Erika Spence: Business in the Park

Self-proclaimed ‘Chamber Week’ begins Sept. 10

By the powers vested in me by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, I’m declaring Sept. 10 through 18 as Winter Park Chamber Week. These seven business days are packed with more events and programs than should be allowed. Be glad we gave you the weekend off!

Chamber Week kicks off with the popular Winter Park Sip, Shop & Stroll event on Sept. 10. This evening on the town features wine, hors d’oeuvres and a preview of the latest fashions, gift ideas and seasonal menu items at 30 local merchants. That includes stops at new merchants including Glorious Beautiful Hair Supply & Boutique, Jewelers on the Park and Small Business Counsel, as well as a visit inside the Winter Park History Museum, among others.

Rise and shine the next morning for Good Morning Winter Park. This monthly public affairs program helps our members and the community-at-large stay abreast of topics of interest. On Sept. 11, learn how Orlando Economic Development Commission is spreading the message about the “other half” of Orlando with its branding campaign for the region. This knowledge will equip community leaders to share Orlando’s business story with colleagues across town and the country.

Chamber Week continues on Monday, Sept. 14, with Winter Park Executive Women. This monthly gathering will feature a lunchtime panel discussion with women executives who have risen to the top of their careers in healthcare. They will share their personal stories and lessons learned on the way. Attendees are sure to leave empowered and inspired.

We’ll take Tuesday off so you can catch your breath and resume on Sept. 16 with Member Orientation. This is your chance to spend an hour with Chamber staff, ambassadors and fellow members building relationships and learning tips and tricks to maximize your membership experience. These sessions are ideal for new members, new employees at member businesses, or anyone looking for a refresher on membership benefits.

Thursday brings a double-header, with the inaugural Winter Park Outlook luncheon at The Alfond Inn. This panel discussion moderated by Dick Batchelor will bring together local experts in the areas of government, business, health, real estate and education for an in-depth conversation on the state of our community. That same evening, Park Plaza Gardens will host Business After Hours, featuring first-class hospitality and a special networking opportunity with members of the Central Florida Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce.

TGIF! If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Friday, Sept. 18 is the grand finale of Chamber Week! After sending our 51-member Leadership Winter Park Class XXVI off to its Cocoa Beach retreat for a crash course in team building, we’ll head inside the Winter Park Welcome Center for the final program of the week. Small Business Education Series will help you conquer the butterflies in your stomach and master the art of effective communication at a fun and interactive seminar on public speaking.

Complete details on panelists, speakers and registration for all of these events can be found on our website, winterpark.org or by calling 407-644-8281.

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