2010Community

Trustees

Ace Hardware

BankFIRST

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Bright FutureElectric, LLC

Bright House Networks

Castle & Cooke

CenturyLink

DeWitt Excavating

DRB Benefits Group

Fishback, Dominick,Bennett, Stepter,

Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP

Health Central

Manheim Orlando

Orlando Health

PrismOne

Progress Energy

Regions Bank

University ofCentral Florida

Walt Disney WorldCompany

Our Mission: To Develop, Support and Promote Chamber Member Businesses and Our Community.

November 2010

Chairman’s MessageJames K. Densmore, 2010 Chamber ChairmanParkland International Realty

One month to go until my term as Chairman will come to an end and I could not be more proud of this organization, its members and all of the accomplishments in this year. It truly has been my honor to be affiliated with this organization. We have facilitated wonderful events, programs and have been an advocate for our West Orange business community. This month, I share with you our year in review:

Throughout the year the WOCC hosted over 170 events with over 6700 attendees.

The Chamber’s Education committee assisted the Chamber staff in facilitating the Jewels of our Schools Luncheon and OCPS School Board Breakfast featuring Partners in Education.

The Governmental Affairs committee (GAC) worked diligently to facilitate The Commissioners, the Mayoral & Amendment, and Legislative Luncheons. Also the Bi Annual Hob Nob & Straw Poll and the Chamber’s annual two day trip to Tallahassee, “Capitol Connection”. The GAC also gave our members a chance to meet Orange County mayoral candidates a debate hosted by the Chamber.

Those were not the only committees that were kept busy this year. The Chamber’s Small Business Development Team (SBDT) hosted two Morning Networking Groups which met weekly and bi weekly, our mid day networking group Lead and Feed, Hot Topics and Lunch and Learn educational sessions. The SBDT completed the year with a “super” workshop featuring nationally renowned speakers sharing insight into sales, marketing and networking.

The events committee assisted with our Prestigious Annual Awards Luncheon followed by; Best Fest “The Taste of West Orange”, The Small Business Expo, Business After Hours, the Team Building Bowling Tournament, and the Annual Golf Classic.

Last, but certainly not least, our Ambassadors were very full of activity with We Noticed, Milestone Anniversary celebrations, and Ribbon Cuttings recognizing both veteran and new members.

Our Chamber is pleased to have delivered the activities and events that promote our business members. Next month, I will thank the Board and our committees and tell you about the Leadership we have lined up for this Chamber in 2011.

Looking for a great way to advertise for the holidays? Check out the “Hot Deals” on the Chamber home page! This Chamber Member benefits provides the opportunity for your business to share all your discounts, promotions or coupons with fellow Chamber members and visitors to our Web site. Visit www.wochamber.com and login to post your special offer today! For more information, contact the Chamber at 407/656-1304.

West OrangeChamber

Board of Directors

Joe Alarie

A. Kurt Ardaman

David Billsborough

Comm. Scott Boyd

Keith Bradford

Mayor Gary Bruhn

Comm. Bob Buchanan

Samir Burshan

Debbie Clements

Samuel B. Davis, Jr.

Jim DensmoreChairman

Rob Frank

Bob Gosselin

Chesta Hembrooke

Dr. Gaby Hawat

Randy June

Julie Kleffel

Anette Luck

Rob Maphis

John McReynolds

Yog Melwani

Scott Michael

Jeff Milhausen

Dan Petro

RepresentativeStephen Precourt

Lynette Reynolds

Mayor Kathy Stark

David Sylvester

Jim Thomas

Dr. Diane Trees

Michael Waldrop

Lisa Willis

Voters Deliver Crushing Defeat to Anti-Growth Amendment 4

In an Election Day characterized by nail-biters and close-calls, the battle over Amendment 4 stands out for being anything but. Voters handed no-growth interests a stunning, across-the-board defeat on Tuesday, November 2nd decisively rejecting the draconian anti-growth measure that would have required taxpayer-funded referenda for all changes to local comprehensive land use plans. The amendment was soundly defeated in every region and rejected by a majority of voters in both major parties, as well as Independents.

“Voters overwhelmingly agree that one of Florida’s most important economic sectors should not be held hostage,” said Ryan Houck, executive director of Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy. “Floridians saw through the rhetoric and recognized Amendment 4 for what it was -- a dangerous, costly and job-killing anti-growth measure that would have driven our state deeper into recession.”

Unlike most ballot initiatives, Floridians have been debating Amendment 4 for the better part of a decade -- since it was first drafted in 2003. Since that time, an historic coalition has formed to oppose the anti-growth measure, including Florida’s top business, labor, civic and planning groups as well as every major newspaper and both leading candidates for Governor.

“In the beginning, opposition to Amendment 4 was controversial and by the end, it was consensus,” said Houck. “That’s because Floridians had years to learn about this amendment, study its details, and consider its consequences. The result was not just a resounding rejection of Amendment 4, but also a rejection of the anti-growth philosophy that underpins it.”

2010 West Orange Political Alliance General Election Results

The West Orange Political Alliance, (WOPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization made up of individuals and businesses located in West Orange County. The mission of the organization is to elect candidates to public office who support the principles of a responsible free enterprise as well as the sound growth and development of West Orange County.

The WOPA Board of Directors interview state and local political candidates to determine their qualifications for public service and their positions on key issues. Candidate endorsements are given to those individuals that best represent the business and economic development interests of the West Orange County Community.

“WOPA takes the responsibility of recommending candidates to the West Orange community very seriously,” stated David Sylvester, Chairman. “We realize the importance of selecting the best leaders to further the issues of West Orange and the overall region.”

WOPA is proud to boast victories for over 90% of our endorsed candidates. Some winners won straight out in the primary, while others took victory in the general election.

We are proud and look forward to continuing our work in West Orange County with re-elected incumbents and beginning our work with the newly elected candidates.

Congratulations to:

Orange County Mayor, Teresa JacobsOrange County Commission, District 2, Fred BrummerOrange County Commission, District 4, Jennifer ThompsonOrange County Commission, District 5, Ted EdwardsOrange County Commission, District 6, Tiffany Moore RussellFlorida House of Representatives, District 38, Bryan NelsonFlorida House of Representatives, District 40, Eric EisnaugleFlorida House of Representatives, District 41, Steve PrecourtOrange County Public School Board Chairman, Bill SubletteOrange County Public School Board, District 2, Daryl Flynn

For more information about WOPA or to request a membership application, please contact David Sylvester at 407-296-1835.

Advertising 101 – Lunch and LearnPresented by DJ Stephens

Small businesses face many challenges, and one of the biggest is whether or not to utilize paid advertising. In order to stay “Top of Mind”, you need three things, Time, Information and Money. Time; create your marketing strategies, gather Information and create your message. You need to focus on who your customer is and the best place to reach them. And of course money to pay for any research needed for production of your creative piece and advertising. The content of your message is of utmost importance. It needs to be clear and concise, and stay true to your brand. Any advertising pieces you create need to be flexible enough to be adjusted for any unforeseen challenges or opportunities that may arise in the market. Don’t scrimp on your creative piece; this is not where you want to save pennies. Your message and all of your creative pieces reflect who and what your business is, be involved with the creative process. No one knows your business better than you do. Which media should you utilize for your business? Does one work better than another? SURPRISE! They all work if used properly. You can’t just run a test message or try it for a week or two. Be sure your creative piece is right for the type of media you choose. Frequency is the rule. Spend your hard earned dollars on an advertising campaign in one form of media to allow time for your message to reach your target audience. Don’t spread your hard earned dollars over a variety of media outlets all at the same time. It is better to have a strong presence in one media than a small splash in many. Stay true to your brand, advertise to your target audience and keep your message clear and concise.

The 2010/2011 Youth Leadership West Orange recently began their program with a “Team Building” day led by Rich Shellhase, Camp Director and Michael Simmonds at the YMCA’s Camp Wewa in Apopka. The group is composed of select 11th graders from the West Orange area High Schools; Dr. Phillips, Evans, Ocoee, Olympia and West Orange. The program was developed to raise the awareness of our youth regarding the community of West Orange, build relationships, learn the history of West Orange and enlighten them to career opportunities in the area. Youth Leadership is made possible by the generous sponsorship from Bright Future Electric and is facilitated by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Get the Most Out of Your Advertising Dollars

As you’re planning your budgets for 2011, keep in mind that the West Orange Chamber offers many different advertising and sponsorship opportunities to our members.

Sponsorship range in price from $50 to $10,000 allowing all members to participate in the benefits of sponsorship. For more details,

please review the West Orange Chamber of Commerce Menu for a Healthy Business at http://www.wochamber.com/images/uploads/documents/2010_Sponsorship_Menu.pdf

New MembersSeptember 2010

Renewed MembersSeptember 2010

ACCOUNTANTS - CERTIFIED PUBLICA.H. Gantt CPA & Associates, P.A.

Angela Gantt

CANDY & CONFECTIONERYKilwin’s - Dr. Phillips

Chris Hamill

CHIROPRACTICSt. Germain Chiropractic

Mayra Marcano

ENTERTAINMENTSmooth Musical Entertainment

Michael Madawi

FACIALS/SKIN CARERadiant Reflections

Kimberly Abbes

FINANCIAL ADVISORSExecutive Financial Group

Victor Wilburn

FIRE & WATER DAMAGE RESTORATIONDTS Restorative Services, Inc.

Kathi Harrison

GREETING CARDS - CUSTOMSend Out Cards

Tara Wally

HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT/MANAGEMENT TRAINING

I.H.R.Mark Mitchell

INSURANCE - LIFE & DISABILITYColonial LifeDaisy Lopez

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTSGarden TheatreAlauna McMillen

RESTAURANTSHardee’s Of Ocoee

Randi Rabin

RETAILPandora of Millenia, LLC

Harry Mirpuri

SCHOOLSFlorida Virtual School

Larry Banks

WEDDING CONSULTANT27 Miracles Wedding Consulting

and Event PlanningMarcus Moore

A/C Brevan Inc.Cathi Britton

American Backflow TestingGary Gamache

American Momentum BankFrank Jernigan

At Your ServiceLynette Reynolds

Best CleanersGary Shif

Bob’s Handyman ServiceBob Buchanan

Boyette, Cummins & Nailos, PLLCHeath Nailos

Citrus ElementarySarah Bowling

Cole & Associates, LLCDavid Cole

Collins Catering & EventsErica Collins

Cracker BarrelMark Follett

Dynamic Media Services, LLCMark Fagan

Foundation Academy - South CampusKathy Smith

Furnish 123 by Helmly FurnitureRoy Hester

GrayRobinson, P.A.Tom Wilkes

Hiawassee ElementaryJennifer Gramzinski

Holehouse Center for Complete DentistryThomas Holehouse

James & Wanda Hatley

Keene’s Crossing ElementaryRahim Jones

Kirkman ChiropracticCherri Vail

Lake Gem ElementaryDiondra Woodard

Lowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & Reed, P.A.Hal Kantor

M&I BankLyla Skipper

Meadowbrook Middle SchoolMary Spinks

Molly Maid of West Orange and South Lake CountiesSteve Hoffman

Oakland Nature Preserve, Inc.Clayton Ferrara

Orlo Vista ElementaryJanet Colon

Party Flavors Custom CakesPriscilla Lucas

Patricia L Gleason

Patriot Building ContractorMichael Wilson

Pellegrini HomesLinda Pellegrini

Profit ZoomElena Swiden

Rent Now Buy Later/DanscoPaul McGarigal

Robert S. Goldie, DMD, PARobert Goldie

Sand Lake ElementaryMary Gouge Hool

Servpro of West OrangeHeather Kelley

Sines Blakeslee Madyda, Certified Public Accountants, PADerek Blakeslee

Spectrum Home Services of OrlandoMarge Cree

Stoneybrook West VillageStephen Frazier

Sunset Park ElementaryCarol Russ

The Robins & Morton GroupDerek Gregg

The Whiddon Group, LLCJaclyn Whiddon

Upper Cervical Health Centers, Inc.Matthew Roe

West End Safe & Lock ServicesJoan Boone

Westbrooke Elementary SchoolRobert Bixler

September Buddy Member - Congratulations to Bruce Young of Edward Jones for his outstanding efforts for the second consecutive month, serving as a Buddy to new and current members of the Chamber. For more information on the WOCC Membership Committee and the Buddy Program, please contact Dorcas at ddillard@wochamber.

PhotoGallery

OCTOBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Over 100 attendees enjoyed “Tastes of the Decades” at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce October Business After Hours sponsored and hosted by Aggressive Appliances in Orlando. Guests sampled a variety of appetizers and beverages from the 1950’s through today, prepared by master chefs, inside the innovative test kitchens of Aggressive Appliances! Saving Young Hearts, a local non-profit organization, was also on hand accepting donations to help fund placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in our area schools.

Pictured L to R: Stina D’Uva, Jeffrey Jaskot, Judy Bollinger, Jim Densmore and Cheryl and Jerry Jaskot

MAYORAL & AMENDMENT LUNCHEON

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently held a Mayoral and Amendment Luncheon Sponsored by CenturyLink, Orlando Health and University of Central Florida. This luncheon featured a briefing on the proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot as well as municipal updates from representatives of: City of Ocoee, City of Winter Garden, Town of Oakland and Town of Windermere.

Pictured L to R: Jim Densmore, CeCe Rivers, Susan Sarna, Ed Timberlake, Mike Bollhoefer, Mayor Kathy Stark, Mayor Gary Bruhn, Ann Sonntag, Mayor Scott Vandergrift, Michael Waldrop, Stina D’Uva and William Floyd

LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE GRADUATION

The West Orange Chamber Leadership West Orange Program, Class of 2010, “The Bobcat Brigade”, celebrated graduation on Wednesday, October 27th. The 15 graduates completed an 8 month program. Each month the class focused on a certain aspect of West Orange County. Each leadership class designates and completes a class project that benefits West Orange County. This year, The Bobcat Brigade held a food drive for Edgewood Children’s Ranch and raised money to purchase new dress shirts for the children.

Pictured L to R: Krista Carter, Carrie Wilson, Sarah Wambles, Cath-erine Matthews, Maria Ellis, Zenaida Negron, Karen Willis, Peggy Isaacson, Clifton Addison, Anette Luck, Robert Schneider, Michael Buscemi, Pam Bozkurt and Stina D’Uva. Not pictured: Freddy Clark, Suzanne Gruszka, Jerry Moore, Dewane Pace

OCTOBER TRUSTEE LUNCHEON

President Kathy Ramsberger of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presented a project overview and update to the West Orange Chamber Trustees during a luncheon at Cantina Laredo.

Pictured L to R: Kathy Ramsberger, Stina D’Uva, Betsy Granade, Jim Densmore, Krista Carter

60 Years ago, on September 17, 1950, a small group of Episcopalians borrowed a priest and some Prayer Books from the Episcopal Church in Clermont and met in a rented facility to worship together for the first time as the Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden. Today the Messiah family is a thriving congregation of 300 families changing the world with Jesus as you can see at www.ChurchOfTheMessiah.comPhoto courtesy of WOCC

CHAMBER CHATTER

For the second consecutive year, JCC’s Early Childhood Learning Center was recognized as the Best Preschool in Orlando by the Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick Awards. Since 1994, JCC’s Learning Center has educated infants through pre-K students, with an emphasis on language arts, math, physical education, science, music and foreign language.

Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association is celebrating its 30 year anniversary. Congratulations to this wonderful organization and we look forward to your continued great work on behalf of the community.

Congratulation to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital as they celebrate 25 years of commitment of caring. The hospital services are continuing to expand as the community grows included 237 acute care beds, 24-hour emergency services, surgical services (including robotic and minimally invasive and orthopedics); cardiovascular care; diagnostic imagining services; an accredited Chest Pain Program and a designated Stroke Program.

ADVERTISE HEREReach more than 1,000 members!

Take advantage of this valuable marketing opportunity for the low prices listed below.

Monthly Rates

Full Page $100.001/2 Page $ 75.001/4 Page $ 50.00Business card $ 25.00

For more info, please contact Vicki at 407.656.1304 ext. 3

or vferber@wochamber.com

Since its beginning in October 1998, Reading Reindeer has distributed more than 35,000 books through its holiday campaign and presented books to approximately 13,200 babies born at Health Central during its 12-year history.

From now through December 16th, Reading Reindeer hopes to collect 3,000 new books and $5,000 to

meet its goal and fill its wish list. Each book distributed includes a brochure from the Adult Literacy League explaining to parents the importance of reading to children, even the youngest infants.

This year, Reading Reindeer recipients will include children served by the West Orange Neighborhood Center for Families, Play and Learn Day School in Winter Garden, St. Vincent de Paul at St. Jude Catholic Church, Docs for Tots at Health Central and Edgewood Children’s Ranch; residents at the Center for Drug-Free Living; students in the Migrant Early Education Program of OCPS; young patients at the Winter Garden Children’s Health Center; babies at Health Central; tutoring students at the West Orange Christian Service Center; the Maxey Center Library; prekindergarten and Head Start students at Maxey Elementary School; the holiday toy programs served by the Ocoee, Windermere and Winter Garden police departments; and families adopted by the Oakland Police Department.

Any new book suitable for children from infancy through middle school is needed.

Through Dec. 16, Reading Reindeer drop-off boxes will be located at the Times office (720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787), the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and the four local libraries — Southwest in the Dr. Phillips area, West Oaks in Ocoee, Windermere and Winter Garden. Monetary donations are also accepted, and checks payable to Reading Reindeer can be mailed to the Times office at the above address.

The holidays will soon be here. It is at this time of the year many of us to reflect on how thankful we are and how we might be able to assist those less fortunate. This year, and as in years past, the WOCC in conjunction with the Community Involvement Committee is making it easy for your business to give back to our community with baskets filled with holiday goodies.

There are many families in West Orange County who will go without the necessities for the holidays. Maxey, Pine Hills, and Lila E. Mitchell Community Centers have requested the WOCC members to help provide filled baskets. If you are looking for an opportunity to fulfill the needs of one of these families please contact Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 x 4 for more information

NOVEMBER

Thursday, November 18th“Chamber Connection”

New Member Orientation and RefresherSponsored by DRB Benefits Group

West Orange Chamber Board Room12184 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, 34787

3:30 - 4:30pmFree to current Chamber Members

Thursday, November 18th Business After Hours in partnership with the

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro OrlandoSponsored & Hosted by Dr. P. Phillips Hospital

9400 Turkey Lake Rd. Orlando, 328195:30pm – 7:00pm

Chamber Member Earned Rate: $5.00Non Member Rate: $10.00

WOCC Members RSVP at www.wochamber.comHCCMO Members RSVP at

mmarnett@hispanicchamber.net

DECEMBER

Monday, December 6th Jewels of Our Schools Luncheon

Sponsored by Manheim Orlando & Uncle Kenny’s BBQ Catering

St. Pauls Family Life Center, 1450 Citrus Oaks, Gotha, 34734

1:00pm - 3:30pmChamber Member Earned Rate $26.00

Non Member Rate: $31.00

Thursday, December 9th Business After Hours Sponsored & Hosted by

Knox Nursery940 Avalon Rd, Winter Garden, 34787

5:30pm – 7:00pmChamber Member Earned Rate: $5.00

Non Member Rate: $10.00

Friday, December 10thLegislative Luncheon

Sponsored by Health Central & University of Central FloridaThe Family Life Center at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church

1450 Citrus Oaks Ave. Gotha, 3473411:30am – 12:00pm Registration and Networking

12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch and ProgramChamber Member Earned Rate $26.00

Non Member Rate $31.00Reserved Table of 6: $156.00

Tuesday, December 14th Networking Groups Holiday Party

Sponsored and Hosted by MetroWest Golf Club2100 S. Hiawassee Rd. Orlando, 32835

6:00pm – 8:00pmFree to Chamber Members

RSVP to Heather Weidenbruch at heather.weidenbruch@us.stores.mcd.com

2010Supporting

Trustees

Advanced Disposal

Alarie DesignAssociates

Allen & Company, Inc.

Apple Air Conditionaing &

Heating, Inc.

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Hagan O’Reilly’sIrish Pub & Restaurant

June Engineering

Plaudits!

Publix

SeaWorld Orlando

Sines BlakesleeMadyda, P.A.

Certified Public Accountants, P.A.

South Milhausen, P.A.

Technology Solutionsof America

The West OrangeTimes

Universal Orlando

Waste Management Inc. of Florida

West Orange Orthopaedics & Sports

Medicine, P.A.

Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves

West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 W. Colonial Drive

Winter Garden, FL 34787Ph: (407) 656-1304 Fax: (407) 656-0224

Web 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