Congratulations to DFCU our Deal of the Year Winner
Congratulations to Darryl Shaw, Winner of the 2023 Impact Award
Congratulations to the 2022 Tampa Bay Deal of the Year Winner!
Symphonic is a leading music technology and services company, offering a proprietary content management and distribution platform, global royalty collection and split payments, and robust label services to independent labels, managers, and artists. Founded in 2006 by music producer Jorge Brea, Symphonic is 100% independent and proud to be “by artists, for artists.” Headquartered in Tampa, FL, and Nashville, TN, Symphonic also has a significant presence in Los Angeles, Miami, the Caribbean, Colombia, Brazil, and Africa. The Series B investment in Symphonic Distribution was a timely opportunity, given the recent growth in other technology and start-up sectors in Tampa Bay as well, together leading to an increased profile for the area as a hub. The Symphonic deal represents a Tampa success story, a local business founder built for over 10 years, then with a local investment partnership into an internationally-known brand with a top-class team for more growth.
First Deal of the Year Award Winner SOMA Global
SOMA Global was founded by a team of public safety and technology veterans, SOMA Global’s Public Safety as a Service (PSAAS™) platform offers industry-leading computer-aided dispatch, mobile dispatch, records management, and jail solutions. Government Technology magazine recently named SOMA Global to its 2021 GovTech 100, a “compendium of 100 companies focused on, making a difference in, and selling to state and local government agencies across the United States.” SOMA Global is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
Meet the Judges
Judges for the Tampa Chapter AM&AA Deal of the Year Awards were selected based on their success in business, contributions to our ecosystem, involvement in the Greater Tampa Bay community, and extensive industry experience.
Speros Margetis, Chairman of Judges
Professor of Finance and Business Consultant, University of Tampa
Jorge Brea
Chief Executive Officer | 2022 Deal of the Year Winner
Vickie Chachere
Executive Editor, Florida Trend
Dr. Jacqueline Darna
CEO/founder Intellidoc & Medical Inventor of NoMo Brands
Mark Gordon
Managing Editor, Business Observer
Peter Quintas
Founder and CEO SOMA Global 2021 Deal of the Year Winner
Bemetra Simmons
President and CEO Tampa Bay Partnership and Co-founder of Corporate HomieKeynote Speaker
Mark Wilson
President and CEO, Florida Chamber of Commerce
Mark Wilson serves as president and chief executive officer of Florida’s largest and most influential business advocacy organization. Wilson leads the substantial political, lobbying, grassroots, and economic research operations of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The Florida Chamber focuses on creating a business climate that generates prosperity and high-paying jobs, vibrant communities and global competitiveness in the state of Florida by focusing on job creation and the Six Pillars of Florida’s Future Economy: Talent Supply & Education, Innovation & Economic Development, Infrastructure & Growth Leadership, Business Climate & Competitiveness, Civic & Governance Systems and Quality of Life & Quality Places.
Through his focus on unifying the business community, Wilson created the Florida Business Agenda and the Florida Chamber Grassroots Network, which mobilizes the business community on issues ranging from taxes and talent, to insurance and constitutional amendment reform. Wilson was also the first president of the Florida Justice Reform Institute, a Florida Chamber partner organization focused on reducing frivolous lawsuits.
In addition to his legislative successes, Wilson is also the architect of groundbreaking statewide political campaigns in 2004 and 2006 that passed significant constitutional amendment reforms, as well as numerous legislative and issue campaigns. In 2010, he served as treasurer and co-chair of the Vote No on 4 campaign, an anti-growth proposal, in one of the most successful political campaigns in Florida’s history.
Wilson serves on the Board of Directors of Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, Enterprise Florida, Workforce Florida, Leadership Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Chamber Foundation, and the Council of State Chambers, as well as serving as an active member of the Florida Council of 100, the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100, and the American Chamber of Commerce Executives.
A native of Illinois, Wilson received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and has earned the national designation of Certified Chamber Executive (CCE). Prior to joining the Florida Chamber in 1998, Wilson served as vice president of the Chicagoland Chamber and previously served with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Eligibility Requirements
Nomination Process
Important Dates
- June 16, 2023: Nominations open
- September 20, 2023: Final day for nomination submission
- October 2, 2023: Semi-Finalist selected for Judges interviews
- Beginning October 10, 2023: Semi-Finalist Judges interview process
- October 31, 2023: Announcement of all Finalists
- January 31, 2024: DOTY Awards event
Finalists
Award
Questions & Answers
Is there a fee to nominate, participate or win?
No.
Are materials submitted on deals confidential?
No, please do not submit any information that needs to remain confidential.
Is there a specified time frame for deals eligible for nomination?
Deals completed between October 01, 2022 and Sep 30, 2023 are eligible.
How are the winners selected?
The judges panel as named, will review all of the nominations, and score them based on their contribution to job growth, positive economic impact, capital formation, local advisory firms used, and the advancement of meaningful business relationships in the greater Tampa Bay Area to determine the winner. It is important to note that while the success and complexity of the deal are considered the true merits of the deal, the impact on the local Greater Tampa Bay economy will play a large role in the equation.
Is there a word limit for entry submissions?
Yes, each section of the application has a limit of 250 words that will be provided for each question, and may be shorter, depending on the criteria requested.
What counties are included in the Greater Tampa Bay Area?
For purposes of this award, The Greater Tampa Bay Area consists of Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties.
Should I submit a deal for “Deal of the Year” or one of the individual Awards?
All deal nominations submitted with complete details will automatically be considered for Deal of the Year. The most outstanding Deal of the Year will recognize the most impressive M&A transaction announced and the Individual contributions of one professional during the Nomination review and *eligibility period. The Deal of the Year Award will recognize the standout M&A transaction finalists of the year and one outstanding Advisor. Deals will be recognized that have shaped market M&A practice or an Individual that has significantly impacted a Transaction and the Tampa Bay Ecosystem. If you feel a deal meets this criteria or an individual has made a defining contribution to the M&A market, please submit a Nomination through the Deal of the Year website.
Beyond the Nomination, do you need any more information from me?
A Nomination Form must be fully completed and submitted for consideration. It can include up to 2 supplemental pieces, such as articles or social media, including the transaction Announcement or the Advisor’s work in M&A. In particular incidents, the Awards research team or Judges Panel may contact you for more information regarding your submission. They may speak with professionals named in the Nominations as part of the research and selection process.
Can I have an extension to the above deadline?
No, the submission deadline is final, and we cannot accommodate submissions after this date.
Please let me know what you’ll do with the information I submit.
The information provided will ultimately allow us to inform the Nominees of this honor and in select incidents, collect additional information needed. The Executive Committee and AM&AA Deal of the Year Committee may also share the information in supplemental awards presentations and content, including social media.
University Sponsors
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About AM&AA Tampa Bay Chapter
We serve as a resource for business owners mergers and acquisitions professionals who want to gain insight into the exit/transition process and connect with skilled advisors who can serve them on their journey. We provide relevant, in person networking and educational events featuring the top minds in the mergers and acquisitions industry throughout the year. Click here to learn more about AM&AA. To learn more about how you and your company can get involved with the Tampa Bay Chapter, please contact Silvana Capaldi, Founding Chair at Email: scapaldi@ispiraregroup.com
