By DOROTHY HARDEE, East Orlando Chamber of Commerce Administrator
“Expect the unexpected.” Bear Bryant
If we have learned nothing else from 2020, it was to expect the unexpected. What started out as a strong year, 2020 became a blur of never-ending masks, quarantines, shortages, fatigue, zoom meetings and, well you get the picture. I don’t know anyone that is not ready to put this year behind us.
The East Orlando Chamber pivoted quickly early in the pandemic and has incorporated a mixture of virtual and hybrid events to meet the needs of businesses and the community. Cautiously welcoming 2021, we are focused on industry and the needs of our members making recovery possible. Our Healthcare Collaborative will partner with the Physicians Society of Central Florida, Orlando Medical News and Health Council of East Central Florida to bring a monthly virtual meeting addressing “3 Things You Should Know” for healthcare.
January 14th, we will examine COVID 1 vaccine & Being Better Prepared for 2021 featuring our experts Rick Larson (Rick Larson Law), Michael Muszynski, MD, FAAP (Florida State University College of Medicine) and Donna J. Walsh, MPA, BSN, RN (Seminole County Health Department).
With the COVID vaccines in full swing for essential workers and at-risk individuals, can an employer require an employee to become vaccinated? What are the best practices emerging for employers to consider in 2021? Rick Larson will share his 35 years of organizational insights and legal compliance strategies as a Florida employment and Human Resources attorney addressing these complex issues.
Significant developments of our scientific understanding of COVID 19 is ever changing We will examine the science behind the vaccines, how they differ and how these differences affect the vaccine strategy thanks to Michael Muszynski, MD FAAP, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Sciences at the Florida State University College of Medicine.
Donna J. Walsh, MPA, BSN, RN with Florida Department of Health in Seminole County will round out our panel discussing the efficacy and delivery of the vaccine. Following the conversation, attendees will have the opportunity for breakout networking with our panel.
“Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.” Anonymous
Pete Folch with Second Wind – Finish Strong, Inc. will inspire us as we celebrate our 2020 Chamber champions during our annual recognition luncheon and installation of our 2021 Board of Directors. The Honorable Judge Eric Dubois will install our board as Karen Jensen (Orlando Health) passes the gavel to our 2021 Board Chair, Martha Santoni (Nemours Children’s Hospital). Redefine the possibilities for your success, attending the East Orlando Chamber January luncheon, January 27, 2021 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Bonefish Grill Waterford. Register today for a memorable kick off to a New Year.
The East Orlando Chamber is here to help with unique offerings to help elevate your businesses visibility and connect you with others helping your business thrive. Testimonial Tuesday features our members on a live broadcast allowing them to share personal and professional information with listeners. The Member Academy shows new members how to use the valuable resources provided with hands-on training to jump start their chamber journey. Taking it one step further, the EOCC Spark 365 Brain Trust is an intimate meeting of the minds helping to decode problems, design solutions and offer leads members desire.
We have an exciting lineup for 2021 including our February 3rd Women in Successful Endeavors (WISE) luncheon featuring Women in Tech moderated by Avani Desai, President of Schellman & Company, Inc. hosted at The Celeste Hotel. OPTIC – Orlando Professional Technical Innovation Council is virtual March 12th from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM focusing on Teleworking | Tele managing, inspiring employees and offering leadership presented in partnership with Full Sail University. Connect 4 for Property Professionals is also returning in collaboration with Orlando Regional Realtors Association and so much more.
For more information or to register call (407) 277-5951 or visit our website at eocc.org. The East Orlando Chamber of Commerce everywhere East of I-4.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Testimonial Tuesday On Location
Featuring Guacamole Mexican Grill & Platinum Signs and Designs
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
11:00 – 11:30 AM
Guacamole Mexican Grill
2822 S. Alafaya Trail, Ste. 195, Orlando, FL 32828
Misters & Sisters Great Lunch Adventures – Guacamole Mexican Grill
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
11:00 – 11:30 AM
Guacamole Mexican Grill
2822 S. Alafaya Trail, Ste. 195, Orlando, FL 32828
(1st Thursday of the month)
“Financial Prep for 2021 Panel Discussion
Thursday, January 7, 2021
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Bonefish Grill Lake Underhill Road
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando, FL 32828
FREE to EOCC Members | $10 for Non-Members
(2nd Tuesday of the month)
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
9:00 – 12:00 PM
East Orlando Chamber office
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828
Sponsorships Available (2 doz. Donuts)
After Hours at Orlando Lighting Systems
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Orlando Lighting Systems
10970 Piping Rock Circle, Orlando, FL 32801
The Hybrid Member Academy: Roadmap to Member Success
Wednesday, January 3, 2021
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Hybrid Event - East Orlando Chamber office
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828
Healthcare Council Collaborative Virtual Panel Discussing & Networking
Three Things You Should Know: COVID19 Vaccines & Being Better Prepared for 2021
Thursday, January 14, 2021
7:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Virtual Event | Registration required
Testimonial Tuesday On Location
Featuring Goodfella’s Pizzeria and The Orlando Law Group
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
11:00 – 11:30 AM
Goodfella’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant
11873 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32826
EOCC Spark 365 Brain Trust After Hours
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
4:00 – 5:30 PM
East Orlando Chamber office
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828
Member Exclusive with Limited space
(3rd Thursday of the month)
Business Optimization 2021 Panel Discussion
Thursday, January 21, 2021
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Sam’s Club Lake Nona
11920 Narcoossee Road, Orlando, FL 32832
FREE to EOCC Members | $10 for Non-Members
Friday, January 22, 2021
10:00 – 11:00 AM
Central Bark East Orlando
5221 Young Pine Road, Orlando, FL 32829
Board Installation & 2020 Chamber Awards
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Bonefish Grill Waterford
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Orlando, FL 32828
Registration required.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
8:00 – 9:30 AM
East Orlando Chamber office
12301 Lake Underhill Road, Ste. 245, Orlando, FL 32828
Member Exclusive with Limited space
