The Week Ahead

October 7, 2025

October 9, 2025

This week brings two meaningful ways to connect, support, and learn from fellow members. First, we celebrate the graduation of Leadership Daytona’s 45th class at the iconic Peabody Auditorium. This is a proud moment honoring the next generation of community leaders who have engaged in the 12-week program and Chair Challenge. Make plans to cheer them on and offer your congratulations.

Later in the week at the Eggs & Issues Membership Meeting, department leaders from Daytona State College will showcase how they’re shaping the workforce of tomorrow through Career & Technical Education offerings. If your business includes health, public service, business, technology, engineering, manufacturing, or skilled trades, you'll want to be in the room to hear how these educational programs are prepping your next workforce. Both events offer a powerful reminder of our region’s commitment to growth, collaboration, and preparing for the future. Register today to reserve your seat!

Today is a milestone day! We’re thrilled to officially welcome Kristin Weiss as the In-coming President & CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber! Don’t miss your chance to meet Kristin in person at the upcoming Business After Hours, hosted at the stunning Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. It promises to be an evening of dynamic networking and celebration.

Make sure to check out the Things to Know and Looking Ahead sections to stay on top of what’s coming up in October and November. The final stretch of the year tends to fly by, so plan ahead and make the most of it.

Wishing you a fantastic week!

Daytona Regional Chamber Happenings

Connecting You with a Click or Two

Things to Do

Leadership Daytona Graduation - October 7

Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, celebration, and leadership as we honor the graduates of the 45^th Class of Leadership Daytona, an accomplished group of rising professionals who have completed their journey toward becoming empowered, community-minded leaders.

Featuring Special Guest Speaker – Coach Steve Ridder – Head Coach, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University a recognized leader, mentor, and motivator.

Tickets on sale now for this can’t miss event celebrating excellence in leadership and community impact at this link: Leadership Daytona Class XLV Graduation

Contact Lisa Solomons at lisa@daytonachamber.com or call at 386.523.3678 for more information.

Eggs & Issues Membership Meeting - October 9

October's Eggs & Issues Membership Meeting will focus on the vital role of Career & Technical Education in strengthening our economy and workforce. These professions form the backbone of a thriving community and directly impact the Chamber’s mission of supporting business growth and quality of life. Make plans to attend to learn about new programs.

If you have any questions, contact David Robinson, Director of Advocacy, at david@daytonachamber.com or 386.255.7174.

Things to Know

Business After Hours - October 21

Join us for October Business After Hours where "Business Meets Opportunity"! Have a "rockin" great time at our host location, the iconic Hard Rock Hotel!

Special Welcome! Meet new Incoming President and CEO – Kristin Weiss!

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Solomons, Program Manager, at lisa@daytonachamber.com or 386-523-3678.

Leadership Daytona Reunion - October 22

The next Leadership Daytona Reunion will focus on helping leaders build margin into their day for strategic and visionary thinking by leveraging the efficiencies of AI. These reunions keep our Leadership Daytona Alumni in the know on topics of importance across the region. Leadership Daytona Reunions are open exclusively to Leadership Daytona Alumni.

Attendees will hear from Alyssa DeNaro, Ph.D, Senior Generative AI Solution Specialist, Department of Academic Innovation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She will share some use cases implemented at the University and how they might apply to your organization.

If you have questions, please contact Ken Phelps, VP of Resource Development, at ken@daytonachamber.com or 386.523.3675.

Candidate Bootcamp - October 28

If you are running for office, or are assisting in running a campaign for a registered candidate, then our Candidate Bootcamp is for you. Learn the in’s and out’s of campaigning and hear from experts about what to expect.

This event is free to any candidate who has registered to run, those who are planning to run, and anyone associated with running your campaign.

If you have any questions, please contact David Robinson, Director of Advocacy, at david@daytonachamber.com or 386.255.7174.

One Table Grateful Gathering - November 14

Join us for our 2^nd annual signature event, co-hosted with the City of Daytona Beach, One Table – Grateful Gathering presented by Progressive Medical Research. You won’t want to miss this amazing family style dinner as we gather around one long table for an evening of fellowship with business and community members. There will be a limited number of tickets available!

A reception will begin at 5:00 PM, followed by a delightful dinner at 6:00 PM. Dinner will be served family style with culinary specialties by Food Supply Inc., Metz, Our Papa's Eatery, Steve's Famous Diner and Stonewood.

Individual tickets for the event are $50 so get your tickets now!

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Solomons, Program Manager, at lisa@daytonachamber.com or 386-523-3678.

Looking Ahead

Save the Date: Volusia Days 2026

Mark your calendars for Volusia Days 2026, taking place on Monday, February 23rd, and Tuesday, February 24th! 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

Warmest Welcome to Our Newest Members

Congratulations on Your Membership Investment

Eltec Instruments

Bee Well Therapeutics

Picture This!

The Week in Pictures

Congratulations to Sunbelt Rental for their ribbon cutting celebration. Chamber Ambassadors

were there to share in the excitement of this great event.

Welcome to our In-coming President & CEO, Kristin Weiss!

September Focus on Mission Members

A Trusted Legal Partner

By Melody Lankford, Founding Attorney, Lankford Law Firm

At Lankford Law Firm, we believe that when business owners understand their legal landscape, they can make confident decisions that strengthen not just their business, but their local community too. That’s why our commitment to clients goes beyond compliance and short-term solutions to include comprehensive legal support and an attitude of proactive partnership.

With more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property, business, and employment law, lead attorney Melody Lankford provides tailored, strategic counsel designed to protect clients’ interests and support long-term growth—helping them navigate today’s challenges while anticipating tomorrow’s. Clear communication is a top priority, as is keeping a business owner’s voice central when facing obstacles or planning future goals. Through this collaborative approach, Melody serves as a trusted legal partner, working alongside clients as they navigate each stage of their business.

Lankford Law Firm is proud to be a part of the thriving Daytona business community and welcomes the opportunity to help you build a legal foundation for lasting success.

October Focus on Restaurants

Every Visit Feels Like a Mini-Vacation

By Nikki Hewitt, Marketing Manager, LandShark Bar & Grill

Sun, sand, and a cold drink in hand, Welcome to LandShark Bar & Grill in Daytona Beach! Just steps from the ocean, our Tiki bar is your front-row seat to the perfect beach day. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or happy hour, we’ve got the drinks, bites, and laid-back vibes to make every visit feel like a mini-vacation.

Burgers that satisfy, seafood that sings, and shareable bites made for the table, our menu is all about flavor and fun. Add in live music, big-screen TVs for game day, and daily specials, and you’ve got a spot that’s as lively or as chill as you want it to be.

We’re beyond proud to be voted 2025 Best Beach Bar by the readers of Hometown News Volusia, a nod to the good times, great food, and an unbeatable beachside atmosphere we love sharing with our guests. Come hang, sip, and soak up the Daytona Beach sun. LandShark Bar & Grill is your ultimate escape to paradise.

Monthly Member Focus

During the month of October, Daytona Regional Chamber Restaurants will be the focus. Member restaurants 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 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, and 10/24.

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

Registration is officially LIVE for this year's Halifax Health-Hospice 5K on Saturday, November 1^st in support of our Family Caregiver Program. This year's race is Powered by Heart of Volusia, whose main focus is supporting heart health in the community. We're excited for another fantastic year with our runners, sponsors and community partners. Since the race is the day after Halloween, we encourage any participants to wear their costume to keep the holiday going! To register, donate or for more information please go to:

https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PortOrange/HalifaxHealthHospice5KRunandWalk.

For any questions, please contact Alee Frappier, Fund Development Coordinator at alee.frappier@halifax.org.

Affiliates in Action

Get to Know our Community Partners

Volusia County Association for Responsible Development

Join us for an evening of networking, collaboration, and engaging discussions focused on responsible development in Volusia County. This event brings together local government officials, industry experts, and community leaders to share ideas and build valuable connections. Imagine it as a trade show where you have a booth to showcase your company, alongside elected officials and others in the same industry.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

LPGA International