The Big Idea

Your Week Ahead

Excitement is building for the May 29 BRIDGEX: Generative AI 101 workshop that is co-sponsored by Daytona State College. In fact, interest has been so strong that the event is at capacity, and a waitlist was created.

The month of June will be off to a busy start with Eggs & Issues, the Live Local Act Update, and the Chamber Alliance Mega Mixer all taking place June 6. The VCARD Annual Real Estate Values Forum will take place June 11 at the Ocean Center. Volusia County Property Appraiser, Larry Bartlett, will share economic news, real estate updates, and emerging trends. Secure your attendance to these June events by registering in advance.

The new podcast studio at the Daytona Regional Chamber is prepped for its inaugural session. The first Crest of the Wave podcast will feature Chamber Board President, Mike Sibley, and Chamber CEO, Nancy Keefer. The excitement is palpable as this new technology launches business and community conversations that will highlight the Daytona Beach region.

A big congratulations goes out to Team Volusia EDC for achieving certification as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. Team Volusia EDC is one of only 81 economic development entities across North America to have achieved this elite status.

Please remember to check both the Chamber and Community Events Calendars on the Daytona Regional Chamber website. For your convenience, upcoming events listed in The Edge are linked to their respective event pages for quick registration.

Our mission is to foster a strong economic and business environment and serve as a platform through which our members and the entire business community can thrive. The upcoming programs mentioned are just a few examples of our mission in action. Have a safe and prosperous week ahead.

Daytona Regional Chamber Happenings

Connecting You with a Click or Two

Things to Do

Eggs & Issues Registration

Join us June 6 from 7:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. for our Eggs & Issues program featuring Florida's Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. Mr. Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Florida Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis focuses on fighting insurance fraud, supporting Florida’s firefighters and first responders, supporting small business and job creators, and ensuring Florida’s economy remains strong.

The Volusia County Chamber Alliance Mega Mixer, presented by Volusia County Economic Development, will be held June 6, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The table tops and displays are sold out so we should have a great crowd at the event.

For more details and your complimentary registration, please visit Volusia County Chamber Alliance Mega Mixer Tickets and let us know if you plan to attend.

Live Local Act Update

Learn more about the Live Local Act at a free event that will be held June 6 at the Mori Hosseini Center at Daytona State College.

Panelists Include:

Carmen Rosamonda - City Manager, City of DeBary

Jessica Gow - Attorney, Real Estate, Land Use & Zoning, Cobb Cole

Jim Morris - Deputy City Manager, City of Daytona Beach

Murphy Kennedy Giering - Public Policy Representative, Florida Realtors

Attendees must register by calling 386.677.7131 or email at governmentaffairs@daytonarealtors.org.

Things to Know

Ribbon Cutting: The Running Element

Mark your calendar for May 31 and plan to join the Daytona Regional Chamber Ambassadors as we cut the ribbon for The Running Elements in Daytona Beach.

Crest of the Wave Podcast is Coming Soon!

The Daytona Regional Chamber is launching a new podcast for the Daytona Beach region's business community. Crest of the Wave will keep the regional business community connected to a strong economic and business environment in the greater Daytona Beach area. It will showcase great conversation in support of a thriving community featuring the business leaders, community leaders, and elected officials who are making things happen across the region.

Joint City/Chamber Workshop: Legal & Financial Topics for Small Businesses

This June 14 workshop is intended for small businesses in the early stages of their business development. Attendees will learn actionable ways to strengthen legal and financial practices. The workshop is free, but attendees must register.

Things to Share

Congratulations to Team Volusia EDC

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announced that Team Volusia EDC has been certified for the first time as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO), a recognition that only 81 economic development organizations out of 5,000 across North America have achieved.

“Team Volusia EDC displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

Leadership Daytona Application

Applications for the 44th class of Leadership Daytona are now available. Completed applications are due June 14 by 12:00 p.m.

Warmest Welcome to Our Newest Members

Congratulations on Your Membership Investment

An investment in Daytona Regional Chamber membership is an investment in a stronger community.

Take a moment to welcome these new members and thank them for joining the cause.

There are great things on the horizon thanks to the collective efforts of our business community.

Astrea Development

Bamboo Athletics

All Pro Window Coverings

Coastal Chalet Suites

Ark Homes for Rent - Ormond Grande

Picture This!

Scene Around Town

Member POV: Karen Revels, JACF CEO

The Power of Member Connections

“Junior Achievement of Central Florida has been a member of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2022, and it’s brought immeasurable value to the execution of our mission in Volusia County."

"The connections Ken [Phelps] has facilitated on our behalf – like most recently with the Volusia Mall – have helped us grow tremendously.'

'Now we may be able to bring BizTown, a fun and engaging learning experience that connects the classroom to the real world, to every single 5th grader in the county.”

Resources to Bookmark

Grow Your Business Today

The U.S Chamber of Commerce

American free enterprise unleashes human potential and empowers private sector solutions to address the greatest challenge of our time.

Fueled by ambition and supercharged by the innovation of American business, it is more than just an economic system—it's a promise built on the freedom to create, compete, and prosper.

The U.S. Chamber’s enduring mission is to defend, protect, and promote free enterprise, and they've been doing just that for 112 years.

Affiliates in Action

Get to Know our Community Partners

Volusia Young Professional Group

The Volusia Young Professionals Group is hosting its 20-year anniversary, August 15, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach. For this milestone anniversary we're flashing back to 2004, celebrating the early days and the two decades of VYPG that have followed. Expect all the throwback jams, costume contests, themed activities, delicious eats, and killer drinks with the coolest crew around. Plus, we'll be giving a shoutout to the OGs who made it all possible. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate. Tickets are available for purchase.

Volusia County Association for Responsible Development

Join us to hear from Volusia County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett as he shares the latest news on our economy, real estate, and emerging trends in Volusia County.

Attorney Glenn Storch, representing Deering Park, will provide in-depth details on the final phases for the 70,000-acre land development project and its potential impact on the real estate market. Storch will explain how Deering Park has meticulously crafted a plan to conserve 75% of the land to ensure sustainable development.

Additionally, Glen A. Irby, the City Manager of Edgewater, will highlight how this development could drive economic growth and prosperity in Volusia County. Breakfast will be provided, and this event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of Volusia County's economy and real estate. Don't miss out!

Program:

8:30 AM - Registration & Breakfast

9:00 AM - Program Begins

11:00 AM - Program Ends

Please register with this link: https://events.humanitix.com/annual-real-estate-forum

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Central Florida

Procurement Boot Camp - June 4

Boot Camp attendees will learn about avenues for accessing capital, grants, and federal funding. They will also become familiar with the process of securing commercial loans and their prerequisites, while understanding the accreditation criteria for Small Business, Minority-Owned, and Women-Owned certifications. Corporate contracts, negotiation skills, and ethical sourcing practices are all part of formulating actionable plans for procurement in all of its forms