The importance of going local and supporting small businesses

By Jon Locklear, wealth Advisor, BT Wealth Advisors | The Bank of Tampa Small businesses are the often-overlooked lifeblood of the community. The Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) defines small businesses as independent businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Having 499 employees—or even 25 employees—who live and work together in … Read more

Not Another Return to the Office Article

For nearly three years, companies have struggled with the question of how much time employees should spend in the office. Despite the passage of time, finding a definitive answer remains an ongoing challenge. The pendulum continues to swing back and forth between the idea that remote work is now a permanent, and unassailable, feature of … Read more

Nonprofit Planning Strategies During Economic, Political Uncertainty

If we’ve learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic and our current economic and political environment, it is the need for planning, diversifying and risk management. Nonprofits already face many challenges with aging donor bases, and workforce constraints, and an uncertain economic and political environment can ignite additional challenges. Consider areas your nonprofit could address to … Read more

Navigating the Current State of the Florida Property Insurance Market

The Florida property insurance market is in a state of flux with rising rates, non-renewals and companies leaving the state altogether. This is due to a number of factors including the state’s hurricane vulnerability, high litigation costs and a number of other challenges. What’s causing the crisis? Hurricanes: Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone … Read more

Understanding the Importance of Banking Locally

In an age where digital technology has revolutionized the way we manage our finances, the idea of banking locally and handling your finances face-to-face might seem outdated. From automated loan underwriting and remote deposit capture to a future that includes artificial intelligence, the way we handle our financial affairs continues to move forward at warp … Read more

The economic impact of mental health

By Carrie Zeisse, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Bay Thrives Mental illness costs the economy about $200 billion in lost earnings each year. That’s why it’s so important to normalize conversations about mental health, especially in the C-suite. Mental health is physical health, but too often shame and stigma prevent employees from seeking … Read more