09.20.21
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Strategic Planning Feedback in Word Clouds

We asked. You answered. Thank you for sharing your insights on a couple of key strategic planning questions in the last two editions of The Edge. Your one-word answers built word clouds identifying responses that resonate the strongest among our members. The larger the word, the more frequent the response.

In the word cloud above, Advocacy, Support, and Networking were most often used to describe the Daytona Regional Chamber’s role.
In this word cloud, Support, Communication, Information, and Advocacy are the biggest community needs that the Daytona Regional Chamber can fulfill according to your feedback.
 
Now, the strategic planning committee will take your input for further discussion on how to fulfill those roles and meet those community needs.

In the coming days, Daytona Regional Chamber President & CEO Nancy Keefer will send you an email asking for more in-depth responses to help guide this process via a brief survey allowing you to provide additional context for your feedback.

This will be followed by focus groups to refine the Daytona Regional Chamber’s strategic plan for maximum benefit to our members and community.

Thank you for your participation and for your support of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, and be on the lookout for Nancy's email.

This Week's Highlights
Networking with a Refresher Offered Prior to Business After Hours
If you are looking for an opportunity to brush up on your networking skills, we have just such a program prior to September's Business After Hours. Some of the top networkers in our membership will share their insights (and some horror stories) at 4:30 p.m. at the Plaza Resort & Spa. See more below in Business Development & Community Awareness.

U.S. Chamber Update Scheduled
The Daytona Regional Chamber will hold a virtual Lunch & Learn with an update from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on federal issues affecting the business community, including vaccine mandates and the $3.5 trillion budget plan. See more below in Advocacy & Economic Prosperity.
Daytona Regional Chamber Member Tip
Update Your Online Member Portal
The next edition of the Daytona Regional Chamber's Digital Directory will be distributed via email to the membership and uploaded to our website on Friday, October 1. Now is the time to log in to your online member portal to ensure your address, phone number, website and email address are correct. Make sure those looking to do business with you are able to find and connect with you easily.
Welcome New Daytona Regional Chamber Member
When businesses invest in Daytona Regional Chamber membership, they are making a commitment to improving the community by supporting our mission to advocate for a strong economic and business environment.

Reach out to them, introduce yourself and your organization, and thank them for joining in the collective effort to foster success in our region.
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September Business After Hours: Plaza Resort & Spa
People do business with those the know, like, and trust. How do you get them to know, like, and trust you? By spending time with them at events such as the next Business After Hours this Tuesday, September 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Plaza Resort & Spa will host the September event.

Come enjoy great company, food and beverage, and spend time with like-minded business leaders.

We know safety is important to everyone. With the increasing number of COVID cases in our County we continue to encourage you to safely participate at a level that is comfortable to you. We ask that you wear a mask while attending our programs and meetings indoors or are unable to social distance inside or out. We will respectfully abide by any requirements that are stipulated by our venue hosts and ask that you respect this decision and continue supporting our local business community.
Plus, Join Us Early for a Networking Refresher
Has it been a while since you’ve networked? Feeling a little rusty? You are not alone and that’s why the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce is offering a bonus Networking Refresher designed to pump you up so you get the most out of your Business After Hours experience.

Join us at 4:30 p.m. at The Plaza Resort & Spa in Plaza Room B. Please RSVP your participation to Ken Phelps, Vice President of Resource Development. This Networking Refresher is included at no cost with your admission to Business After Hours.

Daytona Regional Chamber Board Member and Ambassador Carmen Ruiz, FASTSIGNS of Daytona Beach, will lead a discussion amongst four seasoned networking pros who will share their personal networking highs (and lows), tips and tricks with participants. These networking rock star members are:

  • Nina Guiglotto, Lohman Funeral Home
  • Jonny Magill, Jonny Nomad Media , LLC
  • Chris Mavronas, Steve's Famous Diner
  • Vinod (Vinny) Sagrani, SouthState Bank
Improve Your Networking Results with a Four Point Plan
If you joined the chamber to meet new people, grow your network, and get more customers, you’re on the right track. But do you have a plan to make the most of your time investment? If not, you need one. READ MORE
UPCOMING EVENTS - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Tuesday, September 21 - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Plaza Resort & Spa (600 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach)

Networking Refresher: 4:30-5:30 p.m. - Plaza Room B
Advocacy in Action: Virtual Lunch & Learn with U.S. Chamber
The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to host a virtual lunch and learn Advocacy in Action event with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, September 28 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Clark Jackson, Director of the Southeastern Region in the U.S. Chamber's Congressional and Public Affairs Division, will be giving an update on events at the Federal level and how they will affect our business community.

If you are interested in finding out more about the $3.5 trillion budget or the vaccine mandate, you can not miss this event! Register here or below.
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Volusia County Infrastructure Focus of October Eggs & Issues
A strong economic and business environment requires a quality foundation of infrastructure. Jared Perdue, secretary of FDOT District 5, will update the growth and future of Volusia County's transportation needs at the next Eggs & Issues on Thursday, October 14 from 7:30-9:00am.

Roads and bridges, rail, interstate highways and more will be discussed as we prepare for Volusia County's future.

Be part of this important regional business conversation! Register now.
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Nonpartisan Political Boot Camp Scheduled for November
The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Political Boot Camp is a unique, nonpartisan, regional initiative designed to strengthen and develop the next generation of public leaders. It is scheduled for Friday, November 12 from 9:00am-4:00pm.

This is perfect for community leaders interested in exploring future public leadership and learning more about running for office. The program is nonpartisan in nature and there is no obligation to run for office.

Thanks to generous sponsor support, each participant will receive a 100% scholarship, however, space is limited. If you are interested in the Daytona Regional Chamber's Political Boot Camp, contact Shawn Richmond, Director of Advocacy, today
UPCOMING EVENTS - ADVOCACY & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY
Tuesday, September 28 - 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Thursday, October 14 - 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Halifax River Yacht Club (331 S Beach St, Daytona Beach)
Soft Skill Youth Summit to Prepare Students for the Workplace
The Daytona Regional Chamber is partnering with Volusia County Schools and CareerSource Flagler Volusia to help high school juniors and seniors prepare for the workplace. The Soft Skills Youth Summit will take place Wednesday, October 6 from 9:00am-12:30pm at Speedway Indoor Karting.

Participating students will have an opportunity to learn about work ethic, punctuality, attire, etiquette, and more from business leaders across the region.

Additionally, they will have a opportunity to learn about the unique career paths available and the technology used in Speedway Indoor Karting's innovative operation.

The event will conclude with a business lunch allowing students to use the information they learn during the program and to gain the experience of attending a business function.

The Soft Skills Youth Summit is sponsored by Ashford Investment Advisors, Daytona Beach News-Journal | LOCALiQ, Speedway Indoor Karting, and Coastal Cloud. If you would like your business associated with this important workforce development event, contact Ken Phelps for sponsorship information.
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UPCOMING EVENTS - WORKFORCE & INNOVATION
Soft Skills Youth Summit
Wednesday, October 6 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Speedway Indoor Karting (2455 W International Speedway Blvd Suite 300, Daytona Beach)
Awards Announcements on the Horizon
At the end of September, we will reveal the 2021 honorees for some of the Daytona Regional Chamber's most prestigious awards, including:
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Nonprofit of the Year
  • Young Professional of the Year
  • Marvin Samuels Memorial Leadership Award

The applications for Small Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year are scored by chamber professionals and business leaders from outside the area to ensure objectivity. The Marvin Samuels Memorial Leadership Award winner is chosen by the Leadership Daytona Alumni Council and the Young Professional of the Year is selected by the Volusia Young Professionals Group.

The 2021 Annual Awards Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 3. Mark your calendars now to attend this signature event recognizing some of the leaders in our business community.

Sponsorships are available to connect your business to this showcase event and show your support for the mission of the Daytona Regional Chamber. For more information, contact Ken Phelps, Vice President of Resource Development.
UPCOMING EVENTS - ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE & FISCAL GROWTH
SAVE THE DATE

2021 Annual Awards Luncheon
Wednesday, November 3 - 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce | daytonachamber.com