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Osceola Chamber benefits you may be missing out on—networking, promotions, and more to grow your business.

Chamber of Commerce benefits can be a game-changer for your business, making a difference in building connections, increasing visibility, and driving growth. However, many members may not be fully leveraging all the benefits available. Here are some overlooked Chamber benefits that can drive your business growth to the next level.

Networking Events

Building strong connections is essential for business growth, and networking is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. By engaging with other professionals, you can share ideas, learn from others’ experiences, and form partnerships to propel your business forward. Our local Chamber of Commerce offers networking events designed to help you build these valuable relationships.

Be sure to attend:

  • Business After Hours: These networking events are hosted at a Chamber member business to help members meet fellow business owners, exchange ideas, and build partnerships. It’s a relaxed environment, ideal for fostering new connections and expanding your network.
  • First Fridays: Held on the first Friday of every month, this event allows you to start your month with fresh contacts and insights. Join us for local bites and conversations that can help you overcome business challenges you may be facing.

Advertising and Promotion

Getting your business noticed is key to attracting new customers. The Chamber provides various promotion options to help you reach a wider audience and stand out in the community.

  • Receive a Dedicated Email Blast:  Trustee members can spotlight their business through an exclusive Chamber email sent to all members, available once per year. Other member levels can share community events, educational opportunities, or news in the Chamber newsletter.  
  • Advertise on The Chamber’s Website: Feature your business to thousands of monthly visitors on the Chamber’s website. Depending on your membership level, your ad can stay up for extended periods, increasing visibility and connecting your brand with potential local customers in the community.

Leveraging Your Member Information Center

The Member Information Center (MIC) is a powerful online platform accessible to all Chamber members, regardless of membership level. It allows members to effectively manage and promote their businesses within The Chamber’s extensive network. You can maximize your Chamber membership by logging in to the MIC and fully utilizing this platform.

  • Complete Your Directory Profile: Make sure your business listing in The Chamber directory is fully filled out and engaging. Include your logo, up-to-date contact information, and a detailed description of your services to attract potential customers and partnerships with fellow members.
  • Connect with Fellow Members and Customers: Post job openings, announce news releases, and promote your business. Use this platform to keep website visitors and Chamber members informed and engaged with your business.
  • Attend ChamberMaster Power Hour: Join this hands-on workshop to learn how to optimize your marketing visibility and search engine optimization (SEO) using the MIC. Connect, promote, and grow your business with other goal-driven leaders.

Seats at Community-Changing Events

Engaging in key community events keeps you informed and allows you to influence local developments that support your business growth. The Chamber provides access to events to connect with Osceola County leaders and decision-makers, helping you stay engaged and up-to-date on the community’s future. Plus, regardless of your membership level, you receive special rates for major events, making it easier to join important conversations.

Engage with Community Leaders:

  • Board of Trustees Meetings: At the Visionary and Champion Chamber member levesl, receive a seat on our Board of Trustees. Connect with influential community leaders and stay involved in high-level decision-making.
  • Osceola Update: Discuss key issues with legislators and gain insights on policies that affect your business. This event provides an in-depth update on Osceola’s growth and legislative priorities.
  • Annual Meeting: Join fellow members in celebrating the year’s achievements as The Chamber honors outstanding members, inaugurates a new Chairman, and looks forward to the year ahead.
  • Unity Day: This event brings together Unity, Visionary, and Champion members for a day of collaboration across Osceola County. Connect with fellow members and The Chamber team through team-building and extracurricular fun.
Guests seated at tables during The Osceola Chamber’s 99th annual meeting.

Giving Back to Osceola County

Supporting the community is a powerful way to make a lasting impact while building strong local connections. As a Chamber member, you play a vital role in helping Osceola County thrive, and The Chamber provides meaningful ways to get involved and give back.

At the Champion level, you have the unique opportunity to gift a one-year Heritage Level membership to a non-profit, Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE), or veteran-owned business of your choice. This includes a public presentation showcasing your commitment to uplifting others in the Osceola community and strengthening the local business landscape.

How to Start Taking Advantage of These Benefits

Explore the diverse resources and Chamber benefits available at your membership level. Start by reviewing community engagement opportunities that align with your business goals. Regular participation in Chamber activities through events, online platforms, or promotional channels can help build meaningful connections, increase visibility, and strengthen your business’s local presence.

Small actions like these can help you unlock these Chamber benefits, strengthening your business and community connections. Not a member yet? Contact us to unlock these opportunities and become a vital part of our thriving business network!

The 2024 Poinciana Festival unites local businesses and residents for a day of culture, commerce, and fun

After months of planning, our Poinciana Council brought the community together for the 2024 PoincianaFest:  A Poinciana Festival of Community & Commerce on Saturday, November 9!  PoincianaFest was formerly an annual event hosted by our Poinciana Council Board of Directors designed to bring the Poinciana business and citizen communities together for a day of fun and community engagement.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event had not been held since the fall of 2019, but this year felt like the appropriate time to bring the event back and better than ever at a brand new location – Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures!  The main purpose of this event is to raise funds for the Poinciana Council’s annual scholarship that benefits high school seniors and those already enrolled in higher learning programs in the Poinciana area – and we can’t think of a more fun way to support a great cause!  Check out some images and video from our amazing day in Poinciana!

Business Vendors

The 2024 PoincianaFest welcomed 50 business vendors and food trucks who welcomed the community to their booths.  From major players in the area to family-owned businesses and craft vendors, there was a little something for everyone.  The event was sponsored by HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital, Osceola Community Health Services, Central Florida Expressway Authority’s Move Poinciana, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Cypress Cove Nudist Resort, and Valencia College Poinciana Campus.

Community Engagement

Attendees had many opportunities to engage with and learn about our community at PoincianaFest.  Many chose to donate blood at the OneBlood Blood Bus in exchange for a $20 gift card and some OneBlood swag.  Others explored one of Osceola County’s real fire trucks serving the Poinciana Community with some Osceola County Fire & EMS’s finest there to answer their questions.  The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office also handed out swag and let attendees explore their special cruiser wrapped for Breast Cancer Awareness and a real sheriff’s truck.

Activities for Kids & Families

There was plenty to do for kids and families at PoincianaFest 2024.  The Build Back Better Regional Grant Board/NeoCity and CAAIRE sponsored a STEM City where kids of all ages were able to explore STEM activities and learn about the world of possibility in science and nanotechnology that NeoCity is bringing to our County.  Face Painters kept busy giving kids artistic makeovers, while other children played corn hole and pickle ball.  Attendees had access to Boggy Creek’s park and Boggy Bottom BBQ Restaurant, and the option to purchase an airboat excursion and other activities that the park offers daily.  In honor of Veterans Day weekend, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures was even offering free 30-minute airboat rides to veterans!  In addition to the restaurant, Steaktion food truck offered Colombian and Venezuelan favorites and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream brought a variety of flavors to choose from.

Entertainment

At PoincianaFest 2024, DJ LaVell kept the tunes going  – and he event got a little help from the Osceola Magic’s mascot Swish!!  The event was opened by a presentation of the colors by the Poinciana High School NJROTC under the direction of Kentreal Peters and a Star Spangled Banner sung by members of PHS’s choir.  The PHS Choir, under the direction of Caleb Pena-Justino, returned to perform later in the day.  In between, the Pleasant Hill Elementary Traveling Performance Group also sang selections from 101 Dalmatians for us!

Raffle Prizes

With the main objective of raising funds for the Poinciana Council Scholarship Fund, the event also included a raffle for some amazing prizes from our friends at Universal Orlando Resort, Gatorland, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, Osceola Magic, Staley Development, and more!  Congrats to all the winners!

All in all, we commend the Poinciana Council Board for a fantastic event, and e hope to see many of you at next year’s PoincianaFest!

  The Poinciana Council Board of Directors

The Osceola Chamber and AdventHealth host 2nd Annual Pink Tea Party highlighting breast cancer awareness.

2nd Annual Pink Tea Party

After a hurricane-mandated reschedule, we celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Halloween at our annual Pink Tea Party, sponsored by AdventHealth.  This traditional tea party, hosted at the ette hotel, featured education on breast health and cancer treatment and prevention procedures from the expert doctors and nurse navigators at AdventHealth Celebration and Kissimmee, emotional stories from survivors and warriors, and a creative and moving hat contest.

Dr. Jeremy John, a Breast Oncology Surgeon with AdventHealth, spoke about best lifestyle choices for breast health, and early detectors.  AdventHealth reminds us that early detection is the key to beating breast cancer and they offer 30-minute mammograms with highly-specialized radiologists who screen more women than any other team in Central Florida.Two of AdventHealth's nurse navigators, Alejandra Ricaurte and Cecilia Oteng, explained the hands-on, caring approach that AdventHealth's team takes with patients once they have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast Health & Early Detection

Did you know that you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer if you are

  • over the age of 40
  • have a family history of breast cancer
  • drink excessive alcohol
  • have been exposed to environmental factors, including radiation
  • are overweight or obese

You can reduce that risk by

  • exercising at least three times per week
  • following a balanced diet
  • stop smoking tobacco products
  • limiting alcohol consumption
  • reduce stress

An Emotional Journey

Jessica Fairbanks, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026 and is currently cancer-free, spoke about her journey with the disease and her experience as an oncology patient at AdventHealth.  Nick Abreu, who just this month lost his significant other Diana to the disease, shared her story of fighting hard until the very end, his appreciation of support from her friends and community, and lessons learned along the way.

Tea Time

The beautiful setting for this emotional event was the ette hotel, a boutique hotel on Sherberth Rd.  off W Highway 192, right here in Kissimmee.  The ette hosts an afternoon tea every Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm, and we were fortunate to get a taste of it as we celebrated breast health awareness, survivors, and those we have lost in the peasceul setting of their Missoni-lined garden escape .  Attendees each chose a tea from the ette's extensive list by Mariage Frères, curators of the most sought-after and flavorful teas in the world.  Tea was accompanied by finger sandwiches and pink-themed desserts.

Fun & Games

Attendees were asked to wear a hat or fascinator and many took this as a challenge to create meaningful designs that celebrated everything from early detection to lives lost to personal battles.  Two winners took home tickets to the Disney Parks.  Additional attendees took home staycations at the ette for correctly answering trivia questions about out hotel host!

Thank you to sponsors AdventHealth, ette hotel, Florida Technical College, and the Tompkins Family Foundation for making this important event possible.

Breast Cancer Awareness