A little business and breakfast

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce held its Business Before Hours event last Thursday morning at The Bella Room in Winter Garden. A hearty breakfast was served, catered by Cookie Jar Deli & Special Events, and attendees networked with local business leaders and Chamber members.

This event series was designed to offer an innovative approach of 50 percent networking and 50 percent education at a more convenient time for some than Business After Hours. Guests can build their brand and increase relationships with other businesses within the community.

“We need to do better [as a country] facilitating an environment where small businesses can succeed, and that’s what we’re doing here,” said Nick Rodites, Insperity Support Services, LP.

Insperity sponsored Thursday’s event, along with Florida Hospital Winter Garden, the Business Before Hours series sponsor. Florida Hospital’s Winter Garden location will open in 2015 and strives to foster excellence in health within the community.

The Chamber welcomed George Aguel, president and CEO of Visit Orlando, as the guest speaker. Visit Orlando is the official tourism association for the city, which is the most visited destination in the United States. Aguel shared the substantial impact that tourism has on both the local and state economy. He spoke of tourism in terms of employment, bringing jobs to the area due to new facility construction and expansion.

A networking scavenger hunt game was played, allowing attendees to mingle with new people and learn about other companies in the area. Each person was given a list of descriptions about various businesses and people, and guests explored the room for a name that fit. A business card raffle also took place. Prizes were given to the winners.

The next Business Before Hours event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28.

Visit wochamber.com or call 407-656-1304 for more information.