Awards & Events

Fred Lay is incredibly open and honest about his early experiences. He admits to his mischievous nature. He’s actually just a pretty transparent guy, in general.  He runs his business, Construction Services Inc., very much the same way. CSI is a Class A general contractor, based in Tampa. In Lay’s career, he has worked on

More than 500 attendees gathered to support the Habitat mission at the sold-out Glow Gala, presented by Crown Automotive Charities and the Hawkins Family Foundation.  The event, at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort, in St. Petersburg, illuminated the night celebrating the Habitat mission. Thanks to the support of the Glow Gala sponsors, and supporters, a record

After a record-breaking 10 hours in the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth office, five external judges selected 45 finalists for the 2024 Apogee Awards, in addition to two exceptional honors for TBBW’s Icon Award and its newly created Impact Award. The Apogee Awards is a unique awards program, created by TBBW magazine, to recognize distinguished

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its June CEO Connect with John McKibbon III and J.B. McKibbon IV, of McKibbon Hospitality, at Hyatt House Tampa Airport/Westshore. Presenting sponsors for the event included KUDUCOM, Mauldin & Jenkins, The William Stanley CFO Group and Valley Bank. Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso and video by Empowering Creative

The South Tampa Chamber presented Bridgette Bello with the inaugural Bridgette Bello Champion for Women Award at an event held at the HCA South Tampa. The South Tampa Chamber’s Bridgette Bello Champion for Women Award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment and impact in advancing equality and empowering women. This award

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its May CEO Connect, at J.C. Newman Cigar Company, in Tampa, featuring Paula Woodring, chief executive officer and founder of RELTCO. Presenting sponsors included CI Group and Evara. Photos by Heike Sabo.

Ryann Halo, of Salon Halo, and Gretchen Bauer, of BSWANKY, co-hosted an event at Salon Halo, in South Tampa, to benefit PACE for Girls. Food was provided by Chef Rosana and beverages by Cru Cellars. The Straz Center for Performing Arts and Opera Tampa provided music. A raffle raised more than $2,200 for PACE for

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held a Tech Connect: Taking the fear out of artificial intelligence, presented by KUDUCOM, Source 1 Solutions and SME Solutions Group. The event was held at Five Labs, in Tampa. The moderator for the panel was Christopher Moyer, founder, president and chief executive officer of SME Solutions Group. This discussion

The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation held its annual meeting, on the campus of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.  Speakers at this year’s meeting included St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch, EDC President and Chief Executive Officer Mike Swesey, immediate past chair of the Board of Governors Marcus Greene and new Chair Bill

AchieveHERS, an initiative of Amplify Clearwater, held its signature luncheon, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  Guest speakers for the event included Liz & Mallory Dimmitt.

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its April CEO Connect, at Thousand and One, featuring Fred Lay, CEO of Construction Services Inc. Presenting sponsors included BankUnited, Northern Trust and nPerspective. Host sponsors were Strategic Property Partners and CRU Cru Cellars. Photos by Tacy Briggs Troncoso and video produced by Empowering Creative.

Keith Leclerc is still, officially, chief executive officer, and president, of International Diamond Center, but the succession plan is in full motion.  The next generation of leadership at IDC includes one Leclerc and two Leclercs “by marriage.” Together, Brian Leclerc, Brian Stamey and Chad Masters are being groomed for a future of diamonds and gold.