Erika Spence: Business in the Park

In the age of social media, why do organizations like a Chamber of Commerce continue to exist? If it were all about networking, LinkedIn, Facebook and others would have surely filled the void by now. Let’s face it, there’s still something meaningful about gathering in person to connect, share ideas and develop new skills.

This summer the Chamber is gearing its programming toward making those valuable connections. Instead of a typical luncheon with a guest speaker, the June 6 Winter Park Executive Women meeting will feature Speed Networking. Much like speed dating, the event encourages women (men are welcome) to mix and mingle through an active rotation around the room. Making these kinds of quick introductions is a great way to identify synergies and partnership opportunities to grow your business. This is a lunch meeting, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a boxed lunch will be served.

While some think of our Sip, Shop & Stroll events as one big progressive dinner – and I’m not saying that isn’t the case – others find the evening to be eye-opening. They get to meet store owners and managers at participating Park Avenue businesses, network with fellow attendees over wine and hors d’oeuvres and explore their downtown. I can’t think of a better way to connect to our community. The Summertime Sip, Shop & Stroll is June 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 20 participating Park Avenue area merchants and restaurants.

The next morning, in the spirit of making connections to our community, the Chamber’s Good Morning Winter Park series welcomes Mayor Steve Leary for his annual CoffeeTalk. This free program on June 10 at 7:45 a.m., invites the community – business owners and residents alike – to interact with the mayor in a casual, informal environment. We’ll serve a complimentary continental breakfast and, of course, coffee.

Finally, The Hot Seat series, which features a local entrepreneur who volunteers to take the hot seat, tell their story about building a successful business and answer questions from the audience returns on June 14. This session welcomes Jon and Betsy Hughes from Track Shack to discuss a variety of topics, including brand development, sales strategies, growing a company culture, staffing, financing and how they’ve adapted along their journey. The best part is you get to ask the questions!

Join us this summer for more than just networking.

For more information or to register for any of the events and programs above, visit winterpark.org or call 407-644-8281.

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