WHAT IS TAMPA CONNECTION ALL ABOUT?
For over 40 years, Tampa Connection has been one of Tampa Bay’s most popular vehicles for positive corporate exposure and involvement in the community’s local non-profit organizations.
Focused on leadership development, relationship building, and community engagement, the Tampa Connection program appeal to both employers seeking to further developer their employees, and individuals looking to broaden their local knowledge and expand their network. With an organization like ours, the benefits are endless!
Our mission
To prepare class members to become active volunteers and leaders in the Tampa Bay community
Our vision
To be the leadership development, community involvement and relationship development experience sought after by employers, employees, and nonprofit agencies
Leadership Development
Tampa Connection is committed to building Tampa Bay’s leaders of tomorrow. Our class programming emphasizes leadership development, networking skills, and professionalism. Team projects allow Tampa Connection class members to explore and exercise their leadership abilities. Additionally, class members are provided with opportunities to meet and learn from local community leaders.
COMMUNITY FOCUS
Tampa Connection is all about community. During the class year, monthly programs provide class members with in-depth exposure to Tampa Bay’s rich history and culture. Our programs focus on the arts, education, government, public safety, sports, and more. Additionally, class members are teamed with hand-selected nonprofit organizations to work on year-long projects that fulfill a specific agency need. This unique feature of the Tampa Connection program gives class members an opportunity to directly impact their local community in a positive way.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Providing class members and alumni with ample opportunities to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships is one of the core focuses of Tampa Connection. Program days allow class members to spend quality time together experiencing the many diverse facets of our community all while getting to know one another better. Team projects provide a smaller setting for members of each team to learn and grow in their relationships with each other. “Debriefs” (otherwise known as happy hours) give class members opportunities to mingle with members of other teams, the board, and our active alumni community.
Our Leadership
HEAR FROM OUR RECENT CLASS MEMBERS
“Tampa Connection was a terrific way combing a passion for volunteering and networking. They helped broaden my circle of peers that I work with and encounter. It’s a great life experience.”
Dustin Henderson, Raymond James (Class of 2020)
“Tampa Connection was an invaluable experience – especially as a newcomer to the city. Not only were we able to provide positive guidance to accelerate our nonprofit partners’ business objectives, but we were able to see the city of Tampa through a different, “behind-the-scenes” lens during our class programs. My teammates and I have also been able to foster friendships that will long outlive our 1-year program. Highly recommend Tampa Connection to any individual seeking to expand their impact on Tampa Bay.”
Oliver de la Croix-Vaubois, Colliers International (Class of 2020)
“As a native to the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Connection allowed me to view the city in a whole new way. In addition to connecting me with professionals in the area, Tampa Connection gave me exposure to some of Tampa’s most historic and well-known locations.”
Ricardo Padro, Stine Construction, Inc. (Class of 2019)
“I joined the Tampa Connection family to connect, learn and grow. I’m originally from MA and wanted the opportunity to learn more about the history of Tampa, to connect with like minded business leaders and to forge lasting relationships with those I connected with. After going through the class I can definitely say it exceeded all my expectations!”
Dan Hess, Prudential Retirement (Class of 2019)
Join A Future Class
The class is exclusively selected and limited. Applicants should be in or near middle management and destined for leadership in their community and company. Please use the form at the bottom of the page to join our e-mail list to hear about upcoming class opportunities.