The Week Ahead

Members supporting members is a great catch phrase, but what does it really mean in practice? Our members show up, do business, refer business, and cheer on other members. That's what makes Chamber membership special. A great example is a ribbon cutting ceremony. Consider taking just an hour out of your day to celebrate with a fellow member. It means the world to the business and builds community.

Be sure to check out the article in the Power of Networking section below that shines a light on how working the room at an event can boost your business in ways you didn't imagine. You'll learn some tips to help maximize your next networking opportunity.

When it comes to putting those networking tips into practice, there are many upcoming events to hone your skills. Whether it's the Business Links Golf Tournament, Eggs & Issues, Business After Hours, B.O.O.S.T. training, or Build and Brew, the weeks ahead hold exciting potential! Log in to your member portal to complete your registrations today!

Have an amazing week ahead!

Daytona Regional Chamber Happenings

Connecting You with a Click or Two

Things to Do

Ribbon Cutting

Join the Chamber Ambassadors in celebrating the following business during their ribbon cutting ceremony:

Volusia Sports Center: April 22

For more information, please contact Lori McMullin, Director of Membership Sales & Business Development, at 386.223.3680 or lori@daytonachamber.com.

Things to Know

Business Links Golf Tournament: April 28

We are in need of gift baskets, gift cards, and other donations for the Business Links Golf Tournament. If you, or your business, are interested in donating items, reach out to Ken Phelps, Vice President of Resource Development at 386.523.3675 or ken@daytonachamber.com.

Eggs & Issues: May 8

Join us at our May Eggs and Issues presented by AdventHealth for an engaging discussion 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.

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

Kathy Grosskurth, will lead our second session where attendees will assist business owners and managers to 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.

Things to Share

Drawing to Win the Official Bike Week Motorcycle: April 30

Don’t miss your opportunity to ride away in style on this incredible Road Glide! Enter now for your chance to win the Official Bike Week Motorcycle of 2025: a brand-new Harley-Davidson® Road Glide FLTRX in a stunning Blue Burst finish. This gorgeous color evokes the spirit of Florida, while the motorcycle itself boasts the latest designs and technology you expect from one of America’s best—Harley-Davidson.

Go to OfficialBikeWeek.com to purchase your tickets today! The live drawing will take place April 30 at noon.

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.

Warmest Welcome to Our Newest Members

Congratulations on Your Membership Investment

Picture This!

The Week in Pictures

Business After Hours at PopStroke was a huge success with over 100 attendees.

Chamber Ambassadors were on hand to help celebrate the Kind Lending Ribbon Cutting.

FASTSIGNS of Daytona Beach utilized the Halifax Health Board Room for meetings, and they also enjoyed the beautiful view from the deck.

Members utilized our AdventHealth Executive suite overlooking our lobby.

April Focus on Real Estate

Find Your Perfect Beach Escape with Salty Dog Vacations

By Krista Goodrich, Salty Dog Vacations Owner

Whether you're dreaming of sipping cocktails by your private pool in a beachfront mansion or enjoying a cozy, budget-friendly studio just steps from the sand—Salty Dog Vacations in Daytona Beach has the perfect place to stay for every kind of traveler. We’re not just another vacation rental company—we’re your vacation matchmaker.

Something for Every Traveler

At Salty Dog Vacations, we pride ourselves on offering a wide variety of vacation rentals that fit every lifestyle and budget:

Luxury Beachfront Homes with private pools, fire pits, and space for the whole crew
Chic Condos with stunning ocean or Intracoastal views
Pet-Friendly Properties so your furry friend can enjoy the beach life too
Economical Studios & One-Bedrooms that prove paradise doesn't have to break the bank
Family-Friendly Rentals with game rooms, fenced yards, and all the comforts of home
Whether you're planning a girls' getaway, family reunion, romantic escape, or solo adventure, we’ve got you covered.

Got Lifestyle?

Lifestyle Realty Group – Your Premier Partner in Volusia’s Vibrant Real Estate Market

By Jami Gallegos, Lifestyle Realty Co-Owner

At Lifestyle Realty Group, we’re not just selling properties—we’re crafting the life you envision with The Lifestyle Difference. Voted the #1 Real Estate Company in Volusia & Flagler for 2024 by the Daytona Beach News Journal’s Community Choice Awards, and finalists for Best Real Estate Company and Condo Sales, our Ormond Beach team delivers expertise, heart, and a splash of Volusia charm to every transaction. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a veteran, or an investor chasing the next big deal, we’re your trusted partner, blending professionalism with a warm, personal touch that feels like family.

Leading the way are co-owners Jami Gallegos and Richard Durgin, longtime Volusia residents and seasoned business consultants. Jami, a broker with a graduate degree and executive leadership experience, drives accessibility for first-time buyers and veterans, while Richard complements her vision with his management expertise. As Trustee Members of the Daytona Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, their commitment to Volusia earns accolades. With over two decades of experience and a core value of integrity, they’ve built a brokerage where The Lifestyle Difference delivers trust, results, and your unique story.

Monthly Member Focus

During the month of April, members from the real estate category 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 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25.

Direct questions to Kelly Amy, Member Engagement & Communications Director, at 386.229.5759 or kelly@daytonachamber.com.

Power of Networking

Grow Your Business Today

Let’s be real. Elevator pitches can feel like a late-night infomercial–a robotic recitation of what your business does with an added exclamation point at the end. But for business owners and sales professionals, every interaction is an opportunity. A truly effective elevator pitch transcends mere information delivery.

It's about forging genuine connections that can blossom into leads, partnerships, and lasting relationships. It's about making those precious few seconds count, not just for what you say, but for how you make the other person feel.

What most people get wrong in their elevator pitch is that they make it sound like a commercial and all about them, when it should be about your audience.

Forget the rigid templates and the pressure to cram every detail into a thirty-second spiel. This isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about initiating a conversation. The key lies in shifting your focus from simply explaining your business to creating a spark of interest and establishing a human connection.

If you take nothing else from this article know that the pitch must ignite interest!

The Psychology of Connection in Brief Interactions

Humans are wired for connection. Even in brief encounters, we subconsciously seek common ground, shared values, and genuine interest.

Your elevator pitch should tap into this innate desire. Instead of launching into a list of features and benefits, start with a relatable problem you solve or a shared passion that drives your business.

Think about your ideal client or contact. What are their pain points? What are their aspirations? Craft an opening that acknowledges their world and subtly positions your business as a potential solution or a valuable resource. This approach immediately makes the interaction less transactional and more empathetic.

Storytelling Elements That Resonate

While quick is crucial, weaving in a concise narrative “elevates” your pitch. Instead of saying, “We offer marketing solutions,” try something like, “I help small business owners who are overwhelmed by social media finally find a consistent way to connect with their customers and grow their brand. I saw my own sister struggle with this, and that’s why I started [Business Name].” This personal touch and the hint of a story make your pitch more memorable and relatable.

Focus on the why behind your business. What motivates you? What impact do you hope to make? Sharing a sliver of your passion can create an emotional resonance that facts and figures alone can't achieve.