2011Community

Trustees

Ace Hardware

BankFIRST

Best Cleaners

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Bright FutureElectric, LLC

Castle & Cooke

CenturyLink

DeWitt Excavating

DRB Benefi ts Group

First Southern Bank

Fishback, Dominick,Bennett, Stepter,

Ardaman, Ahlers, & Langley, LLP

Florida Hospital

Health Central

Manheim Orlando

Orlando Health

Progress Energy

Regions Bank

University ofCentral Florida

Walt Disney WorldCompany

Chairman’s MessageMichael Waldrop, 2011 Chamber ChairmanBlue Cord Design and Construction, LLC

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce exists to serve by “FACILITATING OPPORTUNITY.”

May 2011

Facilitating Opportunity – By now you have seen those words and the embodiment of those words, our purpose statement, in the new logo of the Chamber. The logo shows two chamber members working with one another to reach “the highest fruit” on the West Orange Chamber tree. It shows that working together and partnering with one another, that our members will reach the highest fruit, highest profi ts and thrive in any business climate. Partnership and networking is just one of the opportunities that the Chamber provides. There are many more and we want your input on what else we can do to make sure that your investment in our Chamber is working for you.

As I have asked before, visit our special Facilitating Opportunity page of our Web site by May 15th. Tell us what else we can be doing, either better, more of or differently. This is your chance to help guide the direction of this Chamber. The board, at an early planning session for 2012, will be gathering in May to review all ideas, suggestions and comments. It is an exciting opportunity and I want to hear from you.

I also hope I will see you at our upcoming Orange County Mayor and Commissioners Luncheon sponsored by University of Central Florida and Walt Disney World on Thursday, May 12th. This luncheon will be a wonderful chance to meet many newly elected commissioners and ask them questions, one on one. This is also a great opportunity to be in a room of other business leaders with a thirst for local politics. I wouldn’t miss it.

Another event that should be on your calendar is “The Right Documents at the Right Time”- Learn how to create an effective business plan and fi nancial overview to present to your lending institution when you are ready for a business loan. This is a program that we created so that you have the proper tools to expand your business now or when the time is right for you. Everyone knows, it takes money to do that and giving your banker all the information that sets you up for a loan approval, will help you on your way. Jerry Ross of the National Entrepreneur Center and Porus Sagar of SCORE will share all that they know to help you develop your documents. There is no cost for this event and will defi nitely be a great use of your valuable time. Mark May 25th on your calendar and visit the Chamber Web site for details, www. wochamber.com. Special thanks to Bright House Networks Business Solutions for sponsoring this event and to the city of Winter Garden for hosting us and to Ocoee, Oakland and Windermere for partnering with us to get the word out.

Hope to see you in the month of May. We have plenty of opportunities to do so!

Zorba’s Greek Taverna - ALL day EVERY day. 2 for 1 ‘’Sangria, Margaritas and Ouzo’’

Your BIRTHDAY is celebrated the Greek way in Zorbas!!!

Celebrate your birthday with Zorba’s Greek Taverna and receive a complimentary DRINK and ENTREE of your choice!!, breaking plates and napkin throwing too.... We hope to see you soon!!

For more information call (407) 219-4326 or email: zorbas2011@live.com

Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view other HOT DEALS like this.

West OrangeChamber

Board of Directors

Joe Alarie

A. Kurt Ardaman

David Billsborough

Comm. Scott Boyd

Keith Bradford

Comm. Bob Buchanan

Mayor Gary Bruhn

Debbie Clements

Samuel B. Davis, Jr.

Jim Densmore

Rob Frank

Bob Gosselin

Tim Haberkamp

Dr. Gaby Hawat

Chesta Hembrooke

Randy June

Felicia Lewis

Anette Luck

Rob Maphis

John Marzano

John McReynolds

Yog Melwani

Jeff Milhausen

Lauren Parrish

Dan Petro

RepresentativeStephen Precourt

Lynette Reynolds

Mayor Kathy Stark

David Sylvester

Jim Thomas

Michael WaldropChairman

Lisa Willis

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 April..

Orange County Economic & Jobs Summit/International Trade and Clean Technology on Friday, 4/15 and 4/29– Stina D’Uva attended these summits that were only two in the series of many opportunities to assess the barriers to job growth and economic development. This summit focused on the growing importance of international trade opportunities, fi nancing and CleanTech. The fi rst took place at Barnett Park., with Brock McClane, Director of McLane Partner as the facilitator. The CleanTech Summit featured experts on the latest technology. CleanTech as described by John Lewis, Orange County Offi ce of Economic Trade & Tourism Development is Green + Innovation + Value Added. Clean is greener.” The fi nal summit

will focus on South Orange County and is scheduled for Friday, May 13th. To register for the fi nal summit or for more information, visit www.ocfl .net for summit information.

West Orange Aviation Authority(WOAA) Monthly Board Meeting on Wednesday, April 27th – attended by Board Member Randy June of June Engineering and Stina D’Uva. The WOAA board entered into an agreement with Orlando North Airpark to accept the donation of a runway to move the process along. A work session will be scheduled to include all the private airport owners, the city of Apopka, FDOT, the FAA and all other stakeholders to better determine future direction. The work session date has yet to be determined. The next WOAA board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25th at 10:00am at the city of Ocoee commission chambers.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE, sponsored by Bright Future Electric, is proud to announce the graduation of the 2010-2011 class “The DOWEOOS”. Four 11th graders from each of the West Orange Chamber’s area High Schools, 20 students in all, successfully completed the four month program facilitated by Lauren Wolf, Director of Public Relations and Events WOCC.

The primary mission of the Youth Leadership program is to raise the awareness of our youth regarding the community of West Orange and all it has to offer. With increased awareness of the area, it is hoped class members will be better informed regarding career opportunities and choices they have in their own backyard. Bright Future Electric’s sponsorship allowed all of the students to participate at no expense to them by providing transportation, meals and a special team building session. The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is committed to developing community leaders who will be able to handle the challenges of a growing West Orange community.

2011 S.O.A.R. AWARDS

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee recently hosted the S.O.A.R. Awards (Students of Achievement and Renown) at Olympia High School, sponsored by Trophies Unlimited, Verizon Wireless and FuelMySchool.com. The S.O.A.R. Award is an award of merit, recognizing students who have shown initiative, good citizenship, commitment and personal growth in the classroom. 5th, 8th and 11th graders from the West Orange Chamber’s area were honored and received a medallion and a fi fty dollar U.S. Savings Bond. Pictured from l-r are: Stina D’Uva, WOCC President/CEO, Rob Maphis, Vice President James A. Cummings, Inc/ Education Committee co Chair, and Lisa Hilgenfeldt, FuelMySchool.com. Not pictured: Ann Whittle - Trophies Unlimited, Chesta Hembrooke - S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange/Education Committee Co-Chair and Krista Monteleone - Verizon Wireless.

Legal & Government Day

New MembersApril 2011

Renewed MembersApril 2011

ADVERTISINGSelect Magazine

Loretta Lynn Leda

ASSOCIATETony White

ATTORNEYSPamela J. Helton, P.A.

David Helton

BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICESThe Training Bridge

Saralyn Collins

CAR WASHClassic Carwash

Chad Cline

CATERINGCake in the CityDeShawn Sims

CREDIT UNIONInsight Credit Union

Heather Bumgardner

HEALTH CARE - HOME SERVICESJason Pirozzolo

JEWELERSNoble Jewelers/The Gold Buying Company

Hanisha Uttam

ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFITHapco Music Foundation

Chandele Garrison

Matthew’s Hope Ministries, Inc.Karen Gowing

PROPERTY MANAGEMENTVerandah Properties, LLC

Penny Patterson

RESTAURANTSJosie’s Pizza & Wings

David Gray

The Big EasyMorgan Jiherez

UTILITIES - SERVICE DETECTIONUnderground Imaging Technologies

Mark Wallbom

Ace Relocation Systems, Inc. Moving & StorageTerry Stanley

Advanced Disposal ServicesSharon Smoley

Avalon Home & Property Owners’ AssociationCarol Johnson

Baterby’s Art Auction GalleryKato Amio

Bay Meadows Elementary SchoolTammy Tucker

Birket Engineering Inc.Steve Birket

Budget Auto Parts of Orlando, Inc.Bill Rutherford

Canine Companions for IndependenceMargaret Ager

Christian Service CenterRosemary Wilsen

Consensus CommunicationsRoy Reid

DeWitt Excavating, Inc.Ted DeWitt

First United Methodist ChurchRusty Belcher

Florida Representative Steve PrecourtStephen Precourt

Florida’s Blood Centers, Inc.Marie Morales

Ford Avalon GroveLex Veech

Fravel, W. K., D.M.D., P.A.William Fravel

FuelMySchool.comLisa Hilgenfeldt

HREC Investment AdvisorsPaul Sexton

JCC of Greater OrlandoBonnie Rayman

Law Offi ce of Eric S. Mashburn, P.A.Eric Mashburn

Lynn Walker Wright, P.A.Lynn Walker Wright

Mark W. Griffi th ChFC, CFPMark Griffi th

MasterPay USA, LLCDebbie Sonntag

Protect Painters of Clermont & Winter GardenChris Erichsen

Raymond James Financial ServicesPat Ahrendt

Robinswood Middle SchoolMarcia Newsome

San Jose’s Original Mexican RestaurantZenovio Armando

Southwest Middle SchoolMatthew Arnold

The Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Inc.Ceil Layfi eld

Tringas OrthodonticsAndrew Tringas

University Of Central FloridaDiane Trees

Urban Flats Flatbread Co.Jane Thomas

Waste Management Inc. of FloridaJim Swan

West Orange Kiwanis ClubLoretta Lynn Leda

Windermere Elementary SchoolTom Tanko

Windermere Pool ServicesJoe Burns

Windy Ridge SchoolLori Orr

Congratulations to Cindy Gainey who is recognized as the Membership Committee April Buddy Member of the Month.

For more information on the WOCC Membership Committee and the Buddy Program, please contact Dorcas at ddillard@wochamber.

GET YOUR BAH BUCKS NOW AND SAVE $10!!

That‛s right, purchase 8 BAH Bucks for $40 and receive 2 free! That‛s a $10 savings!!

Call us to order your BAH Bucks today! 407-656-1304

As an Energy Advisor for Progress Energy, I can help you save energy in your home. And, with a household of my own, I know why it matters. I can help you lower your bill with efficiency tips, rebates for energy-efficiency improvements and more. Get the energy help you need from Progress Energy. Visit progress-energy.com.

©2011 Progress Energy Florida, Inc.

I LOOK FOR WAYS TOSAVE ENERGY ANDMONEY – in my home and yours.

ENERGY HELP l energy efficiency

Paul L. - Energy Advisor

Wheels for Sale by Owner celebrates serving the West Orange community with quality cars and trucks for 20 years. We take pride in servicing our customers. 63% of their business is derived from repeat customers. The coffee is always on. Stop by their location at 12400 W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden and become part of their family. Photo courtesay of Portraits by LaVerne

Thursday, May 12th, 201111:30am - 12:00pm

Registration and networking

12:00pm - 1:30pmLunch and program

Family Life Center atSt. Pauls Presbyterian Church

1450 Citrus Oaks AveGotha, FL 34734

To RSVP, Vis i t www.wochamber.com

s p o n s o r e d b y :

The Orange County Mayorand Commissioners Luncheon

Join us for lunch, networking and an update from the Orange County

Mayor and Commissioners.

Invited Guest Speakers:Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs

Commissioner Scott Boyd, District 1Commissioner Fred Brummer, District 2

Commissioner Lui Damiani District 3 Commissioner Jennifer Thompson, District 4

Commissioner Ted Edwards, District 5Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell, District 6

Chamber Member Earned Rate: $26 Non Member Rate: $31Corporate Tables of 6: $156 (must be paid in advance)

$1 from each ticket sold will be contributed to the West Orange Chamber Scholarship Fund.

All reservations or cancellations must be made by Monday, May 9th, 2011No Shows will be charged

TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT

Visit the Chamber homepage www.wochamber.com to view Ace Hardware, this months Trustee Spotlight.

CHAMBER CHATTER

The Wonder of Woman Health Fair

Saturday, May 14th10:00am - 2:00pm

Dr. P. Phillips Hospital - Main Lobby9400 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando 32819

Eductional Exhibits,Women’s Health Symposium, Chair Massage, Refreshments, Door prizes

& Giveaways and moreFor more information call 321-843-2584

or visit drpphillipshospital.com

KaBOOM! Playground Building OpportunitySunday, May 15th 10:00am -4:00pm

Volunteer to build a playground in partnershp with Pine Hills Safe Neighborhood,

Central Florida Urban League at 2804 Belco Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

For more information contact 407-841-7654.

Congratulations to Bobby Olszewski of Emerson Consulting Group for being recently accepted into the Political Leadership Institute. This is an organization sponsored by Universal Orlando and SeaWorld that prepares individuals to set upon a course of public service. Dr. Falecia Williams has just been recently appointed as the President of Valencia Community College, West Campus. Congratulations and all the best as you lead the campus, soon to be Valencia College.

ADVERTISE HERE

Reach more than 1,000 members!

Take advantage of this valuable marketingopportunity 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

West Orange Chamber of CommercePresents

LEADERSHIP WEST ORANGE

• How well do you know West Orange? How much have you yet to experience?

• Do you know where the buffalo roam in Ocoee?• Have you ever seen thousands of cars move through

one of the largest auto auctions in the world?• Do you know the history of the fourth largest lake in

the state?

Not to worry! Leadership West Orange, the Chamber’s 17-year-old leadership program answers these questions and more plus allows you the opportunity to venture into West Orange and experience it all. This is a dynamic program designed to educate future leaders of West Orange County in regards to the history of this area, prominent businesses, our economic development initiatives, the direction it is moving and what to anticipate for the future.

Leadership West Orange is a 9 month commitment. One day a month, participants will take part in a fi eld trip focusing on a specifi c aspect of West Orange County. If you want to expand your leadership potential, by knowing more about the greater community in which you live, join Leadership West Orange. Call the Chamber at 407-656-1304 ext.6 or email kcarter@wochamber.com, to learn about the sessions and the reasonable cost, compared to the other local leadership programs.

Edgewood Children’s Ranch recently celebrated their 45th Anniversary of helping local youth and their families. The Ranch is a residential facility for youth-at-risk ages 6-17. Please visit their website www.edgewoodranch.com for more information about our program and upcoming events. Photo courtesay of Portraits by LaVerne

Tickets are $12 in advance

• 25 craft beers & wines, food donated by Uncle Kenny’s BBQ

• Raffles

• 100% of ticket sales & raffles benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)

• Space is limited—don't wait!

Buy tickets at Regency or www.livelaughrun.us

Make donation for number of tickets needed. In comments section include

“For Vines & Pints Admission”

May 19th 6pm-9pm

RegencyWine & Liquor

16100 Marsh Road Winter Garden, FL

407-654-0360

Vines & Pints

“Craft Beer & Wine Tasting Charity Event”

City Fire American Oven and Bar recently opened at 7958 Via Dellagio Way. City Fire is a comfortable neighborhood restaurant that combined both rustic and modern elements. Their menu features classic fl avors cooked in a unique, open fl ame stone-fi red oven. The restaurant opens at 4:00pm daily and features a full bar, indoor and outdoor dining and a variety of semi-private dining options. For more information, visit www.cityfi rerestaurants.com. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

Central Florida Personal Injury & Sports Medicine, located at 1151 Blackwood Avenue, Suite 170 in Ocoee, specializes in providing medical and rehabilitative services for injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents and sports participation. They offer injury evaluation and treatment, injury rehab instruction, preventative medicine, chiropractic services, massage/physical therapy, soft tissue/joint injections and x-ray services. Photo courtesy of Portraits by LaVerne

Orange County Public Schools Announces its “Best of 2010” by Dylan Thomas, OCPS Director of Public Relations

2010 may go down as one of the most historic and high achievement years in Orange County Public School’s history. Right after the fi rst of the year, the district assembled a list of previously reported and some not-so-well-known highlights from the 2010 calendar year. They then asked a few dozen citizens what they thought were the “Best of 2010.” The voters who picked the “Best of 2010” included county residents and business people,

The picks noted accomplishments ranging from Ronald Blocker’s Florida Superintendent of the Year award to a middle school science class with an experiment riding on the Space Shuttle Endeavor; and recognition, ranging from the President to the citizens of Orange County who approved a referendum that will avert drastic budget cuts in Orange County next school year and three years beyond. To view the “Best of 2010” visit: https://www.ocps.net/es/cr/Pages/default.aspx

MAY

Thursday, May 12th Orange County Mayor and Commissioners Luncheon

Sponsored by University of Central Florida & Walt Disney World

Family Life Center; St. Pauls Presbyterian Church1450 Citrus Oaks Ave. Gotha FL 34734

11:30am – 1:30pmChamber Member Earned Rate: $26.00

Non Member Rate: $31.00

Thursday, May 19th Chamber Connection

New Member Orientation and RefresherSponsored by Strombeck Consulting, CPA’s

West Orange Chamber Board Room12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden

3:30pm – 4:30pmFree to current WOCC members

Thursday, May 19th Business After Hours

Sponsored & Hosted by BankFIRST13207 West Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, FL 34787

5:30pm – 7:00pmOnline Advanced Payment: $5.00

At the Door: $10.00

Wednesday, May 25th The Right Documents at the Right Time!

Sponsored by Brighthouse Networks Business SolutionsPresented by the Disney Entrepreneur Center & SCOREIn Partnership with City of Ocoee, City of Winter Garden,

Town of Oakland and Town of WindermereWinter Garden City Hall

300 West Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 347878:00am - 10:00am

Light refreshments servedFree to the public

JUNE

Thursday, June 9th Romano’s Macaroni Grill @ Winter Garden Village

3143 Daniels Rd. Winter Garden, 3478712:00pm – 1:30pm

$17 includes lunch, drinks, tax and tipRSVP to chris.erichsen@protectpainters.com

Thursday, June 16th Chamber Connection

New Member Orientation and RefresherWest Orange Chamber Board Room

12184 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, 347873:30pm – 4:30pm

Free to current WOCC members

Thursday, June 16th Business After Hours

Sponsored & Hosted by: City Fire American Oven and Bar @ Dellagio

7958 Via Dellagio Way, Ste. 100 Orlando, 328195:30pm – 7:00pm

Online Advanced Payment: $5.00At the Door: $10.00

Wednesday, June 22nd Lunch and Learn - “Microsoft Offi ce 2010”

Sponsored by: Strombeck Consulting, CPA’sWest Orange Chamber Board Room

12184 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden, 3478711:30am – 1:00pm

Free to current Chamber Members Lunch provided

2011Supporting

Trustees

Advanced Disposal

Alarie DesignAssociates

Apple Air Conditionaing &

Heating, Inc.

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Hagan O’Reilly’sIrish Pub & Restaurant

June Engineering

Publix

R.C. Stevens Construction Company

SeaWorld Orlando

Sines BlakesleeMadyda, P.A.

Certifi ed 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 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