News

2025 Sapphire Awards Nomination Applications are Open

Nominate a program, organization, or individual today! Deadline to submit your nomination for the 2025 Sapphire Awards competition is October 21, 2024, before 3:00 p.m. (ET). The 2025 Sapphire Awards will honor, through a competitive external review process, outstanding programs, organizations, and individuals whose services are distinguished by exemplary leadership,…

Read More

Ocoee to Open Self-Serve Sandbag Site

OCOEE, Fla. – In preparation for heavy rains, a self-serve sandbag distribution site will open to Ocoee residents today, September 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday, September 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the city’s Public Works Department, 301 Maguire Road.Ocoee residents must bring…

Read More

VyStar Foundation Youth Grant Cycle Now Open

Jacksonville, Florida —VyStar Foundation is now accepting requests for its Youth grant cycle. Funding priority will be given to nonprofit organizations that support youth (ages 12-18) in their academic achievement by providing wraparound services in one or more of the following areas: Food and housing assistance Career counseling and skill…

Read More

Welcome Back Non-Compete Contracts

For much of the past year, nearly one in five of all employees in the United States have been waiting for September 4. That was the day the Federal Trade Commission set to ban most non-compete contracts between employees and their employers. Due to a recent judicial ruling, the…

Read More

VyStar Announces 3rd Good is Everywhere Celebration

Showcasing Community Partners through Free Experiences and Impacting Nonprofits through Thousands of Volunteer Hours Jacksonville, Florida — VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce the return of Good is everywhere recognizing the good being done across our communities and highlighting the many partner organizations that uplift the areas we serve…

Read More

Ocoee to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

OCOEE, Fla. – The city will host a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at its Ocoee Community Market to be held on Thursday, October 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive. The outdoor market will feature Latin music, free salsa dance…

Read More

Fit ‘N Fierce Fitness Studio Earns Honorable Mention in 2024 Best of Florida Awards

GOTHA, FL – September 6, 2024 – Fit ‘N Fierce Fitness Studio is thrilled to announce its recognition as an Honorable Mention Winner in the prestigious 2024 Best of Florida Awards. Chosen by readers and editors of Guide to Florida, this accolade highlights the studio’s exceptional…

Read More

New & Renewed Members for August 2024

Welcome to our newest Chamber Members! We are thrilled to have you doing business in the West Orange Community. We would also like to recognize our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration, and Leadership. NEW MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE AFFILIATE Quality Roofing Solutions – Winter ParkDECA…

Read More

The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center Presents: The Art of Bird Photography with International Award-Winning Photographer Wei-Shen Chin

The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center Presents: The Art of Bird Photography with International Award-Winning Photographer Wei-Shen Chin OAKLAND, FL — The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland invites the community to an extraordinary presentation: “The Art of Bird Photography,” featuring internationally…

Read More

Letter from a Chamber Leader: Jim Forrester

One of the biggest challenges faced by those of us in the business community is continuing to keep current customers coming back again and again, while also bringing in new customers.  At United Parks and Resorts Inc.’s parks in Orlando, SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, we continually innovate and add…

Read More

VyStar Credit Union Earns Top 10 Military Friendly® Company Designation for 2024

JACKSONVILLE, FL. –VyStar Credit Union is proud to announce its recent recognition as a Gold Military Friendly® Company for 2024. This prestigious designation is awarded to organizations that have met or exceeded standards in at least three out of four critical areas of commitment to the military community. Military Friendly®…

Read More

Florida Blue Foundation awards $2.4 million in grant funding to seven organizations to support mental well-being initiatives

(Pictured Left to Right) Tony Jenkins, Central Florida Market President, Florida Blue; Dr. Nick Dewan, VP Behavioral Health, Florida Blue; Susan Moor, VP of Philanthropy, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida; Bev Johnson,President & CEO, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida; Kathy Meena, President, Special Hearts Farm; Jennifer Elliott, OCPS ESE Transition Teacher,…

Read More