For the second time, the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber hosted a successful Trunk-or-Treat in our very own parking lot. At the Chamber, we appreciate this opportunity to bring the the public out to our property and increase awareness of the Chamber’s presence in our community. The Trunk-or-Treat proved to be a great opportunity to showcase our members as well. Forty member vendors parked their trunks for a night of fun.
We could not have anticipated the over 3,000-strong turnout at the event, but it was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic Osceolans and their cleverly-costumed kids. We saw zombies, t-rexes, princesses, and almost the full cast of Star Wars. Our vendors put in as much creativity decorating their trunks as the kids did with their costumes as they competed for “Most Spooktacular,” most “Creepily Creative,” and the crowd favorite “Monsters’ Choice.”
Thanks to some awesome partnerships, we were able to provide some extra moments of fun. Orlando Health sponsored a cute photo opportunity as well as the free kids’ craft. Toho Water Authority sponsored a face painter, whose services were free to attendees, and provided a favorite treat on a warm night: water. Thanks to Bogin, Munns & Munns, trick-or-treaters also enjoyed fresh-popped popcorn. Kona Ice was also on site with their refreshing shaved ic.
At the end of the night, the most “Creepily Creative” trunk went to Mosquito Joe of Kissimmee’s Dia de los Muertos display, which included the owners in full face paint, and the “Most Spooktacular” was Geico Local Office – South Orlando‘s ode to a classic favorite The Nightmare Before Christmas. After tallying the many, many votes for “Monsters’ Choice,” that award again went to Mosquito Joe of Kissimmee.
It was a truly spooktacular night and we can’t wait for this event to return next spooky season with more creative fun and community access for all ages.
Thanks to our sponsors McLane, Orlando Health, Toho Water Authority, and Murray Insurance Agency Inc. for making the event a success.
After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VIVA Osceola, the largest Hispanic festival in Central Florida, was back in style on October 9 at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. For almost three decades VIVA Osceola has celebrated Hispanic heritage, arts, and culture, as well as Osceola’s business community. The Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber has hosted this event for over 20 years and this year was one of the best yet.
The highlight of the festival was by far the entertainment. Before the event had even officially kicked off at noon, spectators were camped out to make sure they had an ideal spot for the day’s entertainment. Attendees caught lengthy sets from Orchestra Fuego, Edwin El Calvito Reyes, and the headliner, the “Original Canary of Salsa” Lalo Rodriguez. The concert was emceed by Epi Colon and Bebo from Exitos 96.5. Thanks to our partnership with AdventHealth, for the first time ever we were able to offer a livestream of the entire show, which is still available on the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber website.
AdventHealth also sponsored an awesome free photo booth complete with props. Attendees were able to take home a souvenir photo strip with the VIVA logo and three different poses. Kissimmee Utility Authority was back this year too with their popular Kids’ Power Zone. Kids could have safe fun with inflatable bounce houses and slides and festival-goers of all ages cooled off with free snow cones.
As always, there were plenty of food and drink options at VIVA. From Puerto Rican favorites to an Oktoberfest-themed biergarten, there was plenty to sample. The festival even had its own drink this year, the VIVA Blue.” This rum, blue curacao, and sprite concoction was a glowing treat!
Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber named Florida's 2021 Chamber of the Year for outstanding achievement.In September, members of the Chamber staff attended the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals’ (FACP) Annual Conference, held September 22-24, 2021 at the Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harbourside in Jupiter, Florida. Awards were presented at the conference to recognize Florida’s top chambers of commerce throughout the state for their outstanding achievement and dedication to the industry.
The Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce was was named the 2021 Chamber of the Year for the state of Florida. This marks the third time the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber has claimed this award, having previously won in 2001 and 2017. Following an extensive application process, which included assessment of the Chamber’s financial stability, use of communications, membership recruitment and retention, special events, strategic planning, use of technology, and innovation, the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber was chosen by a group of fellow Chamber professionals from around Florida.
“The Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber has much to be proud of and have demonstrated a high caliber of service to their community and the members that they represent,” noted Tammy C. Bracewell, President of FACP. “Their list of accomplishments was exceptional and demonstrated excellence in all areas of chamber operations,” she added.
Accomplishments of your Chamber over the past three years that helped secure the award include successfully pivoting to utilize technology to engage with its members during the pandemic, successfully transitioning from fair-share dues to a tiered dues structure, nominating and receiving two FACP Professionals of the Year Awards, and contributing thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors in Osceola County.
In addition to Chamber of the Year, the chamber also won a Communications Award in the Public Relations category for their COVID-19 Rebound and Recovery email communications and COVID-19 resources webpage.
“The team here at the Chamber works hard,” said Chamber President & CEO John Newstreet, “but the story we tell is made by our members.”
FACP is a statewide organization whose mission is “Advancing excellence in chamber management” and whose vision is “Enhancing Florida’s business communities by cultivating successful chamber professionals.” They previously named Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber Executive Vice President Cindy Lewis and Director of Business Development Robin Hughes Chamber Professional of the Year in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Serving Osceola County since the early 20th Century, the mission of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce is to be champions for business and community.
While at the conference, Chamber staff had time to meet and compare notes with Chamber professionals across the state of Florida, and attended presentations and panels on everything from diversity, equity, & inclusion to engaging volunteers.
