THE CHAMBER
CHAMPION…
CEO Jacki Dezelski rallies local businesses
WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
If the Manatee Chamber of Commerce
acts as the voice of local businesses,
Jacki Dezelski holds the megaphone.
As President and CEO of the Chamber,
Jacki works tirelessly to strengthen,
connect and support Manatee area
businesses.
“At last count, more than 26,000 business
people, local consumers, and area
visitors utilize the Manatee Chamber’s two
ofces annually,” points out Jacki. “As the
voice of 2,000 businesses from across the
Manatee County region, we’re impacting
critical issues like attainable housing,
education, leadership development,
healthcare, small business resources,
talent attraction, legislation and more.”
The Chamber comprises more than 25
committees and task forces and 500+
engaged business professionals, all
working together to affect change on
important issues. “If not the Manatee
Chamber, then who?” Jacki emphasizes.
“We strive to speak with a unied business
voice for the entire county.”
Initially founded in 1889 by a group
of business leaders, the Manatee
Chamber’s mission was to deliver value
to local businesses. Today, more than a
century later, the Chamber is still holding
true to that promise. “Thousands upon
thousands of people have gotten us to
where we are now, and I can’t wait to
celebrate the Chamber’s 130th birthday
next year” Jacki enthuses.
Endless Opportunities
As the community continues to boom,
the Manatee Chamber of Commerce
is growing right along with it. “One of
many things I love about my career with
the Manatee Chamber is that there are
always new opportunities,” says Jacki.
“Looking to early 2019, the Chamber will
be moving our Bradenton operations into
brand new space back on the gateway
corner of 10th St. W. and 3rd Ave. W. in
downtown Bradenton.”
After temporarily relocating nine blocks
west, the Chamber is working with
the City of Bradenton to plan this next
chapter. “The new, mixed use parking
garage project will give our members
even greater visibility to help grow
their business,” she adds. “It’s been
really exciting to plan new space to
complement our beautiful, highly
functional office, lobby and meeting
space in Lakewood Ranch.”
Two Decades of Service
Jacki is certainly no rookie when it comes
to championing local businesses. After
all, she has been with the Manatee
Chamber since 1996.
“I rst learned about an open position
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