The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce has installed Darren Richards as its Chair for the 2023-24 program year. Richards is currently Chief Operating Officer of Tucker/Hall, a communications consulting firm. Tucker/Hall has been active with the Ybor City Chamber for decades but became even more involved in recent years as the firm moved its headquarters to a historic building on Ybor City’s famous 7th Avenue.
“We thoroughly enjoy being in Ybor City and being involved in one of our community’s most treasured neighborhoods,” said Richards. “The history, that unique Ybor vibe, the creativity, and, of course, the chickens!”
Richards is looking forward to working with the Chamber members to help them grow their businesses and advocate for issues important in the community. Some projects he’s excited about include the re-bricking of 7th Avenue, ” which will truly bring Ybor back to its roots,” he adds.
He’s also excited about the upcoming Tampa Gas Worx project. “Obviously, Darryl Shaw and his team have some very exciting developments underway to truly make Ybor a live/work/play destination.”
Ybor City Chamber leadership slate
In addition to naming Richards as chair, the Ybor Chamber installed the following volunteer leadership slate:
- Chair Elect Dr. Larissa Baia, HCC Ybor Campus
- Secretary Blake Guthrie with the ReliaQuest Bowl
- And Treasurer Dr. Jamaris Glenn of 7th and Grove
Ybor City was founded in 1886 when Vicente Martinez-Ybor moved his cigar factory from Key West to Tampa. The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce came along in 1930 and has been supporting the business community ever since.
Related: FMoPA moving to Ybor in 2023
“At the Ybor City Chamber, we often say we keep ‘P.A.C.E.’ for our members because we Promote, Advocate, Connect and Educate through our various events and programs,” said Lee Bell, President and CEO of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. “I’m excited about what Darren, our board, our staff and our members will accomplish together in the year ahead.”
The Ybor City Chamber also operates the Visitor Information Center on 8th Avenue in Ybor City. It’s open seven days a week and helps people plan their visit to Ybor City so they can enjoy all the community has to offer. Everything from museums to entertainment to restaurants and, of course, the city’s famous chickens.