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, Nikki Francis, Chris Hammett, Kathy Hopper, Kathleen Jackson, Mary Francis Mancuso, Frank Mannina, Robin McEwan, Bernie Moro, Theresa Mott, Phyllis Olmstead, Marv Suriff

“How do I become an Ambassador?” Download PDF

Beautification         Back to Top
Chair – Teresa 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 also plans our newest business event titled the Progress Energy Apopka Conservation Expo which offers local businesses a chance to highlight their conservation practices to local residents.

Reoccurring Monthly Meeting:
1st Thursday of the month, 9:00 am at the Chamber Office
Meets on an ad hoc basis to plan the conservation expo event

Beautification Award Winners
Dec. 2008 Farm Bureau Insurance		June 2008 Loomis Funeral Home		October 2008 Hope Community Center

Economic Development          Back to Top
Chair – Richard Belschner, Sperry Van Ness

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.

Reoccurring Monthly Meeting:
3rd Wednesday of the month, 2:00 pm at the Chamber Office

Education         Back to Top
Co-Chairs – Erin Weddington, Clay Springs Elementary & 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.

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

Events          Back to Top
Chair – David “Dexter” Chase, EBS Investigations

Mission:
This committee is planning a major regional event attracting attendees from across Central Florida to NW Orange County to highlight our area and promote local businesses. The committee also works to improve current Chamber events to maximize attendance and fundraising potential for the Chamber.

Contact the Chamber for meeting times and location

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

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

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