Suhail Rifaie took an unexpected journey with his father’s ‘Sweetheart’ and has no regrets

It’s a profound foundation for Suhail Rifaie, family. In almost every important matter in his life. Every goal he has ever set. It’s why he wanted to attend medical school, it’s why he set milestone markers on his life’s journey, with when in his life it was time to have a wife and children, and … Read more

University of South Florida hits fundraising record with more than $151 million in gifts

►The Florida Board of Governors voted unanimously to formally designate USF as a “Preeminent State Research University,” which will bring the school $6.15 million in additional funding. The University of South Florida also appointed Michael Kelly the new vice president of athletics.

Philanthropic gifts from the University of South Florida community exceeded $151 million in fiscal year 2021-22, the highest amount in the institution’s nearly 70-year history. “Our university has a history of setting ambitious goals and surpassing expectations,” said USF President Rhea Law, in a statement. “I want to convey my deep gratitude to the thousands … Read more

Jesuit High School adds Cammie Chatterton to Board of Trustees

Cammie Chatterton, president and chief executive officer of Bay Food Brokerage, in Tampa, has been elected to join the Board of Trustees at Jesuit High School, also in Tampa. Jesuit High School’s president, Father Richard Hermes, recommended Chatterton to the board, which then voted to admit her to the position, according to a statement. Chatterton’s … Read more

Two Tampa Bay family-owned business services companies announce merger

WCC Business Solutions, a Clearwater-based office equipment and services company, has acquired Modular Business Technologies, based in Tampa. The company will be doing business as WCC Business Solutions with both Gordy Link, president and chief executive officer of WCC, and Joey Ferrante, president of Modular, remaining in their respective positions, at the newly merged entity. … Read more

Scenes from TBBW’s CEO Connect with Deborah Duffey (VIDEO) (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine held its July CEO Connect with Deborah Duffey at The Rez Grill in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa. (Photos below)

Bridgette Bello, chief executive officer and publisher of TBBW, interviewed Duffey in front of a live audience.

Presenting sponsors of the event included Questmont Virtual Family Office, SouthState Bank and Ogletree Deakins. TBBW’s video partner is Empowering Creative.

Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso 

Ideal Agent partners with SME Solutions Group on new technology infrastructure

Ideal Agent, a Tampa-based real estate services company, has partnered with SME Solutions Group, also in Tampa, to create a new technology infrastructure for its business. The new technology will assist Ideal Agent on its digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, to scale its business, reduce expenses and improve the company’s customer experience, according to a … Read more

Tampa-based golf company acquires Sugarmill Country Club, Southern Woods Golf Club and Oak Village Bath and Tennis Club

Links Golf, in Tampa, has acquired Sugarmill Woods Country Club, Southern Woods Golf Club and Oak Village Bath and Tennis Club, from Cabot Group of Canada. Links Golf is led by Scott Yates, a 30-year PGA Member/Club Pro and his wife, Penny Parks. Yates has served as the department head, head golf professional and general … Read more

The big taste and big heart of Charley’s Steakhouse (PHOTOS)

Charley’s Steakhouse’s menu is filled with bold signature cocktails, classic steakhouse favorites and items you can’t find anyplace else. This is an experience defined by the word dedication. Charley’s team is dedicated to presenting the highest quality food, skillfully prepared to let flavor take center stage. It also is dedicated to the details of service, … Read more