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

Lowndes DrosdickDoster Kantor &

Reed, P.A.

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.

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

During my ten years working with the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, I have been asked by Chamber members and even current board members exactly what is the process for becoming a board member. The Nominating Committee headed by the Chair-elect meets each August. At that time, current board positions are reviewed for term assignments in order to determine open board seats for the coming fiscal year. Discussion then ensues focusing on suggestions of nominees by committee members and any Chamber members that may have professed an interest in a board position. Geographic representation, occupational diversification, and representation according to size of business are just a few of the criteria reviewed. With the revision of the Web site in mind, an opportunity arose to improve the selection process. The Chamber now has a Board Expression of Interest Form available online for anyone interested in becoming a board member. This form can be downloaded for completion and returned to the Chamber for consideration by the Nominating Committee when they meet in August. Deadline for receipt of this year’s forms will be Monday, August 3, 2009. Please contact me or the Chamber staff with any questions.

As I mentioned, the updated and revised Web site is up and running. Please take time to explore the new look and discover some of the features now available. Besides a more user friendly appearance, the site houses much more information regarding Ambassador events, committee functions, and meeting times and other pertinent information you may need to fully utilize your Chamber membership. Features in the planning stages include the ability to purchase Chamber event tickets online and ultimately the ability to pay membership dues online saving staff hours and adding to your convenience. West Orange board member Joe Alarie and his team at Alarie Design Associates along with Chamber staff member Krista Carter spent many hours creating and perfecting the new site. Thank you for the hard work!

One final thing that I ask you to do when investigating the updated website, please take a few minutes and read the Chamber’s mission statement. You will find “developing, supporting, and promoting businesses in West Orange County” as key words in the brief avowal. I’ve recently noticed a community effort encouraging consumers to “buy local”. The Florida Chamber of Commerce campaigned this spring expounding upon that same theme. This is not a new concept for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. As evidenced in our mission statement and the copy of the patron card below, we have consistently promoted and encouraged Chamber members to do business with other Chamber members, keeping our commerce and money in the local market. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

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 Lauren Wolf

The West Orange Chamber Education committee has been hard at work to increase awareness among the business community as to their role in improving local schools and to foster and develop stronger relationships between businesses, educators, and students. Rob Maphis, James A. Cummings, Inc. and Sheilla Johnson, Principal Ocoee Elementary School are the Co-Chairs and Chesta Hembrooke, S.T.A.R.S. of West Orange is the committee Vice Chairman. Lauren Wolf is the Chamber’s representative for this committee.

Last month the Chamber recognized 41 West Orange County students with the S.O.A.R Awards (Students of Outstanding Achievement and Renown) sponsored by James A. Cummings, Inc. and Trophies Unlimited and presented three area high school seniors with $500.00 scholarships each for use towards books and tuition to their choice of Valencia Community College or Westside Tech.

The Education committee was instrumental in a decision made partnering the Chamber with My Go Locker (the OCPS official Website for granting teaches classroom needs) in lieu of the Chamber’s School Connection.

The Education committee meets the last Monday of the month, except for this month when they will meet on Monday, June 15 at 8:00 am here in the Chamber Boardroom. If you are interested in joining a committee, and have an interest in Education, come join us.

S.T.A.R.S. (Supplies to Assist ouR Students) opened their Volunteer Center at the West Oaks Mall and invite everyone to stop by. The new space will provide a centralized work space for volunteers year-round to sort and pack school supplies for local students facing financial difficulties when school starts each August. This year’s goal is to assist 14,000 local students attending 50 public schools.

An additional program, S.T.A.R.S.’ Sew-n-Sews, is open to anyone who likes to sew the second Tuesday of each month and will provide quilts and blankets to 3 and 4 year old Pre-K students who don’t have blankets for nap time.

S.T.A.R.S. has already begun accepting donations of school supplies at the new location. (Thanks, PrismOne!) Volunteer Applications will be available beginning June 1 for local students. (A great way to earn volunteer community service hours!) Businesses can consider Team Building events, working together at S.T.A.R.S. Volunteer Center. For more information, visit www.SupportSTARS.org or contact Chesta Hembrooke at 407-292-3559. (Call ahead for hours.) The Volunteer Center is located in space 106 at The West Oaks Mall, near JCPenney.

The 8th Annual S.O.A.R. Awards

The West Orange Chamber recently held the 8th Annual S.O.A.R. awards ceremony honoring Students of Achievement and Renown in the auditorium of West Orange High School. The winning students were selected from the 5th, 8th and 11th grades from 41 West Orange County area schools. The students who received the SOAR recognition award encompass average ability. Grades were not a primary concern,

however, a G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher was recommended. These students demonstrated some or all of the following attributes: good attitude toward school, teachers and peers; above average attendance; cooperative; courteous to teachers, administration and peers; self motivated concerning school and career goals; energetic; willing to share knowledge with others; responsible and dependable.

Each student received a $50.00 United States Savings Bond that was sponsored by James A. Cummings Inc. and Medallions sponsored by Trophies Unlimited. The Chamber is proud to host this event and congratulates all of the students for work well done.

TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHTAce Hardware has been a fixture in Winter Garden since 1906 and a West Orange Chamber member for the past 37 years. Ace the Helpful Place is a fix it or repair it business. Along with low prices,

Ace Hardware tries to offer services that other business can not, such as screen repair, glass & pipe cutting, lock re keying, propane gas and bulk chlorine services. One of the newest services that Ace offers is pool testing with a computer analysis. They also carry all the pool supplies one would need to maintain a sparkling pool. The goal of Ace Hardware owner Walter Toole and his staff is to get the customer in & out quickly with expert advice!

Walter Toole started with the Ace Hardware located in Winter Garden on Plant Street in 1983. He now operates 5 Ace Stores in the Central Florida area. Walter has been very involved in the West Orange Community. He is the Past President of Winter Garden Rotary, West Orange Chamber and of the North American Retail Hardware Association and he just completed his term as District Chairman for the Boy Scouts.

Regions Bank is committed to being an active presence in the West Orange Community. They support activities, events and organizations that embrace kids, families and neighborhoods. Regions Bank provides financial services to consumers and business owners which includes meeting the needs for: deposits, loans, investments, private banking and trusts. Regions Bank is now offering New Association Lockbox services for Home Owner and Condo Associations.

Lynetta Tipton Steed, Central Florida Area Business/Community Banking Executive, has been with Regions for 17 years. Her community service includes, but is not limited to, serving on the Board of Directors for the Disney Entrepreneur Center and serving as the Treasurer on the Executive Board of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

AMBASSADOR ACCOLADES & ANTICS

The Ambassadors recently participated in the following events:

RIBBON CUTTINGSYellow Dog Eats (Grand ReOpening)

1236 Hample Avenue, Gotha

Pinch-A-Penny7315 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Winter Garden

Petals by Design8014 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando

Clix Portrait Studios7940 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando

Birket Engineering162 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden

Chipotle Mexican Grill7800 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Orlando

ANNIVERSARYGosselin Realty (10th)

118 W. McKey Street, Ocoee

MEMBER OF THE MONTHScott Michael

April 2009

Commit”teasers”

Education CommitteeMonday, June 15th8:00 – 9:00amChamber Office

Economic Development CommitteeFriday, June 19th8:00 – 9:00amGuest Speakers: Craig Shadrix, Ocoee Business Development Manager & Shaman Foradi and Jerry Lowe, Developers City Place Ocoee City Hall Commission Chambers

Small Business Development TeamTuesday, June 16th9:15 – 10:00amChamber Office

Membership CommitteeTuesday, June 23rd8:30 – 9:30amChamber Office

West Orange Young ProfessionalsNo meeting

It’s all about perspective!by Chris Eckert, Director of Membership

If you agree that your attitude affects your altitude, and I do, then believing in the business community in West Orange County should have you very upbeat. Here at the Chamber, we know that we have the best members, the best place to do business and the best return on your investment.

In April, we celebrated a Membership Milestone – for the first time ever, we welcomed 31 new members in one month. To make this milestone even more memorable, that number includes four businesses that had previously been members, let their membership’s lapse, reconsidered and rejoined. To get a little historical perspective here, in the year 2001 we welcomed 52 new members for the entire year.

We celebrate each member of the Chamber and value each member’s investment. April was certainly a time that shows that if we work together, we all work! So, as you go through your day, please continue to share the benefits of chamber membership and we can grow to new heights that reach beyond even my aspirations.

New MembersApril 2009

JOIN.MEET.

GROW.

ADVERTISING - OUTDOOR/BILLBOARDS

Billboard ConnectionKen Kueker

(407) 620-0101http://www.outdoor-orlando.com

CAR WASH Sweetwater Car Wash

Alan Schneider(407) 347-7997

http://www.sweetwatercw.com

CATERING Cabin Creek Food Services, Inc.

Gini Tackett(407) 463-6505

Royal CateringVicky Curry

(407) 671-0007

COMMUNICATIONS - RADIO WOKB RadioPam Morris

(407) 285-3419http://www.wokbradio.com

COMMUNITY CENTER JCC of Greater Orlando

Bonnie Rayman(407) 239-7411

http://www.orlandojcc.org

COMPUTER SUPPORT DV8 Computing & Consulting, Inc.

David Hale(407) 456-2699

http://www.dv8computing.com

CONTRACTOR - GENERAL Lamm & Company Partners

Don Gorham(407) 895-2525

http://www.lammco.com

ENGINEERS - PLANNERS Birket Engineering Inc.

Glenn Birket(407) 290-2000

http://www.birket.com

ENTERTAINMENT Monster Mini Golf

Jane Carrigan(407) 488-3415

http://www.masterminigolf.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING Significant Wealth Management

Careen Pielacha(407) 299-4129

FLORIST & GIFTS Petals by Design

Sandy White(407) 363-1800

http://www.petalsorlando.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES Steven’s Handyman Service

Lynn Van Varick(321) 354-8796

HEALTH AND NUTRITION PRODUCTS

inLifeSteven Van Varick

(321) 354-8796http://www.myinlife.com/stevevan

INSURANCE - LIFE & DISABILITY

New York LifeConnie Koch

(407) 443-7296http://www.newyorklife.com

New York Life InsuranceJoshua Maloy

(407) 654-3343

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Southern Tradition Landscape

Bill Blauvelt(407) 928-7602

http://www.stlc.net

LIQUORS Cocamo Distributing, Inc.

Jack Roberts(321) 631-4004

MANUFACTURER Advanced Drainage

Systems, Inc.Chris Delgato

(407) 654-4989http://www.ads-pipe.com

PAYROLL SERVICES MasterPay USA, LLC

Debbie Sonntag(407) 374-1665

http://www.masterpayusa.com

PHYSICIANS - OPTOMETRISTS Macali Eye Clinic

Neil Macali(407) 656-3755

http://www.macalieye.com

POOL SERVICE AND SUPPLIES

Pinch A PennyNick Higgins

(407) 654-0253http://www.pinchapenny.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENTOrlando EquityBridgette Ross(407) 792-0503

http://brstcommunitymanager.com

RESTAURANTSBob’s Your Uncle BBQ & Wings

Channing Harrison(407) 656-2271

http://www.bobsyourunclebbq.com

d’Lites EmporiumTommy Lloyd

(407) 293-8383http://www.orlandodlites.com

RETAILThe Pink ChaletDebbie Higgins(407) 363-7465

http://www.thepinkchalet.com

SCHOOLS - PRESCHOOLBright Horizons at Winter Garden

Jim Samuda(407) 415-3353

http://www.brighthorizons.com/win-tergarden

WHOLESALE CLUBSam’s ClubDonald Lee

(407) 532-5212

ACCOUNTANTS - CERTIFIED PUBLICStrombeck Consulting, CPA’s

APPLIANCE SALES/SERVICEAggressive Appliances

ATTORNEYSChannell Law Firm

Foley & Lardner LLP

AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIPSCross Lander of Central Florida

BANKSFirst National Bank of Central Florida

BUILDERS/CONTRACTORS/DEVELOPERSHembree Construction, Inc.

CHURCHESFirst Baptist Church of Winter GardenOasis Community Church

COMPUTER - SALES/SERVICE/CONSULTANTFast-Teks On Site Computer Services

CONSTRUCTION - MANAGEMENTJames A. Cummings, Inc.

CREDIT UNIONCFE Federal Credit UnionFairwinds Credit Union

DENTISTStoneybrook Dental

DENTIST - ORTHODONTISTFravel, W. K. D.M.D., P.A.

ELECTED OFFICIALSOrange County School Board Member Christine Moore

FINANCIAL PLANNINGAmerican HarbourMark W. Griffith ChFC, CFPRaymond James Financial Services

FUNERAL HOMESBaldwin Fairchild Cemeteries & Funeral Home

GOLF CENTERStoneyBrook West Golf Club

HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT/MANAGEMENT TRAININGHR On Call

INSURANCE - LIFE & DISABILITYFay Financial Group

MEDICAL- IMAGING/MRISand Lake Imaging

NEWSPAPERSSouthwest Orlando Bulletin

OFFICE SUPPLIESOffice Depot #511

ORGANIZATIONS - CIVICRotary Club Of OcoeeRotary Club of Southwest OrlandoWest Orange Junior Service League

ORGANIZATIONS - NON-PROFITCanine Companions For Independence

E Z Youth Centers

UCP West Orange Child Development Center

PEST CONTROLFalcon Termite & Pest Control

POOL SERVICE AND SUPPLIESWindermere Pool Service

PRINTERSHill Printing

REAL ESTATE - DEVELOPMENTSexton Realty Advisors, LLC.

REAL ESTATE - INVESTMENTIRM Investments, Real Estate & Management

REAL ESTATE BROKERAGEHolston Properties & Development

RENTAL - AUTOMOBILEBudget Truck Rental

RESTAURANTSMimi’s CafeTavern on the LakeThe Capital GrilleUrban Flats Flatbread Co.Winter Garden Pizza Company

RETAILTri & Run of West Orange

RETAIL - FURNITUREPalm Casual

SCHOOLSCentral Florida Preparatory SchoolWilliam Frangus Elementary School

SCREEN PRINTINGAffordable Tees

SPORTS COMPLEXOrlando Volleyball Academy

TOURIST ATTRACTIONSUniversal Orlando

WELCOME/GREETING SERVICEWelcome Wagon

Renewed MembersApril 2009

THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING 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. We are changing with the times and with that being said, are pleased to announce the new and improved official West Orange Chamber of Commerce Website created by Alarie Design Associates, Inc.

“We have always been proud of the Website that Alarie Design created for us, but with new technology and suggestions from our membership, Alarie has given our site new capabilities,” said Krista Carter, Vice President of the West Orange Chamber. “The web-site is now much easier to navigate, is more informative and extremely user friendly.”

From the home page of the Chamber’s Website, visitors can easily access and download membership applications, learn about membership benefits, register for events, read press releases and gain full access to our business member directory. Information about West Orange County and a complete listing of all of the Chamber’s Trustees can be found on the home page. Within the next few months, Chamber members will be able to log into the site and update information pertaining to their own directory listing; assuring all their information is current. Visitors will also have the capability to pay for events online at the same time they make their reservations for Chamber events and print a paid receipt for their records.

Please visit www.wochamber.com and discover what the West Orange Chamber of Commerce can do for you.

The West Orange Youth Leadership group

“The Perfect 10” recently gathered together at the West Orange Cham-ber to celebrate their graduation from the program. 16 eleventh graders from Dr. Phillips, Maynard Evans, Ocoee and Olympia High Schools participated in this year’s class that was sponsored by Manheim Orlando. Pictured in the front row from l-r are; Lauren Wolf, Director of Public Relations and Events WOCC, Jordan Matthews, Glencora Martinez, Emily Marvin, Jacqueline Chung, Sara Tejada, Yesenia Delao, Ketia Jo-seph, Scott Cravey and Reja Kumar. Back row l-r are; Danny Ghalayini, Chelsea Monk, Joshua Wilson, Jennifer Caraway, Appiffany Ricks and Stephen Hernandez.May Business After Hours

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce May Business After Hours was held on Thursday, May 21st at the Best Western Hotel in Ocoee. The event featured an Italian theme from the delicious tuscan chicken and meatball bites to the grand prize giveaway, a 3 night stay in Venice, Italy. Pictured are the West Orange Chamber Ambassadors with Chamber President, Stina D’Uva and Best Western Sales Manager, Dianne Christie.

Trustee Luncheon

Chamber Community and Supporting Trustees were hosted at the quarterly, invite only luncheon by The Melting Pot of Orlando on Sand Lake Road in Dr. Phillips, this year’s Best Fest winner of Best Dessert. The University of Central Florida sponsored this luncheon which featured a presentation by Margot Knight, President/CEO of United Arts of Central Florida on “Arts and the Economy.”

Leadership West Orange

The 2009 Leadership West Orange class participated in their 4th session which focused on Media in Central Florida. The class visited the West Orange Times, WDBO Radio a Cox Radio Station and WKMG Local Channel 6.

Front Row pictured left to right: Mary Anne Swickerath, Kitty Phillips, Rebekah Phillip, Tamara Gilliard, Jolynn Haven, Sharon Smoley, June Torres, Betsey Bell, Janelle Resnick and Cindy Gainey.

Back row, pictured left to right: Heather Maloney, Kerry Van Etten, Greg Ohe, Justin Allen, Giffin Chumley, Sam Davis, Jr., Skip Brown, Robert Stuart, Jr., Anna Long, Chris Bauman and Jay Kraschinsky.

PhotoGallery

Photo courtesy of The West Orange Times

Commissioners’ Luncheon

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Orange County Commissioners Luncheon was held on Wednesday, May 6th at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church. Pictured are: WOCC President Stina D’Uva and Public Affairs Manager for Walt Disney World Kitty Phillips with O.C. Commissioners: Brummer, Fernandez, and Stewart. Along with WOCC Chairman Diane Trees and O.C. Commissioners: Segal, and Boyd.

Member of the Month

Bernie Durgin of St. Paul’s Presbyterian was recognized as Member of the Month for March 2009 for coordinating the Audio/Visal at The Red Bandana Barbeque and Roast.

Meeting of the Minds

Chamber members met at Panera on Sand Lake Road for the monthly gathering of Meeting of the Minds. Front row, featured from left to right: Jon Burt, Betsey VanderLey, Jon White. Second row, featured from left to right: Vince Lookabill and Bob Gosselin.

Economic Development Committee Takes It On the Road! By Stina D’Uva

The May meeting of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee took it on the road and visited the Winter Garden City Hall for two important presentations. Our Chamber members had the inside information on a film being produced primarily in Winter Garden by the Producer of “Fireproof” and “Facing the Giants” This new film, the third in a series of films, “Letters to God” is a story about a little boy’s struggle with cancer and how his letters written to God help not only him and his family, yet also bring the entire community together. Filming begins on May 26th with the film’s crew working out of the First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, with scenes being shot in local homes and the post office. A tremendous effort has been made by the production team to work with many local businesses for the products and services needed while filming. The vision by the Producer Kim Dawson and Director David Nixon is to have Central Florida known as the Christian film capitol of the world. Aside from the impact of a film being shot in Winter Garden, Chamber members heard an update on the city of Winter Garden’s economic development efforts which continue even with the challenges of funding shortfalls, presented by City Manager Mike Bollhoefer. Join us on Friday, June 19th at 8:00am at Ocoee City Commission Chambers to hear from Craig Shadrix, Ocoee’s Development Services Director on Ocoee projects. Joining him will be Shaman Foradi and Jerry Lowe on their CityPlace project, alongside the torn down Colony Plaza.

Congratulations to our very own Michael Waldrop. In 2007, Michael, an Army Reserve Captain, was called to duty in Afghanistan. While there, he started lobbying state legislators via email. His belief, soldiers shouldn’t have to pay taxes on homes they are forced to abandon while serving their country. Finally, this year, legislators agreed to this Constitutional Amendment that will go to the voters in 2010.

The owners of Uncle Kenny’s BBQ & Catering, Melissa & Kenny Nadeau, have spent the last two years traveling the BBQ Circuit cooking Competition BBQ in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. In May 2009 they won 1st Place Back to Back weeks in Tavares, FL & Ft. Myers, FL. Currently they are ranked 49th Overall in the Country out of 3503 Teams. In 2008, Uncle Kenny’s BBQ & Catering finished 5th out of 283 teams in the Florida BBQ Association, they also took 2nd place in Tomato Mild Sauce Competition at the National BBQ Festival in Douglas, Georgia.

Congratulations to Ron Smith, Director of Business Development at McCree for winning Progress Energy’s drawing for a “grill with all the gadgets & fixins” at Best Fest.

Chamber Heroes: JWB Architects and Mulligan Construction teamed up to give a disabled man trapped in his own home an “up to code” wheelchair ramp. Bobby and Barb VanWinkle were being cited with a $1,000 fine for the construction of another donated wheelchair ramp that was not up to code after a neighbor turned them in. Now they are lucky to have a ramp that is “up to code” and no fine, thanks for our special Chamber members. For the full story, visit: http://www.clickorlando.com/video/19444236/index.html

CHAMBER CHATTER

Be sure to take

advantage of this

great opportunity to

participate in the

MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAMAPPLICATION

Company Name: _______________________________Contact Name:____________________________

Address: _________________________________________ City: ___________________________

Phone: _______________________ Fax: ________________________

E-mail: ____________________________ Web Address:____________________________

Description of Discount (20 words or less):

Signature: ______________________________

Please return this form to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce via fax (407) 656-0221,E-mail: vferber@wochamber.com or mail to12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

The “Member to Member Discount Program” offers an opportunity for members to increase business activity

by encouraging chamber members to do business with other chamber members through tangible discount incentives,

such as offering a fixed dollar amount or percentage off goods or services.

This discount offer will be in effect from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.If you are interested in taking advantage of this promotional opportunity, please fill out the

application form below and fax it to the Chamber at 407-656-0221 or e-mail your application to Vicki Ferber at vferber@wochamber.com. If you have any questions,

please feel free to contact us at 407-656-1304.

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

Rain drops kept falling on our heads, but that did not dampen the fun that the more than 1,000 people had at the 7th Annual West Orange Chamber’s Best Fest “The Taste of West Orange” presented by BlueCross & BlueShield of Florida. The biggest dilemma faced by the crowd was how to hold the umbrella and eat, drink and collect all the goodies that the nearly 70 vendors were passing out. Most everyone decided to forgo the umbrellas and by last count, no one had melted.

Red Rock Canyon Grill walked away with the bragging rights of “Best Food” and Melting Pot clinched the honor of “Best Dessert”. For the third year in a row, Alarie Design Associates and The West Orange Times won for “Best Booth”. These totals were based on surveys taken randomly throughout the night by 12 (unbiased) teenage volunteers and totaled by Chamber volunteers. Not very scientific, but did the trick.

If you were not able to attend, you missed a great event. For those of you already asking about the 8th Annual Best Fest “The Taste of West Orange” we will be back at the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves next year (hopefully in April).

Thank you and Kudos to all of our Sponsors; BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, DRB Benefits Group, EMBARQ, Progress Energy, Health Central, Alarie Design Associates, Central Florida Lifestyle Publications, Orlando Southwest Bulletin, The West Orange Times, DeWitt Excavating, Floor to Ceiling and the Historic Downtown Merchants Guild of Winter Garden, Vendors and Volunteers; you are what made this a truly great event. Special thanks to Joe Daylor Photography for taking the photos amidst the rain drops.

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.

Special THANKS to Arbor Crest Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. for

sprucing up the landscaping at the entrance to the

Chamber.

DISCOVER 2010 West Orange County Community Profile & Business Directory

GREAT NEWS!! We would like to invite you to be part of the all new 2010 Community Profile and Membership Directory. Your invitation to advertise in this outstanding publication will arrive shortly. Jill Adelman will be our Village Profile Project Manager .

Chamber members are staying strong and focused on how important it is to promote the attributes of their business through thisEXTRAORDINARY chamber publication! It will serve, as a beautiful welcome piece to new neighbors, new friends, visitors, the community and it’s a valuable resource guide. A WHO’SWHO, listing prominent businesses like yours with contact information.As an area business, you have the opportunity to promote your business in this exciting informative community publication. All participating advertisers receive FREE GUIDES…FREE ad preparation…FREE on line buyer’s guide listing and FREE hyperlink to your website with each ad purchased. You will also enjoy again a presence on the internet thru www.villageprofile.com website that receives over 2,000,000 hits each month.

BE SURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY…

————————————————————————————————————— Call representative Jill Adelman at 215-527-1304 and reserve your space today!

Or, fax the form below to the Chamber office at 407-656-0221.You may also contact the Chamber at 407-656-1304 Ext. 0.

Yes, I am interested in advertising in the 2010 Discover Magazine.

Company Name:_______________________ Contact Name:__________________________

Address:____________________________________ City ________________ Zip _______

Phone Number:_________________________Fax:__________________________________

Email:________________________________

JUNE

Wednesday, June 3rd Requiem for Recession or More Misery?

An Economic Outlook.Presented by Dr. Sean Snaith, Director

Institute for Economic Competitiveness, UCFSponsored by University of Central FloridaValencia Community College, Metrowest

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

Non Members $31.00For more info contact: Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4

Thursday, June 11th Lead & Feed

Stonewood Tavern & Grill, Dr. Phillips12:00pm – 1:30 pm

For more info or to RSVP contact Heather Weidenbruch at 407-859-7123 ext 115 or heather.weidenbruch@us.stores.mcd.com

Thursday, June 18th New Member Orientation & Refresher

“Chamber Connection”Sponsored by Strombeck Consulting, CPA’s

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

Free for valued WOCC membersFor more info contact: Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0

Business After HoursSponsore by Gosselin Realty & The City of Ocoee

Ocoee Community Center5:30pm – 7:00pm

Chamber Member Earned Rate $5.00Non Member Rate $10.00

For more info contact Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4

Tuesday, June 23rd West Orange Young Professionals

Happy Hour Networking5:30pm – 7:00 pm

Hagan O’Reilly’s Irish Pub & RestaurantWest Orange Young Professional Members $10.00

Non Members $15.00For more info contact Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4

Wednesday, June 24th Small Business Development Team

Lunch & Learn Series12:00pm – 1:30pm

Chamber Board RoomFree to current WOCC members – BY RSVP ONLY!

Light lunch will be provided!For more info contact Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0

Thursday, June 25th Power Networking

Hosted by Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Ocoee8:00am – 9:00am

Free for valued WOCC membersFor more info contact Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0

RSVP at www.wochamber.com

JULY

Thursday, July 9th Lead & Feed

Kabbab House, Metrowest12:00pm – 1:30 pm

For more info or to RSVP contact Heather Weidenbruch at 407-859-7123 ext 115 or

heather.weidenbruch@us.stores.mcd.com

Thursday, July 23rd New Member Orientation & Refresher

“Chamber Connection”Sponsored by: DRB Benefits GroupWest Orange Chamber Board Room

3:30pm – 4:30pmFree for valued WOCC members

For more info contact: Chris Eckert at 407-656-1304 ext 0

Thursday, July 23rd Business After Hours

Sponsored and Hosted by Salt Island Chophouse & Fish Market, Orlando

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

Non Member Rate $10.00For more info contact: Carrie Wilson at 407-656-1304 ext 4

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