Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce installs new board of directors

Caryn Baker, of Realty Pros Assured, was installed as the 2020 executive committee chairwoman at the annual banquet.

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The first time Caryn Baker was formally introduced to the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, it was through its leadership program eight years ago.

“Through the years, I have seen firsthand the growth of the chamber and I recognize that it is a very impressive organization," said Baker, who was installed as the 2020 executive committee chairwoman at the chamber's annual installation banquet at The Plaza Resort and Spa on Friday, Jan. 31.

Baker, a realtor with Realty Pros Assured, was handed the gavel by past chairman Rich Cooper at the event. This year, Baker announced the chamber will be working on reorganizing and launching a new business investment structure to allow members more branding opportunities, as well as launching the Business Owners Sharing Solutions program. The first of that series is scheduled for March 5, and will have a goal setting theme. 

The chamber is also aiming to establish a 501c3 foundation, Baker said.

“This will enable our members to make charitable donations allowing us to enhance programs such as the Rob Ritter Scholarship Fund, Teacher of the Quarter and our leadership program," Baker said.

Part of the chamber's strategic plan this year is to be the "go-to" resource for the community, and people interested in becoming part of the community. One way the chamber will do that is by keeping their building updated and upgraded, which Baker said is a vision of the board of directors.

Looking back

Chamber CEO and President Debbie Cotton said Cooper's contribution during his year as chair made a difference.

“It’s because of your leadership, vision and support over the past year that the Chamber ended its year financially successful," Cotton said.

Despite his busy schedule as executive vice president at Halifax Insurance Partners, Cotton said Cooper always made time for the chamber, its members and staff. He attended a slew of ribbon cuttings, all major events, and spoke before the City Commission when needed. He worked the front desk during the holidays so her staff would have time off for family, Cotton added.

Cooper said the past year had been fun. He said the chamber launched a new website, increased the Rob Ridder Scholarship Fund and became certified, and the leadership class raised over $12,000 for the Volusia County Angels Fund to help with school lunch debts, to name a few achievements.

He thanked committee members and chamber volunteers for their contributions over the last year.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a great endeavor and you get to do it with such amazing people," Cooper said.

And the award goes to...

The chamber also handed out its annual awards at the banquet. Here are the recipients:

  • Bill Partington New Member of the Year Award: TD Bank
  • Chairman's Choice Volunteer of the Year: Donna Conlin, of Honest-1 Auto Care
  • Ambassador of the Year: Susie Haynes, of Magical Posssibilities
  • Chairman's Choice Business of the Year: Adams Cameron & Co., Realtors
  • Rising Tide award: Lena Lux, of Tipsy Taco Cantina and Restaurant Row
  • Chairman's Leadership award: Billie Jo Kaler, of Realty Pro Title

 

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