Latest Blog Posts

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

Starting and growing a small business is an exciting journey. Understanding the business life cycle can help you know what to do at each stage. Osceola County and The Osceola Chamber offer many resources to help you succeed, including services for our Spanish-speaking community. Let’s look at the five stages of a small business life cycle and how your business can thrive in each one.

Seed Stage

The Seed Stage is where your business idea begins. This is the time to explore possibilities, research your market, and plan your business. Key steps include understanding your industry, finding your target audience, and studying competitors. Creating a solid business plan with your goals and strategies will set a strong foundation for the future.

Resources Available:

• Osceola County Library System: Use the Osceola County Library’s free databases for market research. They offer access to industry reports, demographic data, and more to help you build your plan.

Startup Stage

In the Startup Stage, you’re turning your plans into action. Your business moves from an idea to an actual operation. This is an exciting time as you start to see your vision come to life. From setting up your business legally to creating branding and securing funds, The Osceola Chamber’s partners are ready to help you through these important steps while ensuring you follow all regulations. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UCF Osceola and Prospera, located within The Osceola Chamber, offers valuable resources to local entrepreneurs.

Resources Available:

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UCF Osceola: The SBDC offers free consulting and low-cost training to help you refine your business plan, navigate legal requirements, and develop effective marketing strategies.
• Prospera: Prospera provides free consultations and seminars in Spanish. Hispanic entrepreneurs have access to personalized business consulting, help with market analysis, and access to funding opportunities.

Growth Stage

Your business is up and running, and you’re starting to see steady sales. The Growth Stage is when demand increases, and you need to expand your operations. Implementing targeted marketing campaigns, strengthening customer relationships, and networking with other professionals establish your business as a leader in your market.

Resources Available:

• Chamber Member Networking Events: At every membership level, Chamber members have access to various networking events like Business After Hours.  Here, you can meet other business owners, share experiences, and learn innovative ways to grow your business.
• Prospera Networking Opportunities: Prospera hosts networking events for Hispanic entrepreneurs. Connect with mentors, investors, and peers within the Hispanic business community.

Maturity Stage

At the Maturity Stage, your business is established with loyal customers. Growth may have slowed, so it’s time to find new ways to stay competitive. Key strategies include introducing new products or services, optimizing costs, and getting involved in the community.  Using these strategies can refresh your business and maintain long-term success.

Resources Available:

• Business Advocacy through The Chamber: The Osceola Chamber advocates for local businesses and influences economic policies. As a Chamber member, you can have a voice in important decisions and community planning.
• Promotion Through Your Chamber Membership:
  • Directory Listing: Feature your business in The Chamber’s directories, making it easier for customers to find you.
  • Business Spotlight Blog: For Opportunity memberships and above, your business story and services will be highlighted on The Chamber’s blog for a broad audience.
  • Advertising Opportunities: Get exclusive advertising opportunities through The Chamber to promote your business. You can feature your business on The Chamber’s website for three months with an Opportunity level membership. Higher memberships, like Visionary and Champion, offer a 12-month feature. Learn more about the membership levels and how their benefits can help you advance your business.

Tip: Remember to use all your Chamber membership benefits! Staying active in Chamber events and utilizing your ChamberMaster account to the max can expand your business growth to new heights.

Expansion Stage

You’re ready to take your business to new heights. The Expansion Stage is about growing your already established success and embracing new challenges. During this time, focus on developing a detailed expansion plan, researching new markets, and enhancing your leadership skills.

Resources Available:

• Leadership Osceola: Leadership Osceola helps participants develop leadership skills and understand local issues through workshops, networking, and community activities. Chamber members receive a discount to participate, making it an even more valuable opportunity to grow and connect.
• Workshops and Seminars: With The Chamber, you’ll never stop growing. Memberships provide training across all areas to help your business thrive, keeping you informed and equipped with essential skills for success.

Partnering for Your Success at Every Stage

Every stage of the business life cycle presents challenges and opportunities. Leveraging available resources and adapting to change are essential to growing a small business. The Osceola Chamber is here to support you at every step, offering resources for both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking business owners.

Get Started Today:

• Learn how The Chamber’s membership can catalyze your business’s growth.
• Check out upcoming networking events and mark your calendar.
• Explore Prospera’s services for bilingual assistance.
• Use resources at the Osceola County Library System and the SBDC at UCF Osceola.

Launch your business journey with confidence, knowing that a supportive community is here to help you succeed at every stage. Whether you’re just starting your business or planning an expansion, remember that you’re not alone. The Osceola Chamber can help you connect with the resources you need to see your business thrive.

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Your Smile, Our Priority: ViVa Dental Studio in the Four Corners Community

Looking good and feeling good is a top priority! ViVa Dental Studio in Davenport, FL is dedicated to helping you achieve just that.  They offer a wide variety of dental services to meet the needs of your entire family, from routine checkups and cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and restorative procedures.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at ViVa Dental Studio and the services they offer and what sets them apart from your traditional dental office.

Services Offered by ViVa Dental Studio

ViVa Dental Studio provides a comprehensive range of dental services to keep your smile healthy and bright.  Here’s a glimpse into what they have to offer:

• Cosmetic Dentistry: Smile design with dental photography, teeth whitening, veneers (porcelain and resin), dental implants, therapeutic and cosmetic Botox
• Restorative Dentistry:  Treating tooth decay, replacing missing teeth, fixing broken teeth, addressing gum infections and more using procedures such as: fillings, dental crowns and fixed bridges, root canals, partials, dentures (implant retained and traditional)
• Preventative Dentistry: Preventative services help you avoid cavities, gum disease and other dental problems.  Preventative services such as nightguards, oral cancer screenings, periodontal therapy will be offered as well.

The Team at ViVa Dental Studio

ViVa Dental Studio is led by Dr. Juliana Correal DMD, MS.  She has been serving the dental health care needs of Osceola County for nearly 15 years.  She is extremely excited to bring her passion and expertise to her patients at ViVa Dental.  In this state-of the art dental facility, advanced technology will meet personalized care so that all patient’s needs are met, and smiles are made healthier and brighter.    The ViVa Dental mission statement focuses on bringing a positive atmosphere of excellence and integrity that they would insist on for their and their families’ own dental care.

The ViVa Dental Experience

ViVa Dental is not just another dental office; they are an experience unlike no other.  ViVa seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with a positive, welcoming atmosphere all while making sure they are contributing to the community at large.  ViVa brings exceptional diagnostic and educational tools to their patients, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care.  From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll feel a serene- relaxing environment and a determination to provide top-notch oral care but also ensure you genuinely enjoy your time there.  ViVa Dental is also adamantly dedicated to giving back to the community by honoring Luca Arnaldo’s memory.  For every new patient exam, ViVa Dental will donate a portion of the proceeds to Kids Beating Cancer, “because all a family should worry about is the joy and love of raising their child.”   ViVa Dental Studio is not just shaping smiles, but creating an experience that goes beyond expectations.