By Stina D’Uva

This year is pivotal in the history of our Chamber. As you all know by now, the process to find my successor is complete, and your new President and CEO, Stephen Lewis has begun his work at the chamber. In a couple weeks, he will take on the role as your leader, and I will step aside. From his first day on the job on October 2 until now, we have worked together on a smooth transition so that the proverbial passing of the gavel from one president CEO to the next is seamless. We are working side-by-side to ensure that our most important asset — you, our members — continue to benefit from your membership in our Chamber. Stephen is committed to advancing our business community, and I will assist, when asked and needed.

This past year has been a journey of many lasts for me. This is the last article that I wrote as your Chamber President/CEO. I have attended my last luncheon, my last Best Fest, last Big Orange Awards, last Chamber Connections, and last Brewing Up Business. I will soon have attended my last Celebrating Extraordinary Women and Business After Hours and ribbon cuttings and board meeting. Of course, it is bittersweet. Yet, life’s circumstances have a way of guiding a milestone decision, such as retiring. The past few years guided my decision to retire from my dream job. Some of you know that my husband and I sold our family business in the summer of 2022. I am now the grandmother of two adorable little boys who live in Cincinnati. Those life changes started the conversation with my husband as to when I should retire.

During that time as well, my only sibling, my big brother was battling pancreatic cancer. Watching him struggle reminded me how precious life is and not to put off what you want to do with what time we are given on this earth. The pandemic gave us an opportunity to evaluate our lives and our priorities.

Family and Chamber have been my priorities for many, many years. I have accomplished what I set out to do in my role as President/CEO; to make this Chamber the best Chamber, anywhere. We earned Chamber of the Year three times by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP). Just last month, I earned FACP Executive of the Year. Being presented this award by my peers was a highlight of my career and rewarding. FACP also awarded us the designation of Certified+, once again. Our reputation and purpose are above reproach. This year is the right year to leave the WOCC to a new, dynamic leader and that leader is Stephen.

I have had the pleasure of seeing this Chamber, grow and thrive during my 22 years at the chamber; just a short time in the nearly 52 years of its existence. This Chamber has been able to thrive because of its members, its leaders, and its core mission of serving our business community. When a business community thrives, the overall community thrives.

Even though I will miss being actively involved in this Chamber, I will go back to my roots of being a community organizer. I plan on staying local and serving my community as I have done for my 34 years as a resident of West Orange County. I am not 100% sure how that will manifest itself over the next months and years, yet I am excited to find out.

I know that Stephen will be as supported as I was in my first days, weeks, and years, and I know this Chamber reaches even greater heights. I look forward to looking back, God willing I am still alive, and congratulating Stephen on his decades of service and seeing his accomplishments and his legacy.

I will be thrilled to be known, moving forward, as the Past President/CEO of the West Orange Chamber.