Chamber leaders say it’s time to prepare for 2027

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A strong local economy is giving business leaders confidence heading into 2027, but chamber officials say uncertainty about the broader outlook means now is the time to plan ahead.“It’s too late waking up on January 1st with your game plan,” said Heather Kasten, President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. “The business community needs to start thinking now about 2027 and what does that look like for them in terms of revenue and customers.”At the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on Oct. 23, speakers urged members to start mapping out strategies for revenue, customers and growth drivers for the next year, rather than waiting for economic conditions to shift.Chamber leaders said having a game plan in place before 2027 puts companies in a better position to respond if events change course.Keynote speaker Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, former president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises and author of “Making Waves,” shared insights on leadership, naviga