After almost a year of operating without a director, the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce recently announced they have brought on Elaine Hinsdale, a former public relations executive and Lockheed Martin spokesperson, to lead the group. With more than 600 members and businesses east of Semoran Boulevard, the EOCC is responsible for an area that includes everything from the growing Alafaya Trail and University of Central Florida corridor, through Waterford Lakes and even the new medical city in Lake Nona, among others.

The move is a sign that the organization is, again, growing and gaining momentum. “As I’m talking to people in the community, few of them know that the EOCC has been around for more than 63 years,” says Hinsdale. It is one of her primary goals to grow this awareness to the community. “Local chambers exist to provide the economic development, business sustainment and networking opportunities to both large and small businesses,” she says. “So part of my job is to ensure that this exciting and evolving community knows about the EOCC’s many programs and gets a chance to know and leverage the capabilities of our 600 businesses, organizations and civic groups.”

In her new role, one of Hinsdale’s main responsibilities is to execute the policies and goals set forth by the EOCC Board of Directors while meeting with local leaders and engaging new committees for support, as needed.

Hinsdale is looking forward to her new role and the years ahead, both for herself and the EOCC. “This may be a difficult business climate for some, but the chamber is working to help our members get through this rough spot so they will be in a better position to excel in the future,” she says. “Some may say there are challenges, but I like to say that there is enormous potential and some great opportunities ahead for the us,”

Although she agrees that business could be better for most members, she recognizes that this is a time for growth and planning for the future. Hinsdale says: “During these difficult times, you often need some fresh ideas and innovative measures to succeed, and I’m delighted to be working alongside the EOCC team as we look at the ways we can adapt to the changing business climate while continuing to help our members prepare and excel for the road ahead.” As someone who has grown up in Central Florida and witnessed some of the region’s many defining moments firsthand, Hinsdale is ready to help play a role as the community again goes through another transformation. “I’m excited to be working directly with the EOCC as this community is again transforming itself,” she says. “In the 13 years that I’ve lived in East Orlando, the Waterford Lakes, Lake Nona and now the medical city areas have all blossomed, so it’s very rewarding for me to be helping to ensure that the local chamber is providing the right resources and support that our community needs.”

New and returning EOCC members alike can look forward to access, opportunity and guidance for their business as well as various community resources, a calendar full of events, committee meetings and networking opportunities.

Article by Corey Gehrold