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New chief to adjust chamber backbone

The president wants to see 50-plus new members, a new-home fund, bigger scholarships and a passel of awards.

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published February 9, 2005

SEMINOLE - The new head of the chamber of commerce sees the coming year as one in which to grow.

At the end of the year, the Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce should have at least 500 members, Stephen Nickse said Monday. The group currently has about 450 members.

The chamber will help members thrive, Nickse said.

"We try to promote each other and pretty much advertise by word of mouth," he said.

But perhaps the most ambitious project is starting a fund for a new chamber building.

"We've kind of outgrown the building we're in at this time," he said.

Nickse, a chiropractor, became the new chamber president last month. Other officers are Mike Vasquez, president-elect; Charlene Jasmin, secretary; and James Olliver, treasurer.

The installation gave members a chance to look back on some of 2004's accomplishments, including a complete renovation of the chamber building at 8400 113th St. N and all new computers.

The membership also increased by 76, the largest jump in more than five years.

Some efforts will continue into the new year. The chamber's Web site, www.seminolechamber.net will be regularly updated and members will be kept current on happenings in Tallahassee during the upcoming legislative session. Those reports will focus mostly on the Pinellas legislative delegation.

New ideas for the coming year include a renewed emphasis on the ambassadors committee. Ambassadors will call on new members and ask old members to help increase participation in chamber activities.

The chamber also wants to increase student scholarships and plan a cultural event with St. Petersburg College. That could be a symphony, operetta or another musical event.

Also new this year is a Business of the Year award.

The winner, along with the new Mr. or Ms. Seminole, Boss of the Year and Merit Award winners, will be announced at an Awards Night Banquet at 7 p.m. March 4 at the Wine Cellar, 17307 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach.

Each award has its own criteria. For information or to nominate a person or business, call 392-3245.

[Last modified February 9, 2005, 00:44:18]