August Chamber News

Vision for the Future
The City of Winter Park recently launched Vision Winter Park, a year-long process to guide its future. A 21-member steering committee comprised of a cross-section of local leaders will educate the community about the process and how the shared vision affects them. Vision Winter Park is designed to be educational and thought provoking. The ultimate goal is to encourage people to think past their daily lives and discuss the changing realities that will affect Winter Park’s future, as well as to identify the trends, risks and opportunities for the community.
Phase One: Community Conversations is now underway. This phase provides residents, visitors and stakeholders with an opportunity to provide input on the process and share initial feelings about Winter Park. Get involved by visiting www.visionwinterpark.org. Complete a very brief survey and create an account to be notified of future surveys, events and opportunities to engage. If you prefer to participate through an in-person community talk, stop by the Winter Park Civic Center on August 6, 13 or 27 from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The first major event for Vision Winter Park is an evening with internationally known speaker and author of “For the Love of Cities,” Peter Kageyama. On August 20 at The Alfond Inn, he will explain the importance of sharing what we love about Winter Park and help us understand how to move forward with ideas to make it even better.
Whether you live, work or play in Winter Park, your vision matters. Our future, and how we get there, depends on input from everyone.

Art and Education!

It’s hard to believe August has already arrived. We are excited for all that the month brings. Our Education Update will be held on Thursday, August 6. Dr. Griffin, Seminole County School Board superintendent; Dr. Holsenbeck, vice president of community relations at UCF; and Dr. Sarnovsky, vice president, CFO, at Seminole State College will discuss all that is happening within Seminole County’s school systems. Please visit our website to purchase your ticket.
The chamber is also gearing up for its last signature event of the year. The two-day event, known as ARToberFEST, presented by Bright House Networks Business Solutions, will take place October 17-18 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Winter Springs Town Center. Last year proved quite successful as the chamber combined the popular fall Oktoberfest with the City of Winter Springs’ annual Festival of the Arts. The family friendly event will showcase both local and nationally recognized artists. All forms of art will be accepted from drawings, paintings, and mixed media to fine crafts, jewelry, and sculptures. Become a Patron of the Arts and get Art Dollars to spend along with promotion for your business, starting at only $30. German-inspired food will be available for purchase along with an assortment of fine German beer. Arts and crafts in the kids’ area will keep your children entertained for hours. Europa, a local German band, brings authentic music both days. For more information, visit www.wsfota.org.
“The Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce: An advocate for business and civic interests within our communities.” Membership information at www.oviedowintersprings.org/join/membership-benefits/

A Letter From Our Board Chair
I am honored to serve as the 2015-2016 chairwoman of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce board of directors. As a long-time member of the chamber, and having served on the trustee board representing Avalon Park Group, I believe that the chamber’s work within the East Orlando community is very important. I am grateful for my company’s vision and the time it allows me to spend giving back to the community through the chamber.
I enter this role at a time when the chamber has embraced the mission of “Join. Connect. Grow.” With membership levels at a record high, we truly believe that the growth can be attributed to the hard work of the incredible staff and board, showing the tremendous benefits offered by the chamber’s events and programs. Some of the greatest ways to embody this mission is by participating in our events. This year we have had great success with our annual signature events, and we invite you to take advantage of these great opportunities at this year’s remaining events, which include Southeast Update, Education Day and the Celebrating Local Charities Luncheon. Additionally, the chamber is always active in the community with monthly luncheons, Lake Nona Area Council and Coffee Club networking opportunities, committee participation, ribbon cuttings and so much more. For a full list of events and opportunities, visit our website at www.EOCC.org.
Please let our great board, staff or myself know how we can get you involved in growing the business community and the way we interact with each other in East Orlando.

Boosting Elected Official Presence

As the voice of more than 1,000 local businesses and 200,000 employees, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce (WOCC) possesses great influence in the community, and the organization’s approval is highly valuable to elected officials.

Recently, a group of WOCC team members, ambassadors and board members joined Governor Rick Scott and other elected officials at a press conference to celebrate job growth in Central Florida and to recognize Ocoee-based Bright Future Electric for the company’s growth. The governor awarded a medal to Bright Future President Allen McCain in recognition of his company’s growth. Less than two weeks later, Governor Scott returned to West Orange County for another press conference to highlight tax cuts in the newly approved budget and congratulate Main Street Mower on placing third in the 2015 Bright House Networks Regional Business Awards.
Congressman Dan Webster (District 10) also visited the WOCC recently for the monthly economic and governmental advocacy committee (EGAC) meeting. During the meeting, Congressman Webster delivered an update on trade promotion authority (TPA), trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and the trans pacific partnership (TPP).
“As president of an organization focused on facilitating opportunities for our members, it’s truly rewarding to see our local businesses thrive and get recognized by elected officials,” says Stina D’Uva, WOCC president and CEO. “We are proud to serve as the business voice for West Orange County and are committed to being the leading business advocate in Central Florida.”
To learn more about the WOCC and its advocacy role for member businesses, visit wochamber.com or contact Krista Carter at .