News and Information

WINTER PARK CHAMBER OPPOSES AMENDMENT 10
(February 25, 2010) The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution in opposition to City of Winter Park Charter Amendment 10.  In the resolution the organization expressed its disagreement with the proposed super-majority vote requirement on changes to the Future Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

“Amendment 10 would empower a minority of City Commissioners with the ability to deny an amendment or change to the comprehensive plan,” explained Patrick Chapin, president / CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.  “In these tough economic times we must be careful not to limit business growth in our community.”

Prior to issuing its resolution in opposition, the Chamber engaged its members and the community at large, listened to proponents and opponents and received guidance from its Council of Leaders, a large body of past board chairs, former mayors and other community leaders.

“The overwhelming response was that the proposed amendment is bad governance that will have adverse effects on the entire community, not just the businesses,” said Chris Gardner, 2010 chairman for the chamber’s board of directors.

Citizens of Winter Park will vote on March 9 to elect two new members on the City Commission and decide to accept or reject 12 charter amendments, including Amendment 10.  A bi-partisan charter review committee was assembled and unanimously approved the submission of 11 of 12 charter amendments.  Amendment 10 was not submitted because it lacked consensus; only after a simple majority vote (3-2) by the City Commission was it put on the ballot.  A copy of all proposed city charter amendments can be found at www.cityofwinterpark.org.

Download the formal resolution in opposition of Amendment 10.

Former Mayors take a stand against Amendment 10.

WINTER PARK CHAMBER ADDS THREE TO STAFF
(February 8, 2010) The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce recently added three new staff members. Cindy Hawkes joined the team during the week of January 26 as program coordinator. Cindy most recently worked at Rollins College where she was the executive assistant to the vice president and special projects coordinator. In her new role she will be coordinating Leadership Winter Park, Good Morning Winter Park, Winter Park Executive Women and several other chamber programs.

Joining the Chamber during the week of February 8 are Marisa Carroll, director of events and sponsorships, and Erika Spence, director of marketing and communications. Marisa has been an active member for the last few years while she worked as an account supervisor at Massey Communications. She will be arranging, staffing and managing Chamber events, including the upcoming Taste of Winter Park. Erika is no stranger to the Chamber environment as she joins us from the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce where she worked as the director of marketing and special events. She will oversee the internal and external communications for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

MEMBERSHIP AWARDS CELEBRATION RECOGNIZES BUSINESSES, INDIVIDUALS
(January 29, 2010) The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce recently honored the businesses, organizations and individuals who contribute time, talent and tremendous effort to make our organization so remarkable. Please be sure to cogratuate the nominees and award-winners (bold) when you see them at an upcoming event.

Ambassador of the Year: Frank Ferrell, Ferrell Realty; Saundra Hester, Rollins College; and Evie Serrano, Florida Bank of Commerce

Business of the Year: BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, Bright House Networks, Mayflower Retirement Community and Winter Park Memorial Hospital

Dirctor of the Year: Jess Cearley, Tuni & Aimee Hitchner, Ginger; Tom Harris, Park Promenade Jewlers; and Tom Kelly, CNL Bank

Community Oraganization of the Year: Winter Park Tech 

Small Business of the Year: Brio Properties, BankFIRST, Tolla's Italian Deli & Café, and Tuni  

Volunteer of the Year: Connie Degirolamo-Carlson, Baldwin-Fairchild; Sarah Grafton DeVoe, Grafton Wealth Management; and Baxter Mathews, Florida Frame House

Citizen of the Year: The Honorable Ken Bradley