This June, President and Chief Executive Officer Heather Kasten and her team at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce received news that their organization had been awarded the highest honor possible, a 5-star accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The 5-star is a huge accomplishment and a testament to the board of directors and the dedicated, passionate team of people that show up here every day,” Kasten says.

Achieving this level of accreditation has been a long-term goal for the Chamber. Over the past ten years, the organization has worked to establish a strong organizational structure and a durable system of support for Sarasota’s economy. After receiving a 4-star accreditation following its 2022 application, the Chamber hired a Director of Government Affairs to meet requirements for the 5-star rating. “What was exciting when we submitted this year is that we had already hired our Director of Government Affairs, Marlon Brown—a former city manager—to come and fill that role,” Kasten says. “Nobody knows public policy at the city, county and state levels like Marlon.” Adding Brown to the team brought the Chamber, which had already met most requirements, up to a 5-star level.

Kasten says that the rigorous process of submitting the nine-section, in-depth application for this rating helped the Chamber establish set plans for both internal operations and external programs. “The U.S. Chamber of Commerce did a really thorough check under the hood as to the work that we're doing and how we're doing it. It forced us to think about the future,” she says. Following this process, the Chamber has an established strategic plan for how it will support Sarasota businesses, and joins just 149 other local chambers—out of nearly 7,000 nationwide—with five stars.

As the Chamber continues to work with local entrepreneurs and larger corporations alike, Kasten plans to expand opportunities for start-up businesses and young professionals, hoping to draw new talent to the city. She hopes that the new accreditation brings opportunities for increasing the scope of the Chamber’s work and connections with local businesses. “I envision the Sarasota Chamber spending a lot of time in that entrepreneurial space, helping to grow and foster people starting companies, as well as growing the number of jobs in Sarasota,” Kasten says. 

Pictured: Only 149 local chambers across the country have received 5-star accreditation, out of nearly 7,000. Provided photo.

Looking to kick up your fitness routine? Build & Burn, an app and website created by third-generation Sarasota natives Ashley and Amanda Rosenberg, offers weekly workout plans and an extensive on-demand video library to help subscribers craft sustainable and effective fitness goals.

The sisters, six years apart, were raised in a fitness-focused household and played tennis throughout their college years. Both earned degrees in Business Administration and ended up working at the same real estate company after graduating.

When coworkers began asking them for fitness advice, so they started sharing free workouts and meals on Instagram through their page, Rosey Times Two. As demand grew, they began designing their own programs focused on building muscle, burning fat and creating balance. After becoming ISSA-certified personal trainers, they launched their first PDF-only workout guide in 2020—laying the groundwork for what is now a thriving platform.

Today, Build & Burn has over 200,000 followers and a reputation for accessible, effective workouts. The monthly subscription includes a curated workout schedule targeting every muscle group in just 30 minutes a day, four days a week.

“Amanda and I created this program to help people build a sustainable, well-rounded fitness routine,” says Ashley. “When I was in the corporate world, I was spending six or seven days a week at the gym… But once I became a mom, that just wasn’t realistic.”

Ashley, now a mom of two, became certified in prenatal and postnatal fitness. Her pregnancy program guides moms through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

In 2023, Ashley’s own routine was tested when her family lost their home in a hurricane. “Even with all of that chaos, I was still able to stick to my workouts,” she says.

While Ashley handles operations, Amanda is responsible for marketing. Together, they collaborate on recipes with registered dietitians. “We just love how we feel when we eat well,” says Amanda. Build & Burn offers something for every fitness level—from beginners to busy moms. “Many have tried countless other programs, then found Build & Burn—and it changed their lives,” says Amanda.

Check out the full story in the September edition of SRQ Magazine. 

Pictured: Ashley and Amanda Rosenberg share tips on staying fit and healthy with Build and Burn. Provided photo.

To learn more click here

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is proud to announce the promotion of four sheriff’s office members during a ceremony held on Wednesday. Communications Operator I Jordan Goldberg was promoted to supervisor in the Emergency Operations Bureau. Communications Operator I Ashley Patrick was promoted to supervisor in the Emergency Operations Bureau. Deputy Daniel Davenport was promoted to sergeant assigned to the Patrol Bureau. He was hired by the agency in early 2020 and assigned to the Patrol Bureau. Deputy Matt Binkley was promoted to Community Affairs Manager. 

 The first trimester is a crucial time in a woman’s pregnancy, when obstetricians monitor fetal development, manage potential risks and help ensure a safe, healthy delivery. A shortage of obstetricians, however, is making starting prenatal care early a challenge for women here and across the nation. To close the gaps in care, Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s newly created Pregnancy Care Team is reaching out to pregnant women and community partners to help them access prenatal and maternity care they need. Leading the team are three experienced labor and delivery/postpartum nurses who serve as OB navigators, providing free guidance and a broad range of services and support that women may need throughout their pregnancy.  

To learn more click here

The Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Fire Department (SMAAFD) is proud to announce its  transition from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS) services at Sarasota  Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). This significant upgrade will enhance emergency medical  care for travelers, employees, and visitors, ensuring faster, more effective medical treatment in  critical situations.  SMAAFD’s transition to ALS demonstrates its commitment to excellence in emergency services and passenger safety. For more information about the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Fire Department and its services, visit flysrq.com. 

Erin C. Mason has joined Shumaker’s expanding Litigation & Disputes Service Line, reinforcing its commitment to providing strategic, client-focused advocacy. In just the first half of this year, Shumaker’s Litigation & Disputes team has welcomed 10 new attorneys and five paralegals, reflecting the firm’s continued investment in top legal talent to meet growing client needs. Erin joins the firm as an associate, bringing a broad legal background and a detail-oriented approach to help clients navigate every stage of the dispute resolution process. She focuses her practice on general litigation matters, including trust, business contract, real property, and insurance disputes.   

Pulte Homes has announced Reagan Landing, a new community of low-maintenance single-family homes and private amenities in Bradenton. Located on 223 acres on Rye Road near Lakewood Ranch with easy access to major traffic corridors, Raegan Landing will feature 430 new construction homes.
Pulte Homes, one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted brands in homebuilding for over 70 years, will offer a variety of innovative floor plans appealing to an array of homebuyers. Spacious, well-appointed homes in Reagan Landing will feature two to five bedrooms, 1,500 to 3,800 square feet of living space and two- and three-car garages. 

Pictured: Spacious, well-appointed homes in Reagan Landing will feature two to five bedrooms, 1,500 to 3,800 square feet of living space and two- and three-car garages. Provided photo.

Shumaker has appointed Rodney L. Eason, Jr. as the firm’s first-ever Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). A transformational leader with more than 25 years of experience in human capital strategy, talent management, employee engagement, and leadership development, Rodney brings a dynamic and strategic approach to shaping the future of the firm’s people and culture. As CHRO, Rodney will oversee the firm’s comprehensive HR strategy and operations, including organizational development, compliance, performance management, systems optimization, and most critically—recruitment and retention.  

Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.