West Orange Chamber Prestigious Awards
2009, 2012, 2015 Florida Chamber of the Year Award
The Chamber of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of WOCC on a wide range of achievements including advocacy, marketing, programming, and financial stability. The WOCC is a three-time winner of the FACP Chamber of the Year Award. The last time was in 2015. “I’m ecstatic,” said Stina D’Uva, President/CEO of the West Orange Chamber. “In a way, we have won this award three times in a row. Each chamber must wait three years after winning Chamber of the Year to re-submit. The entire Chamber membership deserves this award for embracing the Chamber’s purpose of ‘Facilitating Opportunity’ and continually demonstrating it. I am so very proud of this honor for our organization.”
The Sam Hovsepian Award
This is given in memory of one of West Orange’s outstanding citizens the award goes to a man who “stands head and shoulders above the crowd” for contributions, service, and leadership in the community.
Previous winners:
- 2024 – Mayor Rusty Johnson
- 2023 – Bill Cowles
- 2022 – Jim Forrester
- 2021 – Commissioner Joseph McMullen, Town of Oakland
- 2019 – Ken Harker
- 2018 – Dennis Foltz
- 2017 – David Billsborough
- 2016 – John Rinehart
- 2015 – Larry Cappleman
- 2014 – Mayor Gary Bruhn
- 2013 – Tim Haberkamp
- 2012 – Bob Gosselin
- 2011 – Ted VanDeventer
- 2010 – David Sylvester
- 2009 – Michael Waldrop
- 2008 – Rob Maphis
- 2007 – Neal Harris
- 2006 – A. Kurt Ardaman
- 2005 – Walter Toole
- 2004 – Derek Blakeslee
- 2003 – Preben Olesen
- 2002 – Ted DeWitt
- 2001 – Richard Irwin, Health Central
- 2000 – Jon VanderLey
The Mary Vandeventer Award, “The Spirit of West Orange”
This award is given to a woman who demonstrates excellence in her profession and inspires other women to succeed. She must contribute time and talent for the betterment of the West Orange community.
Previous winners:
- 2024 – Mayor Rusty Johnson
- 2023 – Krista Carter
- 2022 – Landra Wormack
- 2021 – Lynetta Tipton Steed
- 2019 – Ellen Korbin
- 2018 – Geegee Burmeister
- 2017 – Jennifer Campbell
- 2016 – Eva Tukdarian
- 2015 – Carol Willard
- 2014 – Dr. Barbara Jenkins
- 2013 – Kay Cappleman
- 2012 – Linda Osterberg
- 2011 – Martha Lopez Anderson
- 2010 – Lisa Richards
- 2009 – Mary Anne Swickerath
- 2008 – Deb Linden
- 2007 – Pam Gould
- 2006 – Judy Black
George Bailey Award
This award is given in recognition of demonstrated excellence in fostering partnerships for the benefit of the local community.
Previous winners:
- 2024 – Horizon West Happenings
- 2023 – Orlando Magic
- 2022 – Kristi Gomen
- 2021 – Joe Dunn
- 2019 – Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
- 2018 – Heichel Plumbing
- 2017 – Chick-fil-A
- 2016 – Reed Nissan
- 2015 – Mike Armbruster
- 2014 – Dick Batchelor, Dick Batchelor Management Group, Inc.
- 2013 – Julie Sachez – MetroWest Master Association
- 2012 – Lori Gibson – Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
- 2011 – Mayor Teresa Jacobs
- 2010 – Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd
- 2009 – Robert Holston
- 2008 – Bill Criswell
- 2007 – Paul McGarigal
- 2006 – Jerry Van Dyke
- 2005 – Jim Thomas & Jack Amon
Bert Roper Award
This award is given in recognition as a champion who has improved the well-being and quality of life of our community
Previous winners:
- 2024 – West Orange Habitat for Humanity
- 2023 – Dennis Jones
- 2022 – Shepherd’s Hope
- 2021 – West Orange Healthcare District
- 2019 – Christian Service Center
- 2018 – Teresa Jacobs
- 2017 – Becky Roper & Charlie Roper
- 2016 – Mary Keating
- 2015 – Bread of Life Fellowship
- 2014 – Matthew’s Hope Ministries, Inc.
- 2013 – Mona Phipps
- 2012 – Dr. Sanford Shugart
- 2011 – Time Keating
- 2010 – Lori Burshan
- 2009 – The Johnny Damon Foundation
- 2008 – Bill Barnes
- 2007 – Randy June
- 2006 – Dan Petro
- 2005 – Richard Irwin
Danniel J. Petro – The Bright Future of West Orange
In recognition of entrepreneurial tenacity and steadfast determination that facilitates opportunity through investment in community and lifelong relationships that keeps our future bright
Previous winners:
- 2024 – Tim Haberkamp
- 2023 – Skip Brown
- 2022 – Simon T. Bailey
- 2021 – JoAnne Quarles
- 2019 – Jim Karr
- 2018 – Lynn Walker Wright
- 2017 – Gary Shif
- 2016 – Congressman Daniel J. Webster
- 2015 – Russ Salerno
- 2014 – Randy June
- 2013 – Walter Toole
- 2012 – Danniel J. Petro
WOCC Chairman’s Award
This award honors individuals who have given exceptional service to the chamber and the community during the previous year.
Previous winners:
- 2024 – Chris Sapp
- 2023 – Frank Adams
- 2022 – Mayor Kathy Stark, and Rob Frank, City of Ocoee Manage
- 2021 – Commissioner Bakari Burns, City of Orlando
- 2020 – Deb Linden, Chuck Whittall & Mayor Jerry Demings
- 2019 – Dawn Willis
- 2018 – Mike Bollhoefer
- 2017 – Rob Maphis
- 2016 – University of Central Florida
- 2015 – Apple Air Conditioning & Heating
- 2014 – Betsy VanderLey, DRMP, Inc.
- 2013 – Dorcas Dillard, Professional Opportunities Program for Students & Gosselin Realty
- 2012 – Jim Densmore; Parkland International Realty
- 2011 – Lynette Reynolds
- 2010 – David Billsborough
- 2009 – June Engineering
- 2008 – Chesta Hembrooke
- 2007 – Shelly Weidenhamer
- 2006 – Progress Energy
- 2005 – Dianne Southwell & Bob Hennen
- 2004 – Michael Waldrop
- 2003 – Julie Bateman & Pamela Gould
- 2002 – Diane Trees and Neal Harris
- 2001 – Gary Allington, Bell South
- 2000 – Russ Salerno & Neal Harris
Ambassador of the Year Award
This award is given in recognition of endless dedication, energy, and service to the West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Previous winners:
- 2024 – Cyndi Gustafson
- 2023 – Jo Barsh
- 2019 – Pam Birdsong
- 2018 – Chris Garcia
- 2017 – Denise Fisher
- 2016 – Kathleen Roat
- 2015 – Dorcas Dillard
- 2014 – Jim Densmore
- 2013 – Lenny Stark
- 2012 – Anette Luck
- 2011 – Lori Burshan
- 2010 – Jaclyn Whiddon
- 2009 – Cara Hennen
- 2008 – Joan Bailey
- 2007 – JoAnne Quarles
- 2006 – Chesta Hembrooke
- 2005 – Pat Gleason
- 2004 – Rev. Tom Rutherford
Business Member of the Year Award
This award is given to a member business that has worked to enhance the business climate within the West Orange Community and has exceeded expectations in volunteer assignments
Previous winners:
- 2024 – Big Business of the Year – Westgate Resorts
- 2024 – Small Business of the Year: Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
- 2023 – Big Business of the Year: Sysco Central Florida
- 2023 – Small Business of the Year: Luminary Tax Advisors
- 2022 – Big Business of the Year: Thermo King of the Southeast
- 2022 – Small Business of the Year: Computer Business Consultants
- 2021 – Big Business Member of the Year: Seacoast Bank
- 2021 – Small Business of the Year: State Farm Insurance – Jo Barsh Insurance Agency, LLC
- 2020 – Big Business Member of the Year: Florida Blue
- 2020 – Small Business of the Year: Empire Finish Systems
- 2019 – Big Business: SeaWorld
- 2019 – Small Business: Cannonfire Photography
- 2018 – Big Business: Duke Energy
- 2018 – Small Business: Boyd Development Corporation
- 2017 – Big Business: Florida Hospital
- 2017 – Small Business: Pammie’s Sammies
- 2016 – Big Business: Manheim Orlando
- 2016 – Small Business: Aflac – Denise Fisher
- 2015 – Big Business: Walt Disney World
- 2015 – Small Business: Observer Media Group
- 2015 Finalists: Aflac – Denise Fisher, Pammie’s Sammies, Lek Technology Consultants
- 2014 – Big Business: Clear Channel Outdoor
- 2014 – Small Business: The Whiddon Group, LLC
- 2014 Finalists: Boost Marketing, LLC, The Digital CPA and The West Orange Times & Observer
- 2013 – Big Business: CenturyLink
- 2013 – Small Business: Lake Apopka Natural Gas District
- 2013 Finalists: MetroWest Golf Club, NeuroSpine Institute and The Digital CPA
- 2012 – Big Business: Orlando Health
- 2012 – Small Business: DRB Benefits Group
- 2012 Finalists – Best Cleaners, ComRes industries, Inc., DRB Benefits Group, Hardee’s, Lake Apopka Natural Gas Distrtic, The Original Sign Factory, Orlando Health and Rural/Metro Ambulance of Central Florida
- 2011 – Big Business: Universal Orlando
- 2011 – Small Business: Best Cleaners
- 2011 Finalists – DRB Benefits Group, William K. Fravel DMD, Hillcrest Insurance Agency, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District and R.C. Stevens Construction
- 2010 – Bright Future Electric
- 2009 – University of Central Florida
- 2008 – DRB Benefits Group
- 2007 – Regions Bank
- 2006 – Sign Farm
- 2005 – Veranda Partners
- 2004 – Florida Auto Auction
- 2003 – Alarie Design
- 2002 – The West Orange Times
- 2001 – Ken Cone, Florida Power
- 2000 – Walt Disney World Company
Jerry Chicone Award
This award is given in recognition of establishing a philanthropic legacy for enhancing and improving our community
Previous winners:
- 2012 – Hapco Music Foundation
- 2011 – Dr. Bob Foster
- 2010 – Darrell Gardner
- 2009 – Gavin & Annette Ford/Covelli Enterprises
- 2008 – Walt Disney World
- 2007 – Derek Blakeslee with the Bond Foundation
- 2006 – The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation
- 2005 – West Orange Junior Service League
Lifetime Director
The executive committee of the chamber upon due consideration of a board member’s accomplishments on behalf of the chamber may recommend a board member in good-standing for a lifetime director award.
A lifetime director receives complimentary membership for his/her lifetime, a plaque, his/her name added to the perpetual plaque, and is granted attendance to all board meetings, however is not permitted to vote. This does not preclude a lifetime director from being appointed to a voting seat on the board, but it shall not increase the set number of board seats as described in the by-laws.
Lifetime Directors:
- Diane Trees
- Jim Densmore
- Jim Neumayer
- Julie Kleffel
- Kurt Ardaman
- Madeline “Kay” Behrens
- Neal Harris
- Richard Irwin
- Russ Salerno
Lifetime Ambassador
The ambassador committee of the chamber upon due consideration of a chamber ambassador’s accomplishments on behalf of the chamber may recommend an ambassador in good standing for a lifetime ambassador award.
A lifetime ambassador receives complimentary membership for his/her lifetime, a plaque, and his/her name added to the perpetual plaque.
Lifetime Ambassadors:
- 2024 – Bruce Young
- 2022 – Jim Densmore
- 2021 – Joan Bailey
- 2019 – Pat Gleason
- 2013 – Father Tom Rutherford – Church of the Messiah
- 2012 – Joanne Quarles; Treasure Title Insurance Agency, Inc.
Lifetime Member
The executive committee of the chamber upon due consideration of a chamber member’s accomplishments on behalf of the chamber may recommend a chamber member in good-standing for a lifetime member award.
A lifetime member receives complimentary membership for his/her lifetime, a plaque, and his/her name added to the perpetual plaque.
Lifetime Members:
- Home Team Pest Defense
- Jim Neumayer
- Jim Thomas – Biosphere Consulting, Inc.
- Neal Harris
- The Bailey family
- Woodlawn Memorium