West Orange Chamber unveils new office

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce opened its new office space to members on Thursday, Nov. 30, and everyone had a chance to check out the new digs.

Chamber President Stina D’Uva shared the organization’s history in the building, which began in 2000 after the city of Winter Garden and Lake Apopka Natural Gas District agreed to a land swap to keep the chamber centrally located in West Orange County.

In recent years, other municipalities financially partnered with the chamber, as did local businesses.

Through the Growth Matters Campaign, naming opportunities were available for all of the individual offices and conference rooms in the renovated space, and local businesses stepped up to sponsor them. Members were generous in providing their services, too, from flooring to paint to artwork.

The conference room was named to honor a highly revered and loved past chairman, Dan Petro.

Another addition during the chamber’s 45th year is the Sapphire Society. Supporters who contributed at least $4,500 received recognition on the lobby wall.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will have a quarterly display of a historical piece in the conference center, and the Winter Garden Art Association will display a local artist’s piece. 

The evening included a presentation of 10 community grants through the chamber’s newly formed West Orange Foundation. Recipients are Bread of Life/Southeastern Food Bank; Edgewood Children’s Ranch; Christian Service Center; Matthew’s Hope; Oakland Nature Preserve; West Orange Boys & Girls Club; Garden Theatre; HAPCO Music Foundation; Women in the Arts and Orange County Police Athletic League.