Meet the President and Vice Presidents
Click the Name to Send an Email
Bob Bartz
President of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce since 1982, Bob is responsible for the overall administration of the Chamber. He works closely with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors in ensuring that the Chamber continues to improve and provide needed services to the community. He can be reached at 941-748-4842, ext. 112.
Eric Basinger
Vice President of Economic Development Eric Basinger joined the organization in 2009 and works to improve the economic health of the community through the creation of jobs, increased capital investment and increased flow of new dollars into Manatee County. He can be reached at 941-748-4842, ext. 120.
Jacki Dezelski
Jacki is Vice President of East County and Community Development and has been with the Chamber since 1996. She spearheads the Chamber's involvement in education and future workforce development, Leadership Manatee, Manatee Young Professionals, healthcare, communications, beautification and the Manatee Chamber Foundation. Reach her at 941-748-4842 ext. 131.
Marie Pender
As Vice President of Membership Development and Services since 1989, Marie is responsible for the attraction and retention of Chamber members. She also oversees the Chamber's numerous networking functions, golf tournaments, and trade fairs. In addition, Marie is the supervisor of the Chamber's Better Business Council (BBC) and drug prevention program, B.A.N.D. Marie can be contacted at 941-748-4842 ext. 121.
Neil Spirtas
Neil is Vice President of Public Policy & Small Business and joined the Chamber in 1985. His department has three major focus areas: government, small business, and tourism. Water management, transportation improvement and community-wide visioning are his three current priority objectives. Contact him at 941-748-4842, ext. 124.
Meet the Chamber Staff
Meet the Economic Development Staff