2023 seems to be flying by, as we are now over halfway into my year as your West Orange Chamber Chair.   It has been a year of full recovery for many of our area businesses finally getting back to normal in a post-Covid economy.   The new normal for many businesses is a hybrid workplace with employees splitting their schedules in-office and remote while many companies struggle to fill open vacancies.  Thankfully, we live in a thriving, growing community with potential new employees constantly moving to our area from many other markets around the country.   It is within this environment I’m pleased to report the Chamber is once again fully staffed and, as stewards of your investment in the Chamber, thriving financially.   As your Chair, I am inspired by your continued support which is why earlier this year I decided to move my company, Universal Orlando, from Supporting Trustee to a Community Trustee, the highest level of financial commitment to the Chamber.  Our collective investment in the West Orange Chamber highlights that working together we can continue to make our community the incredibly special place it is to work, play and live.  

I ask each of our members to see where you would like to grow your involvement in the Chamber.  Please consider attending an after-hours event, join a committee or see what information can be useful form our topical luncheons or Spotlight Speakers.  I would like to point out one upcoming event in particular that many of our West Orange businesses should find incredibly insightful.  EGAC, Economic and Governmental Affairs Committee, on August 25th will host a Spotlight Speaker series event featuring Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Melanie Griffin.  DBPR touches almost every Florida business through licensing, certifying, and inspecting various aspects of each of our companies.  I have seen firsthand how the Department can be helpful in the daily operations of a business.  Please consider attending and seeking answers to some of your applicable regulatory questions as Secretary Griffin brings a wealth of history and knowledge to the position she has held since 2022.  For more information, visit: https://wochamber.com/event/spotlight-speaker-dbpr-secretary-melanie-s-griffin/

As I wrap this update, I would be remiss to not mention the Chamber Board’s Search Committee is well underway in finding the Chamber’s next leader.  We have received a great deal of interest from all over the country and have been impressed with the quality of candidates.  It speaks well for our future.  I want to thank Stina for her incredible leadership through the years and she continued engagement as she prepares for a well-deserved retirement with Nick.  She has made our tenure on the Board easy by her willingness to have a smooth transition where a new leader, once voted upon by the Board, will have the benefit of her knowledge and experience during a transitional period.  We could not be more fortunate!

I wish each of you continued success as working together we continue to grow West Orange’s local economy.