BIZ BUZZ: New gift shop, health insurance option unveiled to town

Ormond Beach Observer
Business

A new gift shop opens on Granada; Florida Hospital partners with an insurance provider to offer new options next year; and, chamber signs up 33 new members in two days.

BY THE OBSERVER STAFF

Now open: Emily’s Gift Shop

Emily’s Gift Shop, at 159 E. Granada Blvd., celebrated its grand opening Aug. 16, with an Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce-led ribbon-cutting. Owned by June Gemmer, the store carries handmade jewelry, kitchen accessories, baby items, Florida college fan gear and more.

Call 872-3668.

Hospital, Health First partners to offer new insurance

Florida Hospital Healthcare System has partnered with Health First Health Plans, of Brevard County, to provide health insurance in 10 counties throughout Central Florida.

Still yet to be finalized, the agreement will make a variety of health insurance products available to the community by January.

“With more Medicare and Medicaid payment reductions expected in the future, partnerships with quality companies like Health First allows us to strengthen our healthcare system and provide more local insurance options,” said Mike Schultz, president and CEO of the Adventist Health System Florida Region.

Florida Hospital Care Advantage, administered by Health First, will roll out in January, with the five Florida Hospitals in Volusia and Flagler Counties providing infrastructure and care. Health First Health Plans brings more than 15 years of experience, a 4.5-star Medicare Advantage Rating and more than 60,000 members to the partnership.

Enrollment opens Oct. 15. Call 321-412-8810.

Chamber recruits 33 members in two days

The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce’s latest membership drive, which ended Aug. 1, signed on 33 new members in two days. The members are listed as follows:

Betty's A1A Café; Purple Dragonfly Boutique; Ian Anderson/Dream Homes Team’ Collins Construction & Co.; Hershey's Ice Cream of Ormond Beach; WinWin Inspections; Adams Cameron Title Services; Florida Snoring & Apnea Solutions; John W. Kurpa, DC, DABCN, FACFN Chiropractic Neurologist; T & D Auto Repair; KC Originals; VB Vending, LLC; Family Renew Community; Delta P Carver; Denise and Rachel Wisely, of Mary Kay; Ormond Beach Dentist; Lucky's Towing and Service; Beaver Bar; Ricoh; Little Blog Dress Media; Elegant Limousines and Wedding Services; Muscle Shop Nutrition; Ormond Beach Concessions; Sun Swirlz; Kistemaker Business Law Group; SJ DeSisto Designs; Morris-Williams Realty; Air Works; Nerdtropolis; Emergency Communications Networks; Pink Lotus Healing Massage Therapy; and The Pocket Jeweler.

Andy Barboza, from Sun Trust Bank, won a 32-inch TV for recruiting the most members in the first hour of the drive. Karen Chrapek, from KC Origingals, brought in the most members overall. Tide Pride won for most new members recruited as a team. And Casey Billings was named most inspirational team member.

The chamber’s Ambassador of the Quarter award went to 18-year real estate veteran Caryn Baker, of Realty Pros Assured.

The chamber’s August Sparkler was held at Gateway Bank. The next will be Sept. 11, at Florida Hospital Peninsula Rehabilitation, 264 S. Atlantic Ave.

Tomoka Brewery unveiling collaboration brew Friday

Still a few weeks away from brewing its own beer in house, Tomoka Brewery owners Peter Szunyogh and Jennifer Hawkins teamed up with the Engine 15 Brewing Company to create a collaboration beer, which they'll release 6 p.m. Friday at the bar, 188 E. Granada Blvd.

The summer-style saison beer will be served through a tap infused with fresh basil. The rest of Tomoka's taps will be taken over by other Engine 15 varieties.

Call 875-6609.