October 11, 2018-CEO Don Long (left) appearing on News 6 at Nine on WKMG, Orlando to promote Taste of Nona 2018.

A NOTE FROM YOUR CEO

            September ended on a high note as we helped welcome Lake Nona’s newest supermarket, Earth Fare, to the community when we celebrated their grand opening with a ribbon cutting on September 29. The community welcomed this new chamber Stakeholder Partner to the area at 6:45 AM on a Saturday morning and there were almost 800 people there. A spokesperson for Earth Fare said it was the second largest attendance for a grand opening in the company’s history. Way to go Lake Nona!!

            October was a very busy month for Lake Nona’s chamber. Of course, the highlight of the month was our signature 6^thannual Taste of Nona. But, that is not all. The month also included three ribbon cuttings for chamber members. Our staff and ambassadors along with members of the board of directors and excited members welcomed Chill Pop Lounge, Crunch Fitness (Belle Isle), and Laureate Insurance Partners as we cut the ribbons for these exciting new additions to our region and the chamber. In addition, chamber members and guests enjoyed a classy First Tuesdays hosted by the Hemisphere Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport.

6^thAnnual Taste of Nona

            As mentioned above, October’s schedule also included our fall signature event, Taste of Nona, held at the Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott in Lake Nona town center. This red-carpet event featured culinary treats from nearly 30 local restaurants and other culinary providers. The 400 attendees partook of sample portions of signature entre menu items, desserts, and cocktails including wine and champagne. Entertainment was enjoyed from Jared Violin and DJ Chocolate Rain while a silent auction benefiting Friends of Fisher House was also a feature.

Celebrity Appearance

            Speaking of entertainment, I had the pleasure of introducing recording artist Robert (Kool and The Gang) Bell (remember the disco hit Celebrate?) to those attending the Taste. Kool said hello to everyone from the stage and introduced one of his new ventures, Just Kool Cologne, to the crowd. Kool also autographed a cologne package and offered it as an auction item for the silent auction at the Taste. I want to thank Brian Bacchus of Luxury Rides, Inc for coordinating Kool’s visit.

Silent Auction for Friends of Fisher House

            Your chamber wants to thank everyone for the excited response to our silent auction. Your generosity and participation resulted in more than $4,000.00 in proceeds to support our local Fisher House at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

Thanks are in Order

            The success of this event could not happen without the more than 30 chamber volunteers who worked while others enjoyed the venue and, of course, the outstanding staff, led by Connie Stienwart, of the Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott. I want to extend our appreciation as well to Saul Markowitz for orchestration that resulted in on air time at WKMG Channel 6 and FOX 35 to promote the event.

            The following are lists of the hard-working committee that made Taste of Nona 2018 happen, and the vendors who participated and or contributed gift cards for the Bag of Gift Cards drawing. See the gift card contributors designated by (*) below.

Taste of Nona 2018 Committee

Chair-Cari Rubin, Cari Rubin Photography.  GREAT JOB CARI!!!

Lydia Gongage-Spring Realty Orlando

Omar Hickman-Lake Nona Social

Kathrin Knowles-Bos/Janus et Cie

Angie Amate-Luxury Realty

Josh Moore-Marketing Nutz

Bridgette Porto-Academy Bus

Jeffrey Roche-Innovative Network Solutions, Inc

Sophia Rogers-Sophia Rogers Real Estate

Andy Sellers-Andy Sellers Real Estate, EquityPro Realty

Claudia Swonger-Lotus Blossom Counseling, LLC

Tyler Washington-Lost Society Media & Marketing

Saul Markowitz-Markowitz Communications

Taste of Nona 2018 Vendors

Be sure to watch for information coming soon about our First Christmas party coming on December 4.