- December 26, 2024
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Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce past Chairman Don Grindle passes the gavel to incoming Chair Mary Jo Allen at the annual installation banquet.
Kelly Parsons Kwiatek with Halifax Health sings the National Anthem at the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce installation banquet. Photo by Michele Meyers
Shelly Brown serves during the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce installation banquet at the Hard Rock Hotel. Photo by Michele Meyers
Caitlin Wruck bartends during the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce installation banquet at the Hard Rock Hotel. Photo by Michele Meyers
Volusia County Council District 4 Troy Kent and Jenna Pender reminisce about taking honors Geometry class at Seabreeze High School in 1993.
Past Chair Don Grindle, Chairman's Choice Ambassador of the Year award winner Pam Woodsome and chamber CEO and President Debbie Cotton.
Past Chair Don Grindle, chamber CEO and President Debbie Cotton and Chairman's Choice Business of the Year award winner Volusia Memorial Park and Funeral Home.
The Chairman’s Rising Tide Award is presented to the 2020 Leadership Ormond Beach Class 17 & Youth Leadership Committee for Creating the Youth Leadership Program at the OB Chamber of Commerce installation.
Maryam Ghyabi, owner of Ghyabi Consulting & Management, is presented with the Chairman’s Leadership Award by past chamber Chairman Don Grindle and CEO and President Debbie Cotton.
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce incoming Chair Mary Jo Allen hugs past Chairman Don Grindle at the annual installation banquet.
Mayor Bill Partington laughs as the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce 2023 Board of Directors and Board Members say "I do." instead of "I will." during the swearing in ceremony.
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce 2023 Board of Directors and Board Members.
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Debbie Cotton presents past Chair Don Grindle with his outgoing gavel at the annual installation banquet.
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Debbie Cotton presents past Chair Don Grindle with his outgoing gavel at the annual installation banquet.
Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Chair Mary Jo Allen addresses the crowd at the annual installation banquet.
Mary Jo Allen, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Halifax Health, added another title to her name as she began her tenure as the chamber’s executive board chair. As she addressed the crowd, she reiterated the importance of the chamber’s partnership with the city of Ormond Beach, and stressed that the partnership is “the key to the health of our businesses and community.”
Allen’s family moved to Ormond Beach in 1983 when her father was asked to open an office for the Yellow Pages. She has been here ever since.
“It’s important to me and my family to see Ormond Beach thrive and grow,” she said. “Our chamber is one of the most vital voices for the businesses and organizations in our community. We need to continue to band together, celebrate our achievements and accomplishments and promote policies that will address current challenges.”
Every three years, the Board of Directors develops a strategic plan. Their focus for 2022-2023 is membership development and engagement, workforce and education development, and advocacy and event development.
In 2014, the chamber established a scholarship program to recognize students of chamber members for outstanding educational and community service achievements. Stefanie Ryan, vice chair of Community Programs, announced that last year, seven $1,000 Rob Ridder scholarships were awarded to Volusia County high school seniors — five to Seabreeze, one to Spruce Creek and one to Mainland.
Jenna Pender was excited that her husband, Bob Pender, decided to get involved with the chamber. He is currently a board member.
It’s important to me and my family to see Ormond Beach thrive and grow. Our chamber is one of the most vital voices for the businesses and organizations in our community. We need to continue to band together, celebrate our achievements and accomplishments and promote policies that will address current challenges." — Mary Jo Ellen, Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Chair
“I grew up coming to the chamber,” she said. “My dad, Ty Wilson, was president of the Daytona chamber in the ’80s, so the chamber is in my blood. I’ve seen the impact firsthand. Even as a kid going to the events with my dad, I could see the impact in the city.”
The Board of Directors and board members were called to the stage, where Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington swore them in as 2023 Chamber of Commerce officers.
Chamber CEO and President Debbie Cotton expressed her appreciation for the past Chairman Don Grindle and presented him with his outgoing gavel.
“I could always count on Don whenever I needed him — wherever I needed him,” she said. “Under his leadership, the chamber’s programs are stronger than ever, and much more importantly, our balance sheet is stronger than ever.”
In parting, past Chairman Don Grindle thanked everyone for another successful year with the chamber.
“I’d like to say what an honor it has been to serve as chair of this awesome chamber,” he said. “It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year, but what a year it’s been. The overall state of our chamber is better than ever. It’s going to be even better in 2023. My co-chair (Allen) has had plenty of practice, as she often reminds me. Other than being a Notre Dame fan, she’s a pretty awesome lady. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have leading us in 2023.”
