|
|
|
|
|
|
CHAMBER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
This week the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce launched its redesigned website, www.winterpark.org. The site was created by Hatchet Design, a local graphics studio that specializes in branding, print and web design.
If you have bookmarked pages on the old website you'll want to update your links. Click here for the membership directory landing page. Click here for the calendar of events.
Some new features include a place to submit news and events for the What's Up Wednesday newsletter and for the online calendar of events. Both forms can be found here. We invite you take a tour of the site and let us know your first impressions. Send comments to espence@winterpark.org. PARK AVENUE'S SUNRAIL SUMMER PROMOTION  Now through September 30, 2015, passengers riding Central Florida's commuter rail system can show their tickets at participating Park Avenue merchants and receive special perks. Each perk is designed with the idea that riders can offset the cost of an average trip to Winter Park from any of the 11 other origination points along the 32-mile system.
"In the first year of operation, Winter Park was one of the top destinations for SunRail riders," said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. "Commuters and visitors alike find it to be a viable transit option. When you add a promotion like this on top of the convenience factor it is a win-win."
The 2015 promotion features special perks from 24 different merchants in downtown Winter Park, including complimentary admission to The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, discounts at local shops and savings at several restaurants and cafes, which are particularly appealing to commuters looking for a lunch spot close to the office.
Riders will need to show a day-of-travel ticket to take advantage of any of the offers. Details are available at www.experienceparkavenue.com/sunrail.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce has a variety of sponsorship opportunities available for summer and fall events. To learn more about upcoming opportunities to showcase your business to members and the greater community, contact Kristen Quinones at kquinones@winterpark.org or call 407-644-8281.
|
|
|
|
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment and media industry. Founded in 1979, Full Sail has been recognized as one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs by Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the Best Music Programs by Rolling Stone Magazine, and one of the Best Film Programs by UNleashed Magazine. Recently, Full Sail received the "21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award" from the United States Distance Learning Association, was named the "School/College of the Year" by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Social Media Colleges by Studentadvisor.com.
Full Sail offers on-campus and online Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree programs in areas related to animation, art, business, education, graphic design, film, marketing, web development, music, recording arts, sports, and video games. Full Sail graduate credits include work on OSCAR®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, ADDY®, MTV Video Music Award, and Spike VGX Video Game Award nominated and winning projects.
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.
|
|
Winter Park Sip, Shop & StrollThursday, June 11; 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Participating Park Avenue merchants - check in at the corner of Morse Blvd./ Park Avenue Experience Park Avenue and stroll to local merchants on this unique wine walk. Check out what's in store this summer, sample seasonal menu items and discover new merchants in our downtown! Cost: $25 each. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Click here to purchase tickets. Supported by: City of Winter Park, Fannie Hillman + Associates, Florida Distributing Co. and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
|
Good Morning Winter Park presented by Florida Blue
Friday, June 12; 7:45 a.m. - Networking / 8:15 a.m. - Program
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
End your week with coffee, conversation and networking with fellow Chamber members. Hear from Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary as part of the City's annual CoffeeTalk series. Cost: Free and open to the public. Includes a complimentary continental breakfast. Supported by: Barnie's CoffeeKitchen, Costco Wholesale and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.
Small Business Education Series presented by Strombeck Consulting CPAs
Friday, June 19; 8:00 a.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Have you wondered how to grow your business and boost your profits? Consider franchising! Join us for an informative session and discover how you can profit by turning your existing business into a business franchise. Our speakers will dispel some of the franchising myths and discuss why franchising works. Cost: Free for members / $10 non-members. Click here to register.
|
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.
YOUTH LEADERS
Youth Leaders Class XVI begins its first session on June 15 with 25 rising sophomores, juniors and seniors spending 5 days building new leadership skills, exploring our community and identifying volunteer and career opportunities. A graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, June 19 at the Civic Center. A second session will also be held in July.
CLASS XXVI Applications Due June 26
Leadership Winter Park 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 800 Leadership Winter Park graduates as a member of Class XXVI. Download a copy of the application here. The application deadline for the early-bird tuition rate is June 26. For more information contact Debra Hendrickson at 407-644-8281 x1698.
|
|
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.
At the May 29 Park Avenue Merchants Association meeting, members discussed participating in BritWeek Orlando in November by hosting a British Invasion Sip, Shop & Stroll event on Tuesday, November 10. The event would potentially last longer (4 - 8 p.m.) to encourage participants from BritWeek (tourists, ex-pats, etc.) to spend more time on the Avenue and allow them to visit more participating businesses.
Because there is a cost to members (in food and beverages, plus staffing), we want to take a poll to find out if members want to keep the previously scheduled September 10 event, add the November 10 event, or focus on only one of these dates. The September event has always been a strongly attended event.
Your input is valued and will help the PAMA board in making a decision. Please take the quick poll below by Friday, June 5.
http://survey.constantcontact.com/poll/a07eb3kok2liafdyj2n/start.html
|
|
 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.
Hunter Vision Watermelon 5k
Hunter Vision sees vitality in this community and actively supports many causes. Start your Independence Day the right way with a 5k! Join friends, family and neighbors for a morning celebration featuring ice cold watermelon and American pride. To register or for more information, please visit www.trackshack.com.
Saturday, July 4th, 2015
6:45 am: Team Challenge Winner Announcement
7:00 am: 5k (3.1 miles)
8:00 am: Watermelon Eating Contest
8:15 am: FREE Kids' Run
Please arrive 45 min. to an hour early!
Park Avenue in Winter Park, FL
251 Park Avenue South
Winter Park, FL 32789
|
|
NEW MEMBERS
The Chamber continues to add new members to its roster each week. The following have joined since May 20: Eurotel Inn and Makis Place. 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, June 17, 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
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.
|
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, June 15. Submit your news online here.
Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.: Ioana Good has been promoted to Sr. Business Development and Communications Manager. She most recently served as Communications Manager since joining the firm in September 2009. Good devotes much of her time on business development planning, market research, RFQ/RFP strategy, media communications, corporate communication and more.
Passport to Winter Park: Renew your passport ad space or book new ad space online. Visit www.PassportLuxuryGuides.com and click on 'Participate.' Deadline for the fall/winter issue is June 19. Contact Denise Autorino at 407-233-7305 or denise@passportluxuryguides.com.
The Alfond Inn: The Inn was recently named the Best Wedding Venue in Orange County, Florida, by Orlando Magazine in its annual 2015 BOW Best of Wedding Awards. Voted by the public, the awards honor the best wedding businesses in the greater Orlando area.
Viewpost: The secure business network recently reached $1B of payment volume.
Winter Park Memorial Hospital: In honor of our 60-year anniversary, The Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital is celebrating life and laughter by having a 'giggles' contest. Share a photo or video of your baby laughing and the baby with the most votes will have a chance to win a professional photography session. Entries can easily be uploaded at www.WPBabyGiggles.com through June 8.
Winter Park Playhouse: TripAdvisor recently awarded The Winter Park Playhouse a 2015 Certificate of Excellence. This achievement is a direct result of consistently great reviews from TripAdvisor travelers.
|
|
|
|
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, June 15. Submit your event information online here.
Participation: Classes of 2013 - 2015
Now - July 19
Art & History Museums - Maitland, 231 W. Packwood Ave., Maitland, FL 32751
A collaborative exhibition that highlights noted Florida artists who have been a part of A&H's annual Participation event, an immersive art experience that explores the creative process through visual and performing arts. The Participation exhibition acts as a visual artifact of the artistic quality, creative energy, and camaraderie of the Participation event. For more information, visit www.artandhistory.org.
How to Survive the Role as Caregiver
Friday, June 5; 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Reeves United Methodist Church, 1100 N. Ferncreek Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Join Jerry Hamilton, MS, Ed, from the Alzheimer's & Dementia Resource Center for this important topic. The event is free to the public. RSVP to Cindi at 407-543-1910 x301.
Fair Trade Trunk Show
June 5 - 15
Ten Thousand Villages, 329 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Join Ten Thousand Villages for a summer style showcase featuring handmade, fair trade fashions from Global Mamas.
An Orthopedist's View on Osteoporosis
Friday, June 5; 12:00 p.m.
Crosby YMCA
Osteoporosis is a disease of progressive bone loss associated with an increased risk of fractures. Florida Hospital orthopedic surgeon Brian Leung, MD, will discuss available treatment options and how to keep your bones healthier, longer. RSVP by calling 407-303-1700 or visit www.WinterParkSeniorER.com.
Grand Opening Party
Friday, June 5; 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Rieker Shoes, 108 E. Canton Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Join Park Avenue's newest shoe store for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, plus take 15% off your entire purchase.
Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Saturday, June 6; 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Winter Park Public Library
Be a Hero! Summer Reading programs are available for kids, tweens and teens and adults! Sign up for free summer reading fun and enjoy activities for all ages. Details at www.wppl.org.
Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship Tournament
Monday, June 8; 8:30 a.m.
The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, 1700 Alaqua Lakes Blvd, Longwood, FL 32779
Do you love to play golf and support a charity? This is the event for you. Proceeds benefit Heart to Heart homes for abused, homeless women and children in Central Florida. Information and registration at:
www.H2HCentralFlorida.org/mercedes---benz---golf/ or call 407-463-6297.
HeArts Give Hope
Friday, June 12; 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
UCF Catholic Center at Northview, 3925 Lockwood Blvd., Oviedo, FL 32765
Catholic Charities of Central Florida is bringing attention to the unacceptable level of poverty that exists in Central Florida-artistically-through HeARTS Give Hope: Food, Wine & Art. Join Catholic Charities of Central Florida for a feast for the senses-see compelling art, taste local delicacies, smell the aromas of exceptional wines and hear local musical talents perform. Funds raised will support youth scholarships and programs to prevent homelessness. Tickets are $45 per person and include: food, beer, wine, signature drinks, entertainment, art demonstrations, silent auction and more. Purchase your tickets online at www.cflcc.org/heartsgivehope.
Colors
Friday, June 12 & Saturday, June 13; 8:00 p.m.
Calvary Assembly, 1199 Clay St. Winter Park, FL 32789
Join the Central Florida Community Arts Symphony Orchestra for their most creative, collaborative, and colorful concert yet! The 125-member CFCArts Symphony Orchestra will present powerful symphonic masterpieces in ways you've never imagined. Embracing creative lighting, projection, and visual art, we will bring both familiar and unexpected music to life before your eyes (and ears) and will leave you inspired by the multi-sensory beauty of the world around us. General Admission tickets are $10 each, and children age 12 and under will be admitted for free. Details at www.cfcarts.com/colors/.
Inaugural Bowl-A-Thon Convergence
Saturday, June 13; 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Boardwalk Bowl, 10749 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817
Do you and your friends want to help nearly 50,000 Central Florida students make the connection between what they learn in school and the real world? Want to give something back to your community? Want students to be prepared to enter the workforce? Are you interested in having a great time? ... then you should get the ball rolling for Central Florida students and join the 2015 Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon! Every year, JACF welcomes over 8,500 bowlers from across Central Florida to participate in our largest fundraising event. Through Bowl-A-Thon, companies, families, and individuals are able to provide financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurial programs to thousands of students every year. Download more information here.
Car Show & Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, June 13
Winter Park Village, 400 N. Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Cruise through the years as the Corvette Club of Orlando presents a generation of one of America's ultimate sports cars, the Corvette! Bring the family for an afternoon of car gazing and shopping while being entertained by the smooth sounds of local favorite Johnny Mag Sax. Admission is free. More information at www.shopwinterparkvillage.net.
Spotlight Cabaret
June 24 & 25; 7:30 p.m.
Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
See Central Florida's well-known comedic actor/singer, David Almeida, in his solo cabaret "Trivial Pursuits."This upbeat and funny cabaret will have you laughing and singing along to popular songs made famous by Broadway divas, television shows and comedies like the popular British comedy Monty Python's Flying Circus.Tickets are available online at www.winterparkplayhouse.org and at the box office by phoning (407) 645-0145.
|
|
|
