 45 Pillars of the West Orange Chamber
#10: West Orange South Lake Transportation & Economic Development (WOSLTED) Task Force
Knowing the impact safe and reliable transportation can have on a business community, the Chamber helped in the creation of the West Orange South Lake Transportation Task Force in 1999. The Chamber continues involvement in their work, with a new focus on Economic Development Opportunities.
Over the years, the Chamber has also been a vocal supporter of the expansion of State Road 50 in West Orange County, the East-West Expressway alignment and the creation of State Road 429, the alternate to bypass I-4. These roads and their connection to the Florida Turnpike have made West Orange County a prime location to do business.
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News You Can Use
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs presents State of the County
On April 7, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs presented the 2017 State of the County address at I-Drive 360. Mayor Jacobs: "As I shared with you on Friday, the state of Orange County is strong, it is resilient and it is unified. Together, we will grow our culture of collaboration, compassion and confidence." To watch a recap, view photos and read the 2017 State of the County address in its entirety, please click here.
Orlando bursting with millennials
Orlando is one of the top three cities for millennials, according to a new report from Realtor.com. Salt Lake City came in at No. 1 on the list, followed by Miami and Orlando. No other Florida metros made the top 10. Full story
I-4 Ultimate construction at Kirkman Road nears halfway mark
A new overpass for southbound Kirkman Road (SR 435) at the I-4 interchange was opened earlier this month, as the I-4 Ultimate project continues the remarkable pace of remaking this busy gateway to Orlando’s world-class attractions. In less than two years of construction, the Kirkman Road interchange is more than 40 percent complete. By the end of the year, a new westbound I-4 exit to southbound Kirkman Road and the nearby Grand National Drive overpass will be completed. Read more
Florida leads in construction jobs added in February
Forty-three states added construction jobs year-over-year in February, with Florida leading the pack, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Florida added 34,700 jobs, a 7.5% increase year-over-year in February. Full story
WrestleMania sets Camping World records
WWE announced that WrestleMania 33 became the highest-grossing event in the history of Camping World Stadium and broke the stadium’s attendance record with 75,245 fans from all 50 states and 62 countries. “WrestleMania Week was a tremendous success for the City of Orlando and it was an honor to host WWE and their fans back in our community," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “This is a testament to the investments we’ve made in our community venues that continue to attract these showcase events and solidify Orlando as the nation's leading sports and entertainment destination.” Read more
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Lunch & Learn: How to Grow Your Business
Growth is a key objective for nearly any business, but getting there requires answering many questions. How can you create better results from your time and effort on sales? What are the best ways to market your business? How should you best capitalize on social media communications? What solutions are available for cash flow issues?
At our April Lunch & Learn, our experts will help you answer all these questions and much more. Join us to hear from the following speakers while you enjoy a fantastic lunch from Pammie's Sammies:
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Apply now for the 2017 Florida Companies to Watch
Florida Companies to Watch celebrates growing second-stage companies headquartered in Florida. Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes, making them “worth watching.”
Companies from across the state and all industries may participate. Selection is based on steady growth in employee counts and revenue as well as strength in leadership, corporate culture, community support and philanthropy, innovation in management or technology, or other factors that contribute to an outstanding organization.
Click here to start your application today! Deadline to apply is May 5, 2017.
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Businesses that give back to the community
By Heather Papoulis, Director of Membership
Businesses that give back make an impression beyond satisfying a perceived obligation or tax break benefit. In a loyal and connected business community like West Orange, connecting and partnering with a nonprofit is a great way to connect your business and even increase visibility as a secondary benefit of benevolence. As part of being a Chamber member business, you have access to a list of all of our nonprofits, so that you may pick one that matters to you and partner up to make a difference in the community.
For nonprofit Chamber members, you not only enjoy a heavily discounted membership, but also are included on the monthly list we send to businesses asking for member nonprofits to donate and partner with! Whether you are a for-profit or nonprofit business, the Chamber is here to help you tell your story, connect with your community and facilitate opportunity. We are all strong but together we are stronger! Let us know if you partner with a nonprofit Chamber member so we can tell your story and show the good in the community, we are here to facilitate opportunity! Send your story
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45 Pillars of the West Orange Chamber
#11: West Orange Program for Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs
The primary mission of the West Orange Program for Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs (W.O.P.T.E.) is to raise the awareness of our youth regarding the West Orange business community. With increased awareness of the area, it is hoped that students will be better informated regarding career opportunities.
Students are selected from Chamber member public high schools. At the conclusion of the program, students and their parents participate in a graduation ceremony at the Education Awards to recognize their efforts in completing the program.
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Leadership West Orange Quality of Life Day
The 2016-17 Leadership West Orange class, the "West Orange Crushers," recently participated in Quality of Life Day. The group started with a tour of Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital, followed by a stop at Ranger Construction, where they took helicopter tours over several West Orange landmarks. The day wrapped up with the class dividing in teams to participate in a scavenger hunt encompassing the entire West Orange region, with points awarded at many different WOCC member locations! Thank you to series sponsor Florida Hospital Winter Garden for making this program possible!
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Celebrating Extraordinary Women: An Evening of Cocktails and Conversation
Join us April 20 at The Co-Op Ballroom for Celebrating Extraordinary Women! This women's-only, networking and informational event features U.S. Representative Val Demings and former U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Novello. It provides West Orange's leading women the opportunity to share ideas and gain inspiration in a fun, casual environment, with plenty of time for cocktails and conversation. Reserve your spot at this highly anticipated event today!
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