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Is holiday shopping on your to-do list? Let the Online Membership Directory be your guide. From gift certificates to one-of-a-kind jewelry, Chamber member businesses offer a wide selection of thoughtful gifts perfect for everyone on your list.
You’re also invited to join the Chamber Ambassadors for the ribbon cutting celebration at Dark Alchemy Coffee on Thursday, December 18. Showing up makes a meaningful difference, so stop by to share your support to a fellow member.
It’s also a great time to get a jump on the new year and register for our first events of 2026. The Eggs & Issues Membership Meeting and Business After Hours will be here before you know it, so take a moment to review the Things to Know section below and start planning your January.
We want you to be part of the conversation at the January 8 Eggs & Issues Membership Meeting. Want to speak at the meeting? Make sure that you're registered by Friday, December 19 at 11:00 a.m., for a chance to be chosen during the LIVE drawing at 12:00 noon on Facebook.
Finally, be sure to check out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce article on state AI laws linked in the Resources to Bookmark section below. It’s a helpful way to stay informed on the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Wishing you a wonderful and productive week ahead!
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Daytona Regional Chamber Happenings
Connecting You with a Click or Two
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Things to Do
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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Things to Know
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. Register by 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, for a chance to be part of the live drawing to speak at the event.
For more information, please contact David Robinson, Director of Advocacy, at david@daytonachamber.com or 386.255.7174.
Business After Hours - January 13
Join us for the first Business After Hours of 2026. Bring those business cards and be ready to learn more about our host business, The Shores Resort and Spa.
For more information, please contact Lisa Solomons, Program Manager, at lisa@daytonachamber.com or 386.523.3678.
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 | |
Soak Up the Sun, Take a Walk, & Enjoy the Beach
By Melissa Effinger, Sales Manager, Bahama House
Are you ready for a relaxing beach escape? Book your stay at the Bahama House for 3 nights or longer and save 25% off! And your room rate always includes: Daily Continental Breakfast Buffet, 7:30am-9:30am; Daily Cocktail Reception, serving beer, wine and sodas 5:30pm-6:30pm; Daily Local Newspapers in hotel lobby; Free Wireless High Speed Internet access from all guestrooms and public areas; Free Parking (one vehicle per room)– including our gated, underground parking garage; Free use of the hotel’s Fitness Center; No Resort Fees
Our oversized rooms include: two queen-sized beds, 43” Flat Screen TV, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, in-wall safe, and kitchenette with full size refrigerator, microwave, stove top, coffeemaker with complimentary coffee, toaster, cookware, utensils, service ware for four people. Our guest rooms offer private balconies with awesome water views of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests wake to spectacular sunrises and rest to the sounds of rolling waves. Soak up the sun, take a walk, and enjoy the beach just steps down from the hotel or relax and enjoy our oceanfront pool and hot tub. The hotel is just minutes from great golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and a short drive to all Central Florida attractions. Daytona International Speedway is a short 6 miles from the hotel.
For more information, please visit our website- www.daytonabahamahouse.com or call us directly 1-800-571-2001.
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Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens Welcomes New Exhibit December 18
By Melissa Carter, PR Associate, Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens (OMAM) invites you to experience the art of southern hospitality as seen through the eyes of fiber artists from Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. TRIO, a juried exhibition of stunning Studio Art Quilts opens December 18th with a reception from 5:30 to 8 pm that is free and open to the public. The exhibit, presented in partnership with the internationally celebrated Studio Art Quilt Associates, runs through March 1st. This thought-provoking exhibition focuses on the interpretation of trios, triples, triads, trilogies, triplets, trinities, and triptychs. Like a trio of jazz musicians, our three states have combined to play with syncopation, swing, and creative freedom. Art quilts emphasize design rather than functionality and are created as fine art for display in a variety of styles such as abstract, improvisational, collage, landscape or nature-inspired as well as pictorial or portrait.
While visiting the museum, be sure to explore OMAM’s lush gardens, where you can soothe your senses. Stroll the easily accessible walkways to enjoy native and exotic plants, turtle sanctuary ponds, butterfly viewing areas, the iconic waterfall nestled against a Timucuan mound, a gazebo with an artist-designed labyrinth floor, and the historic Emmons Cottage (c. 1886). Educational signage describes the turtles and butterflies that can be found in the gardens, and markers placed throughout the gardens provide the popular and scientific name of featured plants. QR codes, included on the signage and markers, lead to more information and audio tours.
The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens will enter its 80th year in 2026! Founded in 1946, its mission is to inspire the community through art and nature while honoring those who fought for freedom. The museum offers outreach programming for youth and veterans, creative and environmental education for all ages, and art exhibitions featuring local, national, and internationally acclaimed artists. The museum and gardens are located at 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach and are part of the beachside Ormond Arts District. The museum galleries and gift shop are open Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, noon to 4 pm. The gardens are accessible daily, from sunrise to sunset. Admission is by donation through December and, beginning January 2nd, OMAM will introduce a modest admission of $8 adults; $5 seniors/college/military; and $3 Youth (6–17). Ages 5 and under, members, and U.S. Veterans receive free admission. OMAM participates in the National Association of Reciprocal Museums (NARM) and the Museums for All program, offering free admission to members. For more information call 386-676-3347 or visit ormondartmuseum.org.
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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: Terry Cain-Tyler
TCT Advantage
| | The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia's interactive children's trails at Sunrise Park was the culmination of an amazing collaborative effort. | | The Thursday RBC group toured member Mike Babic's business, The Daytona Escape Room. | |
Resources to Bookmark
Stay Informed About AI
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The Hidden Cost of 50 State AI Laws: A Data-Driven Breakdown
Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a tremendous opportunity to improve efficiency and grow our economy. America has a distinct advantage, with some of the leading technology firms in the world making breakthroughs every year.
Unfortunately, there is a great deal of confusion around what laws are needed to regulate emerging technologies like AI. The U.S. Chamber supports common-sense, targeted regulations that place appropriate guardrails around the use of AI, but many states have struck out on their own and begun enacting broad and sweeping AI regulations, causing a distressing ripple effect for Main Street businesses across the country.
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