Partner Pulse

Hello all, this is Lauren Cambias Bowles. I'll be keeping you updated with all of the exciting news from our more than 700 partners!  Check out this blog regularly as we fill you in on new partners, partner events, and tons more.  We'll even fill you in on how to become a member if you haven't done so already.   From time to time as well, even our partners will chime in with updates of their own!

Be sure to subscribe to the RSS feed so that you have access to up-to-the-minute updates about our many upcoming events!

Looking for somewhere to eat Easter Brunch? Be sure to check out some of our partners that are offering them. Be sure to call and make reservations beforehand. Visit their websites for more information!

Boizao Brazilian Steakhouse- $34.90 with a complimentary dessert per person from 12:00pm to 8:00pm!
Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar- from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at both locations
Pelagia Trattoria- Easter Buffet from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Jackson's Bistro- Brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar- three-course menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $34.95
Ocean Prime- Brunch menu from 11 a.m. and on.
Parkshore Grill- Offering a special Easter menu for $50.
Roy's Restaurant- Offering a special Easter Brunch menu!

Click here to view other Easter Brunch Specials in Tampa Bay. Enjoy!

Vote for our amazing partners for the 2012 BizBash Florida Readers' Choice Awards!

• Warren Dietel, Puff 'n Stuff Catering for Caterer of the Year
• Alyssa Rhoads, Tampa Bay Business Journal for Corporate Event Planner of the Year
• Shapeology, Dorene Giacin Collier for Entertainment Act of the Year
• Amanda Allen, MMD Events,Vanessa Lopez, Hello Florida! AND Danielle Seaberg, Grand Events of Florida, LLC for Event Designer of the Year
• Maria Hayworth, Hayworth Creative Public Relations for PR Professional of the Year
• Brooke Palmer, r.s.b.p. Events for Social Event Planner of the Year
• Jason Carroll, The Florida Aquarium for Venue Manager of the Year

Voting closes on Sunday, April 15, at 11:59 p.m., and the winners will be announced at the BizBash Florida Expo & Awards at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center on April 18. To cast your vote, go to http://www.bizbash.com/flvotes.

Hey Tampa Bay! Katy back to tell you about a great outdoor activity offered right in the heart of Tampa Bay! On Friday, a group of us decided to check out City Bike Tampa.

We showed up to the rental hut on the Riverwalk, only to find out it was only open on the weekends! Luckily, it was a beautiful day so we took a nice stroll through downtown to the City Bike Tampa Shop, located at 212 E. Cass Street, between Tampa and Franklin Street.

Once we arrived, the manager, Kevin Craft, set us up with bikes and we took off through Downtown Tampa. We rode along Franklin Street to the Tampa Convention Center and then along the Riverwalk to the Tampa Bay Times Forum. On our way back, we stopped for a break at the Sail Pavilion to enjoy the beautiful day on the water.

City Bike Tampa offers bike rentals, various tours around Tampa (such as their popular Urban Restaurant Tours) and even sell bikes at their store in downtown. I encourage everyone, whether you are a local or a visitor, to check out City Bike Tampa the next time you are craving an outdoor adventure!

Hey everyone! Katy here to tell you about my first experience at an awesome BBQ joint in Tampa. Last Friday, a group of us from the office (Steve, Brittany, Julia, Amy and I) had lunch at Kojak's House of Ribs and let me tell you...it was delicious!

The ribs were highly recommended by our waitress (hence their name) but I played it safe and had the pulled pork sandwich with a side of baked beans. I was definitely happy with my decision (judging by the empty plate in front of me just seconds after it was set down).

Steve, on the other hand, was the brave soul and ordered the ribs. Although messy, he said they were incredible and had enough ribs on his plate (and face) to last him until AFTER dessert...literally.

For dessert, the five of us split the Mama's Chocolate Cake and Fresh Apple Cake, both with ice cream on top. WOW. We dug in like vultures and did not leave a single crumb on either plate!

Kojak's House of Ribs has been family owned and operated since 1978. The setting is unlike anything else in town, inside a converted southern bungalow style home. Everything is homemade, which is obvious from the very first bite. The staff is very friendly and the service is excellent.

I will definitely be returning to Kojak's House of Ribs and am very disappointed I had not been there sooner! Stay tuned in for more Tampa Dining Updates!

Hey Tampa Bay! Katy here with some exciting news about a few of our partners.

The James Beard Foundation named one of our Tampa chefs and a restaurateur as semifinalists for culinary awards. Chad Johnson of SideBern's was among 20 nominees in the Beard's Best Chef: South category.

Also, the foundation named Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant chain as a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Congratulations to both partners on their nominations for these prestigious awards. The finalists will be announced on March 19, so stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining news and updates!

Hey everyone, Katy back to let you know about some great job opportunities in the Tampa Bay area. We are constantly updating our Partner Job Postings portion of our website with new positions so be sure to check it out, especially if you are on the job hunt!

Some of our most recent Partner Job Postings are...

Toffee To Go
Positions Available:
Administrative Assistant

DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa-Airport Westshore
Positions Available:
Executive Meeting Manager
Brand Standards & Culture Training Manager
Housekeeping Supervisor
Night Auditor
Line Cook
Cafeteria Cook
Housekeepers
Housekeeping House Persons
Dishwashers

Click HERE for more information on these jobs and to view other job postings from our partners. Enjoy! Stay tuned in for more updates on job related things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hey Tampa Bay, Katy here to welcome our newest Tampa Bay & Company partners. Throughout January, we welcomed eight organizations to the approximately 700 Tampa Bay & Company partners.  New partners include:

Barnacles Restaurant
Barnacles Restaurant offers a wide variety of menu items ranging from fresh seafood and steaks to delicious sandwiches and savory salads. Their gracious private dining room can accommodate up to 100 guests. Barnacles also offers a wide variety of daily lunch, dinner and drink specials. www.mybarnacles.com

Bueno Fishing
Utilizing the number one asset we have in Tampa Bay - the water! Bueno Fishing specializes in custom fishing charters, excursions, and entertaining business clients, tourists, and long-term residents on the water. Call to experience the true beauty of Florida. www.buenofishing.com

DeMarse Meetings & Events
The DeMarse Meetings team of dedicated professionals have over 15 years of experience in planning successful meetings, events, conventions, trade shows and incentive programs of all sizes. Check out their website under "What's In It For You" to see how you can add their staff to your team at no cost to you! www.demarsemeetings.com

Gaspar's Grotto
World famous event venue, pirate bar and restaurant. Serving great Cuban influenced food and drink. Live entertainment. A truly indigenous Tampa experience not to be missed. In the very heart of Tampa's historic district, Ybor City. Groups up to 950. www.gasparsgrotto.com

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa-East
Located just minutes from many attractions including Hard Rock Casino, Busch Gardens, Florida State Fairgrounds and 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater. Rooms and suites include breakfast, free wireless Internet, heated outdoor pool and complimentary shuttle. www.tampaeastsuites.hamptoninn.com

HES Staff, LLC
Recognized as "setting the standard" in meeting and convention staffing since 1996. Several clients contact HES exclusively to staff their Central Florida programs for everything from registration assistance to airport "meet & greet" and lead retrieval. www.hes-staff.com

Safari Wilderness Ranch
At Safari Wilderness Ranch, enjoy fresh air year-round as knowledgeable guides tour you through 260 acres, interacting with huge herds of wetland exotic species in custom safari vehicles. Book Camel-back or horse-drawn carriage game viewing safari tours. Hand-feed lemurs and budgies. Tours daily by reservation. www.safariwilderness.com

Tampa Bay Bodies
Healthy Aging, Integrated Fitness Instructor, Speaker/Classes/Seminars Health & Wellness Specialist, Food Interferences, Christian Exercise Program, Fun Fitness/Easy Movement Programs, Workouts for Seniors, Line Dance. Balance, Stretch, Flexibility, Mind, Body, Spirit. www.junekittay.com

Find out who is a new partner of Tampa Bay & Company at anytime by visiting the New Partner Showcase. Be sure to check back for more partner news soon!

Listen up, golf lovers of Tampa Bay! Katy here to inform you about a local golf event taking place next week called "Battle At The Babe" On Tuesday, December 27th, former PGA Tour member and current Champions Tour members, Gary Koch and Jim Dent, will take on T.J. Heidel, head golf pro at Rogers Park Golf Course, and Brad Brunner, the current record holder at Babe Zaharias Golf Course, at this year’s Battle at the Babe. Last year’s exciting 18-hole skins game will become a fourball stroke play event.

Proceeds from sponsorships, spectator tickets and donations will benefit the First Tee of Tampa Bay. Spectators will have the opportunity to donate more money during our scheduled breaks during the round. We will be asking for $25 donations during the event.

When: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10a.m.
Where: Babe Zaharias Golf Course, 11412 Forest Hills Dr., Tampa, FL 33612
Who Should Attend: Spectators are welcome for $10 which will permit walking only. (Ticket comes with a $10 off coupon to play at Babe Zaharias Golf Course at a later date)
Why: A portion of the proceeds will go to the First Tee of Tampa

Be sure you don't miss out on this great opportunity to watch some golf in this gorgeous Tampa Bay weather. For more information, click here. Happy Holidays!

Hello there folks! Time for an update from one of our awesome Tampa Florida attractions here with things to put on your holiday to-do list!

Busch Gardens is a one-stop holiday shopping destination, offering something for everyone on your gift list this year.

Explore a variety of unique gifts including Adventure Camps, up-close animal tours, eco-friendly products and a memorable evening on the Serengeti Night Safari.

In the spirit of giving, Busch Gardens presents a list of one-of-a-kind gift ideas suitable for the entire family:
 
FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES:

Elementary School
“Show Stoppers” Day Camp – Be a star for a day while learning what it takes to be a Busch Gardens’ performer, from auditions to production and everything in between. For more information, visit the “Show Stoppers” Day Camp page at BuschGardens.com

High School

Counselor in Training –High school students who love animals and want to gain valuable real-world work experience at Busch Gardens will love this day camp program, and participants receive high school credit. For more information, visit the Counselor in Training page at BuschGardens.com

Teenagers to College Students 

Resident Camps – This 12-night camp marries the best of Busch Gardens’ offerings from wild rides to up-close animal experiences with two nights in between to explore Tampa. For more information, visit the Resident Camps page at BuschGardens.com
For additional information on Busch Gardens’ Adventure Camps for children of all ages, visit the Adventure Camps page at BuschGardens.com

FOR FRIENDS OR COWORKERS:
Animal Wine Toppers – These charming little trinkets from Xcursions, Busch Gardens’ Conservation shop, are perfect for animal lovers and as inexpensive last-minute gifts. The animal figurines, made from recycled aluminum and scrap wood, top off a wine bottle once the cork is removed and can be purchased for $14.95 in the following animal styles: dolphin, elephant, giraffe, and sting ray. Proceeds from Xcursions benefit the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

FOR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS AND BEST FRIENDS:

Serengeti Night Safari – As the sun sets on the Serengeti Plain, its inhabitants awaken after the heat of the day to hunt, forage and explore. Now guests, too, can venture into the African night with the return of Busch Gardens’ Serengeti Night Safari, offering unique animal encounters, a campfire experience, and the opportunity to hand feed giraffes their “midnight snack” on the Serengeti Plain. Perfect for date night, team-building or a girls’ night out, the unique experience begins with heavy hors d’oeuvres and a selection of beer and soft drinks, where participants can get to know each other and their tour guides. The Serengeti Night Safari begins after sunset on select Friday and Saturday nights and costs $60 per person, plus tax. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to participate. For reservations, visit the Up-Close Tours page at BuschGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

FOR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS:

Deco Breeze Decorative Animal Figurine Fan – These decorative animal fans from Xcursions, Busch Gardens’ Conservation shop, will brighten (and cool) anyone’s day. They are the perfect addition to any home décor and can be found in alligator, crab, elephant, fish, flamingo, frog, monkey, peacock, pelican and turtle styles, ranging in price from $69.95-$79.95. Proceeds from Xcursions benefit the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY:

Tiger and Orangutan Keeper Experience – Busch Gardens offers a behind-the-scenes animal experience perfect for the whole family. Join a Busch Gardens zookeeper to experience a day in the life of caring for Jungala’s Bengal tigers and Bornean orangutans. Participants have the unique opportunity to see where the animals sleep, help the zoo staff prepare the animals’ food and perform routine health exams. It gets better… the group also takes part in a one-of-a-kind orangutan training session and a unique tiger experience. The 90-minute experience is $199.95 for a group of up to 6 guests. Guests must be at least 10 years of age and 52 inches tall to participate. To reserve your adventure, visit BuschGardens.com or call the tour reservations center 1-888-800-5447.

FUN FOR EVERYONE:

2012 Busch Gardens Fun Card – With a 2012 Fun Card, you can “pay for a day, play all year” and never miss a thing at your favorite adventure park! It’s the best value for again-and-again access to all of the amazing animal encounters, world-class thrill rides, exciting entertainment and family adventure Busch Gardens has to offer all for the price of a single-day ticket. PLUS you won’t want to miss the debut of Busch Gardens’ all-new ice show, Iceploration, and your chance to go behind-the-scenes with our animal care experts in our new world-class Animal Care Center. The 2012 Busch Gardens Fun Card is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2012 and is now available at the Busch Gardens’ front gate, on-line at BuschGardens.com or by calling 1-888-800-5447. Prices are $79.99 for adults and $71.99 for children ages 3 to 9.

That's it for now, but stay tuned in for more updates on things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Holiday gift ideas!

Hey there, Tampa Bay. Katy back with some more partner news you surely will be thankful for. On Thanksgiving Day, Donatello Restaurant closes its doors to children in need. This year will be their 25th Annual Thanksgiving dinner that will benefit 900 foster children and at-risk families.
   
Wow, just reading about this event gives me goosebumps! What a great way to spread the holiday cheer in Tampa Bay. For more information, contact Alessandra Tiozzo at (813) 875-6660. Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving! Stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay dining and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hey again, Tampa Bay! Katy here with some exciting news about one of our fabulous partners. Cigar City Brewing is buying a canning line from fellow craft beer canner, New Belgium and have announced that they are going to start selling canned beer in March 2012.

Their ever so popular local craft beers such as, Jai Alai IPA, Maduro Brown Ale, Tocobaga Red Ale, Hotter Than Helles Lager and Florida Cracker White Ale will be sold in a six-pack of cans in local shops for an average price of $9.99.

Cigar City Brewing is hoping to eventually phase out bottles entirely and only offer cans for sale. Be sure to be on the lookout for Cigar City Brewing canned beers in early 2012!

That's all for now, but check back for future partner news and things to do in Tampa Bay!

Hey Tampa, Lisa here with an update on arts and culture in Tampa Bay.

Opera Tampa the resident Opera company of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is hosting Libations & Temptations. This event will be on Tuesday, December 13 from 5-7pm at Maestro's Restaurant at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

So what exactly is this event? It's a chance for networking, libations, food and fun. It's cultural networking for the sociably conscious. There will be an appetizer buffet of gourmet cheeses, fruits, flatbreads and crackers, prize drawings, a musical visit from opera luminaries and more!

Tickets to the event are $10 and include two drink tickets per person. They can be purchased at the Straz Center ticket office or by calling 813-229-7827.

There are two other dates in 2012 as well. One is Tuesday, January 10th and the other is Tuesday, April 10th. For more information check out the Opera Tampa website!

If you're looking for a night out on the town with some good food in a great location this is the event for you! Come on over to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

That's it for me, but check in later for more things to do in Tampa Bay!

Happy Monday, Tampa Bay! Katy back and I want to tell you how you can dine out for a good cause this week.

On Tuesday, November 15 from 4 p.m. to11 p.m., two Chili's locations in the Tampa Bay area will donate 10% of all sales to Make-A-Wish Foundation for each flyer presented.

The participating locations are:
You must have the flyer to participate so click here to print it out and be sure to take it with you on Tuesday. Enjoy! Stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay Dining Updates!

Hey there Tampa Bay! Katy here to let you know that one of our partners, Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi is now offering a great deal!

If you plan to have your holiday luncheon at Jackson’s from November 2nd to December 25th Sunday through Thursday, you will receive $100 toward your event!

This offer started November 2nd and lasts until November 15th. Make sure you book your event at Jackson’s TODAY because space is limited.

To view the Jackson’s special event menu, click here. This offer requires a food and beverage minimum of $750.

Jackson’s is also offering free shipping on all online gift card purchases, which are perfect for any special occasion and available at any price point!

Purchase a gift card online by visiting www.jacksonsbistro.com/gift-cards. You may also call 813-277-0112 or email info@jacksonsbistro.com to purchase your gift cards directly through the restaurant.

That's all for now but be sure to check back for more great Tampa Bay area events and promotions in Tampa Bay!

Happy Friday! Katy here with some exciting news about one of Tampa’s newest restaurants. Carmel Café & Wine Bar in Carrollwood will start offering their popular Mod Med (modern Meditteranean) style cuisine for lunch starting November 8.

Lunch will be served Tuesdays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The menu will include a variety of sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, soups, desserts and more with everything priced for less than $10...what a deal!

Love ordering off the iPads when you dine at Carmel Café & Wine Bar for dinner? Well, you are in luck because you will be able to order from them for lunch as well!

Carmel Café & Wine Bar is also open for dinner every night except for Mondays. If you have not yet had a chance to dine at Carmel Café & Wine Bar, I strongly recommend you give it a try!

For more information go to www.carmelcafe.com or call 813-265-1415. Stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining updates!

Looking for fun, cheap activities to keep the kids entertained while they aren't in school? Katy here, to let you know that one of our partners, IKEA Tampa, has the perfect solution!

IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy offers kids under 12 years old free activities, a free meal and a free IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy t-shirt…talk about a great deal!

The activities last 20 minutes and start at 11:00am, then repeat at 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm, on the following dates:

October 21, 2011: Keep your school supplies organized by personalizing a GLIS box.
November 11, 2011: Students can make a flag to honor our service men and women.
November 21, 2011: Use your hand print to make a festive turkey decoration.
November 22, 2011: Use our PYSSLA craft beads to design and make a special decorative item.
November 23, 2011: Use our DUKTIG baking set to make cookies for your holiday guests
November 25, 2011: Kick start the holiday season by making your own wrapping paper with our MALA paints

To find out more information about Tampa Bay area events and activities going on at IKEA Tampa, visit their website by clicking here!

Hello Tampa! Lisa here, with an update on your Tampa Bay Lightning!

October has long been my favorite month. You have College Football, NFL, all things pumpkin flavored, cooler temperatures (if we are lucky), and hockey. Each year I forget how much I truly love October until the start of the NHL season. And this year has been no exception.

Hockey season started full strength almost two weeks ago, but it was not until last night that our Lightning were at home for the first time. It was great to see the hustle and bustle of all the Bolts fans walking to the game last night after work. I swear almost everyone had a jersey on.

This season is sure to be full of hat tricks, high-sticking, and hooking but that's not why we love our Lightning. The Lightning showed us their potential last year, and I know they have that same potential this year. Add to that a newly renovated arena with a new logo and you have a recipe for another great season.

Coming up, our Lightning will take on the New York Islanders Thursday night, and the Buffalo Sabre's on Saturday night before going out of town for a couple of games. The Bolts end the month playing the newest NHL team the Winnipeg Jets.

If I were you, I would go online and check out the 10 and 21 game deals the Lightning offer, and secure your spot in this years drive to the playoffs.

That's all for now, but check in later for more Tampa Florida News, and other things to do in Tampa Bay! And remember, BE THE THUNDER.

Hello all! My name is Emily Minton and I am the Private Dining Director here at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar to tell you about a great promo that we are doing!

With an inviting ambiance, exceptional food and a world- class wine list, Fleming's is the perfect place to host a holiday event for your family, organization or business:

Holiday Celebrations
Cocktail Receptions
Private Luncheons    Company & Office Parties
All-Day Business Meetings
Birthdays & Anniversaries

In the spirit of the season, we're offering a $50 Fleming's Dining Card for every $500 you spend on your event when you book it by December 1st. And if you're really good at planning ahead, you can use this offer for any event you hold through December of 2012!

As the Private Dining Director at Fleming's, I will assist you personally in planning your holiday event, from menus and wines to decorations and other details. That way, you can relax and enjoy the company of your guests.

Remember, you must book by December 1, 2011, to take advantage of this offer. Call me at 813-874-9463 or contact me by email to secure the date for your holiday event.

For menus, wine lists and a 360° tour of our Private Dining rooms, please feel free to visit our website.

I look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you and your guests to Fleming's this holiday season! That's all for now, but be sure to check back and stay tuned in for more Tampa Bay dining updates from me and the Tampa Bay team!