Undoubtedly, the past couple of years have brought unprecedented challenges, and while we continue working through working those challenges in the year ahead, the exciting journey of 2022 has begun! With so many positive things happening in our community, we have an awesome opportunity to come together and work together, all of us. Now is the time to connect and collaborate with fellow residents, businesses, elected officials, and local governments. Now is the time to listen to, to talk to, and to be curious about each other and encourage each other’s successes. Now is the time to spread the good news of all that is happening in our community and celebrate where we live, work, learn, and play.
Will the Daytona Regional Chamber continue to deliver information and programming as innovatively as possible in 2022 – and maybe as innovatively as ever? Yes! Will we improve engagement and networking opportunities with our small business members? Yes! Will we be strong stewards of our members’ investment to provide resources and support for businesses of all sizes, industries and geographic areas? Yes! Are we going to tap into the talents of our young professionals and our next generation of leaders and decision-makers? You betcha! Will we actively advocate for the business community, addressing local, state and federal issues important to business – and follow through? Yes! Are we going to enhance our partnerships in the area of economic and workforce development? Absolutely!
Inside the Daytona Regional Chamber, as an organization, an incredible group of volunteers – chaired by Nellie Lupoli – completed our 3-year Strategic Plan – that, based on input from our businesses, will guide the Daytona Regional Chamber through 2024. Some of the specific initiatives include: transforming the Daytona Regional Chamber’s headquarters to offer a hub Regional for business; continuing our mission work, like student aptitude testing in partnership with the Volusia County School System with YouScience; focusing on our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion programming; and applying for re-accreditation with the US Chamber. But we won’t stop there. We look forward to a bright year ahead in 2022, and I hope you join me in connecting and collaborating throughout the community.