2011 Community Trustees Ace Hardware BankFIRST Best Cleaners Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Bright Future Electric, LLC Castle & Cooke CenturyLink DeWitt Excavating DRB Benefits Group First Class Cleaners First Southern Bank Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP Florida Hospital Health Central Manheim Orlando Orlando Health Progress Energy Regions Bank University of Central Florida Walt Disney World Company Chairman’s Message Michael Waldrop, 2011 Chamber Chairman Blue Cord Design and Construction, LLC The West Orange Chamber of Commerce exists to serve by “FACILITATING OPPORTUNITY.” July 2011 Facebook, Twitter, Blogging; words that once were so foreign to me now have such a great impact on our businesses. This is the present and will be even more evident in our future for each of us personally and most definitely professionally. The old adage goes, “if you can’t beat em, join em!” That is exactly why the chamber staff is slowly, yet deliberately learning to incorporate social media and move us forward into the 21 st century. The Chamber Facebook page, (search West Orange Chamber of Commerce and click like to become a fan) and our Twitter account, have progressively grown with fans and followers. Also, with the help of our UCF interns, Meg and Kristin, we now have a blog, “Straight from the Crate”. The Chamber is using Social Media as additional means for us to “facilitate opportunity” for you, our members. Each time a new member joins the chamber, we announce it on Facebook and Twitter. As the Chamber team is out and about visiting with our members, a “check in” is posted to our Facebook or an update to our status. Our blog for now represents a behind the scenes perspective of the Chamber from our interns eyes. In order to build up the effectiveness of all of our Social Media resources, Facebook, Twitter, and our blog; we need you to “like us and follow us”. It is easy to do and helps our Chamber to come up first in internet searches. The Chamber recently posted to our Facebook page, our newest Community Trustee, First Class Cleaners. This is a great way to let everyone know that First Class Cleaners has joined our prestigious list of Trustees. Just as we are doing at the Chamber, your business should be using Social Media to raise the awareness of your products and services. The Chamber will continue to use these tools to promote our members, our benefits of membership and our programs. The costs for these tools are only your time and energy, or better yet, get an intern or local student to assist you. We know that the youth of today, know more about this topic than anyone and can post things to Facebook and send a “tweet” with their eyes closed. Also posted to our Facebook page is our Leadership West Orange program, sponsored by Florida Hospital. This nine month program gives you all the tools that you will need to make you a stand out leader. They say it isn’t what you know but who you know; well this program will not only make you the person that knows a lot, yet you will also be the one in the know. For more information on this program, visit our home page at www.wochamber.com. On a different note, if you are a Leadership West Orange graduate, or an active member of a committee, task force or simply possess the drive to serve on the Chamber board, go on our web site to the News section of the homepage and you will find a Board Expression of Interest Form. Fill out the form and submit it to the Chamber by July 29 th . There will be a few openings that will need to be filled and maybe you will fill that role for our chamber. Here’s to the 21 st century and beyond.
Michael Waldrop, 2011 Chamber Chairman Blue Cord Design and Construction, LLC Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP BankFIRST Manheim Orlando Ace Hardware Regions Bank Progress Energy University of Central Florida CenturyLink DeWitt Excavating DRB Benefits Group Orlando Health First Southern Bank Best Cleaners Bright Future Electric, LLC First Class Cleaners Health Central Florida Hospital Castle & Cooke
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The West Orange Chamber of Commerce exists to serve by “FACILITATING OPPORTUNITY.”
July 2011
Facebook, Twitter, Blogging; words that once were so foreign to me now have such a great impact on our businesses. This is the present and will be even more evident in our future for each of us personally and most defi nitely professionally. The old adage goes, “if you can’t beat em, join em!” That is exactly why the chamber staff is slowly, yet deliberately learning to incorporate social media and move us forward into the 21st century. The Chamber Facebook page, (search West Orange Chamber of Commerce and click like to become a fan) and our Twitter account, have progressively grown with fans and followers. Also, with the help of our UCF interns, Meg and Kristin, we now have a blog, “Straight from the Crate”.
The Chamber is using Social Media as additional means for us to “facilitate opportunity” for you, our members. Each time a new member joins the chamber, we announce it on Facebook and Twitter. As the Chamber team is out and about visiting with our members, a “check in” is posted to our Facebook or an update to our status. Our blog for now represents a behind the scenes perspective of the Chamber from our interns eyes.
In order to build up the effectiveness of all of our Social Media resources, Facebook, Twitter, and our blog; we need you to “like us and follow us”. It is easy to do and helps our Chamber to come up fi rst in internet searches.
The Chamber recently posted to our Facebook page, our newest Community Trustee, First Class Cleaners. This is a great way to let everyone know that First Class Cleaners has joined our prestigious list of Trustees. Just as we are doing at the Chamber, your business should be using Social Media to raise the awareness of your products and services.
The Chamber will continue to use these tools to promote our members, our benefi ts of membership and our programs. The costs for these tools are only your time and energy, or better yet, get an intern or local student to assist you. We know that the youth of today, know more about this topic than anyone and can post things to Facebook and send a “tweet” with their eyes closed.
Also posted to our Facebook page is our Leadership West Orange program, sponsored by Florida Hospital. This nine month program gives you all the tools that you will need to make you a stand out leader. They say it isn’t what you know but who you know; well this program will not only make you the person that knows a lot, yet you will also be the one in the know. For more information on this program, visit our home page at www.wochamber.com.
On a different note, if you are a Leadership West Orange graduate, or an active member of a committee, task force or simply possess the drive to serve on the Chamber board, go on our web site to the News section of the homepage and you will fi nd a Board Expression of Interest Form. Fill out the form and submit it to the Chamber by July 29th. There will be a few openings that will need to be fi lled and maybe you will fi ll that role for our chamber. Here’s to the 21st century and beyond.
Work with local experts who will give your business the personal attention you deserve!
For more information call (407) 374-1665, email [email protected] or visit www.masterpayusa.com
Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view other HOT DEALS like this!
West OrangeChamber
Board of Directors
Joe Alarie
A. Kurt Ardaman
David Billsborough
Comm. Scott Boyd
Keith Bradford
Comm. Bob Buchanan
Mayor Gary Bruhn
Debbie Clements
Samuel B. Davis, Jr.
Jim Densmore
Rob Frank
Bob Gosselin
Tim Haberkamp
Dr. Gaby Hawat
Chesta Hembrooke
Randy June
Felicia Lewis
Anette Luck
Rob Maphis
John Marzano
John McReynolds
Yog Melwani
Jeff Milhausen
Lauren Parrish
Dan Petro
RepresentativeStephen Precourt
Lynette Reynolds
Mayor Kathy Stark
David Sylvester
Jim Thomas
Michael WaldropChairman
Lisa Willis
The Chamber Team is keeping an eye out on local issues so that we may keep you informed on issues of local and regional importance. Here is what we kept an eye on in June and early July…
Economic & Governmental Affairs Committee – Monday, 6/13 – The committee heard a presentation from Orange County Government Economic Development Administrator John Lewis. John explained what steps Orange County is taking to attract new business and help grow existing business in the area. SR 429 Economic Working Group – Wednesday, 6/22 – Attended by Stina D’Uva. At this meeting the group worked on the steps to secure a Federal EDA grant for the purpose of “branding” the corridor and identifying “industries” to that are ideal for recruiting.
West Orange Aviation Authority (WOAA) Monthly Board Meeting and Work Session on Wednesday, June 22nd – Attended by Board Member Randy June and Stina D’Uva. The next WOAA Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 27th, 10:00am at Ocoee City Hall.
Keeping An Eye on the Issues
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a new and exciting event, WOCC Congressional Luncheon: A Conversation with Congressman Daniel Webster. This new lunch is co sponsored by SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando and University of Central Florida, hosted by Valencia College, West Campus-Special Events Center on Friday, August 26th, and 11:30am – 1:30pm. Congressman Webster will address his new role in the Federal Government and how he is representing West Orange County. He will then be joined by our special guests, Senator Andy Gardiner and Representatives Eric Eisnaugle, Bryan Nelson, Stephen Precourt and Geraldine Thompson. The State and Federal Leaders will engage in a discussion facilitated by Dr. Dan Holsenbeck, VP for University of Central Florida Relations on ways the State & Federal Governments work together.
WOCC Congressional Luncheon is a great opportunity for people to hear from our leaders and learn more about pertinent issues at an affordable Chamber Member Earned Rate of $26 pp or corporate tables of eight for $208. Contact Krista Carter at 407-656-1304 ext. 6 or [email protected] to learn more about this event and how the West Orange Chamber can Facilitate Opportunity for you.
West Orange Chamber Members receive a
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Recently the Chamber hosted a “members only” Lunch and Learn event called Microsoft Offi ce 2010 Tips & Tricks. This informative learning session taught chamber members how to use the latest func-tions in Microsoft’s arsenal of Offi ce tools. Attendees viewed video tutorials and watched fi rst hand as the Certifi ed Microsoft Offi ce Technology Partner revealed all of the new features Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and One Note have to offer. The group was also treated to a delicious lunch from Subway courtesy of our event sponsor Strombeck Consulting CPA’s.
Orange County National Golf Center and LodgeJimmy Bell
Panera Bread #4168Heather Winn
Pinch A PennyDora Muffi
Puppy DreamsRaymond Basica
The Robins & Morton GroupDerek Gregg
Toll Brothers Inc.Jim Reinert
UCP West Orange Child Development CenterMaria Caban
Valencia CollegeSanford Shugart
Wal-Mart Neighborhood MarketDiana Vassallo
West Orange Insurance AgencyB. Jo Accordino
Windermere Allergy & AsthmaDana Broussard-Perry
Windermere Country ClubMarc Mitchell
Yellow Dog Eats CafeSusan Hughes
Congratulations to Janelle Resnick who is recognized as the Membership Committee June Buddy Member of the Month.
For more information on the WOCC Membership Committee and the Buddy Program, please contact Dorcas at [email protected].
JUNE TRUSTEE LUNCHEON
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently held a Chamber Trustee Luncheon at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. The trustee’s were treated to a delicious 3 course meal courtesy of WOCC member Fleming’s and a special informative presentation by Senator Andy Gardiner. The Chamber Trustee program was established in 1998 and is comprised of 20 Community Trustees and 20 Supporting Trustees.
Pictured below are: Mark Cline, Managing Partner of Fleming’s, Senator Andy Gardiner, David Sylvester, VP of Health Central and Chamber President and CEO Stina D’Uva.
TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT
Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view CenturyLink, this months Trustee Spotlight.
Get on Board the Technology Train!The Chamber is now on FACEBOOK, Twitter, and on blogger.com- “Straight from the Crate”.
Please take a moment from your day and add The West Orange Chamber to your “likes” by simply “liking” us on FACEBOOK.
You can also follow us on Twitter at “wochamber” to get the newest updates to events, jobs, deals and more! We have even started a blog, Straight from the Crate, to give you the inside scoop as well as get your valuable feedback. To follow our blog- simply click the updated link on our FACEBOOK wall to take you directly to Straight from the Crate’s newest entry. The fi rst 20 people to start following will receive free admission to a Business After Hours event- this month BAH is being held at Fleming’s (need we say more about the deliciousness that entails!?)
Insight Credit Union is based in Orlando with ten Central Florida locations, including 1001 S. Dillard Street in Winter Garden. The credit union has been in business for 75 years and currently serves over 53,000 members. Anyone who lives or works in Orange, Seminole, Lake, Brevard, Volusia, Sumter, Marion, Putnam or Citrus County is eligible for membership in Insight Credit Union. For more information on their products and services, visit http://www.insightcreditunion.com. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne
MAY MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Rob Maphis of James A. Cummings was recognized as the May Member of the Month. Rob co-chairs the Education Committee. He recently assisted with set up and clean up of the S.O.A.R. awards ceremony at which he served as Master of Ceremonies. Rob also attended the OCPS Awards ceremony to present the WOCC Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne
L to R: Stina D’Uva, Rob Maphis, Lori Burshan and Jaclyn Whiddon
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Picture Your Business on the Cover!
JUNE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Great turnout at WOCC June Business After Hours!
175 people attended the June Business After Hours at City Fire American Oven and Bar in Dr. Phillips on June 16th! Attendees enjoyed delicious fl at breads and spirits provided by City Fire and enjoyed networking with new and prospective WOCC members.
L to R: Stina D’Uva, Ashley Brown and Benj Ray
The West Orange Chamber Ambassadors presented the We Noticed Award to Noble Properties for improvements made at West Colonial Oaks located at Hiawassee Road and W. Colonial Drive. Noble Properties is a fast growing, privately owned, Real Estate Investment Company that focuses on the acquisition, leasing and management of Anchored Shopping Centers and Medical Offi ce Buildings. All properties are well maintained and provide excellent value for their tenants. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne
CHAMBER CHATTER
Florida State Senate and Representative Redistricting Committee Public Meetings – Central Florida July 27th, 2:00 to 4:00pm & 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center.
On Saturday, August 13th, from 1:00 to 5:00pm, the West Oaks Mall will host “WomFest”, a FREE back-to-school event offered for students and their families in the Central Florida area. Local nonprofi ts will be providing educational information and materials as well as providing awareness on such issues as anti-bullying and anti-violence. Additonally S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange will be collecting donations of school supplies and backpacks. Your West Orange community needs you! By hosting a BLOOD DRIVE and partnering with Florida‛s Blood Centers you are helping ensure that our hospitals have a safe and adequate blood supply. The blood you help us collect in your community stays in your community!! We are the sole provider of blood products to all your local hospitals including Dr. P. Phillips, Health Central and Florida Hospitals. Coordinating a blood drive is very simple please contact Marie C. Morales for more information at mmorales@fl oridasbloodcenters.org or at 407-466-8619. Remember, when you coordinate a blood drive you are a LOCAL HERO, SAVING LIVES!
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Congratulations to Buyers Protection Group on their 1 year anniversary! BPG provides home warranty and home inspection services to help real estate professionals, buyers, sellers, and existing homeowners. The company’s new investor Option provides concierge services and savings on renewals for owners of multiple properties when the properties are covered with BPG home warranty contracts. For additional information, contact Jodie English at (678) 596-7918 or bisit http://www.bpgwi.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC
As a Progress Energy lineman, I know how to prepare for storms and keep your lights on. And with a family of my own, I know why reliable power matters. Call or log on to get storm help – including preparation tips, outage reporting and more – from people like me at Progress Energy.
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WANTED: Future Leaders of West Orange
Want to become an expert on West Orange County?
Find out how to expand your West Orange knowledge and contact list while creating lifelong friendships!
Leadership West Orange is the program for you!
Leadership West Orange participants meet one day per month (September 2011 through May 2012) for a fi eld trip that will focus on a specifi c facet of West Orange County.
Contact Krista Carter at 407/656-1304 x6, [email protected] or visit www.wochamber.com to learn more about how Leadership West Orange can facilitate opportunities for you!!!
Want to promote your business without really trying? Donate a prize for the WOCC Annual Golf Classic
Chance to Win drawing and let us facilitate opportunity for you. Your business will be acknowledged
The September Business After Hours & Small Business Expo is here!Sponsored by: DRB Benefi ts Group
Best Cleaners and MetroWest Golf Club
Thursday, September 15th, 2011MetroWest Golf Club
5:00pm - 7:30pm
This is a great opportunity for Small Businesses (less than 10 full time employees) to have a presence and be noticed at a large Chamber event with a captive audience! The cost for exhibiting in this event is $50. The price includes a 4 foot, linen draped table with 1 chair and an audience waiting to see and hear what products and or services you provide! Need more room? Expand the possibilities for an additional $25 and upgrade to a 8 foot, linen draped table! Remember, each exhibitor must have a representative at its table to network with attendees throughout the entire event.
Complete reservation form and return with payment to WOCC no later than Monday, Sept. 5th 2011.
Company Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________