Seminole County Chamber Joins National Effort to Assist Cultural Faciilities
This week, the Seminole County Chamber joined forces with 39 other chambers around the country to urge Congress to include cultural organizations, like the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Society, in their appropriations for COVID-19 relief. "Our non-profits operate like any other business and have had to shut their doors like so many others," says Jason Brodeur, president/CEO, Seminole County Chamber. "We need to help them, their employees and the service they provide remain long after this pandemic has
Allow us to introduce you to...
The U.S. Chamber's “Path Forward” program—an initiative announced earlier this week to address how Americans and businesses can return to work safely, successfully, and sustainably. The initiative includes both a program series of broadcasts featuring conversations led by U.S. Chamber president Suzanne Clark with insights from cross-industry experts, and a comprehensive framework of considerations for implementing a National Return to Work Plan detailed across three different
Replay: Update on Federal COVID-19 Employment and Business Programs
The Seminole County Chamber and Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce heard from Deborah La Fleur and Chris Dawson from GrayRobinson discuss new information regarding labor laws and an update on FFCRA and the CARES Act. Watch the full replay on our YouTube Channel here.
Watch the US Chamber Zoom
On March 31, the Seminole County Chamber and the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce were treated to a great Zoom meeting with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the organization on the front lines to protect businesses in Washington, D.C. Moore Hallmark, Executive Director for the Southeast Region of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was the guest speaker, updating our members on the recently signed law - The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - which allocated $350 billion to help small
Learn How To Maximize Your Chamber Membership
While the Seminole County Chamber is well known for its events, bringing thousands of people together throughout the year, there are dozens of other ways businesses can use the chamber without leaving their house. In today's economy, it's critical you take advantage of ever member benefit you can. For instance: You can announce an online event to build more attendees. You can strengthen you member profile to help your company's SEO. You can announce a new service or a recent award. There is so much
Frankie Ellitot from Orlando Regional REALTOR Association to discuss COVID issues for REALTORS
On April 10, the Seminole County Chamber hosted Frankie Elliott, Vice President of Government Affairs and Foundation Relations at Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, held a discussion with the Issues Committee. The committee meeting delivered great information on initiatives the association is working on in Washington and Tallahassee to ensure the real estate industry continues to be strong and REALTORS are protected as other workers in the country. To watch the full video, please visit our YouTube
Stay Safe with Free Prescription Delivery!
Being able to get out and about when you are ill OR when you want to do your part in social distancing with the Corona Virus but you need to refill your monthly prescription, can be challenging. Your neighborhood, full-service, E-Z HealthMart Pharmacy is always willing and able to help with our dedicated team of qualified pharmacists. We offer FREE prescription delivery as a normal part of our service. It doesn't matter if it's a specialty medication, compounded medication, or simple antibiotic. We can
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program Information
In effort to help small businesses Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida have activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which provides short-term interest-free loans to small businesses impacted by the CoronaVirus (COVID-19.) Businesses with 2-100 employees can apply for loans at https://floridadisasterloan.org These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to "bridge the gap" between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured
Seminole County Chamber Unveils New Brand at State of the County Luncheon
In front of a packed house at the 2020 State of the County Luncheon, your Seminole County Chamber released its new brand - the first refresh of the chamber's look and feel in more than 20 years. "We believe this brand more clearly represents our community, one that is young and vibrant, one that is focused on tomorrow, one that is simply stated, yet powerful," says Jason Brodeur, president/CEO, Seminole County Chamber. One of the key elements of the new brand is the creation of the tapestry icon,
Fifty! Yes, 50 New Members the Past Two Months!
We’re incredibly thankful for all the new members of the Seminole County Chamber, those members who have decided to invest not only in their future, but in the future of Seminole County and the entire region. Thank you to the following members for your referrals:Adrian Valentin - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Florida RealtyAbby Sanchez - Seminole County Public SchoolsBill Blend - MSLApril Esler - Maid to be GreenJoe Dalton - ServproRuth Osborne - Abacus Accounting, LLCKeith Bertrand - Fairwinds
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Seminole Chamber Releases 2020 Legislative Agenda
Representing nearly 1,000 businesses throughout the region, with hundreds of thousands of employees statewide, the Seminole County Chamber has released it's Legislative Agenda. As you talk to legislators making key decisions in Tallahassee, it is critical we keep these priorities at the front of the discussion to ensure our community, our region and our state continue to be a great place for business. The priorities started with our Issues Committee, which vetted each item to ensure they were aligned with
100 Attendees the First 8 Minutes
This week, the Seminole County Chamber held its annual Seminole Business Expo in the heart of Lake Mary. And, once again, it proved to be Seminole County's best and biggest business expo! At 3 p.m., the line to get in had already formed. By 3:08 p.m., more than 100 attendees had already passed through the front door! More than 700 programs were passed out. more than 350 business cards were collected. More than 100 exhibitor booths made sales and showcased their business to the crowd. More than 1,000 people
Karen K Photo is the October New Member Spotlight
Karen K Photo joined the Seminole County Chamber in June and attended 17 events within their first three months of joining, earning them October's new member spotlight. Karen K Photo helps people and companies improve their image with portraits, branding, and property photography for professionals who want to build their presence, boost their marketing efforts, and make a lasting impression. Karen loves to make people look good and strives to provide her clients with portraits they love. “My
Nearly Two Dozen Companies Join the Chamber in October
October was anything but spooky for businesses looking to invest in the Seminole County economy and their business. Nearly two dozen businesses joined the chamber in October. Thank you to the following members for your referrals:Lauren Miller, J. Wayne MillerStacey Arnone, MassageLuXeVivette Montas, Vivette Montas LLCErin Kamalzadeh, Your Business PhotographerJordyn Spina, Zerion360 Make sure you welcome these businesses to our chamber!Axis Production & EventsBlue Star Air Conditioning, LLCBRL Test
Seminole Chamber Enters Partnership With Apopka Area Chamber
As your chamber looks to find more ways to connect our members with potential customers and to improve the economy of our region, we've decided to enter into a partnership with a neighboring chamber, the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce. After all, our two chambers share many members and we know that businesses in the eastern Apopka area and the Wekiva area of Seminole County cater to residents and businesses on both sides of the county line. We believe by working together, we can help business throughout
Nearly 50 New Members in August and September
Even with major Hurricane Dorian taking aim at Florida, your Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce grew substantially in August and September. In fact, nearly 50 companies invested in the chamber and in their community over the past two months. Of course, we couldn’t have done this without the help of our members. More than a dozen current members of the chamber shared with their associates and friends why they should join the chamber, bringing 16 new members to the chamber. Thank you to Drew
Seminole County Chamber, Lake Mary Life Develop New Business Publication
Lake Mary, Fla. - Seminole County's business community has a great story to tell. It's filled with high-wage jobs in emerging industries. From Oviedo to Longwood, and every place in between, businesses are prospering and leading the region in economic development. To showcase the county's business community, the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce has entered into a partnership with Lake Mary Life Publishing to create a new annual magazine to highlight all the key areas of business growth and
Only a Few Spots Left for 2020 Business After Hours
Do you want more than 100 people to come to your business? You can build your relationship with existing clients and meet potential new ones. Sounds great, right? Then act quickly and reserve your spot for a Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. You must email Jessica today or your spot will be gone as only four spots remain for all of 2020. Our Business After Hours attract a great mix of members and non-members, people who want to find out more about your company. All you
Rise and Shine is the May New Member Spotlight
Rise and Shine joined the Seminole County Chamber in May and attended 24 events within their first three months of joining, earning them August's new member spotlight. Rise and Shine specializes in corporate training that leads to a reduction in employee turnover, increases both customer retention and company sales. Certified Jack Canfield Trainer, 10 years Vice President of Admissions leading sales teams, 10 years Director of Development for local non-profits. Sheryl serves as the Chief Learning Officer
Kristina O'Leary Wins Third National Sales Award
In June, we shared with you the news about Kristina O'Leary being recognized for being in the top 3 of chamber sales people in the United States for total revenue from dues and total number of new members. At their recent conference, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives announced that O'Leary was the recipient of the Bronze Lifetime Sales Achievement award for accomplishing 500 transactions or $175,000 in sales. "Our organization has continued to grow over the past few years as we have
Chamber’s Economic Development Committee to Host No-Cost Business Resource Showcase
Do you know there are dozens of resources in Seminole County to help you build your business? You can find them and talk to them at the no-cost Business Resource Showcase being held Wednesday, August 28 from 3 - 7 p.m. at Seminole State College – Heathrow Campus.. This free event is open to existing and prospective businesses alike and will feature a variety of no-cost business resources in and around Seminole County. Individuals can meet with organizations that help businesses with growth
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Nearly 20 Businesses Join the Chamber in July
July brought another great month for new members in the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce as nearly 20 companies invested in their community. Thank you to the following members for your referrals: Kim Colegrove - Ladies 327 Supper ClubMichelle Nicewonger - Geneva Financial LLCAdrian Thacker - Proficiency Background Service LLCBrandy Waelti - STRATEGIC Accounting & ConsultingMake sure you welcome these businesses to our chamber! Alaqua Lakes KinderCareBonBon PhenomenonBrian Adamson,
Chamber Kicks Off School Year With Supply Drive
With Seminole County Public Schools opening the doors to a new school year on August 12, we're asking all of our chamber members to help make it a great year for all kids. During August, your chamber will be collecting school supplies to provide the district and its students. As you know, a quality education is a great start to a successful life. You can make the difference to a child's life by giving them the tools they need for success. And, you can increase the number of supplies by using your
Meet Our New Staff Member: Pamela Chirgwin
Last week, Barbara Grace left the chamber, taking a great job with our friends at Lake Mary Life Publishing. We thank her for her service to our chamber and to you our members. Luckily, we were able to find someone with great potential - Pamela Chirgwin - who will now be helping you with all of your member services and keeping the administration of the chamber running smoothly. Pamela is not just our newest staff member, she’s also one of Seminole County’s newest residents, moving to the area just last
June's Two Dozen New Members
Summertime is red hot for companies looking to invest in growing their business and the Seminole County economy. In June, nearly two dozen companies joined the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Thank you to the following members for your referrals: Marty Traub - Murray Insurance AgencyBrendan Jones - Edward JonesAmy Fitzgerald - M PAUL General ContractorsAlex Chisholm - Advantage Wealth StrategiesAly Benitez - Bernstein Private Wealth ManagementWendy Taylor - Strategic Online
Meet Our New Board Members
At our Annual Meeting on June 20, your Seminole County Chamber of Commerce voted for its new slate of board members. Several board members were elected to return and serve another term. Those board members are:Tina Calderone, Seminole County Public SchoolsAndrea Mahoney, Certified Computer SolutionsMary Gustafson, One Oak RealtyShane Lillibridge, Headquarter HyundaiBrandy Waelti, Strategic Accounting and ConsultingBrendan Jones, Edward JonesLauren Miller, J Wayne MillerSusan Carey, WUCFRachael Kobb, Orlando
Chamber Sales Leader Named Top 3 in United States by ACCE
One of the ways we serve our members is by growing our membership. This gives our members more opportunities to create more sales and continually drive economic development for our region. For the last fiscal year, Kristina O'Leary simply rocked in growing our chamber. The national organization Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives announced that O'Leary was the No. 3 sales person in the United States for total number of new members in her category. She was ranked No. 2 in the total amount of new
Zerion360 is the May New Member Spotlight
Zerion360 joined the Seminole County Chamber in March and attended 25 events within their first three months of joining, earning them March's new member spotlight.Zerion360 is a software and business consulting firm that is proud to be partnered with SAP to deliver effective business management solutions to clients nationwide. We specialize in helping small to mid-sized businesses streamline operations with SAP Business One, an integrated, affordable business management application. "Zerion360 decided to
More Than 60 Companies Nominated for Seminole Business Awards
We asked you to let us know the great companies doing business in Seminole County for our Seminole Business Awards. And you let us know! More than 60 companies were nominated for the Seminole Business Awards. These companies represent a wide range of industries, sizes and types. Now, we want you to help celebrate by marking your calendar for August 29 for the Seminole Business Awards luncheon at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary. Here are the 2019 Seminole Business Awards nominees: Allegro Senior
Only Five Days Left to Make Your Nominations for the Seminole Business Awards
Wednesday is the deadline for you to make a nomination for our prestigious Seminole Business Awards. This is a great opportunity for us to recognize those businesses who have made an impact on our economy in Seminole County.Remember, you only have to give us the company name and a contact person at that company to nominate. It's easy and only takes a couple of minutes.The business does not have to be located in Seminole County, only that they have made a significant contribution to our county. Again, the
Proficiency Background Service is the April New Member Spotlight
Proficiency Background Service joined the Seminole County Chamber in January and attended 15 events within their first three months of joining, earning them March's new member spotlight. Proficiency Background Service is a family owned company that provides pre-employment screenings at an affordable cost with our consumer in mind. Our firm conducts thorough criminal background checks, provides fingerprinting services, credit checks, and in-depth civil record searches on your potential
Meet Michelle Imperato, our Next Professional Women's Luncheon Speaker
On May 30, we're welcoming one of Central Florida's most trusted news voices, Michelle Imperato. Imperato is an award-winning news anchor and reporter, helping Central Floridians start their day on WESH 2 News Sunrise since 2014. She began her career right out of college in New York, where she was born and raised. Michelle chased her dream across the country to California, and five years ago she was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to move back east, to sunny Orlando. Since then, she has guided viewers
Seminole Business Awards Nominations Now Open
It's that time of year again to start recognizing those businesses that make our community great. Make sure you nominate your favorite companies before May 15 at 5 p.m. Nominating a company is easy. All you need to provide us at this time is a contact at the company and an email for that person. After nominations close, the companies will be asked to submit a more detailed nomination form. All nominations will be judged by a panel of chamber of commerce professionals outside of Central Florida. The number
Sovereign Mortgage is the March New Member Spotlight
Sovereign Mortgage joined the Seminole County Chamber in December and attended 12 events within their first three months of joining, earning them March's new member spotlight. "As a mortgage loan originator, I want to help people in the community achieve their goal of home ownership," says Steve Jakubisin. "I have lived in Seminole County since 1994 and love it here. "Joining the chamber, not only gave me great resources but has helped expand my network as well," he adds. "I'm hoping that getting more
Dr. Tina Calderone to Speak at Professional Women's Luncheon
For nearly a decade, Dr. Tina Calderone has been a fixture on the dais at the Seminole County School Board. She's also a fixture in the community, attending all the key events and being very accessible to the county's residents. But, did you know she was raised in a low-income household with divorced parents and an alcoholic mother? Did you know that she has never had a resume, as she was always recruited for her positions? Did you know she was top sales person at two national companies? Throughout her
Five Star Claims Adjusting is February's New Member Spotlight
Five Star Claims Adjusting joined the Seminole County Chamber in November and attended 11 events within their first three months of joining, earning them February's new member spotlight. Five Star Claims Adjusting is a team of public claims adjusters who advocate for residential and commercial policyholders in negotiating an insurance claim. They help prepare, maximize and settle your claim. "We are honored to be a member of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, and we appreciate all that this connection
Seminole Chamber Expands Sales Force to Tap New Markets
As Seminole County continues to grow and diversify, your Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce is growing its sales force to reach into new markets. The new initiative will eventually bring on four to five contracted positions to show businesses throughout the region the power and impact of being a member of this chamber. Recently, the Chamber engaged with Pam Czopp to focus on the north Seminole and Southwest Volusia areas. And, now, the Chamber has engaged with César Hernandez, the Longwood agency
Record Attendance for Regional Education Summit
Richard Corcoran, Area Superintendents Discuss Future of Education in Florida Your Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce took a giant step in being a leader for regional issues on Thursday at Good Morning Seminole. Nearly 325 people came to the Regional Education Summit to hear from newly appointed Richard Corcoran, Florida's Education Commissioner. The personal Q&A with Commissioner Corcoran was followed by a regional education discussion with the superintendents for Seminole, Orange and Osceola
Welcome Ben Paris to the Seminole Chamber Staff
The Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Longwood Mayor Ben Paris is joining the Chamber as its Vice President of Operations. In this role, Paris will be overseeing finance, operations and membership growth. Of course, Paris is no stranger to many in Seminole County. He first moved to the area in 1997 and was elected to the Longwood City Commission in 2014. His fellow commissioners voted him Mayor of the city in 2017. Paris is well suited for this job, with a degree in
Rosso Specialty Coffee is January's New Member Spotlight
Rosso Specialty Coffee joined the Seminole County Chamber in November and attended 11 events within their first three months of joining, earning them this month's new member spotlight. The company is a small, neighborly located coffee roastery which will bring much more coffee flavors to your table every morning. The woman-owned coffee roastery is located in Longwood is and planning on expanding to retail outlets in near future. "When I first shared my business plan a few years ago, I was told the first
Seminole Business Expo Breaks Records
With more than 100 exhibitors, a dozen sponsors and more than 1,000 attendees, this week's Seminole Business Expo lived up to it's brand: the biggest and best business expo in Seminole County. For three and a half hours, attendees from all over Central Florida enjoyed meeting our chamber's great members, all offering their goods and services. "This was our fourth year exhibiting at the Seminole Business Expo," says Zaheer Datoo from Cutting Edge Signs and Graphics. "Rebekah and the chamber staff are very
Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran at Good Morning Seminole
You will want to RSVP today for February's Good Morning Seminole as we welcome the new commissioner of the Florida Department of Education, Richard Corcoran, as our featured speaker. The visit to the Seminole County Chamber will be one of the commissioner's first public appearances in his new role and we anticipate the February 7 event to be one of our largest attended Good Morning Seminole ever. Commissioner Corcoran is a familiar name in Florida politics. For the past two years, he has served as the
