Chamber Blog

The Orlando Regional Chamber is proud to welcome the following new members for October 2019. 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.

Friday, December 6, 2019
6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
101 Lake Ave. #4
Orlando, FL 32801

Great Harvest Bakery Cafe is thrilled to be opening
its doors to Orlando on December 6, 2019.

Great Harvest Bakery Cafe mills its own wheat and bakes everything from scratch right on site.
You'll taste the difference in every bite.

Come grab a free slice of  fresh-baked bread (every time), and the first 50
customers opening day can enjoy a free beverage from the premium espresso bar too.

Visit www.greatharvestorlando.com.

Questions? Contact Rachel Cottle, Owner, rcottle@greatharvest.com.

Thursday, November 14, 2019
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
2462 Maguire Road
Ocoee, FL 34761

Join Sunstate Equipment Company for a Grand Opening BBQ!

Tour the new facility. Enjoy good food and drinks. Meet the Sunstate team.
There will be raffle prize drawings, rodeo games with construction equipment.

Visit www.sunstateequip.com.

Questions? Contact Charles Battles, Operations Manager, charles.battles@sunstateequip.com.

The Orlando Regional Chamber is proud to welcome the following new members for October 2019. 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.

Thursday, November 14, 2019
3 - 6 p.m. 
2462 Maguire Road
Ocoee, FL 34761

Imagine having your own free full-service travel concierge that you can visit or contact at anytime to help you wade
through the thousands of travel choices available today. A concierge that can make sure you have access to the most
important information and best prices, custom designed just for you.

Expedia Cruises was developed to meet the growing demand for all personalized travel services
(cruises, land tours, flights, safaris, rental homes, all-inclusives and more) at exceptional low prices.
Come meet our team and join our ice cream and wine party. The cruise lines everyone loves will also be
offering swag giveaways and additional cruise special offers to everyone who attends.

Visit www.cruiseshipcenters.com/westorlando.

Questions? Contact Dawn von Graff, Franchise Owner, dvongraff@cruiseshipcenters.com.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019
2 p.m. - 6 p.m. 
37308 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

Join The Juicy Crab for its grand opening on International Drive.
There will be food, fun and more as they celebrate our first Orlando location.

Questions? Contact Khem Soeurng, Franchise Owner, ksoeurng@gmail.com.

Friday, November 1, 2019
10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
3155 Orange Ave., Suite 109
Orlando, FL 32806

Join The Joint Chiropractic for its launch event from November 1-3, 2019.
FREE adjustments will be offered during this event. Many local vendors will be in attendance with offers, prizes, giveaways and refreshments.
Text 'ORLANDOVIP' to 89000 to claim your free consultation, exam and adjustment.

Questions? Contact Toby Hines, Owner, pftoby@aol.com.

The Orlando Regional Chamber is proud to welcome the following new members for September 2019. 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.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. 
20 N. Orange Ave., #106
Orlando, FL 32801

CI Group is thrilled to open its seventh location in the heart of downtown Orlando.
  Please join CI Group in the celebration of its new showroom with City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on hand for the ribbon cutting.
Metered and flat top parking is available behind the building on Central Ave. should you need it. 

Questions? Contact Brandi Markiewicz, Managing Partner, bmarkiewicz@the-cigroup.com.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
2425 Silver Star Road
Orlando, FL 32804

Come hangout with the host of Orlando's 96.5 "Around the House" which airs Sundays mornings.
Pro-Tech has been serving Orlando since 1961 and is a premier air conditioning and plumbing company. 

Questions? Contact Linus Ocasio, Account Manager, linus.ocasio@protechac.com.

The Orlando Regional Chamber is proud to welcome the following new members for July 2019. 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 24, 2019
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
1751 Ball Park Road
Kissimmee, FL 34741 

Moving, renting, building? Just need a place to store your stuff?
Morningstar Storage is now open on Osceola Parkway with 24-hour access, a free truck and more.
Drop into its grand opening event on August 24 for a chance to win two months of free storage.

Visit morningstartstorage.com.

Questions? Contact Daniel Medina, Property Manager, dmedina@morningstarstorage.com.

Friday, September 6, 2019
9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 
4850 Lawing Lane
Orlando, FL 32811 

Join Shooters World for a weekend-long celebration to officially kick off its opening in Orlando.
Recently dubbed the ‘future of firearms retail’ by Forbes and Honor Defense’s Gary Ramey, Shooters World is ready to provide
Orlando’s locals and visitors with the world’s greatest firearms experience.
The first 100 people in line on Friday and Saturday win free swag bags filled with goodies from your favorite brands.
And, be sure to stop by and sign up for the giveaway with your chance to win firearms, accessories, holsters,
cleaning products, gift cards, sunglasses and more (no purchase necessary).

Visit shootersworld.com/orlando.

Questions? Contact Brandy Baker, Director of Marketing, bbaker@shootersworld.com.

The Orlando Regional Chamber is proud to welcome the following new members for July 2019. 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.

Friday, August 9, 2019
2 p.m. - midnight
8462 Palm Parkway
Orlando, FL 32836

Stumpy's Hatchet House is thrilled to bring an exciting new venue to the Orlando region -- a hatchet throwing bar. You got that right. Stumpy's has beer AND hatchet throwing.
Stumpy's is 21+ and a great environment for adults to let loose. Chamber members are invited to the grand opening celebration and take advantage
of the 50 percent-off promotion when booking in advance with the promo-code "grandopening."

Visit www.stumpysorlando.com

Questions? Contact Matthew Donahue, Owner, Matt@stumpysorlando.com

Tuesday, August 13, 2019
5-6 p.m.
400 S. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32803

Orlando Federal Credit Union invites you to come celebrate the grand re-opening of its City Hall branch, where guests will be introduced exciting new technology and a brand-new look.
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine while meeting the new interactive teller machine, Telly. Guests may also enter to win a $250 gift certificate to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Visit www.orlandofcu.org 

Questions? Contact Amanda Ramsburg, Business Development Manager, amandar@orlandofcu.org

Thursday, August 8, 2019
4 - 7 p.m. 
12187 E. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32826 

Come to the Grand Opening of 24 Hour Fitness on Saturday, August 10th and enter to win an Apple Watch and other great prizes.
Winners will be announced at noon (must be present to win). Can't make it?
Console yourself with a free pass and come try us another time.

Visit 24hourfitness.com.

Questions? Contact Christian Arias, Regional Wellness Executive, carias@24hourfit.com.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 
800 N. Magnolia Ave., Suite 1400 & 1402
Orlando, FL 32803 

Orlando Economic Partnership members are invited to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of Solodev's
expanded office space. Special guest will be Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
Come meet our new mascot, sample food from 4Rivers and Sus Hi Eatstation
and mingle with other prominent business leaders.
RSVPs are required. Send your name, company and title to RSVP@solodev.com.

Visit solodev.com.

Questions? Contact Matt Garrepy, Chief Digital Officer, matt@solodev.com.

The Orlando Regional Chamber is proud to welcome the following new members for June 2019. 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.

Thursday, August 8, 2019
4 - 7 p.m. 
151 Southhall Lane, Suite 163
Maitland, FL 32751

Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program is excited to announce the grand opening of its facility in Maitland, FL
which provides intensive outpatient treatment, and partial hospitalization or day treatment for adolescents
and adults dealing with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, oppositional
defiant disorder, attachment disorders, and other similar diagnoses. The Discovery programs provide
personalized treatment plans for each of its clients and their families to address their specific
situation and needs while ensuring the highest level of care.

Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program looks forward to serving the Orlando community!

Visit discoverybehavioralhealth.com. 

Questions? Contact Sara Dreier, Outreach Representative, sara.dreier@centerfordiscovery.com

Wednesday, July 3, 2019
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. 
9521 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Suite 106 & 107
Orlando, FL 32837 

With Trulieve being Florida's first and largest medical marijuana company,
we are so excited to open our second location in Orlando.
We strive to bring our patients a quality product you can trust.

Visit trulieve.com.

Questions? Contact Skyler Hunt, Community Outreach, skyler.hunt@trulieve.com.

Friday, June 21, 2019
11 - 11 a.m. 
4693 Gardens Park Blvd., Suite 113
Orlando, FL 32839

  Fast service authentic Thai food. More than 300 locations are open in Canada.
Orlando is the first location in Florida.

Event special promotion: $5 Pad Thai All Day Friday
Pad Thai is one of the most famous dishes in Thailand.

ThaiExpressFood.com

Questions? Contact Hany (Andy) Ibrahim, Owner, saviorfastfood1@gmail.com

UniFirst is one of North America's largest workwear and textile service companies, providing managed uniform, protective clothing and custom corporate image apparel programs to businesses in diverse industries. In addition to outfitting nearly two million workers in clean uniforms each workday, UniFirst also keeps businesses clean, safe and healthy through its facility service programs – a single-source solution for a variety of needs.

UniFirst built the company from the ground-up based on its founding core values (which remain in place today): customer focus, respect for others and commitment to quality. Serving local business customers in over 250 service centers throughout Canada, Europe and United States, including a plant in Orlando, the company's flexible rental, lease and purchase programs are accessible, scalable and economical. Whether an organization is national, regional or local in scope, it will always receive the highest quality products and services as a UniFirst customer.

UniFirst's mission is to be recognized as the leading provider of quality uniform and facility service programs and guarantees total customer satisfaction. The company's continuous customer focus enables it to grow, to provide an equitable return on investment and create ongoing career opportunities for its employees. UniFirst is committed to conducting business in a fair, honest and responsible manner in accordance with all environmental and government regulations.

 U.S. AUTO SALES

Thursday, June 13, 2019
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
3700 Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32839

  U.S. Auto Sales is a used car dealership that has been helping good people get into good vehicles since 1992.
U.S. Auto Sales is proud to announce the expansion of its 26th location in Orlando.
"Bettter vehicles, simple financing, all credit levels." 

Questions? Contact Rebekah Youngers, Director of Marketing, ryoungers@usauto-sales.com

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for April 2019. 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.

Monday, May 20, 2019
10:45 a.m. 
3220 Margaritaville Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34747 

   Monday, May 20 is Opening Day with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m.
The Orlando Regional Chamber will be present to cut the ribbon precisely at 11 a.m. with Big Ben’s first “ringing/chime”.

 There will be LIVE music until 10 p.m.:
Rob Seay - 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Scott Mayhew: 2 - 6 p.m.
Frankie Raye: 6 - 10 p.m. 

Questions? Contact Jaime Estes, Marketing Manager, jaime@23restaurants.com.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for April 2019. 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.

Thursday, May 30, 2019
4 - 6:30 p.m. 
450 S. Orange Ave., Floor 3
Orlando, FL 32801 

   
New Coworking Location Provides Inspirational, Flexible Space for Local Community.

New York-based Serendipity Labs coworking along with its franchise development partner 3H Group is starting
its Orlando presence with the grand opening of the downtown location.
The upscale coworking brand is celebrating the grand opening of its 26,000-square-foot new construction on Orange Avenue.
The grand opening will take place on Thursday, May 30 and will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony,
tours, a local artist whose artwork is displayed throughout the space, hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer. 

Questions? Contact Kyler White, General Manager, kwhite@serendipitylabs.com.

Thursday, May 9, 2019
5 - 9 p.m. 
150 E. Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32801 

The University Club of Orlando has announced a grand opening date for its new downtown clubhouse in partnership
with Modera Central by Mill Creek -- Thursday, May 9. Both businesses will host a by-invitation-only grand opening celebration,
complete with a ribbon cutting by local elected officials to commemorate
the partnership, signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment.

Questions? Contact Kristine Vorpagel, Executive Vice President, evp@ucluborlando.com.

Friday, April 12, 2019
11 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
8085 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34747 

Join us at our newest Tijuana Flats location (Orange Lake) the week of April 15 for opening week specials.
This includes Tijuana Tuesdaze (two tacos, chips and a drink for $5.99) and Throwback Thursdaze (Tijuana burrito, chips and a drink for $5.99). 
On Saturday, April 27, we will be donating 25 percent of total sales to Give Kids The World.

Questions? Contact Jesy Rose, Marketing Coordinator, Senior Director, jesy.rose@tijuanaflats.com.

ARBY'S RESTAURANT GROUP 

Friday, April 12 2019
9 a.m. 
13805 Landstar Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32824 

The community is invited to visit the grand opening of Arby's newest Orlando location.

Visit arbys.com.

Questions? Contact Katie Petrik, Field Marketing Associate Manager, kpetrik@inspirebrands.com.

As an Orlando business, you may already have a hurricane or other disaster plan. But, does it include communications to your clients, investors and employees? Most importantly, is your organization prepared to effectively communicate with these audiences during vulnerable times for your business?

Poston Communications protects a company's hard-earned reputation with effective crisis communications and risk management counsel in the face of challenges, viewing potential challenges as opportunities to improve business performance and brand sentiment. Because every crisis is unique, Poston draws on the diverse experiences of its team to create communications plans that anticipate an organization's stakeholders’ needs and exceed expectations. The Orlando-based crisis team is uniquely poised to address local, regional or nationwide issues with its combination of strategic communications and legal experience.

Poston Crisis assists leaders facing crises in a variety of executive and organizational roles by employing a wide range of tactics including:

• Crisis plans and audits
• Executive messaging
• Media training
• Internal communications
• Proactive PR to minimize future crises
• Community, corporate and investor relations
• Public affairs
• Social media

Poston understands that most crises require an immediate response, and is always ready to assist.

To learn more, visit postoncommunications.com, call 404.875.3400 or email info@postoncommunications.com. In the event of a crisis after regular business hours, call Monica Smith at 407.267.3657 or Megan Paquin at 407. 432.7066.

Monday, April 22, 2019
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
3280 Vineland Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746 

Join the ribbon cutting and open house ceremony of HB Capital Management's brand new ExtraSpace Self Storage facility.
Meet the team and local developers. Snacks and beverages will be served. 

Questions? Contact Dailyn Mizrahi, Senior Director, dmizrahi@hbcapital.com.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for December 2018 through March 2019. 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.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019
8:30 - 10 a.m. 
4544 N. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32804 

Interested in learning more about medical cannabis and Trulieve – Florida's largest Medical Marijuana Treatment Center?
Join us on April 30, see the store, chat with local employees, and learn the ins and outs about medical cannabis.

Visit trulieve.com.

Questions? Contact Skyler Hunt, Community Outreach, skyler.hunt@trulieve.com.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019
10:45 a.m. 
3210 Margaritaville Blvd.
Kissimmee, FL 34747 

Visit fordsgarageusa.com.

Questions? Contact Jaime Estes, Marketing Manager, jaime@23restaurants.com.

Thursday, April 4, 2019
4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 
100 E. Pine Street, Suite 110
Orlando, FL 32801 

Venture X Orlando - 100 Pine is a new locally owned co-working space that is excited to open its doors to the Downtown Orlando community.
There will be a Grand Opening Celebration on April 4 to introduce the beautifully designed, modern workspace to everyone.

Visit venturex.com/locations/florida/orlando-pine.

Questions? Contact Lindsay Hedrick, Community Manager, lindsay.hedrick@venturex.com.

Friday, March 22, 2019
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 
3701 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32808 

Orlando Preowned Grand Opening Spring Event
Spring forward into your new vehicle.

Come out for family fun, food, a live DJ, games and prizes.
Register to win the grand prize of $1,000. 

Orlando Preowned will be broadcasting with iHeartRadio and Rumba 100.3.

Visit orlandopreowned.com.

Questions? Contact Sabrina Davenport, Customer Relations Manager, sabrina@orlandopreowned.com.

Wednesday, March 27, 2019
4 - 8 p.m. 
803 S. Orlando Ave., Ste. B
Winter Park, FL 32789 

As the garage becomes more important to homeowners, many are looking for companies
to help them turn that space into a more functional and beautiful area.Opening a new showroom in Winter Park,
Garage Living of Orlando specializes in garage storage and cabinets as well as a beautiful Polysaspartic
flooring that comes with a 15-year warranty.

Visit garageliving.com/orlando.

Questions? Contact Ted Wettstein, owner, twettstein@garageliving.com.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019
6:30 - 7 a.m. 
9 W. Gore St.
Orlando, FL 32801 

 Earth Fare invites the community to join in a grand opening celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
There will be a mystery gift card giveaway valued at up to $1,000 to the first 500 shoppers in line,
exciting contests and giveaways, free samples, product demonstrations and more.
Shoppers will receive a free reusable bag when they sign up for Healthy Rewards, the in-store loyalty
program that grants access to the store’s best deals and earn points with every visit.
Follow along on Facebook to learn more about opening week festivities and specials. 

Visit earthfare.com/downtownorlando.

Questions? Contact Mariah Fairweather, community relations coordinator, mariah.fairweather@earthfare.com.

Friday, March 15, 2019
4 - 6 p.m. 
11650 University Blvd.-2
Orlando, FL 32817 

Visit hotworx.net/studio/orlando-universityblvd

Questions? Contact Ashley Thompson, manager.orlando.uniblvd@hotworx.net.

Pascale Media makes websites, designs digital or print creative and maintains hardware with tech that works.

The company started in 2011 by UCF alumni, founder and creative technicalist Nicholas Vito Pascale as a project to give back to the community through churches and non-profits funded by various web development and digital creative career opportunities. Above all, the company's team has made it a priority to invest in people and invest in projects that help make Florida great. It’s not just about “giving back” or “doing good.” It’s about adding value to our hometowns with careful purpose and planning.

The Pascale Media team has the heart of designers, programmers, writers, email marketers and PC builders, all backed by professionally managed full-service experts. You could say Pascale Media is technically creative and creatively technical at what it does.

Over recent years, the company has helped with small one-man startups, to million-dollar industries to develop and maintain their online presences. It serves clients in the legal field, medical, service and construction industry, retail as well as not-for-profits. Pascale Media has over 15 years of experience helping clients address a wide range of issues and projects such as network security, creative direction, document security, web design, disaster recovery planning (DRP), technology compliance issues, technology recommendations, video conferencing, phone systems and much more.

Being a privately owned and a founder-led company, Pascale Media can work fast with impeccable service. Its workspace is designed for immediate collaboration utilizing a virtual office -- with a click, call or text the team is readily available. Each service's process is managed, executed and quality checked by industry standard methods of managing projects in order to deliver results on time.

Technology is Pascale Media's life and enjoying its works hardly makes it work at all. Succeeding with companies or organizations who are passionate about what they do is what the company loves. Let Pascale Media build your awesome technology together.

Pascale Media's managed services include:

• Custom Web Design and Everything To Get You Online
• Digital Creative + Design including Print Fulfillment
• Brand Development including Logo Design
• Photography and Video Services
• Email Marketing Management
• Search Engine Optimization
• Desktop Support. Setup + Maintain + Troubleshoot
• Desktop Training
• Web Training. Instruct + Guide + Inform
• Web Support. Code + Update + Test
• Afforable Monthly Maintenance Plans

 Visit pascalemedia.tech.

Thursday, March 7, 2019
5:30 - 9:30 p.m. 
538 Virginia Drive
Orlando, FL 32803 

Veracity Hair Salon and Beauty Bar is celebrating its grand opening.
Enjoy catered food, goody bags and discounts on its amazing services.

Visit veracitysalon.com.

Questions? Contact Arlab Veracruz (Vera), vera@veracitysalon.com.

Orlando-based Interior Contract Services (ICS), the region’s most knowledgeable and respected provider since 1983, is a full-service contract furniture company that delivers work space solutions throughout Central Florida. ICS represents Teknion Furniture Systems, a company that responds quickly to the evolving demands of today’s technology-enabled workplaces. It is a tool for innovation and positive change in your workplace. 

ICS compliments the Teknion line with other fine furniture lines available to design and deliver to your next new office, classroom or healing space. The company represents quality products and provides customized solutions. ICS also provides professional installation, warehousing, project management, design, reconfiguration and inventory management. It offers its clients a range of price points to help meet their budgets. ICS participates in Florida State Contact and GSA pricing to assist these purchases.

ICS consistently exceeds expectations through its collaborative approach to design and seamless planning and implementation process. The company works closely with its clients to provide products and services tailored to their needs. ICS develops work environments that go beyond functional requirements to enhance collaboration, learning, training and socialization. ICS understands the process of creating an ideal work space extends beyond function and space.

Whether you are purchasing new furniture or require a reconfiguration of existing stock, ICS's trained installation teams can adjust your office without disrupting productivity. Google has consistently ranked ICS as highest in customer service for Orlando office furniture dealers.

Visit interiorcontract.com or call 407.294.4141.

Thursday, February 28, 2019
5:30 - 9 p.m. 
1413 Haven Drive
Orlando, FL 32803 

Scoppechio is Orlando’s newest ad agency -- creating content that connects companies to customers quickly and effectively.
The agency provides content for all platforms of communication with core competencies in brand strategy,
digital, experiential, shopper marketing, CRM, packaging and merchandising design.

Scoppechio Orlando is the newest office to join this independent marketing services network which is headquartered in Louisville, KY. 

Questions? Contact Kate Sondossi, Director of Business Development, kate.sondossi@scoppechio.com.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019
2 - 3 p.m. 
3101 E. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32803 

LongHorn Steakhouse will officially open its newest Orlando restaurant on Tuesday, January 22 near the Fashion Square Mall.
Guests can dine at the new restaurant starting at 3 p.m. for dinner, and regular hours will begin the next day at 11 a.m.
Located at 3101 E Colonial Dr., the restaurant will be led by 15-year industry veteran Brooke Manz as managing partner.

To celebrate the opening, the restaurant will host a “lasso cutting” ceremony on Tuesday, January 22 at 2 p.m.
During the event, the restaurant team will select one special guest to mark the opening moment by making the first steak cut.

Questions? Contact Brooke Manz, Managing Partner, bmanz@loho.com.

Friday, January 18, 2019
11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
1925 Traylor Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32804 

Traka USA is celebrating the grand opening of its new USA headquarter office located in the 'city beautiful.'
To thank customers and resellers for helping achieve this milestone, Traka USA invites them to celebrate with us in a day filled with good food,
fun games, a grand tour of its new office and a raffle with 100 percent of proceeds to benefit United Way.
 

Questions? Contact Jarelise Elias, US Sales & Marketing Analyst, jelias@trakausa.com.

Social Media can be hard to navigate, especially for small businesses that may not have the capital to invest in a consultant. But with 45% of the world’s population active on social media, it’s worth investing some extra time. The advent of social media changed the way we communicate with our friends, family, and, especially, customers. Small Businesses are in a unique position to leverage their scale to make real connections with customers through social media, at little-to-no monetary cost. Here are 10 tips for tackling social media that won’t cost you much time or money.

5 Social Media Tips for Orlando Small Businesses

1. Evaluate your goals
   
   Before investing the time and money into creating a social media presence, it’s important to reflect on your business goals. What are your marketing objectives and how can social media help you to achieve them
   
   Once you’ve determined that a social media endeavor is the right strategy to achieve your goals, define the key metrics to measure the success of this venture.  Are you generating brand awareness? Consider tracking metrics like shares and re-posts. Is your goal to generate leads? Make sure to have a plan to track the leads you get back to social media, either on your website or through a customer survey. For insights and inspiration, look to blogs by Orlando agencies Findsome & Winmore, Designzillas and Gravitational Marketing, which are full of social media tips, tricks and tactics.
   
   
2. Become a thought leader
   
   Running a business means you are an expert in your field - and social media is a great way to build your credibility. Provide your audience with valuable and relevant information they typically wouldn’t know where to find. Focus on creating posts and content that your audience cares about, even if it is not directly related to your product or services.
   
   Some brands also do a great job of providing customer service on social media. For example, the official Twitter account of Orlando International Airport (MCO) provides flight and weather updates, travel tips and responds to customers in real time. Think about how you can use social media to add an extra layer of customer service to your business.
   
   
3. Show, don’t tell
   
   The old idiom “a picture is worth 1000 words” is even more true on social media. That’s why platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are so popular. Use the platforms to showcase photography that represents your brand.
   
   For a well-curated Instagram account, check out The Ravenous Pig and Gideon’s Bakehouse on Instagram. Apps like Layout for Instagram can be helpful when curating a visually pleasing Instagram feed.
   
   
4. Reach out to influencers
   
   Social media influencers harness the public’s interest in their personal lives to become a new form of salesperson. The trust they develop with their followers lends weight to their endorsements. It’s like celebrity endorsement, but generally cheaper and more effective.
   
   Reach out to influencers in your industry or local community by offering them a free service or trial of your product to get their support for your business. Check out local businesses Statusphere and IZEA that help brands partner with appropriate influencers.
   
   
5. Empower employee advocacy
   
   Every employee can be an ambassador for your brand. If you sum the social media following of all your employees, it is probably greater than the following of your company pages. Encourage employees to use their platforms to share company news and information with their audiences. You can even incentivize employees who participate with gift vouchers to local restaurants or attractions.
   
   Platforms such as Social Reacher efficiently disseminate information, and track activities towards incentive programs for no cost to organizations with fewer than 50 participants.

Establishing your social media presence doesn’t have to be a dauting task. These tips will help small business owners tackle social media strategically. Take advantage of your scale and get creative with how and where you present your brand and engage with your customers.  

There's never been a better time to do business with Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). With the completion of Phase I of Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) new South Terminal C Airport People Mover (APM) and Intermodal Terminal Facility (ITF), a huge opportunity exists for small businesses in the seven-county Orlando region to benefit from the large-scale construction projects. GOAA wants small businesses to know how they can work with the airport.

The opportunity for small businesses to reach regional, national and international consumers is immense. MCO is one of the busiest airports in the country, and the busiest in Florida. The latest Airport’s Council International (ACI) rankings recognized MCO as No. 1 in Florida, No. 11 in the country and No. 39 in the world. It’s also the third fastest growing airport in the United States, with 47 million total passengers so far this year.

George I. Morning, Director of the Small Business Development Department at GOAA, cited the power of partnerships with small businesses as having the greatest impact on the Orlando region. “With your help and support we will reap dividends that will grow our community and better our economy.”

These dividends are already being realized. Of the more than half a billion dollars awarded for the large-scale construction projects at South Terminal C, an impact study found that nearly 32 percent of the total value went to small businesses. The projected total economic impact of the project for Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole Florida counties will be the support of 4,342 jobs, translating to more than $660 million total economic output and $20 million in state and local tax revenue.

Carolyn Fennell, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations for GOAA, reiterated the importance of partnerships for the project. “We acknowledge the importance we place on small business and how it impacts everything we do. We can only grow with relationships and participation.”

GOAA is undergoing a massive capital expansion and redevelopment campaign that may approximate over three billion dollars between FY 2015 and 2020. For those interested in learning more about doing business with GOAA, please visit www.orlandoairports.net/airport-business.