The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce had a great 2015 thanks to the support of our members and the tireless effort of our volunteers and board of directors. I want to especially thank Board Chair Rebecca Wilson, with Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., for her leadership and commitment to the chamber.
In addition to hosting successful events like the Taste of Winter Park, Autumn Art Festival and Christmas Parade, the chamber helped lead the 3rd Annual Feed the Need campaign, a community-wide effort to raise funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. With partners Rollins College, Sodexo, the City of Winter Park and Think Creative, as well as sponsors Winter Park Memorial Hospital, Mayflower Retirement Community and Florida Distributing, and many community champions we were able to raise over $85,000 to help end hunger in our community.
We kick off the New Year with two wonderful events. On Jan. 15, we will host the State of the City Luncheon presented by Waste Pro at The Alfond Inn. The event honors Mayor Steve Leary, city commissioners and city staff for their service to this community.
On Jan. 21, the chamber and Winter Park/Maitland Observer will honor the best of our local business community at The Ovations Awards Ceremony. Thousands of residents cast online ballots to determine their favorites in 50 categories. The cocktail reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center.
The New Year brings a sense of optimism and excitement, and 2016 is set to be another busy and productive year for us. On behalf of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, we hope you have a happy, healthy and prosperous year.