FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chamber Opposes Amendment 3 and Supports the OCPS One-Mill Continuation Referendum

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — The West Orange Chamber of Commerce has announced its positions on two key measures appearing on the November ballot, opposing Florida Constitutional Amendment 3 and supporting the Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) One-Mill Continuation Referendum. The Chamber’s positions reflect its commitment to supporting a strong business community, protecting the quality of life of residents, maintaining essential public services, and investing in the future of Orange County’s workforce.

Following a review of both measures and their potential impact on residents, businesses, and the broader community, the Chamber determined that opposing Amendment 3 and supporting the continuation of the OCPS one-mill best align with its commitment to a strong business climate and a thriving West Orange County.

Chamber Opposes Amendment 3

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce opposes Amendment 3 due to concerns about its potential long-term impact on the quality of life of Florida residents, the business community, and the funding and delivery of essential public services.

The Chamber recognizes the importance of affordability and responsible tax policy while also acknowledging the critical role that local services play in supporting strong communities and a healthy business environment. Public safety, infrastructure, transportation, and other essential services contribute directly to the quality-of-life residents enjoy and the environment businesses need to operate, invest, and grow.

As West Orange County and communities across Florida continue to grow, the Chamber believes it is important to consider the long-term implications of changes that could affect the resources available to fund and deliver these essential services.

“As a resident, small business owner, and Chair of the West Orange Chamber, I understand the importance of affordability for our businesses and residents,” said Pam Thomas, Chair of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and owner of Pammie’s Sammies in Winter Garden. “We also have to consider the long-term impact Amendment 3 could have on our quality of life, business community, and the essential public services we rely on. Changes to how these services are funded could create new pressures elsewhere, including on the businesses that drive our local economy. Maintaining strong communities and a strong economy requires balancing affordability with the needs of a growing region.”

Chamber Supports OCPS One-Mill Continuation Referendum

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce supports the OCPS One-Mill Continuation Referendum and recognizes strong public schools as a critical component of Orange County’s economic competitiveness and future workforce.

Continuation of the one-mill provides funding that supports OCPS students, teachers, and schools while helping the district remain competitive in attracting and retaining high-quality educators and other school personnel.

For the business community, investments in education are also investments in workforce development. Orange County employers rely on a strong talent pipeline, and the education students receive today directly influences the strength and competitiveness of the region’s workforce tomorrow.

“Strong schools are essential to a strong economy,” said Stephen Lewis, President & CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. “Our members understand that the students in Orange County classrooms today are the employees, entrepreneurs, and community leaders of tomorrow. Continuing the one-mill is an investment in our educators and students, but it is also an investment in workforce development, economic competitiveness, and the future of our community.”

The West Orange Chamber encourages all voters to become informed about the measures appearing on the November ballot and consider their long-term implications for the community.

The Chamber believes that protecting essential public services and continuing to invest in quality education are important to maintaining the quality of life, economic strength, and opportunities that allow West Orange County and the greater Orange County community to thrive.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Stephen Lewis

President & CEO

(407) 656-1304

info@wochamber.com

Founded in 1972, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce (WOCC) serves as the leading business advocate in Central Florida by advancing community, collaboration, and leadership for nearly 1,150 member businesses. Learn more on how the West Orange Chamber of Commerce can help grow your business, by visiting wochamber.com/grow-with-us/.

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