Collective

Leverage our network in the morning, at lunch or afternoon to meet fellow members of the business community and learn how your connection can grow your business.

Ages 21-39 get together to connect over growing their careers and navigating professional growth and development. Emerging Professionals Connect

Wise Guys is an event just for men featuring expert speakers in their field helping our members grow wiser in Business, Health, and Finance.

LEADS

The Leads Exchange Group program helps our members grow strong business relationships that result in cultivating referrals.

The Chamber Collective allows for businesses to share their industry knowledge to other members in a workshop style format.

The CEO Roundtable Program is a professionally facilitated advisory group designed to provide CEOs and Presidents with the opportunity to connect with their professional colleagues of diverse industry backgrounds to confidentially discuss the challenges and successes involved with running a business.

FOUNDATION

Testimonial:

“My life has been impacted greatly as leadership gave me a sense of belonging, purpose and a want to help continue supporting our community and grow together!” -CT

Testimonial:

Thank you for allowing me to participate in Leadership. I feel like I have grown as a person going around and seeing all the different careers that Venice Florida has to offer. - EC

Testimonial:

I found value in each session. I thought some would not be as interesting as they all became. -JS

REAL WORLD REAL WORLD

The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, leads the educational initiatives of the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Programs.

Leadership Venice is a 9-month program designed to expose current and future leaders to all aspects of the Venice community.

Teen Leadership Venice is a program that provides area high school students a chance to enhance their knowledge and develop leadership skills that will empower and motivate them to become involved and committed to their community. High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to apply.

You can show your support for the Teens all year long with a tax deductible donation.

All About Venice is a community immersion program connecting residents with local business leaders. Join your neighbors to learn about the community from those who make things happen. This is a 6week program held at the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce on consecutive Tuesdays from 9 AM – 10 AM. Light refreshments are served. Chamber membership is not required to participate - this program is open to the public.

The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and our Leadership Venice Program have partnered with Venice High School to bring the “Real World" program to high school students. Area business owners and leaders from the community meet with high school students to provide a look into the “real world” of business. Many opportunities exist in the workplace, and this program showcases careers that may have never been within the students’ scope of possibilities.