South Lake Chamber Board members and other volunteers serve on a variety of committees involved in many programs, services and community outreach. Additionally, some committees provide oversight of the Chamber's operations. Below are brief descriptions that include the names of our committee leaders. If you are interested in serving on a committee, call 352-394-4191 and speak to Chamber President Ray San Fratello.
DIVISION - MEMBER SERVICESMembership Drive
Chair: Linda Smith (New Beginnings)
Purpose: Oversee the membership drive of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Idea Generation
Chair: Bobby Wesley (RVW Strategies)
Purpose: Provide perspective and strategic, forward-leaning ideas for new Chamber initiatives.
Young Professionals
Chair: Mikel Jorgensen (Chess Club Media)
Purpose: Serve as a forum for networking and support for South Lake professionals under 40 years old.
Ambassadors
Chair: Cuqui Whitehead.
Purpose: Serve as the goodwill arm of the Chamber and help maintain an enthusiastic, dedicated Chamber membership to help fulfill the Chamber's mission:"business and community will prosper."
DIVISION - PUBLIC POLICY - Chair, Mike Bucher (United Southern Bank)
Education
Chair: Clinton Pownall (Computer Business Consultants)
Purpose: Provide vision and influence on important issues relating to the local school system; partner with relevant educational programs and services within the local community; increase awareness among the business community and foster relationships among educators, local businesses and community leaders.
Economic Development
Chair: Curt Binney (Sines, Blakeslee, Madyda, CPAs)
Purpose: Provide guidance and direction to Chamber leadership, Lake County, local governments and Central Florida Economic Development officials on issues vital to expanding the economy of south Lake County through the revitalization and growth of existing businesses, creation of new businesses and business recruitment.
Chamber Alliance Liaisons
Chair: Mike Bucher (United Southern Bank) and Dick Scott (Lake-Sumter State College)
Purpose: Serve as liaisons with the Chamber Alliance of Lake County and help coordinate South Lake participation in Lake County Days at the Florida Legislature.
Sports and Tourism
Chair: Gary Tolley (ADvantageous Media Partners)
Purpose: Offer guidance and direction to our Chamber leadership, members, community, county and local governments and Central Florida on sports and tourism issues vital to expanding and supporting our economy and qualify of life in South Lake.DIVISION - COMMUNITY RELATIONS - Chair, Michelle Michnoff (BankFIRST)
Special Events Committees
-- Chairman's Gala: Chair Michelle Michnoff (BankFIRST). Annual signature event at which the new board is installed and the winners of the Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year Award winners are announced.
-- Golf Tournament: Chair Grant Tribble (Merrill Lynch). The Howard Stockton Memorial Golf Tournament raises money for scholarships and is held to honor a former Chamber executive director
-- Breakfast Programs: ChairAnn Dupee. Monthly Chamber breakfasts feature a broad range of interesting speakers and programs of interest to the business community.
-- Teacher Appreciation: Chair Lucy Hage (staff). Annual signature event honoring the Teachers of the Year at the South Lake schools.
-- Taste of South Lake and Business Expo: Cheryl Fishel (contractor). Newest Chamber event is open to the community and features signature dishes and drinks from dozens of popular South Lake Restaurants while serving as a showcase for member services and products.
Internal Board Committees
-- Finance: Chair Dick Scott
-- Nominating: Chair Wendy Terry
-- Strategic Planning: Chair Wendy Terry
-- Legal Counsel/Administration - Chair Merideth Nagel
-- Headquarters -- Chair Mark Graff
-- Financial Review --Chair Bonny Bowyer