Winter Garden, FL – Dec. 8 – The West Orange Chamber of Commerce (WOCC) installed its 2024 chair in front of over 275 members at the 2023 Member Celebration Brunch, held at the Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Studios – Orlando. John McReynolds of Universal Destinations & Experiences passed the gavel to, Dr. Kim Hardy officially signaling the beginning of her term as 2024 chair. Following the installation of the new chair, Hardy installed Betsy VanderLey of The Continuum Collaborative as the chair-elect who will take over as chair of the WOCC in 2025. The first order of business by Dr. Hardy was to appoint Pam Thomas of Pammie’s Sammies as the Human Resources Director and to oversee the election of Kari Vargas of AdventHealth as the Treasurer.

During the board meeting portion of the event, the WOCC took time to recognize departing board members for their service and dedication; Joe Dunn of Friends of Lake Apopka, Jay Gailbraith of Valencia College, Commissioner Christine Moore, Orange County Commission, District 2, and Mayor Jim O’Brien from the Town of Windermere.

The WOCC’s New Board Members.

The remaining board members welcomed new board members for 2024; (from left) Shelley Bradford of Matthew’s Hope Ministries, Lisa Curran of Duke Energy, Dr. Danny Hoey of Valencia College, Anna Reinhardt of SBM Certified Public Accountants, Chris Sapp representing the Town of Windermere, and Commissioner Michael Scott, Orange County Commission, District 6.

Following the official proceedings, 2023 chair John McReynolds shared reflections on accomplishments in 2023 and awarded grants on behalf of the West Orange Foundation to five local charities combatting food insecurity in West Orange County. Those awarded were: the Christian Service Center, Eight Waves, Matthew’s Hope Ministries, Poverty Solutions Group, and Southeastern Food Bank.

McReynolds then recognized Stina D’Uva, retired Chamber President & CEO, and introduced Congressman Daniel Webster FL-11 who read an Extension of Remarks recognizing D’Uva on her retirement.

Stephen Lewis, President & CEO then closed out the celebration by acknowledging and thanking the Ambassador Committee, Networking Group leaders, members of the Economic and Governmental Advocacy Committee, members of the West Orange Political Alliance, and members of the Board of Directors for their leadership and service to the chamber over the past year.  These were followed by the announcement of the winners of the WOCC Big Orange Awards. These prestigious awards recognize the accomplishments and triumphs of some of the community and chamber’s most admired and inspirational members.  The Big Orange Awards will be presented at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort on February 9th. To register for this event, please visit wochamber.com/event/boa-2024/.

About West Orange Chamber of Commerce

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 its 1,150 member businesses and community leaders. Learn more about how the West Orange Chamber of Commerce can help grow your business, by visiting wochamber.com/grow-with-us/.