Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2010-2011

The Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the new board members for the 2010-2011 term. The Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business and professional men and woman who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the commercial and civic progress of the community.

“This newly elected board is a diverse group of professionals with exceptional talents. I welcome the opportunity to work closely with local businesses, as well as the wonderful Davis Islands community, and the possibilities we can engage with them,” said Alex Valderrama. Alex was recently named President of the Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce effective immediately.

The new board members are as follows:

Alex Valderrama, President: Alex owns and operates Cranium Studio, a 20 year old branding and marketing firm. He oversees operations, branding and creative execution for the studio. Alex has also served as a Marketing Board Member and advisor for several non-profit, development and community projects and associations such as Five Points Business District, Curtis Park Neighborhood Association, Benedict Park Place, Freedom Service Dogs and Smart-Girl. Alex has taught branding and marketing courses at Arapahoe Community College and Metropolitan State College. He has also been a curriculum advisor to several universities and a mentor to students and interns. Alex has worked with national clients such as Massey Ferguson, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Gates Rubber Company and Principal Financial in addition to smaller businesses such as Delish Demure, Basil Doc’s Pizza, Spavia, Santa Claran Hotel and Aldo Leopardi just to name a few. Alex and his firm have received over 80 national and international awards for exceptional branding and have also been published in over 20 publications.

Bill Sharpe, Marketing: Bill is the Publisher of the South Tampa Community News, Editor of SOHOTampa.com, and is President of the Tampa Marketing Company.  Bill serves on the Islands Fest Committee and is a former President of the Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce.

Sandra Fernandez-Lopez, Secretary: Sandra is a Business Development Manager for CIRSCO, a State Certified Commercial Roofing Contractor based in Tampa. The company focuses on existing structures for consulting, inspections, maintenance programs, scopes, repairs and re-roofing services and servicing many property managers and building owners throughout the seven county area. Sandra is a native of Tampa and is highly involved in many community and business organizations. She brings some 30+ years of business and marketing experience to her position at CIRSCO. As a former business owner, she was named Hispanic Woman of the Year in Business in 2002 and Hispanic Woman of the Year in Media and Public Relations in 1997 by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. Her company was named Hispanic Business of the Year in 2002 by Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

JoAnn Bacon, Treasurer: JoAnn is an Office Manager for The Palm Bank on Davis Islands. She has been with The Palm Bank for over five years. She and her husband Dennis are Island residents as well. JoAnn has one son who is married and lives locally in Palm Harbor. She is excited about becoming a grandparent in the very near future. Her interests are football (Florida State and Buccaneer fan), baseball (Tampa Bay Rays fan), country and jazz concerts, bike riding, fishing and spending quality time with her family. She was born and raised in Hyde Park, New York. JoAnn has lived in the Tampa Bay area for nearly 26 years. She looks forward to serving as a board member for the Chamber and helping the Davis Islands’ businesses and community.

Jim Frijouf, Membership: Jim graduated from the University of North Florida.  He retired from Florida Power (Progress Energy) Nuclear Operations in Crystal River. Jim is currently employed by Frijouf, Rust & Pyle, P.A., an intellectual property law firm, as Office Manager. He is a former Vice President of Islands Fest, Incorporated. He is past President and is currently Membership Chair of the Davis Islands Chamber of Commerce. He is also currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Davis Islands Yacht Club. Jim is a member of the American Boat and Yacht Council. He is a past Flotilla Commander and member of the National Photo Corps, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.