Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce to recognize Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Fund

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The statue of Mary McLeod Bethune is unveiled at the News-Journal Center on Monday, Oct. 11. File photo by Jarleene Almenas
The statue of Mary McLeod Bethune is unveiled at the News-Journal Center on Monday, Oct. 11. File photo by Jarleene Almenas
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The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Fund, Daytona State College and Mary Greenlees will be honored at the 102nd annual meeting of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Feb. 4 at the Daytona International Speedway.

According to a press release, the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Fund will be recognized with the chairman's award, which is presented in select years to an individual or organization with noteworthy achievements. In this case, the award is due to the organization's success in replacing a statue of a confederate general in the National Statuary Hall with one of Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University. The statuary fund, led by philanthropist Nancy Lohman, raised over $800,000, commissioned a feature-length documentary, a K-12 curriculum module and a bronze statue to be placed in Bethune Plaza in the Daytona Beach Riverfront Esplanade Park.

DSC will receive the J. Hyatt Brown Enterprise Award, which recognizes a company that has made "significant contributions to the quality, vitality and growth of our community." DSC is being recognized for its support of its students, the business community and the region it serves, the press release states. One of its achievements for 2021 was the groundbreaking of a new residence hall, to open in the fall 2022 semester. It will provide over 52,000 square feet of living space for up to 252 students. 

In addition, Greenlees, a partner at Olivari and Associates CPAs and Consultants, will be named the Glenn Ritchey Leadership Award winner for her assistance to businesses and organizations throughout the pandemic. Greenlees is the president of the Civic League of the Halifax Area, and has served on boards such as the Ormond Beach YMCA, Halifax Humane Society, Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens and the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. The award is given annually to an individual whose contributions to the region "personify integrity, dedication, and hard work," according to the press release. 

Resident partners with tech incubator

Volusia County resident Shaba Shams has partnered with 10X Incubator, an entrepreneurial tech company, to build and scale a company called Kitible, which is focused on connecting cottage food operators to their consumers, according to a press release.

Shaba Shams and Jared Yellin. Courtesy photo
Shaba Shams and Jared Yellin. Courtesy photo

Shams, of Shaba Enterprises, was one of over 11,000 people who applied to co-found a company with 10X Incubator. The Algerian entrepreneur understands the importance of empowering households to earn money from their own kitchen, using skills they already have, the press release states. 10X Incubator aims to build, scale and sell 10,000 tech companies in the next 10 years.

“When 10X Incubator said yes, my entire life changed," Shams said. "I almost blacked out. I was so
excited and it still has not set it. I am the co-founder of a tech company with Grant Cardone, Jared Yelln, and the 10X Incubator team. This is everything I dreamed about and more."

Shams is an international speaker, author, podcaster, business coach and consultant, and has served as a presented and host for Shorouq Algeria, Magnetic Entrepreneurs and Elevate Daytona.

Mayor's Health and Fitness Challenge rescheduled

The 2022 Mayor's Health and Fitness Challenge will begin with a kick-off event on Feb. 12, according to the city's website.

The 12-week challenge is open to city employees, residents and their families, and provides participants with access to free or discounted fitness programs, perks on products and services from local businesses and a chance to win a cash prize for lowering your overall body mass index.

Registration has been reopened; those interested may sign up until Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Leisure Services Registration Office at 399 N. U.S. 1. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.  

 

 

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