2009Community

Trustees

Ace Hardware

BankFIRST

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Bright FutureElectric, LLC

Castle & Cooke

DeWitt Excavating

DRB Benefits Group

EMBARQ

First CommercialBank of Florida

Fishback, Dominick,Bennett, Stepter,Ardaman, Ahlers,

Bolton & Langley, LLP

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Health Central

Manheim Orlando

Miller, South & Milhausen, P.A.

PrismOne Group, LLC

Progress Energy

Regions Bank

The MiddlesexCompanies

Walt Disney WorldCompany

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

August 2009Chairman’s MessageDr. Diane Trees, 2009 Chamber ChairmanUniversity of Central Florida

Summer is usually a time to slow down a little, take some much needed R & R and rejoin the workforce with renewed energy. Yet, 2009 has been different in so many ways and slowing down is not what businesses, including your own Chamber has been doing in July. The summer months have been used by the Chamber team to analyze your survey results, participate in professional development activities and create new opportunities for you. As previously promised, the survey results (with a 10% response rate) have been reviewed. The survey’s intent was to determine if Chamber operations and programs are meeting the expectations of our members and satisfying the needs of our members. The responses to the questions will help us determine which programs and events to keep, eliminate, or change. The question that gave us the greatest insight into how our members felt about the Chamber and its value as an investment was the one whereby we asked members how likely they were to recommend us to another business as a sound investment. Out of the respondents, nearly 90% indicated that they would encourage other businesses to invest in membership in the chamber.

In addition to general responses, the survey provided explanations by our members as to why they rated us as they did. With anonymity guaranteed, these candid comments will serve as a focal point for discussion by the Chamber Team and the Board of Directors. How can the chamber improve its services? What are the concerns of its members? What possible solutions and ideas can be generated by these comments? As always, we urge any member with a specific concern or issue to call the chamber and speak with any member of the Chamber Team or Stina directly. We are here to serve you, our members.

Continuing the intent to provide maximum service to our members, Stina completed year three of four scheduled years of training with the US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management. This summer, Vice President, Krista Carter began her first year of the four year training program. Chamber Team members are encouraged to participate in programs such as this because of the valuable information that they bring back to provide new, different and exciting opportunities for you and your businesses. This year’s theme placed a great emphasis on the necessity for Chambers to move from “Relic to Relevance” in the realm of technology. As a result, our Team will be exploring and developing new, updated communication methods for our members. We look forward to meeting this challenge!

Also on the horizon, the chamber has a unique and exciting event planned around a team building exercise for employers and employees. Join us at the first ever “Thriller” Team Building Mini Golf presented by DRB Benefits Group and sponsored by Carter Family Bowl and Pizzeria and Bright House Networks, Tuesday, August 11, 2009, located at Monster Mini Golf, 1297 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Registration begins at 5:30 pm. The entry fee for a foursome is $125.00 with special pricing for additional players. Contact the Chamber for extra information at 407-656-1304x5 in regard to same. As always, I look forward to seeing you at events, programs, and committee meetings.

Dr. Diane Trees

West OrangeChamber

Board of Directors

Joe Alarie

A. Kurt Ardaman

David Billsborough

Comm. Scott Boyd

Mayor Gary Bruhn

Comm. Bob Buchanan

Samir Burshan

Debbie Clements

Jim Densmore

Rob Frank

Ron Garrison

Bob Gosselin

Chesta Hembrooke

Bob Hennen

Randy June

Julie Kleffel

Star Kraschinsky

Anette Luck

John McReynolds

Jeff Milhausen

Dan Petro

Kitty Phillips

RepresentativeStephen Precourt

Russ Salerno

Paul Sexton

Dianne Southwell

Mayor Kathy Stark

Lynetta Steed

David Sylvester

Jim Thomas

Dr. Diane Trees Chairman

Michael Waldrop

Committee Corner by Terry Fay, Fay Financial Group - Membership Committee Member

Membership - Are You Maximizing Your ROI?

Can you think of anyone who started an investment hoping to lose? I know I can’t. Everyone who opens an investment does so to get a positive rate of return or Return on Investment (ROI). So it is with a membership in the West Orange Chamber. Everyone joins to get a return. The type of return and amount of return varies with each member. But everyone wants a positive return. Let’s compare our Chamber membership to my definition of the “Ideal Investment” and see what it takes to maximize our return potential

I believe every Ideal Investment should have at least these three characteristics: Flexibility, Diversification, and Regular Contributions.

FlexibilityI believe the Ideal Investment should allow the owner to put money in and take money out. We don’t know what the future holds so a plan that locks us in for 10, 20, or more years won’t allow us to take full advantage of opportunities.

Similarly, the WOCC is very flexible. A member can increase or decrease involvement; be content with displaying the plaque in their window or aspire to the Board; pursue active marketing or passive marketing. There’s a strategy for everyone.

DiversificationIf you talk to most financial advisor’s, including myself, they would say that the best way to increase the chances of a positive return and reduce the downside risk is to diversify. If you invest in one company stock you stand to lose it all if the company goes bust. However, if you invest in a mutual fund that owns hundreds of companies if that one company goes bust you haven’t lost nearly as much. Thus, your opportunity for gain is improved and your risk of loss is decreased.

Let’s take that same concept and apply it to your membership at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. If you attended the New Member Orientation/Chamber Connections class you received a document called “Menu for a Healthy Business” and you completed your “Plan of Involvement” form. There are literally hundreds of opportunities to build your business through the Chamber. The more diversified you are with your involvement the more people will get to know you and the greater the chance you will get out of the Chamber what you are looking for. If you only do one thing, you may hit a home run, but on the other hand you may strike out.

Regular ContributionsThe Ideal Investment has regular contributions going to it and those contributions aren’t limited by an institution or the government.

When I refer to contributions to the Chamber I am not referring to your annual membership dues. I am referring to your time and relationship contributions. You might get lucky and land the account of a lifetime after one meeting or one sponsorship. But that is doubtful. An investment into the Chamber requires regular, systematic, and ongoing contributions to get the maximum return. It means sponsoring an E-WOW, then going to a Business After Hours, then sponsoring a New Member Orientation/Chamber Connections class. You get the idea.

Every month businesses drop their Chamber membership. Honestly, I can’t figure out why. I’ve talked to some of these people and the most common sentiment is, “I didn’t get anything out of it.” After a short conversation, it is clear that they didn’t put anything into it either.

If you incorporate the principles of Flexibility, Diversification, and Regular Contributions you will put yourself in the best position to capitalize on your investment.

JOIN. MEET. GROW.

TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHT

Commit”teasers”Governmental AffairsMonday, August 10th

8:00 – 9:00amChamber Office

Membership CommitteeTuesday, August 18th

8:00 – 9:00amChamber Office

Small Business Development TeamTuesday, August 18th

9:15 – 10:00amChamber Office

Economic Development CommitteeTuesday, August 21st

8:00 – 9:00amChamber Office

Education CommitteeNo meetings for July or August

Next Meeting will be September 15 at 8:00 am.Chamber Office

2009 Legislative Luncheon

Wednesday, September 2nd11:30am

Sponsored byHealth Central and University of Central Florida

The Family Life Center at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church 9600 West Colonial Drive, Ocoee.

Earned Member rate - $26.00Non Member rate - $31.00.

($1.00 from each ticket sold will be contributed to the West Orange Chamber Scholarship Fund.)

RSVP at www.wochamber.com

Invited guest speakers are the Central Florida Delegation. Representatives; Sandra Adams, Dean Cannon, Steve Crisafulli,

Chris Dorworth, Eric Eisnaugle, Mike Horner, Bryan Nelson, Scott Plakon, Steve Precourt, Scott Randolph, Darren Soto

and Geraldine R. Thompson and Senators: Thad Altman, Lee Constantine, Andy Gardiner and Gary Siplin. The Delegation will address issues pertinent to West Orange County and will

allow time for a question and answer session.

West Orange Chamber Annual Golf Classic

Thursday, October 1stPresented by DRB Benefits Group

West Orange Country ClubDrink Sponsor Bright House Networks

Best Ball ScrambleRegistration 1:00 pm

Reception and Award Ceremony Immediately FollowingThe most affordable classic to date!

Foursomes $300.00For More Info and Sponsorship Opportunities call

407-656-1304 x 5 or e-mail lwolf@wochamber.com

The law firm of Fishback, Dominick, Bennett, Stepter, Ardaman, Ahlers & Langley LLP (Fishback Dominick) is one of Central Florida’s oldest law firms. Since 1935, Fishback Dominick has vigorously and competently represented clients throughout the State of Florida. Fishback Dominick

holds a peer review rating of “AV” from Martindale-Hubbell™, which is the highest rating in competency and ethical standards. Martindale-Hubbel has also recognized Fishback Dominick in its Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, a listing of the most distinguished law firms in America.

The Firm is privileged to have had long-term relationships with private and government clients. Fishback Dominick prides itself on quality client representation advanced by attorneys and staff with the highest integrity and ability as well as in its use of advanced technology. The Firm and many of the Firm’s attorneys have received awards recognizing pro bono service to the Central Florida community. In 2009, the Firm received The Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Law Firm Commendation Award in recognition of extensive pro bono work.

GrayRobinson is a full-service corporate law firm with over 200 attorneys throughout 10 offices across Florida. They provide legal services for Fortune 500 companies, emerging businesses, lending institutions, local and state governments, developers, entrepreneurs and individuals across Florida, the nation and the world.

GrayRobinson, offers not only breadth across a great many legal specialties, but depth and proficiency in each one as well. They have invented a better brand of law firm, counting creativity as a hallmark characteristic and insisting on ingenuity and innovation. At GrayRobinson, there is no such thing as “business as usual.” GrayRobinson has forged their own path, creating a firm that best serves their clients and their communities.

New MembersJune 2009

Renewed MembersJune 2009

ATTORNEYSAlvarez Sambol Winthrop

& Madson, P.A.Jeffrey Thompson

(407) 210-2796www.aswmpa.com

BANKS Regions BankChris Dering

(407) 352-2044

BUSINESS CONSULTINGWynFish Business

Solutions, LLCKristin Winer

(407) 810-2523http://www.wynfish.com

CELLULAR TELEPHONES Cellular SalesJose Marques

(407) 579-3956

CLEANING SERVICES Cleaning Assistants, LLC

Mark Olesen(407) 399-6497

www.cleaningassistants.com

MARKETING The Yes Card

Alex Greengold(703) 728-6007

PUBLIC RELATIONS Alan Byrd & Associates

Alan Byrd(407) 415-8470

REAL ESTATE - DEVELOPMENT

EPIC Development GroupNicholas Burden(407) 298-4141

www.ncwealthmgmt.com

AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING SALES & SERVICEApple Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.

ATTORNEYSLowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & Reed, P.A.

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR/SUPPLIESHigh Line Car Sales, Inc.

BANKSM&I Bank (OBT)Trustco Bank

BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS/DEVELOPERSD & D Construction Services of Orlando, Inc.

CATERINGAbsolute Catering & Bar Services

CHURCHES - CAMPCamp Ithiel

COMPUTER - SALES/SERVICE/CONSULTANTJust Biz - Technology Services

CONSTRUCTION - COMMERCIALThe Robins & Morton Group

CONSTRUCTION - GENERALFleck Construction

DENTISTCarlos R. Colon-Bengoa, D.D.S., P.A.

ELECTED OFFICIALSFlorida RepresentativeSteve PrecourtOrange County Property Appraiser

FINANCIAL PLANNINGLaPorte Financial Group/ Walnut Street Securities, Inc.Morgan Stanley - Ron Garrison

GRAPHIC DESIGNCrabtree Ink

HOTELSThe Ritz-Carlton

ICE CREAM SHOPPETwistee Treat

INSURANCEPatrick S. Gray Insurance Agency, Inc.

INTERNET ADVERTISING WEBSITEMyGoLocker, LLC.

LIGHTING-LANDSCAPEWelch Creative Lighting

MORTGAGE LOANSMortgage Solutions of Central Florida

ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFITHabitat for Humanity of Great Orlando Area

PAYROLL SERVICESFirst Financial Employee Leasing

PHYSICIANS - GENERAL PRACTICEWindermere Allergy & Asthma

PLUMBINGTroy’s Plumbing, Inc.

POOL CONTRACTORBlue Dream Pools

POOL SERVICE AND SUPPLIESPinch A Penny

PRINTERSAllegra Print & Imaging

PRINTERSGraphic Arts Printing

RESTAURANTSCracker BarrelRomano’s Macaroni GrillThe PalmYellow Dog Eats Cafe

RETAIL - FURNITUREBadcock Home Furniture

RETAIL - WOMEN’S APPAREL & ACCESSORIESStrap Teaze

SCHOOLSUniversity Of Central Florida

SCHOOLS - PRESCHOOLChildren’s Lighthouse

STORAGE UNITSStoneybrook West Self Storage

TITLE INSURANCE SERVICESOur Title & Escrow Company

AMBASSADOR ACCOLADES & ANTICS

The Ambassadors recently participated in the following events:

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Monster Mini Golf1297 Winter Garden Vineland Rd.,

Winter Garden

Metes & Bounds Title Company17301 Pagonia Rd, #310, Clermont

Florida Senate Honors Veteran Michael Waldrop

Michael Waldrop, a member of the West Orange Chamber Board of Directors, received the Florida Senate Spirit of Service Award for his U.S. Army service in Afghanistan and his successful initiative to create legislation to aid Florida’s servicemen and women. Senate President Jeff Atwater presented the award to Waldrop at a reception held at the Chamber’s office in Winter Garden.

A former infantry captain in Afghanistan, Waldrop was wounded during the Battle of Panjwai and awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Valor. After 11 months in Afghanistan, Waldrop returned home to his wife and two young children in 2008, but felt his call to serve was far from over. Waldrop contacted state legislators to pass a bill to exempt active servicemen and women from property taxes while they are away from home serving their country. Legislators agreed to this Constitutional Amendment this year and voters will make the final decision on its fate in 2010.

“My hope was that this bill would help motivate the troops by alleviating property taxes while they are off fighting for our country,” says Waldrop, vice president of construction for McCree General Contractors and Architects Inc. “I am very proud that our legislature was able to get this bill to ballot. This award is not about me but about our soldiers and military families that are facing multiple deployments.”

The West Orange community is growing and evolving everyday. The West Orange Chamber is dedicated to showcasing the integrity and professional interests of our Members and is proud to represent our community.

The West Orange Adult Leadership group

The 2009 Leadership West Orange Class, “WOLF-PAC West Orange Leadership Friends – Promoting Awareness in the Community”, spent the day learning about Health Care in West Orange County. The class visited Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Health Central and the Health Alliance Family Care Center.

Back Row: Dan Yates, Greg Ohe, Sam Davis, Jr., Robert Stuart, Jr., Kerry Van Etten, Justin Allen, Chris Bauman. Front Row: Heather Maloney, Maria Bajardi, June Torres, Janelle Resnick, Tamara Gilliard, Cindy Gaines and Sharon Smoley. Not pictured: Rebekah Phillip.

July Business After Hours

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce recently held a Business After Hours event at Salt Island Chop House and Fish Market on Thursday, July 23rd. Attendees enjoyed networking with over 100 guests while dining on such appetizers as gator tail, calamari, rib eye, oysters and much more! Pictured from left to right: Krista Carter, Aaron Straub, Carlos Justen and Carrie Wilson.

PhotoGallery

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

Questions? Please contact:Vicki Ferber, Membership Services Manager

407.656.1304 ext. 3 or e-mail vferber@wochamber.com

Check out the West Orange Chamber on Facebook. Join as a fan!!! Once we have 100 fans, we can secure a private Facebook URL.

The Chef’s Table at the Edgewater Hotel is now open for lunch. Visit the restaurant located at 99 W. Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm. To place “To Go” orders call 407/656-2633.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is proud to announce the publication of the new local history book, Sundays in the South: Touring West Orange County. The 112-page touring guide features 70 buildings and homes of architectural and historic significance in the communities of Winter Garden, Tildenville, and Oakland. Sites include sketches by local artist, Rod Reeves, and historic narrative describing the buildings and the people who turned these wonderful houses into homes. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation operates four venues in historic downtown Winter Garden which include: the Heritage Museum at 1 North Main Street, the Central Florida Railroad Museum at 101 South Boyd Street and the Garden Theatre at 160 West Plant Street.

CHAMBER CHATTER

Are you looking to get the word outabout your small business?

The September Business After Hours & Small Business Expo is here!

Sponsored by DRB Benefits Group and EMBARQHosted by Windermere Country Club

Thursday, September 17th, 20095:30 pm -7:00 pm

Admission is FREE!

This is a great opportunity for Small Businesses to be noticed at an event with a captive audience of

over 150 attendees expected! The cost for exhibiting in this event is $50. The price includes a 4 foot,

linen draped table/space with 1 chair and an audience waiting to see and hear what products

and or services you provide. Or expand the possibilities; for an additional $25 receive

an 8 foot, linen draped table/space. This table top exhibit has been created specifically

for West Orange Chamber businesses with less than 10 full time employees. Each exhibitor must

have a representative at its table to network with attendees throughout the entire event.

Come out and showcase what your business has to offer. Increase your client base by participating

in this exciting event!

To reserve your Small Business Expo space at the September Business After Hours

please call Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0

The International Parmasters Golf and Links Golf Cafe Corporation has chosen the Orlando region for its next premier, indoor golf training and practice facility and you’re invited.

Parmasters is assembling its investment team and is offering Orlando locals the opportunity to be in at the start of the roll-out across the region.

We will be opening our premier, indoor golf training and practice facility to open in 2010 and invite you and a guest to an exclusive presentation detailing our plans, have a glass of wine and mingle with friends. Parmasters Golf Training Centers is the world’s first year-round, indoor golf training center franchise that literally guarantees results.

Our first 15,000 square foot facility will be located in Orlando. We are finalizing the first site location which will feature all the tradition and appeal of a high-end clubhouse while offering the ultimate training and practice center for golfers of all levels including:

A 3,000 square foot short game area with specialized undulating putting greens, sand traps and chipping areaVirtual reality golf areas featuring twenty-

four world famous coursesLong-game fluency bays with unique

automatic, ball tee-up systemsState of the art meeting rooms Retail shop featuring top golf equipment

and apparelDressing rooms and a licensed lounge

area for members to unwindA golf fitness and conditioning areaCatered events

Our special Preview Meeting will take place Wednesday September 2nd at Orange Tree Golf Club (7540 Woodgreen DR. Orlando, FL) at 6:00 PM. The preview meeting is not only quick and fun, but will also open up great opportunities for anyone who is interested in improving their golf game and taking advantage of all the pre-opening specials.

I hope you are able to take advantage of this invitation. Please call (813) 310-6243, or email (orlandoinfo@parmastersgolf.com) to RSVP to reserve your seats. We look forward to seeing you soon.

•

•

•

••

•

••

AUGUST

Tuesday, August 11th“Thriller” Team Building Mini Golf

Sponsored by Carter Family Bowl & Pizzeria and Bright House Networks

Monster Mini Golf5:30 - 8:30pm

For more info contactLauren Wolf at 407/656-1304 ext 5

Thursday, August 13thLead & Feed

Tambora’s Grill Café, Ocoee 12:00 – 1:30pm

For more info or to RSVP contact Chris Eckert at 407/656-1304 ext 0

Wednesday, August 19thLunch and Learn

“Turning Your Membership Into Money”Sponsored by Florida Lakes Title & Closing LLC and Mortgage Solutions of Central Florida, Inc.

Presented by Pici and PiciWest Orange Chamber Board Room

12:00pm – 1:30pmFree to current WOCC members

For more info contactChris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0

Thursday, August 20thNew Member Orientation & Refresher

“Chamber Connection”Sponsored by Strombeck Consulting, CPA

West Orange Chamber Board Room3:30 – 4:30pm

Free for valued WOCC membersFor more info contact Chris Eckert

at 407-656-1304 ext 0

Thursday, August 20thBusiness After Hours

Sponsored and Hosted by Holiday Inn Express and FASTSIGNS, Orlando

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

Non Member Rate $10.00For more info contact Carrie Wilson

at 407-656-1304 ext 4

Tuesday, August 25thWest Orange Young Professionals

Happy Hour NetworkingLocation to be announced

5:30-7:00pmFor more info contact Carrie Wilson

at 407-656-1304 ext 4

SEPTEMBER

Wednesday, September 2ndLegislative Luncheon

Sponsored and Hosted by Health Central and University of Central Florida

The Family Life Center at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church, Ocoee

11:30am - 1:00pmChamber Member Earned Rate $26.00

Non Member Rate $31.00For more info contact Carrie Wilson

at 407-656-1304 ext 4

Thursday, September 10th Lead & Feed

Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Winter Garden12:00 – 1:30pm

For more info or to RSVP contact Heather Weidenbruch

407-859-7123 ext 115 or heather.weidenbruch@us.stores.mcd.com

Thursday, September 17thNew Member Orientation & Refresher

“Chamber Connection”Sponsored by DRB Benefits Group

West Orange Chamber Board Room3:30 – 4:30pm

Free for valued WOCC membersFor more info contact Chris Eckert

at 407-656-1304 ext 0

Thursday, September 17thBusiness After Hours and Small Business Expo

Sponsored by Embarq & DRB Benefits Group Hosted by Windermere Country Club, Windermere

5:30 – 7:00pmFor more info contact Carrie Wilson

at 407-656-1304 ext 4

Wednesday, September 23rdHot Topics “Quickbooks”

Sponsored and Presented by Scott Michael, Strombeck Consulting, CPA’s

West Orange Chamber Board Room7:50 - 9:00am

Free to current WOCC membersFor more info contact

Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0

2009Supporting

Trustees

Alarie DesignAssociates

Allen & Company, Inc.

AmericanFirst Bancard

Hagan O’Reilly’sIrish Pub & Restaurant

Orlando Health

Plaudits!

Publix

Sines, Girvin,Blakeslee & Campbell

Technology Solutionsof America

The Huber Group

The West OrangeTimes

Universal Orlando

University of Central Florida

Waste Management, Inc. of Florida

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

RSVP to Chamber events at www.wochamber.com