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News and events happening in Winter Park 
April 14 - May 5, 2015
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Chamber News
TASTE OF WINTER PARK IS TONIGHT

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce's annual showcase of local eateries has grown over the years to be known as "the ultimate foodie festival." The 30th Annual Taste of Winter Park presented by CenturyLink is expected to live up to the moniker on tonight, at the Winter Park Farmers' Market. More than 40 of the area's top chefs, bakers, caterers and confectioners are expected to participate.

 

taste

"Each year the Taste of Winter Park attracts residents and tourists alike to experience a unique pairing of fine food, drink and live music on a fun evening in downtown Winter Park," said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.
 

Guests' palettes will be tempted by a variety of cuisines as well as decadent desserts and refreshing beverages. In addition to the delicious dishes, guests will enjoy live entertainment by saxophonist Johnny Mag Sax. 

New for 2015, the Taste of Winter Park will hold a drawing of chance for a 2-person European cruise courtesy of GO Travel and Viking River Cruises, valued at $10,000, as well as a silent auction. The drawing will be held during the Taste of Winter Park event. The winner may select from a variety of 8-day/7-night itineraries embarking in November/December 2015. Tickets are available for $10 each, or three for $25. Must not be present to win. The silent auction will feature a variety of packages from Winter Park Chamber of Commerce members including sports, theater, dining and artwork.
 

The 30th Annual Taste of Winter Park will be held tonight, Wednesday, April 15, 2015, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Winter Park Farmers' Market, 200 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, 32789. Tickets are $45 at the door. 

 

Stay up-to-date with event details at www.facebook.com/tasteofwinterpark or @WinterParkTaste on Twitter. Participate in our live tweeting tonight with #WPTaste.
 

Featured Chamber Trustee

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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.
Upcoming Events
For more information on upcoming events, please visit the online events calendar or call (407) 644-8281.

30th Annual Taste of Winter Park presented by CenturyLink

Wednesday, April 15; 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Winter Park Farmers' Market, 200 W. New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Winter Park's ultimate foodie festival is back with an impressive menu of 40+ vendors, live music, silent auction and more! Enjoy unlimited food and beverage samples from the area's top chefs, bakers, caterers and confectioners. Enter the Taste of Winter Park raffle for a chance to win an 8-day/7-night cruise courtesy of Go Travel and Viking River Cruises (raffle prize details and official rules here). Event tickets:  $45 at the door. Raffle tickets: $10 each or 3/$25. Supported byBarefoot Wine & Bubbly, Acupuncture Fit, C & S Press, Central Florida Lifestyle, Dr. Drew Byrnes Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Edible Orlando, Ferrell Wealth Management, Ferrell & Kelly CPA's, Florida's Finest Linen Service, Full Sail University, Hunter Vision, Integrative Physical Medicine, Massey Communications, My House Fitness, Orlando Family Magazine, The Park Press, The Ivy,  Sysco Central Florida, UCF Athletics, Valencia College, WFTV Channel 9, Whole Foods Market Winter Park, Winter Park Magazine, Winter Park/Maitland Observer, Winter Park Village, WMMO 98.9 FM, WUCF 89.9 FM.

 

Small Business Education Series presented by Strombeck Consulting CPAs
Friday, April 17; 8:00 a.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W, Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 

Tired of long, drawn-out sales conversations and battling to have new customers 'trust' you? David Witter, Founder & CEO, Financial Harvest Wealth Advisors, and author, will share his knowledge from six years of working with, and speaking before, top 1% performing business owners and executives. Cost: Free for members / $10 non-members. Click here to register.

 

Expand Healthcare and End Cost Shift Business Briefing

Friday, April 24; 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Orlando, 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, FL 32804
Make plans to attend this Chamber Rally and show your support of the Comprehensive Healthcare Reform Legislation being advanced by Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders throughout Central Florida and the state. At this Business Briefing, we will hear from leaders from the public, private and Independent sectors; talking together about how we can better advance prosperity for working families. Cost: Free, lunch will be served. RSVP required. Click here to register.
Leadership Winter Park

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.

 

CLASS XXV

Class XXV Sports & Leisure Day

Thursday, May 14

 

Curriculum Planning
Thursday, April 30
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce conference room
 

CLASS XXVI

As Leadership Winter Park wraps up its 25th anniversary year, the program is actively seeking candidates for its next class beginning in September 2015. Are you looking to build new leadership skills, build long-lasting professional relationships and get an insiders' look at what makes our community tick? Consider joining over 700 Leadership Winter Park graduates as a member of Class XXVI. Download a copy of the application here. The application deadline is June 26. For more information contact Debra Hendrickson at 407-644-8281 x1698.

 

YOUTH LEADERS

Calling all rising sophomores, junior and seniors! Youth Leaders Class XV is now accepting applications for summer 2015. The application deadline has been extended to Friday, May 11! Two sessions will be offered, one in June and one in July. For more information and to download an application, please click here.

 

ALUMNI

Leadership Winter Park 25th Anniversary Gala presented by Orlando Health

Friday, May 15, 6 p.m.

The Alfond Inn, 300 E. New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Be part of our celebration! Join us as we look back on the last 25 years with dinner, drinks, dancing, a silent auction and a special Lifetime Achievement Award presentation. Tickets are now on sale for $75 individuals and $125 per couple. Reserve your tickets here. Supported by: Florida Blue, Mayflower Retirement Community, Rollins College and The Alfond Inn.

Park Avenue Merchants Association
The Park Avenue Merchants Association consists of Central Business District merchants and non-retail members committed to the betterment of the Park Avenue area.


Sign up for Sip, Shop & Stroll

Members of the Park Avenue Merchants Association can sign up to be a participating merchant in the next Sip, Shop and Stroll event on Thursday, June 11. Applications are due Friday, April 24 to be included on marketing materials. Download information here. Contact Kristen Quinones for more information. 

Work Well Winter Park

Work Well Winter Park

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.
 
 
Put Your Company in the Spotlight
The Orlando Sentinel's Top 100 Companies for Working Families program is accepting applications for its 22nd year of recognizing companies in Central Florida that demonstrate a core commitment to family and work/life balance.
The Top 100 application consists of a series of questions that looks at your core benefits, family-related benefits, work environment, communication, and training. The applications are then scored and ranked.

Click here to apply.  

There are THREE size categories:
  • 1-99 employees
  • 100-499 employees
  • 500 employees and above
The companies will be ranked by score from highest to lowest. The companies that represent the top 33% in each category will make up the Top 100. The companies with the highest score in each category are named Corporate Champion.
Membership Updates
NEW MEMBERS 
The Chamber continues to add new members to its roster each week. The following have joined since April 1: emax Consulting, LLC; Fastsigns Casselberry / Winter Park; Gravie; It's A Trap, LLC; Lucky Brand Jeans; Joseph F. Russo; Silverleaf Real Estate; Simply You ... by Stef; Smoothie King; Taylor & Mathis and Winter Park Republican Women. 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, April 22, 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 [email protected].
 
RIBBON CUTTINGS 
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 [email protected].

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
MEL Decor

Umi Japanese Restaurant


Member News
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, May 4. Send information to Erika Spence.

City of Winter Park: Your valuable input is needed to help the Economic Development Division understand the business challenges within the City of Winter Park and develop new business assistance programs. Please take a short survey by accessing: http://cityofwinterpark.org/edsurvey/ by May 1. If you would prefer a hard copy survey, please contact 407-599-3217.

 
It's A Trap! A Room Escape Adventure: Our company was recently featured in the Orlando Business Journal as an exciting new entertainment offering in Winter Park. We allow 8-16 people to be "trapped" in a fun and immersive room and they must solve puzzles and riddles, with the aid of an improv actor, to escape. We excel at team-building events for your company and are currently offering a 15% discount to Chamber members upon booking a corporate event. Learn more at www.itsatrapgame.com.


KHARE Inc. (Kreative Hearts Are Reaching Everyone)
: KHARE organization has a 501c3. We are here to support children in cultural arts and educational programs. KHARE will provide art-based activities as well as life-skill services, which will encourage our youths to embrace their uniqueness. Through different mediums such as music, video production, dance and fine arts, we are all inspired to be creative and become innovative thinkers. KHARE, Inc. welcomes dedicated and passionate board members who have a big heart for our children's growth. Join us! Contact Serena Cayce at 407-446-4164 or [email protected].

 

Orange County Clerk of Court: Beginning Friday, April 17 through Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days, customers can visit select Clerk's Office locations to pay fines and fees that have been sent to a collection agency while saving the 40 percent collection agency fee. Learn more here
 

Orange County Property Appraiser:
Our award-winning website has a new addition. Check out the "Nearby Amenities" feature, located in the "Location Info" tab. The list highlights local amenities within one mile radius of a property, such as restaurants, banks, day care centers and more. 
 

Panera Bread:
Purchase a tulip cookie through April 30th and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Foundation for Foster Children.

  

Passport Winter Park: Now accepting new advertisers for the Fall/Winter 2015 guide publishing in September. Reserve your space now at www.PassportLuxuryGuides.com and go to the "Participate" tab.

   

SCORE Orlando: Tune in to our weekly radio show, "What's The SCORE," on AM660. It airs every Saturday, and can also be listened to, on demand, at the SCORE website, www.scoreorlando.org. Local business people are featured guests on the show. Chamber members interested in sharing their business story or tips can inquire at 407-420-4843.
 
 

Scout & Molly's: The Park Avenue boutique will open on Sunday, May 3. Join us for our fashion premiere from noon - 5 p.m.

 

Winter Park Playhouse: Individual and new series subscriptions are now on sale for the upcoming 2015-16 season. Call the Box Office at (407) 645-0145 or visit our website at www.winterparkplayhouse.org to learn about upcoming performances.

Member Events
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, May 4. Send information to Erika Spence.

                                                                                                                                           

Shred Fest!

Friday, April 17; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Citizens Bank of Florida, 156 Geneva Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765

Prevent identity theft and enjoy refreshments while your confidential documents are being shredded. Invite your family and friends to this FREE event.

 

Food Truck Fridays
Friday, April 17; 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sonny BBQ HQ, 201 N. New York Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Sonny's will serve up slow-smoked favorites on the go once a month. Look for our food truck on the second Friday of each month beginning in May.

 

Women and Abstraction
April 18 - August 2
Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College
Although by no means exhaustive, this exhibition seeks to examine the legacy of women artists and abstraction and to understand a fuller, more dynamic story of modern and contemporary art. Through representing women artists together, this exhibition aims not to limit the ways we read the included artists be gender, but attempts to heighten our understanding of the abstract tendencies in American art and to present a broad survey highlighting the historical continuum of abstraction and its ongoing innovation. Details at www.rollins.edu/cfam.

 

Back-to-School Blast!

Saturday, April 18; 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819

Join A Gift For Teaching for the BEST party in town! We'll take a trip down memory lane and remember what it's like to be a kid again in our one-of-a-kind playroom. Enjoy delectable food, a fabulous silent auction, our signature wine and martini bar, plenty of entertainment and celebrity guest, Mario Lopez! All proceeds from this event will help 180,000 kids in need.  For tickets and more information, visit www.agiftforteaching.org/events/blast.

 

Earth Day in the Park
Sunday, April 19; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Central Park

Earth Day in the Park" will provide fun for all ages including a kid's zone with games, face painting, an eco-friendly slime challenge, and tie-dye t-shirts by Rollins College; live music all day long; recycling stations by Goodwill Industries; IDEAS-4-US presenting environment focused films; food & beverage vendors, electric car show, and much more!In celebration of Arbor Day and in memory of community philanthropist, Kenneth Murrah, the Urban Forestry Division will host a live oak tree planting at 1 p.m. near the Rose Garden. Certified arborists will also be on site to answer questions and give away an assortment of one-gallon containerized trees for city residents to plant at home. For a complete schedule and more information, visit cityofwinterpark.org/earthday or call 407-599-3364.

 

2015 Winter Park Paint Out
Sunday, April 19 - Saturday, April 25

For this week-long celebration, a selected group of the finest plein air artists will capture the landscapes and landmarks of Winter Park and Orlando with oils, watercolors and pastels painted outdoors with the subject directly in view, rather than in a studio. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the works generated during this week benefit the Albin Polasek Museum. The Polasek's wet-room gallery and gardens will be open free for visitors Sunday through Friday the week of the Paint Out. There will be special events throughout the week, and free painting demonstrations Monday through Friday. The Garden Party will be held on Saturday and is a special ticketed event. Please visit www.winterparkpaintout.org for more information.

 

2015 Hugh F. McKean Public Lecture
Thursday, April 21; 7:30 p.m.
John M. Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins College
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, in association with Rollins College, is pleased to present Anne-Marie O'Connor, author of the award-winning book, The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of Gustav Klimt's Masterpiece, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer.In her talk, O'Connor will share details from her riveting 2012 book on the dazzling Viennese Jewish society figure who became the subject of an important Gustav Klimt painting confiscated by the Nazis. The decade-long legal battle that led to its successful recovery by her heirs has had profound ramifications in the art world. 
Admission is free.

The Shoe Maven Presents: The Art of Fashion

Thursday, April 23; 6:00-8:30 PM

Baterbys Art Gallery, 6848 Stapoint Court, Winter Park, FL, 32792

This event is to showcase fashion in a creative, artistic way as well as raise awareness for Parkinson's disease. The Shoe Maven, Tonya Walker, was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) in her 30s. This event will showcase local bloggers, fashionistas and talent from around Orlando.

For more information call 888-682-9995.

 
Leadership Panel: "The Giving Millennial"

Friday, April 24; 8:30 a.m.
Rollins College, Bush Auditorium
Join Rollins College, Crummer Graduate School of Business for the Inaugural Nonprofit Leadership Panel.  Central Florida's top nonprofit thought leaders will discuss how they can best engage the Millennial generation - as volunteers, donors and employees. Limited Seating. RSVP here.

Our Central Park: Past and Future

Friday, April 24; 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.

Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

Designed in 1881, Central Park is now the centerpiece of our downtown. In fact, it is the green space that defines Winter Park. Join Winter Park History Museum as Central Park's most recent master planner, Forest Michael, traces the 134-year history, evolution, stewardship and future of our 'golden' town green. This event is free and open to the public. Please feel free to bring a lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided. RSVP to [email protected] or call the museum offices at 407-647-2330.

 

The Art of the Vine: A Food and Wine Experience
Friday, April 24; 6 p.m.
Fields BMW, 963 Wymore Road, Winter Park, FL 32789
Eat, drink and be colorful at this event benefiting New Hope for Kids.
This unique event combines experiences for the discriminating palate with excitement and color while raising money for the grief and wish programs. The evening includes outstanding cuisine from a selection of the best upscale restaurants in the Orlando area, as well as an exceptional assortment of wines, martinis and beers. Presentations by exhibiting artists will showcase their original works throughout the event. Details at www.newhopeforkids/aov.

Run for the Trees Jeannette Genius McKean Memorial 5k

April 25; 7:30 a.m.

Showalter Field, 2525 Cady Way, Winter Park, FL 32792

This is a unique point to point 5k run/walk and every participant receives a young tree! Event beneficiary is the Winter Park Tree Replacement Fund. Register online at www.trackshack.com or at Track Shack, 1104 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803. Call 407-896-1160 for details.

 

Orlando Family Magazine's Free Ultimate Expo: Summer Camp & Family Fun
Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Orlando Fashion Square Mall, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
Orlando Family Magazine will host a FREE summer camp and family expo to help area residents prepare for summer break and maximize seasonal fun! Families are invited to learn about the diverse camps and programs available throughout Central Florida that can keep children entertained and engaged all summer long. Ongoing activities will include vendor exhibits, live performances, kids' fun, educational & entertaining demonstrations, FREE bicycle helmet distribution, and more! A portion of proceeds will benefit Karing About Kids, a nonprofit educating local families about the safety, health, nutrition, and overall well-being of babies and children. Admission is free. Vendor packages are available, call 407-353-4327.

 

Mendelssohn's Elijah

Saturday, April 25; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Knowles Memorial Chapel, Rollins College
Mendelssohn's epic retelling of the Old Testament story of the prophet Elijah is a staple of Bach Festival Society's repertoire. This piece is considered one of the greatest oratorios, and the work's sheer power and emotion are underscored by baritone Richard Zeller. Tickets are $25-$60 and available at www.bachfestivalflorida.org or by calling 407-646-2182.

 

Women Who Mean Business Luncheon
Tuesday, April 28; 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rosen Shingle Creek, 9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819

Join Orlando Business Journal for the 17th annual Women Who Mean Business awards celebration honoring Central Florida's 2015 women of distinction. This year's awards program will recognize 25 Central Florida women across the Business Owner, Business Executive and Women to Watch categories. We'll also honor the 2015 Businesswoman of the Year - Kathy Ramsberger and Legacy Award honoree - Ann Sonntag. Register here.

 

The Woman's Club of Winter Park 100th Birthday Party
Thursday, April 30; 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Woman's Club of Winter Park,
419 S Interlachen Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789

Bring your friends, family and co-workers and celebrate 100 years with us for free ice cream and cake in our historic clubhouse. Box lunches are available for $10.

 

Caregiving Matters: Parkinson's Disease: More than Just a Movement Disorder
Friday, May 1; 9:30 a.m.
Reeves United Methodist Church, 1100 N. Ferncreek Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Hear from Anissa Mitchell, LCSW and Parkinson Outreach Coordinator at Florida Hospital. Free to the public. Seating is limited and light refreshments provided. RSVP to Cindi at 407-843-1910 x301.

 

"Fiddler on the Roof" presented by Theater at the J 
May 2-10, 2015

The Roth Family JCC of Greater Orlando's Harriett & Hymen Lake Cultural Center Auditorium              

Join us for a very special 50th anniversary production of "Fiddler on the Roof," presented by Theater at the J and directed by Kerry Giese. Tickets range from $20-30. Details at www.orlandojcc.org.

 

Running of the Chihuahuas
Sunday, May 3; 11:00 a.m.
Cocina 214, 151 E. Welbourne Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Register your Chihuahua at www.cocina214.com/events. $15 donation in advance / $20 at the door to benefit Winter Park Lost Pets and A Cause 4 Paws Rescue.

 

Spring Into Fashion
Wednesday, May 5; 10:45 a.m.
Bloomingdales, Orlando, Level 2.
Please join the Jewish Pavilion in honoring Susan Livingstone with a spring fashion show. Tickets start at $25. Register online at www.jewishpavilion.org or call 407-678-9363.

 

Orange Blossom Jubilee

Saturday, May 16; 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Interlachen Country Club, 2245 Interlachen Ct., Winter Park, FL 32792
The Orange Blossom Jubilee is Winter Park Day Nursery's largest annual fund-raiser and a critical source of support for our mission of providing affordable, high-quality childcare that supports family diversity. Please join us for a catered dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment and appearances from local celebrity guests. For corporate sponsorships and tickets please contact Tia Masek/Community Relations Coordinator at [email protected] or visit http://winterparkdaynursery.org/.

 

Hats Off to Success
Saturday, May 30; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
Hats Off to Success is the premier fundraiser for Dress for Success of Greater Orlando. The event includes a fantastic raffle, full brunch buffet, motivational talk and inspiring awards. Hear from Dawn Raquel Jensen, social media speaker and marketing coach, who will inspire you to succeed when faced with any challenge. Support the women in our community and feel free to wear a stylish hat. Tickets: