The \;Carrollwood Area Business Association (CABA) \;invites you to attend an \;informative and practical Lunch &\; Learn \;featuring \;Ann Shipherd\, Esq.\, founder of \;AC Ship Global Trade Law PLLC.

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This educational event is \;open to CABA members\, non-members\, and members of the public \;who want to better understand how \;Port Tampa Bay\, global trade activity\, and tariffs \;influence the Tampa Bay economy&mdash\;and how those forces ultimately impact \;local businesses and their clients.

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Port Tampa Bay is one of the most significant economic drivers in our region\, supporting billions of dollars in economic activity and hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout Central Florida. What happens at the port affects far more than shipping companies. It influences \;fuel costs\, construction materials\, retail goods\, food distribution\, healthcare supplies\, transportation\, and vendor pricing&mdash\;creating downstream effects that small businesses experience\, even if they never import or export goods themselves.

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During this Lunch &\; Learn\, Ann Shipherd will explain&mdash\;in clear\, non-technical language&mdash\;how global trade trends and tariffs heading into 2026 can impact:

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Business costs and pricing decisions
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Vendor and supplier pricing changes
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Project planning and material availability
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Client budgets\, expectations\, and purchasing behavior
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Economic predictability for small businesses
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This session is designed for \;brick-and-mortar and virtual businesses alike\, including business owners\, managers\, consultants\, sales professionals\, and service providers who want to stay informed and prepared without needing a background in global trade or logistics.

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Event Format

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This is a \;seated Lunch &\; Learn \;featuring a structured educational presentation and Q&\;A. Attendees will enjoy lunch while listening to the speaker.
\nThis is not a speed networking or round-robin style event.
\nInformal networking may take place before and after the presentation.

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What to Expect

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An overview of \;Port Tampa Bay&rsquo\;s role in the local economy \;and why it matters to Tampa Bay businesses.
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A practical explanation of \;global trade and tariffs \;and how they create downstream effects across industries.
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Insight into \;legal and economic developments \;that may influence costs in 2026.
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Actionable takeaways to help businesses \;anticipate changes\, plan ahead\, and communicate more confidently with clients.
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A live Q&\;A with the speaker.
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Schedule

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Doors &\; Buffet Open: \;11:30 AM
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Presentation Begins: \;12:00 PM
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Lunch Included

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Your registration includes a \;buffet lunch \;provided by:

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The Hummus Truck
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Oola Bowls
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If you want to better understand \;how economic forces shape pricing\, costs\, and client behavior in Tampa Bay\, this CABA Lunch &\; Learn will provide valuable perspective and practical insight&mdash\;over lunch.