By DOROTHY HARDEE, Chamber Administrator
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” - William Arthur Ward
As we enter another month of social distancing and a slow measured approach to reopening Florida, change has become an unavoidable constant. How we deal with it depends on how we adapt and take advantage of it.
The East Orlando Chamber evaluated the situation, our events and needs of the community to move from in-person networking to delivering a diverse array of Virtual meetings supporting East Orange County and beyond. Healthcare professionals were offered critical presentations showing them how to incorporate telehealth into their practice within 24-hours and to market their practice during a COVID-19 Environment. We brought Children of Restaurant Employees to the lineup for our partners in food and beverage. It was important to seek out the unique resources available during this crisis, well beyond our Central Florida boundaries.
(See May Events Below)
During this time of remote working we helped our small businesses appreciate the value of targeting the perfect customer on Facebook, LinkedIn and optimizing videos enhancing visibility. Our career professionals helped business owners understand the implications of reducing staff during the shutdown with “Recruiting, Hiring, Employment Guidance & the Law”. And for our EOCC members, Joe Filice explained the Telehealth movement and the valuable Chamber benefit available to use and offer as part of their employee benefits package.
We addressed issues that affected not only small business owners, but also the individuals who may have found themselves furloughed or laid off. From financial recovery, options when insurance coverage is lost and optimizing resumes to improve the job search process, the East Orlando Chamber and partners have engaged the community, connected the East Orange region and served as a leading resource for businesses. Staying true to our mission we have worked collaboratively to create a positive business climate and a sense of unity providing essential resources to the community.
To help celebrate, support and patronize small business in East Orange County we launched SB411 East Side. We asked the community to shop online, order to-go, write a review and show local business some love during the lockdown. In May we are going to “super charge” our efforts with SB511 East Side, “Driving Traffic to Our Businesses” and offering a Member Monday Deals & Steals every Monday in May, highlighting the exceptional specials from our small businesses.
For the job seeker, Roger Lear President of OrlandoJobs.com will expand upon his “Optimizing Your Job Search Process During COVID-19 & Beyond!” with Optimize 2.0 addressing the resume remake, job search and how to do a great video interview. This will be followed by Career Coach Session Q & A and Power Interviewing.
Kicking it up a notch we brought together tech professionals, Steve Hardee (AdventHealth Corporate), Scot Gustafson (Darden) and Sean Greenbaum (Microsoft) to discuss various solutions, communication, tracking success and security “Enabling Remote Work Efficiency & Productivity”. Things will heat up in the kitchen when we are “Cooking with Cap”. Caps Kitchen Creation Chef Tom will show us how to create a delicious dinner of Marinated Tomato Mozzarella Salad and Carbonara Pasta.
Working from home, participating on endless conference calls can lull us into being a little too comfortable as Will Reeve (GMA) found out. Joey Genovesi will help you “Look Your Best in Your Pajama Pants While Video Conferencing”. Then join us for our reimagined Chamber Virtual luncheon with Ron Ben-Zeev, president of World House Solution discussing “Rapid Deployable Shelters: Possible Solution to Affordable Housing?”.
The East Orlando Chamber is offering unique, relevant content to support small business and engage the community. Join the EOCC Movement. Want to know more? Give us a call at 407-277-5951 or email eocc@eocc.org.
MAY EVENTS
Crema de Nona Networking Online
May 5, 2020 | 9:00 AM | Every Tuesday at 9:00 AM
May 8, 2020 | 3:00 PM | Every Friday at 3:00 PM
Featuring Chef Tom (Caps Kitchen Creations)
May 6, 2020 | 5:00 PM
Go To Meeting Online
Look Your Best in Your Pajama Pants – While Video Conferencing
Featuring Joey Genovesi
May 8, 2020 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Optimization 2.0
Featuring Roger Lear
May 15, 2020 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Go To Meeting Online
Rapid Deployable Shelters: Possible Solutions to Affordable Housing
Featuring Ron Ben-Zeev
May 20, 2020 | 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Go To Meeting Online
Career Coaching & Power Interviewing
Featuring Roger Lear
May 22, 2020 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Go To Meeting Online
