Community Chairman’s Message · 2017. 9. 17. · LOCKSMITH West End Safe & Lock Services Joan...
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2009 Community Trustees Ace Hardware BankFIRST Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Bright Future Electric, LLC Castle & Cooke CenturyLink DeWitt Excavating DRB Benefits Group First Commercial Bank of Florida Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP GrayRobinson, P.A. Health Central Manheim Orlando Miller, South & Milhausen, P.A. PrismOne Progress Energy Regions Bank The Middlesex Companies Walt Disney World Company Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community. December 2009 Chairman’s Message Dr. Diane Trees, 2009 Chamber Chairman University of Central Florida As chairman of the chamber this past year, there were many times I depended upon others for advice, time, and talents. Our board consists of volunteers who technically meet once a month. I say technically because board service goes far beyond a simple monthly meeting. Many of our board members chair active committees that keep the Chamber running smoothly, efficiently, and in a manner we take for granted. I am grateful to all those who faithfully served with me during 2009. Special thanks to outgoing board members Ron Garrison, Bob Hennen, Dianne Southwell, Paul Sexton, and Russ Salerno. Russ having served on this board for over 15 years will be honored with a Lifetime Director award at our 2009 Prestigious Awards Luncheon on February 3, 2010. The Executive Committee comprised of officers of the board also meets once a month in addition to the regularly scheduled board meeting. I am grateful to those who served with me in this capacity for their wisdom and honesty as we pursued the best courses of action for the chamber as a whole. You are all very special people. As Chair, I also worked closely and many times on a daily basis with staff. They work extremely hard and I thank them for providing guidance, support, and insight through the months. A few of the Chamber accomplishments for 2009 included: ● Receiving the prestigious Florida Association of Chamber Professional award as the “2009 Chamber of the Year”. ● Applying for and being awarded a grant from WorkForce Central allowing the chamber to conduct a small business development seminar on bridging the generation gap for chamber members and their employees. ● Completing a thorough review and update of the Chamber by-laws. ● Revising the Chamber website with a new design facilitating easier contact for member to member communication, current activity updates, and more user-friendly access to Chamber information. ● Creating an online application for those members expressing interest in becoming a board member While I am proud of those achievements, I am most proud of a chamber made up of individuals who despite the economic climate and uncertain times carried on business with compassion and belief that standing together makes us all stronger. I am honored to have served as your Chairman this past year. I wish Chair-elect Jim Densmore all the best and will assist him in anyway I can. He, along with our returning members of the board, and our newest board members Samuel Davis, Jr., Dr. Gaby Hawat, Rob Maphis, Yog Melwani, Scott Michael, and Lynette Reynolds are up to the task of serving you well in 2010. Happy Holidays! Diane Trees, Ed. D
Transcript of Community Chairman’s Message · 2017. 9. 17. · LOCKSMITH West End Safe & Lock Services Joan...
2009Community
Trustees
Ace Hardware
BankFIRST
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Bright FutureElectric, LLC
Castle & Cooke
CenturyLink
DeWitt Excavating
DRB Benefits Group
First CommercialBank of Florida
Fishback, Dominick,Bennett, Stepter,
Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP
GrayRobinson, P.A.
Health Central
Manheim Orlando
Miller, South & Milhausen, P.A.
PrismOne
Progress Energy
Regions Bank
The MiddlesexCompanies
Walt Disney WorldCompany
Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community.
December 2009
Chairman’s MessageDr. Diane Trees, 2009 Chamber ChairmanUniversity of Central Florida
As chairman of the chamber this past year, there were many times I depended upon others for advice, time, and talents. Our board consists of volunteers who technically meet once a month. I say technically because board service goes far beyond a simple monthly meeting. Many of our board members chair active committees that keep the Chamber running smoothly, efficiently, and in a manner we take for granted. I am grateful to all those who faithfully served with me during 2009. Special thanks to outgoing board members Ron Garrison, Bob Hennen, Dianne Southwell, Paul Sexton, and Russ Salerno. Russ having served on this board for over 15 years will be honored with a Lifetime Director award at our 2009 Prestigious Awards Luncheon on February 3, 2010.
The Executive Committee comprised of officers of the board also meets once a month in addition to the regularly scheduled board meeting. I am grateful to those who served with me in this capacity for their wisdom and honesty as we pursued the best courses of action for the chamber as a whole. You are all very special people.
As Chair, I also worked closely and many times on a daily basis with staff. They work extremely hard and I thank them for providing guidance, support, and insight through the months.
A few of the Chamber accomplishments for 2009 included:● Receiving the prestigious Florida Association of Chamber Professional award as the “2009
Chamber of the Year”.● Applying for and being awarded a grant from WorkForce Central allowing the chamber to
conduct a small business development seminar on bridging the generation gap for chamber members and their employees.
● Completing a thorough review and update of the Chamber by-laws.● Revising the Chamber website with a new design facilitating easier contact for member to
member communication, current activity updates, and more user-friendly access to Chamber information.
● Creating an online application for those members expressing interest in becoming a board member
While I am proud of those achievements, I am most proud of a chamber made up of individuals who despite the economic climate and uncertain times carried on business with compassion and belief that standing together makes us all stronger.
I am honored to have served as your Chairman this past year. I wish Chair-elect Jim Densmore all the best and will assist him in anyway I can. He, along with our returning members of the board, and our newest board members Samuel Davis, Jr., Dr. Gaby Hawat, Rob Maphis, Yog Melwani, Scott Michael, and Lynette Reynolds are up to the task of serving you well in 2010.
Happy Holidays!
Diane Trees, Ed. D
West OrangeChamber
Board of Directors
Joe Alarie
A. Kurt Ardaman
David Billsborough
Comm. Scott Boyd
Mayor Gary Bruhn
Comm. Bob Buchanan
Samir Burshan
Debbie Clements
Jim Densmore
Rob Frank
Ron Garrison
Bob Gosselin
Chesta Hembrooke
Bob Hennen
Randy June
Julie Kleffel
Star Kraschinsky
Anette Luck
John McReynolds
Jeff Milhausen
Dan Petro
Kitty Phillips
RepresentativeStephen Precourt
Russ Salerno
Paul Sexton
Dianne Southwell
Mayor Kathy Stark
Lynetta Steed
David Sylvester
Jim Thomas
Dr. Diane Trees Chairman
Michael Waldrop
JOIN. MEET.
GROW.
MEMBER TO MEMBER TESTIMONIALS
I want to tell all the Chamber members about First Impressions Carpet Cleaning. The tile in my home is the standard builder’s tile and is 10 years old. First Impressions came to my home and cleaned and sealed the tile. It looks as good as it did the day I moved in. I am so very impressed not only with the quality of the work, but with the professionalism of Kurt and his staff. I cannot stop talking about it. I would recommend First Impressions to anyone without any hesitation. Linda RovettoFlorida Lakes Title & Closing LLC
During a monthly Lead & Feed luncheon I met a new chamber member Kevin Colley. Kevin is the community manager for Emeritus at Ocoee, a senior living facility. He showed compassion and Emeritus impressed me with its cleanliness, warmth and their professional staff. I soon realized that that facility was the long term solution my family had been seeking for my father.
Thank you to Kevin and his wonderful staff for making this very difficult decision a much easier one.
Don Snyder, PartnerAllegra Print & Imaging
CHAMBER CHATTER
Congratulations to local writer and publisher, Loretta Lynn Leda, of Florida Spa Girls. Loretta is excited about the release of her first travel guide, Paddling the Everglades, by Falcon Guides, 2009. Leda’s travel guide will be available in bookstores November 10, 2009, and can also be ordered online.
Stonewood Tavern & Grill is now open for lunch!. Visit their West Orange location at 5078 Dr. Phillips Boulevard.
Orange County National is requesting donors to make contributions of at least $50 to their charity program. For every donation of $50 or greater contributed by December 31, 2009, Orange County National will give the donor a certificate valid for four (4) complimentary green fees. (A $10 cart fee per person will apply and play date restrictions apply). “We have set a goal of raising at least $10,000 over the next 30 days.” Jimmy Bell, Orange County National Golf Course. Contact Jimmy Bell for more information 407-905-2279 or visit www.ocngolf.com.
Uncle Kenny’s BBQ named Grand Champion with the Best BBQ Sauce for 2009. In order to find the Best of the Best BBQ Sauce, Burger King and the National BBQ Festival teamed up again in 2009 and accepted over 100 entries from award-winning barbecue sauces. This allowed the pallets of judges to taste only the top award-winning barbecue sauces in America and the only event known to have this requirement. From over 100 entries of already documented award-winning sauces, the top honor of Grand Champion went to Uncle Kenny’s BBQ, Winter Garden, FL. The Grand Champion received a trophy and a $2000.00 advertising contract with National Barbecue News to market and promote their sauces. This was the first year for a sauce entering the Mustard Mild Category to take top honors.
ADVERTISE HEREReach more than 1,000 members!
Take advantage of this valuable marketing opportunity
for the low prices listed below.
Monthly Rates
Full Page $100.001/2 Page $ 75.001/4 Page $ 50.00Business card $ 25.00
Questions? Please contact:Vicki Ferber, Membership Services Manager
407.656.1304 ext. 3 or e-mail [email protected]
West Orange Chamber and My GoLocker.com Partner to Support Local Schools
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce and MyGoLocker.com have joined together to support Orange County Schools and Stu-dent Programs.
MyGoLocker.com is the Official Host of Orange County Pub-lic School Need’s list and a 2008-2009 Outstanding District Wide Part-ner in Education award winner.
The West Orange Chamber has always been committed to supporting Chamber Member Schools including implementing Chamber Connec-tions. This program originally was formed to receive the requests from teachers for classroom needs and the Chamber in turn sent this infor-mation to its membership for them to grant these needs. The Chamber recognized MyGoLocker.com as a creative solution to our community with the ongoing challenges our schools face during these tough eco-nomic times and by combining forces, get the job done.
MyGoLocker.com is a website where the community can find a local school to view their needs, and easily grant them with a click of a button utilizing the MySchoolWish Program. The MySchoolWish Program, at MyGoLocker.com is a small step approach to making a big difference in our schools by creating a virtual place where the community can get involved. Some of the needs that schools post are as simple as a few tubs of ice cream, a dozen clipboards, baby wipes, and packages of socks and as grand as a golf cart, refrigerator, musical instruments or even a water fountain. MyGoLocker.com promotes these wishes and invites the community to get involved, visit MyGoLocker.com and get involved. It’s that easy! Please visit www.wochamber.com or www.mygolocker.com/grant-a-wish/ for more information or to grant a SchoolWish.
Pine Hills Business Redevelopment Task Force Makes Progress
At only its second meeting, the PH Task Force, has already established its own web site and is developing an RFP for the purpose of soliciting a marketing consultant to conduct market research in the PH area. There are specifically three commercial corridors which include Colonial Drive, Pine Hills and Silver Star Roads. For information on this upcoming RFP and more information on the scope and focus of this group, visit their web site at www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/CEsrvcs/neighbor/PineHillsBusinessRedevelopmentTaskForce.htm
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday
season from the West Orange
Chamber Team!
The Chamber office will be closed
Thursday, Dec. 24th through
Sunday, Jan. 3rd. We will reopen
at 8:30 am on Monday, Jan. 4th.
NOVEMBER TRUSTEE LUNCHEON
The WOCC held its final Trustee luncheon for the year. Bar Louie on SandLake Road hosted the luncheon and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings was the guest speaker. Sheriff Demings reported on what he and his team have accomplished in his first year of office.
Pictured left to right: Kiff Walter, Stina D’Uva, Sheriff Demings, Diane Trees and Krista Carter.
New MembersOctober 2009
Renewed MembersOctober 2009
CARPET CLEANING Pro-X Carpet Cleaning Inc.
John Graham
CHURCHES The Worship Center Orlando
Frank Thompson
CONSTRUCTION - GENERAL Patriot Building Contractor
Michael Wilson
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Advanced Disposal
David Lavender
EcoWave, LLCHeather Maloney
FINANCIAL SERVICES Northwestern Mutual
Natalie Nowicki
FIRE, WATER & MOLD RESTORATION
Servpro of West OrangeHeather Kelley
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Bee Healthy Nutrition
EducationKathy Bee
INSURANCE - INVESTMENT Gary Merideth
Insurance AgencyGary Merideth
REAL ESTATE Lakeside Realtors
Andy Williams
Prudential Florida RealtyDorcas Dillard
RETAIL LEASING Stoneybrook West Village
Stephen Frazier
SCHOOLS - PRESCHOOL Apostolic Worship Center
Child DevelopmentE. Chenice Thompson
SHIPPING & BUSINESS COMMUNICATION CENTER
We’ve Got Mail and MoreLisa Galavotti-Req
VIDEO PRODUCTION Purple Cow Productions, Inc.
Ann Marotta
APARTMENTS Oak Forest ApartmentsTracy Schanding
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES Emeritus at OcoeeKevin Colley
ATTORNEYS Shutts & Bowen LLPDan O’Keefe
AUTOMOBILE SERVICE Action Gator TireBill Burlingham
BANKS American Momentum BankFrank Jernigan
CHIROPRACTIC Kirkman ChiropracticGary Grossman, D.C.
CLEANING SERVICES Molly Maid of West Orange and South Lake CountiesSteve Hoffman
CREDIT UNION Martin Federal Credit UnionMaria Fulford
FLOOR COVERING COMPANIES DL FlooringDavid Lindenauer
GIFT BASKETS - ALL OCCASIONS Cookies By DesignMichael Ladisa
HOME BUILDERS/DEVELOPER Pellegrini HomesLinda Pellegrini
INSURANCE Hillcrest Insurance Agency, Inc.Larry Cappleman
LAWN CARE Millennium Grounds & WatersGolden Begley
LOCKSMITH West End Safe & Lock ServicesJoan Boone
MERCHANT SERVICES American First BancardAnthony Salerno
ORGANIZATIONS - CIVIC American Legion Post #63 - Judd Kuneman
ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFIT Early Learning Coalition of Orange CountyKaren Willis
PET WASTE CLEANUP Pet Butler Orlando, Inc.Kelly Brott
REAL ESTATE - ASSOCIATES Rene Murray -Prudential FloridaRene Murray
RENTAL SERVICE Nelsons Tents and EventsLynn Starling
RESTAURANTS Chick-Fil-AMarshall Boast
Trattoria D’UrbinoVictor Gonzalez
RETAIL Best Buy - OcoeeArtis Woodard
SALES PROMOTION CONSULTANTS Zimmer-Hester Furniture Liquidations, Inc.Roy Hester
SCHOOLS Meadowbrook Middle SchoolMary Sprinks
Olympia High SchoolJenny Gibson-Linkh
Pine Hills ElementaryDeCheryl Britton
Rolling Hills ElementaryLukeshia Miller
SIGNS FASTSIGNSSusan Fortini
TRAVEL AGENCIES Cruise HolidaysTeresa Knox
It pays to read the small print! As a Chamber member, if you email your business name and contact to Chris Eckert at the Chamber ([email protected]), your company is eligible to win a business card ad in the January newsletter. Keep reading, there is more great information.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE
The 2009/2010 Youth Leadership West Orange recently began their program with a “Team Building” day at the YMCA’s Camp Wewa in Apopka. The group is composed of select 11th graders from the West Orange area High Schools. The program was developed to raise the awareness of our youth regarding the community of West Orange, build relationships, learn the history of West Orange and enlighten them to career opportunities in the area. Youth Leadership is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Manheim Orlando and is facilitated by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.
Pictured in the front row from l-r are; Nerian Ayala, Ocoee HS, Jakiela Ranson-Ludd, West Orange HS, Ronnika Fountain, West Orange HS, Lashmy Ramos, Olympia HS, Megan Ryan, Ocoee HS, Adam DeRusha, Dr. Phillips HS. Back row l-r are; Michael Simmonds, Camp Wewa, Manny Catarata, Dr. Phillips HS, Sean Puchaty, Dr. Phillips HS, DeQuinn Hall, Olympia HS, Jaska Horan, West Orange HS, Jennifer Polexi, West Orange HS, Ashley Wright, Ocoee HS, Nadia Agramonte, Olympia HS, Rich Shellhase, Director Camp Wewa, Giancarlo Ramos, Dr. Phillips HS.
PhotoGallery
NOVEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce partnered with Orlando Health, to bring you the November Business After Hours at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital on November 19, 2009. Guests were wined and dined in style; enjoying live music, networking, games, prizes and even a chance to use the lat-est in surgical technology, the da Vinci Robot!
Pictured from left to right are: Craig Bair, Alma Van Der Velde, Mark Schaefer and Ann Alexander each from Orlando Health with WOCC President, Stina D’Uva.
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Jeff Milhausen of Miller, South & Milhausen, P.A. for winning the WOCC Member of the Month Award! Jeff was instrumental in revising the Chamber’s bylaws and we truly appreciate all his hard work.
Pictured are: Jeff Milhausen, the West Orange Chamber Ambassadors and Chamber President, Stina D’Uva.
NETWORKING GROUPS HOLIDAY PARTY
The WOCC Networking Groups gathered at Copper Canyon Grill to celebrate the Holidays and network with fellow members. Guests enjoyed appetizers sponsored by Copper Canyon Grill and door prizes donated by Chamber members. Many thanks to American First Bancard, Anette Luck - Luck Realty, Copper Canyon Grill, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Linda Osterberg - Mortgage Solutions of Central Florida, Linda Rovetto - Florida Land Title & Closing, LLC, Nancy Brown - Shaklee, Oerther Foods, Inc. - McDonald’s & WSI of Windermere for their donations. Pictured left to right: Anette Luck, Linda Rovetto, Jon White, Heather Weidenbruch and Chris Eckert.
Wishing you the best of benefitsthis holiday season!
Reading ReindeerIn 1998, The West Orange Times launched its first Reading Reindeer literacy drive with a goal of improving literacy skills in the community by giving books to the youngest citizens at Christmastime. From now through Dec. 17, Reading Reindeer will be accepting donations of new books appropriate for children from birth to age 15.
Checks payable to Reading Reindeer can be mailed to the West Orange Times office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787.
Please help reading Reindeer by bringing a new book to any of the drop-off location: the West Orange Times office, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, the Adult Literacy League, Barnes and Noble at Winter Garden Village, S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange and the Santa Photo Booth at West Oaks Mall and four local library branches, Southwest, West Oaks, Windermere and Winter Garden.
Local Families in Need Enjoy a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce was proud to facilitate the annual Thanksgiving Basket drive benefiting the Lila E. Mitchell, Maxey & Pine Hills Community Centers again this year. Generosity, compassion and caring are just a few of the words that describe everyone that participated in the program. We would like to thank the following persons, groups and businesses for providing Thanksgiving baskets stuffed with goodies for local families in need. What comes around, goes around and the best is hoped for these generous people.
Aggressive AppliancesAlice Williams, Walt Disney World
At Your ServiceBankFIRST
Birket Engineering, Inc.Byrd Accounting
Carol LeveneChuck and Lauren Wolf
CENTURY 21 Professional Group, Inc.Computer Business Consultants, Inc.
D & D Construction Services DL FlooringFloors Direct
Gary Merideth State Farm High Line Auto Sales & Service
Island One FoundationJody Altier
Jolynn HavenJoseph McMullen Family
June Engineering Consultants, Inc.Learn To Learn of Central Florida
Manheim OrlandoOlympia High SchoolPine Hills Elementary
Richard and Nancy BrownSines Blakeslee Madyda, Certified Public Accountants, PA
Staff/Employees of Keene’s Pointe Realty and Oakland Park Realty
Unity Family ChiropracticWelcome Wagon
West Orange Chamber AmbassadorsWest Orange Chamber Lead n Feed Networking Group
West Orange Chamber Tuesday Networking GroupWest Orange Chamber Wednesday Networking Group
West Orange Insurance AgencyZion New Life Child Development Center
AMBASSADOR ACCOLADES & ANTICS
The Ambassadors recently participated in the following events:
We’ve Got Mail and More287 West Road, Ocoee
LIGHT Christian Academy1105 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee
Upper Cervical Health Center213 S. Dillard Street, Winter Garden
Spectrum Home Serviceshttp://www.spectrumhomeservices.com
Bright Horizons1660 Daniels Road, Winter Garden
West Orange Massage1218 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., #124
Winter Garden
Ocoee Church of God1105 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee
XAR Hair Salon16112 Marsh Road, #415, Winter Garden
RIBBON CUTTINGS
WE NOTICED ANNIVERSARY
DECEMBER
Thursday, December 3rdJoint Leads Group Holiday Party
Copper Canyon Grill at Pointe Orlando(formerly Red Rock Canyon Grill)
6:00pm – 8:00pmFor more info or to RSVP contact
Heather Weidenbruch at 407-859-7123 ext 115 or [email protected]
Thursday, December 10th Business After Hours
Sponsored and hosted by June Engineering5:30pm – 7:30pm
Chamber Member Earned Rate $5.00Non Member Rate $10.00
For more info contact: Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4
JANUARY
Thursday, January 14thLead N Feed
Westerley’s at MetroWest Country Club12:00pm – 1:30pm
For more info or to RSVP contact Heather Weidenbruch:407-859-7123 ext 115 or
Thursday, January 21st Business After Hours
Sponsored and hosted by Health Central, Ocoee5:30pm – 8:00pm
Chamber Member Earned Rate $5.00Non Member Rate $10.00
For more info contact: Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4
Thursday, January 28th Power Networking
Sponsored and hosted by Courtyard by Marriott, Ocoee8:00am-9:00am
Free to current Chamber MembersBy RSVP only!!
For more info contact: Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0
2009Supporting
Trustees
Alarie DesignAssociates
Allen & Company, Inc.
Form Community
Hagan O’Reilly’sIrish Pub & Restaurant
Orlando Health
Plaudits!
Publix
Sines BlakesleeMadyda, P.A.
Technology Solutionsof America
The West OrangeTimes
Universal Orlando
University of Central Florida
Waste Management, Inc. of Florida
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
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce PresentsThe Prestigious 2009 Chamber Awards Luncheon
Sponsored by
Regions BankCenturyLink
Wednesday,February 3, 201011:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
St Pauls Presbyterian Family Life Center 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave., Ocoee
Chamber Member Earned Rate $31.00, Non Member Rate $41.00Corporate Tables of 6: $186.00 (must be paid in advance)
