II (C) West Orange Chamber Activites Update - Richard Irwin AGENDA 8-15-95
Item II C
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W/ S T
ORANGE
J July 26, 1995
Mayor Scott Vandergrift
Commissioner Rusty Johnson
Commissioner Paul W. Foster
Commissioner Jim Gleason
Conunissioner Scott Glass
City of Ocoee
Ocoee, Florida
Dear Mayor Vandergrift and Members of the City Commission:
A little more than six months ago the West Orange Chamber of Commerce took a
significant step forward when it employed its first professionally trained executive director. As you
know, the Chamber conducted a nationwide search for that individual, and in hiring Rob Nordin
brought to the West Orange community not only an individual with extensive association
management skills, but also a man who is a certified and experienced economic development
professional.
That event could not have happened had it not been for the support the City of Ocoee
and the other communities of West Orange provided. Since that time we have seen identifiable
and positive change in the direction our Chamber is charting and in its effectiveness within the
community. Yet we realize we have only begun our task, and the future promises challenges and
opportunites that make it imperative that we maintain strong professional leadership in our
Chamber and the Nest Orange area.
Recognizing and appreciating the endorsement and support the cities and towns of West
c)range have given the Chamber. there is an inherent obligation to provide a status report to those
who are assisting in funding our executive director position. To that end, and to solicit your
continuing support, we would respectfully provide the following information.
WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. BOX 770522/WINTER GARDEN, FLA. 34777/407-656-1304
MEMBER OF FLORIDA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE UNITED STATES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ITEM: In the last six months, and with valuable input from the executive director, the
Chamber has begun to focus its energies on projects that will provide longterm benefit to the
West Orange community.
ITEM: With the executive director acting as facilitator, the Chamber has established
Vision West Orange, a community-wide initiative which will assist in generating a pro-active
position to meet present deficiences that may exist within the Chamber's service area, and in
dealing with issues that will be inherent in future growth.
ITEM: As a priority issue, the executive director has built an excellent rapport with
members of the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and members of the staff of the
Orange County Department of Transportation. He has earned acceptance as a part of the
Western Beltway work group, and is constantly working as an advocate for construction of that
highway project.
ITEM.' Through concerted effort the executive director has established a working
dialogue with the elected officials who serve the West Orange community on local, county, state
and federal levels. Recognized as a representative of the West Orange business constituency
base, he has developed an open network of communication with staff contacts.
ITEM: As a professionally trained, certified, and experienced economic development
facilitator, the executive director has opened exploration with more than a dozen potential new
business contacts considering the West Orange area for relocation. Negotiations with many of
those contacts continue, as do discussions with a number of local businesses considering
expansion.
ITEM: As a part of the economic development effort of both the Chamber of Commerce
and Vision West Orange, the executive director has been instrumental in formulating real
property inventories and business surveys which will assist all West Orange communities in
establishing a reliable service base. The results of those studies will be compiled before the end
of 1995 and made available to the municipalities.
ITEM Recognizing the essential element of networking in economic development, the
Chamber and the executive director have established a close working relationship with the
Florida Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission ofMid-Florida.
Working with a "team concept"the executive director has greatly expanded the resource base
available to the West Orange community, and is in frequent communication with key individuals
from both organizations.
ITEM: The executive director, through personal contacts and a concerted media
relations program, has raised both the public and political awareness about the West Orange
community. Based upon recorded comments and documentation, the West Orange community is
enjoying a growing respect that is rightly deserved. That resepct in turn is helping to create a
more positive political climate which will benefit every aspect of economic growth.
Limitations of space require that only a few highlights of the last six months be covered in
this brief presentation. Suffice it to say that the Chamber Board of Directors feels confident it is
headed in the right direction and has solid professional leadership.
But the work of the Chamber is only beginning, and in order to continue and move
forward, we ask your sustaining support. The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is proud of
the role it is playing in the communites it serves, and looks forward,to strengthening its relationship
with the businesses, Commission, and the people of Ocoee.
"CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE" MAYOR•.COMMISSIOKIER
Ocoee S.SCOTT VANDERGRIFT
�
O O COMMISSIONERS
_� ipCITY OF OCOEE RUSTYJOHNSON
D. PAUL W.FOSTER
Co 150 N.LAKESHORE DRIVE S• COTT A.GLASS
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`. 2C� OCOEE,FLORIDA 34761-2258 JIM GLEASON
4 , c''' ,� (407)656-2322
CITY MANAGER
Of GOO
N` ELLIS SHAPIRO
March 31, 1995
Mr. Rob Nordine
West Orange Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 770522
Winter Garden, FL 34777
Dear Rob:
Pursuant to our discussion,you are scheduled to be placed on the July 18, 1995 City
Commission Agenda regarding an update on the Chamber's activities.
By copy of this letter to our City Clerk, Jean Grafton, I am advising her to place this
item on the July 18, 1995 Commission Agenda under Presentations. If you have any
questions, please contact Jean at 407-656-2322, extension 147.
Sincerely,
//
„, apiro
Manager
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cc: Jean Grafton, City Clerk