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May events kick-off this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony at The Bradley Daytona, and Eggs & Issues featuring Department of Transportation Secretary, Jared Perdue. You don't want to miss out on these opportunities to celebrate, network, and learn. Get more information about both events in the Things to Do section below.
We think that Small Businesses deserve more than one week of celebration, so we will be celebrating Small Business the entire month! Each week, we will spotlight member businesses who have less than 20 employees. Check out our first two fantastic spotlights below.
Take a few minutes to read through the Things to Know and Things to Share sections below. These sections are full of important information for May and beyond. For example, Mega Mixer registration is now open! Booths go quickly for this 5 Chamber event, so don't delay. Check out all the details below.
Thank you for all the ways that each of you help to create a vibrant business community. We appreciate your partnership as we strive to build a dynamic and wonderful place to live, work, and play. Enjoy this first full week of May!
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Daytona Regional Chamber Happenings
Connecting You with a Click or Two
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Things to Do
Ribbon Cutting
Make plans to join the Chamber Ambassadors as they celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony of the following business:
Eggs & Issues: May 8
Join us for a moderated discussion by Maryam Ghyabi - White, CEO & President of Ghyabi Consulting & Management with Secretary Jared Perdue as he shares valuable insights and his vision for the Florida Department of Transportation.
For more information, please contact David Robinson, Director of Advocacy, at 386.255.7174 or david@daytonachamber.com.
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Things to Know
Business After Hours: May 20
Join us for a joint Business After Hours with the City of Daytona Beach at the beautiful Peabody Auditorium. Bring those business cards and get ready for an evening of networking and fun.
For more information, please contact Ken Phelps, Vice President of Resource Development, at 386.523.3675 or ken@daytonachamber.com.
B.O.O.S.T. Small Business Training: May 29
QuickBooks for business owners is the topic for the May small business training. Kathy Grosskurth will lead our second session that will help business owners and managers better understand how to oversee the person or company who is working in QuickBooks.
For more information, please contact Kelly Amy, Director of Member Engagement & Communications at 386.229.5759 or kelly@daytonachamber.com.
Brew & Build: May 30
Coffee. Connection. 10 Tips in 10 minutes. Don’t miss our newest networking event that will include 10 tips in 10 minutes about Disaster Preparedness. If you pre-register and attend, you will receive one complimentary admission to a Business After Hours.
For more information, please contact Lori McMullin, Director of Membership Sales & Business Development, at 386.223.3680 or lori@daytonachamber.com.
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Things to Share
Leadership Daytona Class XLV Application is Now Available!
Inspiration. Connections. Transformation. Are you ready to lead?
Join the area's premier leadership development program and join a powerful network of changemakers, professionals, and community champions who help shape the future of the Greater Daytona Region!
Click HERE for the application. Completed applications are due June 30, 2025, by noon.
For more information, please contact Janet Kersey, Executive VP & COO, at 386.523.3676 or janet@daytonachamber.com.
2025 Florida Prosperity & Economic Opportunity Solution Summit: May 29
Be a part of solutions to secure prosperity for ALL Floridians. This event will be hosted at the famous Daytona International Speedway. Join fellow leaders by sponsoring this important program. For further information or to discuss a customized sponsorship package, contact Brady Bosarge at BBosarge@flchamber.com or 850-521-1258.
Chamber Alliance Mega Mixer: June 5
You won't want to miss the annual Volusia County Chamber Alliance Mega Mixer, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Mori Hosseini Student Union Center. All 5 Volusia County Chambers of Commerce in the Alliance welcome our members, and the public to join us for a business expo and networking mixer from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Registration and sponsorships are now available!
| | We are thrilled to introduce you to our new staff members! Please join us in welcoming Lisa Solomons, Program Manager; Donna Knowles, Morning Receptionist; and Karen Mason, Afternoon Receptionist. | | |
Lisa Solomons
Program Manager
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Donna Knowles
Morning Receptionist
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Karen Mason
Afternoon Receptionist
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Warmest Welcome to Our Newest Members
Congratulations on Your Membership Investment
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Picture This!
The Week in Pictures
| | We have a winner! Roger Stewart of Garland, TX, won the Official Bike Week Motorcycle! | | The S.R. Perrott “plug and work” room is a great area to catch up on emails and work with a little privacy at the Chamber Building. | | May Focus on Small Business | |
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All-Pro Window Coverings: Blinds, Shades, Shutters and Draperies
By Julie Cucchiaro, All-Pro Window Coverings
With over 40+ years of local experience, All-Pro Window Coverings knows a thing or two about custom window treatments. Whether you have a beach condo, a newly built home, a commercial project, or are finally making those long awaited upgrades in your current home, we can help you create the perfect window treatment design for your space. Creativity is our middle name and complete customer satisfaction is always our number one goal.
We offer free in-home quotes, with competitive pricing and quick turnaround on all of our products. We also do repairs and independent installations.
The next time you’re in need of Shades, Shutters, Blinds, Draperies or Awnings, call us at 386-281-3141 for an appointment, or stop by and say hello at our Showroom located at 2039 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona. We’re open Monday-Friday, from10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Our team can't wait to meet you!
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Elliot Meadows Custom Homes
By Sarah Malphurs, Elliot Meadows Custom Homes Community Relations Director
Elliot Meadows Custom Homes is a trusted name in construction throughout Volusia County. With a passion for quality craftsmanship and personalized service, the company specializes in custom home builds. Their commitment to excellence and detail ensures every project is completed to the highest standards—on time and within budget.
Elliot Meadows, a licensed general contractor since 2009, is deeply rooted in the Volusia County community where he was raised. As Chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Volusia Building Industry Association (VBIA), he is dedicated to advocating for policies that promote and protect the American Dream of homeownership. His leadership in government affairs reflects his strong commitment to shaping responsible development and sustainable housing solutions in the region.
Beyond his professional work, Elliot is passionate about giving back to the community. He develops purpose-built rental properties that create affordable housing opportunities in the neighborhoods he once called home and mentors local youth on real estate investment strategies. Through this mentorship, he empowers the next generation with tools to build long-term success and financial stability, continuing his mission to strengthen the community from the ground up. With a foundation built on integrity, experience, and advocacy, Elliot continues to lead with a vision that serves both his clients and his hometown.
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Monthly Member Focus
During the month of May, small business will be the focus. Small businesses will have the opportunity to submit a business spotlight to be featured in The Edge newsletter, on social media, and on the Chamber website.
Business spotlight submission deadlines are 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23.
Direct questions to Kelly Amy, Member Engagement & Communications Director, at 386.229.5759 or kelly@daytonachamber.com.
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Financial Literacy is an Investment in State's Future
By Elisha Gonzalzes, Fairwinds Credit Union Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs
When nearly four in 10 Floridians say they couldn’t cover a $400 emergency without borrowing or selling something, it’s clear we have a financial literacy gap. Add to that an all-time high in consumer credit card debt, and the urgency becomes personal — and universal.
Financial instability isn’t confined to any single income bracket. It affects families trying to balance rising costs, employees managing student loans, and retirees navigating fixed incomes. That’s why investing in financial literacy isn’t just a personal step forward — it’s a communal leap.
Why does financial literacy matter to Central Florida? Our community is at a tipping point. With the average debt-to income ratio here climbing to 36%, many residents are spending over a third of their income just to pay down debt. This financial strain limits opportunity, stifles local economic mobility, and affects community well-being.
But there’s good news: Financial literacy works.
Communities that invest in financial education see measurable outcomes. According to the National Endowment for Financial Education, students who receive financial education are more likely to save, budget, and make informed financial decisions. A study by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation also found that individuals who received financial education were significantly more likely to have emergency savings and avoid costly payday loans.
Small, intentional steps can lead to long-term stability. Here are a few that anyone can start today:
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Create a budget: Start by listing income and expenses. Understand where your money goes.
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Build an emergency fund: Aim for $1,000 to start, then grow it to cover 3–6 months of expenses.
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Track spending: Awareness helps keep your goals on track.
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Accelerate debt payoff: Use the debt snowball method to pay off your smallest balance first, then the next smallest balance, and repeat until all balances are paid off.
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Save for the future: Take advantage of employer 401(k)/403(b) matching programs and learn about basic investing.
These steps are simple — but powerful. They reduce stress, increase confidence, and provide a foundation for long-term financial well-being.
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Affiliates in Action
Get to Know our Community Partners
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Volusia County Association for Responsible Development
Sans Lassiter Memorial Golf Tournament
Date: May 12, 2025
Location: Plantation Bay, 100 Plantation Bay Dr, Ormond Beach FL
32174
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Volusia Young Professional Group
Join Us for the VYPG Golf Tournament!
Get ready to hit the greens for a fun and exciting afternoon at the VYPG Golf Tournament on Friday, May 16th at 2:00 PM! Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy the game, this event is for you. It's a great opportunity to network, relax, and enjoy a round of golf with fellow enthusiasts. All skill levels welcome! We are here to have fun!
Event Details:
Don't miss out on the chance to showcase your skills and have a great time. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early!
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Central Florida
2025 Regional Valor Awards
When: May 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
Location: The Center at Deltona
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