2012Community
Trustees
Ace Hardware
BankFIRST
Best Cleaners
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Bright FutureElectric, LLC
Castle & Cooke
CenturyLink
DeWitt Excavating
DRB Benefits Group
First Class Cleaners
First Southern Bank
Fishback, Dominick,Bennett, Stepter,
Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP
Florida Hospital
Health Central
NeuroSpine Institute
Orlando Health
Progress Energy
R.C. Stevens Construction
Company
University ofCentral Florida
Walt Disney WorldCompany
Chairman’s MessageDavid Sylvester, 2012 Chamber ChairmanOrlando Health
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce exists to serve by “FACILITATING OPPORTUNITY.”
March 2012
As we approach the spring season and the colorful, inspiring growth that comes with it, it is also very encouraging to see the signs of growth continuing in our own economy. We had already seen signs of growth and hope in our economy with reductions from 2010 to 2011 in the unemployment rate and the increase in building permits, as well as in consumer spending. At the end of 2011, the unemployment rate in the Metro Orlando MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) had gone down to 9.5% from 12% at the end of 2010. Building Permits went up from 310 to 924 in the same time period, along with an increase in consumer spending from $3.53 billion to $3.81 billion. At the end of February, our country’s unemployment rate is holding steady at 8.3% with more jobs added to the market than had been predicted.
Right here in our own Chamber, we will be adding to job growth with the addition of a seventh employee to the Chamber team. A Director of Marketing and Communications will be added to the current team allowing even more careful attention to providing the programs, events and benefits that our members need for their own growth. The addition of one employee by the Chamber, a small business, resonates perfectly with Congressman Webster’s job creation plan, the ONE Act, which is designed to encourage employers to hire One New Employee. The Congressman shared that if every small business added one new employee, the unemployment rate in the US would drop to lower than 5%. (See Keeping an Eye on the Issues for more details on Page 2)
The Chamber, due to the tremendous support of our members and a fiscally responsible Chamber Board and Team, is proud to lead by example and we are willing to set aside concerns over uncertainty in the economy and move forward. We understand the uncertainty is what has been holding our economy back, yet we are certain that this is the step that we must take to continue on our course of “Facilitating Opportunity” for our members. We are very focused on the opportunities and issues that empower West Orange to grow and to do so by supporting initiatives that will encourage high wage employers to remain in or move their business to West Orange. We are leading the business community with initiatives in the Horizon West Town Center area, as well as along the northern portion of the 429. We are working to protect and continue the annual improvement to Lake Apopka by encouraging Florida Wildlife and Fish Commission to maintain its current management of hydrilla growth. We are monitoring the progress of a proposed airport along the north shore of Lake Apopka to determine its potential benefit to our community. We will also analyze amendments to the state constitution and Orange County Charter that will be on the upcoming November ballot to determine their impact on business.
The state amendments are just some of the issues we have been watching as the 2012 legislative session came to a close. We thank our elected officials for their service to us. Keep an eye on the homepage of our web site where you will soon see our review all of our legislative issues and share with you a post session wrap up to let you know how our advocacy benefitted our members.
I look forward to seeing all of you at Navigate Your Way to Success on March 21st and Best Fest on April 5th. Take advantage of these opportunities and I am certain that your future will have even greater success.
West OrangeChamber
Board of Directors
Joe Alarie
A. Kurt Ardaman
David Billsborough
Comm. Scott Boyd
Keith Bradford
Mayor Gary Bruhn
Comm. Bob Buchanan
Debbie Clements
Samuel Davis, Jr.
Jim Densmore
Rob Frank
Bob Gosselin
Tim Haberkamp
Randy June
Julie Kleffel
Star Kraschinsky
Anette Luck
Rob Maphis
Joseph McMullen
John McReynolds
Jeff Milhausen
Christine Moore
Dan Petro
Lynette Reynolds
Cece Rivers
Gary Shif
Mayor Kathy Stark
David SylvesterChairman
Michael Waldrop
Jaclyn Whiddon
Falecia Williams
Lisa Willis
Bruce Young
Keeping An Eye on the Issues
The Chamber Team is keeping an eye out on local issues so that we may keep you informed on issues of local and regional importance. Here is what we kept an eye on in February and early March.
West Orange Airport Authority (WOAA) Monthly Board Meeting –Stina D’Uva attended the meeting on Wednesday, February 22nd. Many issues were discussed including the possible land swap with the St. John’s River Water Management District that would lengthen the runway and allow for small corporate jets. Guy Haggard was still awaiting response from MetroPlan Orlando regarding the WOAA seat that would be utilized by the cities of Ocoee and Winter Garden. A workshop will be hosted prior to the regular meeting on Wednesday, March 28th at 9:30 am at the Apopka City Hall. The regular meeting will begin at 10:00 am
Business Leader Gathering with Congressman Daniel Webster – U.S. Congressman Daniel Webster (FL-08) gathered business leaders from West Orange County in
a Small Business Roundtable to discuss the current economic challenges they are facing and ways to help small businesses grow. The congressman will take the ideas he gathered during the Roundtable back to Washington and work toward legislation to help small businesses. During the meeting, Congressman Webster shared about his job creation plan, the ONE Act, which is designed to encourage employers to hire One New Employee. For ideas on job creation visit Webster.house.gov or follow @RepWebster.
Economic & Governmental Advocacy Committee of the Chamber met on Friday, February 24th and heard from Chamber member Angel de la Portilla of Central Florida Strategies and a member of the Orange County Charter Review Commission on upcoming matters that may appear as amendments on the November general election ballot.
West Orange/South Lake Transportation & Economic Development Task Force – The WOCC sent a letter of support for the vision and initiatives of this group to Chairman Baldocchi for inclusion in a packet to Representative Steve Precourt to seek state funding for economic development in the Horizon West Town Center area. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 7:30 am at the commission chambers of the city of Winter Garden at 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden.
Central Florida Political Leadership Institute is seeking applicants for its Class of 2012. This is a program that is meant for individuals who are pro-business and want to serve our region’s communities through public office. This program is designed to teach participants how to get into politics, while avoiding all the politics. The curriculum teaches the basics of political campaigning, developing leadership skills necessary for effective governing and addressing critical public policy issues. If you are interested in being considered a candidate for this program, contact Christina Johnson, program director at [email protected] or visit www.orlando.org/pli. The deadline to submit applications is March 23rd.
CHAMBER CHATTER
Special thanks go out to a very talented 8th grade student from Award Winning Ocoee Middle School. Emmanuel A. Rodriguez was one of many students who participated in the creation of a flyer which will be featured at all WOCC member schools at a display set up for distribution of the Chamber’s annual community profile and business directory magazine, Discover. Congratulations to Emmanuel for having his design selected. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.
Orange County Public Schools welcomes you on a tour of our two newest additions. These are the elementary and middle schools located in Winter Garden, south of the Florida Turnpike off of Avalon Road. The tour will begin at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce on April 3 at 9:45 a.m. A bus will drive participants to the schools. Since they are active construction sites, hard hats and eye protection will be provided. This is a rare opportunity to see what a school looks like before we put on the finishing touches, both inside and out. The tour guides will include School Board Member Christine Moore, the project planner, the architect and the principals of the new schools. The tour should take about an hour and the public is invited. Afterward, the bus will drive by Tildenville Elementary and Lakeview Middle School, which are partnering to become two of Central Florida’s premier foreign language magnets. Participants should arrive back at the Chamber of Commerce at about 11:30. There also will be a presentation on the schools at the Winter Garden Rotary Club luncheon following the bus tour. To register for the tour please contact Krista Carter at 407-656-1304 ext. 6 or [email protected]
New MembersFebruary 2011
Renewed MembersFebruary 2011
ACCOUNTANTS - CERTIFIED PUBLIC
The Digital CPAJay Kimelman
ATTORNEYSMoye, O’Brien, O’Rourke, Pickert
& Dillon, LLPSean Dillon
Jose A. Cantero, P.A.Jose Cantero
BANKSChase Bank
Lynette Jackson-Lott
COMPUTER - SALES/SERVICE/CONSULTANT
Lek Technology ConsultantsWade Lowe
CONCIERGE SERVICESLMD Personal Assistant
Lisa Dillon
CONCRETE CONTRACTORSConTech Construction
CorporationAlan Haughey
CONSULTINGThe Center for Work LifeFarnaz Namin-Hedayati
INSURANCE - SUPPLEMENTAL
Aflac - Denise FisherDenise Fisher
INSURANCE PROPERTY/CASUALTYCitrus Insurance Group
Dave Stricker
ORGANIZATIONS - HEALTH (NON-PROFIT)
Community Health Centers, Inc.Linda Williams
ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFIT
Camaraderie FoundationTammy Knowles
The Bond FoundationDerek Blakeslee
PHYSICIANS - OPTOMETRISTS
The Eye PlaceThuy Quach
POOL CONTRACTORDixie Pools and Spas, Inc.
Bill Godek
RESTAURANTSPammies’ Sammies
Pam Thomas
TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS
Harmony Tech, LLCMatthew Hadley
TIRE SALES AND SERVICEDiscount Tire Co.
Evan Gardner
WASTE MANAGEMENTVeolia Environmental Service
Tal Johnson
YOGA INSTRUCTIONWinter Garden Yoga
Brian Friedman
Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home CareKevin Heinz
Altis at Lakes of WindermereGenienne Hernandez
American Red CrossJoel Hass
Baldwin Fairchild Cemeteries & Funeral HomeFrank Scarlata
BB&TCindy Gainey
Blue Cord Design and Construction LLCMichael Waldrop
Cara Hennen
Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Assoc.Lee Johnson
Channell Law FirmWarren Channell
Chick-fil-A at Winter GardenJeane Boast
City of OrlandoBuddy Dyer
Classic Care Of AmericaEileen Neumayer
Conoley Citrus Packers, Inc.Van Conoley
Crawford Tire ServiceGary Crawford
Cruise HolidaysPamela Jarvis
Don Mealey ChevroletJohn Fletcher
Dr. Phillips High SchoolGene Trochinski
First Southern BankRodney JolleyCommunity Trustee
Florida HospitalKimberly HudsonCommunity Trustee
Henry Nehrling SocietyAngela Withers
Hope Charter School/Legacy HighCrystal Yoakum
Island One ResortsGina Schwiegerath
Kate Lyn’s BoutiqueLisa Meadows
Kathleen Roat & Company, Inc.Kathleen Roat
Lynn Walker Wright, P.A.Lynn Walker Wright
Macali Eye ClinicNeil Macali
McKey Crossing, LLCPhillip Marshall
MetroWest Golf ClubSteve Schaller
Ocoee Business ParkWilliam Brown
Ocoee High SchoolBill Floyd
Ocoee Lion’s Foundation, Inc.Bob Godek
On-Purpose Partners, LLCMary Tomlinson
Orange County School Board Member Vicky Bell
Pacific Global Investment Mgmt.Joseph Worsham
PNC Wealth ManagementMark Schirmer
Rene Murray - Prudential Florida
Saving Young Hearts, Inc.Martha Lopez-Anderson
Spring Lake ElementaryAngela Murphy-Osborne
Sysco Food Services of Central Florida, Inc.Greg Rhodes
Valencia CollegeSanford Shugart
Vizcaya Lakes ApartmentsSheena Vargas
Windsor Realty Group, Inc.Lisa Bennett
Woman’s Club Of Ocoee, Inc.Teresa Lemons
TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT
Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view Walt Disney World Company this month’s
Trustee Spotlight.
For advertising information
CALL TODAY407.649.3040 ext. 135
Reach more than 23,000 affluent households in Windermere,
Dr. Phillips & MetroWest
Special Advertising Rates Available
The Beauty &
Fashion Issue
May 2012
Deadline for entries: March 30Online voting: April 1-9
Send us your photo today!
Now accepting submissions online atCentralFloridaLifestyle.com
The May issue will also feature a special section on beauty
professionals in Southwest Orlando!
c o n t e s t
Most DeservingMom Make-over
c e n t r a l f l o r i d a ’ s
Please join us for an Orlando Health community breakfast in partnership with the West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Keynote SpeakerSherrie Sitarik
President and CEO, Orlando Health
Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 am
St. Pauls Presbyterian ChurchFamily Life Center, Building 500
1450 Citrus Oaks AvenueGotha, Florida
Please RSVP to 321.843.4525 or [email protected]
APOLOGY IN BUSINESS Submitted by Kiki Grossman
The February Hot Topic was sponsored by the Valladares Law Firm and presented by Grossman & Grossman P.A., Attorneys at Law. Kiki and A.J. Grossman spoke on the topic of Apology in Business. The Grossman’s gave attendees information about the essential components of a good apology, apology statutes and examples of businesses who have instituted apology policies with great results. At the end of the presentation, those present were offered an opportunity to write their own apology based on a “fact pattern” or story written by the Grossman’s.
AN APOLOGY OPPORTUNITY
Luke invited one of his close friends, Michael, to his wedding with his fiancé, Summer. Because the wedding was going to be small, Luke thoughtfully selected the potential attendees. Each person he invited was an important part of his life.
Michael confirmed that he would be there to celebrate the couple’s special day. On the day of the wedding, Michael did not show up. Michael has not sent a card or gift to his good friend since. In fact, Michael has been lying low since missing the wedding and has not communicated with Luke at all.
Luke and Summer had a morning wedding with a lunch reception. Michael not only slept through the start time for the wedding, but also planned a lunch date for that day, forgetting his good friend’s special event. He feels bad, but is afraid that Luke will be angry. Luke is feeling resentful because there were other people he wanted to invite but didn’t because of the limited numbers who could attend. Luke is also feeling betrayed because Michael let him down. You are Michael. Please apologize to Luke.
Use the recommended “Five Dimensions of Effective Apology” from Effective Apology: Mending Fences, Building Bridges, and Restoring Trust by John Kador (Take the Apology Quotient quiz online at www.effectiveapology.com)
• RECOGNITION - Acknowledge the offending behavior in specific detail making sure you know what you are apologizing for, what social norm you violated, and the impact on the victim.
• RESPONSIBILITY - Take special care to accept full responsibility for your own precise role in what happened and don’t try to “spin” what happened or make excuses.
• REMORSE - Express feelings of guilt, distress, or shame. “I am sorry” are three powerful words.
• RESTITUTION - Make a practical attempt to restore the relationship to what it was before the offense. Victims look for the restitution dimension of the apology to satisfy three requirements: 1. To be made whole, insofar as that is possible; 2. To see the offender make a sacrifice; 3. To see a sense of the offender’s commitment to the relationship.
• REPETITION - Remember that for many, the thought of being re-victimized is unbearable. This is your opportunity to promise not to repeat the offending behavior. This is often a stumbling block to apology as it requires a genuine change in the offender.
FEBRUARY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Guests at the WOCC February Business After Hours enjoyed an assortment of delicious Florida grown foods along with healthy grilled foods and complimentary beverages provided by BAH Sponsor Oakland Park recently. Attendees had fun playing a trivia style networking game at the event and were lucky to be among the first people to tour one of the newly completed Certified Green decorated, furnished Model Homes inside Oakland Park. Representing two of the builders in the Oakland Park community were Sherri Weyandt of David Weekley Homes and Pete Valdez of Ashton Woods Homes with Bob Hennen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Castle Cooke, developer of Oakland Park and Stina D’Uva, President of the West Orange Chamber. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne
LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE ALUMNI
A group of Leadership West Orange Alumni participated in the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Adopt a Precinct program for the Preferential Presidential Primary that occurred on January 31st. The Alumni staffed Precinct #108 and instead of receiving payment for their work, the group donated the funds to S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange and Women in the Arts. For more information about Leadership West Orange, please contact Krista Carter at the West Orange Chamber at 407-656-1304 ext. 6.
Pictured: Krista Carter, West Orange Chamber; Pat Gleason, Joe Hembrooke, S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange; Maria Guerrero, Women In The Arts, Inc.; Claire Ertle, BankFIRST and Jim Densmore, Parkland International Realty.
LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE
The West Orange Trail Blazers, the 2011-2012 Leadership West Orange Group, sponsored by Florida Hospital, participated in their 6th session which focused on Media in Central Florida. The class heard a presentation from Grant Heston of WUCF, visited the West Orange Times, Cox Radio/Media Group, WESH TV 2 and Thoughts.com.
Pictured: Gary Shif, Becky Williams, Jeff Sedloff, Andrea Vaughn, Jeff Alexander, Katrinka VanDeventer, Keith Bradford, Chris Sapp, Susan Jackson, Todd Houke, Michael Mueller, Jeff Zaharis, Jeanne Fravel, Neil Asma, Lisa Willis, George Speigner, Arden Griffith, CeCe Rivers, Jill Hill, Lynette Reynolds and staff from Thoughts.com.
Beverly Hills Jewelers recently opened a new location at 12348 W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden. They offer quality jewelry and services that include buying, selling and trading art, antiques, memorabilia, coins, stamps and the occasional classic car or motorcycle. In addition, they offer short term pawn loans on quality merchandise at competitive rates. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne
The award winning Downtown Winter Garden restaurant, The Chef’s Table, has added an additional Dining Room with a full bar. The new Tasting Room features tapas and craft cocktails. Next time you’re in the area, stop by 99 W. Plant Street and check out everything they have to offer! Photo courtesy of WOCC
MARCH
Thursday, March 15th Chamber Connection – New Member Orientation
Sponsored by Strombeck Consulting, CPA’sWest Orange Chamber of Commerce
12184 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden3:30pm – 4:30pm
FREE to current WOCC members
Business After Hours Sponsored by
West Orange Country Club & Mercedes Benz of South Orlando
Hosted byWest Orange Country Club
3300 West Orange Country Club Dr. Winter Garden5:30pm – 7:00pm
Advance RSVP WITH Advance Payment Rate: $5.00All Payments Accepted at the Door: $10.00
Wednesday, March 21stNavigate Your Way to Success Seminar
Professional Presence, Smart Hiring, &Protecting Your Assets
Presented by Barbara Bergstrom, Peggy Isaacson, Tony Moreno
Sponsored byBest Cleaners, Murphy Business Brokers – Orlando
and Strombeck Consulting, CPA’SFamily Life Center at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church
1450 Citrus Oaks Ave. Gotha7:30am – 8:00am Registration, Networking and
Hot Breakfast Buffet8:00am – 11:30am Seminar
Chamber Member Earned Rate: $10.00Non Member Rate: $20.00
APRIL
Thursday, April 5th Best Fest “The Taste of West Orange”
Presented by Health Central and Orlando HealthWinter Garden Village at Fowler Groves
(in the Bealls parking lot)3385 Daniels Rd. Winter Garden, 34787
5:00pm – 8:30pmGeneral Admission: $31.00 in advance,
$41.00 at the doorV.I.P. Admission: $46.00
Thursday, April 12th Lead and FeedCasa Vallarta
1595 E Silver Star Rd. Ocoee, FL 3476112:00pm – 1:30pm
$13.00 includes lunch, drink, tax and tip
Thursday, April 19th Lunch and Learn: “How Can the Small Business
Development Center Help Me?”Presented by Hal Thayer,
Small Business Development CenterSponsored by
YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE FEATURED HERE IF YOU SPONSOR THIS PROGRAMWest Orange Chamber of Commerce
12184 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden11:30am – 1:00pm
Light lunch providedFREE to current WOCC members
Thursday, April 19th Chamber Connection – New Member Orientation
Sponsored by DRB Benefits GroupWest Orange Chamber of Commerce
12184 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden3:30pm – 4:30pm
FREE to current WOCC members
Wednesday, April 25th Power Networking
Sponsored by the Courtyard by Marriott10971 West Colonial Dr. Ocoee, FL 34761
8:00am – 9:00amFree to current WOCC Members
By RSVP only to [email protected]
2012Supporting
Trustees
Alarie DesignAssociates
Apple Air Conditioning &
Heating, Inc.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, LLC
Boyd DevelopmentCorporation
Comerica Bank
GrayRobinson, P.A.
June Engineering
Kelly’s Foods, Inc.
Manheim Orlando
Publix
Rural/Metro Ambulance of Central Florida
SeaWorld Orlando
Sines BlakesleeMadyda, P.A.
Certified Public Accountants, P.A.
South Milhausen, P.A.
Technology Solutionsof America
The West OrangeTimes
Universal Orlando
West Orange Orthopaedics & Sports
Medicine, P.A.
Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves
West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 W. Colonial Drive . Winter Garden, FL 34787
Ph: (407) 656-1304 . Fax: (407) 656-0224Web 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
Find out if your business can qualify to receive4 months of FREE ads in
The Ultimate Savings Magazine!
Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view this and other HOT DEALS!