Chamber Blog

Sunday, October 28, 2018
1 - 3 p.m.
215 Annie Street
Orlando, FL 32806
407.841.4371
delaneyparkhealthandrehab.com

Community Open House

Join Delaney Park Health and Rehabilitation Center
for a tour of its new 34-bed post-acute rehabilitation unit.

Refreshments will be provided.

Questions? Contact Terri Amitrone, NHA, administrator@delaneyparkhealthandrehab.com.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for August 2018. Members are encouraged to review the following listings for goods and services provided by these new members that may be of value to you and your business. For a complete directory of Orlando Chamber members, click here.

Many people think of a chamber when they want to host a grand opening or ribbon cutting, but did you know that attending another companies' ribbon cutting celebration is an added perk of your chamber membership?

As a member of the Orlando Regional Chamber, you are invited to attend any of the upcoming ribbon cutting celebrations listed in Every Monday and on social media.

What is a ribbon cutting celebration?  A ribbon cutting celebration can be a great way to mark the opening of a business or even a milestone, such as a founding anniversary. It provides business owners an opportunity to celebrate with their employees, friends, family as well as other businesses in the area.

Why should you attend?

• Networking: Ribbon cutting celebrations are a great way to meet the owners of a new company, as well as others who may be doing business with them. Attending may help you build a relationship. When a new business owner needs a product or service, attending a ribbon cutting may help them think of you first.
  
  
• Learn about new business and show your support: Attending allows you to experience what is new. You will be among the first to see the business first hand. This will allow you to learn what's been happening, including future trends, challenges and solutions.
  
  
• Serve as a resource: Many new business owners, especially those new to the area, may have a lot of questions. Attending a ribbon cutting celebration can enable you to become an invaluable resource to other business owners.
  
  
• Enjoy free refreshments and other perks: Ribbon cuttings are free to attend. Many include giveaways or product discounts. Sometimes the events feature entertainment or demonstrations, food and refreshments.
  
  
• Feel good: Attending a ribbon cutting means celebrating an opening or milestone. A new business means someone is investing in our region, and in most instances, creating jobs. Expect to leave the event with good energy and excitement for the future.

Check the "Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Celebration" section of Every Monday each week for dates and locations. For more information on ribbon cuttings or to schedule your own, call your Chamber membership representative or the Chamber at 407.425.1234.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018
5:30 - 8 p.m.
20 N. Orange Ave., Ste. 1100
Orlando, FL 32801
407.501.7756
pipelineworkspaces.com

Celebrate Pipeline Orlando's arrival to the downtown Orlando community!

Meet the company's members, tour its beautiful space and enjoy delicious food and music.

Stop by for the grand opening special pricing for Orlando's premier shared workspace.

Questions? Contact Gregory Stott, General Manager, gstott@pipelineworkspaces.com.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018
4 - 4:30 p.m.
3111 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32803

Join Floor & Decor for a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m.

Afterward the company welcomes its valued builders, contractors, architects, designers, installers and realtors to PRO INE, an industry networking event.
Network with other professionals in the industry, win great prizes and learn about Floor & Decor’s products and services.

Event begins at 5 p.m. | Dinner at 6 p.m. | Raffle to follow
Enter for your chance to win great prizes.

Questions? Contact Martha Perdomo, Pro Services Manager, 321.230.9760

Let everyone else look like everyone else.

eyebobs knows you’ve got that spark.That little something extra.The company is ready to help you let it out with daring, distinctive eyewear that turns up the ‘WOW.’ Because glasses should make a statement – even if yours requires a few extra exclamation points (or artfully placed swear words).

Seeing is believing for Florida frame fanatics now that eyebobs newest retail store, its third nationwide, has opened in The Florida Mall. Featuring prescription eyewear, reading glasses, sunglasses and a healthy dose of attitude.This destination retail experience will showcase the expansive eyewear offering that savvy shoppers have been finding online and in hip independent retailers for years.

eyebobs was founded on the radical notion that shopping for glasses should be fun. In 2001, Julie Allinson found herself on the other side of 40 and suddenly unable to read the fine print. With the help of her optician friend and future design collaborator, Jason Engelman, she set out to find the perfect pair of reading glasses. After carefully selecting her ideal frames, the final total left Allinson with the type of sticker shock usually associated with a luxury sports car purchase or hotel mini-bar tab. When she inquired about a more reasonably priced alternative, she was directed to the sad rack of cheaters at the local drugstore. The memory of what she saw there haunts her to this day.

There it was, her ‘a ha' moment. If what she was looking for didn’t exist, then she would just have to make it. Allinson set to work with a singular vision: to create a line of distinctive, high-quality eyewear for people like her, the irreverent and slightly jaded. 

That vision quickly became an all-consuming passion. As time went by, the smart, sarcastic and style-conscious got hooked on eyebobs. They loved the luxurious materials, outstanding craftsmanship and unique style paired with clever, often hilarious, branding. Frame names include such hits as Not Tonight, Cheap Therapy and Board Stiff (as well as some racier picks we won’t name here). Savvy fans even started to “hack their bobs” by putting prescription lenses in eyebobs frames. In response to this growing demand, eyebobs launched their first ever prescription line in 2017.

This full offering of eyewear is ready and waiting for you in eyebobs’ new location at The Florida Mall. Your shopping experience is guided by their Bobtender℠ Stylists who employ a fresh, fun, “no b.s.” approach to personal styling. They feel more like a trusted confidant than a sales person, so you’ll leave feeling utterly amazing and 100 percent confident you’re putting your best frame forward.

eyebobs.com

facebook.com/eyebobs.

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

Thursday, September 13, 2018
6 - 9 p.m.
7309 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32807
407.690.0025

OptiView 360 is celebrating its Online Marketing and Entertainment division
and announcing this new addition to OptiView's brand Reflections Show.

OptiView 360 is a one-stop shop for online needs. The company's main focus is optimizing its customers
online presence and customizing recommend products to reach their full potential with their businesses.

Healthy bites an drinks will be served. And, Google prizes and other promotions will be given out at the event.

OptiView 360 is also offering 15 percent off any services enrolled into within a month of the event.

Questions? Contact Jaya Bressack, Co-Owner, jaya@optiview360.com.

Orlando has the ultimate experience in Solstice – the latest in luxury lifestyle living. Perfectly located in the heart of all that Orlando has to offer, Solstice is minutes from downtown Orlando, a short drive to exciting entertainment and next door to the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.  

Your oasis begins with a fully equipped clubroom that’s much more than just a place to relax. A private resident lounge with café kitchen, two-way fireplace and huge entertainment area is just part of your experience. Discover a new level of flexible work space with our open concept business center, two conference rooms and private offices to get it all done. Make our 24-7 health club your own in our expansive fitness center, private yoga studio, hot and cold plunge pools and men’s & women’s sauna. Top off your experience with a visit to our on-site golf simulator lounge and wet bar. 

Venture outside to the landscaped courtyard ready to welcome you with a zero entry lap pool and abundant lounge seating. The outdoor fitness area, loop path around the central lake for walking or jogging and the convenient dog park are all part of the purposeful design with an emphasis on a balanced lifestyle.

Solstice offers a new generation of apartments- from the luxury plank flooring to the quartz-topped counters and stainless steel Energy-Star appliances, no detail was overlooked. Your comfort is our number one priority with digitally programmable thermostats, ceiling fans in each bedroom, rain showerheads and Roman soaking tubs with mosaic tile surrounds.  

Discover what Orlando has been missing. Now open, experience the ultimate with Solstice.

Schedule a tour today at SolsticeOrlando.com or by phone at 407.723.1000.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018
9 - 10 a.m.
Lake Eola Park
Downtown Orlando, FL 32801
787.231.7347

 Coming to Orlando, Frances Rios International is a unique firm that helps
companies – large to small – position themselves as preferred by female talent.

The company takes the temperature of women in the workplace based on their engagement
and satisfaction levels through its proprietary diagnostic tool, W Certified Company™ and tailored keynotes.

Questions? Contact Laura Leon, CXO, at laura@francesrios.com

Friday, August 24, 2018
10 - 11 a.m.
11489 Lake Underhill Road
Orlando, FL 32825

The nation's Top 100 Roofer, Tadlock Roofing opens its fifth location in Florida in Orlando,
specializing in residential and commercial roofing services.

Questions? Contact Meagan Nixon, Marketing, meagan@tadlockroofing.com.

Proforma Denali Marketing builds company brands from concept to product through printing, custom branded merchandise and unique campaigns. As branding experts, it not only helps clients make a powerful first impression, but will help with name recall. One source.Infinite resources.

Why Proforma Denali Marketing joined the Orlando Regional Chamber:

"The Chamber has been a tremendous growth engine for our business. Not only that, it has been a fantastic resource for us personally. The Chamber has allowed us to connect with so many wonderful people that we may not have met otherwise." —Hadley Winslow, Owner, Proforma Denali Marketing, Inc.

For more information, visit www.proformadenalimarketing.com.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for July 2018. Members are encouraged to review the following listings for goods and services provided by these new members that may be of value to you and your business. For a complete directory of Orlando Chamber members, click here.

Saturday, August 25, 2018
1 - 5 p.m.
12402 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837

eyebobs® is celebrating its new new store in The Florida Mall with fabulous frames,
an in-store portrait artist, a photographer on-deck and a “Living Museum.”
Living Museum? You heard it right. Visit the store to see live versions of classic paintings
(rocking eyebobs, of course) provided by Central Florida Community Arts.
Because you know you’ve always wanted a selfie with the Mona Lisa!

Mark your calendars – it’s all happening on Saturday, August 25th from 1 - 5 p.m. See you there!

Questions? Contact Kari Whetsel, Marketing Project Manager, kari@eyebobs.com.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018
3 - 7 p.m. (ribbon cutting at 5:50 p.m.)
12402 S. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32837

Curaleaf is celebrating its grand opening.

Led by a team of physicians, pharmacists, medical experts and industry visionaries, Curaleaf develops safe, effective, and innovative cannabis-based therapeutic products. Curaleaf combines the industry’s most medically precise and technologically advanced production techniques with decades of horticultural experience, to ensure consistently exceptional quality that patients and health care professionals can trust. Based on a foundation of compassion, professionalism and respect, Curaleaf strives to empower physicians and patients by providing product expertise and guidance to help them make the right choices. Curaleaf is committed to being Florida’s leading resource in education and advancement through research and advocacy.

Questions? Contact Catie Callahan, Dispensary Manager, ccallahan@curaleaf.com.

Founded in 1994, no other name is more identified with greater Orlando real estate than Olde Town Brokers. The company is recognized as one of the only true boutique brokerages in Central Florida, providing a full range of real estate brokerage services including single-family home and condo sales, commercial, investment properties, relocation, rentals and full-service property management. Whether you are looking at Downtown Orlando real estate, luxury Winter Park condos or desirable Thornton Park, Baldwin Park, College Park, Windermere or surrounding neighborhoods, Olde Town Brokers has the expertise to assist in Central Florida from the Gulf to Atlantic coasts.

Looking for a commercial property instead? No problem, its Winter Park and Orlando realtors do that as well.

Buy, Sell, Rent and Property Management… we do it all!  Let Olde Town Brokers take care of your next real estate transaction so that you can, “Get Busy Living!”

oldetownbrokers.com/

facebook.com/oldetownbrokers/

instagram.com/oldetownbrokers/

twitter.com/oldetownbrokers/

Wednesday, August 15, 2018
3 - 4:30 p.m.
11616 Landstar Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32824

AA Metals, Inc. is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a grand opening.
15 years in service, committed to quality aluminum distribution based in the City Beautiful.

AA Metals has completed construction of its warehouse and will also be accepting applications for open positions.

Questions? Contact Empe Mallory, Office Manager, empe.mallory@aametals.com.

The General Services Administration (GSA) is hosting an information session to generate awareness and educate small businesses about the One Acquisition Solutions for Integrated Services Small Business (OASIS SB) contract vehicle, and the criteria involved with becoming a suitable Industry Partner for the OASIS SB contract. Previous OASIS SB Industry Partners have outgrown their size standard, resulting in an upcoming on-ramping to back-fill vacant slots.

To learn more about the upcoming on-ramp of vendors, register for their information session webinar on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. EDT

Questions? Contact Tim McCutcheon at timothy.mccutcheon@gsa.gov

Register

About Events
GSA's PSHC Industry Partner Briefings are interactive webinars designed to provide contractors with a better understanding and open dialogue on various aspects of GSA's professional services and human capital program.

About OASIS and OASIS Small Business
OASIS and OASIS Small Business (SB) are multiple award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts that provide the federal government with flexible and innovative solutions for complex professional services.

These contracts:

• Span many areas of expertise and mission spaces;
• Span multiple professional service disciplines;
• Allow flexibility for all contract types, including hybrids and cost-reimbursement, at the task order level; and
• Allow ancillary support components, commonly referred to as Other Direct Costs (ODC), at the task order level.

The core disciplines of the contract include:

• Program management services;
• Management consulting services;
• Logistics services;
• Engineering services;
• Scientific services; and
• Financial services.

Contract Features:

• Commercial and non-commercial services;
• CONUS and OCONUS requirements;
• Classified and unclassified services;
• Ancillary Support necessary to deliver a total solution, such as:
  • Labor;
  • Materials;
  • ODCs; or
• Hybrid of any of the above

Review the OASIS and OASIS SB Master Contracts.

An award-winning data analytics consulting firm, CCG helps clients solve their operational and strategic challenges through innovative services and solutions. Its team of experts focus on understanding business and industry to develop tailored data and analytics solutions that empower you to make decisions at the speed of your data. The company's analytics solutions support digital transformation, platform modernization, data governance/quality, predictive analytics, reports/dashboards, cloud migration, data mining, data modeling and data science.

Start transforming your business today and call 407.221.9745 for a free half-day analytics or cloud discovery and design session.

www.ccganalytics.com

www.linkedin.com/company/ccganalytics/

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for June 2018. Members are encouraged to review the following listings for goods and services provided by these new members that may be of value to you and your business. For a complete directory of Orlando Chamber members, click here.

"Lasso Cutting" Ceremony
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
2:00 p.m. (Guests may begin dining at 3 p.m.)
5460 W. Oak Ridge Road
Orlando, FL 32819
407.351.4682

LongHorn Steakhouse will officially open its newest location in Orlando on Tuesday, July 10.
Guests may begin dining at the new restaurant at 3 p.m. for dinner, and regular hours will begin the next day at 11 a.m.
Located at 5460 West Oak Ridge Road near the Orlando Premium Outlets, the restaurant will be led by 14-year LongHorn veteran Robert Pere as Managing Partner.

To celebrate the opening, the restaurant will host a “lasso cutting” ceremony on July 10 at 2 p.m. in partnership with the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.
During the event, the restaurant team will select one special guest to mark the opening moment by making the first steak cut.

Questions? Contact Robert Pere, Managing Partner, at rpere@loho.com.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER TIME.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
3665 S. Clyde Morris Blvd.
Port Orange, FL 32129

Come celebrate Suttera's newest location.

Tour the space, meet the team and enjoy light beverages and locally made pastries.

If that's not enough, receive 25% off ALL in-store purchases all day!

Questions? Contact James Birch, Regional Community Relations, jbirch@surterra.com.

The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, part of the College of Business at Florida State University, is hosting its Small Business Leadership Conference from Wednesday, August 1 to Friday, August 3 at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando. This year’s conference theme, ‘It’s All About the Customer,’ will reflect the importance of a small business’ relationship with its customers, as well as provide the opportunity to learn innovative techniques, solutions and practices that can help improve all aspects of customer relations.

Disney imagineer, researcher and entrepreneur-in-residence at Florida State University, Mk Haley is this year’s keynote speaker. She has been with The Walt Disney Company since 1994 serving primarily with Walt Disney Imagineering roles across virtual reality teams, R&D, special FX, show quality services and the Disney research labs. Haley has also served Disney corporate initiatives related to new technology programs and collaboration tools, as well as with emerging tools and television.

John Rivers, founder of the popular BBQ restaurant 4 Rivers Smokehouse, will be serving as the conference’s closing speaker. Retiring as president of a $1.5- billion-dollar company, John Rivers left a career of 20 years in healthcare to follow a lifelong dream of running a restaurant. In 2009, John opened the first 4 Rivers, which quickly became one of the fastest growing restaurants in the southeast. With thirteen locations in Florida and one in Atlanta, the success and popularity of his 4 Rivers and his second concept, the Southern-inspired Coop, have garnered national recognition. Nation’s Restaurant News, the industry’s lead trade publication, recognized 4 Rivers as one of its top five breakout brands.

• Day 2 - “Hot Mic” plenary session: in this Ted Talk style discussion, three speakers will present topics from each of their areas of expertise. Each speaker will have approximately 18 minutes to share impactful content with the audience in an immersive and focused environment. These talks are personal, simple and concise. The aim is to keep the audience more engaged for a shorter period of time in order for them to better retain the ideas and information presented.
  
  
• Day 3 - “Pitch the Editor” competition: five conference participants will be selected to provide a three-minute pitch of their company story to a panel of judges. The judges are looking for stories that involve customers, and the winner of the competition will receive a cash prize and could be featured in an upcoming issue of i4 Business magazine.

A variety of workshop sessions will be held throughout the conference covering topics such as customer service, customer relations, finance, legal issues, strategic planning, leadership, and marketing. Four-time entrepreneur, best-selling author, editor and producer Ramon Ray will be featured as MC.
 

Orlando Chamber Member/Orlando Economic Partnership Investor Discount
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship is offering a discount to ALL members of the Orlando Regional Chamber and investors of the Orlando Economic Partnership. When registering, use code JMIFRIEND to receive $25 off.

Conference dates: Wednesday, August 1, 4:30 - 7 p.m.; Thursday, August 2, 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Friday, August 3, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Early registration is $195 through June 29, $250 after June 29 and $275 on site. To register, visit jmiconference.com. For more information about the conference or sponsorship opportunities, contact AK Consulting Group at 850.523.4200.

Tewes Mortgage is a mortgage brokerage firm that shops for loan programs that fit its clients' needs. With over a dozen unique lenders at its disposal, the company can complete a wider range of loans than a standard lender. Tewes Mortgage provides one-on-one service with the client every step of the way from initial contact, to closing and following up after. The competitive advantage comes from a combination of being able to shop for the lowest interest rates, support throughout the entire process and being available around the clock.

Why Tewes Mortgage joined the Orlando Regional Chamber:

"By being an active member and being genuinely proud about your business, the success will follow. Joining the Chamber has been Tewes Mortgage’s most beneficial investment in this market. Spreading the word has evolved from one person to a whole community now knowing of the company’s passion and mission." —Brian Tewes, Orlando branch manager, Tewes Mortgage

For more information, visit www.tewesmortgage.com/orlando/.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018
4 - 7 p.m. | Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.
4578 S. Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL 32811

Better care can mean better quality of life!

Come tour Davita's newest dialysis clinic, meet the team and enjoy refreshments.

Questions? Contact Erin Deniz, Outreach Development Manager, erin.deniz@davita.com.

Thursday, June 21, 2018
6 - 9 p.m. 
230 E. Marks St.
Orlando, FL 32803

Join Legacy Chiropractic for a night of networking, food and drinks!

FREE spinal screenings will be available as well as new patient specials.

Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. 

Questions? Contact Michelle Chambers, Owner/Chiropractor, michellechambersdc@gmail.com.

For many companies, managing its mobile team’s last-mile route execution efforts and maintaining high levels of productivity creates a real – and expensive – challenge in logistics. Whether managing a team of delivery drivers, sales reps, merchandisers or service reps, ensuring the team is following preassigned route plans and servicing customers in the most effective way becomes paramount to a company’s bottom line. This task is made more difficult given today’s growing logistics complexity coupled with increased service expectations from the customer.

For the past eight years, GreenMile has helped companies all across the globe, including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, to improve the mobile team’s productivity through its award-winning route execution management solution. The GreenMile Suite is composed of a cloud-based platform and several mobile applications designed to track route execution performance in real time by combining route plan, stop delivery, and location data in one single cloud-based solution.

Using GreenMile, companies have real-time visibility over mobile resources, allowing them to track actual-vs-plan performance as well as identify any route plan deviations that occur which could impact the business. GreenMile’s advanced routing algorithms continuously look for ways to improve the driver’s route as it unfolds, using live traffic information to propose route changes that can reduce any negative impacts on the route.

GreenMile’s mobile platform allows mobile workers to visualize their route plans, register their hours of service, accurately record their service times and customer visits, collect proof of delivery/service data including customer signatures and pictures along with predesigned surveys.

GreenMile’s customers achieve significant reductions in mileage, overtime and overall last-mile transportation costs while increasing stop productivity and customer satisfaction.  And, with the last-mile (going from the depot out to the customer to perform a delivery or service call) tending to be the most expensive portion of a distributor’s supply chain, the result is a stronger bottom line coupled with happier customers.

Visit greenmile.com for a free demonstration of how GreenMile can help improve your company’s productivity and profits.

Close your eyes and imagine you and five of your friends soaking in the sun during five hours of unlimited golf game play on some of the top courses in the country.

Now open your eyes and head to Drive Shack because that’s exactly what Orlando’s premier golf-entertainment destination is offering this summer. Guests can swing in early and play from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for just $45, choose to day play from 2 - 7 p.m. for $55, or purchase both to play all day for up to six guests per bay with the new Swing Pass!

Each Swing Pass includes:

• One fully equipped bay for up to six guests
• Five hours of unlimited BayPlay, including Drive Shack’s hottest games. Play some of the top courses in the country, like Teton Pines and Linfield National, or take advantage of Drive Shack’s signature technology, which includes proprietary games like Shackjack and Monster Hunt.

This is all in addition to Drive Shack’s always-complimentary Free Play Game Lounge, featuring classic games like shuffleboard, Skee-Ball and Pac-Man.

The Swing Pass is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is not valid on Saturday or Sunday. Offered for a limited time only, so be sure to swing into Drive Shack this summer and enjoy the unlimited Swing Pass.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for May 2018. Members are encouraged to review the following listings for goods and services provided by these new members that may be of value to you and your business. For a complete directory of Orlando Chamber members, click here.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for April 2018. Members are encouraged to review the following listings for goods and services provided by these new members that may be of value to you and your business. For a complete directory of Orlando Chamber members, click here.

Sunday, May 27, 2018
10:30 a.m.
227 S. Semoran Blvd.
Winter Park, FL 32792

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Arrooga's Grille House & Sports Bar!

Questions? Contact John Eland at john.aroogas@gmail.com.

TaylorWorks has been providing professional IT support for the legal, medical and business community in and around Central Florida for over 19 years. The company specializes in assisting companies that range from 10 employees to over 200 employees providing enterprise-level services and solutions at prices that work for all types of businesses. Time and experience has helped TaylorWorks develop best practices and workflow procedures around a proactive philosophy designed to keep your focus on your business, not your technology.

From network support to managed services, server & PC maintenance, hosted exchange, and more, TaylorWorks experience has allowed it to build and develop the infrastructure needed to keep prices affordable and clients up and running.

TaylorWorks partners with many types of businesses and strives to eliminate IT issues before they cause expensive downtime, so you can continue to drive your business forward. The company's dedicated staff loves seeing their clients succeed. 

TaylorWorks is in this business to help other small businesses grow and move forward. It's as simple as that. The company is driven by the philosophy that if it helps local businesses solve their IT issues so they can become more profitable and successful, then it will inherently grow along with them.

To learn more, go to taylorworks.com.

Monday, June 4, 2018
1 - 3 p.m.
22 S. Westmoreland
Orlando, FL 32805

Come join BumperDoc of Downtown for its grand opening celebration and ceremony!

There will be snacks and refreshments.

To celebrate, any four window tint installation will include a FREE windshield front strip.
Any body auto body repair will include a FREE headlight restoration.

Questions? Contact Miguel Gines, owner, at bumperdocofdowntown@gmai.com.

B Resort & Spa, an official Walt Disney World Hotel, is part of the national lifestyle hotel brand B Hotels & Resorts. Along with a contemporary design and desirable location, B Resort & Spa provides a lifestyle experience inspired by the destination, with distinctive opportunities for engagement among leisure and business travelers alike.

With 394 stylish guest rooms and suites, B Resort & Spa, situated in the Disney Springs area, is an ideal destination for experience-driven couples, families, large groups, and business travelers. Guest rooms and suites feature striking blue and white décor and floor-to-ceiling windows, many offering views of the area's lakes, theme parks, and evening fireworks celebrations. Meeting and event attendees are well-served at B Resort & Spa with more than 25,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space equipped for business meetings and gatherings, social events, and weddings.

For additional rejuvenation after a fun-filled day at the theme parks, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA lifestyle spa, is a serene environment that offers a customizable menu of services. Onsite dining outlets include American Kitchen Bar & Grill, Pool Bar & Grill, and The Pickup, a casual one-stop shop located just off the lobby for a quick breakfast, snacks, and a full-service ice cream shop.

Our core B Signature Elements ignite a genuine emotional connection to the hotel and the brand. We invite guests to revel in Self-Expression Hospitality™ and tailor experiences how they desire them to be, as our motto is Lifestyle Without Attitude. B Resort & Spa offers guests a warm and approachable sense of hospitality in the heart of Central Florida. Click here to visit www.bresortlbv.com

"Since rejoining the Chamber in September 2017, our ROI has been infinite! Not only for the referrals, but for the pure exposure that only the Orlando Regional Chamber has given us. It is true what every member says to new members as well as those considering membership, you get what you put in! The more events you attend, the more you learn, grow and, most importantly, make true friendships, you get back double. I have not only been referred business for the hotel and American Kitchen Restaurant, but also help with finding vendors for our property. From marketing, carpet installation, air conditioning, kitchen vents, and the list goes on. A membership with the Orlando Regional Chamber is one of the best investments for every size company or organization in Central Florida. B Magic!"

— Molly Meeker
Sales Manager-Northeast & Canada
B Resort & Spa

Thursday, May 17, 2018
3 - 7 p.m.
3815 Silver Star Rd.
Orlando, FL

Celebrate Stone-Mart Orlando's Grand Opening!

There will be food, beer, wine, live music, amazing prizes and more.

Questions? Contact Ana Zamora at info@stone-mart.com.

Organizations sign Memorandum to continue to strengthen Central Florida’s economy

Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Regional Chamber signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today during a reception hosted by the Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) as it welcomed the newly appointed Region IV Administrator of the SBA, Ashley D. Bell, on his first official visit to the area. The purpose of the SAM is to foster small business development and expansion among Central Florida’s small business network.

“We are entering a new stage of our collaboration to further develop a working relationship between the SBA and the Orlando Regional Chamber,” said John F. Davis, executive vice president of the Chamber. “The signing of the SAM will solidify our mutual commitment to help start, maintain and expand small businesses in our seven-county Orlando region.”

The Orlando Regional Chamber, established in 1913, supports its 1,000+ members with education, programming, networking opportunities and business credibility. The new partnership outlines resources and programs available to members and assigns the Chamber to the role of facilitator.

“We are honored to enter into a strategic partnership with the Orlando Regional Chamber. Through our alliance, Central Florida entrepreneurs will have greater access to capital, small business counseling and access to government contracting opportunities so they can reach global markets, expand their businesses, and create more jobs,” said Ashley D. Bell, SBA Regional Administrator.

Bell serves nine districts located in the eight Southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The mission of the SBA is to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business by providing financial, contractual and business development assistance and advocating on behalf of business owners. Bell also has oversight of over $5 billion in SBA-backed lending, the counseling arm of the SBA, which counseled over 225,000 entrepreneurs last year in Region IV. SBA contracting programs for small business account for over 23 percent of all federal contracts awarded.

The SAM was signed by the SBA, the Orlando Regional Chamber and Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani. The SAM is the first between the Orlando Chamber and the SBA. The memorandum does not authorize the expenditure of any funds and is not a legally binding contract.

For more information contact Laureen Martinez at 407-242-3982 or Lola Kress at 404-331-2798.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

About the Orlando Economic Partnership
The Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) works to provide the Orlando region with quality jobs, economic growth, broad-based prosperity and a sustainable quality of life. It is a not-for-profit, public/private partnership representing seven counties – Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia – as well as the City of Orlando. To learn more, visit www.orlando.org.

262 Strategy LLC is a corporate government relations consulting firm based in Kissimmee that supports federal, state and local engagement for their clients. With a focus on economic growth, technology development and programmatic/policy advocacy at all levels of government, the firm’s background is in diverse market segments like aerospace, defense, transportation, space,and cyber.

The rules of the game have changed. Faced with 24-hour media cycles where everything seems to be “breaking news” and the growth of non-traditional means of communicating like Facebook and Twitter, it’s absolutely essential that companies have the ability to adapt their messaging and advocacy efforts to this new norm. It’s also true that the old saying “all politics is local” has never been more relevant. An understanding of the intersection of federal, state and local politics is a must. 

262 Strategy LLC has a broad base of experience across a spectrum of issues and capabilities, to include program and policy advocacy; economic development and strategic growth initiatives; smart and safe cities technology development; budgetary and regulatory processes; state and local “grassroots” advocacy; brand management and media engagement; and management of a Political Action Committee (PAC).

To learn more, go to www.262strategy.com. 

Newly open on Universal Boulevard, Topgolf Orlando is located behind the Orange County Convention Center. Topgolf Orlando guests enjoy point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots on a TV screen in their hitting bay. With Toptracer technology, Orlando players will now be able to receive additional feedback on their golf swing, including the ball's height, speed and distance.

Through the premium experience of play, food and music, Topgolf is inspiring people of all ages and skill levels – even non-golfers – to come together for playful competition. Guests can enjoy point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that instantly score themselves, showing players the accuracy and distance of their shots instantly on a TV screen in their hitting bay. The venues also feature an outstanding chef-driven menu, top-shelf drinks, big screen TVs and music in climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort. Year-round programming includes events for kids and families, social leagues, golf tournaments, golf instruction and more.

Topgolf also makes a great home for your next gathering! Our events team can coordinate all-inclusive packages that include game play, food, drinks and a dedicated staff to help make your event of twelve or more run smoothly. That means you can stay dedicated to having an awesome time with your crew or entertain corporate clients and colleagues in a very non-corporate setting.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018
12 - 1 p.m.
7285 Corner Drive
Orlando, FL

The party kicks off at 12  p.m. sharp with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the ceremonial "first swing."

We’d love for you to be a part of the festivities!

Come prepared to play its proprietary golf games, check out the amazing three-story facility and enjoy delicious bites and beverages.

Questions? Contact Nicole McElfresh, Marketing & Membership Manager, nmcelfresh@driveshackco.com

Each year on the last Wednesday in April, the Victim Service Center of Central Florida sponsors Denim Day, an international movement aimed at spreading awareness about sexual assault. By wearing jeans this Wednesday, April 25 you can help spread awareness about the physical and emotional trauma that accompanies sexual assault and show support for survivors in the community.

What is Denim Day?

Denim Day is an international protest responding to the Italian Supreme Court's overruling of a rape conviction in 1999. Although the assailant had been found guilty at the trial, the Supreme Court argued that because jeans are difficult to remove, the assailant couldn't have done so without the help of the victim.

To honor Denim Day and victims of sexual violence, wear jeans to promote discussion of the misconceptions that surround sexual violence. Organizations and businesses in Central Florida are encouraged to collect donations from staff who participate to benefit the victims we serve.

If you and your organization would like to participate in Denim Day, simply register here. You will receive Denim Day decals to wear on Wednesday, April 25 to show your support.

Be sure to take a group photo on Denim Day! Email your pictures, share on your social media outlets using the hashtag #DenimDay, and tag @vscflorida! 

Swing by and play on at Drive Shack Orlando! 

While Orlando boasts countless entertainment options for local residents and tourists alike, a massive new golf-entertainment destination is bringing the city’s game to a whole new level. Drive Shack made its highly anticipated debut last weekend at 7285 Corner Drive in Lake Nona’s vibrant sports and performance district. The 60,000-square-foot venue featuring proprietary golf game technology and much more is Orlando’s premier golf-entertainment destination.

From scratch golfers to hackers who couldn’t hit the fairway with a putter, Drive Shack has something for everyone. The three-story, indoor/outdoor all-weather golf-entertainment complex – proudly born in Orlando, for Orlando – features 90 hitting bays, a Free Play Game Lounge with classic games like shuffleboard, skeeball and Pac-Man, a full-service restaurant and bar, an outdoor lounge with fire pits and panoramic views, plus three fully equipped meeting and event rooms.

Each hitting bay features custom seating for up to six people, complimentary custom Drive Shack golf clubs with unlimited golf balls, dual flat screens with TV on-demand, interactive games enabling guests to compete with other bays and full-service on-call food and drinks from the restaurant. Drive Shack’s team of over 400 “shackers” and service staff will be ready to ensure a fun and memorable experience for parties of all sizes.

Drive Shack’s signature technology includes new proprietary games like Shackjack, where guests can aim at playing cards that appear over each hole while trying to build a hand of 21 without busting. Or save the Drive Shack Princess by destroying all of the monsters on the range during a rousing game of Monster Hunt. Guests can also take on real courses – like Teton Pines and Linfield National – as if they’re actually there, using Drive Shack’s virtual technology.

For guests looking to step up their golf game, visit Drive Shack Academy. Drive Shack’s expert golf pro offers instruction using the latest tips and technology. Lessons are available for players of all ages and skill levels, including individuals and groups, beginner clinics, and parent-child classes! Drive Shack will also offer leagues where participants can meet, eat and compete.

Drive Shack’s elevated bar and grill provides unexpected plays on everyone’s favorite dishes, like the juicy Hole-in-One Burger, Loaded Tots, Stacked Nachos and Churros. Pair your meal with a craft cocktail, beer, wine or signature creations like our DS Sloshies. Like we said … there’s something fore everyone!

Looking for a unique setting for your next company or group gathering? Host a happy hour, corporate meeting, birthday party or other social event in one of several private spaces. For parties from 10 to 1,000, the Drive Shack team is ready to provide a turnkey, hassle-free experience customized to your needs. All of the spaces are fully equipped with the latest audio/visual technology, WiFi and other equipment necessary for a fun and seamless event.

Drive Shack Orlando is open Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9 - 1 a.m. For more information, visit driveshack.com. 

Liquid Capital Solutions is a commercial lender that provides trade financing to small- and medium- sized businesses giving them access to working capital quickly through accounts receivable factoring, purchase order financing, asset-based lending and others.

Ernane Iung, president and owner of Liquid Capital Solutions, brings more than 27 years of an international career in multinationals like GE, Philips, Whirlpool and Oster and has used factoring services at the international sales subsidiaries he managed.  His international career has taken him across four continents, with travels all throughout Brazil and South America, in addition to Canada, China, Holland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Ernane has been a C-Suite executive for over 11 years and as a result, he has become an expert on small businesses.

As part of this experience, Ernane has worked with hundreds of companies, ranging from mom and pop stores, corporations and family businesses to start-ups. It is this wealth of experience that, in addition to his work at Liquid Capital, created the groundwork for the publication of his book, “The Success Factor - Unconventional Wisdom for Small Business Success,” published in 2017 by Morgan James Publishing. The book takes you through the most important things to consider when starting your company and contrasts conventional wisdom on the topics with the latest, ground-breaking but proven, unconventional wisdom.

The popular "Success Factor" book spawned the Success Factor Podcast series available on iTunes, Soundcloud, Google Play and PlayerFM. The podcasts feature stories and wisdom from Ernane to small business owners. To learn more, visit  successfactormedia.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando builds homes, revitalizes neighborhoods, strengthens communities and changes lives as it works to provide affordable housing for families in need. “Fostering community relationships plays a vital role in raising awareness of the affordable housing crisis in Central Florida,” said Catherine Steck McManus, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando’s President and CEO. “And we consistently find value in building these relationships through our membership in the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.”

Here are a few examples of how the Orlando Regional Chamber membership works for Habitat Greater Orlando:

Relationships and Community Connection. Chamber events serve as a conduit for developing significant relationships with fellow chamber members who care deeply about our mission and the need to help meet the need for affordable housing in our community. It has been a blessing to work with some of these organizations and individuals helping them find a meaningful community connection, and truly make Orlando a stronger, more stable place. We look forward to continuing to strengthen those relationships and make many new ones.

Visibility. Though networking hours, round tables and introductions, the Chamber has allowed Habitat Greater Orlando to raise our awareness, share the momentous need and significant impact of our work in the community.

Education. The Chamber does a great job educating the membership by providing top tier, relevant speakers and guest trainers on timely topics. They are well skilled in helping members to develop both their professional and personal capabilities. They keep members up-to-date on current trends and legislative issues that might affect our businesses. They are also incredibly willing to assist with any issues that members feel need to be addressed.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for March 2018. Members are encouraged to review the following listings for goods and services provided by these new members that may be of value to you and your business. For a complete directory of Orlando Chamber members, click here.

Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Ribbon Cutting: 10 a.m.
4054 Conroy Rd.
Orlando, FL
407.479.2961

Grand Opening!

Join Panera Bread on Wednesday, April 4 at its NEW Panera Bread bakery-café with a drive-thru!

Surprise giveaway every 20 minutes on opening day 6:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Questions? Contact Moriah Overcash, Marketing Director, moriah.overcash@covelli.com

For more than 70 years, March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by Presidential Proclamation, officially established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. The first proclamation read: “I request that during that month (March) our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.”

The same enthusiastic observance occurs today. This year, we want to inspire people across the country to be a hero by thanking a volunteer or becoming a volunteer. You can also #help1family on Giving Day  –  March 28, 2018.

The Red Cross is powered by volunteer heroes who have responded to numerous large and historic disasters in 2017. Become a hero in the Orlando community by joining with the Red Cross to give back to those in need.

• Volunteer to help a family in need, take a first aid or CPR class, or train to be ready before hurricane season begins
• Provide hope after a disaster and #help1family by making a financial donation at redcross.org/givingday. Donations can help provide urgent relief such as food, blankets and other essentials to people who need it most.

“As we recognize Red Cross Month, we are grateful to be part of this thriving business community of Orlando,” said Sherri Monroe, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Chapter. “Our membership with Orlando Inc. has opened doors to a network of partners in the private, public and independent sectors that support every aspect of our community.”

Volunteers, donors and business partners enable the Red Cross to respond to community disasters large and small, teach life-saving skills, support members of the military, their families and our veterans, and help make our communities safer and more prepared for what may happen tomorrow, and in the next 100 years.

The Greater Orlando Chapter of the American Red Cross is proud to serve Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. For more information, visit redcross.org/centralflorida or call 407.375.2344.

REASON is a digital marketing agency that believes marketing should exist to produce sales. The team is united around their core values of integrity and honesty, exceptional customer service, quality, people and last but not least, results. 

The team is focused on taking action through sales-focused marketing strategies and campaigns with exceptional creative and well-thought execution that drives massive results. Clients have included Orlando-based companies such as Scholastic Book Fairs, Power DMS, Filutowski Cataract & Lasik to e-commerce companies striving to sell nationwide such as MasterlineUSA, PowerSportsUS and Click To Scripts.

REASON is actively growing the e-commerce side of its business, which is a primary focus, helping companies scale revenue through online sales and increasing profit margins and welcomes opportunities to invest more into the e-commerce space.

One of REASON's big wins in 2017 was in helping its client MasterlineUSA increase online sales $240,000 through digital marketing strategy and paid media campaigns. The strategy directly impacted the companies top line revenue, doubled their website traffic, increased their social media following to more than 11,000 on Instagram from 800 and turning marketing strategy into trackable sales with a 3.5 return on Facebook ad spend.

"The Orlando Chamber has been a core strategic resource for REASON and myself," according to CEO/CMO William Perry. "I have met many people who have impacted me both personally and professionally and hope to do big things with. The chamber brings more than opportunity for just getting one piece of business, but the possibility of relationships and alliances that could significantly impact the trajectory of REASON, my career and future business opportunities."

Wednesday, March 14, 2018
11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
54 W. Church St.
Orlando, FL

California Tortilla in Orlando will offer a free burrito or burrito bowl and drink to all guests who visit the restaurant
from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14.

The first 10 guests in line will win free burritos for a year (one per household and guests must be 18 years or older),
t-shirts and other various giveaways will be offered throughout the day.

Questions? Contact Annalis Walters, Area Director, awalters.californiatortillafl@outlook.com

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for February 2018. Members are encouraged to review the following listings for goods and services provided by these new members that may be of value to you and your business. For a complete directory of Orlando Chamber members, click here.

REBRANDING LAUNCH

Wednesday, March 21, 2018
6 - 8 p.m.
121 S. Orange Ave., Unit 980N
Orlando, FL 32801

Three21 is rebranding. Come celebrate this moment. 

There will be light hors d'oerves and drinks with a special presentation at 7 p.m. to introduce the new brand. 

three21.com

Questions? Contact Kim Samsel, Office Manager, kim@three21.com