Chamber of Commerce Transition Begins Monday in Temple Terrace

It’s a time of change for the Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce as the business community says farewell to executive director Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy and hello to Dustilyn “Dustie” Amatangelo, who will transition into the role this month.

Amatangelo will begin working alongside Sparks-McGlinchy on Monday, Aug. 5. She’ll take on the executive director role Sept. 1.

But despite her departure, Sparks-McGlinchy plans to remain a fixture in the Amazing City.

“I will still be living here in Temple Terrace and involved in the community,” said the 2008 Citizen of the Year finalist. “I will definitely miss the job, however, I will remain an active member of the chamber.”

She’ll also continue to teach the University Experience class at the University of South Florida, which acclimates freshmen to life at USF, and volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. And she’ll remain the vice president for Programming for the Sports Club of Tampa Bay, as well as a member on the Board of Directors for the Police Athletic League of Tampa (PAL), the advisory Board of the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl, and the Board of the USF Athletics Varsity Club.

Sparks-McGlinchy joined the chamber in the late 1980s when she was in the USF Athletics Department. She took on the executive director position four years ago.

“As an active member of the chamber and a long-time resident of Temple Terrace, I felt that this position would provide me the opportunity to contribute to the growth of Temple Terrace businesses and the community,” she said.

Under her leadership, the chamber has continued organizing its annual events, such as the Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks in conjunction with the City of Temple Terrace, the Business Expo, the Taste of the Terrace, and the Awards & Installation Banquet.

This year marks the 50th annual Awards & Installation Banquet and will be Sparks-McGlinchy’s last hurrah. It takes place Aug. 27, 6 p.m., at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).

Why did she decide to retire?

“To spend more time with my mother, who lives in Boca Raton; my grandchildren, who are in Atlanta; and my husband, who doesn’t get to see me very often!” she said, adding she’s most looking forward to “relaxing a little.”

Amatangelo, who used to live in Temple Terrace and now resides in Riverview, said she’s most looking forward to “getting started and getting to know everyone on a personal and professional basis.”

She’s a former account manager for the Tampa Tribune, where she worked developing relationships with small- to medium-sized business owners.

Most recently, she was the president of Personal Marketing Solutions, a business she started in December 2012 to help small businesses create, implement and manage marketing strategies.

She has more than 15 years in sales, marketing and leadership experience.

“I used to live in the (Temple Terrace) community over 17 years ago,” she said. “I always thought that Temple Terrace was family-friendly with a rich history. I have also always believed in the Chamber of Commerce and their mission. When I worked for the Tribune, I was heavily involved at the Brandon Chamber and always thought it would be a great job. So it all just made sense to apply for the position, and here I am.”

She has led community efforts through the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Brandon Kiwanis and Brandon Rotary. She was chairman of the Leadership Brandon 2006 Class and motivated class members to raise more than $80,000 for projects to benefit the Brandon community.

What's one random fact that people might not know about her?

“I used to coach youth cheerleading for the Brandon Bears and Valrico Rams,” she said. “It was a passion, and I became really good at it. I think once you meet me, you can see why this was a good fit.”

She said she’s looking forward to transitioning into the executive director role.

“I'm very excited about all the possibilities,” she said. “I believe this position will allow me to take advantage of all my skills in marketing, sales and management.”

See also:

• Temple Terrace Chamber Announces New Director
• Lauren Tice is Leaving Temple Terrace Chamber