Chuck Merlis

New History Center CEO frames Tampa’s past as power

by
Audrey Chapuis stands outside the Tampa Bay History Center, where she serves as president and CEO, as the city undergoes rapid growth and change.

As Tampa grows faster than its memory, the History Center’s new leader sees the past as civic infrastructure.

spARK Labs and the slow work of building Tampa Bay tech

by
Rebecca Brown, CEO of SpARK Labs by ARK Invest, speaks at the Ark Innovation Center in St. Petersburg during a public event.

spARK Labs is rebuilding Tampa Bay’s tech ecosystem through patience, execution and long-term founder support.

Midtown Tampa retail enters next phase

by
Aerial view of Midtown Tampa showing the retail core anchored by Whole Foods Market, surrounded by offices, apartments and major roadways in Tampa.

Midtown Tampa’s retail component moves from development to long-term stewardship.

Tampa-based Campus Course rethinks Florida college apparel

by
Campus Course apparel featuring a University of South Florida polo and matching hat with understated collegiate branding.

A Tampa-based startup is building a collegiate-first apparel brand rooted in Florida schools, golf culture and understated design.

Tampa ranks among top 5 U.S. cities for corporate HQs

by
Downtown Tampa skyline at dusk with illuminated office towers and highway overpass as the city gains national recognition for corporate headquarters growth

Tampa enters the national top tier for corporate headquarters as site selectors cite talent and infrastructure.

Plans filed for 23-story Gaspar tower in downtown Tampa

by
Rendering of The Gaspar, a 23-story residential tower proposed for a compact site in downtown Tampa.

Plans have been filed for The Gaspar, a 23-story residential tower proposed for a constrained downtown Tampa site.

New Palmetto community brings 95 single family homes

by
Interior of a model home in a new Palmetto community with open living and kitchen layout

A new 95 home community opens in Palmetto with pricing starting at $329,990 and no CDD fees.

Dr. Irfan Ali shares a people-first approach to leadership at CEO Connect

by
Dr. Irfan Ali speaks during Tampa Bay Business & Wealth’s CEO Connect event, sharing his perspective on leadership, empathy and building a people-first health care organization in Tampa Bay.

At TBBW’s December CEO Connect, Dr. Irfan Ali shared how trust, dignity and empathy shape effective leadership in Tampa Bay.