Local Buzz

Rita Lowman, previously president of Pilot Bank, has joined the board of directors of regionally-based Caldwell Trust Company, a wealth management company based in Venice. Lowman began her banking career 45 years ago and has managed more than 20 acquisitions during her career, including the Nations Bank-Barnett Bank merger in 1997. “I’ve looked at a

The Tampa Bay Bowl Association released a new logo and name for the bowl game in Tampa, which previously was known as the Outback Bowl. The Tampa Bay Bowl will continue to be played on New Year’s Day and will continue its TV Network partnership with ESPN and its conference affiliations with the SEC and

Tampa General Hospital unveiled a mural, on its main entrance, which was provided to the hospital via Valspar’s Be Bright Initiative. TGH was chosen to receive this year’s custom-designed mural because of its close relationship with, and support of, the PGA TOUR’S Valspar Championship, which takes place at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Golf Resort

Sandra “Sandy” Murman, former Hillsborough County Commissioner and principal at Shumaker Advisors Florida, is being recognized on International Women’s Day with the Working Women of Tampa Bay 2022 Leadership Award. During her nearly five decades of public service, Murman served as both a member and chair of the Hillsborough County Commission from 2010 to 2020.

The South Tampa Chamber hosted their annual meeting and awards dinner on March 3, 2022, at Peter O. Knight Airport. After recounting some of the chamber’s achievements from the past year, the chamber’s 2021 Chair of the Board, Chris Bentley, passed the gavel to 2022 Chair Rebekah Nault. In addition, Kelly Flannery, chief executive officer

Jack Rybicki, managing principal of CliftonLarsonAllen’s Tampa office, was selected to receive the Vanguard Award from Junior Achievement Tampa Bay. The Vanguard Award recognizes individuals, and organizations, who exemplify the philanthropic qualities that are at the forefront of Junior Achievement’s movement and who support Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay through volunteerism, donations, sponsorship and contributions,

Midtown Tampa’s evolution is still underway, as restaurants and retail complete construction and open their doors. One of the most anticipated openings, Ponte Tampa, is still under construction but is beginning to take shape showcasing Chef Chris Ponte’s vision for what is anticipated to be one of Tampa’s premier dining reservations to score. PONTE TAMPA

Billy West has officially stepped into the role of president of M.E. Wilson Company, after the passing of Guy King III in June of 2021. West previously was chief revenue officer, and partner, for the Tampa insurance brokerage. “It is a bittersweet feeling because I envisioned having Guy here to hand off the baton,” says

Champa Bay Sports and Quantum Evolution were added as members of the NFL Alumni Tampa Chapter. Starting in March 2022, the companies will be hosting monthly community events to bring together “champions” in the Tampa Bay area, in various professions, a statement said. Ben Sever founded, and launched, Champa Bay Sports in 2021. Quantum Evolution,

Dixon Hughes Goodman, an accounting firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina but with a presence in Tampa Bay, has announced it will merge with BKD CPAs & Advisors. The merger of the two firms creates a national top-ten firm that will have a combined $1.4 billion in revenue, a statement said. Tom Watson, current chief

Shilen Patel, chief executive officer of HealthAxis, in Tampa, will be honored with the Indo-US Chamber Community Service Leader award at this year’s Banyan Ball, on April 16, 2022, being held at the Grand Hyatt, in Tampa. Shilen is an active early-stage and private equity investor, as well as the founder of multiple other enterprises.

The University of South Florida Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy in the Muma College of Business has named three accounting faculty members in the school as Kerkering Barberio Fellows, an honor that recognizes continued excellence in undergraduate teaching. The 2022 Kerkering Barberio Fellows are Patricia Gaukel, senior instructor in the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy