SARASOTA -- Regional business and community leaders launched The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's 93rd year Friday with the Chamber's Annual Kick-Off Breakfast.

Sarasota Chamber Chairman Nicholas C. Gladding, an attorney with Dunlap & Moran P.A., called the event "an outstanding kick-off attended by over 400 prominent members" of both the Manatee and Sarasota chambers.

Gladding said the Sara

sota Chamber's three main goals are "increased and better services to members; regionalism, that is working more closely with our neighbors at the Manatee Chamber on projects of regional interest," and initiating the latest round of fundraising campaigns termed "Sarasota Next." Those target "$1 million in cash, as opposed to in-kind" contributions over the coming three years, he said.

The event featured keynote speaker Mark Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber, who presented the "Six Pillar" framework, which serves as an organizing force for strategic planning, a press release stated.