The Importance of Central Florida 2020 Local Elections
In a time where nearly all Americans are seeking some form of change, whether it be healthcare reform, financial planning, and even legislation, sometimes the greater changes lie within ourselves. This change, more so, this solution, requires voting, especially at the local level.
Voting Power Matters
Some locals are unaware of the true power their one vote holds. Others are convinced their vote only matters at the presidential level. In actuality, you have greater voting power at the local level when compared to federal.
Simply put, your vote can influence local policies that directly affect you and your surrounding community including:
- Business growth & development
- School funding
- Local taxes
- Healthcare
- Public transportation
- Public safety
Leaders placed in an authoritative, city, county, or state position work to establish legislation that governs the area you call home. But these leaders cannot be leaders unless they are voted in by the public -- which is why your vote is so important.
To put it into perspective, think about the recent Black Lives Matter movement. Protesters are not exclusively calling on our president for change. Instead, they are mostly calling out local leaders -- the police chief, county judges, mayor, and even the governor for change. This is because these local offices can make the community based changes that we all want to see.
In 2020 we have our fair share of obstacles. Getting to the polls may be difficult during a pandemic and to this day, many communities still experience voter suppression. In spite of these challenges, voting is an important piece of the puzzle to enact real change in our communities.
Making the decision...Who to vote for.
Not sure who to vote for? AACCCF was a proud sponsor and co-host for the Orange County Candidate Forum, a series of Facebook Live discussions between candidates running for a variety of offices. View the recordings:
- 9th Judicial Circuit Court State Attorney Online Forum
- Orange County Sheriff Forum
- Community Conversation with the Orange County, FL Supervisor of Elections official Bill Cowels
For more information about voter registration, requirements, or polling places, please visit https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home.
REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JULY 20TH.
Central Florida Black Owned Restaurants
We partnered with AACCCF Member Russell Drake to highlight black owned eateries in Central Florida! Russell has been connecting with black owned businesses since the start of COVID-19 and has curated the list below as a tool for our community to rally around these small businesses to ensure their survival during this time.
Now, with the fight for racial equality in the forefront of conversation, we are continuing to build on this list as resource to the community. Looking for ways to support black owned businesses? Grabbing a bite to eat at one of these establishments is a start.
District 534 Scratch Kitchen
P&D Soul Food Kitchen
Jesses Rib Shack
Nikki’s Place
Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse
Orlando Famous Pete’s BBQ
Seafood Station (Pine Hills)
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp (Metrowest)
Vitality Bowls (Dr Phillips)
Big Lou’s Single Wings Express
Island Thyme Caribbean Island Restaurant (Avalon Park)
Streetwise Urban Food (Near Airport)
Brick & Spoon Maitland
Mad Crab Seafood & Wings
Soulfood Fantasy Eatonville
Bezerk Nutrition
Something Fishy Seafood
T & T Nutrition
Wingz Wingzz Wingzzz
Seana’s Caribbean Soul Food
1000 Degree Pizza & Wings
Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ Altamonte
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp Altamonte
Angel’s Soul Food and BBQ
Roni's Restaurant
Shantell’s Just Until
About Russell Drake
Russell is a member of AACCCF, Motivational Speaker, Civic Strategist, Network Building Extraordinaire...just to name a few descriptors.
He has made it his mission to be plugged into the Central Florida Small Business community especially during this COVID-19 outbreak, when businesses need everyone's support the most. Russell researched and curated the list above with love and determination for the community. To connect with Russell visit his website.
2020 Father's Day Deals from our Members
Our members have the best deals. Enough said. Check out these 2020 Father's Day deals from our members!
1.) RTW Photography extends Summer Sale!
In honor of this year’s Father’s Day, RTW Photography is proud to announce the extension of their Summer Sale Discount for family portrait sessions. This sale is good for bookings made prior to June 30, 2019.
A Note from RTW Photography: During this time we continue to stay compliant with all governmental ordinances, as well as, continue to take extra precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and health.
https://ridethewave.co/summer-sale/
2.) Mygani LLC Father's Day Card that gives back!
Card design by : Mygani l For Inquires email hello@mygani.com
- Soft Credit Report Pull (Will Not Negatively Affect Your Score)
- 3 Major Credit Bureaus (Transunion, Experian, Equifax)
- Review Each Reporting Account And How It Is Affecting Your Credit
- Review Automated Credit Scoring Simulator To Predict Future Credit Score
- Create An Action Plan To Raise Your Credit Score
Visit: https://creditrepairofflorida.com/
Please mention the phrase "I AM A FATHER!" to redeem your free promotion.
Visiting Black Owned Businesses Around Orlando With Russell Drake
As an AACCCF Member, Senior Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin, and Vice President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida, Russell Drake has been really busy lately. He's proving that coronavirus can't keep us down, as he visits multiple black owned small businesses in Central Florida. You may recall his curated list of Black Owned Restaurants that we shared on #407 Day, a day designated by the city of Orlando to support small businesses with takeout orders and delivery orders. Now he's back with over 80 days worth of small business highlights!
Explore all of his posts to see who is open for business and exactly how you can support them during these challenging times.
We've dropped some of his most recent highlights below:
Najah Hines Design (Yes, she is Chamber Staff as well!)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_dxaQZJ3fH/
Rib Runners
Seafood Bandits
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Y8Wz-p8gn/
We Care Dental Center
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_WVRjCpVCB/
SMILE Ice Cream Company
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-6H-Rupdz6/
Edmond Law
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-cQfZ5JeTB/
Stay Tuned! Follow Russell on Instagram and Facebook to view all past highlights and never miss a beat on his upcoming features.
Member on the Move: SmithBlends
Mondays are for Members on the Move! This week, we are highlighting SmithBlends, a healthy tea company right here in Central Florida. SmithBlends was born last year by a Registered Nurse, Michelle Smith, her daughter, Shola Smith, a Branding and Marketing Executive.
The Smith Family drew inspiration from their Caribbean heritage and Matriach, Clarice “Winnie” Smith, known for mixing tea blends for her daily immunity boosting regimen.
"Not only do we want communities to take control of their health and wellness, but we also want to share The Smith Family’s tea tradition with the world."
What is your primary product or service?
We make high quality loose leaf tea and natural iced teas. Our operations are based out of Florida. We make our teas with no preservatives and no fillers. SmithBlends is a great natural alternative for coffee lovers. In addition, our teas are corporate America’s leading "Immune Booster Tea".
"Every tree was designed to heal and every leaf was created for medicine.”
Do currently have any promotions?
Yes! The connection with the Chamber has been a HUGE benefit to us! We set up a 15% off discount Promo Code for AACCCFmembers. Promo Code: "AACCCF"
#407Day Black Owned Restaurants
Orange County and Visit Orlando have designated today, Tuesday, April 7, 2020 as “#407 Day” for residents to show support for local restaurants and their employees.
We partnered with AACCCF Member Russell Drake to highlight black owned eateries in Central Florida! Russell has been connecting with black owned businesses since the start of COVID-19 and has curated the list below as a tool for our community to rally around these small businesses to ensure their survival during this time. Order deliver, buy gift cards, leave a generous tip...we're all in this together!
Don't forget: Residents are encouraged to order takeout/delivery from local restaurants. Be sure to use #407Day and #OrlandoToGo to show off your delicious meals today.
District 534 Scratch Kitchen
P&D Soul Food Kitchen
Jesses Rib Shack
Nikki’s Place
Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse
Orlando Famous Pete’s BBQ
Seafood Station (Pine Hills)
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp (Metrowest)
Vitality Bowls (Dr Phillips)
Big Lou’s Single Wings Express
Island Thyme Caribbean Island Restaurant (Avalon Park)
Streetwise Urban Food (Near Airport)
Brick & Spoon Maitland
Mad Crab Seafood & Wings
Soulfood Fantasy Eatonville
Bezerk Nutrition
Something Fishy Seafood
T & T Nutrition
Wingz Wingzz Wingzzz
Seana’s Caribbean Soul Food
1000 Degree Pizza & Wings
Bubbalou’s Bodacious BBQ Altamonte
Stonington’s Fried Shrimp Altamonte
Angel’s Soul Food and BBQ
Roni's Restaurant
Shantell’s Just Until
About Russell Drake
Russell is a member of AACCCF, Motivational Speaker, Civic Strategist, Network Building Extraordinaire...just to name a few descriptors.
He has made it his mission to be plugged into the Central Florida Small Business community especially during this COVID-19 outbreak, when businesses need everyone's support the most. Russell researched and curated the list above with love and determination for the community. To connect with Russell visit his website.
Member on the Move: Vitality Bowls
It's time to spotlight another business! This week, we connected with business owners Harold and Jackie Gattereau. Vitality Bowls is a Superfood Cafe with fresh to order Bowls and smoothies originating from California. This powerful duo has brought not one, but two locations of Vitality Bowls to Central Florida. The Gattereaus have made an impact in Central Florida's Healthy Food scene and we just had to get details on how their venture into entrepreneurship began!
What is your primary product or service?
Vitality Bowls was created out of a strong commitment to bring health and wellness to every community across the country through fresh, high-quality superfoods. Vitality Bowls specializes in making delicious açaí bowls, which are a thick blend of the açaí berry topped with organic granola and a selection of superfood ingredients. Additional antioxidant-rich menu items include smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads and panini. All items on the menu are made fresh to order and in a kitchen designed to avoid cross contamination of common food allergens. No ingredient fillers such as ice, frozen yogurt or artificial preservatives are used, giving the purest taste possible to each item.
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
Central Florida is a special place to do business because it’s our home of 10+ years combined with growth, weather, attractions and a diverse population. We are the first to franchise the brand in Central Florida.
Who is your target market/audience?
Everyone that enjoys healthy tasty food.
In your opinion, what makes Central Florida's business community special?
Growth, weather, attractions and diverse population. We are the first to franchise the brand in Central Florida.
Has COVID-19 impacted your business?
Business decreases significantly daily. To better serve our customers, we have transitioned to togo, curbside pickup and delivery only with reduced hours.
How can people still support you during this time?
- Ordering online or via the Vitality Bowls App. Purchasing Gift cards for friends and family.
- Vitality Bowls Orlando First Responders and Healthcare Professionals Support:
- Friends please help us support our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals.
Here’s how it works:
- For every kids smoothie purchased for our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals, we’ll match it and deliver two smoothies
- Purchase our gift cards for local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals and we will deliver with free smoothies
- Purchase healthy tasty meals for our local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals and we will deliver daily
You can select the group of First Responders and Healthcare Professionals of your choice or we will select for you.
Our goal is to support 50 local First Responders and Healthcare Professionals daily!
Current hours of operations:
Monday - Sunday 10am to 6pm daily at Ocoee
Monday - Saturday 9am to 6pm daily at Dr. Phillips Sunday 10am - 6pm
What made you decide to purchase a franchise and how did you choose Vitality Bowls?
We love the idea of not recreating the wheel. Vitality Bowls is an established brand with a network of nationwide franchisees and a proven business model. After researching several business opportunities, Vitality Bowls embraced our lifestyle and our passion with the healthy tasty menu, clean look and feel of the cafe, and transparent kitchen layout.
You have built a business as a couple. What have been some challenges and/or victories in building a business with family?
We successfully launched our first location in Dr Phillips May 2018 and after a year and a half of operations, we recently launched our second location in Ocoee. Our greatest challenge was understanding the daily operations of the business to grow a successful brand with longevity and then restart in a new market with our second location. Our greatest challenge continues to be brand recognition and educating our consumers on our healthy tasty menu options. Our greatest victory is partnering as a couple utilizing our strengths, business acumen, and effective communication skills to bridge the gap or erase the stigma associated with healthy eating.
This month is Financial Literacy Month. With owning your own business, do you intend to leave generational wealth and a legacy for other family members?
Absolutely! To provide our family with options to help build a successful future in business ownership.
What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?
Connecting and interfacing with our community. AACCCF provides the platform for us to service our community and network with fellow business communities.
With COVID-19 social distancing and Stay at Home orders still in affect, there are still many ways to support local businesses. Order a health breakfast of fresh, fruit filled açaí bowls for the whole family this week or bring home paninis for lunch! Check out their website to view the full menu!
Business Spotlight: The Wells Built Museum
The Wells Built Museum is a display of African American History and a living monument to the legacy of one of Orlando’s first Black Doctors, Dr. William Monroe Wells. Dr. Wells was an entrepreneur during segregated times, creating both a hotel and a casino for black patrons, not accepted elsewhere. This month, during Black History Month we'd like to highlight them and shed light on their mission.
Excerpt from their website:
"The Wells’Built Hotel has been converted into a museum housing memorabilia of Orlando’s African-American community and displays on the Civil Rights movement along with some African art and artifacts. This historic museum is located in the center of Orlando’s historic Parramore district at 511 West South Street.
Dr. William Monroe Wells built the hotel and a nearby entertainment venue for African Americans visiting Orlando. During the Segregation era, this hotel served as host to several now famous African American performers. On February 4, 2000, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Although African Americans were taxpayers like other residents of Orlando, they did not have access to recreational facilities, good schools, police protection, health care and other services that were provided to white citizens. This led him to build the South Street Casino and the hotel next door after being issued a building permit in 1924 and ’26. Dr. Wells erected the Wells’ Built Hotel to provide lodging to African Americans during an era of segregation when accommodations were not available to them in other areas of Central Florida."
I took a recent visit to the museum. Just a hop and a skip over from the Amway, this historic building is conveniently located in the hear of downtown. When you walk through the front doors you are instantly emerged in gallery of African American culture. Guests are immediately directed to watch an informative video, full of rich stories from the past. To know that these same walls once held the hopes and dreams of not only Dr.Wells, but also the many people in the community that he served, is overwhelming.
The Wells Built Museum is an important part of Central Florida's history. Be sure to add it to your list of must visit destinations in Central Florida. To learn more about upcoming exhibits, events, and event booking opportunities please visit their website.
Business Spotlight: Seer Productions
Meet Seer Productions. A creative team offering Digital Marketing services to Central Florida. Not only are they members of AACCCF, but they've have also worked on some video pieces for our social channels!
What makes them special? We'd say it's CEO and founder Stefen Smith. Stefen is a visionary on mission. He knows how to take a clients idea and bring it to life. We managed to snag a moment of his time from his busy schedule to chat about what his company has to offer.
What is your primary product or service?
Seer Productions specializes in telling your business’s story though Digital Marketing.
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
Central Florida is a melting pot of all walks of life. You have the opportunity to connect and learn from
some many people. There are very enriching possibilities here in Central Florida.
Who is your target market/audience?
Seer Productions looks to work with organizations that need help with clarifying their message to their
audiences.
In your opinion, what makes Central Florida's business community special?
The willingness to help one another with zero expectations of a return. They only want to help you grow.
What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
I have a few: The rise of video consumption, Companies working on Branding, and automation.
What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?
The Biggest benefit of joining the chamber is having access to people that are in a variety of different fields
and levels as professionals. It's an opportunity to grow and learn.
HOW TO GET BACK INTO YOUR WORK ROUTINE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
As professionals, we look forward to the holidays as a break from the regular routine. Most people get at least one day off for much needed mental relief, but with at least 10 pounds of pie in your system, and a taste of relaxation - going back to work after the holidays can be tough. It’s a bit like restarting a car that has been sitting in a cold garage for too long. You have to get it warmed up and the battery may actually be drained to the point of failure, because it hasn’t been put to good use for a while. Human brains are the same way.
Fortunately for you, our mission at the Chamber is to help you succeed. We put our heads together to come up with 3 key steps to get you back to your normal productivity levels:
1.) Hit the planner.
Whether your calendar is on outlook, or you keep a hard copy on you, looking through your schedule and organizing your upcoming projects before returning to work can help you ease back into the game. Even if there is nothing to move around, knowing what’s coming up will help you to refocus yourself before you hit the office.
2.) Do some New Year organization/cleanup.
Taking the time to throw out old papers can help to lighten the burden physically on your desk, but also mentally. When your workspace is cleaned in organized, you will naturally feel more energized.
3.) Treat Yourself.
The ultimate way to wean yourself off of the holiday/vacation life is to bring a piece of it with you to work. Don’t hold back. Pack a slice of leftover pie in your lunch, keep that winter playlist buzzing, and take your time switching from pumpkin spice latte to black coffee. There is no shame in taking your time.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL DECEMBER 2019 ARTICLES:
