Detailed Committee Descriptions

Ambassadors         Back to Top
Chair – Heather Baker, State Farm Insurance

Mission:
To serve as official hosts of the Chamber of Commerce at ribbon cuttings, open houses, Chamber spotlight events, Business After Hours, Membership Luncheons and other Chamber functions.

This program has an application and selection process to join.

Reoccurring Monthly Meeting:
3rd Wednesday of the month, 9:00 am at the Chamber Office

2010 Ambassadors:
Heather Baker, Janet Crossfield, Steve Deviese, Janet Green, Nikki Francis, Chris Hammett, Kathy Hopper, Mary Francis Mancuso, Frank Mannina, Robin McEwan, Bernie Moro, Theresa Mott, Phyllis Olmstead, Carmen Ruiz, Marv Suriff

“How do I become an Ambassador?” Download PDF

Beautification         Back to Top
Chair – Terry Levesque, All Seasons Pest Control

Mission:
This committee encourages local businesses to keep their property looking its best in order to protect the unique beauty of NW Orange County. The committee awards a monthly Beautification Award to a local business that shows continued excellence in keeping the property looking its best. The committee also encourages businesses to conserve natural resources and awards a quarterly Conservation Award to a Chamber member that incorporates the best conservation practices in their business.

The committee is also working to plan a large event that will showcase businesses and products that conserve energy and water, promote "green" products and services and other natural and organic products.

Reoccurring Monthly Meeting:
1st Thursday of the month, 9:00 am at the Chamber Office

Beautification Award Winners
Nov. 2010 Child Star Academy		August 2010 Dunkin Donuts Baskin Robbins		July 2010 Soft Touch Family Dentistry

Economic Development          Back to Top

Mission:
The economic development committee works closely with local and regional organizations to promote the development of a positive economic climate for all of NW Orange County.

The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce is an investor in the Metro-Orlando Economic Development Commission and works closely with EDC staff as well with local and county leaders to assist in the promotion of NW Orange County as a great place to do business.

Contact the Chamber for meeting dates and times

Education         Back to Top
Chair - Shannon Blake, Dream Lake Elementary

Mission:
This committee works closely with local schools and foster stronger relationships between businesses, educators and students. The committee creates a “wish list” of supplies needed for our area school.

The committee also plans the annual Teachers’ Appreciation Reception, Adam Stratton Memorial 5K Run, and The Student Citizenship Awards Program.

Reoccurring Monthly Meeting:
3rd Thursday of the month, 3:30 pm at the Chamber Office

Generating Revenue          Back to Top
Chair – Brian Furgala - GrayRobinson Attorneys-at-Law

Mission:
This committee works to develop non-dues revenue opportunitites for the Chamber such as new fundraising events and sponsorship opportunitites. The committee also reviews current Chamber activities to maximize and enhance revenue opportunities.

Contact the Chamber for meeting times and location

Issues & Government Affairs          Back to Top
Chair – Jim Dombrowski, Stillwater Technologies

Mission:
This committee represents the issues of the business community to local, regional and state elected officials. The committee produces the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda that is presented to local, regional and state elected officials with specific action desired by local businesses.

The committee also plans the Chamber’s Hob Nob event which gives candidates for various political offices a chance to interact one on one with area voters and includes a straw poll to gauge local opinion on various candidates and issues.

The committee is also involved in the creation and management of the Apopka Area Political Alliance, a PAC formed under Florida election law which allows members to interview and decide on potential endorsements of political candidates for public office.

Reoccurring Monthly Meeting:
1st Thursday of the Month, 4:00 pm at the Chamber Office

Membership Committee          Back to Top
Chair - Rodney Douglas, D&G General Contracting

Mission:
This committee works to bring new businesses into the Chamber so the Chamber can work to be the catalyst for their success. The committee also reviews the programs and services provided by the Chamber to ensure members are receiving value for their investment in the Chamber and ulitmately remain Chamber members.

Reoccurring Monthly Meeting:
3rd Wednesday of the Month, 10:00 am at the Chamber Office

Programs          Back to Top
Chair - Verbelee Nielson-Swanson, Florida Hospital

Mission:
The program committee works to identify and schedule speakers for Chamber events that will educate and entertain event attendees.

Contact the Chamber for meeting times and location