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CHAMBER HOSTS CANDIDATE FORUM
Thank you to all who attended last week's City Commission Candidate Forum - including the 178 people that joined us on Periscope! We are proud to host informative events and programs to keep you abreast of important issues facing our community. Special thanks to all four candidates for participating and to Waste Pro for providing the coffee for our standing room only crowd.
You can watch recorded versions of the forum via YouTube thanks to Winter Park Voice. Due to length, the forum was captured in two parts.
SIP WINS SECOND CONSECUTIVE AWARD
"Thousands of couples have a love story that involves Park Avenue, so we're thrilled that our Sip, Shop & Stroll events made the list of Best Date Nights in the Orlando area," said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.
The Winter Park Sip, Shop & Stroll, hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the Park Avenue Merchants Association, is an opportunity to enjoy the charm of downtown Winter Park while strolling to local merchants and restaurants for wine and hors d'oeuvres. The events allow attendees to visit participating locations at their leisure and offer a preview of the latest fashions, gift ideas and seasonal menu items. The next Winter Park Sip, Shop & Stroll will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Learn more here.
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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.
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Upcoming Events & Programs
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Friday, February 19; 7:45 a.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Library Executive Director Shawn Shaffer and City Manager Randy Knight present the vision for a new library facility, events center and parking structure to serve Winter Park residents, families and businesses. They will answer questions about the project and the referendum to fund it, which will appear on the March 15 ballot. You can submit questions in advance here. Cost: Free. Supported by: Barnie's CoffeeKitchen, Costco Wholesale and Winter Park/ Maitland Observer.
Wednesday, February 24; 12:00 p.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 W. Lyman Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
This event is sold out.
Thursday, February 25; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Woman's Club of Winter Park, 419 South Interlachen Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Mix and mingle with the 2016 Board of Directors, along with fellow members, business executives and community leaders. Light bites and drinks will be served. Cost: Free for members / $10 non-members. RSVP required. Register here.
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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.
LWP Curriculum Planning
Thursday, February 25; 8:30 a.m.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, conference room
Youth Leaders Class XXV
Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can now apply online to be part of Youth Leaders Class XXV! The application now includes leadership in action essay prompts and a resume submission. Accepted students will have an opportunity to build on their resume throughout the one-week program and on the last day will be presented with revisions, feedback and advice to use for college and job applications. Spread the word! Application deadline is May 11, 2016.
Volunteers Needed!
How can you help? We are in need of volunteers to interview each candidate. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, May 18, from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 21, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Winter Park Chamber. An interviewer training workshop will be held in advance for all volunteers. To sign-up as an interviewer, email Megan at malmasi@winterpark.org.
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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.
ALUMNI WEEKEND
Welcome Rollins College alumni, faculty and students to your businesses during Afternoon on the Avenue, a kickoff to Alumni Weekend in March. Details and registration here. Deadline to participate is February 26.
PARK AVENUE FASHION WEEK MEETING
A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, at 9:00 a.m. at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce to discuss a new direction for PAFW16. All interested merchants, past runway participants and new members interested in getting involved are welcome to attend to share ideas and brainstorm. Questions? Contact Debra Hendrickson at dhendrickson@winterpark.org.
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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.
Make a Difference in your Community - Become a Happiness Ambassador
Monday, February 29, 2016
10:30 a.m-12:00 pm Bush Science Center's Auditorium on Rollins College Campus Speaker: Marcus Conyers, MSc Experience the exhilaration of learning and applying evidence-based strategies for sustaining or increasing levels of happiness, and make a positive difference in your community! Current research suggests that happiness (what researchers describe as "Subjective Well-Being") can have a significant influence on wellness and quality of life and leave you with a powerful way to develop these skills and teach others. Hence, we have developed the Happiness Ambassador program. Join us for a complimentary workshop to become a Happiness Ambassador! This forum is presented through a grant from Healthy Central Florida. Free public workshop in the Bush Auditorium on the Rollins College campus. Parking is available in the SunTrust Garage on E. Lyman Avenue. RSVP is required. Contact Rollins Center for Health Innovation at 407-646-2130 or email srdavis@rollins.edu.
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NEW MEMBERS
The Chamber continues to add new members to its roster each week. The following have joined since February 3: Bluemercur; Heathrow-Legacy Country Club; Hutley Van Systems Inc.; Kendrick Law Group; Re/Max Town Centre; Resouluna Advanced Aesthetic Therapy; Synovus Bank - Orlando and TenderCare Home Health. Learn more about our new members in our online membership directory.
SOLUTIONS NOON IS RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS
This Chamber-sponsored networking group meets twice each month on the second and fourth Tuesdays at The Bistro on Park to exchange leads at 11:45 a.m. Only one member per business category can participate. There is no cost to participate, except your own lunch tab. If interested, call Jay Rupert at 407-644-8281 or email jrupert@winterpark.org to learn if your category is available.
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, March 16, at 8:15 a.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center. A complimentary professional headshot is offered by Brion Price Photography and refreshments provided by AAA. RSVP to jrupert@winterpark.org.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
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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| Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic's new Physicians Surgical Care Center.
Photo courtesy of Jason Hook. |
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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 29. Submit your news online here.
A Gift For Teaching: Tickets are now available (through April 2) for the "Ticket to Ride" drawing of chance. For a $50 donation you are entered to win a $20,000 voucher from Off Lease Only to select from hundreds of gently used, low-mileage cars. Only 1,000 tickets available! Help by spreading the word, and heck, buy a ticket yourself! Who doesn't want a new car!? Details at www.back2schoolblast.com.
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens: The Winter Park Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Florida Foundation, has awarded the museum a $10,500 grant to help further its mission of promoting the legacy of internationally known sculptor, Albin Polasek N.A., and to encourage study, appreciation and the furtherance of representational art by funding the development of a marketing plan, including social media marketing and website design, for the Capen-Showalter House.
Antonella's Pizzeria: One of Orlando's most noted Italian restaurateurs is expanding the family business in Winter Park with the debut of Antonella's Pizzeria. Antonella LaCommare-Paradiso, daughter of Stefano LaCommare of IL Pescatore and Stefano's Trattoria, has teamed up with her husband, Francesco, and brother, Leonardo, to bring a family-owned pizzeria to the Winter Park community. The second-generation restaurateurs opened the 10-seat traditional New York-style pizzeria to customers at 360 W. Fairbanks Avenue. Antonella's specializes in Italian delivery and catering.
BKHM CPAs: Kylan McNemar has joined the staff as a Tax Supervisor. Prior to joining BKHM, Kylan worked with local and national CPA firms that offered a variety of tax and accounting services. In addition to his public accounting experience, he worked previously for the IRS as a Revenue Agent. We look forward to working with Kylan and the experience he brings to the firm and our clients.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: A new installation of Tiffany blown glass from the collection and a vignette of charming collectible spoons from the late 19th and early 20th centuries is now open. The new installation of art glass features examples that richly illustrate how his artisans mastered this medium in terms of color, form and technique.
City of Winter Park: Keep Winter Park Beautiful recently received the 2015 Keep America Beautiful President's Circle Award. The President's Circle Award recognizes exemplary performance made by certified affiliates of the national nonprofit in creating clean, green and beautiful communities.
Cottonways: We're celebrating 10 years in business! Join us February 18 - 21 for 25% off storewide, champagne, strawberries, raffles and a gift with each purchase.
Crealdé School of Art: In recognition of 22 years of continuous work in Hannibal Square as a documentary photographer, educator and executive director of Crealdé School of Art, leading to the establishment of the Hannibal Square Heritage Center, Peter Schreyer was honored at the 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Awards by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs.
Education First, Educational Homestay Programs: Volunteers Needed!! Open your heart and home to the world. Now seeking host families for international students ages 14-17 for a two-week program this summer! High School students can earn 30 community service hours for hosting a student. Details at http://www.ef.edu/ehp/our-locations/florida/.
Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A.: The firm has elevated Melody B. Lynch, Andrew M. Gluck and Jonathan P. Huels to the position of shareholder. Lynch, Gluck and Huels all began their careers in private practice with the firm and most recently served as senior associates at the firm.
Winter Park Village: REI, a national specialty outdoor retailer and the nation's largest consumer co-op, will be opening in spring 2017. The 25,000 s.f. Winter Park Village location will be REI's second store in Florida.
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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 29. Submit your event information online here.
Cottonways Celebrates 10 Years
February 18 - 21; 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cottonways, 332 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Cottonways is celebrating 10 years in business! The entire store will be 25% off. Plus, enjoy Champagne and strawberries, raffles, and a gift with each purchase!
Go Global: Exporting for Business Growth
February 19; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Florida SBDC at UCF (inside National Entrepreneur Center), 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Suite A20, Orlando, FL 32803
Florida-based companies are expanding overseas. Are you? We know that expanding into international markets can seem daunting. Attend this interactive workshop to find out how the Florida SBDC at UCF can help you prepare your business for globalization. Participants will leave with tools, insights and knowledge to help your small business earn a share of this growing profit opportunity. Cost: $15 for Orange County businesses; $30 for businesses outside of Orange County. Fee includes workshop material and continental breakfast. Register at www.sbdcorlando.com/goglobal/.
3rd Anniversary Open House
February 20; 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Title Boxing Club of Winter Park, 1997-1/2 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792
To celebrate the hard work and effort of our Title Family, we're holding a 3rd Anniversary Open House! Join our community partners for a fun day with live DJ, new kids intro class, raffle prizes and special classes throughout the day. Details at https://www.facebook.com/events/1687085794865845/.
Bill Bryson: Notes from All Over
February 22; 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Warden Arena, Alfond Sports Center, Rollins College
Bill Bryson brings to Rollins College a diverse and widely acclaimed body of work. From his ever-popular A Walk in the Woods, now a feature film starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, to A Short History of Nearly Everything, he is sure to engage the audience with his witty musing on travel, science, language and history. Cost: Free.
19th Hole Golf Networking
February 23; 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Dubsdread Golf Course, 549 W. Par Street, Orlando, FL 32804
Join BKHM CPAs and local professionals for 9 holes of golf at Dubsdread Golf Course. Network afterwards at The Tap Room. To RSVP, email bkhm@bkhmcpa.com. We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd! Cost: $24.
Keys to Making your Business Grow and Reduce Taxes
February 23; 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
UCF Business Incubator of Kissimmee, 111 E. Monument Ave Suite 401, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Learn keys to making your company grow and reward your employees, as well as minimizing company expenses and the effect of taxes. Cost: Free. For more information, call 407-678-9400 or email businessdevelopment@efs-advisors.com. Download event flyer here.
Be My Neighbor Day
February 28; 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Central Park
Join Winter Park History Museum as we partner with WUCF TV, Central Florida PBS, for Winter Park's 2nd Annual Be My Neighbor Day! This event features family-friendly activities for children themed around being a good neighbor, as well as informational panels highlighting the life and legacy of Rollins College graduate Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." You will also have the opportunity to meet Daniel Tiger, star of the PBS KIDS program "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood!" Cost: Free. For more information, call 407-647-2330.
Orlando City Tailgate with CFHLA
March 1; 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Cheyenne Saloon, 120 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
Join us for an Orlando City tailgate party, in partnership with the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. The party includes player appearances, tailgate food, beer and your favorite tailgate games. Cost: $50. Each regi stration includes food, 2 drink tickets and 1 ticket to the 2016 opening match on Sunday, March 6th. Details at www.cfhla.org/ocsc.
Orange Blossom Jubilee
March 4; 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Orlando Science Center, 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
Please join us for the 15th Annual Orange Blossom Jubilee, benefitting Winter Park Day Nursery. Enjoy a spectacular evening including a catered dinner, live and silent auctions, games and entertainment! Cost: Individual tickets $100. Details at www.winterparkdaynursery.org/calendar-event/orange-blossom-jubilee-fundraiser or call 407-647-0505.
A Celebration of Women: A Tasting of Recipes from the Share Cookbook
March 8; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Ancient Olive, 324 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Ancient Olive and Ten Thousand Villages have partnered for a delicious tasting of the global recipes taken from the pages of this heirloom quality book as prepared by Chef Maria Ruiz-Castandea Rivera. Visit information tables in the courtyard to hear and share stories of the women who inspire us, and learn about Orlando's 306 Foundation, whose mission is to improve the lives of women and children around the world. Cost: Free; RSVP is required. Please call: 407-644-8464 to RSVP and to reserve a discounted copy of the Share Cookbook for only $34.
Bike to Work Day
March 9; 3:30 - 9:00 p.m.
North Central Park, near Garfield Ave.
Bike to Work Day is back! Wherever you live or work, everyone is invited to bike to work. In the afternoon, adult riders (18 and up), are invited to enjoy a group ride (with a police escort and rolling road closures). The 45-minute group ride will go through beautiful old, Winter Park neighborhoods. Following the ride, join us for a happy, healthy social hour at Boca on Park Avenue (21 & up). Businesses are encouraged to participate in the Bike Friendly Company Challenge by fielding an employee team. The company/organization with the most riders will win a prize (and bragging rights). Cost: FREE (drink and food specials will be available at BOCA). For more information, call: 407-599-3411 or visit healthycentralflorida.org/bike-to-work-day.
Get Your Jazz On
March 11; 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
The Alfond Inn, 300 East New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Live jazz concert under the stars with unlimited select wine, champagne, beer, spirits and seasonal blended cocktail, roasted chicken, smoked pig, vegetarian selection, cigars and valet parking included in ticket purchase. Cost: $45 (+ $3.47 tax) Online; $50 + ($3.50 tax) at the door. All profits endow Rollins College scholarships. Event is rain or shine no refund event - Inclement weather the event will be held inside. This is an adults (21 & over) only event. Purchase tickets online here.
Zimmerman Kiser Sutcliffe Winter Park Road Race 10k and 2 Mile Presented by Florida Hospital
March 12; 7:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Central Park
This 39th annual event is a local tradition. With a 10k, 2 Mile and kids' run, the whole family can participate. All participants receive a pint glass and tech tee. 10k finisher's receive a medal. The race beneficiary is the Meridian Club of Winter Park Scholarship Fund. Cost: $25-$75 depending on which race entered. Details and registration at: www.WinterParkRoadRace.com.
Wickets to Fair Trade
March 12; 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Casa Feliz, 656 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Join Ten Thousand Villages of Winter Park for croquet! Players of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. Cost: $50 per team of two / $30 for student team. Equipment is provided. Funds raised will benefit Ten Thousand Villages fair trade outreach programs in developing nations around the world. Learn more and register here: http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/winterpark#fndtn-home or call 407-644-8464.
Back-to-School Blast!
April 2; 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Rosen Shingle Creek; 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Join A Gift For Teaching for a fun gala event. Enjoy a fun playroom with games, delectable food, a fabulous auction and drawing of chance to win a $20,000 voucher for a car, our signature wine and martini bar, live music from SWITCH, plenty of entertainment and celebrity sightings, including celebrity hosts, Chris Kirkpatrick from 'N Sync and other special guests. All proceeds from this event will help 190,000 kids in need. Individual Cost: $125 each or Ticket Block (10 Tickets) $1,000. Details at www.back2schoolblast.com.
40 Years of Celebrating Independence
April 14; 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center, 1050 W. Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 32789
For 40 years, the Center for Independent Living has remained dedicated to its mission of creating opportunity for disability inclusion for youth, adults and families. Join us as we celebrate many milestones and reflect on our progress. This evening will empower you to continue the progressive work of making Central Florida the most inclusive community in the country. Cost: $125 each. Details at www.cilorlando.org/events/celebrating-independence.
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