Jan 12 NL

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2012 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 NeuroSpine Institute Orlando Health Progress Energy R.C. Stevens Construction Company University of Central Florida Walt Disney World Company Chairman’s Message David Sylvester, 2012 Chamber Chairman Orlando Health The West Orange Chamber of Commerce exists to serve by “FACILITATING OPPORTUNITY.” January 2012 It is with great pleasure that I write the first message of the year to you as the Chairman of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce in 2012, our 40th year. I am most honored to serve as the Chamber’s 41st Chairman and look forward to a year of continued economic recovery, with the Chamber as a critical component of it and of your business plan. My expectations of the Chamber board, membership and staff are the same as the expectations I have for my work teams: 1. To be principal centered 2. To be relationship oriented 3. To be outcome driven With these guiding principles, we will have a banner year! The Chamber, as in every business, has a strategic vision, an over-riding purpose and ours is to “Facilitate Opportunity” for our member businesses. The definition of “Facilitating Opportunity” will be defined specifically by you and your business. For one business, the opportunity may be in taking advantage of the numerous events and activities to develop specific prospects as clients. For another, it may be the opportunity to speak directly with, or indirectly through our EGAC committee with our elected legislators on how state laws impact their business, to advocate for positive business focused public policy. For other select members, it may be the opportunity to join the Trustee Program because of the many benefits, including the highest level of visibility. Comerica Bank, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and NeuroSpine Institute did just that this month. They join a wonderful group of businesses, large and small. To see the list of our Community and Supporting Trustees, see pages 1 and 10. By taking advantage of the opportunities and crafting a plan to get more involved is a wise decision and one that will provide a strong, measurable return on your investment. A powerful way to jump start this significant return on your investment is to join one of our committees. Pick the one that aligns with your passions and join! Our committees not only provide you with an opportunity to meet other members of like interests, yet they also provide critical knowledge on local, state and even national relevance. A business with the latest knowledge is a business that can keep up with the fast changing business climate and be most successful. To learn about the Chamber committees, see page 9. I also hope to see each of you at our upcoming events. Bring a business associate too and show him/her the benefit of joining our growing network. A couple of events you won’t want to miss are: Health Central’s Business after After Hours on Thursday, January 19, 5:30 - 8:00pm, page 5 Big Orange Awards Reception, Thursday, February 2, 6:00 - 9:00pm, page 7 Together, by supporting and doing business with one another, we will lead our region in economic recovery and well into prosperous times. If there is anything I can do personally to assure that our Chamber is meeting your needs, please do not hesitate to call me directly at 407-852-2706. P.S. Discover 2012, our annual business directory and community profile magazine, will be on its way to you at the beginning of February. Remember, this is your guide to everything West Orange and should be your first and only reference when choosing a business for your personal or business product or service needs.

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Ace Hardware DRB Benefits Group Progress Energy R.C. Stevens Construction Company CenturyLink DeWitt Excavating Orlando Health First Southern Bank Best Cleaners Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP NeuroSpine Institute First Class Cleaners Health Central Florida Hospital University of Central Florida Bright Future Electric, LLC Castle & Cooke

Transcript of Jan 12 NL

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2012Community

Trustees

Ace Hardware

BankFIRST

Best Cleaners

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Bright FutureElectric, 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

NeuroSpine Institute

Orlando Health

Progress Energy

R.C. Stevens Construction

Company

University ofCentral Florida

Walt Disney WorldCompany

Chairman’s MessageDavid Sylvester, 2012 Chamber ChairmanOrlando Health

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce exists to serve by “FACILITATING OPPORTUNITY.”

January 2012

It is with great pleasure that I write the first message of the year to you as the Chairman of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce in 2012, our 40th year. I am most honored to serve as the Chamber’s 41st Chairman and look forward to a year of continued economic recovery, with the Chamber as a critical component of it and of your business plan.

My expectations of the Chamber board, membership and staff are the same as the expectations I have for my work teams: 1. To be principal centered 2. To be relationship oriented 3. To be outcome drivenWith these guiding principles, we will have a banner year!

The Chamber, as in every business, has a strategic vision, an over-riding purpose and ours is to “Facilitate Opportunity” for our member businesses. The definition of “Facilitating Opportunity” will be defined specifically by you and your business. For one business, the opportunity may be in taking advantage of the numerous events and activities to develop specific prospects as clients. For another, it may be the opportunity to speak directly with, or indirectly through our EGAC committee with our elected legislators on how state laws impact their business, to advocate for positive business focused public policy. For other select members, it may be the opportunity to join the Trustee Program because of the many benefits, including the highest level of visibility. Comerica Bank, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and NeuroSpine Institute did just that this month. They join a wonderful group of businesses, large and small. To see the list of our Community and Supporting Trustees, see pages 1 and 10.

By taking advantage of the opportunities and crafting a plan to get more involved is a wise decision and one that will provide a strong, measurable return on your investment. A powerful way to jump start this significant return on your investment is to join one of our committees. Pick the one that aligns with your passions and join! Our committees not only provide you with an opportunity to meet other members of like interests, yet they also provide critical knowledge on local, state and even national relevance. A business with the latest knowledge is a business that can keep up with the fast changing business climate and be most successful. To learn about the Chamber committees, see page 9.

I also hope to see each of you at our upcoming events. Bring a business associate too and show him/her the benefit of joining our growing network. A couple of events you won’t want to miss are:

• Health Central’s Business after After Hours on Thursday, January 19, 5:30 - 8:00pm, page 5 • Big Orange Awards Reception, Thursday, February 2, 6:00 - 9:00pm, page 7

Together, by supporting and doing business with one another, we will lead our region in economic recovery and well into prosperous times.

If there is anything I can do personally to assure that our Chamber is meeting your needs, please do not hesitate to call me directly at 407-852-2706.

P.S. Discover 2012, our annual business directory and community profile magazine, will be on its way to you at the beginning of February. Remember, this is your guide to everything West Orange and should be your first and only reference when choosing a business for your personal or business product or service needs.

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West OrangeChamber

Board of Directors

Joe Alarie

A. Kurt Ardaman

David Billsborough

Comm. Scott Boyd

Keith Bradford

Mayor Gary Bruhn

Comm. Bob Buchanan

Debbie Clements

Samuel Davis, Jr.

Jim Densmore

Rob Frank

Bob Gosselin

Tim Haberkamp

Randy June

Julie Kleffel

Star Kraschinsky

Anette Luck

Rob Maphis

Joseph McMullen

John McReynolds

Jeff Milhausen

Christine Moore

Dan Petro

Lynette Reynolds

Cece Rivers

Gary Shif

Mayor Kathy Stark

David SylvesterChairman

Michael Waldrop

Jaclyn Whiddon

Falecia Williams

Lisa Willis

Bruce Young

Keeping An Eye on the IssuesThe 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 December and early January.

The Pine Hills Business Redevelopment Task Force – The Task Force with WOCC participant members, Tim Haberkamp of Hardees and Susan Fortini of Fast Signs reported that this task force which has been operating for two years was recently disbanded by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) because its mission has been completed. The next step which will take place in the next few months is an appointment by the BCC of a seven member advisory council. This advisory council will then work to develop a job description and hire a director to oversee the day to day development of the Neighborhood Improvement District (NID). This should happen by March or April. This director along with the council will then work on the NID’s referendum that would allow the BCC to assess additional property taxes to the businesses in the NID. This will only be approved if the land owners that represent over 50% of the land value in the NID vote in favor of the referendum. After the approval of the referendum the council will begin coordinating

redevelopment plans. The BCC has awarded this effort $125,000/ year for ten years to support this effort. This funding along with the taxes that may be raised from the property owners and the opportunity for the NID to solicit grants will give the Pine Hills community a great start to the redevelopment of the business areas.

West Orange/South Lake Transportation & Economic Task Force – The next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 18th at 7:30 am at the commission chambers of the city of Winter Garden.

West Orange Aviation Authority (WOAA) Monthly Board Meeting –Stina D’Uva attended the Wednesday, December 14th at 10:00 am at Apopka City Hall. Items discussed at the meeting included:

• The status of the Public Use Application. Certain questions had been raised by the FDOT and answered and still awaiting approval on the application. A fly in and then inspection by FDOT is part of this process. FAA then must approve it. • A lease for the Hangar Property was also discussed and tentatively approved for 100 years by WOAA. • An RFP will be issued for the management of the runway and hangars. • The city of Apopka’s city manager will be invited to the January meeting to discuss the status of the Apopka city airport and its relationship to the WOAA airport.• The Feasibility Study has not yet been approved by FDOT and appears to be stalled. The board discussed the possible hiring of a consulting company to expedite the process.• The city of Winter Garden will be discussing the shared WOAA seat on MetroPlan Orlando board with the city of Ocoee. Now that the airport has been designated, a seat is available on the board to be shared by both municipalities.

The next meeting will take place at the city of Ocoee Commissioner Chambers at 150 N. Lakeshore Drive at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

Economic and Governmental Advocacy Committee held a special informational meeting at the city of Ocoee Commission Chambers to learn of the pros and cons of the proposed state legislation to expand gambling in the state. Advocating in support of the expansion/Destination Casinos was Brewster Bevis of American Industries Federation. The opposition comments were made by John Sowinski of Consensus Communications. After review, the Chamber board voted to oppose the expansion of gambling. For additional information, visit the homepage of the Chamber Web site, www.wochamber.com.

Windermere Rotary invited President Stina D”Uva to give an update on the Chamber. Stina spoke to the assembled Rotarians about the Chamber’s support of the Orange County Tax Abatement Referendum which is on the January 31st ballot and the growing concern by brick and mortar retailers and their disadvantage in having to charge sales tax when internet sales companies do not. The chamber has taken a position to support legislation to rectify this unfortunate disadvantage. A brief summary on the gambling issue was also shared.

2012 Central Florida Economic Forecast presented by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and Orange County School Board on Wednesday January 4, 2012 at Valencia College. Commissioner Scott Boyd, District 1 Commissioner hosted Mayor Gary Bruhn, Lynette Reynolds, WOCC Treasurer and President Stina D’Uva and Vice President Krista Carter for an economic update on the Orlando area, the central Florida region, state and nation. The overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism and Orlando is in the best position for the trend of increased house sales and values and job creation. OCPS Superintendent Ronald Blocker announced that all high schools in Orange County had received a grade of C or higher; a fantastic accomplishment.

Orange County Redevelopment Conference Date: January 20, 2012Time: 7:30 am - 3:30 pmPlace: Orange County Convention Center Registration is $35 & includes session materials, continental breakfast, lunch and free parking.. Up to 5.5 CM credits have been requested for AICP members. For more information and to register, please visit the 2012 Redevelopment Conference website.

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New MembersDecember 2011

Renewed MembersDecember 2011

DENTISTWinter Garden Smiles

Lissette Bernal

FITNESS CENTERDr. Phillips Fitness, Inc.

Bryce Ready

HOTELSBudget Inn & Suites

Marisa Razo

HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT/MANAGEMENT TRAINING

Insperity Support Services, LPBill Clements

ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFITJunior Achievement of Central Florida, Inc.

Kathy King

PHARMACIESPHD PharmacyOscar Mbionwu

RESTAURANTSHabibi - Lake Buena Vista

Frank Ishraki

Habibi - MetroWestKarima Houzzou

Kres ChophouseBilly Deans

SECURITY SERVICESADT Security Services

DeCarlos Garrison

Action Air Of FloridaJoseph Thompson

Big City Catering, Inc.Tom Pokorny

Castle & CookeJohn Rinehart

Collins Catering & EventsErica Collins

Consolidated Pipe and SupplyJoe Cobb

Cornerstone HospiceClaire Gaynor

First Class Livery Services, Inc.Scott Workman

First Impressions Carpet Cleaning Inc.Kurt Gilbertson

Fishback,Dominick,Bennett,Stepter,Ardaman,Ahlers & Langley, LLPA. Kurt Ardaman

Florida State Representative Bryan NelsonMaria Pecoraro-McCorkle

Gotha Middle SchoolCheri Godek

Harding Anti-Aging CenterDeborah Harding

Heller Bros. Packing Corp.Harvey Heller

Hyde Park Julie Virginia

Inland Seas ApartmentsDiana Vanarsdol

Kate Oates

Lake Apopka Natural Gas DistrictSamuel Davis, Jr.

Maguire Road StorageMarina Clark

Main Street Realty InternationalJudy Black

MAINGATE Real EstateMark Dean

Maxey Elementary SchoolMartha Garcia

MetroWest Elementary SchoolPatricia Smith

Ocoee Middle SchoolSharyn Gabriel

Ogden OrthodonticsRobert T. Ogden D.D.S.

Orange County Clerk of the CourtsLydia Gardner

Orange County Supervisor of ElectionsBill Cowles

Orlando Business JournalMarti McKeown

Rob Rahter - Keller Williams Classic Realty

Robinswood Middle SchoolMarcia Newsome

Roper YMCA Family CenterBuddy Evans

Safeguard Business Printing and Promotional ProductsRichard Starcher

Smart Solutions Realty, LLCRoger Ollanketo

South Lake Apopka CitrusMaury Boyd

Southwest Learning Community - OCPSCathy Pope

Southwest Middle SchoolMatthew Arnold

St. Andrew’s Catholic ChurchJoseph Bellerive

Territo Electric, Inc.Joseph Territo

The RabCo CorporationEmmett Owens

Tony’s Liquors Inc.Mike Moon

Town of WindermereRobert Smith

United Legacy BankRuss Salerno

Verizon WirelessKrista Monteleone

Walt Disney World CompanyJacob DiPietre

Wayne Automatic Fire SprinklersChris Moss

West Orange High SchoolLillian Beavers

WOCC members receive a 15% discount off the purchase of $20 or more from Ms. Bee’s Popcorn & Candy Shoppe in Winter Garden.

Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view other HOT DEALS!

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LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE

The West Orange Chamber’s Leadership West Orange Program, sponsored by Florida Hospital, completed their fourth session focused on Education. The Class started the day with a presentation from OCPS School Board member Christine Moore. The class then visited MetroWest Elementary, Florida Virtual Schools, Westside Tech, Valencia College, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy – a part of the School of Film and Digital Media at the University of Central Florida and Edgewood Children’s Ranch. For more information on the Chamber’s Leadership West Orange program, contact the Chamber office at 407-656-1304 ext. 6.

L to R: Andrea Vaughn, Lisa Willis, George Spigener, Keith Bradford, Katrinka VanDeventer, Jill Hill, Todd Houke, Patrick Painter, Kimberly Hudson, Jeff Alexander, Jeanne Fravel, Dr. CeCe Rivers, Becky Williams, Chris Sapp, Arden Griffith, Jeff Zaharis, Lynette Reynolds, Beth Smith, Neal Asma and Joan Bailey.

DECEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce welcomed David Sylvester, the new Chairman of the Board, along with newly appointed board members, last month at the December Business After Hours, hosted by the Garden Theatre and co-sponsored by Al Fresco, Crabtree Ink, Green Sky Growers, Pacific Gloal Investment Mgmt. Co., Pilars and Prism One. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

Pictured L to R are: Krista Carter, Stina D’Uva, Jaclyn Whiddon, Star Kraschinsky, Gary Shif, David Sylvester, Bruce Young, Lynette Reynolds and Michael Waldrop. Not pictured: Joseph McMullen and Christine Moore

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SPECIAL TAX ABATEMENT REFERENDUM

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce (WOCC) urges all Orange County registered voters to vote on (or before) Tuesday, January 31st on a special Orange County Referendum. Everyone, Republican, Democrat, no party affiliation and all parties should vote on this special referendum that would allow for the potential of creating new, full-time, high-wage jobs. The WOCC, the largest business association in West Orange County, advocate for our members and the business community, urges each of you to vote “yes” on this referendum. This referendum began as a campaign platform in Teresa Jacobs bid for Orange County Mayor. She understood the importance of diversifying Orange County’s economy and creating new opportunities for job growth, especially in high- wage industries. To this end, a plan was developed that would accomplish these goals by enhancing existing economic development legislation, that up until now had been limited to certain industries.

With the help of the WOCC and other local leaders, state legislators were supported in their effort to amend this legislation, section 196.1995 Florida Statutes that empowers Charter Counties, such as Orange County, to expand the eligibility of industries/businesses and emphasize creation of new jobs paying above average wages. Then with the enabling legislation in place, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution calling for a local referendum. If voters approve this referendum, the Board of County Commissioners, after public hearing and input, may grant tax exemptions to eligible businesses for buildings and tangible personal property going on tax rolls for the first time. West Orange and Orange County need this tool to enhance the industries represented in our economy: ones that will help us grow and maintain our quality of life. It is up to the voters of Orange County to take the next step in creating the potential for new, high-wage jobs, by voting “Yes”. You can still request your absentee ballot from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections (deadline 1/25/12), or early vote (early voting centers will open on 1/21/12 – 1/28/12) or of course, vote on 1/31/12 at your polling place. Help spread the word about this special referendum. It is important to all of us and needs to pass and with your “yes” vote, it will. For more information about this referendum, please visit the Orange County Government website http://www.ocfl.net/Employment/TaxAbatementReferendum.aspx . For more information about Absentee ballots and early voting, please visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website http://www.ocfelections.com/.

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PrismOne Group celebrated their 5th Anniversary in December as part of the December Business After Hours. Included in the photo with the Chamber Ambassadors are (l to r) Dave Christino, Rafael Rodriguez, Doug Vaught, Samir Burshan and Lori Burshan. PrismOne currently has offices in Metrowest and downtown Winter Garden. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

We Noticed that The Attic Door, Historic Downtown Winter Garden’s premier cafe and wine bar, has recently expanded. With an option to dine inside on out, lunch is served 11:00am until 2:00pm Tuesday through Friday and until 3:00pm on Saturday. After lunch, enjoy appetizers and light fare all evening and Happy Hour from 4:00 to 7:00pm daily, with Ladies Night on Thursdays. They feature live acoustic music Wednesday through Saturday. The Attic Door is located at 28 W. Plant Street. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

Introducing the only boutique medical spa in West Orange! Gentle Touch Aesthetics & Wellness Spa recently opened at 2723 Maguire Road in Ocoee. Enhance your beauty and maintain your youthful appearance with their signature gentle touch and cutting edge anti-aging treatments. Visit their beauty experts to Look Beautiful. Feel Vibrant. Get Visible Results. Call 407-877-7003 or visit gentletouchmedispa.com to request your FREE skin care consultation. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

The West Orange Chamber Ambassadors recognized Suzi Karr Realty with a We Noticed Award for all the improvements they’ve recently made to their office located at 527 Main Street in Windermere. Improvements included exterior paint, signage, landscape projects, new walkway, patio and window box display. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

SAVE $$$ BY PAYING IN ADVANCE FOR BUISNESS AFTER HOURS !!

Beginning this month at the January 19th BAH, we are encouraging all members to save money and pay in advance for this and all future Business After Hours events. This will allow the check in process at Business After Hours events to move more quickly for everyone at each event! Those who pay in advance of the event will receive the advance payment rate of $5.00. Admission at the door is $10.00 per person for members and non-members.

You can purchase Business After Hours Bucks (“BAH Bucks”), as an additional way to receive the $5.00 advance payment rate. Each BAH Buck costs $5.00 or you can buy 5 BAH Bucks for $20.00! Visit the Chamber office to purchase as many BAH Bucks as you like – they never expire! When you arrive at a Business After Hours event simply use one BAH Buck to pay for your admission upon check in, it’s that simple and you are guaranteeing yourself the $5.00 rate when you have prepurchased a BAH Buck!

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DECEMBER 2011 TRUSTEE LUNCHEON

The West Orange Chamber (WOCC) held the final Trustee Luncheon of 2011 on Wednesday, December 14th. The Luncheon was sponsored and hosted by Cariera’s Cucina in Dr. Phillips and featured guest speaker Thomas L. Baptiste, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret), President/Executive Director, National Center for Simulation (NCS). Lt. Gen. Baptiste outlined how the Modeling, Simulation & Training (MS&T) Industry has developed and grown in Central Florida, and why it is important to the future of a more diversified Florida economy.

Pictured L to R: David Sylvester, 2012 Chairman of the WOCC Board; Michael Waldrop, WOCC Immediate Past Chairman; Stina D’Uva, WOCC President/CEO; Lt. Gen. Tom Baptiste, NCS President/Executive Director and Tom Cariera, owner of Cariera’s Cucina.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE

Recently, Youth Leadership West Orange held their second field trip that featured the environment and history of West Orange County. Jim Thomas of Biosphere Consulting and the Oakland Nature Preserve led the tour through the Nature Preserve where the students learned about the restoration of Lake Apopka and the plants and wildlife indigenous to our area. The day also included a tour of the Winter Garden Theatre, The Railroad Museum and The Heritage Museum.

For advertising information

CALL TODAY407.649.3040 ext. 135

Reach more than 23,000 affluent households in Windermere,

Dr. Phillips & MetroWest

Special Advertising Rates Available

The Kid’s IssueMarch 2012

Deadline for entries: January 31Online voting: February 1-9

Send us your photo today!

Now accepting submissions online atCentralFloridaLifestyle.com

The March issue will also feature a special section on private education in Southwest Orlando!

cutest

contest

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CHAMBER CHATTER

Congruatulations to Valencia College for being named the inaugural winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The award comes with a $600,000 prize. President Shugart attributes the honor to Valencia’s results: significantly higher graduation rates than peer colleges, among the nation’s highest job placement rates at 95 percent, and the most productive transfer program in the country, thanks to the partnership with UCF. In addition, focused dedication to learning “defined by professors and administrators taking responsibility for student success, consistently asking what they each can do to improve student outcomes.”

Ocoee Community Grant Applications AvailableThe City of Ocoee awards Community grants of up to $500 to Ocoee non-profit organizations and civic groups or organizations outside the city limits that benefit the city. The grants acknowledge excellence and help further the contributions these local organizations bring to the Ocoee community. The City of Ocoee Community Grant applications are now available online at www.ocoee.org. Residents may also pick up an application at City Hall. Completed applications should be mailed or delivered to City Hall, Community Relations, 150 North Lakeshore Drive by January 27th. The applications are reviewed and ranked by the Community Grant Review Board, a group of residents appointed by the Ocoee City Commission. The Community Grant Review Board makes a recommendation to the City Commission, who makes the final decision on which organizations to fund. For information, call (407) 905-3100.

West Orange County High School grades have been announced and OCPS have all “C” or better gradesOlympia; ADr. Phillips; BOcoee; BWest Orange; BEvans; C

Ocoee Middle School Principal, Sharyn Gabriel has been named the 2011 Innovative Principal of the Year!

TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT

Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers & Langley, LLP, this month’s Trustee Spotlight.

Join a Committe and Get More Involved!

Committees, the backbone of the Chamber, are made up of the volunteer, business leaders in our community. They help set the course of the Chamber for the year. For 2012, each committee has set a course to “Facilitate Opportunity” for all of our members. Choose a committee that works for you and resolve to participate in the New Year.

Ambassadors serve as official hosts of the Chamber at ribbon cuttings, anniversary celebrations, ground breakings, open houses, Business After Hours and other Chamber functions. The Ambassadors promote programs and projects of the Chamber and recognize businesses and individuals through the “We Noticed” and “Member of the Month” Awards. They meet on the first Friday of every month at 8:15 am.

Economic and Governmental Advocacy Committee will advocate on business issues from local and state level to create a positive business climate in the West Orange community. The committee meets the fourth Friday of the month at 8:00am.

Education Committee shall raise awareness among the business community as to their role in improving local schools and to foster and develop stronger relationships among businesses, educators and students. This committee meets the third Thursday of every month at 8:00 am.

Membership Committee supports and promotes a proactive membership program that focuses on acquisition, retention and involvement of Chamber members. The committee meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 9:15 am.

Small Business Development Team recognizes the importance of small businesses in our community, and shall continually seek ways to offer small business owners and managers, effective tools to grow and prosper. The committee meets the second Wednesday of the month at 8:45 am.

To join a committee, call 407-656-1304.

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JANUARY

Thursday, January 19th Chamber Connection – New Member Orientation

Sponsored by Charitable Donations USA, Inc.3:30pm – 4:30pm

West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 West Colonial Dr., Winter Garden

FREE to current WOCC members

January Business After Hours Sponsored and Hosted by: Health Central

5:30pm – 8:00pm10,000 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

Advance RSVP WITH Advance Payment Rate: $5.00All Payments Accepted at the Door: $10.00

Wednesday, January 25th Lunch and Learn -

“Do More in Less Time”Sponsored by BB&T and HR On Call

Presented by Technology Solutions of America11:30am – 1:00pm

West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

Light lunch provided!FREE to current WOCC members

Tuesday, January 31stPower Networking8:00am – 9:00am

Sponsored & hosted by Courtyard by MarriottWest Orange Chamber of Commerce

10971 West Colonial Dr., OcoeeLight refreshments provided!

FREE to current WOCC membersExclusive to 1 person per industry - By RSVP Only

FEBRUARY

Thursday, February 2nd The Big Orange Awards

Presented by DRB Benefits Group and Orlando Health 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Valencia College, West Campus Special Events Center

1800 S. Kirkman Rd. OrlandoChamber Member Earned Rate: $46.00

Non Member Rate: $56.00Reserved Corporate Tables of 8: $375.00

Thursday, February 9th Lead and Feed

Tao Asian13848 Tilden Rd. Winter Garden

12:00pm – 1:30pm$13.00 includes lunch, drinks, tax and tip

Thursday, February 23rd Chamber Connection – New Member Orientation

Sponsored by DRB Benefits Group3:30pm – 4:30pm

West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

FREE to current WOCC members

Business After Hours Sponsored and Hosted by Oakland Park

5:30pm – 7:00pm15241 E. Oakland Ave. Winter Garden

Advance RSVP WITH Advance Payment Rate: $5.00All Payments Accepted at the Door: $10.00

Wednesday, February 29th Hot Topic: The Role of Apology in Business

Presented by Grossman & Grossman, PASponsored by The Valladares Law Firm

7:50am – 9:00amWest Orange Chamber of Commerce

12184 West Colonial Dr. Winter GardenLight breakfast provided

FREE to current WOCC members

2012Supporting

Trustees

Alarie DesignAssociates

Apple Air Conditionaing &

Heating, Inc.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, LLC

Boyd DevelopmentCorporation

Comerica Bank

GrayRobinson, P.A.

June Engineering

Kelly’s Foods, Inc.

Manheim Orlando

Publix

Rural/Metro Ambulance of Central Florida

SeaWorld Orlando

Sines BlakesleeMadyda, P.A.

Certified Public Accountants, P.A.

South Milhausen, P.A.

Technology Solutionsof America

The West OrangeTimes

Universal Orlando

West Orange Orthopaedics & Sports

Medicine, P.A.

Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves

West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 W. Colonial Drive . Winter Garden, FL 34787

Ph: (407) 656-1304 . Fax: (407) 656-0224Web site: www.wochamber.com

To register and pay online or for more info on these events, please visit our Web site at www.wochamber.com