Erika Spence: Business in the Park

A Few Shameless Plugs

So how does the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce measure the year? For starters, we added 166 new members in 2016, many of them in the downtown business district and at Lakeside Crossing along 17-92. This growth showcases just how vibrant and thriving our business community is.

Another way the Chamber measures the year is in events and programs. Our members, as well as residents and visitors alike, came out in force to support annual traditions like the Taste of Winter Park, Winter Park Autumn Art Festival and Winter on the Avenue, among others. We even launched new programs, like The Hot Seat and Chamber Connect, both of which are designed to link members to each other and entrepreneurial leaders in our community.

I could fill a book with stats from 2015. The number of ribbon cuttings held at new businesses: 60. You can see their smiling faces at www.facebook.com/winterparkchamber. The number of fans on the Chamber’s Facebook page: 2,789. Twitter followers: 7,757. Instagram followers: 1,058. You can find links to our social media channels to keep abreast of news and events happening in our business community at www.winterpark.org

Who Gets a Feather in Their Cap?

I think it’s worth mentioning one last time that the Chamber, the Park Avenue merchants and the Winter Park/Maitland Observer are asking for your help in determining the “best of” Winter Park. That’s right, this is your chance to vote for your favorite local businesses, including best new restaurant, best fitness studio, best dentist, and 47 other categories. Voting at www.wpmobserver.com runs through Dec. 31. The winners will be announced live at our Ovations Awards Ceremony & Business After Hours on Jan. 26. Hope you will join us!

Resolutions

As a result of a strategic planning process, the Chamber has identified three new objectives for the New Year and hired Betsy Gardner Eckbert to guide the organization as our new President/CEO. Our resolutions for 2017 and beyond include delivering value to members, enhancing community relations and driving member engagement. Help us welcome Betsy and members of the 2017 Board of Directors at a Meet the Board Reception on Jan. 12. It’s a great way to kick off the New Year and set the pace for a prosperous 2017.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.