What does the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce actually do?

They connect local businesses through weekly networking, monthly education, annual awards, community fundraising, and student scholarships. It is not just a logo on a window. The VFCC is the most active business organization in the Valrico-FishHawk corridor, and if you own a business or work in this area, it is worth knowing what they offer.

I have been involved in the local business community here for over two decades, and the chamber is the one organization that consistently brings people together. Here is the honest breakdown of what they do and whether it is worth your time.

The Basics

Location: 3115 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Valrico, FL 33596 Members: Approximately 250 local businesses Website: valricofishhawk.org

The VFCC serves businesses in Valrico, FishHawk Ranch, Lithia, Bloomingdale, and the surrounding area. Members range from solo entrepreneurs and home-based businesses to medical practices, law firms, restaurants, and real estate offices.

Current Leadership

The chamber is led by a volunteer board of directors:

• President: Patti Sutherland
• VP: Erica Jourdain
• Treasurer: Heidi Edgerton
• Secretary: Angie Kagey
• Chairman of the Board Elect: Kevin Suba

Board members are local business owners and professionals who volunteer their time. The chamber operates with a small paid staff supported by the volunteer board.

Weekly Networking: Wednesday Midday Power Hour

Every Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, chamber members gather for the Midday Power Hour. This is the bread and butter of the chamber — a standing weekly opportunity to meet other local business owners, share referrals, and build relationships.

If you have ever wondered how the dentist down the street knows the insurance agent who knows the plumber who knows the mortgage broker, the answer is usually "they met at chamber." The referral network that builds over time is the single most valuable thing the chamber offers.

Monthly Education: VFCC University

Every third Friday of the month, the chamber hosts a 90-minute educational class through VFCC University. Topics cover practical business skills — marketing, social media, accounting, legal issues, hiring, and technology.

These classes are open to both chamber members and non-members. They bring in local experts as instructors, which means the content is relevant to businesses operating in this specific market.

The Annual Dinner and Awards

The chamber's annual dinner is the big event. The January 2026 dinner celebrated the year's standout businesses and raised funds for community causes.

2026 Award Winners

• Business Leader of the Year: Tiffany Achille, Citizens Bank & Trust in Valrico
• Emerging Business of the Year: 55 Rides

The annual dinner also announces the chamber's Charity of Choice for the coming year and celebrates the fundraising results from the previous year.

Community Giving

The chamber does not just network. They give back in measurable ways.

Hope For Her — 2025 Charity of Choice

In 2025, the chamber raised and donated $16,000 to Hope For Her, a local organization supporting women in need. The donation was announced at the January 2026 annual dinner.

High School Scholarships

The VFCC awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are entering trade schools. This is not a token $200 gift card. It is a meaningful investment in students pursuing skilled trades — electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, and similar careers that keep our community running.

Teacher Appreciation

The chamber hosts an annual teacher luncheon and collects donated school supplies for local schools. It is a small gesture, but the teachers notice and appreciate it.

2026 Community Causes

At the 2026 annual dinner, the chamber announced its charitable focus areas for the coming year. The organization continues to rotate its Charity of Choice annually, giving concentrated support to a different local cause each year.

Ribbon Cuttings

When a new business opens in the Valrico-FishHawk area, the chamber organizes a ribbon-cutting ceremony. These events get covered in the Osprey Observer (the local newspaper) and generate social media exposure for the new business. It is one of the simplest and most effective marketing tools a new business owner can access.

Is It Worth Joining?

Here is my honest assessment:

Join if: You own a local business that serves the Valrico-FishHawk-Lithia community, you value face-to-face relationships, and you are willing to show up consistently. The chamber works best for people who attend regularly. Showing up to one event and expecting a flood of referrals is not how it works. Show up every week for three months, and you will have a network of 30+ business owners who know your name and what you do.

Skip if: Your business is entirely online with no local component, or you are looking for a quick lead-generation tool. The chamber is a relationship-building organization, not a leads group.

How to Get Involved

Visit valricofishhawk.org for membership information and event schedules. You can also attend a Wednesday Midday Power Hour as a guest before committing to membership. Show up, introduce yourself, and see if the vibe fits.

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Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate with RE/MAX Collective, serving Valrico and Tampa Bay. For current Valrico listings, call (813) 733-7907 or visit nowtb.com.