Reaching the top: What I learned on my big climb (GUEST COLUMN)

By Jennifer Garbowicz, private client advisor and senior vice president, Bank of America Private Bank In July 2023, I realized a dream and conquered a challenge when I summited Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa. The total duration of the climb took about five and a half days up the mountain and

Change is Coming – Impacting You and Your Employees 401(k)

By H. Brian Adcock As a business leader, we are charged with making sure we lead our organizations through change. There has been plenty of change in the past few years and there is more on the immediate horizon, impacting 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans. On December 29, 2022, Congress enacted the Secure Act 2.0,

A Letter From Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

From Chief Executive Officer Chris Letsos: Big Brothers Big Sisters is a special organization. Founded over 100 years ago, with nearly sixty years of dedicated service in Tampa Bay, our mission is to provide all young people with opportunity. Initially, we were created as an alternative to the juvenile justice system for troubled children; today,

The Community Bank Difference

By Owen LaFave, Pinellas County Market President, The Bank of Tampa All eyes are on the U.S. banking industry as three of the biggest bank failures in U.S. history have created a disruption in recent months. However, while these bank failures have raised concerns about the safety and soundness of the banking system, it’s important

Cyberattacks are Increasing: Don’t Ignore These Risks

By Kadian Douglas, prinicipal with CLA Tampa As cyberattacks become more frequent, and sophisticated, cybersecurity awareness is critical for organizations to help protect their assets and reputation. Be alert for cybercriminals looking to commit criminal activities by exploiting companies. Watch for social engineering and phishing attacks An organization’s most valuable assets are at risk: data

Redefining Communication: Embracing Omnichannel Experience in the Hybrid Work Era

By Ryan Yaldor, chief technology officer for KUDUCOM™ Communication has undergone a revolutionary shift driven by customer expectations for seamless and personalized interactions with businesses. The way we connect, collaborate and create has, fundamentally, transformed becoming more flexible, inclusive and mobile. The Rise of the Unified Platform The swift transition to remote working triggered a

CareerSource Tampa Bay launches online career exploration tool to help job seekers

By Dr. Byron Clayton, vice president and chief of sector partnerships, CareerSource Tampa Bay Early on, I started down a career path I thought I loved and, after spending years in college, I landed the job I sought. With immense pride and excitement, I started that coveted position, thinking I was headed toward remarkable success,

Estate planning with a business in mind

By Brian Carter, CPA, Mauldin & Jenkins A family business can be a wonderful asset that not only supports multiple family members but also helps keep the various generations connected. Unfortunately, the same business can complicate estate administration and wreak financial, and emotional, havoc on heirs. To avoid that outcome, it is critical that business

Preparing your business for a hurricane

By David Pettinato, Esquire OLDER LUNDY KOCH & MARTINO Storm season is quickly approaching. For over 25 years, I have been successfully advocating for my client’s rights for coverage under almost every type of commercial insurance policy. Working with business owners before, during and after a storm has led us to create our own preparedness

The evolving workscape

By Keisha Teague, senior vice president, Employee Benefits Division, M.E. Wilson The business landscape is constantly evolving, driven by the relentless march of technological advancements, demographic changes and the need to remain competitive in a global market. As a result, companies must adapt to these changes and rethink their approach to attracting and retaining talent

CareerSource Tampa Bay hires director of youth programs

Anyone who was lucky enough to have had a summer job knows it can be a rite of passage giving teens some spending cash and a peek into the working world. But it can also be equally beneficial for employers, particularly small businesses. You know those little projects that have been stacking up because you

Does your lawyer serve two masters?

By Anthony D. Martino, OLDER LUNDY KOCH & MARTINO, Attorneys at Law Say you or your company is being sued in a claim for which you have insurance. As part of your insurance coverage, the insurer will provide you with a lawyer. This lawyer is either an “insurance defense lawyer” who makes their money from