- May 11, 2024
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Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Debbie Cotton and past chair Billie Jo Kaler present the 2022 Chamber Chairman Don Grindle with the gavel. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce newly installed Board of Directors for 2022. Photo by Michele Meyers
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation banquet at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce past chair Billie Jo Kaler and CEO/President Debbie Cotton present the 2021 Partington New Member of the Year award to Denise De La Chapelle. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Debbie Cotton presents the 2021 Chairwoman’s Choice Volunteer of the Year award to Marisol Moreno. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce past chair Billie Jo Kaler and CEO/President Debbie Cotton present the 2021 Ambassador of the Year award to Donna Conlin. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce past chair Billie Jo Kaler and CEO/President Debbie Cotton present the 2021 Ambassador of the Year award to Donna Conlin. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce past chair Billie Jo Kaler and CEO/President Debbie Cotton present the 2021 Chairman’s Choice Business of the Year award to S.R. Perrott, Inc.Photo by MicheleMeyers
Kevin Wakefield walks to the stage to accept the Chairwoman’s Leadership award at the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce's installation banquet. Photo by Michele Meyers
Keven Wakefield addresses the chamber members after the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce past chair Billie Jo Kaler and CEO/President Debbie Cotton present him with the 2021 Chairwoman’s Leadership award. Photo by Michele Meyers
The Observer Media Group is a gold partner with the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce where Maureen Walsh (third from left) serves as Vice Chair of Community Events. Photo by Michele Meyers
The Observer Media Group is a gold partner with the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce where Maureen Walsh (third from left) serves as Vice Chair of Community Events. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Debbie Cotton takes a little break from her master of ceremonies duties during the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce installation banquet. Photo by Michele Meyers
Stefanie Ryan, Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair of Community Programs, talks to the chamber members about the Rob Ridder Scholarship fundraiser. Photo by Michele Meyers
Stefanie Ryan, Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair of Community Programs, talks to the chamber members about the Rob Ridder Scholarship fundraiser. Photo by Michele Meyers
Mayor Bill Partington swears in the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2022. Photo by Michele Meyers
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce's newly installed Chairman Don Grindle. Photo by Michele Meyers
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce annual installation banquet was a sold-out affair held amidst the glitz and glam of the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach on Friday, Jan. 28.
Despite a year fraught with COVID variants, the Chamber of Commerce experienced the highest increase in membership growth in over five years. There are currently 632 members with 114 being new.
“When the year started, we were coming out of one of the most difficult years and most challenging,” past chairwoman Billie Jo Kaler said. “My goal was to focus on membership and development.”
Chamber CEO and President Debbie Cotton touted the outgoing chairwoman for her enthusiastic leadership and passion for her community. During her tenure, Kaler’s drive has strengthened the chamber’s programs. One example is the Rob Ridder Scholarship program which they have been able to raise more funds for since its inception in 2014. The chamber was able to give away six $1,000 scholarships to seniors in Volusia County because Kaler successfully raised the goal from three scholarships to six.
“She has that let’s-get-it-done drive or as she would say, 'Steam roll, Debbie, we’ve got this,'” Cotton said.
They had 30 events with 1,700 attendees, 880 member referrals, 53,000 visitors through walk-ins and calls and 16 business ribbon cuttings.
Kaler is proud of the successes that were accomplished during her year as chair but is looking forward to being able to take a step back and give 100% to the programs she is passionate about without having the title and the inherent expectations. Prior to her year as chair, she oversaw community programs for the chamber and was responsible for the scholarship program, Teacher of the Quarter and the leadership program.
“I’m not even a teacher,” she said. “I’m a title agent. I push papers. I look at what the teachers do and I know they have a really hard job. They’re not appreciated for what they do. I want to continue to support them on a personal level.”
City of Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington swore the Chamber of Commerce’s new Board of Directors in for 2022. As he told each of them to raise their hand and repeat after him, he stressed the importance of one particular part of the oath.
“Now, here is the important part,” he said. “'And strive to make Ormond Beach a better place for all who live, work and visit.'”
Newly installed Executive Board Chairman Don Grindle will take the chamber’s helm this year. Even though he is not a native of Ormond Beach, he has lived here since 1987 when he moved here with his family from Birmingham, Alabama.
Believing that the Chamber of Commerce was a welcome center and a place where visitors could get the name of a good restaurant, he was impressed when he discovered how they advocated for local businesses, both big and small. He knew he had to get involved and joined immediately.
“As we move into 2022, let’s keep our chamber mission in the forefront,” he said. “Advocate for local businesses, develop leaders and focus on development of this wonderful city.”
Awards were also given out at the chamber’s annual installation banquet. The recipients were:
