Pictured: Manatee Chamber members with Florida Senate President Designate Jim Boyd in Tallahassee. Provided photo.

The Manatee Chamber was recently in Tallahassee sharing priorities of the business community as our elected officials prepared for the start of the 2026 Florida legislative session. Our priorities are grounded in ongoing conversations with employers and business leaders about what challenges our region faces and what opportunities we could seize as catalysts to economic success.

With the input of multiple committees at the Chamber, we have honed priorities related to workforce, economic development, natural resources, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more. Underpinning all of this is a desire to ensure economic vitality to drive business success, create job opportunities, and enhance the quality of life that positions our region as a world-class destination for businesses and the workforce.

I have seen the power of partnership at play – in fact, transformational work rarely happens any other way. Our elected officials and policymakers need to hear from their constituents. While national and global happenings dominate the headlines, decisions made closer to home affect our lives every day. Our local economy, local quality of life, and our local networks and spheres of influence matter in unique and powerful ways.

In addition to walking the halls of the state capitol, the Manatee Chamber welcomed County and City officials to speak to the business community at recent luncheon events. This provided a direct connection between local employers, elected officials, and agency leaders. An open exchange of ideas and individual perspectives can shape how we work together and build consensus.

As we experience it here at the Manatee Chamber, leadership is the result of passionate people coming together to share ideas, build a vision, develop a plan, and execute for success. We are always asking how we can work together to respond to new challenges and invest in solutions. 2026 lies before us full of potential, including the opportunity to provide greater emphasis on the issues that matter most. We look forward to representing the voice of businesses in the greater Manatee County region.

Jacki Dezelski is the President and CEO  of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce.

Pictured: Manatee Chamber members with Florida Senate President Designate Jim Boyd in Tallahassee. Provided photo.