As we celebrate the holiday season, a fantastic 2024, and the dawn of 2025, we wish a year of health, happiness, success, and adventure for our members. We thank you for your many contributions this past year as part of our Chamber family. Whether you attended an event, served on a board, volunteered as an Ambassador, or participated in a Leads Group, we truly value the time and energy you gave us. YOU are the reason we are a 5-Star Accredited Chamber and three-time Chamber of the Year!
We look forward to 2025 – a year of milestones for us at the Chamber – and we begin the new year with plenty to keep our members and community busy and engaged. Be sure to nominate your friends and colleagues for the Linda Goodwin-Nichols Service Award and Guillermo Hansen Unity Award by January 3rd. Then, make sure you secure your tables or individual tickets for our 100th Annual Meeting on February 8 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
But first, we hope to see you this Sunday, January 5, as a vendor or visitor, at our Three Kings Day event at Old Town, presented by AdventHealth. We will be there 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to celebrate heritage and tradition and create a fun, family atmosphere for our community.
The Osceola Chamber will host our 100th Annual Meeting on February 8, 2025 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Every year at this event, attendees look forward to learning who will take home our major awards, including the Linda Goodwin-Nichols Service Award and the Guillermo Hansen Unity Award. We are now accepting applications for both awards through January 3, 2025.
Linda Goodwin-Nichols Service Award Nomination Form
The Linda Goodwin-Nichols Service Award is named after Linda Goodwin-Nichols of Goodwin Realty & Associates, two-time Chairman of The Osceola Chamber Board of Directors and a stalwart of Osceola’s Business Community for over 40 years. Throughout her career, Linda has epitomized community involvement and giving back selflessly, and this award honors an individual who will carry on her legacy. Recent past winners include Kelly Trace, Larry Walter, and Rev. Mary Downey. Click on the link above to nominate deserving individuals for this award.
Guillermo Hansen Unity Award Nomination Form
To recognize the importance of the Chamber’s core values of “Embracing Heritage,” “Creating Opportunity,” and “Building Unity,” and our partners who promote them, in January of 2018 Chairman Tim Finkenbinder announced the creation of an award to emphasize these values – particularly “Building Unity.” In 2024 the award was renamed the "Guillermo Hansen Unity Award" to honor inaugural winner Guillermo "Bill" Hansen, owner and editor of El Osceola Star Newspaper. Guillermo was a longtime Chamber member who was also a community leader known for building bridges among the diverse populations of Osceola County. Click below to nominate deserving individuals for this award.
Nominees will receive an application to complete and winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. The top three finalists will be announced ahead of The Osceola Chamber’s Annual Meeting on February 8, 2025 and the award recipient will be revealed at the event.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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!
