The Inspiration and The Becoming - Nonahood News
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®
CREATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY PRODUCED BY THE RESIDENTS OF LAKE NONA
JANUARY 2019
Volume 4 | Issue 1
The Artist:
The Inspiration and The
Becoming
on page 11
NONA ADVENTURE PARK LOVE IS STRONGER THAN HATE NEW: KYLE'S CULINARY COLUMN IN THE GARDEN:
IS ALMOST HERE! 8 10 E3 LET YOUR FOOD HEAL YOU E13
IN TH IS ISSU E
LOCAL LEADERS, 4
BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE,4
FEATURES, 9
HEALTH & WELLNESS, 15
EDUCATION, 20
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES, E2
FOOD & DRINKS E3
LAKE NONA LIVING E7
LIFESTYLE E12
SPORTS & FITNESS E16
ARTS & CULTURE E17
NONAHOOD CALENDAR, E23
Orlando, FL 32827
6555 Sanger Rd
Nonahood News LLC
EDITOR'S NOTE
® be as close to perfect as
I am able.
CREATIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY PRODUCED
Degrees of This is all just my opin-
BY THE RESIDENTS OF LAKE NONA
Success ion. I don’t have sta-
tistics to back myself
up here. I just don’t
Publishers believe you’ve really
Rhys & Jenny Lynn BY EL AI NE VAI L failed unless you stop
Editor-in-Chief trying. So, I encourage
How do you all of you reading this
Elaine Vail measure today – don’t let any-
Director of Content Development success? one else define what
Nicole LaBosco How do you success means for you!
know when Only you can deter-
Production Manager you’ve ac- mine what your success
Kyle Hamm complished looks like.
Staff Writers/Reporters one of your
Now, I am not discred-
Brittany Bhulai, Linda Carvin, Vanessa Poulson, g o a l s ?
What does iting any of our amaz-
Sophia Rogers ing writers! Please
that look
Contributing Writers like for don’t misunderstand
Nir Bashan, Chris Clark, Heather Dencker, Natalia you? As I’ve me! You’re going to
Foote, Sharon Fuentes, Rodney Gage, Dr. Deborah edited all of find a lot of great ad- Nicole LaBosco, Elaine, and Sophia Rogers at the Lake Nona
Regional Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party
C. German, Dr. Charles Giangarra, Darlene Grande, the stories vice here about how
Amber Harmon, Katie Jasiewicz, Illie Jove, Philip for this month, there is a lot of talk to define measurable
Long, Don Long, Liliana Pickens, Daniel Pyser, about New Year’s resolutions, as ex- goals for yourself and to survive. And I don’t think I’ve ever
Edward Rodriguez, Dr. Ledy Rojas, Jessica Scully, pected. What kept sticking out to me create meaningful and helpful habits. been as optimistic about the New Year
Mariannie Segarra, Sally Shuman, Valerie Sisco, Sa- was how such a large percentage of And I am personally looking forward as I am right now.
us “fail” at keeping these resolutions, to 2019 a great deal!
mia Solh, Odette Vaccaro, Aaron Vail, Chris White, There is so much left to accomplish!
Suzanne Workum statistically by February. This doesn’t For me, success is measured in my And we are surrounded by amazing
sit well with me, and I think it’s going overall happiness and my outlook on
Proofreading people and resources, which give us a
to boil down to how you define failure. the future. Like so many of you, I suf-
Joe Henry head start. I would feel ungrateful if I
Every month, every production cycle, fer from anxiety and high-functioning didn’t mention that part of my enthu-
Layout Design I strive for perfection. Every edition, depression. However, I am still an siasm for the upcoming year comes
Marnie Brophy I feel that I’ve done better than the optimistic person in general. I can from having such amazing people to
month before to ensure there are no still feel happy about my life and my work with. Just today, I was mention-
Graphic Designer decisions even when times are tough
Emily Kucala mistakes, everyone got credit for the ing to our publisher, Rhys Lynn, how
work they did, and every article and and the moment is sad. I can still look I’ve made some of the most amazing
Director of Public Relations advertisement is accounted for. With- forward to better days ahead, even on connections with incredible people
Saul Markowitz out exception, once the printed paper the days I feel like giving up. I know through this job.
is in my hands, I always find “just that if I hang in there and keep trying,
I have succeeded. And I measure that Hold on to your hats because we’ve
one more thing” that could have been
got an exciting year planned for the
Submissions done differently, was overlooked, or success one day at a time.
Nonahood! We will not fail. We might
If you have news you would like to share with was downright incorrect. So, perhaps it’s not that 80% of us are have varying degrees of success with
your community, visit nonahood.to/stories or Did I fail? Am I a failure? I don’t failing. Perhaps we are measuring our bumps and bruises along the way, but
email stories@nonahoodnews.com. think so. success in the wrong ways. Or, per- we will succeed! So, don’t confuse a
haps we don’t see that we’ve not yet setback with a failure. And don’t for-
Advertising Here’s why I don’t think I’m failing: I reached the finish line and call it a
For rates, deadlines, and specifications, visit tried. I tried hard. I put my heart and get to enjoy the ride.
failure before the race is complete.
nonahood.to/ads or email soul into my work. I gave it my best
advertising@nonahoodnews.com. efforts. When I work on a project, I I’m grateful for a very trying, demand-
ing and scary 2018, full of tears, fears, [Publisher’s Note: Next month, Elaine
want it to be amazing or I don’t want
Nonahood News, LLC is an independent, privately owned and days that felt like they would nev- will be replaced by a robot that is ac-
company. All submissions become the property of Nonahood to spend the time on it. And here’s
er end. It was a rough year, but I’m tually perfect.]
News, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this paper may be what I think is the key: I am able to
reprinted without permission of publisher. All advertisements,
announcements, and articles submitted are subject to refusal
find the amazing results and see all the grateful for everything I learned along
or editing at publisher’s discretion. © 2019. hurdles overcome and still feel proud the way. I’m happy to see that I am
of the finished product despite the im- stronger than I thought. I’m surprised
perfection. And I will keep striving to to learn that I could handle a few situ-
ations that I didn’t expect to be able
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LOCAL LEADERS
College of Medicine’s Anatomy Lab. Dos or screen-based patients, as well as clini- are considered the student’s first patient.
Anjos was one of 10 UCF College of Nurs- cal experience with real patients, cadaver- Medical students talked to their nursing
Magic ing students who recently trained in the
lab thanks to medical students who organ-
based learning experiences are not yet part
of the curriculum.
colleagues about honoring and respecting
the person’s gift to their training. Pruitt
Happens When ized a one-day workshop. “The most exciting thing for me as an edu-
cator was the absolute total engagement
will be analyzing the impact of the experi-
ence in a research study and hopes his re-
Healthcare and enthusiasm of both the nursing and
medical students during this teaching and
sults will help make the program a staple
for UCF nursing students.
Students Learn learning experience,” said Dr. Joyce Burr,
associate lecturer at the College of Nurs-
With the development of UCF’s new Aca-
demic Health Science Center, which will
Together ing, who helped coordinate the event.
“It’s clear from listening to the student
ultimately bring many UCF health pro-
grams to Lake Nona and encourage more
interactions that there is much to learn interprofessional education, research, and
and share between disciplines. The medi- patient care, Dr. Topping said the Anato-
BY DR. DEBORAH C. GERMAN, M.D. my Lab workshop can be a model for fu-
PHOTOS COURTESY OF UCF cal students are teaching, but they are also
learning from the nursing students, and it ture collaborations between healthcare
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE disciplines.
shows that each partner on the team has
something valuable to contribute, and the “Anatomy is fundamental to any discipline
end product is a healthy patient.” involved in direct care of patients, whether
“I’ve learned so much, knowing how the nursing, speech therapy or pharmacology.
different organs look and how they work Pruitt worked with three other medi-
And we have such a wonderful facility and
inside the body instead of just looking at cal students and Dr. Daniel Topping, the
Anatomy Lab’s director, to design a work- resources here, which makes perfect sense
pictures in a textbook,” dos Anjos said. for us to collaborate and begin partner-
“It’s definitely going to do wonders for me shop curriculum that allowed nurses to see
ships,” he said.
in helping me be a better nurse because I’ll and touch core parts of the anatomy and
have a fuller understanding of how every- common pathologies and review common “I also feel that our donors would want as
thing actually works when I’m explaining clinical scenarios like hernias and lung many healthcare professionals as possible
procedures to my patients.” damage while peering into the human to benefit from their gift,” he added. “And
body. The nurses also flushed central lines, what better way to do it than through these
The workshop was the brainchild of for- inserted tracheal tubes and used manual interprofessional collaborations.”
mer critical-care-nurse-turned-UCF- resuscitators to inflate balloons as simu-
medical-student Will Pruitt. After getting lated lungs with medical devices donated
trained in the Anatomy Lab during his first by the Osceola Regional Medical Center. Deborah German, M.D. is the Vice
year of medical school, Pruitt realized how President for Health Affairs and
valuable such a learning experience would “Nurses are at the bedside helping to place
Founding Dean of the UCF College of
Dr. Deborah German have been during his nursing education. and monitor these devices, but they nev-
Medicine. To learn more,
er really get to see what lies beneath the
Sophomore UCF nursing student Desiree “So much of what I learned during the visit med.ucf.edu.
skin,” Pruitt said. “So we want them to get
dos Anjos was cautious but sure-handed gross anatomy module would have been a better understanding of where these de-
as she inserted a tracheal tube into her pa- tremendously helpful in multiple fac- vices are traveling and how they work once
tient’s throat. She had read about the pro- ets of my nursing practice,” said Pruitt, they are in the body, so it will
cedure in textbooks and watched it done who is now in his second year of medical assist them when putting these
numerous times on video, but this was her school. “So, I wanted to give UCF nursing devices in, and also be able to
first hands-on experience. students, starting with this small group, picture exactly what happens
a unique learning experience that gives when a device fails or migrates
“Look how small the esophagus is,” she them an opportunity to bridge the gap be-
said, examining her patient’s neck. “Now out of place.”
tween what they have learned in nursing
I’m definitely going to chew my food a bit textbooks and the actual human body.” Before studying in the lab, nurs-
more knowing that it’s going down this ing students watched a vide-
small pipe into your stomach.” Only a handful of nursing schools uti- otape about the experience and
lize cadavers for their students’ learning. the impact of their patient’s
Her “patient” was a cadaver, a person who While UCF’s College of Nursing employs
had donated their body to help train medi- gift to medical education. At
advanced simulation technologies, such UCF’s medical school, cadavers
cal students, and her “clinic” was the UCF as high-fidelity mannequins and virtual
BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE
and established communities and
clubs. The organization is minority-
Innovation and veteran-owned with offices in
Longwood and Lake Nona.
Management Brings “People are everything,” says Carlos
Gregory, founder of Therealfund, a
Together an All-Star real estate investment firm that also
acquired an interest in Innovation
Team Of Orlando Real Management and Central Florida
Realty Experts. “At the end of the
Estate Professionals day, people appreciate how much
you care. As long as we can add val-
ue to our team and show our clients
that we care, we’ll grow.”
BY VANESSA POULSON
One of the company’s first major
Innovation Management, a community and association projects was Windsor at Westside.
management services company specializing in large-scale They were brought in to help pro-
associations and communities, has put together a team vide structure and synergy to the
of elite, Orlando real estate professionals. The team was failing team. Innovation Manage-
selected based on their superior leadership ability, their ment was able to save the food and
skills in adapting to challenges, and their dedication to in- beverage operations after Windsor
novation. at Westside had lost its liquor li-
cense and the developer in the area
The team was brought together and is continuously mo-
was having to fund a very large defi-
tivated by their desire to build a true servant leadership Pictured: Left to right (top): Jenny Villamar, Cathy Rivera, Jessica Ballerino, Belkis Gomes, Jade
cit. Within the first year, the team Sanchez, Kim Morton, James Hall, Nelsa Rivera, Christina Gregory, Lluvia Rivera, Courtney Lynn,
culture to add value to team members and the communi-
was able to save the liquor license Annalise Proctor, Kelsey Jones.
ties and partners that they work with. The team says that Left to right (bottom): Kevin Patel, Eddie Rivera, Carlos Gregory.
and greatly increase the food and
they hope to continue to “have the opportunities to strate-
beverage revenue along with the
gically and steadily grow to strengthen trust and build rela-
lifestyle activity revenue, helping
tionships with our clients and communities by continually munities breaking ground.
to reduce the deficit by $950,000 to the partially-built
seeing where we can add value. Our extensive and well-
community. “The commonality among all of the businesses revolves
rounded experience within our organization ensures that
around adding value,” notes Eddie Rivera, one of the co-
we will continually push the bar in overall performance. Their other current projects include:
founders of Innovation Management. “We knew we were
We value the partnerships and relationships we cultivate. • Del Webb Orlando – Active adult lifestyle communities better together, but our guiding principle is that we must
These relationships continually forge the quality and level with a full event calendar and more than 40 different in- never forget why we started and that is to add value into
of superior and innovative services we provide our clients terest groups and clubs, as well as a community tavern. each other’s lives, our team's lives, and the lives of our cli-
and are able to provide references to any of our partners or
• Midtown Master Association – Located near Daryl Cart- ents. The amount of money the businesses make will be a
clients on request.”
er and Palm parkways (Dr. Phillips community). result of the value we add and not the other way around.”
Innovation Management was founded in 2016 by Eddie
and Nelsa Rivera with industry veteran and widely re- • Ruby Lake Community – Dr. Phillips community with
spected Kim Morton as its VP of operations. The company lifestyle services and maintenance program included.
services Fortune 500 home-builders in ground-up projects They also have plans to work on the new Del Webb com-
www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 4 | JANUARY 2019
Creator Mindset:
Timing
BY N I R BAS HAN
Nir Bashan
A few years ago, I had a presentation that
I gave to a client about the future of their
major soft drink brand. It was a bells-and-
whistles presentation. We pulled out all
the stops. We selected a posh hotel resort.
We catered the meeting. We kept it under
an hour so that no one would get bored.
We thought of everything under the sun.
We even did it on a Friday so that the cli-
ent would be in a more relaxed mood with
the incoming weekend. Everything that we mentality. The timing was not right for ended up in the trash. I wonder how many I see the same mistakes being made by the
could think of doing we did. Except for one them to accept a departure from what had times in your career this has happened to same people over and over again because
thing... worked. you. And perhaps what you ended up do- they refuse to learn from them. But, ul-
We ignored the timing. ing is blaming yourself. I know I have. But, timately, this is a choice that we all have
So, needless to say, we lost the pitch. And
in these times of despair, there is a crea- to make. Because sometimes, no matter
that made me think a lot about timing.
You see, timing is indeed everything. There
Now, it’s easy to think that maybe we had
tive opportunity to learn something. I am what, our timing is off. And the only thing
is no amount of work that can be done, no sure that you have spent time and effort on left to do is to get up, brush aside the fail-
amount of effort that can be spent that will done something wrong. Maybe the presen-
something that did not turn out the way ure, and try again.
ever change that equation: Timing is eve- tation wasn’t as solid as we had thought.
you had planned. But, simply brooding
rything. This client was coming off record Maybe the hotel wasn’t the right move –
about it and choosing not to learn from it
maybe we should have done the meeting Nir Bashan is an executive creative
growth, new markets to expand to, bigger is a surefire way of having it repeat.
distribution footprint. We thought that at the client site. The “maybes” stack up as director/managing director with over 18
this was the right time to present to them high as the sky. But when the timing is off, Sometimes, the unplanned routes are the years of advertising, entertainment and
an ambitious new strategy that would con- nothing can save it. ones we need to take. And when the timing business development experience. He helps
tinue this line of growth. Failure is a blessing. It really is. But, often-
is wrong for one thing, it might be right for teach folks in non-creative fields how to
another. I took that same presentation and think creatively to solve problems. He leads
But, we were wrong. times we don’t see it that way. Why? Be-
recycled it for another client years later. workshops and lectures on topics relating
cause we choose not to.
The timing just wasn’t right. The situation And it worked. Sure, it was different than to The Creator Mindset. He is publishing a
at the time with this beverage company The Creator Mindset is a way of think- the first presentation, but the thing is that book on The Creator Mindset, which will be
was to focus on what had gotten them this ing creatively. In that creative thinking, it used elements that I thought would be released soon. Visit nirbashan.com
newfound growth and nothing else. They it looks for opportunity in misery. It finds lost forever, elements that I thought were for more information.
had found a bit of a rhythm and decided to the blessing in adversity. wasted. However, it turns out that indeed
stay the course with no alterations. They The amount of time and effort we spent they were not a waste and came in handy
were in an “If it ain’t broke, why fix it?” on something we thought would be great somewhere down the road.
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From birth, we’re taught that if you don’t have anything
nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. When we reach
Get Traction: What adulthood, we’re told to act professionally. When you be-
come a boss, it’s your job to tell people when they screw up.
Kind of Boss Are Kim Scott, the author of Radical Candor, talks about how
great bosses care deeply and challenge directly.
You? Scott describes “radical candor” as being made up of four
attributes:
• Humble – being modest in one’s importance
BY C H RIS WHITE, CERT IFIE D E O S
I M PL E MENTER AND AUT H OR • Helpful – ready to collaborate
• Immediate –
- In-person praise
- In-private criticism
• Doesn’t personalize –
- You are not stupid, but your behavior is.
“radical candor.” You might piss someone off, but you’ll be
Chris White a great boss!
Are you a bad boss or a great boss? Let me set some con-
text: Chris is a successful entrepreneur, author and head
Bad Boss: coach at Traction in Florida. He’s passionate about
helping entrepreneurs get what they want from their
• Makes people miserable business. Learn more at
• Has a top-down authority attitude www.tractioninflorida.com.
• Stifles people and innovation
• Talks more than they listen
Great Boss: To be a great boss is to live at the crossroads of caring
deeply about your direct reports while being willing to
• Builds relationships – individuals and teams
challenge them directly when it might hurt. Scott quotes
• Displays open and honest communication John Stewart Mill’s (a British philosopher and civil serv-
• Encourages and empowers people ant) definition on moral obligation: “The source of every-
thing respectable in man either as an intellectual or as a
• Listens with intent to understand moral being is that his errors are corrigible. … The whole
We all know what a bad boss looks like, and we could build strength and value of human judgment, depends on the
a list a mile long of their characteristics and behaviors. I one property, that it can be set right when it is wrong.”
want to focus on great bosses and a particular attribute It’s not just your job, it’s your moral obligation to care
they all have – the willingness to piss people off. deeply and challenge directly. When you do, you’ll be living
Get In-Powered! The would it ever ex-
ploit its full po-
tential.
read? What seminars do you need to attend?
• The Toolset: What tools do you need that will make it
Decision That Could What is the deci-
easier for you to accomplish your resolutions?
• The Set (your environment): What changes do you
sion?
Make 2019 Your Best It has to decide
have to make in your environment such that your reso-
lutions could have the proper attention and care? This
could be in your house or your office. What new people
Year Ever! to stop being a
seed!!! do you have to meet? What associations do you need to
belong to?
It has to break
BY EDWAR D A. RO DRIGU E Z
with what is 3. Keep taking action until you bear fruit.
comfortable and Live oak acorn seeds
known. It has to Stay focused. You have never seen a live oak tree with
Are you tired of making new year’s grow down and deep before it can grow up and tall. It has depression because it was not a bald cypress tree. They
resolutions that die out before Janu- to let go of what it has been in order to become what it grow because they can. And, so can you.
ary is over? Do you want to move from could be. The main reason the above philosophy and strategy has
resolution to "done" and make history worked for me and my students is because it addresses two
this year? Normally, New Year’s resolutions don't work because they
are not decisions. They are not commitments. They are not fundamental paths that should be undertaken if you are to
Driving around Florida, you cannot help conscious plans that take into consideration what you have attain your most important objectives: the path of achieve-
but notice the large and picturesque live to start and stop doing … they are nothing more than ideals ment (your resolution) and the path of transformation
oak trees. They can grow up to 60 feet that evaporate with the morning fog. (who you need to become in order to attain it).
tall with a spread of around 100 feet even It may not be easy, but you can make it worth it. It may
Do you want to move from making resolutions to achiev-
though they come from a small seed in-
ing goals? seem hard, but not harder than remaining an unfulfilled
side of an acorn that is 0.39"-2.39" long. seed.
That's amazing, is it not? 1. Decide what you want (your goal).
Grow tall, be strong and make history this 2019. Happy
Before this seed could turn into this majestic tree, before it Be clear and specific. This is the image impregnated on New Year!
could shower us with its magnificent shade, it had to make the seed. It grows according to this image. It will never
a decision. Without this decision, it would not be what it Get In-Powered!
exceed it.
could be, it would never grow to where it could grow, nor
A live oak could not decide to be something other than
an oak tree, but you can decide who you want to be Edward A. Rodriguez is a coach, co-author and trans-
and what you want to accomplish, so make sure you formational trainer. He is founder and CEO of Better
dream big. Yeah, yeah, you have to be realistic, but Graphics (a promotional products company) and In-
be careful … reality is subjective. A lot of the things Powerment! Center (an international training company
that have been created by others were once "impos- for productivity and personal development). He is an
sible dreams.” NLP, HNLP, and neuro-strategy certified trainer. He has
2. Make a plan. many certifications as a life and executive coach, serv-
ing clients in different countries. Edward has developed
Stop being a seed. Move from intention and potential internationally known transformational programs and
to make your tree a reality. It is time to "grow down" has co-authored books like La Biblia de la Motivación
before you "grow up.” You need to develop a root sys-
(The Bible About Motivation) and Empowered, which
tem that can support your goal, your dream, your res-
was co-written with other authors such as Wayne W.
olution. Aside from an action plan, your root system
should take the following into consideration: Dyer, John Assaraf (from the movie The Secret), Brian
Tracy, etc. For more information, call 1-888-2-IN-POW-
• Your Mindset: What set of attitudes and beliefs ER or write to info@EdwardRodriguez.com.
do you have to let go of and acquire in order to make
your resolutions a reality?
• Your Skillset: What specific skills do you have
to acquire without which your resolutions will never
Fully grown live oak tree see the light of the day? What books do you need to
www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 6 | JANUARY 2019
noes Could Knock Down the Empire State When starting my
Building.” Your goal is the Empire State business, I kept
Work Well: Building ... looking at it from where you
are now is like looking at a tiny domino
quiet about eve-
rything I was do-
Create New and trying to push down the Empire State
Building with it. However, if you imagine
ing and planning.
I didn’t want any-
Habits to 29 progressively larger dominoes or goals,
then you CAN knock it down!
one to know be-
cause then every-
Accomplish 2. Create Rituals to Form New Habits
Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly
one would know
if I failed. I just
wanted to keep it
Your New do.” Mindfulness teaches us to become
aware of our habits. Our habits create
to myself. I start-
ed small. I started
Year’s thoughts – our brain wants to think, and
we end up thinking the same thoughts we
by telling a friend
who I knew
Resolution thought yesterday. We get stuck in a loop
or in a perpetual “groundhog day.”
would be positive
and supportive,
Rituals are defined as a series of actions or regardless of my
Five Steps to Nailing it result. Telling
type of behavior regularly and invariably
my mother, who
This Year! followed by someone where habits are
I speak to almost
defined as a settled or regular tendency
or practice, especially one that is hard to daily, was much
BY NATALIA FOOTE give up. In order to create any change, you more difficult. I
must change your habits. Our habits are joined a women’s
The new year gives us an opportunity to subtle but powerful. Habits are engrained group for entre-
start fresh. As we say goodbye to 2018, we and can be done mindlessly. Do you feel preneurs. Little
look at 2019 with fresh eyes and a hope for like you could drive to Publix with your by little, I gained
positive change. Whatever the resolution eyes closed? (Don’t do that.) Your brain more and more
is, we throw ourselves gung-ho without has created the route as a habit, and you confidence and
regard to whatever held us back the years no longer have to expend extra energy realized that the
prior. Unfortunately, that fresh feeling is thinking about it. Make a small change to only person I was
gone by February and so are our resolu- your current habits, create a ritual to fol- scared of telling
tions. According to U.S. News, “By the sec- low, and continue to practice this ritual was myself. I wasn’t ready to change my
perspective of myself. Natalia Foote is the owner of threeR, a
ond week of February, some 80 percent of until the ritual itself becomes a habit. company bringing mindfulness, medita-
those resolution-ers are back home with a Economist.com mentions how The tion and yoga practices to the workplace.
3. Write It Down
new kind of remorse staring back at them Hawthorne Effect establishes that the per- Her mission in life is spreading love and
in the mirror – the remorse of disappoint- Write down your goal and write down formance of employees is influenced by light in the world. When not spending
ment.” what you envision for yourself. Take a their surroundings and by the people who time with her family, you can find
You have a choice: Be a part of the 80 moment, close your eyes, and see your they are working with as much as by their Natalia taking and teaching yoga
percent, or be a part of the 20 percent of life after you’ve accomplished your goal. own innate abilities; you perform better all around Lake Nona.
people who do fulfill their New Year’s reso- Make this as visceral as possible. Notice when you are being watched. Being sur-
lutions. Here are a few tips on how to be the colors, smells and emotions present rounded by positive people allowed me to
among the 20 percent: in your visualization. Now, write it down. step out of my comfort zone and continue
Write down what you feel and continue to to focus on what was important to succeed.
1. Identify Your Goal write your goal every day. This is private;
this is for you to look at and stay connected 5. Measure Your Progress and Root
What do you want? What is your goal or for Your Success!
intention this year? Simply identifying to when your negative thoughts come in to
what you want is a major step. It sets an haunt you. Did you move toward your goal? Have you
intention and gives you a direction. It cre- 4. Create Accountability for made some positive changes? YES!!! Look
ates a positive path for your life. Creat- at where you are and think of which domi-
Yourself!
ing a goal can be done ANYTIME! If you no you’re on. Is your domino larger? Does
are reading this and it’s a Wednesday in Nothing makes you more accountable knocking down the Empire State Building
March, you can still create a new goal and than announcing your goal to a friend or seem a bit closer? Continue to look at your
start to work toward that goal. family member you speak to often. In fact, successes and continue to move toward
you should announce your goal to as many your goal.
Look at your goal and break it down. people as possible and find someone with
Smithsonian.com has an article and Stay positive! Remain calm. Continue to
the same or a similar goal in mind.
video titled, “Just Twenty-Nine Domi- make small changes. You can do it!
www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 7 | JANUARY 2019
tower system, designed for beginner and
intermediate riders with an easy start and
Behind the one-on-one instruction. The second track
is for intermediate to more advanced rid-
Scene: Nona ers and includes the latest wakeboard fea-
tures from beginner kickers to advanced
Adventure Park rails. With 2,500 feet of cable and reach-
ing speeds of 36 mph, it is exactly the ad-
venture daredevils seek. “The cables are
for ages 10 and up. We will have kids’ clin-
ARTI CLE BY S O P HIA RO G E RS
ics and special hours for the young ones
P H OTO S BY R HYS LYN N
where we have our staff ride with them
and help give them private lessons,” says
Nona Adventure Park is almost complete!
Fusser.
Scheduled to open in February, get ready
for all-day fun with the ultimate water The climbing tower is perfect for almost all
sports complex located right here in Lake ages, especially for those preferring land
Nona! Featuring a floating aqua park, ca- instead of water. Standing at an impres-
ble park for wakeboarding/water skiing, sive 60 feet high, several difficulty levels
climbing tower and ropes course, stocked will challenge brave climbers. A wobble
pro shop, and convenient bistro, the park bridge, tilting boards, caterpillar, and jun-
will have something for all ages. Perhaps gle trail are some of the features. Prefer a
you’ll even catch a pro wakeboarder on climbing wall? There are two. For the little
the water. ones, a lower course has been specially de-
signed for 3- to 8-year-olds so that parents
At this time last year, Nona Adventure
and caregivers can help while being right
Park was just announced, and I met Kai
by the children’s sides as they climb.
Fusser, owner/operator of Nona Adven-
ture Park at the 2017 Orlando Internation- Don't have your own equipment? Head to
al Association of Amusement Parks and the Pro Shop. Equipment will be available
Attractions (IAAPA) Convention. Since for rent or purchase, from wakeboards
then, Fusser has put in many early morn- (ranging from beginner to pro) to helmets
ings and long days at the site. On the day of and life jackets. So don’t miss out on the
my recent visit, crews were installing the fun just because you don’t have gear. Nona
floating dock that will run the entire pe- Adventure Park has partnered with Ronix
rimeter of the lake. “This way, if somebody to offer the best brand in the business.
falls, they can just swim back to the dock Union Aqua Park, suitable for ages seven
and walk back. It’s the quickest and safest and up, will offer a floating obstacle course
way,” said Fusser. Already installed are the with more than 1,000 feet of fun. With two
Rixen Cable Park, climbing tower, and Pro identical tracks running alongside each
Shop. Seeing how far the park has come in other, it could make for a great race day
12 months shows dedication, and it is so with friends. And yes, you will fall off. Not
inspirational to witness. to fret, though; built-in steps will offer an
The Rixen Cable Park features two differ- easy “up” back on the course. cialized instruction that will be avail-
ent tracks that can run up to 10 riders at able for youth near Lake Nona. Fusser
All day outside having fun, you’re bound
a time. The first track is a 320-foot, two- to get hungry. You
says, “This concept of houses being so
close and kids being within a couple
can either pack a miles, this really could be a breeding
lunch and picnic spot for good wakeboarders because
or grab a meal at wakeboarding is supposed to go Olym-
the shaded bistro. pic on the cables. And, if that’s the case,
One side will be
available for spec-
we will have to open up a development
center, and this could be the first one.”
ORLANDO
tators who prefer
to stay dry, while Nona Adventure Park is located on Ad-
the other side will venture Lake, adjacent to Laureate Park
be for everyone Elementary School within the Laure-
else in suits, soak- ate Park community. Adventurers can
ing wet. drive, ride, walk or run to the park. If
you decide to ditch the car, the reward
What could be a is a reduced ticket price. Endless oppor-
game-changer for tunities are available for the whole fam-
our area is the spe- ily, birthdays, group outings, and even
team-building.
For hours, directions, park rules, FAQ’s,
newsletter, and opening information, visit
www.nonaadventurepark.com.
Sophia Rogers is a Lake Nona area
real estate professional and founder of DMI Insurance
NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and
mom of four, family, relationships, ORLANDO
and real estate are
her passions. (407) 573-6100
PHONE
Lake Nona Town Center
6900 Tavistock Lakes Blvd., Suite 400
Orlando, FL 32827
www.dmiinsuranceorlando.com
www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 8 | JANUARY 2019
FEATURES
from all walks of life. I am driven by my
dreams, on which I meditate often, and I
The Artist: The am fueled by boundlessness and positiv-
ity.”
Inspiration and Let’s get to know Gina’s story, as it’s filled
with art and individuality … a story as
The Becoming unique as the paintings she creates.
Nonahood News: What drove you to
A RTI C L E BY NICO LE L A B O S CO become an artist? When did you re-
PH OTO S CO URTE SY OF G INA alize creating art was your passion?
TYQUI ENGCO Gina Tyquiengco: I rediscovered my
love and talent for art after leaving the
corporate world. I didn’t have any specific
artistic goals. There wasn’t a specific style
that I was trying to develop. In the begin-
ning, it was just a hobby, but the more I
created, the more I saw myself as a real
artist. Now, art has become something I
need to do on a daily basis.
NHN: How long have you been an
artist?
GT: I've been creating all my life, but only "Glow" by Gina Tyquiengco
in the past three years have I begun to take
myself seriously as an artist.
GT: My use of black and
NHN: How often do you find your- white honors who I am as
self creating art? a multi-racial artist, grow-
GT: Every day. If I'm not painting, then ing up half black and half
I'm drawing or doodling or taking photos. Guamanian, while raised in
It's important that I practice creativity a Pacific Islander culture.
every day. Who I am is a culmination
of all the people who have
NHN: How did you come across your been in my life – all races,
signature look (the three colors) and religions and ethnicities.
what would you call that look? How My work reflects this. My
Gina Tyquiengco long did it take you to discover your- use of black and white rep-
self as an artist? resents the dual worlds I
live in and how they blend
Meet Gina Tyquiengco, a 31- together. I identify as the
year old artist who was born in gold between them, awak-
Fort Lewis, Wash. Growing up, ening to my identity as a
she was taught to always believe woman and an artist. I don't
in herself, in goodness, in peo- think that I've truly discov-
ple, and in learning. Tyquiengco ered myself as an artist yet
attended Indiana University, – I am still becoming.
earned her bachelor’s degree in
media arts and science in 2012, NHN: Which of your
and soon after moved to Orlan- pieces would you con-
do. sider to be your fa-
vorites? (Pick a top
Our featured artist describes three.)
herself as open-minded, inde-
pendent and passionate, sen- GT:
sual, genuine and complex, and 1. Her: 16" H x 20" W,
yet deeply rooted and loyal to acrylic, ink, and gold leaf
family and friends. She catego- foil on canvas, 2016. This NHN: What serves as your inspira-
rizes herself as a “wanderer at was one of my earlier works that inspired tion on a day-to-day basis?
heart,” and you can see how that me to take my art more seriously.
transmits to her art. GT: I’m inspired by everything around
2. Glow: Each canvas 24" H x 18" W, acryl- me. Something as simple as the texture
“Music is a major part of my ic, ink, and gold leaf foil on canvas (dip- on the wall or the way light hits an object
life, as is connecting with people tych), 2018. inspires me. People inspire me. Music in-
3. Strike the Root: 18" W x 24" H, acrylic, spires me. I listen to music to set the mood
ink, and gold leaf foil on paper, 2018. when I paint, and my paintings reflect how
I feel when the music flows through me. If
NHN: Which of your projects was a song brings back a memory that trans-
the most time-consuming or chal- ports me to another time and place, that
lenging and why? emotion inevitably appears in my work.
GT: The most time-consuming and chal- NHN: What are your future goals
lenging project was the second commis- and plans?
sion that I ever did. The work is titled Keep
Going, and it is 60" W x 48" H. It was chal- GT: I will turn my dream projects into
lenging because it was the largest canvas goals that will be accomplished with pas-
I had worked with at the time, and I was sion. Also, I just want to do more of what I
working in a very small space. It was hard am doing now – more art, more travel, and
to move around and be as expressive as I more collaborations with people that I love
wanted, simply because of the size. It was and respect.
also challenging because I blended my
white and black paint to display more grey
hues instead of my usual bold black and On the Cover: Gina Tyquiengco’s “Her”
white combo. I doubted myself so many
times during this process, which caused
me to push back the completion date, but
the client was understanding. I'm usu-
ally confident in everything that I do, so it NOMINATE AN ARTIST
was a humbling experience. But the work
turned out great, and the client was happy We are looking for interesting artists
in the end. who live in the Nonahood to be featured.
If you or someone you know should
NHN: What are some of your dream be nominated to be a Nonahood News
projects? Featured Artist, send your nomination to
GT: I have so many dream projects. I nonahood.to/artist.
would love to paint a mural using my sig-
nature style that I use with my lettering
work. I'd also like to develop a creative
retreat with friends, host creative work-
shops, and work with textiles.
"Strike The Root" by Gina Tyquiengco
www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 9 | JANUARY 2019
Better Call Saul:
Stronger Than
Hate
A RTI C L E BY SAUL MARKOW ITZ
PH OTO S BY MAR KOW ITZ
C OM MUNICATIO NS
community and the world.
I spend quite a bit of time flying back and
forth from Orlando to Pittsburgh. As I
stated in past columns, Markowitz Com-
munications has been in business in Pitts-
burgh for the past 21+ years. We've been
so fortunate to have worked on some ma-
Raise your hand if you're a fan of "writer's jor high-visibility accounts throughout the
block"! (I was kidding – put your hand years from the national PR for the entire
down. That's right – I'm talking to you!) PetSmart chain to promoting the grand
Sometimes in life, you just feel like writing openings of an array of restaurants and re-
or saying something profound and witty. tail establishments.
You know exactly how it's going to look in
print and then – it's gone. But nothing compares to what occurred
during the early morning of Saturday, Oct.
Then a miracle happens (cue the choir). 27, 2018.
"I’ve got it!" I can't wait to call my friends,
family and staff and tell them about this It all began around 10:38 a.m. on that fate-
amazing story idea. It's Pulitzer time in ful day. Tragedy came calling to another
the city! (Is that enough sarcasm for you? American city. A lone gunman entered the
If not, I can keep going.) Tree of Life Synagogue and slaughtered
(no other way of saying it) 11 innocent peo-
As a communications professional, it's im- ple (most over the age of 70) – may they
perative that you're able to use your voice rest in peace – while they were innocently
and writing abilities to tell the story. That's engaged in prayer during an early morning
right – PR people are "storytellers." We try Sabbath service. The community and the
to find the best ways and angles possible world were shocked and saddened by this
to craft and pitch your story. It's not just hideous mass murder. In Squirrel Hill? A
about the press release. It's also through synagogue? Really? Has the “hate speech”
picking up the phone and personally gone too far?
speaking to media representatives, craft-
ing the perfect social media post and so My wife grew up in Squirrel Hill. She was
much more. Be creative. the main Kindergarten teacher at the Jew-
ish Community Center in Squirrel Hill.
There are so many incredible human-in- Her parents were born and lived in Squir-
terest stories all around us. Yes – even in rel Hill for many years. Our first house
this world of sad and tragic events. You can was in Squirrel Hill. We felt as though we
always find a positive and uplifting story if needed to do something to help the com-
you look hard enough. Those are some of Life, whose leadership
munity. But how?
my favorite stories to pitch to my friends throughout this situa-
in the media, the stories about someone One of my first telephone calls that morn- tion has been astound-
who has done something amazing for their ing was to our contact at the Jewish Fed- ing.
eration of Greater Pittsburgh. This incred-
As events have unfold-
ible organization has been a client for the
ed, it's been so heart-
past few years. On that call, I volunteered
warming to see mem-
our crisis PR services to handle all media
bers of different faiths
calls coming into their offices. It's the least
coming together to of-
we could have done. We've handled local,
fer assistance and sup-
regional and national media requests for
port to the Jewish com-
many years for so many clients – but noth-
munity. Thousands of
ing as intense as this. So sad. So tragic. So
letters and well wishes
overwhelming. Nothing of this magnitude.
continue to pour in
So many phone calls – so little time. It was from all across the
imperative that we try our best to handle country and around the
each and every media request. From me- world. Neighbors help-
dia outlets throughout Israel to every ma- ing neighbors – that's a
jor media outlet throughout the United story worth telling. And
States and the world (CNN, MSNBC, FOX, we did.
ABC, NBC, CBS, Associated Press, etc.),
It's of utmost importance to post and share
we assisted each and every producer, as-
these clips and stories about the tragedy in
signment editor, and reporter with their
Squirrel Hill and use them to help change If you have any questions or comments,
requests for information, interviews and
the world for the better. Better Call - or email - Saul at
more.
(412) 977-8517 or saul@nona.media.
So many heroes. From the "first respond-
ers" who risked their lives that morning to Love is truly stronger than hate.
Rabbi Hazzan Dr. Jeffrey Myers of Tree of
www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 10 | JANUARY 2019number of wildfires as a consequence of
climate change. These unheard-of condi-
Tough Things tions helped to craft a new batch of wild-
fires that included the Woolsey Fire and
To Talk About: the Camp Fire, the latter of which killed at
least 85 people.
Natural It’s not only California that is feeling the
heat from a severe wildfire season. And
And Human climate change and a dry forest aren't the STEAM IS ESSENTIAL
only things to blame. A wildfire in Arizo-
Disasters na back in April 2018 enveloped 45,000 FOR A 21ST CENTURY
acres of land and resulted in more than $8
million in damages, the United States at- EDUCATION
torney’s office for Arizona said. This fire,
BY VANESSA POULSON however, was the result of a “gender reveal
party” gone wrong, with Dennis Dickey, a
United States border patrol agent from Ar- (407) 495-2325 | aexplorers.com
The California wildfire season of 2018 will izona, firing at a target filled with colorful
go down in history as the worst year for powder that would reveal his next child’s
wildfires on record to date, with a total of gender that instead engulfed the Arizona
8,434 fires burning an area of 1,890,438 land in flames.
acres. This is the largest amount of burned
acreage recorded in a fire season, accord- Bringing up natural disasters like this,
ing to the California Department of For- among climate change and other things,
ting that we’ve made mistakes, especially difficult when the consequences present
estry and Fire Protection as of Dec. 6. isn’t exactly the easiest subject to dis-
when it comes to talking about how our themselves as things such as mass wild-
cuss, likely because humans are perhaps
Most of these fires spurred from Califor- “instantaneous gratification” culture has fires, reduced air quality, and even species
the main contributor to the problem in
nia’s consistent lack of rain, as well as changed the planet that we live on in a extinction.
the first place. The human impact on the
compounding atmospheric conditions way that may not be able to be repaired.
land and planet that we call home gener- As a people, we’ve become somewhat of
linked to global warming. Recent research Most of us don’t even realize that this is
ally is not an easy thing to converse about. a natural disaster within ourselves. Our
on wildfires in California, published in As a people, we have a hard time admit-
something we inherently struggle with.
dangerous actions spur from simple things
August 2018, predicted an increase in the Accepting blame is hard, and even more
like trying to get “likes” on an Instagram
photo or a YouTube video to prove that
your gender reveal party and the corre-
sponding video is the best one yet. Like
dry land and a lack of water, little actions
can serve as a catalyst for something much
more dangerous and dark than what was
originally intended.
Even if more rain falls in California or peo-
ple, in general, begin to take more respon-
sibility for their actions, not everything is
going to change overnight. Climate change
and the human impact behind things like
the California wildfires is not something
that can easily be undone. However, repa-
rations and a push for a healthier planet
are possible, at least for a little bit longer,
as long as we don’t let our planet turn into
one big “gender reveal party” gone wrong.
We have to start practicing kindness and
authenticity in every aspect of our lives
and that includes what we do to take care
of the planet that we have because, as far
as we know, it is the only one that we have.
The first step is taking responsibility for
our choices and remembering the conse-
quences for the choices that we do make.
There has to be a shift in the consumerist
culture. We are given the choice each and
every day to make things better with the
people around us and on the land in which
we live. We just have to start by taking care
of it first instead of as an afterthought.
Orlando award at the CAPA’s Aviation Awards for
Excellence ceremony in Berlin.
“This award reflects the value of customer
International service excellence that is achieved through
strategic planning, innovative use of tech-
Airport Wins nology, and strong relationships with our
airline partners and community,” said
Global Airport Frank Kruppenbacher, Greater Orlando
Aviation Authority chairman. “We thank
Of the Year the community for helping us achieve this
recognition.”
Award The “Large Airport of the Year” award is a
distinction that recognizes an airport that
serves more than 30 million annual pas-
sengers and stands out against the compe-
BY VAN E S SA P O ULS O N
tition for their use of increased technology,
PH OTO P ROVIDED BY G REAT E R
exceptional service, and innovative devel-
ORL AN D O AVIATIO N AUT H ORITY
opment.
MCO was this year’s standout in all catego-
It’s a common sound in the Nonahood: the ries, due in part to the immense number
rushing of wind soaring overhead as air- of passengers serviced, 46 million, along
planes come racing in and out from Orlan- with an increase in various international
do International Airport (MCO) over Lake routes from MCO, including 14 destina-
Nona. Orlando continues to be one of the tions in Europe, 31 in Latin America/Car-
MCO has been named by J.D. Power nation’s most-visited destination, Orlando
top tourist destinations for both domestic ibbean, 15 in Canada and one in the Middle
“Highest in Customer Satisfaction for International Airport is proud that our
and international travelers, meaning that East. MCO also claimed the title this year
Mega Airports.” This honor comes from more than 46 million annual passengers
MCO receives a lot of foot traffic on an an- because of their recent implementation of
recognition in terminal facilities, airport think so highly of us," stated the airport's
nual basis. Customs and Border Protection’s biomet-
accessibility, security check, baggage executive director, Phil Brown. “We strive
ric entry and exit program for arrival and
Though this noise and all the hustle and claim, check-in/baggage check, food and to value and delight our customers, and
departure of all international travelers.
bustle that comes with living next to one of beverage, and retail. Orlando Internation- we appreciate their recognition of our
Last, but certainly not least, the continued
the busiest airports in the United States is al Airport remains the 11th busiest airport service.”
development of the brand new South Ter-
a commonality, what is much lesser known in the United States and serves as Florida’s
minal Complex, set to open in 2021, made
is Orlando International Airport’s recent main gateway for millions of the region's
Orlando International Airport a standout
naming as “Large Airport of the Year” by 72 million annual visitors and business
contender.
CAPA Centre for Aviation. Chief Executive travelers.
Officer Phil Brown accepted this gracious This is also the second year in a row that
"As the premier global gateway into the
www.NONAHOODNEWS.com | 11 | JANUARY 2019A NOTE FROM THE CEO
BY D O N LO NG
Happy New Year!!!!
I want to take this opportunity to thank
all our partners, members, volunteers,
board of directors, and my loyal staff
for the outstanding support you brought
during 2018. As I reach my one-year an-
niversary as the President/CEO, I am
grateful and honored for the opportunity
to work and grow in this fast-moving and
friendly community.
2018 in Review
• Membership – On Jan. 1, 2018, our chamber had approximately 160 active members. As of
Jan. 1 of this new year, we now have more than 300 active members. Over the past calendar year,
more than 200 new businesses joined our rolls, bringing our sphere of influence to its highest
DIAMOND / TITLE level. We predict and are budgeting for a minimum growth of 100 more members during 2019.
PARTNER • Partnerships – In 2018, our partnership levels of enhanced participation grew from zero to 10
with our highest level of partnership at $20,000 and our least expensive level of $1,500. These
partners enjoy discounted rates or no added costs for increased benefits, including more catego-
ries in the directory, event sponsorships, event attendance, multiple other marketing tools along
with recognition at all chamber events and on marketing materials. The left sidebar of this page
holds a list of your 2018 Chamber partners.
• Staff Support – Over the past year as our membership grew, we also made efforts to meet in-
PLATINUM/TRUSTEE creasing demands by adding experienced and motivated staff members. After I joined in Decem-
PARTNER ber 2017 to help Administrative Coordinator Elaine Vail, in January we added Business Develop-
ment Manager Madelyn Long, with more than 17 years’ experience as a chamber professional.
This brought our staff level to three. When Elaine left to work for Nonahood News, we added in
July Communications and Marketing Manager Bethany Osborne, bringing her experience from
the Panama City Beaches Chamber. We expect the necessity of continued staff growth as our
membership continues its upward swing.
• Office Space – With an increased need for working and meeting space and the help of a partner-
ship with GuideWell Innovation, we were able to increase our physical footprint by moving to the
SILVER/ANCHOR GuideWell Innovation Center in January 2018. Negotiations are in progress for more space and a
PARTNER more accessible location at GuideWell that we hope to occupy in February. We will let you know
more as the situation develops.
• Board of Directors – The board took part in its first retreat and strategic planning meeting in
January 2018. Much of the strategic plan is complete with the rest on hold until the next retreat
this month. The board also formally organized supporting committees. These are Economic De-
velopment, Events, Finance, IT, Legal, Marketing, Membership, Programming, and Public Rela-
tions. A director appointed by the board chair heads each committee. The board also installed six
new directors in December, bringing the total number of serving directors to 19.
BRONZE/VISIONARY • Bylaws – The board approved new bylaws prepared by the Legal Committee headed by Gary
PARTNER Salzman, Director and Legal Counsel. These bylaws are available for reference to any member
who requests them.
• 2018 Events
- Monthly Events – During the year, we expanded our venues for our monthly events that
include our Breakfast Connections, Business Luncheon, and First Tuesdays. Each of these
events has grown on its merits as they continue to provide valuable information, training and
networking opportunities. Highlight events in 2018 include appearances by Orlando Mayor
Buddy Dyer, Orlando District Commissioner Jim Gray, Orange County Property Appraiser
Rick Singh along with presentations from the Orlando Municipal Airport Authority and the
Central Florida Expressway Authority.
- Contagious Connections – These quarterly seminars bring the techniques of effective net-
working to our breakfast crowd. All four were well attended in 2018, and this series will con-
tinue in 2019.
- Nona Chamber Spring Festival – Held in March 2018 at Valencia Campus in Lake Nona, more
than 1,200 persons attended this second annual Signature Event. Here, 60 of our members
displayed their wares and services as the attendees enjoyed entertainment from the local
schools and community associations.
- Taste of Nona – This sixth annual Signature Event was a red-carpet theme where more than
25 of our local restaurants and culinary providers supplied tasty food and drink. The Lake
Nona Marriott & Residence Inn hosted this year’s event. More than 400 area residents and
guests attended.
- Holiday Party and Membership Banquet – On Dec. 4, we enjoyed our first holiday party and
COPPER/STAKEHOLDER banquet. About 120 members and guests enjoyed the outstanding hospitality of The Florida
PARTNER Hotel & Conference Center, where they consumed delicious banquet appetizers and drinks
while also receiving a coupon book for discount shopping at Florida Mall. The short program
recognized major contributors to this year’s success and introduced the new directors.
2019 Plans
• Events – Look for more information as we complete planning and development for our
2019 Spring Festival and Taste of Nona. We also will continue to strive to bring you exciting
and informative speakers and guests at our monthly events. As always, the Chamber website
(www.lakenonacc.org) has an up-to-date calendar of our events.
• Ambassador Program – We will complete the organization and procedures for an ambassa-
dor program that will ensure new members feel welcome and existing members receive contact to
encourage comments and suggestions that can come before the board or staff members.
• Time With the CEO – I plan to create a regularly scheduled monthly time when members can
make appointments to sit down with me and/or directors to ask questions, make suggestions, or
discuss chamber functions and plans.
• Office Space – We will complete arrangements for larger and more accessible office spaces for
staff and members.
• Membership – We will continue the support and enthusiasm to grow membership to 400 by
the end of 2019.
The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce is not affiliated with, or sponsored by,
Lake Nona Property Holdings, LLC or its affiliated entities.You can also read
