News and Information

WINTER PARK POLITICAL MINGLE OFFERS INSIGHT INTO FALL ELECTIONS
(July 21, 2010) – More than 350 Winter Park residents, business owners and community leaders mingled with candidates for local, state and federal offices at the Winter Park Political Mingle on Tuesday, July 20.  This event, presented by Bright House Networks, and hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, gave attendees the opportunity to meet the candidates running in this fall’s hottest races and vote in a straw poll prior to the upcoming primary and general elections. Click here to review straw poll results.

“We were especially pleased to have so many candidates demonstrate their commitment to the local business and the Winter Park community by participating in this event,” said Patrick Chapin, president/CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Candidates participating in the event included Sandy Adams, Heather Beaven, Pam Bondi, Glenn Burkett, Joie Cadle, Dean Cannon, Karen Diebel, Peg Dunmire, Ted Edwards, Matthew Falconer, Teresa Jacobs, Doug Kinson, John Mica, Craig Miller, Bryan Nelson, Paul Partyka, Bill Segal and David Simmons.

Support for the Winter Park Political Mingle was provided by Orlando Health, University of Central Florida, Barefoot Wine, Wayne Densch, Orlando Sentinel and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

WINTER PARK POLITICAL UPDATE PROVIDES INSIGHT INTO LOCAL ISSUES
(May 4, 2010) More than 150 chamber members, community leaders and area residents attended the Winter Park Political Update presented by Bright House Networks at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center on May 4.  Scott Maxwell from the Orlando Sentinel moderated the morning's discussion with topics ranging from statewide issues like oil drilling and fair districts to local topics including SunRail.

Thank you to our elected officials who participated in the panel discussion:

• Senator Lee Constantine, District 22
• Representative Dean Cannon, District 35
• Commissioner Bill Segal, District 5
• Mayor Ken Bradley

At the conclusion of the program, Senator Constantine was honored for his many years of public service as he is retiring from the Florida Legislature.

25TH ANNUAL TASTE OF WINTER PARK AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
(April 28, 2010) On Wednesday, April 21, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 25th anniversary of Taste of Winter Park, presented by CenturyLink.  Over 12,000 attendees sampled all-you-can-eat culinary delights from more than 35 of Central Florida's finest food and beverage establishments including steakhouse favorites, quality seafood, decadent desserts and a variety of coffees, teas, wine and beer.

“This year’s Taste of Winter Park showed diversity of the city more than ever,” said Heather McPherson, food editor, Orlando Sentinel. “And many of the returning participants added new flavors and fresh presentations which made for an exciting culinary event all around.”

Throughout the evening, a select panel of judges from the community and local news media outlets including Winter Park Magazine, The Park Press, Orlando Sentinel and Smooth 103.1 WLOQ evaluated the vendors’ faire and booth displays.  In addition, attendees cast ballots for the coveted Peoples’ Choice Award. The The Ravenous Pig was recognized for their Pork and Beans and Chocolate Stout Cupcakes for Best Main Course and Best Dessert, respectively.  4 Rivers Smokehouse received Best Side Dish for their Cheese Grits.  Best Booth Display was awarded to Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub.  Lastly, John & Shirley’s Pampered Catering won the Peoples’ Choice Award.

The Taste of Winter Park is held annually at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market.  For information on the 26th Annual Taste of Winter Park, contact the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at (407) 644-8281 or www.winterpark.org. 

TASTE OF WINTER PARK RETURNS FOR 25TH YEAR
(April 7, 2010) On Wednesday, April 21, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Taste of Winter Park, presented by CenturyLink.  The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce invites you to sample all-you-can-eat culinary delights from more than 30 of Central Florida's finest food and beverage establishments while enjoying live entertainment by jazz saxophonist Johnny Mag Sax.

“The challenge 25 years ago was for our organization to create an opportunity for patrons to learn more about the different restaurants and cafés in our community,” says Patrick Chapin, president and CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. “Today, the event delivers a not-to-be-missed experience that features many of the finest food and beverage establishments in Central Florida.”

Guests’ palettes will be pleased by everything from steakhouse favorites to quality seafood and decadent desserts to a variety of coffees, teas, wine and beer.  Participating restaurants will showcase cuisines from around the world as well as classic American dishes.

“CenturyLink is honored to present the 25th anniversary of the Taste of Winter Park and to provide the opportunity for patrons to discover a new favorite dish,” said Susan Sarna, vice president and general manager for CenturyLink’s Central Florida market. “Events like the Taste of Winter Park enrich our community and connect people and businesses--which is right in line with what we do as the local communications provider.”

The Taste of Winter Park is held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market, 200 West New England Avenue, Winter Park, 32789.  Tickets* are available for $40 in advance for Winter Park Chamber members, $45 for non-members and $45 at the door.  Tickets can be purchased at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, 151 West Lyman Avenue, by calling (407) 644-8281 or visiting www.winterpark.org. 

Supporting sponsors for the Taste of Winter Park include Barefoot Wine, Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine, City of Winter Park, Full Sail University, Massey Communications, Orlando Sentinel, Pinnacle Awards & Promotions, Smooth 103.1 WLOQ and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

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