Awards & Events

In 2022, after 20 years of chairing groups, Cindy Hesterman was named chief executive officer of Vistage Florida. She was the only woman among 13 candidates and is the first woman to hold the top spot in the organization’s history. Through her professional achievements, her identity isn’t rooted in titles or accolades. Her truest compass has

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth has announced 45 finalists for its 2025 Apogee Awards program, along with two exceptional honors for TBBW’s Icon Award and the newly created Impact Award. After a day of deliberations in TBBW’s external conference room, five judges selected the finalists from nearly 200 submissions. The Apogee Awards is a unique

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its June CEO Connect with Brett and Larry Morgan, of Morgan Auto Group, in Tampa. Sponsors of the evening included BankUnited, Home Safety Solutions, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, nPerspective and Source 1 Solutions. The event was hosted by Porsche Tampa. Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso | Video

Shirl Penney’s story is the kind of American Dream narrative that feels almost too remarkable to be real. Raised in a tiny fishing village by his step-grandfather, Penney’s childhood was defined by struggle. But through his grandfather’s sacrifice, his relentless drive and a belief in the power of education, he built himself into one of

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its May CEO Connect with Cindy Hesterman, chief executive officer of Vistage Florida. M.E. Wilson, Hyde Park Capital, Holland & Knight and Kuducom sponsored the event. Five Labs, in Tampa, hosted the event. Photos by Heike Sabo | Video by Empowering Creative

Nearly 250 guests gathered at the newly renovated Sundial Plaza for a charitable fashion show that raised more than $100,000 for two Tampa Bay nonprofits supporting children with special needs and life-threatening illnesses. Hosted by Jackie Z Style Co. and philanthropic group Booze and Boutiques, the “Passport to Paris” event, held May 10, blended runway

The Children’s Dream Fund hosted its 14th annual Dreammaker Luncheon, at Armature Works, in Tampa, honoring Randy Ware of WestCMR as the 2025 Dreammaker of the Year.  The event, emceed by Fox13’s Allie Corey, brought together 300 guests including business leaders, medical professionals, and families of Dream Children, to celebrate the power of dreams. Highlights

Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, Chon Nguyen has crafted a legacy that’s as dynamic as the city he calls home. From technology to hospitality, his ventures reflect a rare combination of innovation and heart. His story is one of curiosity, grit and an unrelenting drive to turn challenges into opportunities. All told,

The second-largest planetarium in the United States is now open, at Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. Daily space and science shows are now included in general admission. MOSI’s new Digital Dome Theatre—an 82-foot-wide, 330-seat venue—replaces the museum’s previous 46-seat planetarium, featuring a 10,000-square-foot NanoSeam screen and a projection system.  The first student field trip

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its April CEO Connect with Shirl Penney, chief executive officer of Dynasty Financial Partners. Evara Health Foundation, Source 1 Solutions, Home Safety Solutions and Capital Investment Advisors sponsored the event. American Stage, in downtown St. Petersburg, hosted the event. Photos by Heike Sabo

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth ended its run of celebrations for its 2025 Women Who Win Award finalists, on Friday, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Tampa, naming the 2025 overall winner. (All photos below!) The sold-out event, of nearly 450, honored all finalists, named category winners and announced an overall winner.

St. Petersburg College is updating its hospitality curriculum through a new partnership with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, aiming to better prepare students for careers in Florida’s growing tourism industry, according to a statement. The redesigned Introduction to Hospitality course eliminates traditional textbooks and instead features interactive, locally focused content including videos, images and insights from industry