Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community. 2009 August 2009 Community Trustees Chairman’s Message Dr. Diane Trees, 2009 Chamber Chairman University of Central Florida Ace Hardware
BankFIRST Summer is usually a time to slow down a little, take some much needed R & R and rejoin the workforce with Blue Cross renewed energy. Yet, 2009 has been different in so many ways and slowing down is not what businesses, Blue Shield of Florida including your own Chamber has been doing in July. The summer months have been used by the Chamber Bright Future team to analyze your survey results, participate in professional development activities and create new Electric, LLC opportunities for you.
Castle & Cooke As previously promised, the survey results (with a 10% response rate) have been reviewed. The survey’s intent was to determine if Chamber operations and programs are meeting the expectations of our members and DeWitt Excavating satisfying the needs of our members. The responses to the questions will help us determine which programs and events to keep, eliminate, or change. The question that gave us the greatest insight into how our members DRB Benefits Group felt about the Chamber and its value as an investment was the one whereby we asked members how likely they were to recommend us to another business as a sound investment. Out of the respondents, nearly 90% EMBARQ indicated that they would encourage other businesses to invest in membership in the chamber. First Commercial Bank of Florida In addition to general responses, the survey provided explanations by our members as to why they rated us as they did. With anonymity guaranteed, these candid comments will serve as a focal point for discussion Fishback, Dominick, by the Chamber Team and the Board of Directors. How can the chamber improve its services? What are Bennett, Stepter, the concerns of its members? What possible solutions and ideas can be generated by these comments? As Ardaman, Ahlers, always, we urge any member with a specific concern or issue to call the chamber and speak with any member Bolton & Langley, LLP of the Chamber Team or Stina directly. We are here to serve you, our members.
GrayRobinson, P.A. Continuing the intent to provide maximum service to our members, Stina completed year three of four Health Central scheduled years of training with the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management. This summer, Vice President, Krista Carter began her first year of the four year training program. Chamber Manheim Orlando Team members are encouraged to participate in programs such as this because of the valuable information that they bring back to provide new, different and exciting opportunities for you and your businesses. This Miller, South & year’s theme placed a great emphasis on the necessity for Chambers to move from “Relic to Relevance” in Milhausen, P.A. the realm of technology. As a result, our Team will be exploring and developing new, updated communication methods for our members. We look forward to meeting this challenge! PrismOne Group, LLC Also on the horizon, the chamber has a unique and exciting event planned around a team building exercise Progress Energy for employers and employees. Join us at the first ever “Thriller” Team Building Mini Golf presented by DRB Regions Bank Benefits Group and sponsored by Carter Family Bowl and Pizzeria and Bright House Networks, Tuesday, August 11, 2009, located at Monster Mini Golf, 1297 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Registration begins at 5:30 The Middlesex pm. The entry fee for a foursome is $125.00 with special pricing for additional players. Contact the Chamber Companies for extra information at 407-656-1304x5 in regard to same. As always, I look forward to seeing you at events, programs, and committee meetings. Walt Disney World Company Dr. Diane Trees West Orange Committee Corner by Terry Fay, Fay Financial Group - Membership Committee Member Chamber Membership - Are You Maximizing Your ROI? Board of Directors Can you think of anyone who started an investment hoping to lose? I know I can’t. Everyone who opens an investment does so to get a positive rate of return or Return on Investment (ROI). So it is with a membership in Joe Alarie the West Orange Chamber. Everyone joins to get a return. The type of return and amount of return varies with A. Kurt Ardaman each member. But everyone wants a positive return. Let’s compare our Chamber membership to my definition of the “Ideal Investment” and see what it takes to maximize our return potential David Billsborough I believe every Ideal Investment should have at least these three characteristics: Flexibility, Diversification, Comm. Scott Boyd and Regular Contributions. Mayor Gary Bruhn Flexibility Comm. Bob Buchanan I believe the Ideal Investment should allow the owner to put money in and take money out. We don’t know what the future holds so a plan that locks us in for 10, 20, or more years won’t allow us to take full advantage Samir Burshan of opportunities. Debbie Clements Similarly, the WOCC is very flexible. A member can increase or decrease involvement; be content with Jim Densmore displaying the plaque in their window or aspire to the Board; pursue active marketing or passive marketing. There’s a strategy for everyone. Rob Frank Diversification Ron Garrison If you talk to most financial advisor’s, including myself, they would say that the best way to increase the Bob Gosselin chances of a positive return and reduce the downside risk is to diversify. If you invest in one company stock you stand to lose it all if the company goes bust. However, if you invest in a mutual fund that owns hundreds Chesta Hembrooke of companies if that one company goes bust you haven’t lost nearly as much. Thus, your opportunity for gain is improved and your risk of loss is decreased. Bob Hennen
Randy June Let’s take that same concept and apply it to your membership at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. If you attended the New Member Orientation/Chamber Connections class you received a document called “Menu Julie Kleffel for a Healthy Business” and you completed your “Plan of Involvement” form. There are literally hundreds of opportunities to build your business through the Chamber. The more diversified you are with your involvement Star Kraschinsky the more people will get to know you and the greater the chance you will get out of the Chamber what you are Anette Luck looking for. If you only do one thing, you may hit a home run, but on the other hand you may strike out.
John McReynolds Regular Contributions The Ideal Investment has regular contributions going to it and those contributions aren’t limited by an institution Jeff Milhausen or the government. Dan Petro When I refer to contributions to the Chamber I am not referring to your annual membership dues. I am Kitty Phillips referring to your time and relationship contributions. You might get lucky and land the account of a lifetime after one meeting or one sponsorship. But that is doubtful. An investment into the Chamber requires regular, Representative systematic, and ongoing contributions to get the maximum return. It means sponsoring an E-WOW, then going Stephen Precourt to a Business After Hours, then sponsoring a New Member Orientation/Chamber Connections class. You get Russ Salerno the idea.
Paul Sexton Every month businesses drop their Chamber membership. Honestly, I can’t figure out why. I’ve talked to some of these people and the most common sentiment is, “I didn’t get anything out of it.” After a short conversation, Dianne Southwell it is clear that they didn’t put anything into it either. Mayor Kathy Stark If you incorporate the principles of Flexibility, Diversification, and Regular Contributions you will put yourself Lynetta Steed in the best position to capitalize on your investment.
David Sylvester
Jim Thomas
Dr. Diane Trees Chairman
Michael Waldrop JOIN. MEET. GROW. TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT The law firm of Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers & Langley LLP (Fishback Dominick) is one of Central Florida’s oldest law firms. Since 1935, Fishback Dominick has vigorously and competently represented clients 2009 Legislative Luncheon throughout the State of Florida. Fishback Dominick holds a peer review rating of “AV” from Martindale-Hubbell™, which Wednesday, September 2nd is the highest rating in competency and ethical standards. Martindale- 11:30am Hubbel has also recognized Fishback Dominick in its Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, a listing of the most distinguished law firms in Sponsored by America. Health Central and University of Central Florida The Family Life Center at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church The Firm is privileged to have had long-term relationships with private 9600 West Colonial Drive, Ocoee. and government clients. Fishback Dominick prides itself on quality client Earned Member rate - $26.00 representation advanced by attorneys and staff with the highest integrity Non Member rate - $31.00. and ability as well as in its use of advanced technology. The Firm and many of the Firm’s attorneys have received awards recognizing pro bono ($1.00 from each ticket sold will be contributed to the West service to the Central Florida community. In 2009, the Firm received Orange Chamber Scholarship Fund.) The Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Law Firm Commendation RSVP at www.wochamber.com Award in recognition of extensive pro bono work. Invited guest speakers are the Central Florida Delegation. Representatives; Sandra Adams, Dean Cannon, Steve Crisafulli, Chris Dorworth, Eric Eisnaugle, Mike Horner, Bryan Nelson, Scott Plakon, Steve Precourt, Scott Randolph, Darren Soto GrayRobinson is a full-service corporate law firm with over 200 attorneys and Geraldine R. Thompson and Senators: Thad Altman, Lee throughout 10 offices across Florida. They provide legal services for Constantine, Andy Gardiner and Gary Siplin. The Delegation Fortune 500 companies, emerging businesses, lending institutions, local and state governments, developers, entrepreneurs and individuals across will address issues pertinent to West Orange County and will Florida, the nation and the world. allow time for a question and answer session. GrayRobinson, offers not only breadth across a great many legal specialties, but depth and proficiency in each one as well. They have invented a better brand of law firm, counting creativity as a hallmark West Orange Chamber Annual Golf Classic characteristic and insisting on ingenuity and innovation. At GrayRobinson, there is no such thing as “business as usual.” GrayRobinson has forged Thursday, October 1st their own path, creating a firm that best serves their clients and their Presented by DRB Benefits Group communities. West Orange Country Club Drink Sponsor Bright House Networks Commit”teasers” Best Ball Scramble Registration 1:00 pm Governmental Affairs Monday, August 10th Reception and Award Ceremony Immediately Following 8:00 – 9:00am The most affordable classic to date! Chamber Office Foursomes $300.00 For More Info and Sponsorship Opportunities call Membership Committee Tuesday, August 18th 407-656-1304 x 5 or e-mail [email protected] 8:00 – 9:00am Chamber Office
Small Business Development Team Tuesday, August 18th 9:15 – 10:00am Chamber Office
Economic Development Committee Tuesday, August 21st 8:00 – 9:00am Chamber Office
Education Committee No meetings for July or August Next Meeting will be September 15 at 8:00 am. Chamber Office New Members Renewed Members June 2009 June 2009
ATTORNEYS CLEANING SERVICES AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING INTERNET ADVERTISING Alvarez Sambol Winthrop Cleaning Assistants, LLC SALES & SERVICE WEBSITE & Madson, P.A. Mark Olesen Apple Air Conditioning & Heating, MyGoLocker, LLC. Jeffrey Thompson (407) 399-6497 Inc. (407) 210-2796 www.cleaningassistants.com LIGHTING-LANDSCAPE www.aswmpa.com ATTORNEYS Welch Creative Lighting MARKETING Lowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & BANKS The Yes Card Reed, P.A. MORTGAGE LOANS Regions Bank Alex Greengold Mortgage Solutions of Central Chris Dering (703) 728-6007 AUTOMOBILE REPAIR/ Florida (407) 352-2044 SUPPLIES PUBLIC RELATIONS High Line Car Sales, Inc. ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFIT BUSINESS CONSULTING Alan Byrd & Associates Habitat for Humanity of Great WynFish Business Alan Byrd BANKS Orlando Area Solutions, LLC (407) 415-8470 M&I Bank (OBT) Kristin Winer Trustco Bank PAYROLL SERVICES (407) 810-2523 REAL ESTATE - First Financial Employee Leasing http://www.wynfish.com DEVELOPMENT BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS/ EPIC Development Group DEVELOPERS PHYSICIANS - CELLULAR TELEPHONES Nicholas Burden D & D Construction Services of GENERAL PRACTICE Cellular Sales (407) 298-4141 Orlando, Inc. Windermere Allergy & Asthma Jose Marques www.ncwealthmgmt.com (407) 579-3956 CATERING PLUMBING Absolute Catering & Bar Services Troy’s Plumbing, Inc.
CHURCHES - CAMP POOL CONTRACTOR Camp Ithiel Blue Dream Pools
COMPUTER - SALES/SERVICE/ POOL SERVICE AND SUPPLIES CONSULTANT Pinch A Penny Just Biz - Technology Services PRINTERS CONSTRUCTION - Allegra Print & Imaging COMMERCIAL The Robins & Morton Group PRINTERS Graphic Arts Printing CONSTRUCTION - GENERAL Fleck Construction RESTAURANTS Cracker Barrel DENTIST Romano’s Macaroni Grill Carlos R. Colon-Bengoa, D.D.S., The Palm P.A. Yellow Dog Eats Cafe
ELECTED OFFICIALS RETAIL - FURNITURE Florida Representative Badcock Home Furniture Steve Precourt Orange County Property Appraiser RETAIL - WOMEN’S APPAREL & ACCESSORIES FINANCIAL PLANNING Strap Teaze LaPorte Financial Group/ Walnut Street Securities, Inc. SCHOOLS Morgan Stanley - Ron Garrison University Of Central Florida
GRAPHIC DESIGN SCHOOLS - PRESCHOOL Crabtree Ink Children’s Lighthouse
HOTELS STORAGE UNITS The Ritz-Carlton Stoneybrook West Self Storage
ICE CREAM SHOPPE TITLE INSURANCE SERVICES Twistee Treat Our Title & Escrow Company
INSURANCE Patrick S. Gray Insurance Agency, Inc. Florida Senate Honors Veteran Michael Waldrop
Michael Waldrop, a member of the West Orange Chamber Board of Directors, received the Florida Senate Spirit of Service Award for his U.S. Army service in Afghanistan and his successful initiative to create legislation to aid Florida’s servicemen and women. Senate President Jeff Atwater presented the award to Waldrop at a reception held at the Chamber’s office in Winter Garden.
A former infantry captain in Afghanistan, Waldrop was wounded during the Battle of Panjwai and awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor. After 11 months in Afghanistan, Waldrop returned home to his wife and two young children in 2008, but felt his call to serve was far from over. Waldrop contacted state legislators to pass a bill to exempt active servicemen and women from property taxes while they are away from home serving their country. Legislators agreed to this Constitutional Amendment this year and voters will make the final decision on its fate in 2010.
“My hope was that this bill would help motivate the troops by alleviating property taxes while they are off fighting for our country,” says Waldrop, vice president of construction for McCree General Contractors and Architects Inc. “I am very proud that our legislature was able to get this bill to ballot. This award is not about me but about our soldiers and military families that are facing multiple deployments.”
The West Orange community is growing and evolving everyday. The West Orange Chamber is dedicated to showcasing the integrity and professional interests of our Members and is proud to represent our community.
AMBASSADOR ACCOLADES & ANTICS
The Ambassadors recently participated in the following events:
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Metes & Bounds Title Company 17301 Pagonia Rd, #310, Clermont
Monster Mini Golf 1297 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Winter Garden Photo Gallery
July Business After Hours
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently held a Business After Hours event at Salt Island Chop House and Fish Market on Thursday, July 23rd. Attendees enjoyed networking with over 100 guests while dining on such appetizers as gator tail, calamari, rib eye, oysters and much more! Pictured from left to right: Krista Carter, Aaron Straub, Carlos Justen and Carrie Wilson.
The West Orange Adult Leadership group
The 2009 Leadership West Orange Class, “WOLF-PAC West Orange Leadership Friends – Promoting Awareness in the Community”, 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.
Back Row: Dan Yates, Greg Ohe, Sam Davis, Jr., Robert Stuart, Jr., Kerry Van Etten, Justin Allen, Chris Bauman. Front Row: Heather Maloney, Maria Bajardi, June Torres, Janelle Resnick, Tamara Gilliard, Cindy Gaines and Sharon Smoley. Not pictured: Rebekah Phillip.
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Questions? Please contact: Vicki Ferber, Membership Services Manager 407.656.1304 ext. 3 or e-mail [email protected] CHAMBER CHATTER Check out the West Orange Chamber on Facebook. Join as a fan!!! Once we have 100 fans, we can secure a private Facebook URL.
The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel is now open for lunch. Visit the restaurant located at 99 W. Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm. To place “To Go” orders call 407/656-2633.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is proud to announce the publication of the new local history book, Sundays in the South: Touring West Orange County. The 112-page touring guide features 70 buildings and homes of architectural and historic significance in the communities of Winter Garden, Tildenville, and Oakland. Sites include sketches by local artist, Rod Reeves, and historic narrative describing the buildings and the people who 8nXi[$n`ee`e^ turned these wonderful houses into homes. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation operates four venues in historic downtown Winter Garden which include: the Heritage Museum at 1 North
To reserve your Small Business Expo space D\dY\i1N\jkFiXe^\:_XdY\if]:fdd\iZ\Xe[ ;fnekfneN`ek\i>Xi[\eD\iZ_XekËj>l`c[ at the September Business After Hours please call Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0 The International Parmasters Golf and Links Golf Cafe Corporation has chosen the Orlando region for its next premier, indoor golf training and practice facility and you’re invited.
Parmasters is assembling its investment team and is offering Orlando locals the opportunity to be in at the start of the roll-out across the region.
We will be opening our premier, indoor golf training and practice facility to open in 2010 and invite you and a guest to an exclusive presentation detailing our plans, have a glass of wine and mingle with friends. Parmasters Golf Training Centers is the world’s first year- round, indoor golf training center franchise that literally guarantees results.
Our first 15,000 square foot facility will be located in Orlando. We are finalizing the first site location which will feature all the tradition and appeal of a high-end clubhouse while offering the ultimate training and practice center for golfers of all levels including:
• A 3,000 square foot short game area with specialized undulating putting greens, sand traps and chipping area • Virtual reality golf areas featuring twenty- four world famous courses • Long-game fluency bays with unique automatic, ball tee-up systems • State of the art meeting rooms • Retail shop featuring top golf equipment and apparel • Dressing rooms and a licensed lounge area for members to unwind • A golf fitness and conditioning area • Catered events
Our special Preview Meeting will take place Wednesday September 2nd at Orange Tree Golf Club (7540 Woodgreen DR. Orlando, FL) at 6:00 PM. The preview meeting is not only quick and fun, but will also open up great opportunities for anyone who is interested in improving their golf game and taking advantage of all the pre-opening specials.
I hope you are able to take advantage of this invitation. Please call (813) 310-6243, or email ([email protected]) to RSVP to reserve your seats. We look forward to seeing you soon. 2009 Supporting Trustees AUGUST
Tuesday, August 11th SEPTEMBER “Thriller” Team Building Mini Golf Sponsored by Carter Family Bowl & Pizzeria Wednesday, September 2nd Alarie Design and Bright House Networks Legislative Luncheon Associates Monster Mini Golf Sponsored and Hosted by 5:30 - 8:30pm Health Central and University of Central Florida For more info contact The Family Life Center Allen & Company, Lauren Wolf at 407/656-1304 ext 5 at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church, Ocoee Inc. 11:30am - 1:00pm Thursday, August 13th Chamber Member Earned Rate $26.00 American Lead & Feed Non Member Rate $31.00 Tambora’s Grill Café, Ocoee For more info contact Carrie Wilson First Bancard 12:00 – 1:30pm at 407-656-1304 ext 4 For more info or to RSVP Hagan O’Reilly’s contact Chris Eckert at 407/656-1304 ext 0 Thursday, September 10th Irish Pub & Lead & Feed Wednesday, August 19th Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Winter Garden Restaurant Lunch and Learn 12:00 – 1:30pm “Turning Your Membership Into Money” For more info or to RSVP Orlando Health Sponsored by Florida Lakes Title & Closing LLC contact Heather Weidenbruch and Mortgage Solutions of Central Florida, Inc. 407-859-7123 ext 115 or Presented by Pici and Pici [email protected] Plaudits! West Orange Chamber Board Room 12:00pm – 1:30pm Thursday, September 17th Publix Free to current WOCC members New Member Orientation & Refresher For more info contact “Chamber Connection” Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0 Sponsored by DRB Benefits Group Sines, Girvin, West Orange Chamber Board Room Blakeslee & Campbell Thursday, August 20th 3:30 – 4:30pm New Member Orientation & Refresher Free for valued WOCC members Technology Solutions “Chamber Connection” For more info contact Chris Eckert Sponsored by Strombeck Consulting, CPA at 407-656-1304 ext 0 of America West Orange Chamber Board Room 3:30 – 4:30pm Thursday, September 17th The Huber Group Free for valued WOCC members Business After Hours and Small Business Expo For more info contact Chris Eckert Sponsored by Embarq & DRB Benefits Group at 407-656-1304 ext 0 Hosted by Windermere Country Club, Windermere The West Orange 5:30 – 7:00pm Times Thursday, August 20th For more info contact Carrie Wilson Business After Hours at 407-656-1304 ext 4 Universal Orlando Sponsored and Hosted by Holiday Inn Express and FASTSIGNS, Orlando Wednesday, September 23rd 5:30 – 7:00pm Hot Topics “Quickbooks” University of Central Chamber Member Earned Rate $5.00 Sponsored and Presented by Florida Non Member Rate $10.00 Scott Michael, Strombeck Consulting, CPA’s For more info contact Carrie Wilson West Orange Chamber Board Room at 407-656-1304 ext 4 7:50 - 9:00am Waste Management, Free to current WOCC members Inc. of Florida Tuesday, August 25th For more info contact West Orange Young Professionals Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0 Winter Garden Village Happy Hour Networking Location to be announced at Fowler Groves 5:30-7:00pm For more info contact Carrie Wilson RSVP to Chamber events at www.wochamber.com at 407-656-1304 ext 4
West Orange Chamber of Commerce 12184 W. Colonial Drive Winter Garden, FL 34787 Ph: (407) 656-1304 Fax: (407) 656-0224 Web site: www.wochamber.com