Porter Pelican to debut with Ribbon Cutting and Media Launch in St. Pete
Local founder introduces positivity-driven grift and lifestyle brand with community and give-back focus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Porter Pelican™ to Debut with Ribbon Cutting and Media Launch in St. Pete
Local founder introduces positivity-driven gift and lifestyle brand with community and give-back focus
St. Petersburg, FL — April 15, 2026 — Porter Pelican™, a gift and lifestyle brand built on its signature “Pel-I-CAN” positivity ethos, will officially debut with a ribbon cutting and media launch event on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 A.M. at Lake Michigan Credit Union’s 4th Street location in St. Petersburg.
Held in coordination with the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature Porter Pelican’s debut merchandise collection, an official ribbon cutting, and a community gathering set against Sara Salem’s pelican mural, Sol, located on the north side of the building facing 22nd Avenue.
Founded by local entrepreneur Beth MacChesney, Porter Pelican™ is designed to spark smiles, lift spirits, and spread optimism through thoughtfully curated merchandise. A portion of proceeds supports Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, located in Indian Shores, Florida.
“I’m proud to be a member of the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce and to collaborate with such a strong local business community in bringing Porter Pelican to life,” said MacChesney. “As a member of Lake Michigan Credit Union, I have been incredibly impressed by its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. This event is a meaningful reflection of that community-first mindset.”
The April 30 debut offers strong visual and community-interest opportunities for media, including:
- An official ribbon cutting ceremony
- The debut of the Porter Pelican merchandise collection
- An outdoor event setting featuring a prominent pelican-themed mural backdrop
- Community engagement and local business collaboration
Confirmed attendees include:
Chris Steinocher, CEO, St. Pete Chamber of Commerce
Karen Koundourakis, Chief Retail Officer (Florida), Lake Michigan Credit Union Scott Callison, St. Pete Market Leader, Lake Michigan Credit Union
Chamber leadership representatives, Ambassadors, and staff from the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce
Helen French, Executive Director, St. Pete Arts Alliance Sara Salem, mural artist
Additional attendees will include representatives from Lake Michigan Credit Union, the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, and Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, along with members of the local business and arts communities.
Event Details:
What: Porter Pelican™ Ribbon Cutting + Media Launch When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 10:00–11:30 A.M. Where: Lake Michigan Credit Union – 4th Street Location 2180 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Located at:4th Street N & 22nd Avenue N; Sara Salem’s pelican mural, Sol, is on the north side of the building facing 22nd Avenue.
Who: Porter Pelican™, Lake Michigan Credit Union, and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
About Porter Pelican™:
Porter Pelican™ is a gift and lifestyle brand built on Pel-I-CAN positivity. It sparks smiles, lifts spirits, and spreads optimism through curated merchandise. At the heart of the brand is Porter Pelican™, the coastal spokesbird of positivity. The expanding collection includes gifts, jewelry, apparel, accessories, and home + office décor created to uplift everyday moments and resonate with coastal retailers and their customers. A portion of proceeds supports Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, located in Indian Shores, FL.
Media Contact:
Beth MacChesney Founder, Porter Pelican™ porterpelican.com hello@porterpelican.com 859.475.4569
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