Chambers of commerce equip businesses with the tools to succeed—uniting leaders, sparking ideas and driving growth through networking, support, advocacy, community events and more. This feature explores the chambers of Lake and Sumter, their members and the practices that make them unique and help businesses thrive together instead of struggling alone.

The Jewel of the St. Johns River.

The Astor Area Chamber of Commerce runs on seven volunteers and community involvement. 

From the board members who meet around the table to the neighbors frying food at the Fall Festival or counting ducks at the Spring Fling, it is the same familiar faces keeping the doors open and the events running.

Vice President Martie Speelman says that communal spirit keeps the chamber going. 

“We have a lot of volunteers,” she says. “There are too many to mention individually, but we appreciate all of them.” 

The chamber draws support from businesses and residents in Astor, Astor Park, Barberville, Emporia and Pierson. The scale is small, but the reach is wide because of the people who generously give their time.

In October, the Fall Festival fills the chamber grounds with families and neighbors. A highlight of the popular event is the Cow Chip Bingo fundraiser which benefits a scholarship fund. 

“We get a Texas longhorn, he is put in a pen with the numbers painted on the ground from 1 to 324. Wherever the cow puts his “chip,” the person who bought that number gets the $1,000 and the profits go to the scholarship fund,” Martie says. “The squares are $10 a piece.”

The roster of chamber members looks less like a corporate directory and more like a neighborhood list: Pizza Over Yonder, Allen’s Plumbing, River Realty, Astor Landing and Elevated Aerials. 

When the chamber needs baskets for a raffle or tents at an event, members step up because they see themselves in the outcome.

That approach gives the chamber staying power. 

While many small chambers face thin budgets and volunteer burnout, in Astor the commitment to show up has kept it steady. The work is personal, whether it’s a kid winning Lil’ Miss Astor or a local artisan selling pottery at the holiday bazaar. Those efforts, small as they may seem, connect businesses with residents in a way that keeps the chamber relevant year after year.

Martie says it best: “We are growing and changing every day. There’s no telling what we will do next. But what doesn’t change is the way this community shows up for each other.”

Astor Area Chamber of Commerce:
352.759.2679  /  astorareachamber.com / 23939 SR 40, Astor

Active members, lasting connections, and four decades of collaboration and service.

The East Lake County Chamber of Commerce has been serving its community since 1986, when a handful of civic-minded residents came together with little more than a borrowed desk and a shared vision. In 2025, the chamber is still grounded in the same principle that strong commerce builds strong community.

President/CEO Jeff Aames has led the chamber for six years and says the balance of community and business is always at the forefront. “What I have been emphasizing since I started here is that at the end of the day it is still a chamber of commerce,” he says. “If you don’t have the economic development, you’re not going to have much of a community.”

That’s why Jeff emphasizes active participation. “We ask our members to be active, not passive. In return, the chamber gives them a network that multiplies their effort,” he says. 

Membership, he adds, has to be more than symbolic. “If you are just looking for a sticker for your door or your name on the website, then the chamber might not be for you,” he says. “The work you put in will come back to you tenfold in return, so we encourage maximum participation whenever possible.”

East Lake is in the center of multiple communities, so events are crucial. Monthly luncheons on the third Wednesday bring members together with speakers and community updates. On the last Thursday, bingo nights at RedTail Golf Club mix business with laughter. Larger gatherings include the Annual Celebration in August, which featured a Hawai’ian theme this year, and the Pumpkin Patch in October, both which bring families, schools and longtime members together in the name of local pride.

The chamber office in Sorrento is more than a hub for meetings and has hosted book launches, scholarship drives and business promotions, reinforcing that local identity and commerce are closely tied. Online, the chamber keeps an active social media presence that brings the community closer. 

Members like Kristin Sullivan of Bob’s Roofing in Port Orange say that involvement pays off. In fact, she credits the chamber with making her team feel at home. “From the start, we’ve felt so welcomed by the amazing people in this community,” she says. “Jeff has gone out of his way to connect us with the right people and resources. It truly feels like we’re part of a family that wants to see each member succeed.”

Roughly four decades after its founding,, the East Lake County Chamber of Commerce continues to prove that the entire community benefits when businesses show up for one another. That spirit of buy-in and accountability has kept the chamber resilient, and commerce continues to be the key to keeping community life strong.

East Lake County Chamber of Commerce:
352.383.8801 / Chamber@ELCChamber.com / 24214 Sorrento Ave., Sorrento

Eustis’ chamber blends history and innovation to empower local business and strengthen community ties.

The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce has been at the heart of local business for more than 140 years. 

Established in 1882 as the Board of Trade, the chamber has grown into a cornerstone institution in Lake County, offering resources, advocacy and community connections that help businesses thrive while preserving the “Old Florida” charm of the area.

The chamber offers a range of benefits designed to support businesses at every stage. Networking is a key focus, with opportunities that include monthly breakfasts, small business launches, the Women’s Empowerment Mentor Group, weekly WQBQ radio programming, ribbon cuttings  and multiple grand openings throughout the year.

Members also gain valuable marketing exposure through chamber events, directories, digital platforms and sponsorships. Educational resources are available through workshops, business coaching, and training programs, including the Golden Triangle Toastmasters and the 1 Million Cups Community in Eustis. 

Advocacy is another cornerstone. The chamber takes an active role in local and regional policy discussions that affect the business community.

Events and Community Engagement

Signature and sponsored events bring the community together and showcase local businesses. Highlights include the Business Expo, Home & Garden Expo, GeorgeFest Carnival & Parade, Little Miss Eustis Pageant, Fresh Market at Ferran Park, Eustis Sunset Stroll and the annual Community Service Awards Program.

Leadership and Vision

The chamber is guided by a diverse board of directors and officers. President/CEO Marie Aliberti is supported by a full board of directors representing local businesses, nonprofits, education, healthcare and government. Current officers include Chair Pam Rivas, Vice Chair Cate Manley, Secretary Brayonna Fulmer and Treasurer Diana Marquez. 

For the upcoming year, the chamber is focused on growth while honoring the area’s history. The goal is to create opportunities for business innovation and expand regional, national and even international partnerships — all while maintaining the local character that makes Eustis unique.

Member Perspectives

For many businesses, the chamber is not just an organization but a vital partner. Jim Budzynski, owner of Tip Tops, reflected on his company’s four decades of membership:

“Tip Tops has been a Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce member for over 40 years,” he says. “The chamber has been a tremendous asset and encouragement to our business. They are always ready to support us in any way possible. In many ways, the local chamber of commerce is the town’s heartbeat, and the Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce fits that description perfectly. I can’t imagine Eustis without the positive impact of our chamber.”

For newer members, the chamber has also been a catalyst for growth. Corey Rowe, owner of DAB Vending says, “The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in supporting our growth. From providing networking opportunities to connecting us with other local businesses, the chamber has encouraged us to expand our reach and think bigger about what’s possible for DAB Vending. Their resources, guidance and dedication to fostering local business have not only helped us grow but also inspired us to continue investing in our community.”

Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce:
352.357.3434  /  Eustischamber.com / 1 West Orange Avenue, Eustis

How the Lady Lake Chamber keeps small-town spirit alive while strengthening local business.

From farmers markets to expos, Lady Lake’s chamber shows how community drives commerce.

The Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has been incorporated for 40 years. Prior to that, they operated under a different name, and in total, they have been an active Chamber for nearly 100 years.

What sets this chamber apart is the way its 300 members show up for one another and for the community.

The chamber is large enough to represent a diverse mix of businesses but small enough that everyone feels known. 

Chamber Executive Director Leslie DiCesare says the mission has always been clear. “This is about community first,” Leslie says. “We support local business while keeping the small-town spirit alive and the commerce naturally supports it.”

That philosophy is visible on the chamber’s calendar. Networking breakfasts bring longtime members and newcomers together for coffee, conversation and guest speakers. Midmonth, the Networking Lunch provides another chance to connect.

The chamber is also known for sponsoring special events. 

This month (Oct. 14) the chamber will host the third annual Power of Women Luncheon, an event that draws women from across Lake County to celebrate achievements, share experiences and inspire each other. It also highlights the chamber’s commitment to creating space for every voice in the community.

The annual Business-to-Business Expo, a speed networking expo with a twist in its ninth year, is the marquee event on the calendar. The expo transforms the Water Oak Country Club into a bustling marketplace where vendors and organizations gain direct access to the public and where consumers discover new and existing services. For many members, the expo proves that investing time in the chamber brings results. 

In the Spring, the Annual Gala “Decades of Dedication” will feature a lip sync legends battle.

United Southern Bank Vice President Jeanne Lazo believes that being in the chamber directly benefits her business. “Being part of the Lady Lake chamber has given me connections I wouldn’t have made otherwise, and those relationships directly benefit my work,” she says. 

“Customers and friends often ask me for recommendations, and because of the chamber I know other trusted members I can confidently refer,” Jeanne says. “Networking events have helped me meet businesspeople from across the area, which has strengthened my customer base and reinforced the chamber’s role in keeping Lady Lake’s business community strong.”

Operating with a modest budget and a volunteer-driven spirit, the chamber depends on relationships as much as resources. That steady, everyday connection is what makes the chamber feel like an extension of the community rather than an institution apart from it.

Bonnie Field of Bonnie’s Balloon Boutique agrees that the chamber delivers real value with creative seating at events. “My business has benefitted from my Lady Lake chamber,” Bonnie says. “Having them pick the table numbers ensures I meet and talk with new folks.”

The opportunity to talk about her business enables her to have more confidence when making sales calls. “Every meeting has created the opportunity to increase my networking and benefit my customer base.”

Leslie says the chamber’s impact isn’t measured in dues or membership numbers, but in moments. A ribbon cutting that fills a new shop with supporters, a breakfast where an introduction leads to a partnership, or a market where neighbors buy from neighbors are the experiences that define success. 

Leslie sums it up. “By putting community first and letting commerce serve as the support system, the Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has become a cornerstone of both economic life and civic identity.”

Lake Lady Chamber of Commerce:
352.753.6029 /  info@ladylakechamber.com / ladylakechamber.com / 106 US Hwy. 441, Lady Lake

Remembering a Lady Lake Legacy:

The late Billy Berg, former vice president of the Lady Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, was more than a leader. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel at home. “You immediately felt accepted and welcomed by him,” Leslie says. “And his smile was contagious.”

One of her favorite memories is from Art in the Park, when Billy pulled up in a bright orange Dodge Challenger. Afterward, she teased him about how fast it could go. “He said, ‘I don’t know. Let’s find out.’ And then he punched it, and off we went. We were hysterical.”

That joy and spontaneity carried through everything he did. He helped organize events, supported members and was always ready to lend a hand, even if it was dog-sitting for a friend during a family emergency. Billy also founded the Mac ’n Cheese Festival, blending comfort food with community spirit in one of Lady Lake’s most anticipated gatherings.

When he passed after a stroke, the loss was felt across the community. But his laughter, kindness and legacy live on in the memories he created and in the traditions that he started which continue to bring people together.

Where business growth meets good times and chamber events come with plenty of flair.

Long before Leesburg became known as the Lakefront City, merchants, civic leaders and entrepreneurs understood that working together was the key to growth. 

That spirit of collaboration led to the creation of the Leesburg Area Chamber of Commerce more than a century ago. 

Today, the Leesburg Chamber continues to serve as a steady voice for business while playing an active role in the civic life of the community.

The Chamber’s motto, “Promoting Progress & Profit,” is more than a slogan. It reflects a dual purpose that runs through every initiative: support businesses while strengthening the community as a whole by balancing what the chamber does, from networking events to its work in education and quality of life.

“Our chamber is a lot like other chambers in the sense that we do the normal stuff, like have our monthly meetings. But our philosophy is one of looking at the community as a whole and understanding that if our businesses and schools thrive, our community is going to thrive,” says President/CEO Sandi Moore.

Here are just a few ways the chamber keeps members visible and connected: new businesses are welcomed with ribbon cuttings that draw crowds and generate goodwill; members are promoted in the weekly At a Glance e-newsletter and featured on the chamber’s popular website that attracts more than 25,000 visitors annually, in addition to being profiled on social media; and the public is reminded to shop local. An added incentive to join: members are offered practical benefits such as meeting space, advertising discounts and marketing support.

The chamber’s positive impact is clear in the stories members tell. Small business owners often talk about how introductions at a breakfast led to lasting partnerships. Larger employers point to the chamber’s advocacy for infrastructure improvements that made operations easier. Across the board, members highlight the sense of belonging that comes with participation.

Sandi says that is the real measure of success. “We want people to leave our events feeling lighter and more connected, but also knowing they built relationships that will help their business.” That blend of fun and focus is part of what keeps members engaged and coming back.

The chamber certainly provides numerous opportunities for interaction. The monthly Sunrise Breakfast has become a signature tradition, blending updates and introductions with a dose of humor. 

Sandi tapped membership and events director Joa Harpster’s creativity to help with the announcements, which sometimes come as pop-culture riffs or even raps, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere that members remember long after the meeting ends.

 “Commerce doesn’t have to be boring or stuffy,” Sandi says. “We try to make it fun.”

The Sunrise Breakfast isn’t the only event designed to strengthen relationships and remind members that building community is inseparable from building business.

Business After Hours events carry the energy of the monthly breakfasts into the evenings by providing members with a relaxed setting where conversations often turn into collaborations. Larger gatherings, such as the Annual Business Expo, transform the Venetian Center into a bustling marketplace where new ventures get exposure and deals are made. The Golf Classic and Installation Gala add more variety, mixing networking with celebration. 

The chamber does more than sponsor social events; members address issues. A prime example: advocacy for education has become a central focus. 

A decade ago, Leesburg faced a crisis when three of its schools were ranked as failing. The chamber stepped in, recognizing that economic vitality was tied directly to classroom success and began pressing for improvements, supporting teachers and pushing for resources that could help turn the schools around. “You can’t have a thriving community and schools failing,” Sandi says. The chamber now has an annual teacher breakfast, which is a hit. 

Looking ahead, the chamber plans to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthen ties with city and county leaders and position Leesburg as a destination for both business and leisure. Engaging younger professionals is also a priority, with mentorship programs and leadership opportunities designed to ensure the Leesburg chamber’s tradition of involvement continues well into the future.

Leesburg Chamber of Commerce:
352.787.2131  / info@leesburgchamber.com / 600 Market St., Leesburg

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce builds and unites community for greater impact.

The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce has been a central hub for growth, networking and community support since opening in 1945. 

Today, with approximately 250 members and an ever-expanding reach across the county, the chamber remains dedicated to one clear mission: “to educate, support and promote the businesses in Sumter County.”

Jessica Kelly, the Chamber’s administrator for the past decade, has helped shape its personal, community-focused approach. “Our chamber covers the whole county—we’re the only chamber here and we serve both small-town businesses and the largest portion of The Villages,” she says. “There’s incredible growth and opportunity, but we still stay personal with our members.”

The chamber is committed to ensuring that businesses of every size – from family-owned shops in Bushnell and Webster to larger industrial operations near Wildwood and Oxford – feel represented and supported.

Luncheons held every other month on the third Wednesday at noon at the Rohan Recreation Center bring members together for valuable education from guest speakers. On non-luncheon months, the Nonprofit Council meets the second Thursday at 11:30am at Kids Central in Wildwood to give nonprofits a chance to collaborate and strengthen their impact.

The Nonprofit Council, launched just over a year ago, is perhaps the chamber’s most distinctive initiative. 

“We saw nonprofits working against each other without realizing it,” Kelly explains. “Now, by putting them in the same room, they figure out how to work together. Almost every meeting, someone says, ‘I can help with that.’ It’s exactly what we hoped for.”

The chamber’s long-term vision is for the Nonprofit Council to eventually become its own independent 501(c)(3), while still maintaining close ties with the organization that birthed it. In the meantime, Kelly’s top priority is clear: retaining members by continuing to show the value of connection.

Kelly relies on an engaged 16-member Board of Directors and a team of 8–10 ambassadors who volunteer their time to assist with ribbon cuttings, registrations and event set-up. “I can always lean on them,” Kelly notes. “They bring sponsorships, promote the chamber and even connect me with new businesses that might want to join.”

Fundraising is another key to success. The chamber hosts three to four major events each year, including its annual January Gala, a spring Business Expo and the fall Chamber Fish Fry. These high-energy gatherings not only raise money but also give businesses visibility and opportunities to connect with the community.

“At the end of the day,” she says, “the whole purpose of chambers is networking—helping people know each other, work together and grow stronger as a community.”

Sumter County Chamber of Commerce:
352.793.3099  /  sumterchamber.org / 2031 N. County Road 470, Lake Panasoffkee  

Uniting nearly 1,000 businesses with unstoppable energy, partnerships and support.

Energy is the first thing you notice when you step into the South Lake Chamber of Commerce office in Clermont’s City Center.

Phones ring, conversations hum and friendly staff members juggle calendars packed with ribbon cuttings, breakfasts, seminars and celebrations. It’s a place where business is personal—and where relationships matter as much as results.

“Our chamber is a little different right off the bat,” says David Colby, President & CEO. “We’re the one chamber for all of South Lake County, which includes Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde and Four Corners.”

With nearly 1,000 members and counting, the South Lake Chamber is one of the largest in the region. A full-time staff of five and a volunteer army of 25 board members and 25 ambassadors together make sure businesses thrive.

David has led the chamber for nine years, but he’s quick to credit his team. Member Relations Director Shahanaz Rahaman helps connect members to opportunities. Marketing & Programs Director Brianna “Bri” McLees spreads the word and organizes major events. Office Manager Meg Shivraman keeps everything running smoothly, while Jennifer Jeffries manages the busy rental space inside the City Center, a task recently taken over from the city.

The chamber’s work stretches far beyond networking. Staff and ambassadors serve as matchmakers, problem-solvers and advocates. “We try to be connected, so we can connect our members,” David says. “We’re here to help.” That help takes many forms: introducing entrepreneurs to local officials, troubleshooting challenges or simply providing small businesses the visibility they need to grow.

If it feels like there’s always something happening, it’s because there is. The chamber offers dozens of monthly and weekly opportunities to meet, learn and collaborate. Every Monday kicks off with Coffee with the Chamber at rotating member locations. The first Friday of each month brings a structured series called First Friday Chamber Connection, while “Let’s Do Lunch” gatherings spotlight local restaurants that belong to the chamber. Add in Business After Hours, Young Professionals meetups and the monthly Chamber Breakfast, and calendars fill quickly.

“Our monthly breakfasts are typically sold out,” Shahanaz says. “And even the Business After Hours, which are more social, give people the chance to build real relationships.”

Along with these ongoing programs, the Chamber also hosts Business Accelerator seminars designed to sharpen skills and spark growth, plus four signature events that draw thousands each year: Teacher Appreciation breakfasts — a two-day event to honor more than 1,600 teachers at the start of each school year and the annual South Lake Business Awards to honor exemplary businesses and individuals. Then there’s Sips & Salsa, featuring cultural food and drinks, live salsa music and dancing and the Taste of South Lake, which highlights area restaurants who provide samples for attendees to taste and vote on.

“These are once-a-year events, but they’re huge, and at any event, there are plenty of opportunities to sponsor,” Shahanaz says.

David says another hallmark of the chamber is its web of collaborations. From economic development councils to city Main Street programs, the chamber builds bridges. That connectivity benefits businesses directly. “Simply, the purpose of the chamber is that the chamber does collectively what it’s hard for businesses to do on their own,” he explains. “We’re able to harness the power of having a large group to advance business. People can participate, make new connections, get business ideas and when they succeed, we succeed.”

For Bri, the chamber’s impact is also deeply personal. She grew up in South Lake and recalls working for a small family farm that leaned on chamber membership. “I didn’t truly know the value of the chamber at that time, but I saw how important it was for them,” she says. “They had support and connections they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Later, I worked for a restaurant that competed in Taste of South Lake, and they valued that recognition so much.”

In the end, the South Lake Chamber is about more than mixers or milestone events. It’s about people helping people, businesses lifting businesses and a region that thrives when its members connect.

“The most gratifying part about working for the chamber is you can help people succeed,” David says. “Most of our members see us as a partner, as an ally—and that’s exactly what we are.”

South Lake Chamber of Commerce:
352.394.4191 / southlakechamber-fl.com / 620 W. Montrose St., Clermont

Mount Dora’s chamber doubles as a hub for entrepreneurs and a gateway for visitors.

Support is key, no matter what industry you are in. While many business owners turn to social media or online forums, one of the most powerful resources often goes untapped at the local level. For businesses in north Lake County, the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce is that resource.

The Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the interests of the business community. It is not only a hub for local businesses, but also serves as the city’s Visitor Center. Thousands of residents and visitors turn to the chamber each year when searching for trusted businesses, community happenings, and local information. Tourists often make the chamber their first stop to pick up maps, brochures, restaurant and lodging listings, purchase tickets and plan itineraries for their visit.

For business owners, investing in the chamber is an investment in their own success. Members receive marketing support, referrals, networking opportunities and access to a variety of programs designed to help businesses grow. The chamber encourages its members to actively participate in events and opportunities in order to build meaningful relationships and strengthen their presence in the community.

The mission is to “Promote, Support & Empower Member Success.” That mission comes to life through a wide range of benefits, including marketing opportunities, access to the Trustee Program and regular networking events. Membership not only expands visibility but also demonstrates a business’s commitment to the local community and to fellow entrepreneurs.

Partnership with the Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce is more than a listing in a directory — it’s a marketing strategy, a networking tool and a community connection. The chamber positions itself as an extended marketing arm for its members, helping them gain exposure while fostering relationships with both residents and visitors.

The chamber embodies the small-town charm and welcoming spirit that Mount Dora is known for. Its dual role as both business advocate and visitor resource makes it a vital institution for businesses and a trusted destination for tourists.

Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce:
352.383.2165  /  MountDora.com / admin@mountdora.com / 341 Alexander Street, Mount Dora

A chamber built on family spirit, community pride and business growth.

The Tavares Chamber of Commerce is more than a network — it’s a family. That spirit of connection and collaboration is at the heart of the chamber’s mission to support local businesses, strengthen community ties and keep Lake County’s capital city thriving.

Joining the chamber brings many benefits that go beyond traditional networking. Members build lasting relationships through monthly luncheons and after-hours socials, gaining access to business leaders, community partners and potential customers. The chamber actively promotes its members through spotlights, referrals, events and marketing opportunities, ensuring that when one business wins, the entire community benefits. Membership also provides a voice in local decision-making, giving businesses a seat at the table as Tavares continues to grow and evolve.

Celebrating members is another cornerstone of the chamber’s work. Ribbon cuttings mark important milestones, while the annual gala ensures contributions are recognized on a larger stage. The chamber also emphasizes what it calls its “family spirit,” providing encouragement, support and pride in belonging to something bigger than oneself. 

President and CEO Stephanie Erin Hays says, “When I took over as executive director/president of the Tavares chamber my goal was to unite us as a family. Families treat each other with love, respect and dignity, and that’s what I want the businesses of the Tavares Chamber to feel. Because I believe we’re stronger together. I believe in partnership. I believe in collaboration with each other and other chambers. I never want to feel that we’re in competition because I feel that hurts businesses. 

I feel if we are united together all it does is help promote and strengthen our businesses.”

The chamber maintains a full calendar of events designed to connect people and highlight businesses. Members gather at the Take the Lead Breakfast monthly at Magical Meat Boutique’s new location, and at regular networking luncheons, including a monthly business luncheon at the Tavares Civic Center. Businesswomen connect at Fierce, Fabulous & Female, a monthly event at Mortgage Financial Group. The chamber also hosts signature annual events such as the Roaring 20’s Gala, the Chamber Golf Tournament and the Taste of Tavares food and business showcase each November.

Looking ahead, the chamber is preparing for what it calls a bold new year with the slogan, “Big things are brewing in Tavares!”

The work of the chamber is deeply connected to the history and character of Tavares itself. Founded in 1880 by Major St. Clair-Abrams, Tavares became the county seat in 1888 and was once considered as a potential Florida state capital. Today, downtown Tavares combines small-town charm with historic significance. Its location on Lake Dora, the scenic Dora Canal and family-friendly Wooton Park make it a destination for visitors and a supportive home for businesses.

Tavares Chamber of Commerce:
352.343.2531 / director@tavareschamber.com / Tavareschamber.com / 300 E. Main St., Tavares 

Rooted in tradition, branching into a new era of business and community.

Quaint Umatilla is a small city on the edge of the Ocala National Forest where community events often feel more like family gatherings than civic functions.

Expect that atmosphere to continue as the chamber of commerce that has long kept business and civic life connected enters a new chapter with Executive Director and Umatilla native Charelle Burgess bringing fresh energy to the role.

“We’re reviving the chamber,” says Charelle, who became the chamber’s first full-time leader in years when she started in July. “We’ve got around 65 members and lots of energy right now, so people want to get involved. I want our businesses to feel supported and to know they are part of something bigger,” she says. 

The chamber has worked quietly but steadily for decades, connecting small businesses with citizens and keeping civic life anchored in a town of fewer than 4,000 people. Charelle’s arrival has sharpened that mission, with an emphasis on visibility and partnership. From ribbon cuttings to social media, the chamber is leaning into ways to make sure local businesses feel supported and seen.

Events are at the heart of that revival. Each spring, Cadwell Park fills with tables for the City-Wide Yard Sale and Chili Cook-Off, a tradition that draws both crowds and volunteers. The chamber also helps showcase larger gatherings like the Lotus Festival at Black Horse Resort Ranch, where music, wellness workshops and artisan vendors spotlight Umatilla’s small-town feel. In August, the chamber hosted more than 280 teachers at its annual breakfast. And in December, the Cracker Christmas Parade — one of the town’s most cherished traditions — will celebrate its 50th year. 

Local businesses enthusiastically support the chamber’s role. 

“We’ve been a part of the community for many decades,” Electron Machine Corporation President C.A. Vossberg says. “Even though our customers are outside of town, we choose to support the chamber because our community needs strong partners. This partnership allows us to give back, stay connected and support the quality of life here.”

New members like Alayna Mines of Palm Mansion are adding fresh momentum, while intern Alejandra Martinez, a Umatilla High School student in her second year with the chamber, represents the next generation of leadership.

The chamber’s Facebook page doubles as a town bulletin board, promoting everything from restaurant specials to nonprofit fundraisers. For many residents, checking the page is as routine as checking the weather. The result: dollars keep circulating locally and the Facebook page constantly reminds businesses they are part of a shared effort.

In Umatilla, revival does not mean reinvention. It’s a reminder that in a town this size, community is the real economy.  

Umatilla Chamber of Commerce:
352.669.3511  / umatillachamber.org / 23 S. Central Ave. Umatilla 

Photos: Nicole Hamel, Gina Horan, Roxanne Brown and Provided