Jaclyn Whiddon, Chairman

The Whiddon Group, LLC

Anette Luck, Board Vice Chairman

Luck Realty Group, Inc.

The Mission of the Ambassadors:
To serve as official hosts of the Chamber at ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, open houses, Business After Hours and other Chamber functions approved by the committee; to promote programs and projects of the Chamber; and to recognize businesses and individuals under the “We Noticed Awards” and the ”Member of the Month”.

This program has an application and selection process to join. Ambassadors are representatives at Chamber events, Ribbon Cuttings/Grand Openings, Anniversary Celebrations, We Noticed, Business After Hours, groundbreakings and present the Member of the Month Awards.

The Ambassadors are happy to celebrate a Groundbreaking, Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening or Anniversary Celebration with you at your business location. Click here for more information on these special opportunities. Photo_Opportunity_Info.doc

Reccurring Monthly Meetings:
1st Friday of the month, 8:15 a.m. Chamber Office

Joan Bailey, Lori Burshan, Pat Gleason, Chesta Hembrooke, Cara Hennen, Mike LaPorte, Anette Luck, LeighAnne Nichols, JoAnne Quarles, Father Tom Rutherford, Lenny Stark, Heather Weidenbruch, Jason Walker & Jaclyn Whiddon

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Mission:
An essential element in the success of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce is its involvement in partnerships in projects with the communities it serves. The operative intent is to work in support of efforts that will benefit the West Orange community, where the resources of the Chamber can be utilized to the greatest extent.

This committee is responsible for guaranteeing the Chamber’s involvement in community-wide events. Representatives from some community organizations already serve on the Chamber board and will update the Board as to the activities of those organizations.

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Michelle Strenth

Orlando Health

Lynette Reynolds, Board Vice Chairman

At Your Service

The Economic and Governmental Advocacy Committee will advocate on business issues from local to state level to create a positive business climate in the West Orange community. Listed are just some of the items the committee will be working on in 2011.

• Develop a NW Orange Airport Task Force to monitor progress of a West Orange Airport
• Develop a Horizon West Task Force to monitor and participate in Commissioner Boyd’s Horizon West Initiatives
• Develop a task force to work with on the OC Mayors initiative to promote jobs and economic development
• Facilitate meetings with Metro Orlando EDC and Municipal representatives
• Schedule quarterly meetings that feature speakers on topics of local economic interest
• Coordinate trip to Tallahassee with Apopka Area, East Orlando, Metro Orlando Hispanic, Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional, Orlando Regional, Winter Park and Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce during the 2011 session
• Facilitate a new event the encompasses local, county, state, federal and school board elected officials that will replace the annual Legislative and Mayor’s luncheons

The committee meets the 4th Friday of the month, 8:00am at the Chamber office.

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Rob Maphis

James A. Cummings Contractors

Kathy Smith

Foundation Academy

This division is comprised of educators and businesses. The committee supports S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange (Supplies to Assist Our Students) http://www.supportstars.org a program that provides backpacks and supplies for thousands of elementary, middle and high school students in West Orange County. The committee has also partnered with Fuelmyschool.com www.fuelmyschool.com to assist local businesses and the community to grant wishes to local schools.

The committee also hosts the SOAR awards (Students of Achievement and Renown), recognizing students who have shown initiative, good citizenship, commitment and personal growth in the classroom. This program is sponsored by Trophies Unlimited and Verizon Wireless. Teach In for the Orange County Public Schools is also promoted through the Chamber and the Education Committee. This committee has been active in providing the “West Orange Chamber Scholarship Fund” to area high school seniors.

Reoccurring Monthly Meetings:
The3rd Thursday of the month, 8:00 a.m. at the Chamber office

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Lauren Parrish, Board Vice Chairman

BankFIRST

This division is responsible for planning major fundraisers for 2011 including but not limited to: Best Fest, “The Taste of West Orange”,The Big Orange Awards Reception and The Annual Golf Classic.

This committee meets on an on needed basis for each event.

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David Billsbourgh, Board Vice Chairman

DRB Benefits Group

Committee Members – Chairman, Michael Waldrop, Blue Cord Design and Construction LLC; Past Chairman & President C101, Jim Densmore, Parkland International Realty; Chairman-Elect, David Sylvester, Health Central Foundation

Mission:
This committee is responsible for reviewing annual staff goals, serves as liaison between staff and general membership and acts as a grievance committee for membership.

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Keith Bradford, Chairman

Walt Disney World

Cindy Gainey

BB&T

This committee is devoted to assisting our new and current members in maximizing their membership. Connecting personally to offer education on benefits available and the importance of involvement in Chamber events. Encouraging the development of lasting business relationships by contacting new and current members individually. Assisting the membership in realizing the “Return on their Investment” in the Chamber through becoming a part of this vibrant organization, our outstanding programs and events.

Chamber membership is an investment in your business. The Membership Committee assists Chamber members in learning how to work their membership while maximizing their investment.

CHAMBER CONNECTION: Membership Orientation & Refresher - held most months at 3:30PM in Chamber boardroom. New and current members, board members and committee chairs explore benefits and opportunities available through membership. Contact Dorcas Dillard at 407-656-1304, ext. 2 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

4th Tuesday of the month, 9:15am, Chamber Office

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Peggy Isaacson, Chairman

HR on Call

Anette Luck

Luck Realty

Vice Chairman – Peggy Isaacson, HR on Call; Tuesday Networking Group – Jon White, Coldwell Banker & Linda Rovetto – Florida Lakes Title; Wednesday Networking Group – Linda Osterberg, Mortgage Solutions of Central Florida; Lead and Feed – Chris Erichsen, Protect Painters.

POWER NETWORKING: “Chamber Speed dating” - Introduce your business to 19 other Chamber Members in one fast paced and exciting hour. Space is limited to one individual per industry. RSVP Required. See calendar on website for dates. Contact Carrie Wilson for more information at 407-656-1304, ext. 4.

THE CHAMBER HAS THREE NETWORKING GROUPS:
The Wednesday Networking group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month 8-9 am at TooJay's Original Gourmet Deli in Ocoee. Contact Linda Osterberg for more information at 407-294-4707 or click HERE to visit their page.

The Tuesday Networking group meets every Tuesday at Mimi’s Café on Daniel’s Road from 8-9 am. Contact Jon White for more information at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit their website by clicking HERE

The Lead and Feed: Lunch time networking event held at a different Chamber member restaurant each month from 12:00 – 1:30 pm. (Exclusive to three people per industry) For more information contact Chris Erichsen at 407-358-6275.

LUNCH AND LEARN / HOT TOPICS SESSIONS:
Educational opportunities for Chamber members to obtain tools to increase their productivity and profitability, sessions offered at Chamber Office. Contact Carrie Wilson for more information at 407-656-1304, ext. 4.

Meeting Dates:
2nd Wednesday of the month, 8:45 am, Chamber Office

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