Description

Join us for an Exclusive Premier Investor Lunch and Networking Event 

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce invites all Corporate Trustees, Community Builders, & Economic Drivers to a special lunch and networking event on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

This is an exceptional opportunity to connect with local business leaders, key professionals and decision-makers from a variety of industries, while gaining valuable insights into the issues that matter the most in our community. 

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm

Location: Café on St. Armands

Parking: There is a Parking Garage behind the Restaurant as well as street parking available

Speaker: The Honorable Fiona McFarland

Florida House of Representatives District 73 (Sarasota)

Representative Fiona McFarland was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2020, and chairs the House Student Academic Success Subcommittee. She has championed wide ranging policy from increasing case workers for child welfare services; regulating how companies use our personal data online; improving 911 emergency services; and making historic investments in sea level rise, coastal resiliency, and creation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Representative McFarland is a 2008 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. She served as a Surface Warfare officer, deploying onboard guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88); she was a plankowner of Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4); and served in the Navy Office of Information in the Pentagon. While on active duty, she also earned an MBA from University of Chapel Hill. She continued her service in the US Navy Reserves, deploying around the world for everything from antisubmarine warfare efforts above the Arctic circle, to partnership building exercises among regional African allies and partner nations.

In her civilian capacity, Fiona worked for the business management consulting firm McKinsey and Company, where she served clients across media, consumer goods, manufacturing, and advanced technology industry, consulting directly with senior executives of Fortune 500 companies.

Fiona is married to fellow Naval Academy classmate Matthew Melton and they have four young children.

Menu:

Enjoy a thoughtfully curated plated lunch. 

Amuse Bouche-Beet Salad Spoon

Choice of entrees include:  

Quiche Lorraine with greens caramelized onion, bacon lardons, Gruyère

Mushroom Flat Bread roasted mushrooms, Gruyère, gouda, arugula, black garlic aioli

Pan-Seared Chicken and Grain Bowl Quinoa with apricots, dates, raisins, Greek Salad

Spanish-Style Cobia with Saffron Rice - Spanish seasoned served with Saffron Rice

Dessert: Key Lime Pie

Please advise any dietary requirements. 

Seats are limited, so be sure to register today! Don't miss this opportunity to maximize your membership, gain valuable insights and grow your professional network.

Questions? Contact Celeste Lloyd-Jones at [email protected]

We look forward to see you there! 

RSVP Required: This event is exclusive to Premier Investors of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Please confirm your attendance by registering. Premier Level Investors are made up of our Corporate Trustees, Community Builders and Economic Drivers.