12/18/2025
What a wonderful End-of-Year Monthly Business Luncheon we had yesterday. A smaller crowd, but then....there were lots of other Holiday Festivities in the mix!
BUT....as is our tradition, the December luncheon serves as our Annual Installation of Officers & Directors, The Chamber's Annual Membership Meeting AND our Annual Chamber Awards.
Thank you to Lieutenant Marnee Batchelor of the Lake County Sheriff's Department for serving as our Installation Officiant! (Great Job, Marnee!!!)
We installed our 2026 Executive Committee and most of the remaining Directors who were in attendance. Those who were unable to attend will be officially installed at the January Board Meeting!
A recap of 2025 and a bit of 2026 preview was given by our President/CEO, Jeff Aames. Great things are coming so be sure to keep your eyes & ears open!!!
Our Annual Awards were great and there were some wonderful surprises! Here is the list of our 2025 Award Recipients. (3 recipients were unable to attend and will receive their awards soon!)
Chamber Cheerleader Of The Year - Terri Friesner
Non-Profit Of The Year - Habitat For Humanity, Lake/Sumter
Community Outreach Of The Year - Mt. Dora High School FFA
Next Chapter Award Of The Year - Hanson Real Estate Group
Female Volunteer Of The Year - Jean Arnold
Male Volunteer Of The Year - JT Tsaldaris
Small Business Of The Year - eSportsPhoto
Medium Business Of The Year - Bobs Roofing & Gutters
Large Business Of The Year - United Southern Bank
The Chamber Cheerleader pretty much explains itself, as do the others. A new Award this year was for the "Next Chapter Award". This award was presented to a business/organization that had a big change in their forward movement.
The following are some pictures of those who were in attendance.
Thanks to all for helping make 2025 a wonderful year. Onward & Upward to a bigger, stronger and more exciting 2026! We couldn't do it without all of you. And, if you're reading this and aren't currently an ELCC member...well.....what are you waiting for!?!?
Happy Holidays, one and all!!!