Three times each year, the Chamber of Commerce honors a local first responder with the Community Public Service Award. This award highlights police, fire and EMS personnel who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Clint Pownell, president of Computer Business Consultants, announced Clermont Fire Department Captain Rick Casler as November’s Public Service Award recipient. Congratulations Rick!
Other Chamber Highlights
Moderator – Helen G. Sneed, the principal Partner of Drive the Goal, was the moderator of Invest, Commit, and Deliver presented panelist Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway, and Rocky DeStefano, Owner of Chick-Fil-A Clermont to speak on employee retention.
Helen is the Principal Partner of Drive the Goal, an HR Consulting Firm that focuses career changing resumes, mock interviews, and LinkedIn profiles with a purpose, talent & training.
Helen has over 25 years in Human Resources Management and career coaching; she has been a mentor to non-traditional college students, adult learners, and Veterans on college campuses.
She’s a Certified Employment Interview Professional and a Certified Professional Resume Writer.
Panelist – Chief Charles Broadway joined the Clermont Police Department in 2010 as a Police Captain. He was later appointed as Chief of Police on December 11th, 2012.
Chief Broadway is a 26-year law enforcement veteran who has dedicated his life to protecting and serving his community. He serves on the executive board of the Florida Police Chief’s Association and was appointed to the Subcommittee on Accountability. Chief Broadway was recently appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve on the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Information Systems Council. He has demonstrated a high level of involvement in the South Lake community, serving on several non-profit boards.
Panelist Rocky DeStefano of Chick-Fil-A – has been the proud franchise operator of Chick-Fil-A Clermont since 2004. Rocky has served on local several Boards, including the Community Foundation of South Lake, New Beginnings, and he has held a leadership role at the Church at South Lake. Rocky has won the coveted Symbol of Success award from Chick-fil-A three times and his restaurants ranked in the Top 10% of all Chick-fil-A’s nationally. In 2017, Rocky was the recipient of the South Lake Chamber’s “Citizen of the Year” award.
Some Learnings:
Employees should be offered a safe environment. Invest in Talent. Be Kind but Truthful. Employees should be taught to connect with those around them. Develop a Team/Family environment.
“Chicken should not cause stress”, Rocky DeStefano.
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The Biggest Losers
Winners of the Wellness Challenge were announced by Lance Sewell, President of Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.
The Chamber Wellness Challenge is a 12-week fitness contest sponsored by Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and The National Training Center. This year’s challenge welcomed nearly 100 participants.
Participants received a three-month membership to the National Training Center; Pre and Post challenge lipid tests, body composition scans, and weekly weigh-ins; an opportunity to win weekly drawings for gift certificates from member businesses; Post-event Wellness Challenge Wrap-Up Party with fellow participants, NTC, hospital, and Chamber staff.
The top three finishers in three different categories received a plaque, gift basket and certificate for a free three-month membership at the National Training Center. The winning teams received a plaque and a gift certificate to a Chamber member restaurant.
The top finishers in the women’s category:
- Cheryl Hernandez
2. Mary Lou Wielosqynski
3. Sandra Vela
The top finishers in the team’s category:
1. Home Instead
2. South Lake Chamber Staff
3. City of Clermont
The top finishers in the men’s category:
1. David Colby
2. Ryan Gates
3. Jim Hernandez
The 2023 Wellness Challenge will kick-off on March 1, 2023.
Main Event Sponsor of the event was Wayne Diyaljee of Clermont Jewelers, located at 1670 East Hwy 50, Clermont. The Co-Sponsor was Goldfingers Aestethics and Plastic Surgery.
