Gary Tuhro Shares Highlights from the MS-BIA Sarasota Slam

Are you familiar with the MS-BIA Sarasota Slam? Since Tile Outlets of America is an active participant in the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association (MSBIA), we thought we'd share highlights with you.

Gary Tuhro is Pro Services Relationship Manager in the Sarasota store and attended the recent event. We caught up with him to learn more.

>> See Gary Tuhro Focuses on Tile Installation Professionals in Sarasota

Gary Tuhro Tells us About the MS-BIA Sarasota Slam

TOA: What is the Manatee-Sarasota BIA?

Gary: The Manatee-Sarasota BIA was chartered in 1983. It's a professional trade organization comprised of local builders and associated businesses involved in the building industry.

The Manatee-Sarasota BIA is affiliated with the (FHBA) Florida Home Builders Association, and (NAHB) National Association of Home Builders.

These organizations are all strong advocates for the housing authority.

TOA: What is the Sarasota Slam?

Gary: The Sarasota Slam is an event that the BIA and many supporting sponsors put on every year.

The Sarasota Slam has become one of Southwest Florida’s “most endeared fishing tournaments!”

Over the past 14 years it has reached out to the community supporting local organizations such as Homes for our Troops, The Boys and Girls Clubs, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, and many more.

It's just a terrific event to be involved in.

TOA: Gary, where does the Sarasota Slam take place?

Gary: The Sarasota Slam takes place at Marina Jack which is located at 2 Marina Plaza in Sarasota, Florida.

It's a perfect location, right on the water so you are right there for boats taking off for the fishing tournament, and returning.

Anyone who doesn't want to go out on the water can wait at Marina Jack and be there when the boats return.

TOA: How did Tile Outlets of America get involved in the Sarasota Slam?

Gary: Tile Outlets of America has been a sponsor of the Sarasota Slam for the third straight year.

We've donated hundreds of pens, notepads, keychains, and cell phone holders towards the captain’s buckets. The captain’s buckets are part of many prizes that are won throughout the day with the purchase of a raffle ticket.

We also donated two wet saws. They too were sold at an auction, and the proceeds go towards a local charity known as Harvest House.

Gary Tuhro stands next to a Sarasota Slam participant with her tilefish catch in hand.

TOA: What were some of the highlights from this year's event?

Gary: The Sarasota Slam drew several hundred people from all over the area.

It was a beautiful, sunny, 84 degree day and there was food, live music and entertainment.

Lulu from 92.1 CTQ was the Emcee, and she gave many “shout outs” for Tile Outlets of America while on the microphone promoting the event.

TOA: How was this event different from past ones?

Gary: The past two events were shortened by severe rain and lightning.

This year the weather was beautiful throughout the day. This provided an opportunity for the anglers to park their boats, take pictures with their team, and weigh in their catch in front of a large crowd.

Also, this year parking was limited at the front of Marina Jack because of construction. Jon Mast, the Chief Executive Officer of the BIA, generously gave Tile Outlets his personal parking space at the event. This provided us additional exposure with our company van on display in front of the restaurant.

Thank you, Jon!

Jon Mast, the Chief Executive Officer of the BIA generously gave Tile Outlets his personal parking space at the event

TOA: Gary, we've heard you mention the Slam Crew. Tell us more.

Gary: Actually the “Slam Crew” is comprised of dedicated members of the BIA who promote the Sarasota Slam throughout the year at other venues and events.

They also work behind the scenes sending letters and emails to local businesses in an effort to make the Sarasota Slam better than the year before.

The Slam Crew is run by Leslie Weed, the Membership and Event Director for the BIA. She assigns a worklist to the Slam Crew so each area of the event is set up and run properly.

Although I'm not on the Slam Crew, I was in the picture taken with them. I helped the BIA sell raffle tickets at the event.

Gary Tuhro, on the far left, and the Sarasota Slam Crew

TOA: Gary, how does Tile Outlets of America help members of the Sarasota BIA?

Gary: We help the MS-BIA in two ways.

We assist at events we participate in. For example, we have assisted in setting up tables, folding shirts, and filling gift bags at prior events. Most recently, we helped sell raffle tickets at the Sarasota Slam to help raise money.

Throughout the year, I talk to various tile installation contractors about the benefits of being a member.

The MS-BIA has been an outstanding organization for Tile Outlets of America and has greatly contributed to the growth of our Sarasota location.

TOA: Thank you, Gary!

Did You Attend the MS-BIA Sarasota Slam?

Were you able to attend this year's Sarasota Slam? Did you connect with Gary Tuhro? What did you love most about it?

We encourage you to learn more about the Tile Outlets of America Pro Services program and to reach out to Gary Tuhro.