2007Community

Trustees

BankFIRST

Castle & Cooke

DeWitt Excavating

Embarq

First CommercialBank of Florida

GrayRobinson, P.A.

Health Central

Lowndes DrosdickDoster Kantor &

Reed, P.A.

Manheim’s Florida Auto

Auction of Orlando

McCree Incorporated

Miller, South & Milhausen, P.A.

Progress Energy

Regions Bank

Signature GMACReal Estate

Step2Techknowledgies

Group

SunTrust Bank

The MiddlesexCompanies

Veranda Partners

Walt Disney WorldCompany

West Oaks Mall

Chairman’s MessageRuss Salerno, 2007 Chamber ChairmanM&I Bank

July 2007

Committee Corner by Paul R. Sexton

Hometown Democracy/Community Polarization

Recently the Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to oppose the so-called “Hometown Democracy” petition drive. Privately initiated Hometown Democracy seeks the enactment of a state constitutional amendment that would require a public vote on all local comprehensive land use plan changes. Speaking on behalf of the Board, I understand that growth management policy in Florida is imperfect at best, the result of which has been much undesirable sprawl. That being said, there are a number of problems with Hometown Democracy that, in the opinion of the Board, render it counterproductive to our ongoing efforts to promote “smart growth” in Central Florida. The most basic of these problems is that, although Hometown Democracy’s stated goal of promoting greater public consensus in future development decisions is laudable, the unintended consequence of the proposed amendment will be to further polarize our communities on public issues that are already too contentious. More specifi cally, the proposed amendment would institutionalize an absolute veto that can be exer-cised at will by special interest groups less dedicated to public debate and true democratic participation than to reactionary NIMBYism (the “Not In My Back Yard” syndrome). As such, a handful of activists could just as easily defeat the development of badly needed hospitals, schools and job centers, as they could the construction of a poorly envisioned subdivision. On this issue, the Board encourages Chamber members to defeat – i.e., to not sign – the Hometown Democracy petition drive. As an alternative, we encourage you to join us in actively supporting the many ongoing consensus-building efforts of myregion.org, the Chamber’s West Orange Visioning process and other smart-growth initiatives. Please see the “Stop the Scam” insert in this newsletter for additional information.

Where has all the Water gone?

At the next West Orange Chamber Business & Breakfast which will be held at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church at 7:15 a.m. on August 8, 2007, we will be talking about a topic that has a major affect on every person and business in Central Florida, “Water.” As you all know, we are currently experiencing a huge shortage of rainfall. This shortage has continued to mount over the past 2 years and we are now approaching some critical times. Did you know that Lake Okeechobee the largest lake in Florida is at an all time low right now? Did you know that our own Lake Apopka is currently over a foot lower than normal? Did you know the aquifer is at an all time low? Have you ever thought what it would be like to be on “severe” water restrictions or even worse “be out of water”? These are just some of the questions that need to be addressed NOW and not later. The entire state’s water situation should have been addressed more aggressively 20 years ago. We should have been more pro-active and prepared with our water management. Can you imagine life with a permanent water shortage or even no water at all? Please plan on attending the August Business & Breakfast, sponsored by Orlando Utilities Commission and hear our panel of experts discuss our “water crisis.” We are very fortunate to have a panel of water experts lined up that will include Rob Teegarden, Chairman of the Florida Section American Water Works Association and its immediate past chair, Jacqueline Torbert. Be prepared to hear the “real story” and “real options” for our future. I hope all of you have been having a great summer so far. Your Chamber continues to grow, even over the sum-mer and be very active with our West Orange schools, businesses and civic organizations. We have a lot of things to be thankful for here in West Orange County and I want to take this time to just say “Thanks” for all that you do to contribute.

Dianne Southwell joined the Chamber board this year. She has been ve ry invo lved wi th t he Ambassador s , Member sh ip and Events Committees. Southwell is the President and owner of Plaudits!, one of the Chamber’s newest Supporting Trustees.

Mayor Kathy Stark has served on the Chamber board for fi ve years representing the Town of Oakland. She has served as Chairman of the WOCC Community Champion’s Gala for the past 4 years. In Stark’s spare time, she works for the Walt Disney World Company as Manager, of Cast Activities, Events and Recognition-Human Resources-Walt Disney Parks and Resorts-East Coast

Lynetta Tipton Steed has been on the Chamber board since 2004. She has been very involved with the Membership Committee serving as Retention Chairman and this year as the Committee Chair. Steed is the SR VP Central Florida Business Banking Manager for Regions which is a Community Trustee of the Chamber.

Jane Tebbe-Shemelya joined the Chamber board in 2004. She has served as the Membership Committee Chairman for two years. Jane has worked very hard in helping the Chamber produce quality membership literature. Jane is the Director of Merchandise Global Planning & Growth Initiatives for the Walt Disney World Company.

Jim Thomas has served on the chamber board for 3 years representing Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) and the Oakland Nature Preserve (ONP). He has participated in the Community Involvement and Governmental Affairs Committees. Thomas is the president of Biosphere Consulting, Inc. and a tireless advocate for environmental issues.

West OrangeChamber

Board of Directors

Joe Alarie

A. Kurt Ardaman

Kay Behrens

Mike Bollhoefer

Ward Britt

Mayor Gary Bruhn

Alan Byrd

Debbie Clements

Jim Densmore

Louis Fazio, Jr.

Rob Frank

Ron Garrison

Bob Gosselin

Pamela Gould

John Hussey

Comm. Teresa Jacobs

Julie Kleffel

John McReynolds

Jim Neumayer

Linda Osterberg

Dan Petro

Stephen Precourt

Dr. Jenny Reeves

John Rinehart

Russ Salerno - Chairman

Tracy Seebach

Paul Sexton

Dianne Southwell

Mayor Kathy Stark

Lynetta Steed

Jane Tebbe-Shemelya

Jim Thomas

Dr. Diane Trees

Meet the Board - 2007 Board of Directors

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The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee has been very busy during the fi rst part of this year. With the monitoring of our 2007 Legislative Position paper, keeping tabs on the proposed property tax legislation and the scheduling and planning of our topical lunches, it is easy to say that this is one of the hardest working committees. As of press time for the WOCC Chamber Matters Newsletter, the Florida Legislature has just started its second special session for the year. In this session, there is a promise to secure a new plan for Property Taxes. We are looking forward to seeing what kind of plan will be devised. Until then, please take the time to review our 2007 Legislative Position Paper online at the offi cial WOCC web site at www.wochamber.com. This will you give you an overview of what important issues passed and which ones did not. If you are interested in participating in the Governmental Affairs Committee, please contact Krista Compton at kcompton@wochamber.com.

MAY TRUSTEE LUNCHEON

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Community Trustees and Supporting Trustees were treated to an incredible meal at The Palm and enjoyed a presentation about Island One Resorts. Pictured from l-r are; Stina D’Uva, President WOCC, Russ Salerno, Chairman of the WOCC, Deb Linden, President and CEO of Island One Resorts, Michael Martin, General Manager of The Palm, Pam Gould, Vice President of Community Development and Chef Larry Sinibaldi, The Palm

Legislative Position Paper

2007 Good Living Magazine Show

Be sure to check out the offi cial West Orange Chamber website www.wochamber.com for detailed information of the 2007 Good Living Magazine.

New Members

ARCHITECTURAL MATERIALSamaZulu, Inc.Claire Evans

(407) 395-0442www.amazuluinc.com

BUSINESS CONSULTINGDetailed Solutions

Beth Wincey(407) 339-3001

COMPUTER - SALES/SERVICE/CONSULTANT

Hughes I.T. Solutions, Inc.Gary Hughes

(407) 284-1192www.hughesitsolutions.com

CONTRACTOR - GENERALStirling Construction

Tony Evans(407) 948-3235

FITNESS TRAINING - PERSONAL

Go For Fit! Training Co.Theresa Felton(407) 625-6808www.goforfi t.net

FURNITURE STOREPalm Casual

Stuart Marshall(407) 905-0078

www.palmcasual.com

GARAGE ORGANIZATION SYSTEMSHouseOrg

Carl Trainer(407) 668-3688

www.houseorgnow.com

ICE CREAM SHOPPETwistee Treat

Royetta Ginther(407) 877-6888

INSURANCE - LIFE & DISABILITY

Fay Financial GroupTerry Fay

(407) 347-2019

KID’s GYMParallel Play

Candice Ricketts(407) 342-5035

www.parallelplay.biz

OFFICE EQUIPMENT - COPIERS/FACSIMILE

Canon Business SolutionsKevin Davis

(407) 242-6090

PHYSICIANS - OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Eye Physicians of Central FloridaVictor Thomas(407) 398-7730

www.eyephy.com

RESTAURANTSShane’s Rib Shack - MetroWest

Ken Farley(407) 582-9984

RETAILWal-Mart - Turkey Lake Rd.

Debbie Martin(407) 351-2247

SCHOOLS - CHRISTIANWest Oaks Academy

Tom Parlier(407) 292-8481

www.westoaksacademy.com

SCHOOLS - PRIVATEStarChild Academy

Danny King(407) 929-5653

STAFFING COMPANYWest Point Commons, LLC

Karam Duggal(407) 363-4718

TITLE INSURANCE SERVICESPCS Title Co.Lori Freeman

(407) 447-9100www.pcstitle.com

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIESGolden Pond Communities

ATTORNEYSAkerman & Senterfi ttLevin, Morgan & Longo, LLCLowndes Drosdick Doster Kantor & Reed, P.A.Ronald W. Sikes, PLLCSawyer & Sawyer, P.A.

BANKSRegions Bank

BOWLING CENTERCarter Family Bowl

BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS/DEVELOPERSExclusive Homes

CATERINGFlo’s Catering

Port-A-Pit Bar-B-Que of Orlando, Inc.

CHIROPRACTORSLerner Family Chiropractic Center

COFFEE SHOP/BAKERY GOODSBarnie’s Coffee

COMPUTER - SALES/SERVICE/CONSULTANTExpetec of West Orange

CONCRETE CONTRACTORSKelzer Concrete Cutting, Inc.

CONSTRUCTION - COMMERCIALThe Robins & Morton Group

CONTRACTOR - GENERALMulligan Constructors, Inc.

ELECTED OFFICIALSOrange County Property Appraiser

EMPLOYEE BENEFITSThe Crowne Group, Inc.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES - TEMPORARY SERVICESLabor Finders

ENGINEERS - PLANNERSUniversal Engineering Sciences

FINANCIAL PLANNINGMorgan Stanley

FITNESS TRAINING - PERSONALThe Fitness Studio of Orlando

FURNITURE STOREKanes Furniture

GOLF CENTEROrange County National Golf Center and Lodge

HOME BUILDERS/DEVELOPERD. R. Horton, Inc.

HOTELSThe Ritz-Carlton

INSURANCEPatrick S. Gray Insurance Agency, Inc.

INTERIOR DECORATINGInteriors by Decorating Den

INVESTMENT SERVICETalbot Asset Management

KID’s GYMBee Kidz, LLC

LAWN CAREPrecision Landscape Management, Inc.

MORTGAGE LOANSMortgage Solutions of Central Florida

ORGANIZATIONS - CIVICRotary Club Of OcoeeWest Orange Kiwanis Club

ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFITAmerican Red CrossGirl Scouts of Citrus CouncilWest Orange Habitat For Humanity

PERSONAL CHEFThe Dinner A’fare

PET BOARDING/GROOMINGPuppy Dreams

PHYSICIANS - INTERNAL/PREVENTIVE MEDICINECentral Florida Internists

POOL SERVICE AND SUPPLIESPinch A Penny

REAL ESTATESouthern Heritage RealtySouthern Realty Group - SRGStirling Sotheby’s International Realty

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGEGMA Construction & Development

RESTAURANTSHoney Baked Ham CompanyVines Grille & Wine BarWinter Garden Pizza Company

SCHOOLSLakeview Middle SchoolOrange County Public SchoolsPalm Lake Elementary School

SCHOOLS - CHARTEROakland Avenue Charter Elementary School

SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION & REPAIRSauer Septic Systems

SIGNSSign A Rama

STORAGE UNITSChampion Self Storage #1

SUPERMARKETSPublix

TITLE INSURANCE SERVICESFirst American Title Insurance Co.North American Title Co.

Renewed Members

CHAMBER CHATTER

The West Orange Chamber Annual Team Building

Bowling Tournament 2007

Join the West Orange Chamber for a “Disco on Down” evening of fun!

We will boogie on back in time to a “Staying Alive”-best ball-bowling tournament.

For $325, your team of eight ($225 for a team of four) will knock down the pins and

“Do the Hustle” to Disco tunes, food, beverages, contests and prizes!!

Shake off that old three piece suit and Danskin Skirt, and “Fly, Robin Fly” over to

Carter Family Bowl! Best Team Costume wins a PRIZE!!!

Sponsored by:ACE Hardware& Talbot Asset Management

Beverage Sponsor: DRB Benefi ts GroupPrize Sponsor: Plaudits!

Wednesday, July 25, 20075:30 -8:30pm

Reserve your lane NOW!!!Contact Lauren at the Chamber at 407-656-1304 or

lwolf@wochamber.com.

Come network and celebrate summer at the July Business After Hours

Salt Island Chop House and Fish Market7500 International Drive

Orlando, FL 32819

Thursday, July 19, 20075:30 – 7:00 pm

PetsFirst Pet Sitting Service is celebrating their 10 year Business Anniversary. Congratulations!!

StarChild Academy announced the groundbreaking of their newest school in Winter Garden. The Winter Garden school, a 2-building 25,000 SF project, is scheduled for completion by December of 2007. The new school is located at 1324 Winter Garden Vineland Road (CR 535). The owners of the StarChild Winter Garden are Anil & Varsha Sant and Danny King & Stephanie Tsang. The school will be open from 6AM to 7PM, Monday through Friday. Parents are encouraged to call (407) 877-0345 for more information or to enroll.

Congratulations to our very own Board Member and Orange County District 1 Commissioner Teresa Jacobs on her recent election as Chairman of the Association of Counties.

WINTER GARDEN VILLAGE CAREER FAIRAugust 21-22 at Tanner Hall29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden, FL 347879am – 4 pmMeet Retailers Hiring for a Variety of PositionsFor more information visit:www.wintergardenvillage.com

HKS Architects has been chosen to design a 141-unit time-share building for a new Hilton Grand Vacation Club project in Orlando.

Congratulations to Tracy Seebach of Veranda Partners, who was recognized as an outstanding 40 under 40 at a luncheon hosted by the Orlando Business Journal.

Pastor Gary Shockley of HopeSpring United Methodist Church, a new church in West Orange County, has published a book titled “The Meandering Way.” The book recounts one pastor‛s story of his journey from a success-oriented drivenness to a signifi cance-oriented, meandering style of life. For additional information, or to contact Gary, please visit www.hopespringl.org or www.garyshockley.com

Wednesday Leads GroupIncrease your customer base by using other Chamber

members as your FREE sales force. This Leads group meets the fi rst and third Wednesday of everymonth at the West Oaks Mall Community Room from 8-9 am.

(Exclusive to one person per industry.)

Call Anette Luck for more info: (407) 832-LUCK

Tuesday Leads GroupExpand your contacts by networking with other

businesses and receive referrals from clients with related interests. This group has leads meetings

every Tuesday of the month at the Best Western Turnpike West-Orlando

in the Perkins Restaurant from 8-9 am. (Exclusive to one person per industry.)

Call Will Royall for more information: (386) 747-1964www.tuesdaymorningleadsgroup.com

Lead and Feed Network with fellow Chamber members while enjoying lunch

at a different Chamber member restaurant each month! Lead and Feed is the second Thursday

of the month from 12:00-1:30pm. (Exclusive to three people per industry.)

Call Heather Weidenbruch for more information (407) 859-7123 x 115

DISCOVER

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Village Profi le will once again produce our Community Profi le and Business Directory, Discover 2008.

As a Chamber member, you will have an opportunity to promote your company in one of the Chambers’ most in-demand publications.

If you would like to be a part of this valuable and informative publication, call the Village Profi le representative, Steve Gimbut, at the Chamber offi ce at 407-656-1304 to set up an appointment.

Please be sure to check your business listing on our website and contact us if you’ve had changes or corrections on your contact information.

Please remember it‛s best to RSVP to any events you‛d like to attend, as some of them have limited space. If you send a Quick RSVP via our website, you should receive an email confi rmation back from us. If you do not get a confi rmation within a day or two, we did not receive your email and you will need to contact us again.

2007Supporting

Trustees

Ace Hardware

Alarie DesignAssociates

AT&T

Bright FutureElectric, LLC

Dyer, Riddle, Mills& Precourt, Inc.

Fishback, Dominick,Bennett, Stepter,

Ardaman, Ahlers & Bonus, LLP

Plaudits!

Shutts & Bowen LLP

The Huber Group

The Robins & Morton Group

The Sembler Company

The West OrangeTimes

Universal Orlando

University of Central Florida

Waste Management, Inc. of Florida

West Orange Chamber of Commerce12184 W. Colonial DriveWinter Garden, FL 34787Ph: (407) 656-1304 Fax: (407) 656-0224Web site: www.wochamber.com

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 257

Winter Garden, FL

JULY

Thursday, 19thBusiness After Hours

Sponsored and hosted bySalt Island Chophouse and Fish Market

5:30pm - 7:00pmCost: FREE

AUGUST

Wednesday, August 1stWest Orange Chamber Bowling Tournament

Sponsored by Ace Hardware and

Talbot Asset Management Carter Family Bowl

Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pmCost: $225.00 for a team of 4

$325.00 for a team of 8

Wednesday, August 8th Business & Breakfast

Sponsored byOUC

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Ocoee7:15am – 9:00am

Cost: $12.00 Members- $17.00 Non-Members

Thursday, August 16th New Member Orientation

Sponsored byLocal Advantage Directory

Chamber Offi ceTime: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Cost: FREE

Thursday, August 16th Business After Hours

Sponsored and hosted byAggressive Appliance and

Saving Young HeartsAggressive ApplianceTime: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Cost: FREE