March came roaring in along with the 84th Annual Bike Week! The Official Welcome Center, located on the west end of the Daytona Regional Chamber parking lot, will be manned by our fantastic Chamber Ambassadors and community volunteers through March 8. We are so appreciative for all of the volunteers who allow us to staff the Welcome Center each day!
Speaking of amazing volunteers, don't forget that during the month of March we will focus on Chamber members in the nonprofit and volunteerism categories. ElderSource and FBH Community kick off our month-long focus. Be sure to check out their submissions below.
Registration is now open for March networking events! Eggs & Issues and Business After Hours are great events to connect with fellow members. Get all the details in the Things to Know section.
Don't miss the safety reminders in the Things to Share section. Extra vigilance is required for motorists of all types as well as pedestrians. Take the extra time and care to ensure the safety of everyone sharing the roads this week.
We wish you a fantastic start to the month!
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Daytona Regional Chamber Happenings
Connecting You with a Click or Two
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Things to Do
84th Annual Bike Week: February 28 - March 9
The Official Bike Week Welcome Center is open at the west end of the Daytona Regional Chamber parking lot. We are thankful for awesome Daytona Regional Chamber Ambassadors and community volunteers who will be welcoming visitors.
The Official Pocket Guide (including the Treasure Hunt locations) & Official Bike Week Poster will be available from the Welcome Center during the following hours of operation:
- February 28 – March 7, 2025: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- March 8, 2025: 9:00 a.m. - Noon
- Closed on March 9, 2025
The Welcome Center is the final stop in the AMSOIL Treasure Hunt for the limited-edition commemorative coin.
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Things to Know
Eggs & Issues - State of the City: March 13
During this event, you’ll have the unique opportunity to hear directly from Mayor Derrick Henry about the city's priorities, ongoing initiatives, and plans for growth and develop.
For more information, please contact David Robinson, Director of Advocacy, at 386.255.7174 or david@daytonachamber.com.
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Business After Hours at Thirsty Turtle Seagrill: March 18
This month the Daytona Regional Chamber and the Ormond Beach Chamber are proud to collaborate and create a wonderful opportunity to build your network with a joint Business After Hours hosted by Thirsty Turtle Seagrill!
Bring those business cards and be ready to learn more about our host business. Whether you need to grow your circle of influence or just need a relaxing evening with like-minded professionals, join us for a fantastic evening!
For more information, please contact Ken Phelps, Vice President of Resource Development, at ken@daytonachamber.com.
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Things to Share
Road Safety Reminders for Bike Week
From February 28 - March 9 roads in Volusia County will be filled with thousands of motorcyclists for the 84th Annual Bike Week. Volusia County government is reminding all drivers and pedestrians alike to exercise heightened awareness, patience, and safety.
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Warmest Welcome to Our Newest Members
Congratulations on Your Membership Investment
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New Member Tips
Q: Where do I start as a new member?
A: Congratulations! You made the choice to invest in a membership, and now it's time to get involved! The important first step is to make sure that you are receiving our weekly digital newsletter, The Edge. This publication comes out each week at 12:30 p.m. and includes information and registration links to upcoming events. If you don't see The Edge in your inbox, be sure to check your spam folder.
Reach out to Kelly Amy, Membership Engagement & Communications Director, at kelly@daytonachamber.com for more ways to get connected and maximize your circle of influence.
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Picture This!
The Week in Pictures
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The Bike Week Volunteer Kick-Off was well attended. This enthusiastic group of volunteers will man the Official Welcome Center. | |
The B.O.O.S.T. Small Business Training was presented by Rich Wilson, Tilted Palm Media, and sponsored by TD Bank. | |
The Official Bike Week Welcome Center is ready for visitors! | |
March Focus: Nonprofits & Volunteerism | |
Support for Caregivers in Northeast Florida
By Gabrielle Garay, ElderSource Communications Specialist
Caregivers are the backbone of many families, yet support for them is lagging. As the baby boomer generation ages, the need for caregivers is becoming more and more apparent.
National Caregiver’s Day was honored on February 21st. While that celebration lasts just one day, many caregivers say their work continues around the clock. Often times, there are no days off for family caregivers. It can be a full-time job, and many family caregivers do it all without getting a paycheck.
As the Area Agency on Aging for Northeast Florida, ElderSource knows that having access to the right resources helps relieve a lot of stress and concern caregivers can feel. Isolation, burnout and depression are uphill battles that they may face. Through a number of resources including the Caregiver Coalition of Northeast Florida, TCARE burnout prevention program, Virtual Caregiver Support Group and more, ElderSource has taken a proactive and thoughtful approach to supporting caregivers.
Read the testimonial below from one family caregiver who found a valuable community through the Virtual Caregiver Support Group ElderSource offers. Log on to MyElderSource.org to learn more about the support offered to caregivers, older adults and adults with disabilities.
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Family Caregiver Testimonial
"I wanted to take a moment to let you know what a great resource ElderSource is for me as a caregiver of my two live-in loved ones, my mother and my husband. I have been a fulltime caregiver to my mother for 8+ years now and to my husband for 3+ years...there are two of them and only one of me. Everyone I have interacted with at ElderSource is very professional, caring and helpful. ElderSource provides a platform for us to be very open about what we are feeling & dealing with, without any judgement. Every Caregiver is very supportive of each other's situation, and we have the opportunity to learn something from each one." - Mrs. L
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FBH Community: Transforming Lives Through Comprehensive Support
By David Humphries, FBH Community Executive Director
FBH Community has been a driving force in the Volusia and Flagler counties for over a decade, dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering self-sufficiency for individuals and families. What began as an initiative to combat food insecurity has evolved into a multifaceted organization that addresses critical needs such as education, financial literacy, and homeownership. Through strategic partnerships and community-driven efforts, FBH Community has expanded its impact, ensuring that those facing hardships receive the support necessary to build a stable and prosperous future.
Programs That Make a Difference:
VCAN
At the heart of FBH Community is Food Brings Hope, which ensures that children and families facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals. Through the Community Drop the Box program, in partnership with local organizations, FBH delivers food to schools and provides a monthly food pantry. Additionally, the VCAN program supplies emergency food deliveries, including fresh produce and shelf-stable foods, to those in urgent need.
Food Brings Hope
Recognizing that education is a cornerstone of success, FBH Community offers academic enrichment through programs such as KidsZone, TeenZone, and FBHonors. These initiatives provide tutoring, mentorship, and enrichment activities that help students achieve proficiency in key subjects. The Lemerand Center of Excellence, launched in 2023, focuses on improving math and English Language Arts (ELA) skills, ensuring students meet or exceed grade-level standards. The Change the Code (CTC) initiative, operating in both elementary and middle schools, provides before- and after-school programs to enhance students’ academic performance.
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Monthly Member Focus
During the month of March, members from the nonprofit and volunteerism categories will have the opportunity to submit content to be featured in The Edge newsletter, on social media, and on the Chamber website.
Content could include an article, white paper, business spotlight, testimonial, or video. Content submission deadlines are 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, and 3/28.
Direct questions to Kelly Amy, Membership Engagement & Communications Director, at kelly@daytonachamber.com.
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Affiliates in Action
Get to Know our Community Partners
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Volusia County Association for Responsible Development
We all have one goal in mind for our community and that is to create a place where future generations will want to live, work and play. We’ve heard this phrase many times before, but HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THIS? Make plans to attend a TED Talk-style format where the audience will be able to interact and ask questions freely. Click HERE for more information.
March 13, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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Volusia Young Professional Group
Level Up Your Professional Game During Lunch!
VYPG Members—take a break from the office and invest in YOU at our Resume & Headshot Workshop!
Pro Resume Tips from CareerSource experts
Professional Headshot by Lauren Lewis Media (Includes one (1) digital download with admission!
Lunch Included – because networking is better with food!
When:
Wednesday, March 12
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Where:
Brown & Brown Insurance, 300 N. Beach Street Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Only $25 for VYPG Members! $40 for future members.
Want more than one headshot? Additional images will be available for purchase directly from Lauren Lewis Media at the event!
Spots are limited—don't miss this chance to refresh your resume, update your headshot, and connect with fellow young professionals.
Register now at VolusiaVYPG.com
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Central Florida
Join us, March 26, for a community recognition event sponsored by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Central Florida. The Annual Healthcare Awards will spotlight outstanding professionals in the community. Nominations are being accepted. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities and ticket purchase, go to HispanicChamberCFL.org.
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