Erika Spence: Business in the Park

Leadership Winter Park turns 25

As students head back to class and the hectic schedule of car pools, activities and homework commences, local business professionals are filling the roster for Leadership Winter Park Class XXV. A program of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Winter Park has been developing future community trustees for 25 years. Over the next nine months, 50 class members (the largest class to date) will go behind-the-scenes and study critical issues and challenges facing Winter Park.

In honor of its 25th year, Leadership Winter Park revealed a new logo created by the team at Think Creative Inc. On the company blog, Mark Freid really nails the essence of Leadership Winter Park: growth. He writes, “It’s about individual growth. I speak for myself, and pretty sure everyone else who’s been through the program, when I say that the person you are after completing this program is different than who you were when you started. It’s also about helping others grow, by sharing what you learn in Leadership Winter Park. And it’s helping Winter Park, my community, grow in the right way – a way that will make me, and future generations, proud of where we come from.”

Thanks, Mark, for setting the tone for a great year.

To learn more about Leadership Winter Park and how this program helps identify future leaders and inspires active community involvement, visit winterpark.org and select the “Leadership” tab.

Back to business

Business is booming in Winter Park, and not just at the Lakeside Plaza, where new Chamber members Shake Shack and Cherry Blow Dry Bar recently opened their doors. The remodeled ABC Fine Wine & Spirits store held its grand opening on U.S Highway 17-92, and coming soon just up the street from ABC, Nothing Bundt Cakes, a bakery specializing in a variety of Bundt cake recipes, will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Look for a weekend of grand opening festivities there beginning Sept. 11.

Closer to downtown, Sugar Shoe Lounge is now open in Hannibal Square, Cottonways is in the old Wearable Art space on North Park Avenue and a new bookstore is coming to Welbourne Avenue in October. You can explore Cottonways and Writers Block Bookstore during the Chamber’s Sip, Shop & Stroll event on Sept. 18 (more on that in a minute).

Winter Park’s SunRail stop continues to lead the region in arrivals. For commuters (and tourists), September marks the end of the Park Avenue Merchants Association’s SunRail perks program. Show your ticket at participating merchants and save on shopping, dining and even admission to the Morse Museum. We’ve added a few new offers recently, including Eyes & Optics and Nelore. Details at experienceparkavenue.com/sunrail.

Mark your calendars

Let’s wrap up with a few social events. First, Leadership Winter Park’s anniversary year kicks off with a pre-retreat reception in September where members of the alumni association will meet and greet with members of the new class. Never fear, there are other celebrations coming down the pike to engage more than 775 alumni! A social will be held this fall with a 1990’s-themed costume party, followed by a gala celebration and graduation for Class XXV in spring 2015.

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and Park Avenue Merchants Association will host their final Sip & Stroll event for 2014 on Thursday, Sept. 18. Local merchants will stay open late for attendees to experience the charm of Park Avenue, sample seasonal menu items and get a glimpse at what’s in store this fall. Advance registration for this popular event is recommended and can be made at experienceparkavenue.com.

Finally, Park Avenue Fashion Week returns this fall, Oct. 25 through Nov. 1 to be exact. Runway show tickets, the schedule of events and information on the Emerging Designer Fashion Show can be found online at parkavenuefashionweek.com.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce (and a proud member of Leadership Winter Park Class XXII – the best class).