News and Information

WINTER PARK CHRISTMAS PARADE PRESENTS AWARDS
(December 5, 2011) – On Saturday, December 3, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce hosted the 59th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade presented by Bright House Networks, Central Florida's longest-running Christmas parade.  More than 100 marching units participated in the parade, spreading holiday cheer to thousands of spectators along Park Avenue.

"The Chamber is honored to host this annual holiday tradition for our community,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO, Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.  “The parade participants share the holiday spirit with the young and young-at-heart, making this family event one of the most highly-anticipated each year.”

Throughout the event, a select panel of judges including Winter Park Woman’s Club President Linda Castle, University Club of Winter Park President Joel Dick and Ideal Woman’s Club of Winter Park President Ernestine Manning evaluated each participant in order to present awards in five categories.  Winter Park High School, Tuskawilla Middle School and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School were honored with the title of Best Bands.  Best Marching Units was presented to Walk-N-Roll, St. Margaret Mary Men’s Group and Page Private School.  Best Floats was awarded to Alpha Christian Academy, Cub Scout Pack 31 and Center Stage Academy.  Rollins Dance Team, Winter Park Day Nursery and American Spirit Elite Cheer received the Best Christmas Spirit title.  Finally, Judges’ Choice was bestowed upon Sweet! By Good Golly Miss Holly, Winter Park Lost Pets.com and Centurion Battalion, US Naval Sea Cadets.

The Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade is held annually on the first Saturday in December along Park Avenue.  For additional information, contact the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at (407) 644-8281 or visit www.winterpark.org.

The 59th annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade was made possible by the support of many community-minded organizations, including City of Winter Park, Greenway Ford & Greenway Chrysler, Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, Orlando Family Magazine, Rollins College, Towncare Dental, US Signworks of Winter Park, Winter Park Construction, Winter Park Fish Company and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S LONGEST-RUNNING CHRISTMAS PARADE SET TO MARCH DOWN PARK AVENUE(December 1, 2011) – The 59th Annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade presented by Bright House Networks, Central Florida's longest-running Christmas Parade, will be held on Saturday, December 3, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Under the direction of the honorary grand marshall, Winter Park Mayor Ken Bradley, the parade will travel down Park Avenue, starting at Cole Avenue and proceeding south to Comstock Avenue.  More than 100 units will participate including bands, local police and fire departments, marching bands, scouting groups, local dignitaries, and, of course, Santa Claus.

 “The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this annual holiday tradition in downtown Winter Park,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.  “It is our holiday gift to the community and a fun way to kick off the season with friends and family.”

Before and during the parade, Leadership Winter Park will host their 13th annual Pancake Breakfast at the Central Park stage from 7:00 - 10:30 a.m., presented by Fannie Hillman + Associates and Vanson Constructors.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (407) 644-8281 or at the event.  Proceeds benefit Winter Park area elementary schools.

The parade is held annually on the first Saturday in December along Park Avenue.  For additional information, contact the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at (407) 644-8281 or visit www.winterpark.org.

The 59th annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade is made possible by the support of many community-minded organizations, including City of Winter Park, Greenway Ford & Greenway Chrysler, Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics, Orlando Family Magazine, Rollins College, Towncare Dental, US Signworks of Winter Park, Winter Park Construction, Winter Park Fish Company and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

WINTER PARK CHAMBER & PARK AVENUE MERCHANTS JOIN FORCES WITH SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY COALITION
(November 9, 2011) – The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Area Association today announced their participation in the second annual Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2011.  Small Business Saturday is a day for dedicating holiday shopping to local, independently-owned small businesses.

“Our small businesses play a unique role in the fabric of Winter Park,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.  “The Chamber encourages the community show its support for our local merchants on Small Business Saturday.”

American Express, the founding sponsor of Small Business Saturday, created the national program in 2010 to drive consumers to main street merchants during the holiday shopping season.  The second annual event will build on last year’s inaugural program that drove millions of dollars to independent small businesses.

“We are proud to have the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the Park Avenue Area Association join the Small Business Saturday Coalition,” said Maryann Fitzmaurice, senior vice-president, American Express OPEN.  “It is critical that we get as many supporters on board as possible to generate demand for small, independently owned businesses this holiday season and beyond.”

The Small Business Saturday Coalition will be encouraging consumers and business owners to visit facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday where they can participate in the campaign.  American Express card members can register their card for a $25 statement credit if they shop on Small Business Saturday at a locally-owned, independent small business that accept American Express.

WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL AWARDS MORE THAN $16K
(October 8, 2011) – Despite the soggy conditions, the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, presented by Florida Blue and Subaru, went on as planned and awarded more than $16,000 to artists participating in the 38th annual festival.  Among the talented Florida artists honored, Judith Wood in the Fiber category was selected as Best in Show.

“It is an honor to recognize the many fine talents of our local artists,” said Winter Park Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Patrick Chapin.
 
The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art festival with the tradition of featuring Florida artists exclusively.  From over 350 applications, 150 of outstanding artists were selected to display their works in eight different categories, including ceramics, drawings and graphics, fiber, fine crafts, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture.

Download a complete list of winners here.

WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL ATTRACTS 150 FLORIDA ARTISTS
(September 27, 2011) – The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, presented by Florida Blue and Subaru, returns for its 38th year on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, 2011.   At its permanent home in Central Park, located along beautiful Park Avenue, the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival is the only juried fine art show with the tradition of showcasing Florida artists exclusively.

 “The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is honored to host this event each year for the greater Central Florida community,” said Winter Park Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, Patrick Chapin.  “The arts make a huge impact on our quality of life and we are pleased to present the works of so many talented Florida artists.”

From over 350 applications, 150 of Florida’s outstanding artists were selected to display their works in eight different categories, including ceramics, drawings and graphics, fiber, fine crafts, jewelry, painting, photography and sculpture.  Prize money awarded by festival judges in 2011 will exceed $16,000. 

In 2010, the festival set record attendance with 200,000 guests enjoying a variety of events for the entire family.  In addition to artist displays, in 2011, attendees can expect to find live musical entertainment on the Central Park stage, children’s art workshops led by instructors from The Crealdé School of Art and a beer garden.  The event is free and open to the public both days from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Complimentary valet parking is also available.

Additional sponsors for the 38th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival include AAA, Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine, City of Winter Park, AllintheCleanAir.com, Hannibal Square Merchants Association, Hunter Vision, KEL Attorneys, Orlando Home & Leisure, Orlando Sentinel, The Park Press, Simply Well, Venture Photography, WFTV Channel 9, Winter Park/Maitland Observer, WMMO 98.9 FM and WUCF 89.9 FM.

CHAMBER PROMOTES EVENTS DIRECTOR, WELCOMES EVENTS MANAGER
(September 7, 2011) For more than a year and a half Marisa Carroll has served as the Director of Events at the Chamber, working with sponsors, volunteers and other partners to ensure that each Chamber event is a success. We are proud to announce her promotion to Senior Director, Chamber Initiatives and Events. In this role she will oversee the Chamber's Work Well Winter Park, a comprehensive initiative designed to inspire workplace wellness in local businesses funded by a three-year grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation. She will continue to oversee the event department.

"Marisa's unique skill set of event management, public relations experience and affinity for health and wellness makes her well-suited for this new role," said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.
 
The Chamber is also pleased to welcome Andrea Hall as the new Events Manager.  Andrea will manage the Chamber's signature events and coordinate Business After Hours events.  She is a graduate of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida and has worked at Hello Florida! and Busch Entertainment Corporation.
 

 WINTER PARK CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP WINTER PARK COORDINATOR
(July 20, 2011) The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Megan Lanier as program coordinator for the Chamber's leadership programs.  She will be working with all aspects of Leadership Winter Park, including Class XXII beginning in September.

"As a recent Rollins MBA graduate in marketing and entrepreneurship, Megan brings with her enthusiasm for business, especially in the area of non-profit organizations.  And with her extensive background in community involvement she is a natural for the role of Leadership Winter Park program coordinator," said Debra Hendrickson, WPCC vice president.  "We are thrilled to have Megan join our team."

Megan is a recent graduate of the Rollins College Crummer Graduate Scool of Business.  She also earned her undergraduate degree from Rollins College and is currently a board member of BETA Center.

 

WORKSITE WELLNESS GETS PUSH IN WINTER PARK THANKS TO WINTER PARK HEALTH FOUNDATION GRANT

(June 29, 2011) - The Winter Park Health Foundation has awarded the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce (WPCC) a three-year, $220,745 grant to develop and launch Work Well Winter Park, a comprehensive initiative designed to inspire workplace wellness in local businesses.

Work Well Winter Park will demonstrate how the physical work environment provides employers with opportunities to set policies that encourage employees to practice healthy behaviors--such as increasing physical activity--and improving nutrition.  It also will provide employers with information and resources that can be used to establish policies and practices that discourage unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.

“We are thrilled by the generous support of the Winter Park Health Foundation,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO of the WPCC.  “The Chamber looks forward to collaborating with the Winter Park Health Foundation and community partners, like the YMCA, Florida Hospital, Florida Blue and many others, on this important and innovative initiative to improve the health and well-being of our workforce.”

The initiative is a byproduct of the work of the ACHIEVE (Action Communities for Health, Innovation & EnVironmental ChangE) Leadership Team of Winter Park. Convened by the WPHF in 2010, ACHIEVE is a program designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that is focused on making local communities healthier places to live, learn, work and play.

The ACHIEVE Leadership Team, made up of local leaders and stakeholders from the public and private sector, directs local efforts. Mr. Chapin is a member of the team and is taking a lead role in the launch of Work Well Winter Park along with a variety of strategic partners.

Worksite wellness is one part of a four-part action plan established by team members after studying the needs of the community. The team also is focused on helping establish tobacco-free public places, safe and friendly streets for all users, and health-supporting programs at the new Winter Park Community Center.
Aimed at bringing about sustainable change, Work Well Winter Park’s many objectives include motivating and equipping at least 25 employers to implement a workplace wellness program, and improving the overall health of each participating business as a whole.

Work Well Winter Park will launch in July with the formation of an Advisory Council made up of leaders in employee health and wellness.  For information about Work Well Winter Park, or to volunteer to serve on the Council, please contact Patrick Chapin at pchapin@winterpark.org.

Work Well Winter Park Overview

LEADERSHIP WINTER PARK PRESENTS ANNUAL COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD TO DAN MCINTOSH
(May 25, 2011) – Leadership Winter Park presented its annual Community Leader Award to Dan McIntosh, a partner at Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., during the Leadership Winter Park Graduation Celebration Luncheon held on May 19 at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center.   The award is presented annually to a member of the Leadership Winter Park Alumni Association for exemplifying leadership qualities and an outstanding commitment to the betterment and well-being of the Winter Park community.

“Dan’s dedication to Winter Park has been unwavering,” said Debra Hendrickson, vice president of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.  “He is an engaged and enthusiastic resident, business leader and community advocate.” 

Mr. McIntosh graduated from Leadership Winter Park Class III and has been committed to supporting a variety of activities in and around Winter Park.  He has held leadership positions at All Saints Episcopal Church, including Senior Warden, Treasurer, Chairman of the Outreach Commission, and Vestry Member; he served on the Board of Directors for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and the Winter Park Presbyterian Pre-School; and he is past Chairman of the City of Winter Park Board of Adjustment and the Code Enforcement Board, both of which he served for a total of 12 years.  Currently, Mr. McIntosh is the President of the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre Board of Directors and a member of the United Arts Board of Directors.  He is also the Chairman of the Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee.

Mr. McIntosh has served on the Leadership Winter Park Alumni Council for many years.  As President, he assisted with drafting the original by-laws and rules of procedure for the Association.  In 2006, he served as Chairman for Best of Leadership Winter Park.

“Leadership Winter Park provided so many great opportunities for me,” said Dan. “Of course, I was able to improve and fine-tune my decision-making and leadership skills.  But perhaps most importantly, the relationships and friendships I have developed and cultivated through the program have truly enhanced my life.”

Leadership Winter Park is a program of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and is an adaptation of a nationwide community awareness and leadership preparation effort.  The program, now in its 21st year, identifies and promotes potential leaders from the business community who desire to become involved in making a difference in the Winter Park community.

WINTER PARK CHAMBER SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR 2011 CHAMBER CARES PROJECT
(April 29, 2011) – The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for its 2011 Chamber Cares campaign.
 
Launched in 2008, Chamber Cares, a small business and community philanthropy effort, has raised almost $100,000 to support initiatives like the UCF College of Medicine's inaugural class, Senior's First emergency Meals-On-Wheels program and the Winter Park Public Library Financial Literacy program. 
 
"Thanks to the significant support of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, Rollins College, the Winter Park Health Foundation and many generous businesses and individuals we have been able to make a significant impact on the lives of many people in Winter Park," said Patrick Chapin, President & CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. 
 
Chapin added, "It shows that we are as much a Chamber of "Community" as a Chamber of "Commerce" and I'm extremely proud of this important program."
 
The Chamber will accept applications from non-profit Chamber members who are in good standing as of May 27, 2011.  Applications must be received by May 27, 2011 to be considered.  The funds requested must be within the $10,000 - $20,000 range and must benefit the Winter Park community.  For full requirements, visit www.winterpark.org and select Events and Programs, then Chamber Cares.

TASTE OF WINTER PARK ANNOUNCES WINNERS
(April 21, 2011) -- On Wednesday, April 20, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce hosted the 26th annual Taste of Winter Park presented by CenturyLink, the organization’s annual food festival.  Forty of the area’s finest restaurants served more than 1400 attendees with unlimited samples of unique culinary creations, steakhouse favorites, quality seafood, decadent desserts and a variety of coffees, teas, wine and beer.

“The Taste of Winter Park continues to be one of Central Florida’s best foodie events,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.  “We’re proud to showcase the many fine dining opportunities in Winter Park and bring the community together for an unforgettable evening.”

Throughout the event, a select panel of judges from local media outlets including Edible Orlando, Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Sentinel, The Park Press and WLOQ 103.1 sampled each menu item to determine the recipient of four coveted awards.  4 Rivers Smokehouse was honored with Best Main Course for Chef John Rivers’ Six Shooter Shots.  Best Side Dish was presented to The Ravenous Pig for Chef James Petrakis’ unique offering of Smoked Florida Cobia with Watermelon and Radish Relish with Best Side Dish.  Best Dessert was awarded to LUMA on Park for Chef Brandon McGlamery’s Strawberry Milkshake with Hazelnut Crumble and Basil Meringue.  Finally, Best Booth Display went to Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt of Winter Park, a first-time participant at the event.

The Taste of Winter Park is held annually at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market.  For information on the 27th annual Taste of Winter Park, contact the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at (407) 644-8281, visit www.winterpark.org or www.facebook.com/tasteofwinterpark.

The 26th annual Taste of Winter Park was made possible by the support of many community-minded organizations, including Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Florida Blue, Full Sail University, Massey Communications, Ferrell Wealth Management, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies/Orlando Health, Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine, Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine, Orlando Sentinel, WFTV Channel 9, Winter Park/Maitland Observer and WLOQ 103.1.

WINTER PARK CHAMBER HONORS MEMBERS AT ANNUAL CELEBRATION DINNER             
(January 26, 2011) – – The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce recognized its members at the organization’s annual Membership Awards Celebration on Friday, January 21, at the new Full Sail Live Performance Venue.  In addition to presenting awards for the organizations and individuals that made positive contributions to the Chamber and Winter Park community in 2010, Florida House of Representatives Speaker Dean Cannon was honored as the Winter Park Citizen of the Year.

“Dean’s passion and commitment to the Winter Park community is unwavering,” said Chris Gardner, COO with Kuykendall Gardner and 2010 Chairman for the Chamber’s Board of Directors.  “He has tirelessly championed causes that protect the character of our community and expand the Central Florida economy.”  The Winter Park Citizen of the Year Award was instituted in 1985 and has become one of the most prestigious awards in Winter Park.  Previous winners include Allen Trovillion (1990), Allen E. Keen (2001), Kenneth H. Kraft, Jr. (2002) and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings (2003).

Patrick Chapin, President/CEO of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, presented Rollins College with the Community Organization of the Year award, saying, “In 2010, Rollins College celebrated its 125th anniversary of providing a world-class education and enriching the Winter Park community.  Over the years, Rollins has attracted talented students and faculty to our community, demonstrated a commitment to volunteerism and community involvement and offered a variety of programs and events to enhance the quality of life in Winter Park.”  This award, now in its seventh year, is given to a select non-profit in Winter Park that provides outstanding service to its constituents and the community at large.

Businesses and individuals were also honored in a variety of categories.  Saundra Hester, travel consultant with Rollins College Alumni Association, was recognized as the Ambassador of the Year for her participation and promotion of the Chamber.  Business of the Year was presented to The Mayflower Retirement Community for their strong financial and volunteer support for Chamber programs.  Joe Regner received the Chairman of the Year award for his leadership of the 58th annual “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade.  Small Business of the Year was awarded to Brio Properties for instituting the Leadership Winter Park Named Scholarship Program and involvement in government affairs initiatives.  Finally, Carmella Barbarino, vice president/ commercial relationship manager at BankFIRST, was acknowledged for her dedication as the Volunteer of the Year. 

For the first time, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce presented the Chamber Hero award.  “We created this award to recognize a specific individual whose service to the Chamber and the community is unparalleled,” explained Chapin, as he recognized Ronnie Moore, assistant director for Parks and Recreation for the City of Winter Park.  Moore is a lifelong resident of Hannibal Square, a graduate of Winter Park High School and a 32-year veteran with the City of Winter Park.  Throughout his career, Moore has sought out opportunities to make a positive difference in his hometown.  However, it is his time and dedication outside of his normal job that is most remarkable.  His dedication and passion for events such as Hannibal Square Wine Tasting and Business After Hours, Taste of Winter Park, Winter Park Autumn Art Festival and all three holiday events help make these community traditions memorable experiences for vendors, residents and attendees alike. 

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Membership Awards Celebration was presented by Bright House Networks and Kuykendall Gardner, hosted by Full Sail University and sponsored by Pinnacle Award & Promotions and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.   

WINTER PARK CHAMBER OPPOSES AMENDMENT 4
(September 13, 2010) – The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors has unanimously passed a resolution in opposition to Florida Constitutional Amendment 4.  The proposed amendment would require a vote to make changes to a local government’s comprehensive land use plan.  In the resolution, the board expressed its disagreement with the proposed amendment citing concerns of future job losses, a weaker economy and increased costs to local governments and taxpayers.
 
“Amendment 4 may sound like a good idea at the surface, but the unintended consequences will derail Florida’s economy and ultimately disrupt our quality of life,” said Chris Gardner, 2010 board chairman of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to issuing its resolution in opposition, the Chamber engaged its members and the community at large through a forum where proponents and opponents of Amendment 4 answered audience questions about the future impact of the amendment.  The organization also received input from its Council of Leaders, a large body of past board chairs, former mayors and other community leaders.

“Throughout our decision making process it was clear that small business owners, residents and other community leaders felt strongly that Amendment 4 is not a viable solution for Winter Park,” added Patrick Chapin, president/CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Read the full resolution.

WINTER PARK RALLIES FOR RAIL
(August 23, 2010) Today the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, along with Orange County Commissioner Bill Segal, Mayor Ken Bradley, Rollins College President Lewis Duncan and more than 150 community and business leaders assembled at the Winter Park Welcome Center to show their support for SunRail in Winter Park.

The rail rally drew attention to this afternoon’s Winter Park City Commission meeting where commissioners will discuss an amendment to improve the inter-local agreement between the City and Orange County.

“The purpose of this morning’s event is to demonstrate the community’s continued support for SunRail and the importance of finalizing the amendment to the inter-local agreement,” explained Patrick Chapin, president / CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber has historically supported rail efforts in the Winter Park community and believes the SunRail stop in Central Park is critical to the future of Winter Park.  Bringing commuters and visitors to Central Park via rail will reduce traffic and parking congestion and increase property values in the downtown business district.

Chapin adds, “Because our SunRail stop will be located in Central Park, in the middle of our central business district, there’s no other city better positioned to benefit from SunRail than Winter Park.  We look forward to finalizing this agreement so that we can focus on the future success of SunRail and working towards a dedicated funding source for this important project.”