Photo courtesy of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Last Friday, more than 420 business and community leaders gathered for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Kick Off Brunch—and the energy in the room was unmistakable. A sold-out crowd of this size is more than a strong turnout; it’s a clear signal that Sarasota’s business community is engaged, forward-thinking, and committed to staying connected as we navigate the year ahead.

The Kick Off Brunch is intentionally designed to do more than mark the start of a new year. It brings leaders together to reconnect, share perspective, and ground optimism in data rather than headlines. In a time when many leaders feel pulled in a hundred directions, there is real value in slowing down, gathering in one room, and focusing on what truly matters for our economy and our community.

We were honored to welcome Dr. Sean Snaith, Director of the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Economic Forecasting, who delivered a clear-eyed and encouraging outlook on the national, state, and local economy. His message was refreshingly balanced. While national narratives often focus on uncertainty, Florida continues to show strong fundamentals—steady job growth, continued in-migration, and a resilient consumer base.

For Sarasota specifically, Dr. Snaith emphasized that our diversified economy, entrepreneurial spirit, and quality of life position us well for continued growth. These advantages don’t happen by accident. They are the result of long-term planning, smart investment, and a business community that consistently shows up and engages.

Dr. Snaith also acknowledged the realities businesses are facing—rising costs, workforce challenges, housing affordability, and insurance pressures. Yet his outlook was clear: this is not an economy defined by crisis, but by adjustment. Businesses that remain adaptable, invest in their people, and plan strategically are well positioned to succeed.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from the morning was the reminder that connection matters. When business leaders come together, conversations turn into collaboration. Ideas turn into partnerships. Challenges turn into shared problem-solving. Those connections lead to real outcomes—stronger companies, smarter policy discussions, and a more resilient local economy.

That is where the Sarasota Chamber plays a critical role. From workforce development initiatives like CareerEdge, to advocacy around housing and insurance, to convening leaders across industries, our focus remains clear: helping businesses succeed today while shaping a stronger Sarasota for tomorrow.

Looking across a room filled with leaders representing more than 1,500 Chamber member businesses and over 60,000 local employees, I was reminded that Sarasota’s greatest strength is not just our economic indicators—it’s our people. When leaders connect with purpose, momentum follows.

That’s how we kicked off the year. And that’s how Sarasota continues to move forward—together.

Heather Kasten is the President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. 

Photo courtesy of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.