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AWARDS SEASON IS UPON US
This time of year is one of glitz, glamour and awards, especially in Hollywood. Here in Winter Park we have our own awards season, which began last week at the State of the City Luncheon presented by Waste Pro. Mayor Ken Bradley delivered his final State of the City Address and the City recognized its employees of the year. You can find more photos from the event on our Facebook page.
Awards season continues tonight with The Ovations Awards Ceremony presented by CenturyLink. The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Park Avenue Merchants Association and Winter Park/Maitland Observer will honor the finalists and award winners in 50 different categories. Join us at the Winter Park Welcome Center from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. as we celebrate many of the businesses that make our community so exceptional! The cost to attend is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. The event includes appetizers, drinks and networking as well. For more information or to view a list of nominees, click here.
Then, make plans to attend Membership Awards Celebration presented by CenturyLink and HUB International Florida Kuykendall Gardner on Friday, February 6. We'll gather at The Alfond Inn to pay tribute to businesses and volunteers who help make our organization thrive. The evening will also honor David McGuffin, President/CEO at the Mayflower Retirement Community, as the Lydia Gardner Citizen of the Year award recipient. Tickets are selling quickly for this gala event, so purchase your seat now to be part of the celebration. Click here to RSVP now.
Congratulations to all of our award winners and nominees listed below. We're looking forward to a terrific Membership Awards Celebration!
LYDIA GARDNER CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
David McGuffin, The Mayflower Retirement Community
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
Rotary Club of Winter Park Charitable Foundation, Inc.
WINTER PARK CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Winter Park Health Foundation
CHAMBER HERO
Steve Mathes, Facilities Management, City of Winter Park
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR
Charlene Hotaling, Floridian Bank
Antje Pepper, Firewall Computer Services
Charlie Brenner, C. Brenner, Inc.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Orlando Health
Full Sail University
Florida Distributing Co.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Think Creative, Inc.
Strombeck Consulting CPAs
Cocina 214
CHAIRMAN OF THE YEAR
Tris Filliez, Leading Edge Title
Baxter Mathews, Florida Frame House and Gallery
Lou Nimkoff, Brio Properties
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Kim Layton, Centennial Bank
Saundra Hester, Rollins College
Tom McMacken
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CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States based on access lines. The company provides broadband, (Prism and Direct TV) cable alternatives, and voice and wireless services to consumers in 37 states. We also provide data and voice services to business, government and wholesale customers in local, national and select international markets through our fiber optic network and data centers. Our customers range from Fortune 500 companies in some of the country's largest cities to families living in rural America.
Although CenturyLink has been through many name changes over the years, it has strong roots in the Central Florida area. In 1910, the company was started in Winter Park by Carl Hill Galloway. Later under his son Joe's leadership, Winter Park Telephone became known as the leader in the independent telephone industry through its many innovations. Today, the CenturyLink Southern Regional Headquarters is located in Apopka, with business offices residing in Winter Park.
CenturyLink Central Florida includes more than 2,300 employees who are actively involved in the communities we serve. A core belief of CenturyLink is that companies have an obligation to improve the quality of life where they do business. CenturyLink contributes to a range of local events and philanthropic organizations and is a major contributor to the United Way and heavily involved in food drive programs for the area.
Approximately 49,000 employees service about 15.4 million access lines, 5.3 million high-speed Internet customers, 1.1 million wireless customers and 1.6 million satellite TV customers. Headquartered in Monroe, La., CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America's largest corporations.
CenturyLink believes in connecting people to what matters most - each other. That's why as a leader in broadband, video and voice communications. We work hard to make your connections more accessible, more affordable and less complicated. See what we can do for you at www.centurylink.com.
Chamber Trustees help provide a strong foundation for the Chamber to develop, promote and sustain a thriving business climate.Click here to learn more about our Chamber Trustees and how your company can enhance its membership through this unique program.
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Thursday, January 22; 5:30 p.m.
Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
See who gets a feather in their cap! Join us as we recognize the nominees and winners for the 2015 Ovations Awards with our partners at Winter Park/Maitland Observer. Cost: $5 Members / $15 Non-members at the door.
Thursday, February 5; 5 - 8 p.m.
Park Avenue
Experience the charm and romance of Park Avenue on this uniquely Winter Park wine walk. Spend the evening visiting your favorite Park Avenue area shops and restaurants. Discover new merchants, check out the latest fashions, gift ideas and seasonal menu items and enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres along the way. Cost: $25. Click here to register. Supported by: Fannie Hillman + Associates, Florida Community Bank, Florida Distributing Company and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Our annual awards dinner is a tribute to the members and volunteers who make our organization and community so exceptional. Join us as we honor David McGuffin, President/CEO, The Mayflower Retirement Community as our Citizen of the Year. Cost: $75 individuals. Limited seating available. Registration deadline is January 30. Click here to register. Event Partners: The Alfond Inn and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
Sunday, February 8; 4 - 6:30 p.m.
Central Park Main Stage
Enjoy an afternoon of music and romance in beautiful Central Park. In honor of the Bach Festival Society's 80th annual Bach Festival, members of the Bach Festival Choir will join Michael Andrew and Swingerhead for a first-of-its-kind performance. This free event is the ideal place to bring a picnic basket, spread out a blanket and spend the afternoon with your sweetheart on Park Avenue. Supported by:
310 Park South, AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust, LLC, Banfi Wines, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine,
City of Winter Park, Cocina 214, Harvill's Produce Co., Kendall & Kendall, Pannullo's Italian Restaurant, Pontell Insurance Group, Quantum Distributors, Jack Stringer, Southern Wine & Spirits of North Florida, Sysco Central Florida, The Landmark and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
Friday, February 13; 7:45 a.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hear from candidates seeking public office in the upcoming municipal elections during our mayor and city commission candidate forum. To submit questions for the candidates, please contact Patrick Chapin at pchapin@winterpark.org. Cost: Free and open to the public. Includes complimentary continental breakfast.
Supported by: Barnie's CoffeeKitchen, Costco Wholesale and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
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Leadership Winter Park identifies and promotes potential leaders who desire to become involved in making a difference in Winter Park. Programs offered for youth and adults.
Curriculum Planning
Thursday, January 29
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce conference room
Class XXV Government Day
Thursday, February 12
CLASS XXVI
Applications are now available for the next best class. Do you have a friend, family member, co-worker or colleague that would make a great Leadership Winter Park candidate? Download a copy of the application here.
YOUTH LEADERS
Calling all rising sophomores, junior and seniors! Youth Leaders Class XV is now accepting applications for summer 2015. Two sessions will be offered, one in June and one in July. For more information and to download an application, please click here.
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Park Avenue Merchants Association
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The Park Avenue Merchants Association consists of Central Business District merchants and non-retail members committed to the betterment of the Park Avenue area.
PAMA Meet and Greet
Wednesday, January 28; 5:30 p.m.
The Alfond Inn
Join us to reflect on our accomplishments in 2014, review our goals for 2015 and network with fellow business owners on Park Avenue. Appetizers and refreshments will be served compliments of The Alfond Inn. The event is free to attend. RSVP to Sarah Grafton at sarah_grafton@ml.com.
Earth Day Celebration
The City of Winter Park is hosting an Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 19, 2015 in Central Park. This event will highlight the City's ongoing commitment to sustainability initiatives and showcase eco-friendly products and services. The event will draw hundreds of people downtown on a Sunday afternoon and feature activities such as live music, games and activities for the entire family, an electric car show, recycling, food & beverages, information booths and a tree give-away!
Booth spaces are available for only $250 and can be purchased by all Winter Park businesses. However, Park Avenue Merchants & Association Members have first right of refusal through January 23, 2015. For more information or to reserve your space, contact LaWanda Jones, Event Manager at (954) 906-9065 or LaWanda.Jones@planaheadevents.com. Download more information here.
PAMA Marketing Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 5; 2:30 p.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce conference room
PAMA Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 10; 8:30 a.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce conference room
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Work Well Winter Park is a movement spearheaded by the Chamber to improve the health and well-being of the workforce in our community by creating lasting cultural change.
Healthy Recipes for the Big Game
Super Bowl Sunday is quickly approaching and we all know it's not just about the game - it's about the food. This year try turning some of your unhealthy Super Bowl favorites into delicious healthy alternatives. If you need some recipe ideas join Whole Foods Market for their twitter chat, The Big Game, on Thursday, January 29 from 6 - 7 p.m. Follow #WFMdish to get your menu game day ready.
Seasons 52 Park Ave. 5.2k Presented by Florida Hospital
Grab your co-workers, family & friends and sign up for the Seasons 52 Park Avenue 5.2k! To register or for more information, please visit www.trackshack.com.
When: Saturday, January 24, 2015
7:30 am: 5.2k (3.2 miles)
8:45 am: Healthy 100 Kids' Run
9:00 am: Awards Presentation
Note: Please plan to arrive 45 minutes to 1 hour early due to road closures and traffic congestion.
Where: Stage at Central Park
251 N. Park Ave.
Winter Park, FL 32789 (Corner of Garfield Ave and Park Avenue)
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NEW MEMBERS
The Chamber continues to add new members to its roster each week. The following have joined since January 7: Heartland Payment Systems, Jewels by Peter B and Sun Key Apartments - GreyStar. Learn more about our new members in our online membership directory.
REFER A POTENTIAL MEMBER, GET REWARDS
Do you have a client, friend or family member whose business or organization could benefit from membership in our organization? Our Referral Awards Program (RAP) will reward you for sending us a qualified lead. Download a referral form to earn a complimentary pass to an upcoming Business After Hours event.
MEMBER ORIENTATION
All new Chamber members or new staff members of existing members are invited to attend our monthly Member Orientation. This is a great way to connect with fellow members and Chamber staff, learn more about the organization and identify opportunities to maximize your membership. The next orientation is Wednesday, February 18, at 8:15 a.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center. A complimentary professional headshot is offered by Brion Price Photography and a continental breakfast is provided by AAA. RSVP to jrupert@winterpark.org.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Congratulations and welcome to Winter Park! Ribbon cutting photos are provided courtesy of Rick Zimmer from Absolute Photography, unless otherwise noted. You can view past ribbon cutting photos on our Facebook page. To schedule a ribbon cutting to celebrate your grand opening, contact Jay Rupert at jrupert@winterpark.org.
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Share your news with your fellow members! Submit information about new employees, awards and recognition, new products and services, special promotions and discounts for fellow members for inclusion. Submissions for the next edition of What's Up Wednesday are due by Monday, February 2. Send information to Erika Spence.
American Heart Association: Join the American Heart Association in its effort to raise awareness that heart disease and stroke kill one in three women. Wear red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 6, to speak out against this silent killer and show your support by posting to social media sites using #OrlandoGoesRed. Interested in signage, window clings, heart attack symptom cards or other promotional items for your office or store? Contact Meagan Mills at meagan.mills@heart.org or call 407-481-6305. Download a flyer here.
City of Winter Park: Georgetown University recently announced that the City of Winter Park has officially advanced to the semifinal round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP), a national competition that is challenging communities across the U.S. to rethink their energy use. At a press event in Washington, D.C., Winter Park was announced as one of just 50 communities across the nation that is leading the way on energy-efficiency. The $5 million prize competition challenges small- to medium-size towns, cities, and counties to rethink their energy use, and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency. To compete for the prize, local governments, residents, utilities and others will need to work together to demonstrate success in sustainably reducing energy consumption over a two-year period.
Cornell Fine Arts Museum: Join us to discuss contemporary works from our permanent collection, on view at The Alfond Inn. Tours are every Friday at 1:00 p.m.
Florida Department of Transportation: FDOT is gathering feedback from drivers around Orlando, with a particular focus on assessing possibilities to relieve congestion on Interstate 4. The study's purpose is to better understand current trip patterns and traveler preferences, which can inform future transportation planning decisions. If you would like to participate by giving your feedback in the questionnaire, please do so using the following link: http://surveyrsg.com/i14224?locale=en-us&anon=true&company=2. Please only complete the survey one time. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes. Your answers are confidential and will be only be used by FDOT, and no personal information is required. This study is being conducted for FDOT by RSG, Inc., a national transportation market research firm. Thank you for helping improve transportation in Orlando.
Jewish Pavillion: Winter Park Chamber members interested in donating a gift basket, service or gift certificate in support of the upcoming Jewish Pavilion Gala can contact Nancy Ludin at 407-678-9363, or mail items to 421 Montgomery Road Suite 131 Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. Donations are a great way to feature your business to 250 people and all donors will be promoted in the gala tribute book given to all participants.
Krispy Kreme: Chocolate lovers rejoice! Krispy Kreme has combined the smooth taste of three delicious chocolate flavors into one scrumptious new chocolate treat. The Krispy Kreme Triple Chocolate doughnut features decadent dark chocolate Kreme™ filling, topped with milk chocolate icing and finished with mini chocolate chips and a white chocolate ganache drizzle. This sensational taste experience is available for a limited time now through January 25, 2015.
Rollins College: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has selected Rollins College to receive the 2015 Community Engagement Classification, a national recognition that highlights the College's longtime commitment to community engagement. Rollins was originally awarded the designation in 2008 and is one of only 361 institutions so designated worldwide. It is one of only 157 that received re-classification this year.
The Alfond Inn: Romance is in the air! To mark the approach of Valentine's Day, The Alfond Inn is offering a From the Heart package, designed as a two-night romantic getaway aimed at couples celebrating their engagement, remembering their wedding anniversary or simply reconnecting with their special someone. From the bottle of champagne that awaits in the room to the Chef's Four Course Tasting Menu for two at the popular Hamilton's Kitchen restaurant, it's a memorable getaway in a beautiful Florida haven. For more information call 407-998-8090.
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Share information about your upcoming events with your fellow members! Grand openings, seminars, gallery openings, performances, charitable fundraisers and community events are welcome. Submissions for the next edition of What's Up Wednesday are due by Monday, February 2. Send information to Erika Spence.
Electronics Recycling Event
Saturday, January 24; 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
A Gift For Teaching, 6501 Magic Way, Bldg. 400C, Orlando, FL 32809
Out with the old and in with the new! Bring in your personal used electronics and A1 Assets will recycle your items, which will then turn into cash to provide essential learning tools! Items such as computers, laptops, cell phones, office equipment, PDA's, circuit boards, etc.. can be accepted. There will be a $2 charge per CRT Monitor. A1 Assets is committed to data security and will wipe all sensitive data from hard drives in accordance with The National Institute Standards and Technology guidelines and organizational best practices, so you can feel secure when donating.
The Lemonade Stand Starring Cathy Merkel-Roddy
Wednesday, January 28; 7:30 p.m.
Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Avenue, Suite C, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series will feature veteran entertainer Cathy Merkel-Roddy, performing her newest solo cabaret entitled, The Lemonade Stand. The Lemonade Stand will weave stories of Cathy's exciting life and career with an assortment of musical standards, Broadway favorites and popular hit songs that all share a common theme - hope. Call the box office for tickets at 407-645-0145 or purchase online at www.winterparkplayhouse.org.
Economic Outlook: Growing Your Business in 2015
Thursday, January 29; 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
DoubleTree Orlando Downtown, 60 South Ivanhoe Boulevard Orlando FL 32804
Join Orlando Business Journal and FAIRWINDS Credit Union as we dive into the state of Central Florida's economy and how it might impact your business in 2015. We'll ask our panel of industry experts about the current opportunities, challenges and strategies for successful economic development in today's business environment. Additional details may be found at www.bizjournals.com/orlando/event.
Maya Lin - A History of Water
Thursday, January 29, 2015 - 7 p.m. public lecture; 8 p.m. public viewing
Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Famed designer of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Memorials, Maya Lin will discuss her current focus on bringing issues of biodiversity and habitat loss to the forefront. This Winter Park Institute event is in coordination with the Orlando Museum of Art, and a viewing of her exhibition will follow the lecture.
Jeremy Denk, piano
Friday, January 30, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins College
The winner of a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship and the prestigious Avery Fisher prize, Denk is one of today's most compelling artists. Praised by The New York Times "both for his penetrating intellectual engagement with the music and for the generosity of his playing." Tickets are $35-$50 and can be purchased at www.bachfestivalflorida.org and by calling 407-646-2182.
West End Craft Fair @ Hannibal Square
Saturday, January 31; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Winter Park Community Center - Shady Park
Come on out to Hannibal Square's monthly craft fair. There will be a large selection of tables with lots of one-of-a-kind items crafted by local artisans. While you're there, find that unique Valentine's gift for your sweetheart! Details at www.hannibalsquare.com.
Ayaka Yonetani at the Polasek
Sunday, February 1; 2:00 p.m.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Internationally acclaimed violinist, Dr. Ayaka Yonetani, will perform the second concert of the Museum's 9th annual Chamber Concert Series with guest musician, Kenneth Kuo. Mr. Kuo is a highly accomplished cellist who has performed in prestigious venues around the world, including a performance for the President of Taiwan. Held in the elegant salon of the Polasek residence, concert-goers experience acoustic perfection in an intimate setting followed by a private reception. Reserve your ticket by calling 407-647-6294 or visit www.polasek.org.
Winter With the Writers - Sapphire
Thursday, February 5; 7:30 p.m.
Bush Auditorium at Rollins College
Best-selling novelist Sapphire's works speak to issues of overcoming adversity and empowerment. She will share a reading, on-stage interview and book signing. The event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited. For more information, visit www.rollins.edu/winterwiththewriters.
Smart Aging Health Fair
Friday, February 13; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00
Maitland Civic Center, 641 S. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
Visit with over 30 professional agencies and learn about area health programs. Take advantage of health screenings, plus FREE admission, parking and refreshments. Call the Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center for more information at 407-843-1910.
The Great Duck Derby
Saturday, February 28; 10a.m. - 2 p.m. (Gates open at 9:30)
Mead Botanical Garden, 1300 S. Denning Dr., Winter Park, FL 32789
The Great Duck Derby, featuring little yellow rubber duck races in Alice's Pond, along with a variety of other fun activities, is a "quacktacular" way to spend a Saturday. Duck adoptions take place at the Winter Park Farmer's Market on Saturday, February 21, and at the Garden on Derby day. A single duck adoption is $5, or you can adopt five ducks in a Quack Pack for $20! Supplies will be available on Derby day so you can "duck-o-rate" your duck to get it ready for the race! T-shirts, duck whistles and food, drinks and sweet treats from local food trucks will be available on site for purchase. Details and sponsorship opportunities at www.meadgarden.org/great-duck-derby.
The J Ball
Saturday, March 7; 7 - 10 p.m.
Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
The Roth Family Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando's largest annual fundraiser, featuring entertainment, food stations, open bar and silent auction. The evening will honor community leaders, Susie & Ed Kleiman, Pearl & Howard Lefkowitz, and their families. For tickets and information call 407-621-4042 or visit www.orlandojcc.org.
2015 Man & Woman of the Year
Friday, May 8; 6:00 p.m.
The Waldorf Astoria at Bonnet Creek, 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821
The Man & Woman of the Year competition is a national campaign with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that helps to fund blood cancer research and provide financial assistance to blood cancer patients and their families. In communities across the country, dynamic, passionate people are engaged in a spirited competition. Candidates compete for the most votes, one vote equals $1. The man and woman who raise the most funds are named the Man & Woman of the Year in each city. More information at www.mwoy.org/ncfl.
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