STCOC Membership Luncheon | Building a Stronger Future
Join the South Tampa Chamber each month for our membership luncheon. Meet our new members, network with business professionals, get an update on Chamber business and enjoy a featured guest speaker(s).
Building a Stronger Future:
The Impact of Early Learning on Workforce Development
Join us for an engaging discussion on how investing in early learning today shapes the workforce of tomorrow. This event will explore the critical role early childhood education plays in developing essential skills, fostering innovation, and ensuring a strong talent pipeline for our community. Business leaders, educators, and policymakers will come together to highlight the economic and societal benefits of quality early learning initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation on building a smarter, more prepared workforce for the future!
Presented by
Guest Speakers
Madeleine Thakur
President and CEO, The Children's Movement of Florida
The Children’s Movement of Florida is a statewide advocacy organization focused on the policies and investments that help each child in Florida thrive in their first five years. Madeleine leads The Movement’s state-level policy efforts, building strong relationships with elected officials and informing the public about early childhood issues in the legislature. She provides strategic direction for the business engagement initiative Bosses for Babies, the early literacy mentorship program ReadingPals, and the community-centered work of The Future Project. Read more about Madeleine here.
Dr. Frederick Hicks
CEO, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
Dr. Hicks is a technology & data professional with 27+ years of innovation leadership primarily with not-for-profits here in Florida. With a track record of success in leadership and strategic planning, Dr. Hicks has led complex initiatives adhering to achievement standards. Dr. Hicks has advanced degrees in political science, business administration, cybersecurity complemented by several industry-sought certifications; his academic and professional journey underscores his commitment to mastering knowledge through a lifetime of learning. He credits his success to individuals who emphasize literacy, learning, and hard work to achieve beyond his station. Previous research includes a focus on Artificial Intelligence and robotics as a STEM tool to positively impact early literacy.
Sarah Burgoyne
Senior Director of Research and Public Policy at the Tampa Bay Partnership
Sarah Burgoyne is the Senior Director of Research and Public Policy at the Tampa Bay Partnership, where she directs regional research initiatives and shapes public policy strategies to drive economic growth and development across the Tampa Bay area. Before joining the Partnership, she served as Lead Demographer at Nielsen, providing critical insight into population estimation and championing the use of public data in Nielsen’s media products. Read more about Sarah here.
Moderated by Aakash Patel
Founder Elevate Inc. and
Chairman of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
Annual Luncheon Sponsor
Program Sponsors
Contact events@southtampachamber.org
Event Partners
PamElla Lee Photography
FastSigns
Event Sponsors
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Date and Time
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM EDT
11:30am Registration & Open Networking
12:00-12:30pm Lunch & Announcements
12:30-1:15pm Featured Speakers
Location
The Centre Club
123 S Westshore Blvd., 8th Floor
(Corner of Westshore & Kennedy Blvd.)
Complimentary parking is available in the parking garage located behind the Urban Centre. Take the East elevator to the 8th floor to access the Centre Club.
Fees/Admission
Table Top Sponsor @ $250
Includes (2) ticket to the event, display table at event, opportunity to put promotional materials at each place setting, your logo on event website, your company name on email invitation, recognition at event and on social media and "Minute at the Mic". Contact events@southtampachamber.org.
*There is a 72 business-hour cancelation policy for this event. No refunds will be given for cancelations made after Friday before event date.
*Corporate Level members who reserve a seat must cancel your reservation within 48 business hours of the event or you will be charged a no-show fee of the cost of the meal that was ordered for you.
*Sponsorships must be paid in advance and are non-refundable.
Contact Information
South Tampa Chamber of Commerce
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