Aug 10 NL

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2010 Community Trustees Ace Hardware BankFIRST Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Bright Future Electric, LLC Bright House Networks Castle & Cooke CenturyLink DeWitt Excavating DRB Benefits Group Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP GrayRobinson, P.A. Health Central Manheim Orlando Orlando Health PrismOne Progress Energy Regions Bank South Milhausen, P.A. University of Central Florida Walt Disney World Company Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community. August 2010 Chairman’s Message James K. Densmore, 2010 Chamber Chairman Parkland International Realty The summer months are typically a time to slow down a little, take vacation and regroup. Well, as I can attest, typical is not the word I would use to describe neither this Chamber nor its activity over the summer months, not ever. The days were filled with preparations for expected upcoming activities of the Chamber and even preparation for the unexpected. The expected were the Hob Nob, Team Building Bowling, Annual Golf Classic, Mega Hot Topic Seminar, and Small Business Expo/BAH. The unexpected was the departure of our 2011 incoming Chairman of the Chamber, Lynetta Tipton Steed. Lynetta, who served on the Chamber board since 2004 and moved onto the Executive Committee in 2009, last year was elected to fill the slot of Chairman of the Board in 2011. We were all on task until Lynetta was recently promoted within Regions Bank to the national headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. In her new position, Lynetta is Vice President of the Business and Community Banking Division of Regions Financial Corporation. Great news for Lynetta and we wish her all the best. This was not such great news for the Chamber. We were all looking forward to Lynetta’s leadership of the Chamber. Lynetta brought a no nonsense, let’s get it done approach to all the activities in which she was involved in with the Chamber. We will miss her and will welcome her back with open arms, when the time is right. Even though we will miss Lynetta, contingency planning is nothing new to the Chamber. We always plan for the unexpected. We simply looked at the members of the Executive Committee to find another, qualified candidate to head up our Board. The selection was simple. Michael Waldrop, owner and founder of Blue- Cord Construction, formerly of McCree Construction, current Treasurer of the Chamber was not only logical, yet a good business decision. Michael, a recipient of the Chamber’s Sam Hovsepian Award, Florida Senate Spirit of Service Award, a decorated veteran has served on the board since 2003, with a brief absence when he was called into active service for our country in Afghanistan. Michael rejoined our board in 2008 and took up right where he left off. He rejoined the Executive Committee and Governmental Affairs Committee. Michael also worked with the State Legislature for several years to get an amendment on the ballot for this year’s election. Amendment 2, and if it passes, will exempt deployed, active military personnel from property taxes while on active duty. He is a proven leader in so many ways and it will be an honor to have him as our Chairman in 2011. I am delighted to have Michael serve as my successor. Aside from all the unexpected changes, the Chamber has been attending meetings of local and regional impact (See page 2 in this newsletter), hosting events such as the Hob Nob, and preparing for the upcoming Team Building Bowling, Annual Golf Classic, and Mega Hot Topics Seminar featuring renowned speakers such as Lee Cockerell. We are also getting ready for the September Small Business Expo and Business After Hours. For more details of what awaits you, read on…

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PrismOne Ace Hardware Regions Bank DRB Benefits Group Progress Energy GrayRobinson, P.A. CenturyLink DeWitt Excavating Orlando Health South Milhausen, P.A. Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP Health Central University of Central Florida Bright Future Electric, LLC Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community. Castle & Cooke

Transcript of Aug 10 NL

2010Community

Trustees

Ace Hardware

BankFIRST

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Bright FutureElectric, LLC

Bright House Networks

Castle & Cooke

CenturyLink

DeWitt Excavating

DRB Benefits Group

Fishback, Dominick,Bennett, Stepter,

Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Health Central

Manheim Orlando

Orlando Health

PrismOne

Progress Energy

Regions Bank

South Milhausen, P.A.

University ofCentral Florida

Walt Disney WorldCompany

Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community.

August 2010

Chairman’s MessageJames K. Densmore, 2010 Chamber ChairmanParkland International Realty

The summer months are typically a time to slow down a little, take vacation and regroup. Well, as I can attest, typical is not the word I would use to describe neither this Chamber nor its activity over the summer months, not ever. The days were filled with preparations for expected upcoming activities of the Chamber and even preparation for the unexpected. The expected were the Hob Nob, Team Building Bowling, Annual Golf Classic, Mega Hot Topic Seminar, and Small Business Expo/BAH. The unexpected was the departure of our 2011 incoming Chairman of the Chamber, Lynetta Tipton Steed.

Lynetta, who served on the Chamber board since 2004 and moved onto the Executive Committee in 2009, last year was elected to fill the slot of Chairman of the Board in 2011. We were all on task until Lynetta was recently promoted within Regions Bank to the national headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. In her new position, Lynetta is Vice President of the Business and Community Banking Division of Regions Financial Corporation. Great news for Lynetta and we wish her all the best. This was not such great news for the Chamber. We were all looking forward to Lynetta’s leadership of the Chamber. Lynetta brought a no nonsense, let’s get it done approach to all the activities in which she was involved in with the Chamber. We will miss her and will welcome her back with open arms, when the time is right.

Even though we will miss Lynetta, contingency planning is nothing new to the Chamber. We always plan for the unexpected. We simply looked at the members of the Executive Committee to find another, qualified candidate to head up our Board. The selection was simple. Michael Waldrop, owner and founder of Blue-Cord Construction, formerly of McCree Construction, current Treasurer of the Chamber was not only logical, yet a good business decision. Michael, a recipient of the Chamber’s Sam Hovsepian Award, Florida Senate Spirit of Service Award, a decorated veteran has served on the board since 2003, with a brief absence when he was called into active service for our country in Afghanistan. Michael rejoined our board in 2008 and took up right where he left off. He rejoined the Executive Committee and Governmental Affairs Committee. Michael also worked with the State Legislature for several years to get an amendment on the ballot for this year’s election. Amendment 2, and if it passes, will exempt deployed, active military personnel from property taxes while on active duty. He is a proven leader in so many ways and it will be an honor to have him as our Chairman in 2011. I am delighted to have Michael serve as my successor.

Aside from all the unexpected changes, the Chamber has been attending meetings of local and regional impact (See page 2 in this newsletter), hosting events such as the Hob Nob, and preparing for the upcoming Team Building Bowling, Annual Golf Classic, and Mega Hot Topics Seminar featuring renowned speakers such as Lee Cockerell. We are also getting ready for the September Small Business Expo and Business After Hours. For more details of what awaits you, read on…

West OrangeChamber

Board of Directors

Joe Alarie

A. Kurt Ardaman

David Billsborough

Comm. Scott Boyd

Keith Bradford

Mayor Gary Bruhn

Comm. Bob Buchanan

Samir Burshan

Debbie Clements

Samuel B. Davis, Jr.

Jim DensmoreChairman

Rob Frank

Bob Gosselin

Chesta Hembrooke

Dr. Gaby Howat

Randy June

Julie Kleffel

Star Kraschinsky

Anette Luck

Rob Maphis

John McReynolds

Yog Melwani

Scott Michael

Jeff Milhausen

Dan Petro

RepresentativeStephen Precourt

Lynette Reynolds

Mayor Kathy Stark

David Sylvester

Jim Thomas

Dr. Diane Trees

Michael Waldrop

MEMBER TO MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

I am very excited about a recent chamber member experience and wanted to share it with you. I had been putting off getting an eye exam and getting new glasses for a very long time. The chamber recently welcomed the new office of Florida Eye Clinic and I decided to schedule an appointment with them.

Wow, what a positive experience it was! I received excellent care from their team, from the moment I walked in. From assessing my needs and completing a very thorough exam, I was very impressed with Dr. Helbling and her staff that worked with me in selecting and fitting me with wonderful glasses.

I have never been happier than I am now with a pair of glasses and how well I can see! Thank you very much Florida Eye Clinic!!

Michael A. LaPorte, CLU, ChFC - LaPorte Financial Group/Walnut Street Securities

Keeping An Eye on Issues by Stina D’Uva

The Chamber Team is keeping an eye out on local issues and in some instances taking a stand so that we may keep you informed of issues or local and regional importance. Here is what we kept an eye on in July:

Highway 50 Overlay Ordinance - Krista Carter, VP of the Chamber, attended the adoption hearing for the city of Winter Garden’s Highway 50 Overlay Ordinance. The Chamber Board had taken a position of support regarding this recent, business friendly update to a previously adopted ordinance back in 2003. The new ordinance which included improvements to set back, landscaping and sign requirements on private property along highway 50 was adopted on July 8. We applaud the Mayor and Commissioners of Winter Garden for their support of our business community.

Orange County Public School Board Work Session and Public Hearing – Stina D’Uva, Chamber President attended the July 22 work session where the subject of discussion was whether or not a proposed one mill increase in property tax referendum should be placed on the November ballot for voters to decide upon to offset funding shortfalls in the 2011-12 fiscal year. The budget shortfalls are anticipated due to funding reductions in recent years and the end of federal economic stimulus dollars. A community-wide study was recently undertaken in partnership with the Orlando Regional Realtor Association conducted by SGS which indicated that the climate may be favorable for an increase in millage for public education.

In order to avoid the “funding cliff” and avoid academic and athletic program reductions and retain qualified teachers, the options would be to seek more funding from the state or federal government or put it to the voters.

At the July 27th OCPS Board Hearing, the board voted to put the referendum on the November ballot and let voters decide. A one mill increase would cost the owner of a house valued at $150,000 with a $25,000 homestead exemption $125 per year or $10.42 a month. The millage/tax increase would restore an estimated $85 million a year to the Orange County Public Schools budget.

Visit www.ocps.net and go to School Board and then click on July 22, 2010 Millage Hike to see the power point presentation and actual ballot language.

West Orange Airport Authority(WOAA) – Stina D’Uva attended its board meeting on Wednesday, July 28, the WOAA board listened to the findings of a feasibility study funded by the city of Apopka and conducted by OAC and LDI. This group was formed back in 1999 initially with the focus of locating a General Aviation Airport(GAA) in the west Orange area, which included Horizon West. A recent study was conducted in the new focus area which is the southern Apopka area. The study supports the need for a GAA on three identified, public airports in the southern Apopka industrial area. After final comments are added by the board to the report, the next step is to present the findings to FDOT for review and inclusion into the Florida Aviation System Plan. If it makes it through that step, it then goes onto the FAA where the funding would be determined.

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New MembersJune2010

ASSOCIATEDee DeLuca

BAR & GRILLETeak Neighborhood Grill

Brian Buttner

BOAT/MOTOR SALES/SERVICE

Mastercraft of OrlandoGary Meloon

CHURCHESPerfecting Praise Ministry

Robert Baxter

CONSULTINGBirkes Consulting Group LLC

Larry Birkes

HOME WARRANTYBuyers Protection Group

Jodie English

MARKETING/CONSULTINGA Creative TeamArmando Ayala

Social Evolution MediaPatrick Lewis

PEST CONTROLRhino Pest Control, Inc.

Wayne Dannenberg

PUBLIC RELATIONSEdge Public Affairs, LLC

Jeff Jonasen

REAL ESTATE - ASSOCIATESJennifer Hunt -

Avalar Real Estate Services

RETAIL - WOMEN’S APPAREL & ACCESSORIES

Kate Lyn’s BoutiqueLisa Meadows

Renewed MembersJune 2010

Age AdvantageJennifer Campbell

Collison Carey Hand Funeral HomeDiane Mattar

Eye Physicians of Central FloridaVictor Thomas

Florida Hospital Centra Care WGVAlayne Reid-Jones

Golden Pond CommunitiesBetty Carroll

High Line Car Sales, Inc.Nick D’Uva

Latham, Shuker, Eden &Beaudine, LLPBruce Knapp

LinksCorpMarc Guiseppi

Momentum Advisory PartnersShannon Gravitte

Mulligan Constructors, Inc.Richard Mulligan

Orange County National Golf Center and LodgeBruce Gerlander

Orange County Public SchoolsRon Blocker

Peach Valley CafeKerri Rinaldi

Pinch A PennyDora Muffi

Sauer Septic SystemsDarrell Clay

Stoneybrook West Self StorageRusty Parsons

SunTrust Bank/OcoeeNancy Murphy

SunTrust Bank/Conroy-WindermereNancyann Jones

TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli/OcoeeAnnie Katz

TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli/Dr. PhillipsAnnie Katz

Troy’s Plumbing, Inc.Troy Stone

United Medical CorporationSherry Magee

Wal-Mart Super CenterWillie Whittington

Wendy West

West Orange Insurance AgencyB. Jo Accordino

Are you looking to get the word outabout your small business?

The September Business After Hours & Small Business Expo is here!

Sponsored by CenturyLink & DRB Benefits Group and Hosted by MetroWest Golf Club

Thursday, September 16th, 20105:30 pm -7:00 pm

For more information on how you can participate, contact chris at 407/656-1304 ext. 0 or [email protected]

The 2010 Hob Nob and Straw Poll Results Are In

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce announces the results of the Straw Poll that was held during the Chamber’s 2010 Hob Nob and Straw Poll in West Orange County. This was the area’s last political Hob Nob & Straw Poll using the Supervisor of Elections voting machines before the 2010 primary this August. As in years past, the results of this Straw Poll are viewed as a gauge for the primary.

Scott Harris, anchor for Central Florida News 13, presided over the evening’s events with over 400 guests in attendance. The results of some of the Straw Poll “hot” races were; Orange County Mayor; Matthew Falconer 90, Teresa Jacobs 217, Bill Segal 139, Linda Stewart 11 . State Rep District 41; Stephen Precourt (Rep) 330, Lee Douglas (Dem) 66. U.S. Representative, District 8 ; Ross Bieling (Rep) 24, Dan Fanelli (Rep) 37, Kurt Kelly (Rep) 90, Todd Long (Rep) 52, Bruce O’Donoghue (Rep) 18, Patricia Sullivan (Rep) 4, Daniel Webster (Rep) 139, Alan Grayson (Dem) 81. Orange County School Board Chairman; Homer Hartage 43, Leona Rachman 63, Bill Sublette 266.

“It is interesting to see which candidates won in West Orange County at our Straw Poll and how they will play out in the actual primary,” said Stina D’Uva, President of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

We would like to acknowledge and thank all of our sponsors for their support of the 2010 West Orange Chamber of Commerce Hob Nob; DRB Benefits Group, Manheim Orlando, West Orange Political Alliance, Alarie Design Associates, Inc., Central Florida News 13, University of Central Florida, Walt Disney World, West Orange Times, Orlando Brewing Company, Crystal Springs and Universal Orlando. We would also like to thank all of our volunteers and Pinkberry; you are truly appreciated.

Results of the other races are as follows:

U.S. Senate William Escoffery III/R - 4

William Kogut/R - 6Marco Rubio/R - 275

Glenn A. Burkett/D - 8Maurice A. Ferre/D - 2

Jeff Greene/D - 19Kendrick B. Meek/D - 44

Charlie Crist/NPA - 82

GovernorMike McCalister/R - 15Bill McCollum/R - 190

Rick Scott/R - 110Brian P. Moore/D - 7

Alex Sink/D - 110

Attorney GeneralHolly Benson/R - 74Pam Bondi/R - 145

Jeff Kottkamp/R - 95Dave Aronberg/D - 38

Dan Gelber/D - 34

Chief Financial OfficerJeff Atwater/R - 273

Loranne Ausley/D - 82

Commissioner Of Agriculture

Adam Putnam/R - 284Scott Maddox/D - 89

State Rep Dist 36Craig McCarthy/R - 86Greg Reynolds/R - 117Scott Randolph/D -117

State Rep Dist 38 Bryan Nelson/R - 321

James “Heinie” Heinzelman/T - 33

State Rep Dist 40Eric Eisnaugle/R - 273Todd Christian/D - 81

Circuit Judge 009 / 006Shayan Elahi - 35Rand Wallis - 280

County CommissionDistrict 2

Bruce Birkrem - 88Fred Brummer - 239

County Commission, District 6

Bruce Antone - 81David Rucker - 69

Tiffany Moore Russell - 157

AmendmentsAmendment #2 Yes-260 No-66 Amendment #4 Yes-82 No-252Amendment #8 Yes-199 No-127

Photos courtesy ofChris Silveria

The West Orange Chamber Annual Golf Classic 2010

Presented By DRB Benefits Group Premiere Sponsors

Bright House Networks & Health Central Event Sponsor Billboard Connection

Friday, October 1, 2010Registration: 11:30 am - Shotgun Start 12:30 pm

Windermere Country ClubBest Ball Scramble

Chamber Member Earned Rate: Individual-$75.00 ∙ Foursome-$300.00

Non-Member Rate: Individual $100.00 ∙ Foursome-$400.00

For more info visit www.wochamber.com

CHAMBER CHATTER

Sales Tax Holiday – Be sure to take advantage of the Sales Tax Holiday on Books, Clothing, Footwear, Accessories and School Supplies from Friday, August 13th through Sunday, August 15th.

Bruce Young, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, announced that for the fifth year out of the past six, financial-services firm Edward Jones ranks highest in investor satisfaction with full-service brokerage firms, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study.

Congratulations to Members named as BEST of Orlando in Orlando Magazine:Best Bar/Lounge – Bar LouieBest Caterer – TooJay’sBest Restaurant on I-Drive – The Capital GrilleBest Restaurant on Restaurant Row – Ocean PrimeBest Supermarket – PublixBest Audio Store – Best BuyBest Art Auction Gallery – Baterby’s Art Auction GalleryBest Local Resort – The Ritz-Carlton & Walt Disney World Resorts Best Men’s Specialty Store – Jos. A. Bank ClothiersBest Entertainment Experience – Walt Disney WorldBest Local Getaway – Walt Disney World Resorts & The Ritz-Carlton

Register to Win!!

Read the August edition of Chamber Matters and register to win! Lucky winners will be selected by random drawing of a complimentary BAH Buck to use at any WOCC Business After Hours event. To enter, email Chris Eckert at [email protected]. Please be sure to include “Beatles Celebration Team Building Bowling” in your email verbiage.

Pediatric Associates of Orlando recently celebrated the one year Anniversary of their Ocoee office located at 2920 Maguire Road. Pediatric Associates is a medical family of physicians, nurse practitioners, staff members, and community partners who are dedicated to offering personal service through their unwavering commitment to provide quality healthcare to the children of Central Florida. They have been a part of the community since 1939, caring for children from birth to age 21. In order to better serve you, the Ocoee office now offers extended hours until 7:00 pm for emergency sick patients. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

ProTect Painters was welcomed to the neighborhood by the West Orange Chamber Ambassadors. ProTect Painters delivers the unique combination of top quality work and customer service and can handle all your interior and exterior painting projects. Contact Chris Erichsen for a free in-home estimate at 407/535-9808 or http://www.protectpainters.com/house-painters/fl/clermont-winter-garden.aspx. Photo courtesy of WOCC

Check out who won!WOCC offer our readers a monthly opportunity to win prizes simply by reading the newsletter and entering our “It Pays to Read the Newsletter” contest. Prizes include free advertising, BAH Bucks, Event tickets and more! The Chamber is proud to announce the winners for July who each won a ticket to our Hob Nob and Straw Poll:

Sandy Hodkin of TooJay’s Original Gourmet DeliJoAnne Quarles of Treasure Title

Visit www.wochamber.com to find archived newsletters.

PhotoGallery

JULY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently hosted another fantastic Business After Hours event at Chamber member restaurant, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, in Dr. Phillips on July 15th. Over 125 people attended the networking event which was held in a beautiful private dining area, where guests enjoyed fine wine and appetizers provided by Fleming’s. The restaurant also graciously presented a $25 gift card to each attendee that made a specific donation to S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange, a local non profit organization that provides backpacks & basic school supplies for economically challenged students in elementary, middle and high school within our area.

Pictured from left to right: Stina D’Uva - WOCC President, Krista Carter - WOCC Vice President, Jim Densmore - Chairman of the West Orange Chamber and Amy Aschoff - Manager at Fleming’s. Photo courtesy of www.jenniferroper.us

JULY LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE

The 2010 Leadership West Orange Class, “The Bobcat Brigade”, spent the day learning about Health Care in West Orange County. The class visited Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Health Central and the Health Alliance Family Care Center.

L to R Back Row: Dewane Pace, Pam Bozkurt, Clifton Addison, Michael Buscemi, Suzanne Gruszka, Freddy Clark, Peggy Isaacson, Bo Schneider, Zenaida Negron, Catherine Matthews, Sarah Wambles and Jerry Moore. Seated: Karen Willis, Maria Ellis and Anette Luck. Photo courtesy of WOCC

JUNE MEMBER OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to Lynette Reynolds of At Your Service who was named Member of the Month for June 2010 for her efforts on behalf of the Governmental Affairs Committee to schedule facilitators for their meetings.

L to R: Lori Burshan, Joan Bailey, Dorcas Dillard, Cara Hennen, Lynette Reynolds, Jaclyn Whiddon, JoAnne Quarles, Pat Gleason and Rev. Tom Rutherford. Photo courtesy of www.jenniferroper.us

2010 HOB NOB SPONSORS

The 2010 West Orange Chamber of Commerce 2010 Hob Nob & Straw Poll proved to be a great success. Over 450 attendees cast their votes utilizing voting machines provided by the Supervisor of Elections office. This was the last Straw poll held in the area before the August primaries and the results are viewed as a gauge for the primary.

Pictured from L-R are the Hob Nob spon Photography courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne sors and hosts; Krista Carter - Vice President WOCC, Michael Waldrop - Blue Cord Design and Construction LLC, David Billsborough - DRB Benefits Group, Joan Pike - Manheim Orlando, Diane Trees - University of Central Florida, and Stina D”Uva - Prisedent WOCC. Back row L-R are; Bob Gosselin - Gosselin Realty and West Orange Political Alliance, Scott Harris - News Anchor Channel 13, Kirk Byers - Crystal Springs and Joe Alaire - Alarie Design Associates, Inc. Photo courtesy of Alarie Design Associates, Inc.

AMENDMENT 4: WHAT EVERY FLORIDIAN SHOULD KNOW

What are the facts?

On November 2nd, you will be asked to vote yes or no on a plan to alter Florida’s Constitution called Amendment 4. Special interest lawyers, adult entertainment interests and population control groups have designed, funded and proposed this amendment to our Constitution. Take a moment to learn more about who’s backing Amendment 4 and why.

What is the issue?

Amendment 4 will prolong the recession and put recovery out of reach for thousands of working Floridians. As a result, leading business, labor, and civic groups oppose Amendment 4

What will the measure do?

This proposed change to Florida’s Constitution would require a taxpayer-funded referendum for every single change to a local government comprehensive plan. Simply stated, Amendment 4 would force Floridians, not the representatives they elect, to decide hundreds of minor, technical comprehensive plan changes each year on issues like drainage, traffic circulation, and intergovernmental coordination.

What does that mean for you?

Here is what Amendment 4 means for you: (1) a Florida with drastically fewer jobs, (2) a significantly weaker economy, and (3) unbearably higher taxes to feed the Amendment 4 “litigation” bureaucracy.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce asked leading economists to study the impact of Amendment 4. The study indicates that Amendment 4 would likely put more than 267,000 Floridians out of work, shrink Florida’s economic output by more than $34 billion annually, and take nearly $12 billion out of the pockets of working families.

With Florida’s jobless rate reaching well into double digits, our state’s top business and labor groups have put politics aside to oppose Amendment 4. Mark Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce wrote: “If you like the recession, you’ll love Amendment 4.” Frank Ortis, executive board member with Florida’s AFL-CIO noted that “Amendment 4 will devastate Florida’s economy by costing hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving the unemployment rate even higher.”

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The cost to local governments of [Amendment 4] would soar into the millions.” Those costs would be shouldered by Florida’s taxpayers who could expect to see not only more government waste, but also nonstop lawsuits as special interests wage war in court over the technical wording of endless ballot summaries. Referencing a failed experiment in Amendment 4-style rule in the small Florida town of St. Pete Beach, the St. Petersburg Times wrote that Amendment 4 leads to “short-term thinking” and “invites lawsuits…”

What is the conclusion?

Florida’s jobless rate is high—but it could get much, much worse with the passage of Amendment 4. At a time when many families and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet, that’s the last thing we need. Please take the time to learn more about Amendment 4 by visiting www.Florida2010.org.

AUGUST

Thursday, August 12thLead and Feed

Cedar’s Restaurant7732 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando

12:00 – 1:30 PMFor more information contact

D.J. Stephens at [email protected]

Thursday, August 19thChamber Connection –

New Member Orientation and RefresherSponsored by DRB Benefits Group

Chamber Office3:30 - 4:30pm

Free to current Chamber MembersFor more info contact Chris at 407-656-1304

Thursday, August 19th Business After Hours

Sponsored and Hosted by Boyette, Cummins & Nailos, PLLC

& The Real Estate Collection5:30pm – 7:00pm

Chamber Member Earned Rate: $5.00Non Member Rate: $10.00

For more information contact Carrie at 407-656-1304

Wednesday, August 25thHot Topic - “Quick Books”

Sponsored and Presented by Strombeck Consulting, CPA’sChamber Office7:50 – 9:00AM

Chamber Member Benefit – RSVP REQUIREDFor more info contact Chris at 407-656-1304

Thursday, August 26thPower Networking

Sponsored and hosted by Courtyard by Marriott, Ocoee8:00 – 9:00 AM

Chamber Member Benefit – RSVP REQUIREDFor more info contact: Chris at 407-656-1304

Tuesday, August 31st Team Building Bowling Tournament

Carter Family Bowl, Winter Garden5:30 - 8:30pm

Teams of 8 - $325For more info contact Lauren at 407-656-1304

SEPTEMBER

Thursday, September 9thLead and Feed

TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd.

Orlando, FL 3281912:00pm – 1:30pm

$15.00 includes entrée, drink, tax and tipFor more info contact DJ Stephens at [email protected]

Thursday, September 16thBusiness After Hours and Small Business Expo

Sponsored & Hosted by CenturyLink, DRB Benefits Group & MetroWest Golf Club

5:30pm – 7:00pmChamber Member Earned Rate: $5.00

Non Member Rate: $10.00

Thursday, September 30thSeminar: “Navigate Your Way to Success”

A Networking, Marketing & Sales Workshop From Ex-perts In Their Fields”

Presenters Pici & Pici, Mary Tomlinson and Lee CockrellSponsored by Best Cleaners

and Strombeck Consulting, CPA’sFamily Life Center at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church

1450 Citrus Oaks AvenueOcoee, FL 34761

7:50am – 11:00amChamber Member Earned Rate: $10.00

Non Member Rate: $30.00RSVP REQUIRED

2010Supporting

Trustees

Advanced Disposal

Alarie DesignAssociates

Allen & Company, Inc.

Apple Air Conditionaing &

Heating, Inc.

Form Community

Hagan O’Reilly’sIrish Pub & Restaurant

Plaudits!

Publix

Sines BlakesleeMadyda, P.A.

Certified Public Accountants, P.A.

Technology Solutionsof America

The West OrangeTimes

Universal Orlando

Waste Management Inc. of Florida

West Orange Orthopaedics &

Sports Medicine, P.A.

Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves

West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 W. Colonial Drive

Winter Garden, FL 34787Ph: (407) 656-1304 Fax: (407) 656-0224

Web site: www.wochamber.com

RSVP to Chamber events at www.wochamber.com