Chamber Blog

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 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.

"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.

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

GRAND OPENING
Monday, March 5, 2018
9:45 - 10:15 a.m.
1174 S. Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL 32839

To celebrate the Grand Opening of Orlando's newest Arby's, Arby's will be giving away free meals

for one year to the first 50 eligible guests when doors open at 10 a.m. on March 5.

For official rules, visit www.arbys.com/club50.

Additionally, the Arby's Foundation will donate the purchase price of each kids' meal sold

during the first four weeks following opening day to Metrowest Elementary as part of its Give Back Program.

Questions? Contact Misti Montesano, Area Supervisor, sbryan@arbys.com

The 2018 Florida GovCon Summit with Veteran Connections Track will be held on Wednesday, February 28 and Thursday, March 1 at the Ballroom at Church Street located at 225 S. Garland Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. This two-day conference will feature a myriad of sessions led by subject matter experts including these Orlando Regional Chamber Board Members:

• Lt. Gen. Thomas L. Baptiste, USAF Retired, President and CEO of the National Center for Simulation
  Topic: Orlando/Central the EpiCenter of the World Modeling Simulation and Training
  
  
• Bill “Roto” Reuter, US Navy Retired, President and CEO of R-Squared Solutions, Inc.
  Topic: The Brutal Truth of Customer Engagement
  
  
• Jeff Piersall, CEO of SCB Marketing, Freedom Thru Ethical Capitalism
  Topic: Freedom through Ethical Capitalism

Special Invitation for Orlando Chamber Members
As a member of the Orlando Regional Chamber, you are invited to attend Orlando Chamber Board Member, Jeff Piersall’s closing keynote session and opening night reception on Wednesday, February 28 from 5-7 p.m. at a special discounted rate. Click here to register for this closing session at the Orlando Chamber member rate of $25.

For more information and complete conference details or to register for the full summit, click here.

Employment Technologies helps businesses select only the best candidates for employment – offering the most real-world and immersive assessment experiences possible. Owner-operated by Orlando residents Joseph and Eugenia Sefcik, Employment Technologies was founded in 1995. An unprecedented five-time national Top HR Product of the Year Award recipient, the company provides proven solutions in all phases of the HR process, including job simulations, realistic job previews, employment branding, online interview tools and onboarding guides.

From its first days, Employment Technologies has demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of the company’s employees. For several years, the company has been named to the Orlando Business Journal’s Best Places to Work list for small companies. Service to the community is another core value of the company. More than 400 at-risk youth in our community have received scholarships to attend a transformative summer camp, and company president Joseph Sefcik serves on the board of The Jobs Partnership of Florida.

As a member of the Orlando Regional Chamber and the Orlando Economic Partnership, we know this is a wise investment – to help tell the story of Orlando's other half. Innovative programs and services give the region a competitive advantage, especially on the international stage. Employment Technologies staff that participate in signature events always report gaining a broader vision for what Orlando has to offer as well as an ever-growing appreciation for the talent in our midst. The team at Employment Technologies is proud to be recognized as the Orlando Chamber’s Member of the Month and welcomes fellow members to its office in Winter Park to discuss how new technologies can be used to create Hire Confidence®.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018
4 - 7 p.m. | Ribbon Cutting at 5:30 p.m.
12001 Science Drive, Suite 100
Orlando, FL

Open house of DaVita Alafaya Dialysis' new facility in Orlando!

Enjoy refreshments, tour the center and get to know the personalized care team.

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

Tuesday, February 20, 2018
10 - 11:30 a.m.
2902 N. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL

OneBlood is having a grand opening celebration for its Orlando, Orange Avenue Donor Center.
Stop by and see the new location, meet the wonderful staff and learn more about
how you can share your power to save lives by donating blood.

Festivities start at 10 a.m.

Food and refreshments will be provided.

Questions? Contact Neasha Hodge, Marketing Administrator, neasha.hodge@oneblood.org

Wednesday, February 14, 2018
6:30 a.m.
8190 Laura Lane
Champions Gate, FL
407.479.2961

Grand Opening!

Join Panera Bread on Wednesday, February 14 at its NEW Panera Bread bakery-café with a drive-thru!

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

The Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for January 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.

Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership) announces the hiring of John F. Davis as the new Executive Vice President of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Partnership focused on serving the growing needs of businesses and entrepreneurs. Davis will manage the strategic and operational goals of the Five-Star Chamber beginning in February.

Davis joins the Partnership after serving as the President of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF) since 2014. There he led the efforts to amplify AACCCF’s mission and fostered success by advocating on behalf of its members, corporate partners and the community at large. He dramatically expanded the Chamber’s membership while also focusing on training and development of business professionals.

“John Davis has a proven track record as a leader in both the public and private sector, and he will help advance the goals of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce,” said Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership. “AACCCF has been a long-time partner of ours and Davis’ leadership will continue to serve as a bridge between both organizations.”

Prior to his role at AACCCF, Davis was the External Affairs Director for Florida’s Department of Children and Families. He was also among the top leadership within the Republican Party of Florida and served as the Deputy Executive Director of Operations, the highest-ranking African American in the history of the State Party, prior to starting his own business and serving as the President of JFD Consulting Group, a political consulting agency.

Early in his career, Davis co-founded ProStyle Training, a fitness company designed to give clients the experience of training like a professional athlete. This endeavor was the product of years on the football field, first as a high school All-American player, and later Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science on a full scholarship.

“Davis’ rich background as an entrepreneur, business executive and community leader provides a solid foundation of skills critical to connecting and building our business community so that it can grow and thrive, ultimately generating jobs and boosting our region’s economic potential,” said Angela Alban, president and CEO of Simetri, Inc. and Chair of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“As the organization charged with leading the efforts to foster economic success for African American-owned businesses and the African American business community in Central Florida, we couldn’t be more proud of Davis’ work to further our mission and vision over the past four years,” said Joyce Odongo, vice president of senior community development at Wells Fargo Bank and Chair of the AACCCF Board of Directors. “We will continue to work with John on initiatives and programs that serve to fulfill our vision for a better future.”

Davis also lends his leadership talents to numerous organizations including CareerSource Central Florida, the Commission on Community Service and Heart of Florida United Way.  He also serves on the Chronic Homelessness Committee and is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Florida State University Black Alumni Association and Southside Church of Christ.

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 Central Florida's seven counties – Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia – as well as the City of Orlando. The Partnership was formed from the merger of the Central Florida Partnership and the Orlando Economic Development Commission. For more information, visit www.Orlando.org.

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is a membership organization serving public, private, and not-for-profit African American-owned businesses and organizations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. The chamber is the principal advocate and preeminent leader in fostering economic success for African American-owned businesses and community in Central Florida. For more information, visit www.blackcommerce.org.

Leadership Orlando presented UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White in 2018’s first Listening to Leaders series event of the year.

Since Danny White was named Vice President and Director of Athletics at UCF in the fall of 2015, the UCF Knights have seen great success in competition, in the classroom and in the community.

Under Danny's leadership, many of UCF's sports programs experienced complete turnarounds resulting in winning seasons. Most notably is its football program that went from winless in 2015 to six victories and a bowl game appearance in 2016 to a perfect 13-0 season in 2017, including a Peach Bowl victory over the No. 7 ranked Auburn Tigers. The Knights ended the season as the only undefeated team in the nation.

Football isn’t the only success story since Danny White arrived in Orlando. Last year, based on a number of postseason appearances, 2016-17 was the most successful year in UCF’s NCAA Division I history. Eleven of UCF’s 16 programs made postseason appearances and this year is looking to be just as successful.

The women’s soccer team is ranked in the Top 10, the men’s soccer program reached the American Athletic Conference Championship match in head coach Scott Calabrese’s first season at the helm. The men’s basketball team improved by a dozen victories last year and advanced to the NIT Final Four under head coach Johnny Dawkins; the women’s basketball team advanced to the WNIT under head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson; the men’s tennis team advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2017 for the first time since 2005 under head coach John Roddick; the baseball team won the 2017 American Athletic Conference regular season title and played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012 under head coach Greg Lovelady. Each of the aforementioned coaches were hired by Danny White.

Last year, UCF Athletics brought in $17 million in corporate sponsorships and fundraising, setting a university record. According to Danny, “We need to keep breaking that record each year to get to where we need to be.”

When asked about his top priorities, Danny replied, “We are in the business to develop student athletes as people, as students, as athletes. It starts with people first.” He went on to say, “It’s bigger than the individual. It’s bigger than the team. It’s about the UCF brand.”

Danny White was one of Sports Business Journal's 2017 40 Under 40 award winners and was also recognized as one of 2017’s 50 most powerful people in Orlando by Orlando Magazine.

Click here to view photos from this event.

About Listening to Leaders
Listening to Leaders is a series of forums designed to continue the learning experience that started with Leadership Orlando. Speakers will offer insights into the practices that have helped them achieve success in their fields, define the leadership lessons taught in their segments of the community, and offer suggestions on strategies that attendees can use to become better leaders.

About Leadership Orlando
Developing regional leaders is important to the future success of the Central Florida region. That is why regional leadership is a primary line of business for the Orlando Economic Partnership. With proven success since 1975, Leadership Orlando, America's largest community leadership program, continues to recruit, cultivate and encourage emerging and established leaders to better serve the Central Florida Region.

Learn more about Leadership Orlando here, or contact Lisa Winkelbauer for more information.

Friday, February 23, 2018
4 - 7 p.m.
609 E. Central Blvd.
Orlando, FL

Century 21 Carioti is officially in downtown Orlando!
Join them in celebrating the grand opening of its downtown location on February 23rd. at 4 p.m.

Tour the new location, meet their agents, have a chance to win a raffle and enjoy entertainment.

Questions? Contact Monica Phu, monicaphu@century21.com

Thursday, February 22, 2018
8:30 a.m.
16418 New Independence Pkwy., Suite 100
Winter Garden, FL

Axiom Bank, a leading community bank headquartered in Central Florida, is expanding its presence with a new freestanding branch
at 16418 New Independence Parkway, Suite 100 in Winter Garden’s Hamlin community. The grand opening is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

The nearly 2,000-square-foot, open-design facility features advanced banking technology including teller pods, instant-issue debit cards and tablet software.
In addition, the branch features a community lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi, local premium coffee and a community table available for meet-ups or work space.

“Winter Garden’s tremendous growth in recent years presents an ideal opportunity to reach residents who are seeking new banking options.
We look forward to serving our neighbors with a community-focused, values-oriented approach.”
-- Daniel Davis, President and CEO

“As a Winter Garden resident, I’ve seen our area gain momentum with new commercial and residential
developments and corresponding job growth. We’re eager for Axiom to join this vibrant community.”
-- Jessica V. Ludvigsen, Senior Vice President of Retail Banking 

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Kate Quinones, katequinones@costacg.com.

Beacon College, a nonprofit liberal arts college in Leesburg, is America’s first college or university accredited to award bachelor’s degrees primarily to students with learning disabilities, ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences.

The college will officially open a newly constructed dormitory this year. It is also in the thick of its inaugural season of the Beacon Salon Speaker Series. And, soon Beacon College will bid arrivederci to its second class of students headed to Prato, Italy for what is believed to be the first semester-long global education program for students who learn differently.

Chamber membership has allowed Beacon to share the motivational success stories of its students who struggle with learning differences and educate the region about the school’s unique mission.

Moreover, Beacon College has vigorously leveraged membership to develop relationships and lay foundations for partnerships with a string of regional businesses and organizations.

Orlando Regional Chamber members are the foundation of everything the Chamber does. Members that have exemplified commitment, engagement and outstanding support of the chamber and the community are nominated by the Chamber team for special recognition as our Member of the Month.

The Orlando Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome the following new members for November and December 2017. 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.