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Honoring a long-standing tradition, Robert G. Neel (1968 Chamber Chairman) hosted the Annual Luncheon of the Past Chairs of Orlando, Inc., (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) at the Orlando Country Club on December 6, 2011. An empty chair signified the loss in August of Curtis H. Stanton (1965) and Karen L. "Kitty" Wrenn (1990), the first woman to serve in the role.

Sherman S. Dantzler (1978) and Robert G. Neel (1968)	Jack Prevost (1995), Ed Timberlake, Jr. (1999), Robert N. Blackford (1980), Hans Tews, (1983) and Sherman S. Dantzler (1978)
Commemorative of Past Presidents	Robert G. Neel (1968) and Leslie Hielema

2010-11 Chair, Martin Rubin, CEO of Smart City Telecom, and Leslie Hielema, President of Orlando, Inc., looked forward with great anticipation to the planning and execution of the Centennial Celebration on 2013, marking the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary.

Past Presidents	R. Van Bogan (1993), J. Blair Culpepper (1976) and Des Cummings, Jr. (2008)
Roland M. Lee (1981) and William B. Wilson (2003)	James B. Brown (1982), James C. Robinson, Jr., (1973) and Jacob V. Stuart
Click here to view more photos from this event.

Rubin and his successor, 2012-2013 Chair, Waymon Armstrong, CEO of Engineering & Computer Simulations, provided an update on recent activities including the phenomenal success of The B.I.G.* Summit, now in its third year, showcasing Business Innovation and Growth. Our new focus on initiatives that build business in Central Florida by connecting entrepreneurs to resources and growing the region’s entreprenfeurial ecosystem is being very well received.

In what has become a tradition, these Chamber historians each took turns sharing stories and fond memories of their years of service to the organization. And, they are very proud to have been a part of it.

Also in attendance were:

On behalf of 2010-11 Chair, Martin Rubin, we extend our sincere appreciation to Bob Neel for his friendship and generosity in hosting this annual holiday luncheon. This very special gathering was documented with photos as well as group photos, by decade of service.

Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce)
Orlando, Inc. (Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce) is one of four lines of business of the Central Florida Partnership and is specifically focused on Regional Entrepreneurship. A "Five-Star Chambe" – the highest level of achievement awarded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – we are positioned to serve the growing needs of businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the Central Florida Region.

In an effort to improve access to fellow members as well as membership benefits, we have placed all members into three new and simple categories: Business Basic (previously Small Business Chamber), Business Connection (previously Chamber Trustees) and Business Partner (previously Regional Board of Advisors).  Logon to www.orlando.org for detailed information on how you can best leverage your Orlando, Inc. Membership. 

Working together with BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves) and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership), the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results."

For additional information, visit: www.orlando.org