As Osceola County rapidly grows and thrives as a leading area in Central Florida, the Leadership Osceola Program proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone: 35 classes of graduates who have dedicated themselves to understanding and addressing the evolving issues and opportunities of this expanding county. Leadership Osceola Class 35 graduated on August 14, 2024, at Disney’s Yacht Club.
Founded in 1989 at the Osceola Chamber, Leadership Osceola was established to ensure Osceola County had a foundation of knowledgeable, engaged, and civic-minded individuals prepared to lead. For more than three decades, the program has opened doors to public and civic service for hundreds of individuals across the county.
“As we celebrate 35 classes of Leadership Osceola graduates, we recognize the profound impact this program has had on our community,” said Sue Ring, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for The Osceola Chamber. “Just as Osceola County has grown and evolved, so too have our graduates, who are now leading the way in various sectors and making meaningful contributions to our county’s progress.”
The Leadership Osceola Program identifies candidates through local businesses, community stakeholders, and alumni. The application process begins in the fall and involves submitting an application and an interview conducted by a selection committee comprised of alumni.
Over the course of five months, Leadership Osceola participants engage in immersive field experiences and hands-on activities, exploring key community issues and initiatives. This comprehensive approach integrates leadership skills into day programming, fostering personal and professional growth. Graduates gain invaluable exposure to Osceola’s leaders and decision-makers, preparing them to understand our county’s challenges and opportunities. They are then encouraged to take on roles in public betterment, government advisory, and civic service, ensuring they contribute effectively to the future of our vibrant community.
“This program is transformative, providing us with the knowledge and connections to make a real difference in Osceola County,” said Dr. Joseph D’Ambrosi, Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist for the Osceola School District and recent graduate of the 2024 class. “Leadership Osceola has enabled me to collaborate with passionate individuals who are dedicated to our community’s growth and development.”
Applications to join the Leadership Osceola Class of 2025 opens September 3. For more information on how to get involved, please visit theosceolachamber.com/leadership-osceola/ or email Sue Ring at sring@theosceolachamber.com.
See photos of our 2024 Leadership Osceola Graduation event from our friends at RTW Photography HERE.
Step into a world where the aroma of freshly baked pizza mingles with the tantalizing scent of Italian spices – welcome to locally-owned Palma Italian Kitchen, where Italian cuisine meets Florida vibes! Situated in the heart of our community, Palma Italian Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination that promises an unforgettable dining experience for all who walk through its doors.
As you enter the cozy establishment, you are greeted by the warm glow of a brick-fired oven and the inviting ambiance of a full liquor bar. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a classic cocktail, savor a glass of fine wine, or indulge in a refreshing beer, the bar is stocked with a wide selection of beverages to complement your meal. From handcrafted cocktails to imported wines, Palma Italian Kitchen has something to suit every palate and occasion.
But the heart of Palma lies in its culinary offerings – the soul-satisfying pizzas and Italian dishes that have earned a loyal following in the community. Each pizza is a work of art, crafted with care and precision by skilled chefs. From the classic Margherita to the indulgent Hot Honey Pizza, every pizza is baked to perfection in a brick-fired oven, resulting in a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings that will leave you craving more.
But pizza is just the beginning of your culinary journey. The menu is a celebration of Italian flavors and traditions, featuring a variety of pasta dishes, antipasti, and desserts that showcase the best mix of Italian cuisine and Florida flavors. From creamy Hot Honey Ricotta Dip to rich Gnocchi Bolognese, each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients ensuring a dining experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
The chefs and staff of Palma Italian Kitchen take great pride in Palma’s role as a community gathering place. They believe that food has the power to bring people together, to create memories, and to forge connections that transcend cultural boundaries. That’s why they strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or colleagues, you’ll always find a seat at the table and a warm welcome from staff.
Palma Italian Kitchen is more than just a restaurant – it’s a culinary experience, a social hub, and a celebration of all things Italian and Florida. You’re invited on a delicious journey to savor the flavors of Italy and raise a toast to good food, good drinks, and good company. As they love to say at Palma Italian Kitchen, “Life is better with Palm Trees and Pizza!”
In 2023, the Leads Groups within The Osceola Chamber achieved a remarkable milestone, closing $8.5 million in business. This marks only one of the several achievements Leads Groups have made since their founding. As you work hard in growing your small business, Leads Groups provide strategic tools and tactics to take your venture to the next level and set yourself up for long-term success. These groups play a crucial role in facilitating networking, sharing leads and potential customers, and fostering collaborative growth among professionals from various industries.
Leads Groups are designed to be a local business resource and networking opportunity for companies of all sizes. Each group consists of professionals from different industries, ensuring there is no competition within the group. This diverse composition allows members to freely share support and help each other’s businesses grow.
The groups meet weekly to exchange leads and discuss strategies for mutual development. In addition to these weekly meetings, members are encouraged to engage in “1 to 1” meetings, fostering deeper relationships and understanding of each other’s businesses, products, and services.
Each Leads Group is led by two officers who set annual goals for the group. These goals often include closing a certain amount of business or passing a specific number of leads. By setting and striving to achieve these goals, the groups maintain a focus on measurable success and continuous improvement.
Joining a Leads Group offers numerous benefits. The primary advantage is the opportunity to partner with other local businesses to grow your own profession. This partnership not only helps in business growth but also strengthens the bonds within the group. As members help each other succeed, they create a collaborative community that focuses on sharing business resources.
In 2023, The Osceola Chamber’s Leads Groups passed 2,158 leads among their members. These referrals translated into potential clients and business opportunities, enhancing the profitability and reach of each participating business.
Because these leads are shared within the Leads Group, they come with an inherent level of trust and credibility. This means Leads Group members spend less time selling to potential clients and more time closing business. As a result, some members have been able to elevate their part-time passion into a full-time business.
The success of Leads Groups is best illustrated through the experiences of their members. Michelle Bowden, owner of Olivia’s Dog Training, has seen her business double as a result of joining a Leads Group and The Chamber.
But for her, it’s not just about generating leads. She shared, “Joining the Leads Group was confusing at first as I had never been a member of a networking group before. After a couple of visits, it felt like friends, after a few more, it felt like family.”
This sentiment highlights the supportive nature of Leads Groups. Bowden emphasized the sense of camaraderie: “Being a small business owner in the Leads Group makes it feel like you have other people that are looking out for your best interest.” This sense of community has been a game-changer for her, providing not only business growth but also personal support. Bowden’s experience underscores how Leads Groups foster an environment where members are genuinely invested in each other’s success.
Leads Groups offer a powerful business resource for growth through networking, lead sharing, and mutual support. The achievements of The Chamber’s Leads Groups continue to grow each year. For those looking to expand their business and build lasting professional relationships, joining a Leads Group is not only a strategic choice but an invaluable opportunity to be part of a thriving community.
