Chairman`s Message - West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
Chairman`s Message - West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community. 2008 Community Trustees Chairman’s Message Julie Kleffel, 2008 Chamber Chairman BankFIRST BankFIRST Bright Future Electric, LLC Castle & Cooke DeWitt Excavating Embarq First Commercial Bank of Florida Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers, Bolton & Langley, LLP GrayRobinson, P.A. Health Central Lowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & Reed, P.A. Manheim Orlando McCree Designed & Built Right! Miller, South & Milhausen, P.A. PrismOne Group, LLC Progress Energy October 2008 Your voice matters! We are rapidly approaching the 2008 election and this year your voice matters more than ever! As Americans, we have the distinct privilege of being able to participate in the process that elects our next generation of leaders into office. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, your vote on November 4, 2008 will determine the shape of our community and our nation at large for the next several years. As the business community, it is critical we take a leadership role and become educated voters. In an effort to assist you in getting informed, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce is proud to invite you to our upcoming Business & Breakfast series event “A Candidate Debate Breakfast,” sponsored by Universal Orlando. This exciting event will take place on Wednesday, October 22nd from 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church in Ocoee, Florida. The forum will be a candidate debate between Orange County Commission District 1 candidates, Scott Boyd and Shannon Gravitte, as well as Orange County Sheriff candidates, John Tegg and Jerry Demings. The chamber is expecting the event to sell out, so be sure to reserve your corporate tables and individual tickets in advance so you are not left out of this fantastic opportunity. I would like to thank Universal Orlando for making this chamber member benefit affordable. The chamber’s goal is to continue to be a business advocate and an educational business resource about the issues that are affecting the West Orange Community. We truly believe that education is the first step in the process of creating change when necessary. So, in addition to the Candidate Debate Breakfast, the Chamber has also provided (in this newsletter) a review of our positions on some of the upcoming constitutional amendments that impact the business community at large. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Chamber. Best regards, Julie Kleffel West Orange Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman, 2008 Regions Bank SunTrust Bank The Middlesex Companies Walt Disney World Company West Oaks Mall DISCOVER WEST ORANGE DEADLINE The deadline for the 2009 Discover West Orange Community Profile & Business Directory is October 15th. Log on to www.wochamber.com to review your business listing. If you have changes or additions, please notify us at 407/656-1304 or info@wochamber.com. West Orange Chamber Board of Directors Joe Alarie A. Kurt Ardaman Mayor Gary Bruhn Comm. Bob Buchanan Debbie Clements Jim Densmore Ken Dwyer Louis Fazio, Jr. Rob Frank Ron Garrison Bob Gosselin Pamela Gould Chesta Hembrooke Bob Hennen Comm. Teresa Jacobs Julie Kleffel - Chairman John McReynolds Jeff Milhausen Committee Corner by Lauren Wolf, Director of Public Relations & Events Work Your Membership The WOCC Education Committee resumed their monthly meetings after a summer hiatus and is hard at work planning events for this school year. “School Connection” begins this month and will continue monthly throughout the school year. School Connection is a way for Chamber Members to help our teachers who are in need of supplies to assist students that otherwise comes out of the teachers pockets. This is a great opportunity for the community to help insure success of our students with less financial burden on our teachers. The WOCC Youth Leadership program will usher in a new group of 11th graders to learn more about West Orange County and the opportunities available to them. Manheim Orlando is the sponsor for this year’s program that will include 20 students from the Chamber’s area High Schools. The committee is also planning the “Jewels of our Schools” annual luncheon that honors the Chamber’s area teachers of the year and the support people of the year. At this time, DRB Benefits Group is one of our sponsors, but we are looking for additional sponsorship in order to make this event come to fruition. If you are interested in co-sponsorship, please contact Lauren Wolf at 407-656-1304 x 5 or lwolf@wochamber.com for more information and costs. Without additional sponsorship, the Chamber will not be able to host this luncheon. This is a great event that truly recognizes these exceptional people who have such a huge impact in our children’s lives. The Chamber will also be allocating a dollar from every ticket sold to our events towards the Chamber’s Scholarship fund. This scholarship is for one graduating Senior from each of our five area high schools that plan to attend Valencia Community College or West Side Technical School in the fall of 2009. The Chamber will gladly accept donations towards this fund. The Education Committee meets the second Tuesday of the month here at the Chamber Boardroom at 8:00 am and gladly welcomes additional members. Please contact the Chamber for more information in regards to this and or all of our committees. Now is a great time to get involved and work your membership. John Murphy Linda Osterberg Dan Petro Thinking about a Solar Hot Water System? Want to save money and learn more? Kitty Phillips Stephen Precourt Russ Salerno Paul Sexton Dianne Southwell Mayor Kathy Stark Lynetta Steed David Sylvester Jim Thomas Dr. Diane Trees Michael Waldrop Shelly Weidenhamer The Orange County Environmental Protection Division is hosting a free workshop to show why going solar is a smart choice for Florida residents and business owners. Take advantage of financial incentives for solar water heaters from Orange County, OUC and Progress Energy. Topics covered in all workshops include: Energy Efficiency, Solar Hot Water Systems, Financial Incentives, and the Orange County Incentive Application Process. All registered attendees will be eligible for door prizes. Families are welcome! Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your space early! Registration is required. Register via e-mail at OrangeToGreen@ocfl.net or by calling 407836-1400. Visit www.ocfl.net/OrangeToGreen for more information. Dates / Locations: 10/11/2008 9-11 AM Orange County Extension Education Center 6021 S Conway Road, Orlando, 32818 AMBASSADOR ACCOLADES & ANTICS The Ambassadors recently participated in the following events: RIBBON CUTTINGS Powder FX 120 W. Crown Point Rd., Ste 105, Winter Garden Old Southern Bank 8910 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando West Orange Photo & Digital (new location) 2 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden ANNIVERSARIES The Gardens at Oakland - 1st 715 Hull Island Drive, Oakland Age Advantage - 1st 525 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden Staples - 1st 3065 Daniels Road, Winter Garden 34787 MEMBER OF THE MONTH Terry Fay/Fay Finalcial Group - August NOMINATING COMMITTEE Dr. Diane Trees, Chair-Elect Every year a group of dedicated Chamber members, board and nonboard members alike, review submitted names for consideration to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors for the next fiscal year. Since there are so many qualified applicants and so few open board seats, the task is a difficult one to accomplish. The committee reviews a variety of factors such as geographical distribution, business size, chamber activity and attendance, longevity of involvement and more in its quest to choose the best chamber team at this point in time. As chair of the nominating committee, I want to express my appreciation for the time and talents shared by committee members. Committee participants included our current Chairman, Julie Kleffel, Board members Linda Osterberg, Ron Garrison and Chesta Hembrooke, and members at large Mary Anne Swickerath and Scott Michael. The nominating committee presented its recommendations for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce 2009 board of Directors at the September board meeting. After review and discussion, board members voted approval of a full slate of new and returning board members. This list will be announced in December. Visioning Goals May Become Reality by Stina D’Uva Back in 2003, the Chamber led the West Orange community in a strategic planning process to determine long range goals for our future, more precisely by 2015. One of the identified goals was to promote the development of diverse recreational and cultural facilities, programs, and activities and another was to establish and cultivate effective community partnerships with public and private entities. As part of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee’s role in furthering these goals, the committee and Chamber members, at its September meeting, heard from Mark Dillon, President/CEO of Orlando Football Club, on his vision for West Orange to be the future home of an international soccer complex This proposal would allow for a private/public partnership between the county and investors in this soccer complex. The complex would include public use of facilities/fields that are in desperate demand in West Orange and would provide funding that is currently non-existent due to budget cuts for the Orange County Parks & Recreation Department. Bob Goff of Orange County Parks & Recreation and Director, Matt Suedmeyer, spoke on the possibility of this joint venture on Conserve II property, near Bridgewater Middle School. A regional multi-use park has been planned for a portion of the available land, yet the plans have been put on hold due to funding shortages. Discussions between the county and the developer have been ongoing and a business plan will be submitted for further review. New August Members 2008 ACCOUNTANTS CERTIFIED PUBLIC Cole & Associates, LLC David Cole (407) 351-4730 www.colecpa.com INTERNET ADVERTISING WEBSITE Plum Reward, LLC Jonathan Goodyear (407) 574-3599 www.plumreward.com ASSOCIATE Beth Wincey Millennium Grounds & Waters Beth Wincey (407) 399-3001 ORGANIZATIONS NON-PROFIT Johnny Damon Foundation Arden Czyzewski (407) 575-5764 BANKS American Momentum Bank Elaine Bailes (407) 367-0476 www.americanmomumentbank.com Old Southern Bank Trisha Fohr (407) 363-7988 www.oldsouthernbank.com DENTIST Classic Smiles Lisa Kempt (407) 293-3002 www.classicsmiles.com EXPORTING Savery USA Beverly Gordon (407) 876-6691 www.johnnydamonfoundation.com PHYSICIANS PEDIATRIC ENT Children Ear, Nose and Throat Associates Dr. James Kosko (407) 253-1000 www.childrenentdocs.com REAL ESTATE Stirling Sotheby’s International Realty Diane Travis (407) 992-8900 www.stirlingsir.com RETAIL - BICYCLE Winter Garden Wheel Works Dennis Jones (321) 202-0803 www.wgwheelworks.com FINANCIAL ADVISORS LPL Financial Brad Busbin (407) 614-4000 HEALTH AND WELLNESS Total Family Weight Loss Center - Metro West Gail Bell (352) 394-4237 WINE RETAIL Tim’s Wine Market Tim Varan (407) 876-9463 www.timswine.com Renewed Members August 2008 ASSOCIATE Wendy West REAL ESTATE GMAC Real Property Group BANKS Regions Bank REAL ESTATE Luck Realty Group Inc. CATERING Lo’Ruth Chatham’s Other Place RESTAURANTS Chick-Fil-A DENTIST - ORTHODONTIST Robert S. Goldie, DMD, PA Taverna Opa Orlando ENGINEERS - PLANNERS Donald W. McIntosh Assoc, Inc. FINANCIAL PLANNING Morgan Stanley GOVERNMENTAL Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority HOME HEALTH CARE Age Advantage HOTELS Courtyard by Marriott SCHOOLS Bridgewater Middle School Foundation Academy South Campus Hiawassee Elementary Maynard Evans High School Sand Lake Elementary The Ritz-Carlton The Crenshaw School INSURANCE Hillcrest Insurance Agency, Inc. Tildenville Elementary School NEWSPAPERS Fit-4-Sports ORGANIZATIONS - CIVIC West Orange Kiwanis Club ORGANIZATIONS NON-PROFIT Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. PEST CONTROL Terminix PHOTOGRAPHY Spencer J. Fisher Photography JOIN. MEET. GROW. RETAIL Dynasty Gallery & Gifts Valencia Enterprises West Orange Montessori School Whispering Oak Elementary SPRINKLERS Viking SupplyNet TAX AND FINANCIAL CONSULTANT Liberty Tax Service WINDOW TREATMENTS EXTERIOR Sun Blox, Inc. 877.616.3440 www.plumreward.com info@plumreward.com Send Coupons Directly To Your Customers’ Cell Phones! PlumReward in a nutshell It’s easy to use! What is it? A device and reporting system that enables you to send timely coupons and promotions as text messages to your customers on their cell phone while being able to track their visits and coupon redemptions at your store. How does it work? There are two ways that PlumReward works. 1. When a customer makes a purchase at your store, they enter their cell phone number into the PlumReward device. They will receive a text message that asks them if they would like to receive coupons and promotions via text messaging. Once they respond YES, then you can send them text messages with coupons and promotions to their cell phone. Each time they make a purchase at your store, they enter their cell phone number and PlumReward logs their visit. They can earn free items or discounts based on the number of times they’ve made a purchase at your store. 2. In all of your other marketing (eg. newspaper, radio, TV) you can tell people to text a certain code (eg. PIZZA) to 50240 to receive a coupon. They will then be signed up, and the system will operate as stated above. What are the benefits? Increased revenue. Proven success rates with targeted messages sent directly to a subscriber’s cell phone. No more loyalty cards. Your customers can log each of their visits using their cell phone number and earn rewards for visiting more often. Track customer actions. Our web reporting tool will tell you who has received coupons, redeemed coupons, when your busiest and slowest times are, which marketing campaigns are the most successful, etc.... PlumReward 6161 Blakeford Drive Windermere, FL 34786 JUDGE UPHOLDS PETITION DEADLINE Hometown Democracy remains off the 2008 ballot (ORLANDO, FL - August 29, 2008) US District Judge Stephen Mickle today told the lawyers running the so-called “Hometown Democracy” campaign that he would not overturn state constitutional requirements in order to put their amendment on the November, 2008 ballot. “Hometown Democracy failed with the voters and failed in the courts,” said Ryan Houck, Executive Director for Floridians for Smarter Growth. “This is a win for the people of Florida who have already said ‘no thanks’ to this proposal three election cycles in a row.” In June, the lawyers running Hometown Democracy filed a lawsuit in federal court in an attempt to get around petition requirements that groups must meet in order for their proposals to be placed on the ballot. In part, their lawsuit sought to overturn the February 1st petition deadline, which was approved by the voters in 2004. “On one hand, they claim that they want to empower voters by giving them the final say… On the other hand, they mounted a legal freak show to try to overturn a voter-approved petition deadline,” said Houck. “Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.” Hometown Democracy’s desperate lawsuit also alleged that a number of federally protected rights had been violated. The court ruled that no constitutional due process or equal protection rights were violated. Hometown Democracy can still have its issue placed on the November 2010 ballot if it is able to submit the required number of signatures. That number will be 8 percent of the total number of voters who cast ballots in the upcoming presidential election. Initiative campaigns - like Hometown Democracy - must reach that 8 percent threshold in at least half of Florida’s 25 congressional districts. Floridians for Smarter Growth is a statewide coalition of business and community groups united to defeat Hometown Democracy because of the devastating impact it would have on Florida’s economy and quality-of-life. Profile Display Ad Sales It’s the season for sponsorship on the beautiful display that Profile Display has provided for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. This is an opportunity for you to make a great “first impression” with visitors and newcomers to the area. Please take a moment to visit www.profilemediagroup.com/ profiledisplaymoviechamber and watch this important 3-minute presentation from Profile Display. Review this information as quickly as possible, since this opportunity is on a first-come basis! The Profile Display advertising campaign has begun, and you may be contacted by one of their Representatives to discuss your interest in this great opportunity. If you have advertising questions, please call the sales manager for Profile Display, Kim Sheppard at 1-866-843-9548 x 100. WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA OFFERS EMPLOYER SOLUTIONS Are you looking for resources that can help you to recruit, screen, train and manage your employees? Discover a range of professional services for businesses in Central Florida, all at no cost, by WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA (WCF), the region’s workforce expert. WCF is funded by your federal tax dollars, so take advantage of what you have already paid for. Resources include: Training Grants & Resources for Your Employees Looking for resources for staff training? WCF offers a variety of training award programs that may pay for up to 50 percent of your direct training cost up to $100,000. Post Job Openings, Connect with Your Next Employee Have a job opening? Post it with WCF and reach hundreds of thousands of job seekers across Florida at no cost to you in our online job bank. Or browse through candidate profiles today to find your next employee. Recruit at Hiring Events Recruit and interview at special events conducted at our offices where your positions are advertised throughout the week of your event in our offices and on our Web site, WorkforceCentralFlorida. com. WCF Mobile Unit This transportable HR resource was created to act as an extension of your human resources office. Reserve it today for pre-employment screening, testing or training, or utilize its private interview room for recruiting. Lending Library Access a variety of training and human resource materials with the Lending Library. Simply “check-out” human resources-related materials to improve your business and save on training costs. WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA UNIVERSITY Brush up on the latest workforce and human resource topics with these monthly one-hour seminars. WCF has a team of business development managers who are here to provide you with these solutions and much more such as labor market information and outplacement assistance. For more information, call the WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA Employer Hotline at (407) 531-1200 or visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com. SEPTEMBER TRUSTEEE LUNCHEON The Community and Supporting Trustees of the West Orange Chamber enjoyed a special lunch at The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel in Winter Garden. Keith Tribble, UCF Athletic Director addressed the group in regards to the University’s sports programs with emphasis on student achievement in the classroom as well as in all sports arenas. Pictured from l-r are; Chef and CoOwner Kevin Tarter, Julie Kleffel, Chairman WOCC, Co-Owner Laurie Tarter, Nitro, UCF Mascot, Dr. Diane Trees, Chairman Elect WOCC, Keith Tribble and Stina D’Uva, President WOCC. Insurance Industry Leaders Meet for 12 @ 12 by Kay Behrens, Lifetime Director The Chamber hosted its third 12 @ 12 luncheon at the Chamber with insurance industry leaders as part of this continuing luncheon series. The group’s main area of discussion centered on the issue of insurance for residential and commercial properties. The general concern amongst the industry experts is that a long term solution must be achieved before a major hurricane hits the state since Citizen’s insurance cannot cover the losses of such a disaster. The group hopes to meet with local legislators to discuss solutions. The next 12 @ 12 will be held on October 30th, veteran members of the Chamber leaders will be invited. CHAMBER CHATTER Mulligan Constructors, Inc. received a nearly $4.9million contract to build two new shopping centers totaling 40,000 square feet in Leesburg. Oakland-based JWB Architects handled the design on the project, which is expected to be completed in 2009. McCree Designed and Built Right!, Orlando’s premier design/build firm, was recently awarded LEED Certification for the City of Orlando Fire Station #15 project making it the only project in the State of Florida to earn such recognition. Fire Station #15 was designed with eco-friendly features that will not only reduce environmental impact, but will also save the city a considerable amount of money on energy and water. The buildings use natural light resources, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and low-water usage faucets and plumbing. Station #15, the first of the five projects, earned national recognition for its design and sustainable features. As the recipient of a Station Style Award by Fire Chief Magazine, the project earned top honors for outstanding architecture and design among fire stations nationwide. West Orange Chamber of Commerce Member, Stephanie Hodges, owner of Strap Teaze Inc. appeared on CNBC on the “The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch” Thursday, September 18th to promote her line of Straptinis - Designer Bra Straps. Straptinis was one of three products competing for the title of Million Dollar idea. After a nationwide on-line vote Straptinis was declared the Million Dollar idea! Stephanie and Straptinis will be featured on “The Big Idea with Donny Deutch” website at CNBC. Commit”teasers” Governmental Affairs Committee Monday, October 6, 2008 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Topic: Review of Amendments that will be on the Nov. 4th ballot. Discussion on whether the Chamber should take a position on any of the amendments. Continue the planning of the upcoming October Breakfast Education Committee Tuesday,October 14, 2008 Chamber office 8:00-9:00a.m. Topic: Securing a sponsor and guest speaker for Jewels of our Schools Membership Committee Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:30-9:30a.m. Topic: Discussion on growth, retention and thank-you’s Economic Development Committee Thursday, October 16th, 2008 Chamber office 8:00-9:00a.m. Topic: Develop Program of Work for 2009 Small Business Development Team Tuesday, October 21, 2008 9:15–10:15a.m. Topic: Strategic Planning for 2009 Many thanks to the following Chamber Members for Advertising in the upcoming 2009 Discover West Orange Community Profile & Business Directory. Aggressive Appliances Alarie Design, Inc. Aldo’s Fine Jewelry Allen & Company American Theater Apex Commerce Center, LLC Apple Air Conditioning & Heating Bank First Community Bank Bella Dente Fine Dentistry Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Bright Future Electric Champion Orthodontics City of Ocoee City of Winter Garden Collision on Wheels Daisy’s Children Boutique & Art Studio Dillard’s - West Oak Mall Doctors’s Weight Control DRMP, INC. Embarq Florida Lodging Management Foundation Academy Golden Pond Communities Health Central High Line Car Sales Inc. Isagenix Karla E Valladares, Esquire Lake Apopka Natural Gas District Legacy Financial Solutions Lynx M & I Bank McCoy Federal Oakland Presbyterian Church Oasis Community Church Progress Energy RCB Homes Royall Media S.T.A.R.S.of West Orange SeaMaster Cruises Simply Self Storage Southern Building Service, Inc. Stoneybrook Dental Summerville Senior Living at Ocoee SunBlox, Inc. SunState Fire Equipment, Inc. Sweet Traditions French Bakery & Café Systems Store.com Tamboras The Dinner A’Fare The Garden of Oakland The Middlesex Companies The Orginal Sign Factory The Real Estate Collection Valencia Community College Walt Disney World Warren Channell, Esq Waste Managemenrt Inc. of Florida West End Safe & Lock, Inc. West Side Tech William K. Fravel, DMD/PA Winter Woods Apartment Homes 2008 Supporting Trustees Ace Hardware Alarie Design Associates DRB Benefits Group First American Payment Systems of Central Florida Hagan O’Reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant Plaudits! Publix Sines, Girvin, Blakeslee & Campbell Technology Solutions of America The Huber Group The West Orange Times Universal Orlando University of Central Florida OCTOBER Thursday, October 9th Lead & Feed Lunch Stonewood Tavern & Grill Noon-1:30pm For more info or to RSVP contact: Heather Weidenbruch at 407-859-7123 ext 115 Thursday, October 16th New Member Orientation & Refresher “Chamber Connection” Sponsored by Strombeck Consulting, CPA’s 3:30pm – 4:30pm FREE for Valued Chamber Members For more info or to RSVP contact: Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0 Thursday, October 16th Business After Hours Sponsored by Aggressive Appliances 5:30pm – 7:00pm FREE for Valued Chamber Members and Future Members For more info or to RSVP contact: Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4 Thursday, October 22nd Business & Breakfast Sponsored by Universal Orlando Location: St. Pauls Presbyterian Church 7:15am – 9:00am Chamber Member Earned Rate: $17.00 Non Member Rate: $27.00 For more info or to RSVP contact: Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4 Thursday, October 23rd West Orange Young Professionals Kick Off Event Hagan O’Reilly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 5:30pm – 7:30pm Advance RSVP: $10.00 At the door: $20.00 For more info or to RSVP contact: Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4 NOVEMBER Wednesday, November 12th Hot Topics: “Identity Theft” Sponsored by Taylor Morrison Homes 7:50am – 9:00am Chamber Board Room Free for Valued Chamber Members For more info or to RSVP contact: Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0 Thursday, November 13th Lead & Feed Lunch McDonald’s Bistro Gourmet (Sand Lake Rd. and Turkey Lake Rd.) Noon-1:30pm For more info or to RSVP contact: Heather Weidenbruch at 407-859-7123 ext 115 Thursday, November 20th New Member Orientation & Refresher “Chamber Connection” 3:30pm – 4:30pm FREE for Valued Chamber Members For more info or to RSVP contact: Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0 Dates & times subject to change Waste Management, Inc. of Florida Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves 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