Florida Council on Economic Education announces Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The Florida Council on Economic Education (FCEE) honored four distinguished leaders in the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame. The class of 2024 included Bob Clark of Tampa Steel Erecting Company, Gary Hartfield of Serenity Village, Dewey Mitchell of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and Todd Wanek of Ashley Furniture.

The Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame, hosted by the FCEE, took place on Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Tampa Hilton Downtown. Under the theme of "Soaring To New Heights," the event celebrated these exceptional captains and their remarkable contributions to the Tampa Bay region, raising over $360,000 to support FCEE's mission.

"We were thrilled to welcome Bob Clark, Gary Hartfield, Dewey Mitchell, and Todd Wanek into the Hall of Fame Class of 2024," said John Brabson and Dr. Tonjua Williams, 2024 Event Co-Chairs. "Their achievements and dedication to business excellence, combined with their commitment to community service, truly embodied the spirit of this prestigious honor."

Since its inception in 1988, the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame has recognized individuals who have left an indelible mark on the region through their business acumen and civic leadership. Inductees are selected for their significant impacts on the Tampa Bay community and their unwavering commitment to integrity and high ideals.

"The FCEE is very proud to have welcomed these four tremendous entrepreneurs into the Hall of Fame family. Their legacy is an inspiration to countless generations who follow," said Suzanne Costanza, Executive Director of the FCEE. "This celebration is a must-attend business event each year. Over 420 community members joined us in honoring this outstanding class and saluting decades of Hall of Fame members who continue to inspire future generations."

The FCEE would like to extend a special thank you to our presenting sponsors: Ashley, Raymond James, and Harrell's. Additionally, we thank Coca-Cola Beverages Florida for being our grand reception sponsor. Your generous support has made this event possible and helps us continue our mission. A complete list of sponsors can be found here.

The Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame event serves as a platform to promote economic and personal finance education in K-12 schools throughout the Gulf Coast region and Florida. Proceeds from the event support the educational programs of the FCEE and the Gus A. Stavros Center for Free Enterprise & Economic Education at the University of South Florida.

All event photos can be downloaded here

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