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The holiday season is in full swing, and we’re gearing up for a memorable Business After Hours at the Ocean Center. This year, we’re joining forces with Family Renew Community to support local families. Be sure to look at the Things to Do section below for ways you can contribute. The evening will also include a special sendoff as we celebrate President & CEO Nancy Keefer and her remarkable 12-year tenure.
This week also brings an important Policy & Prosperity program with Secretary Melanie Griffin, whose leadership impacts business licensing, compliance, and regulation statewide. There are only a few seats available, so don't delay!
Thursday's ribbon cutting celebration for the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia's newest project is the result of a unique community collaboration to create interactive trails for children. Make plans to go to see the culmination of these efforts in person at Sunrise Trails.
As you prepare for the year ahead, you don't want to miss the 2026 Market Watch Economic Forecast. Keynote speaker Dwain Carryl of Bank of America’s Chief Investment Office, joined by a panel of amazing local experts, will deliver an in-depth look at economic trends from the local to global level. It’s an essential event for anyone aiming to stay informed, seats are going fast! Register today.
Have a great week ahead!
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Daytona Regional Chamber Happenings
Connecting You with a Click or Two
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Things to Do
Business After Hours - December 9
Share the spirit of the holiday season at Business After Hours hosted by the Ocean Center on Tuesday, December 9, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. This year, the Daytona Regional Chamber is partnering with Family Renew Community to support local families in need. Attendees who bring a donation item valued at a minimum of $15 will receive a pass for a complimentary Business After Hours to use in 2026. Items of need include toiletries (shampoo, body wash, deodorant), toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, twin or double bed sheets, as well as Walmart gift cards and gas station gift cards.
In addition to celebrating the holiday season, this Business After Hours will offer members the chance to wish a fond farewell to President & CEO Nancy Keefer on her retirement. Make plans to join us for this festive occasion!
Reach out to Lisa Solomons, Program Manager, at lisa@daytonachamber.com or 386.523.3678, with any questions.
Policy & Prosperity with Sec. Melanie Griffin - December 11
Join the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce for an exclusive conversation sponsored by the Daytona International Speedway with Secretary Melanie Griffin, who leads Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The agency directly responsible for licensing, compliance, and regulatory oversight for thousands of businesses across the state.
For more information, please contact David Robinson, Director of Advocacy, at david@daytonachamber.com or 386.255.7174.
Trails at Sunrise Park Ribbon Cutting - December 11
Mark your calendar and plan to join the Daytona Regional Chamber Ambassadors as we cut the ribbon for Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia’s interactive children’s trails in Sunrise Park. ELCFV collaborated with AdventHealth, the City of Holly Hill and FASTSIGNS of Daytona Beach to make these trails available for the community.
Reach out to Lori McMullin, Director of Membership Sales & Business Development, at lori@daytonachamber.com or 386.523.3680.
Market Watch Economic Forecast - December 12
The Daytona Regional Chamber and Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation are proud to collaborate on the Market Watch Economic Forecast presented by Bank of America on Friday, December 12, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Gain insights on the economic outlook for the coming year with a local industry panel discussion and a keynote presentation on the national and international forecast.
This year's local panel discussion will focus on the aviation & aerospace and manufacturing sectors, featuring:
- Trevor Perrott, CEO & Co-Founder, Censys Technologies
- Leslie Giscombe, President & Chief Business Officer, Phemotron Systems
- Kevin Kyle, CEO, Germfree
Reserve your seat today! For more information, please contact Ken Phelps, VP of Resource Development, at ken@daytonachamber.com or 386.523.3675.
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Things to Know
Dark Alchemy Coffee Ribbon Cutting - December 16
Mark your calendar and plan to join the Daytona Regional Chamber as we cut the ribbon for Dark Alchemy Coffee and The Shops at Marina Grande (managed by FLISA Ventures LLC).
Reach out to Lori McMullin, Director of Membership Sales & Business Development, at lori@daytonachamber.com or 386.523.3680.
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Looking Ahead
Eggs & Issues - January 8
Join us for the first Eggs & Issues Membership Meeting of 2026 as we look to the skies and beyond on Thursday, January 8, from 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. at the Halifax River Yacht Club. The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce welcomes Dr. Barry Butler, President of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, for an in-depth conversation on The Future of Aviation & Aerospace.
For more information, please contact David Robinson, Director of Advocacy, at david@daytonachamber.com or 386.255.7174.
106th Annual Meeting - February 2
Mark your calendars for the premier business event of the year! The Daytona Regional Chamber's 106th Annual Meeting presented by Halifax Health is scheduled for Monday, February 2, at the News-Journal Center.
We are excited to welcome John O'Leary, subject of the major motion picture Soul on Fire, as our featured speaker! Soul on Fire was released in theaters nationwide in October and featured a local connection as past Daytona Regional Chamber Board Chair Chris Bowler and his wife, Maja, were credited as Co-Executive Producers. The film stars Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Corbett as Denny O’Leary, John’s late father, as well as Emmy and Screen Actors Guild winner William H. Macy, who portrays the late Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Jack Buck.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ken Phelps, VP of Resource Development, at ken@daytonachamber.com or 386.523.3675.
Volusia Days 2026 - February 23-24
Mark your calendars for Volusia Days 2026, taking place on Monday, February 23, and Tuesday, February 24! This annual event is a prime opportunity to connect with lawmakers, agency heads, and advocate for our business community.
For sponsorship opportunities or hotel room information, please reach out to our Director of Advocacy, David Robinson, at david@daytonachamber.com.
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Warmest Welcome to Our Newest Members
Congratulations on Your Membership Investment
| | December Focus on Hospitality | |
Daytona Lagoon: A Hidden Gem With Something for Everyone
By Tammy Carden, VP of Sales, Daytona Lagoon
Not just for kids! From thrill slides to chill pools, go-karts to laser tag, a mega arcade, and more, Daytona Lagoon has something for everyone! Daytona Lagoon is a hidden gem of fun with 6 amazing waterslides, 70 game arcade, relaxing lazy river, rock climbing wall, bumper cars and the best go-karts in the Daytona Beach area.
Looking for a meeting or party venue with the opportunity to include a bar, food or fun attractions afterwards? Daytona Lagoon offers an indoor/outdoor restaurant on the second floor of the park. The restaurant is perfect for holiday parties, realtor meetings, adult birthday parties and more with seating for up to 120 people. Stroud’s Catering services our food and beverage with great menu options. The Daytona Lagoon is also available for a buy-out for large companies that are looking to host a private event for their entire team.
Under new leadership, Daytona Lagoon is extremely focused on making sure the park is focused on the community and by offering seasonal discount options, conducting special events and maintaining a clean and safe environment. If you haven’t been to the Daytona Lagoon lately, come see what you have been missing. For questions regarding groups, meetings, season passes or waterpark, please contact Tammy Carden at tcarden@daytonalagoon.com or 386-455-0945.
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Coastal Sophistication & Warm Local Hospitality Reflect the Vibrant Energy of Daytona Beach
By Holly Sabbagh, Director of Sales, Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel
Nestled along Daytona Beach’s pristine shoreline, the Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel delivers a unique blend of coastal sophistication and warm local hospitality. As the area’s newest full-service oceanfront hotel, we are proud to offer an elevated travel experience with beautifully designed guest rooms, sweeping Atlantic ocean views, and curated touches that reflect the vibrant energy of Daytona Beach. Every detail of our property—from our oceanfront pool deck to our locally inspired menus—was crafted to create memorable moments for leisure travelers, business guests, and local residents alike.
The Renaissance brand is built on intuitive service and immersive experiences, and our Daytona Beach location showcases that spirit daily. Our signature restaurant, Cast & Crew, features chef-driven dishes that celebrate tide to table. Our meeting and event spaces support everything from executive board meetings to large-scale conferences and beachfront weddings, helping strengthen Daytona Beach’s reputation as a premier destination for both business and leisure travel. With a passionate team dedicated to personalized service, we aim to create genuine connections that turn visits into lasting relationships.
As active members of the Daytona Regional Chamber, we are committed to supporting the continued growth of our local community. The Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel partners with area businesses, hosts community events, and participates in regional tourism initiatives to help drive economic impact throughout Volusia County. We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far as we elevate the standard for hospitality on Florida’s central coast.
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December Focus on Hospitality
During the month of December, we will focus on members in the hospitality sector. Consider submitting a business spotlight to be featured in The Edge newsletter, on social media, and on the Chamber website.
Business spotlight submission deadlines are 11/28, 12/5, 12/12, 12/19, and 12/26.
Direct questions to Kelly Amy, Member Engagement & Communications Director, at 386.229.5759 or kelly@daytonachamber.com.
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Member POV: Shawn Goepfort
Arrow Clinical Trials
| | The 2026 Board of Directors held their annual planning retreat December 2. | | SudStop Car Wash Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | | | | |
