Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community. 2008 June 2008 Community Trustees Chairman’s Message Julie Kleffel, 2008 Chamber Chairman BankFIRST BankFIRST

Bright Future Electric, LLC Greetings! Castle & Cooke Summer is here and there are some hot opportunities to make your voice count. As a member of the chamber, your feedback is critical to our success and thanks to our partnership with 9G Enterprises you have the distinct DeWitt Excavating opportunity to participate in our annual member survey. The survey will allow you to give us your opinion of Embarq the chamber’s programs and services so we know how to better serve you and our community. Your participation in the survey makes a difference and the results of the survey are personally reviewed by each and every board First Commercial member at our annual planning retreat. Some of the best programs in the chamber have come as a result of Bank of feedback from our members that we have received from this annual survey. I appreciate your willingness to take time out of your busy day to help us with this very important project and for giving us a chance to make Fishback, Dominick, improvements where necessary. Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, Additionally, the chamber is always looking for ways to assist our members in getting the word out about Bolton & Langley, LLP their business through various different advertising mediums. I am pleased to announce that the chamber is currently selling advertising spots on their Web site and several members are already taking advantage of this GrayRobinson, P.A. rare and unique opportunity. The chamber Web site receives over 17,000 hits and 7,000 sessions per month. So for just pennies a day, you can reach out to thousands of prospects looking to connect with chamber member Health Central businesses. Ads are selling fast so contact the chamber today to take advantage of this amazing chance to Lowndes Drosdick connect with other potential customers. Doster Kantor & Thank you for your confidence in the chamber evidenced by your countless volunteer hours, consistent attendance Reed, P.A. at chamber events, and support of chamber members doing business with chamber members. Every chamber Manheim Orlando member’s investment in our community makes a difference! Best regards, McCree Designed & Built Right! Julie Kleffel

Miller, South & Milhausen, P.A. Legislative Session Ends – some wins, some losses for Chamber PrismOne Group, LLC The 2008 Legislative Session which began in March ended on Friday, May 2nd. Prior to the session, the Progress Energy Chamber prepared a Legislative Position Paper which we shared with the Central Florida Delegation prior to our trip to Tallahassee. Throughout the session, we contacted legislators about our issues of interest as they Regions Bank went through the House and Senate. We didn’t get everything we wanted, yet seldom does anyone get that. SunTrust Bank A few of our wins during this session were the securing of PECO funds for the construction of a permanent The Middlesex building for UCF on Valencia CC West and the appropriation of $5 million for the Entertainment Incentive Companies used to recruit and retain film and television to areas in Central Florida. The Sales Tax Exemption Defibrillator bill which will make it easier to have these devises in public and private area, without liability issues, also World passed. Company A big loss was the passage of the Guns at Work Bill. This bill, currently being challenged by the Florida West Oaks Mall Chamber of Commerce, will allow employees to bring a gun to work and leave it in their car as long as they have a concealed weapons permit. West Orange Committee Corner by Terry Fay, Fay Financial Group Chamber Membership Committee Board of Directors “Mom I don’t want to go to the game tonight. The uniform is uncomfortable, I have tons of paperwork to do, I’m exhausted, and I just don’t feel like it.” Joe Alarie “Son, you really need to go to the game. It’s going to be an exciting game, many people respect you, A. Kurt Ardaman the paperwork can wait, and besides, you’re the coach!” Mayor Gary Bruhn By show of hands (and I mean raise them high as you read this), how many of you have felt like that Comm. Bob Buchanan coach before attending a Chamber event? There is always something else to do besides getting suited up for a Business After Hours, Hot Topics, luncheon, or Business & Breakfast. Maybe the thought of Debbie Clements “networking” scares you to death. Maybe the thought of “working the room” exhausts you. Is there Jim Densmore another way? You can put your hands down now.

Ken Dwyer Believe it or not, there are other ways to build your business within the Chamber besides networking at events. I like to call it “lifestyle marketing.” Take a moment and reflect on the interests you have. What Louis Fazio, Jr. are you passionate about? Are you “wired” as a task oriented person or a relationship-oriented person? Rob Frank What activities is your family involved in at this stage of life? Take a moment right now to jot a couple notes in the margin of this newsletter. Ron Garrison Now, look at the list of Chamber Committees. Which committee’s seem like they line up best with who Bob Gosselin you are? Do you have kids in school? Consider joining the Education Committee. Do you get a rush planning events? Then consider the Events Committee. Maybe you enjoy mentoring people and prefer Pamela Gould one-on-one relationship building. Then consider joining the Membership Committee to mentor new Chesta Hembrooke members in getting the most out of their membership.

Bob Hennen When you are involved in something that you enjoy, it’s not drudgery. It’s fun! Comm. Teresa Jacobs “But how does involvement on a committee help build my business?” Think arrow versus shotgun. You build working relationships with a small group of people. These people see your work ethic, ideas, and Julie Kleffel - Chairman creativity, which builds trust. You have the opportunity to “make a name” for yourself by contributing John McReynolds to the success of the Chamber.

Jeff Milhausen Additionally, as you work on your committee’s projects you’ll get to know others in the business community. For example, as a Chamber Ambassador you have the opportunity to attend new business John Murphy ribbon cuttings and other events. You’ll meet new business owners and decisions makers who may be your Linda Osterberg ideal prospects. Plus the photos that are published from these events give you additional exposure.

Dan Petro Here’s the bottom line, there are many creative ways to promote yourself and your business through the Chamber. But the only way you’re going to know where you fit best is to get involved and start! So Kitty Phillips get off the bench and on the field! Stephen Precourt

Russ Salerno

Paul Sexton West Orange Students Honored Dianne Southwell On Thursday, May 1st, 2008 West Orange County 5th, 8th and 11th grade students were Mayor Kathy Stark honored by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and received the S.O.A.R. award (Students of Outstanding Achievement and Renown) an award of merit, recognizing Lynetta Steed students who have shown initiative, good citizenship, commitment and personal growth David Sylvester in the classroom. The Students represented over 40 schools throughout the Chamber’s area. Jim Thomas

Dr. Diane Trees The ceremony was held in the Auditorium of Ocoee High School where each student received a medallion sponsored by Ann Whittle of Trophies Unlimited, and a $50 US Michael Waldrop Savings bond sponsored by James A. Cummings, Inc. Dr. Katherine Clark of Ocoee Middle School and Co-Chairman of the Chamber’s Education Committee officiated over the Shelly Weidenhamer ceremony. Local elected officials along with school board members, faculty, family and friends were on hand to honor these great kids. DOWNLOAD WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS DIRECTORY/COMMUNITY GUIDE- “Discover 2008”

Following the print publication of the new West Orange Chamber of Commerce Community Guide and Membership Directory, the community guide portion of the magazine is now available in an electronic version with free download at http://www.villageprofile.com/florida/westorangecounty/ Publisher Village Profile of Elgin, Illinois partnered with the Chamber to produce its annual profile/directory. The Chamber and Village Profile have published eight magazines and maps since 2001. The editorial of the West Orange County Community Guide includes up-to-date information about homes and neighborhoods; schools, arts, entertainment, parks & recreation, healthcare, shopping, dining, lodging, transportation, history, business, industry and more, in the communities served by the West Orange Chamber: Dr. Phillips, Gotha, Horizon West, Lake Avalon, MetroWest, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, and Winter Garden.

The eBooks are part of the Convergence Publishing Program™ Village Profile provides the Chamber at no charge (in fact, the Chamber receives a royalty from advertising sales). In addition to free eBooks, and the over 5,000 printed copies of the glossy, full-color magazine that the Chamber will distribute over the year, to local residents, Chamber members, visitors and people inquiring about relocation, the Chamber has a publication website on the Community Profile Network (CPN) at www.villageprofile.com (updated each new publication); 24/7 wireless access to the Chamber’s membership directory at www.vpmobile.us; and a complete Business Directory of advertisers, with links to their own businesses’ websites via web-enabled cell phone, PDAs and other handheld wireless devices. Download your free copy now! For more information or a copy of the printed “Discover” Community Guide and Business Directory, call the Chamber office at 407-656-1304 or stop by 12184 W. Colonial Dr., Winter Garden, FL 34787.

HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY: THIRD TIME NOT A CHARM On February 1st, proponents of the controversial “Hometown Democracy” amendment celebrated their third failure to reach the ballot in unsurprising fashion: they blamed someone else. In fact, they blamed everyone else. The Division of Elections, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Floridians for Smarter Growth, local governments, state officials and dozens of Elections Supervisors throughout Florida were all labeled co-conspirators. In an e-mail to supporters, amendment founder Lesley Blackner quoted Joseph Stalin, saying, “The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.” Ignoring the list of past ballot initiatives that have qualified successfully, some frustrated “Hometown Democracy” leaders have even compared Florida’s initiative process to Third World politics. Preoccupied with assigning blame, amendment supporters have apparently failed to consider the possibility that “Hometown Democracy” is its own worst enemy. “Hometown Democracy” did not qualify for the ballot because it is simply too extreme. Funded by a tiny group of wealthy donors, the proposal has nonetheless failed to attract any significant grassroots support. In contrast, Floridians for Smarter Growth (FSG) has partnered with local business, community, environmental and labor leaders to construct an unparalleled grassroots network throughout Florida. Hundreds of volunteer stakeholders and dozens of Chairmen have rounded out a statewide campaign that is capable of meeting Florida Hometown Democracy on any battlefield. With the amendment aiming to finally qualify for the ballot in 2010, FSG needs your help. If you would like to join Floridians for Smarter Growth (FSG) in the fight against “Hometown Democracy,” please send an e-mail with your contact information to [email protected]. “Members Recruiting Members” Challenge

Congratulations to Russ Salerno and Jim Densmore, the 1st quarter winners of our year long Membership Recruitment Challenge. Russ and Jim were the recepients of a $50 gift certificiate to the Chamber Member Business of their choice. For more information, contact the chamber at 407/656-1304. ext. 0. New Members April 2008 ASSOCIATE DENTIST - ORTHODONTIST LAND DEVELOPMENT RETAIL - WOMEN’S Joanne Kostantinidis Champion Orthodontics Avalon Home & Property Owners’ APPAREL & ACCESSORIES (407) 399-8811 Alexis Shrager Association Strap Teaze (407) 656-0990 Carol Johnson Stephanie Hodges BANKS www.championorthodontics.com (407) 656-8791 (407) 284-1627 Fifth Third Bank www.straptinis.com Jennifer Murphy ENTERTAINMENT REAL ESTATE - (407) 905-3960 Garden Theatre ASSOCIATES SCHOOLS www.53.com Alauna McMillen Nancy Aitken - Keller Williams Bark Avenue Animal Arts (407) 877-4736 Classic Realty Academy, Inc. CHIROPRACTORS www.wgtheatre.org (407) 496-7026 Annette Cavallaro Unity Family Chiropractic www.nextfloridamove.com (407) 347-7976 Jennifer Bourst ENVIRONMENTAL- www.barkavenueacademy.com (407) 654-4506 CONSULTING RESTAURANTS www.unityfamilychiropractic.com Florida Wetland Enhancement Chick Fil-A at Winter Garden SCREEN PRINTING Russell Kivett Jeane Boast Affordable Tees COMMUNICATIONS - (407) 877-9640 (407) 656-0721 JoAnne Wood RADIO www.lakefrontrestoration.com www.chick-fil.a.com (407) 295-6500 Radio Disney www.affordabletees.org Michele Bastone FITNESS TRAINING - The Chef’s Table at the (407) 566-2033 PERSONAL Edgewater Hotel STORAGE UNITS www.radiodisney.com Zenergy Fitness Laurie Tarter United Stor-All Johnna Evans (407) 656-2633 Pamela Mitchell CONSULTING (407) 654-1871 www.chefstableattheedgewater. (407) 296-8333 ID-Theft Solutions www.zenergyfitness2.com com www.ministoragecompanies.com Bud Rumfelt (407) 363-5577 INTERIOR DESIGN RETAIL WINE RETAIL www.id-theftsolutions.org Intermark Design Group Wal Mart - John Young Pkwy Put a Cork in It Aundrea Brown Terry Wilson Mary Ronzino CONTRACTOR - GENERAL (407) 426-9975 (407) 354-5665 (407) 454-1516 Empire Finish Systems, Inc. www.intermarkdesigngroup.com www.putacorkinit.info Iliana Ramos (407) 656-9884 www.empirefinish.com Renewed Members April 2008

ACCOUNTANTS - CERTIFIED DANCE SCHOOLS REAL ESTATE STAFFING COMPANY PUBLIC Central Florida Dance Center Westmont Realty West Point Commons, LLC Strombeck Consulting, CPA’s DENTIST Lakeside Realtors SURVEYORS - LAND APARTMENTS All Aspects Dental Main Street Realty International Benchmark Surveying & Key Isle at Windermere Apart- Mapping Consultants, Inc. ments Carlos R. Colon-Bengoa, D.D.S., The Real Estate Collection, LLC P.A. TELECOMMUNICATIONS ARCHITECTURE RESTAURANTS AT&T Terry L. Irwin Architects, P.A. DENTIST - ORTHODONTIST Mimi’s Cafe Fravel, W. K., D.M.D., P.A. TIRE SALES AND SERVICE ASSOCIATE Stromboli’s NY Pizzeria Crawford Tire Service Sheri McInvale DRY CLEANERS Subway - Maguire Road Fulmer Dry Cleaners TITLE INSURANCE ATTORNEYS Subway - Summerport SERVICES Foley & Lardner LLP FINANCIAL PLANNING North American Title Co. Mark W. Griffith ChFC, CFP The Oceanaire Seafood Room Karla E. Valladares, Too Jay’s Original Gourmet Deli TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Attorney at Law Raymond James Financial Dr. Phillips Universal Orlando Services Law Offices of Long & Mott Too Jay’s Original Gourmet Deli TRANSPORTATION HOSPITAL Ocoee Florida Golf Limo Bus Sawyer & Sawyer, P.A. PROPRIETORSHIP/ MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION AUTOMOBILE United Medical Corporation Southwest Learning Community PLANNING & FINANCING DEALERSHIPS - OCPS Metroplan Orlando Cross Lander of Central Florida HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT/ SHIPPING & BUSINESS COM- D J’s Auto Sales Of Ocoee, Inc. MANAGEMENT TRAINING MUNICATION CENTER HR On Call The UPS Store AUTOMOBILE SERVICE Action Gator Tire ICE CREAM SHOPPE Twistee Treat BANKS CNL Bank LAND DEVELOPMENT MetroWest Master Association Seaside National Bank & Trust MOVING & STORAGE BOTTLED WATER SUPPLIER Ace Relocation Systems, Inc. Crystal Springs OFFICE SUPPLIES BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS/ Office Depot #511 DEVELOPERS Hembree Construction, Inc. ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFIT Royal Custom Builders, Inc. Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida CHURCHES Oasis Community Church PHYSICIANS - OPHTHALMOLOGIST CHURCHES - CAMP Eye Physicians of Central Florida Camp Ithiel PLUMBING CITRUS GROWERS Troy’s Plumbing, Inc Ford Avalon Grove POOL CONTRACTOR Dixie Pools and Spas, Inc. CONSTRUCTION - EXCAVATING POOL SERVICE AND CONTRACTORS SUPPLIES DeWitt Excavating, Inc. Windermere Pool Service

CONSULTING PRINTERS Bene Group Graphic Arts Printing CHAMBER CHATTER

Best Western Turnpike West Orlando, and The Red Roof Inn Ocoee (Florida Lodging Management) would like to announce The Red Roof Inn was selected as the #1 Franchise Property in the Nation!!! The Ocoee property is the “model” for the newest campaign for “Re-Designed, Re-Dedicated” The criteria included, Cleanliness, Wednesday, June 25th Outstanding Service and attention to details, in all aspects of the business. The Red Roof Inn is located at 11241 West Colonial Drive, WOCC Annual Team Building Ocoee, FL, directly behind Denny’s, ¼ mile from the Florida Turnpike Bowling Tournement and SR429 Call 407-347-0140 for reservations Sponsored by ACE Hardware & Talbot Asset Management Congratulations to Deb Linden CEO of Island One Resorts for being named Women Who Mean Business, Business Owner of the Year Carter Family Bowl by the Orlando Business Journal (OBJ). 5:30pm – 8:30pm Team of 8 $325.00 Congratulations to Linda Chapin, Director of Metropolitan Center for Regional Studies at UCF was named the Women Who Mean Business 2008 Legacy Award winner by the OBJ.

Helen Donegan, VP of Community Relations for UCF just earned the OBJ Women Who Mean Business new Publisher’s Award.

Deb German, Dean of UCF’s Medical School was named the 2008 OBJ Women Who Mean Business, Businesswoman of the Year

A very special thank you goes out to Ann Whittle of Trophies Unlimited and Rob Maphis of James A. Cummings, Inc. for sponsoring the Chamber’s S.O.A.R. Awards honoring our area students. We would also like to thank Chesta and Joe Hembrooke and Dr. Kate Clark for all their hard work in making the ceremony a success.

The City of Winter Garden will be home to a new Farmer’s Market at Plant Street and South Lakeview Avenue. The market will be open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., beginning Saturday, June 7th. For more information contact Cheryl Fishel at 352/394-8618 or [email protected].

Canine Companions for Independence has launched their new Web site. Be sure to check out the site at www.cci.org.

Congratulations to our Membership Services Manager, Vicki Ferber, on her 5th Anniversary as part of the Chamber Team!

The West Orange Chamber knows that you know that we know Small Business but...Does everyone else know what you know about you?

Take advantage of Member only Benefits… • Web Enhance Marketing (WEM) • The Chambers Data Base on labels or on Disc • Fax Blasts • Advertising on the Chamber’s Website

Call the Chamber at 407-656-1304 or e-mail [email protected] to find out how you can be in the know. The Chamber knows! Westside Tech— West Orange County Best Kept Secret! AMBASSADOR ACCOLADES By Edith Mosley & ANTICS I have a secret—and I can’t wait to tell it! There’s lots of technical training happening in west Orange County—and at a lower The Ambassadors recently participated in the following cost than many private technical schools charge! As part of the Orange events: County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Department, RIBBON CUTTINGS Westside Tech in Winter Garden offers certification in sixteen areas. Daisy’s Boutique On a school campus that has been a part of the communities it serves 103 S. Main Street, Winter Garden since the 1950’s, Westside is “dressing up,” expanding its classroom facilities, updating its technology, and landscaping its grounds. Sunken Treasure Miniature Golf 9401 W. Colonial Drive, Ste 368, Ocoee Adelina Brann, director of Westside, proudly posed some questions. “Who doesn’t need to have an understanding of the Zia’s Grill & Pizza computer, electrical wiring, air conditioning, and construction repairs? 15493 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Ste 120, Winter Garden If a family member is very young or aging, wouldn’t it be helpful to Too Jay’s know about prescription preparation, CPR and emergency care, and 10185 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee medical forms and terminology? And after a hard day’s work, wouldn’t you welcome a family member trained in massage therapy? All of these RL Burns questions can be answered at Westside, just down the road from your 1203 W. Gore Street, Orlando home. We like to point out that everything on campus contributes not only to job training needs but also to families’ lives. You can use it Bonefish Grill 3279 Daniels Road, Ste 108, Winter Garden all.” “Of course, our main focus is technical training followed by Mimi’s Cafe student successes in their chosen fields. We work hard to make sure 3031 Daniels Road, Winter Garden that our classes compete with other schools and support the Work Windermere Mortgage Company Force needs of our employment communities and our students. The 3131 Daniels Road, #104, Winter Garden training offered here matters to Central Florida employers. We are an accredited school, so we can offer financial aid through government All Aspects Dental grants and local scholarships for our longer programs. Our instructors 301 S. Tubb Street, #D-2, Oakland are certified both academically and occupationally. More than several Scooter’s Car Wash have served on statewide committees, assessing occupational needs in 12728 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden their fields, and providing information to the Tallahassee lawmakers who enact the laws that govern occupational practices in Florida.” Cork & Olive Westside offers training in the following fields: 15505 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Winter Garden Agriscience and Natural Resources: Veterinary Assistant Chipotle Mexican Grill Business Technology: Administrative Assistant, Digital Design, 3317 Daniels Road, Ste 102, Winter Garden Medical Administrative Specialist, Network Systems Administration, and PC Support Services. Urban Flats 3310 Daniels Road, Ste 102, Winter Garden Creative Design: Cosmetology, Facials Specialist, and Nails Specialist Oakland Park Health Science Education: Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, 15241 E. Oakland Avenue, Winter Garden and Pharmacy Technician ANNIVERSARIES Industrial Education: A/C, Refrigeration and Heating Technology, State Farm Insurance (1st) Applied Welding Technologies, Architectural Drafting, Building 3712 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden Construction Technology, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, and Electricity. S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange (5th) Marketing Education: Floral Design and Marketing Ocoee Westside partners with local high schools to provide training WE NOTICED and educational alternatives which benefit younger students: the dual Church of the Messiah enrollment and GED Exit Option programs. Students should visit 260 N. Woodland Street, Winter Garden their guidance office to enquire about these programs. Also offered St. Andrews Catholic Church through Westside are general education courses like adult basic skills 801 N. Hastings Street, Orlando (reading and math remediation) and GED preparation for the state examination. Winter Garden Theatre Whoa! I’m exhausted, sharing this with you! BUT if you 160 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden want to know more of our secrets, visit the Westside Campus at 955 GROUND BREAKING East Story Road in Winter Garden. Edgewood Children’s Ranch Or you can call (407) 905-2000 1451 Edgewood Ranch Road, Orlando for additional information or ask to speak to the instructor of a MEMBER OF THE MONTH particular course. Here’s looking Rachel George, Send Out Cards - April at you, kid—on our campus, I hope!

2008 Supporting Trustees

JUNE

Ace Hardware Thursday, June 5th JULY Commissioners Luncheon 11:30am – 1:30pm Thursday, July 17th Alarie Design Sponsored by New Member Orientation & Refresher Associates Stoneybrook West Golf Club Sponsored by Strombeck Consulting, CPA’s Cost: $31.00 for WOCC Members, Chamber Office Dyer, Riddle, Mills $41.00 for Non Members 3:30pm – 4:30pm & Precourt, Inc. FREE Wednesday, June 11th Hot Topics Thursday, July 17th Plaudits! “Stress Management and Your Health” Business After Hours Presented by Dr. Khan of Bogard’s Publix Health Central’s Wintermere Internal Medicine 5:30pm – 7:00pm Sponsored by Arthur Rutenburg Homes FREE Sines, Girvin, WOCC Conference Room 7:50am – 9:00am AUGUST Blakeslee & Campbell Thursday, June 19th Thursday, August 7th Technology Solutions Business After Hours Political Hob Nob & Straw Poll of America Sponsored by Magical Mealtime Manheim Orlando Remarketing Facility & Joe Daylor Photography 5:00pm – 8:00pm The Huber Group Magical Mealtime $26.00 per person 5:30pm -7:00pm FREE Wednesday, August 13th The Robins & Morton Hot Topics Group Wednesday, June 25th “Affordable Benefits For Your Employees” WOCC Annual Team Building Presented by Colin Galloway of The West Orange Bowling Tournement Insurance Services of Central Florida Times Sponsored by ACE Hardware & Sponsored by Arthur Rutenburg Homes Talbot Asset Management Chamber Office Carter Family Bowl 7:50am – 9:00am Universal Orlando 5:30pm – 8:30pm FREE for current Chamber Members; by RSVP only Team of 8 $325.00 University of Central Florida Dates and times are subject to change

Waste Management, Inc. of Florida

Winter Garden Village West Orange Chamber of Commerce Presorted Standard 12184 W. Colonial Drive U.S. Postage at Fowler Groves PAID Winter Garden, FL 34787 Permit No. 257 Ph: (407) 656-1304 Fax: (407) 656-0224 Winter Garden, FL Web site: www.wochamber.com