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The U.S.Department of Homeland Security(DHS) encourages business to Connect, Plan, Train, and Report.  Applying these four steps in advance of an incident or attack can help better prepare businesses and their employees to proactively think about the role they play in the safety and security of their businesses and communities.

‍CONNECT:  Reach out and develop relationships in your community, including local law enforcement. Having these relationships established before an incident occurs can help speed up the response when something happens.

‍PLAN:  Take the time now to plan on how you will handle a security event should one occur.  Learn from other events to inform your plans.

‍TRAIN:  Provide your employees with training resources and exercise your plans often.  The best laid plans must be exercised in order to be effective.

‍REPORT:  “If You See Something, Say Something” is more than just a slogan.  Call local law enforcement.For more information The Ready Campaign provides help with planning for business at http://www.ready.gov/business.

Our Florida Legislative Session Update, presented by Walt Disney World Resort, was held on Tuesday, May 19 Osceola Heritage Park.

Legislators who presented at this event included Representative Mike LaRosa (District 42), Representative John Cortes (District 43), Representative Neil Combee (District 39), Senator Darren Soto (District 14), and Senator Kelli Stargel (District 15).

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Walt Disney World Resort, and our table sponsors: Broad& Cassel Attorneys at Law, CenterState Bank, City of Kissimmee, Florida Hospital, Goodwin Realty & Associates, Hanson, Walter & Associates, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Poinciana Medical Center/Osceola Regional Medical Center, Toho Water Authority, University of Central Florida, and Valencia College.

1. Connections – The business owners and operators you meet through the Chamber can be your clients and open doors to other companies to help grow your business.
2. Business advocates – Your ability to influence public policy on common business problems becomes greater as more voices are added to advocate on behalf of businesses like yours.
3. Credibility – Membership in a Chamber of Commerce is considered a must by the public and other businesses for your business to be taken seriously and be considered a viable player in your industry.
4. Resources – The problems you face in business are likely shared by your fellow men and women in the business community. What better way to talk through difficulties or problems in your business than discussing with those who are walking on the same path as you.
5. Intelligence – You don’t have time to stay on top of all the local, regional, and state issues which could impact your business, but that’s at the heart of what we do. We keep you informed so that you can concentrate on growing your business.
6. Training – Whether it is a lunch and learn or a seminar on improving your company’s marketing, the Chamber hosts countless programs to help you increase your skills in all aspects of your business.
7. Involvement – Consumers and business owners and operators want to do business with someone who is vested in their community.
8. Marketing – What better way to introduce your business to potential clients than through chamber-sponsored events that attract other businesses and the public.
9. Standing – When you sit on business committees and eventually advance into leadership positions, you are seen by the public and other business owners and operators as an expert in your field.
10. Giving back – When you give back to your community, you’re helping others, and that helps the business community become stronger. When the business community is vibrant and strong, the local economy is stronger, and that is good for all businesses that depend on consumers’ ability to spend in the local marketplace.