• Continued with Chamber 2009 Strategic Plan
• Coordinated educational forums on “What is Sustainability”?, “Sustainable Green Development and How It Applies to the Future of Florida”, and “Sustainability in the Quality of Life”
• Coordinated public forums on issues affecting the business community
• Hosted meetings with elected officials regarding issues facing West Volusia
  
• Produced 2009 Annual Meeting & Installation Banquet
  
• Developed and produced 8th Annual “Viva Las Vegas” fundraiser
  
• Coordinated Annual Business Expo
  
• Staffed a Business and Resource Center assisting members, residents and visitors
  
• Created first annual DeLand Fall Run and Family Health Fair
  
• Coordinated Business to Business Expo
  
• Continued the DeLand Area School of Government, a seven month program designed to provide hands-on and comprehensive training to selected high school students who express a strong interest in the study of government and politics.
  
• Represented the business community to state legislators, County Council and City Commission throughout the year

Committees & Chairs
Government Affairs - Bill Hall
Events - Josh Poertner
DeLand Fall Run - Donna Williams/Andy Grose
Annual Meeting - Staff

• Continued to promote and offer the Partner Card Program created by Florida Hospital DeLand
  
• Hosted quarterly “New Member Receptions”
  
• Partnered with Stetson University to offer business survival seminar to members
  
• Conducted educational seminars on “Human Resource Legislative Changes Affecting Business” and “How to Reduce or Eliminate Payroll Nightmares and Penalties with QuickBooks”
  
• Continued the “Shop Local” discount program for members and residents
  
• Coordinated monthly Business After Hours membership mixers
  
• Assisted and publicized member grand openings and groundbreaking ceremonies
  
• Provided monthly TLC calls to Chamber members
  
• Developed an advertising package for the Chamber website providing additional marketing and promotional opportunities for members

Committee & Chairs
Ambassadors - William Brown
Membership Committee - Robert Delgado

• Published a printed and electronic monthly Chambernewsletter for members and community leaders
  
• Increased member communications and visibility through website, newsletter, shop local and weekly blast advertising
  
• Informed the membership of Chamber activities and opportunities through weekly blast fax/e-mail programs.
  
• Continued growth and development of the “Networking Group” by facilitating expansion of business contacts and leads. Provided a forum to educate members on businesses in the area through guest speakers. Developed morning, noon and evening networking opportunities.
  
• Created “Get Connected” networking event in Southwest Volusia
  
• Attended meetings with the County’s Economic Development Department to stay abreast of developments and opportunities within the county
  
• Re-designed and published 2009 West Volusia Business & Resource Directory
  
• Engaged member recruitment through media advertisements
  
• Continued development of the Chamber website with accesses totaling over 350,000 per month

Committees & Chairs
Networking Group - Terri Beer and Debra West
Get Connected - Julie Baker and Marianne Carlson
Publications - Staff

• Leadership DeLand graduated 15 men and women, totaling 447 graduates since 1985
• Continued in the development of the DeLand Area School of Government, a seven month program designed to provide hands-on and comprehensive training to selected high school students who express a strong interest in the study of government and politics.
  
• Continued with the “School of the Quarter” program recognizing achievement of Chamber member schools
  
• Presented monthly Beautification Awards & letters of commendation to encourage excellence in community appearance
  
• Participated in the City of DeLand’s Adopt-A-Road Program picking up trash twice a year
  
• Continued with the Crystal Apple Awards Program recognizing educators who have shown exceptional dedication and excellence in the development of students

Committees & Chairs
Leadership DeLand - Dr. Jeff Timko
Education Committee - Shari Lou McConnell

As we close the 2009 fiscal year, let us reflect on some of the accomplishments that we have made together. During the year, with the Board of Directors and Executive Director, we were able to identify and reduce expenses as many businesses have shifted their focus on the core principal of serving the business community. Some of the successes that we had this year were the expansion of our networking group to Victoria Park, inclusion of our Southwest Volusia business community and our First Annual 5K/10K DeLand Fall Run and Family Health Fair. As we transition to a new year, I would like to thank you all for your tremendous support and look forward to embracing our new incoming President, Daryl Tol. His knowledge and experience with Florida Hospital DeLand will be a great asset to our community in the coming year.

Robert Delgado, Treasurer