- April 24, 2024
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Sometimes you hear that most young people growing up in Ormond Beach leave to find their fortune. Rachael Gilbert is an example of someone who grew up here and is now active in the community. Currently vice president and market leader for BB&T banks in Ormond Beach and Palm Coast, she will be chairwoman of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce in 2018.
Gilbert said some young people growing up in the area may take for granted the area’s quality of life, provided by the beach and Intracoastal Waterway, and the proximity of metropolitan areas such as Orlando, but she knows many young people who are coming back.
“I meet people from the Midwest who tell me how lucky we are here,” she said.
She also points out an active business community, and that will be on her mind next year as chairwoman. Her goal will be to bring along young leaders so the Chamber continues to prosper.
“So much has been done by my predecessors,” she said. “We’re in such a good place … we’re set up for success. I want to engage people and continue growing.”
Gilbert is familiar with the concerns of business, because she and her husband, Tom, own East Coast Pools and Spas.
“We know what businesses go through,” she said.
Gilbert also plans to work with city and county leaders. The Chamber recently formed a government affairs committee to weigh in on issues that affect business.
“We’re not going to jump into politics,” she said. “We’re going to address issues such as zoning or signage that affect the business community. We’ll stay neutral with candidates.”
She pointed out the good working relationship between the business community and the city of Ormond Beach.
Gilbert is a board member for the Early Learning Coalition, which provides early learning for children to help them be successful when they start school.
She points out that in addition to providing VPK, the coalition helps the parents to access quality child care while they are at work. She said they monitor children, and help them find speech or learning help when needed.
She visits with children and reads to them on occasion and has met parents.
“You can see over time what the impact is,” she said.
