Manatee Tiger Bay Club, Inc. kicked off their first 2021 in-person event late last week about Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness. Xtavia Bailey, Manatee Tiger Bay Club President, stated “I have missed interacting with our members and listening to our guests provide information that educates our community.”
According to the clubs’ website, “Manatee Tiger Bay Club, Inc., established in 2009, is a non-partisan organization formed to present exciting, stimulating, and thought-provoking programs with topics ranging from political, social, local, state to national issues. We are a club geared to serve local businesses and community members. New members and guests are welcome. Speakers are politicians, elected officials, community leaders, public affairs experts, and citizens deeply involved in the topic at hand. Presentations are followed by a Q&A from our members.”
The events and political debates hosted by Tiger Bay in 2020 were streamed online due to COVID restrictions for members to watch. Ms. Bailey stated, “Streaming events online took some time for adjustment, but was overall successful.” Pre-COVID, Tiger Bay would film the events and then post them online for people to watch the following day. Moving forward, Ms. Bailey is inclined to continue the streaming of meetings for community viewing.
When asked if Tiger Bay experienced a decline in membership because of COVID, Ms. Baily stated “I would say we did have a decline in membership because people not wanting to be exposed, but others (members) wanted to meet in person sooner.” The Tiger Bay is reaching out to inform members of the club is now meeting in person.
Upcoming topics being hosted by Tiger Bay will cover law enforcement, private immigration holding camps, and a Legislative session update. Ms. Bailey stated, “We welcome topic suggestions from the community and members for future events.” When Tiger Bay hosts controversial events, every attempt is made to bring experienced speakers from both sides of the topic.
Ms. Bailey stated, “I think we should appreciate the fact as Americans, there will always be different sides, and the community embracing a club that brings both (sides) should be commended.”
Tiger Bay will soon host the annual Pat Glass Leadership Awards dinner and will be introducing a leadership essay contest to present the Club’s first scholarship next year. Manatee Tiger Bay Club meets on the third Thursday of every month during lunch at Pier 22 in downtown Bradenton. The Tiger Bay is now allowing single members to join for $50 and also offer deals for nonprofit and corporate memberships.
If readers are interested to join the Manatee Tiger Bay Club, please visit www.manateetigerbay.org to sign up for a membership online.
