Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

April/2011

VOLUME 47 issue 4

Chamber Header

Nicholas Schommer

Chairman

Dear Chamber Members:

The Chamber had a good March with all of its race activities. The Taste of the Race, Circle of Speed, and especially the Ride the Racetrack were fun events for the community and helped kick off another exciting 12 Hours of Sebring Race. I hope you partook of the events and, if so, that you enjoyed them.

We are on the cusp of a new era at the Chamber with Greg departing for his new undertaking at the YMCA. Once again, I wish him well. The Chamber will bring on board a new CEO who you should have an opportunity to meet at our April 14th luncheon at Bella Vista. So make plans to attend that
luncheon and give your well wishes to our new CEO.

I hope all the Chamber members will continue to give the new CEO the same excellent support you have given Greg. We hope to continue with the excellent support to our members through the efforts of our new CEO. I look forward to the continuation of exciting times for the Chamber.

[A Final Message]
From the Desk of Greg

Greg Harris, President

It has been a Great RIDE!

I can't begin to express my gratitude for the opportunity to lead such an AWESOME organization as this Chamber. The friends I've made, the members we've gained, the fun we had will be memories that I will cherish the rest of my life. Your support and confidence has taken this Chamber to new heights and for that, I am grateful. This 96 year old institution is healthier than it has been in a very long time!

As I leave to take on new challenges (I expect to see each of you at the YMCA!), you will usher in a new CEO that has tremendous drive, energy, passion and talent to lead your Chamber to the next level. Continue to support the Chamber, get involved and I'll see you at the next Luncheon and Mixer!

Thanks for allowing me to have the Best Job in the World!!!

You're AWESOME!!!!!

Greg

Chamber Luncheon

Greg and Ben Collins, SMS Student of the Month

This month's luncheon was sponsored by Highlands Regional Medical Center.

Steve Nyhan, Director of Marketing for the hospital, spoke about the importance of networking and using the Chamber of Commerce to its fullest potential for your business!

Thanks, Steve, for the very informative presentation, and to Highlands Regional Medical Center for their continued support of our Chamber!

Leila recognizes exceptional students

Monthly Mixer

The Tri-Chamber mixer this month was at The Highlands Little Theatre's Drs. Thakkar Pavilion.

Tri-Chamber Mixer1

Tri-Mixer 2
We all wanted to see the new improvements to the facility, including the McCollum Stage. The new stage was the perfect setting for event!

Thanks to Vanessa and all the great actors that made the mixer such a success!

Circle of Speed

The Circle of Speed was held on March 3 from 3-9pm around the downtown circle. All who attended enjoyed brats and beer and music!! There was a good turnout of race cars from the track for everyone to walk around and see!

Thanks to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office for escorting the cars to and from the track. Thanks to Mike Swaine for arranging the cars and for all that attended!

Taste of the Race

Car enthusiasts enjoyed lunch, as well as vintage and historic race cars from the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association at The Taste of the Race held Thursday, March 18 in the Circle in downtown Sebring.

Taste of Race1 Among the food vendors were: The Palms of Sebring that sold $1 tacos, Woody's Bar-B-Q that served half-slabs of ribs, Florida Land Partners that had hamburgers, and the Sebring Noon Rotary Club which served pulled pork and brisket. A great time was had by all!

Taste of Race2

Taste of Race3

Ride the Racetrack

The 18th Annual Ride the Racetrack, sponsored by MidFlorida Federal Credit Union and Skip Barber Racing, was held Sunday March 13 from 10am-3pm. There were over 300 tickets sold and tons of fun for the race enthusiasts!!

Ride the Track 1 George Ippolito from G Anthony Entertainment was on hand to take pictures as well as WWOJ's John Meader and Barry Foster who did a live remote!!

Thanks to the AWESOME MidFlorida staff, The Sebring International Raceway, Tres and Michelle, Terry Earwood and Drivers and all the volunteers for making event AWESOME!!