Andrew Cole, President & CEO, East Orlando Chamber of Commerce

In an interview with Invest:, Andrew Cole, president and CEO of the East Orlando Chamber of Commerce, shared what the chamber of the future looks like, strategies for businesses to build relationships within the communities they serve, and how the chamber is contributing to workforce development by offering alternative career paths.

What is behind the chamber’s success in the past year, including key achievements and milestones?

I attribute our success to our significant growth and phenomenal retention rates. We have witnessed businesses thriving as they learned to navigate through challenging times. Seeing these businesses rebound and pivot is inspiring, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability. Our chamber has played a crucial role in fostering this environment. Our robustness is evident in our members’ incredible growth and engagement over the past few years. Our focus is our members. We’ve provided resources and opportunities needed for businesses to thrive and grow.

What do you perceive as the most significant opportunities for economic development in the area?

One of the main challenges lies in workforce availability. Businesses are still struggling to find the right people who meet the evolving demands and requirements of the job market. Additionally, the economic landscape remains somewhat uncertain. While it’s generally stable, concerns persist due to factors such as the heightened housing market and ongoing inflation.

Prices have seen significant increases, resulting in slower recovery across various sectors. People have been forced to prioritize needs over wants, reflecting the strain on household budgets. The rising costs have particularly impacted events, including those organized by our chamber. Expenses like food, rentals, and labor have surged, leading to higher event costs. 

How is the chamber contributing to workforce development and meeting the demand for new businesses in the region?

I have noticed a shift in people exploring alternative career paths beyond the traditional college route as there is a growing recognition of the value of obtaining certifications and licenses for various job opportunities. This shift has been beneficial, opening up new avenues for previously overlooked employment. 

We have been actively advocating for workforce development initiatives to support this trend. Collaborating with organizations focused on job placement, such as Junior Achievement, Orange Technical College, and Valencia College, allows us to create pathways for individuals to acquire necessary skills and connect with potential employers.

Additionally, we host an annual job fair that has garnered significant interest from businesses, particularly on the east side. This event provides a platform for companies to showcase job opportunities and engage with prospective candidates. Also, we are seeing more people working remotely, and many who are starting new career paths are venturing to start their businesses. The Chamber has implemented opportunities for these new entrepreneurs with our Day of Learning Event to help with Solopreneurs and first-stage small businesses.

What is on the advocacy agenda for the East Orlando Chamber?

As part of our advocacy agenda, we do things differently here. We closely monitor several bills in the legislature. Then, we will take a position either for or against these bills based on their potential impact on businesses and the community. This approach allows us to remain flexible and respond effectively to emerging issues and legislative developments.

We have taken stances on various issues, including advocating for changes to the business sales tax structure. Currently, Florida is the only state that imposes a sales tax on commercial renters, which creates an unnecessary burden for businesses, so we are focusing on eliminating the sales tax on commercial rental properties in Florida.

Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to support workforce development and provide funding options for businesses. While we have not finalized our approach, we are actively assessing potential strategies to address workforce needs and promote economic growth.

How are you adapting to changes in the local market and attracting new players and businesses to collaborate with you?

When it comes to attracting new businesses, our approach is grassroots-oriented. We prioritize engaging with the local community and leveraging our connections, particularly through active participation in the chamber of commerce. By immersing ourselves in these networks, we create opportunities to connect with potential entrepreneurs and showcase the benefits of establishing businesses in our area.

Particularly noteworthy is the surge in smaller businesses emerging in the local market. Many individuals are seizing the opportunity to transition from remote work or are leveraging accumulated capital to launch brick-and-mortar establishments. This trend reflects a shift toward entrepreneurship driven by personal passions and a desire for greater autonomy in career pursuits. People are increasingly motivated to turn their aspirations into tangible business ventures as they explore new avenues post-pandemic. This grassroots movement is driving the growth of businesses, especially here on the East Side, and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within our community.

Could you elaborate on the evolving role of chambers and what it means to be a chamber of the future?

As chambers of commerce evolve into the chambers of the future, it’s imperative to stay attuned to the shifting dynamics of the business landscape. This entails a deep understanding of where businesses are headed and a keen awareness of the needs of your members. Listening becomes paramount to actively seek input from members to discern their challenges, aspirations, and requirements.

While digital platforms are essential for maintaining a robust presence in today’s interconnected world, the essence of business often thrives on personal connections. Handshakes and face-to-face interactions still carry significant weight in fostering trust and nurturing relationships. Therefore, chambers must strike a balance, leveraging digital tools to augment their outreach while preserving the importance of personal engagement.

Also, a critical aspect of chamber stewardship involves bridging the gap between emerging talent and the business community. Engaging with youth through educational initiatives or outreach programs is essential for cultivating future leaders and advocates. By instilling an understanding of the chamber’s role early on, chambers can empower young professionals to become champions of economic growth and community development.

In workforce development, chambers play a pivotal role in understanding the evolving needs of businesses and aligning them with the skills and talents of the workforce. By comprehensively grasping the demands of the local job market, chambers can tailor their initiatives to facilitate workforce training, skill development, and talent retention.

When communicating and building relationships within the community, what key factors about the region should investors and partners keep in mind?

In navigating the complex terrain of today’s political climate, individuals and organizations alike must adopt a nuanced approach, considering all sides of the coin when addressing contentious issues. Especially in the current polarized environment, there is a pressing need for openness to listen to diverse perspectives and engage constructively with differing viewpoints. Rather than adhering rigidly to one side of the debate, fostering understanding and seeking common ground is key to fostering productive dialogue and driving meaningful change.

Building relationships within the community entails a delicate balancing act, particularly in situations where divergent interests collide. It’s essential to navigate the middle ground, acknowledging the concerns and aspirations of various stakeholders while striving to find equitable solutions that serve the collective good. This necessitates thorough research, empathetic listening, and a willingness to engage with differing viewpoints to arrive at informed decisions that benefit all parties involved.

In communities like ours, characterized by diverse perspectives and priorities, it’s essential to heed the voices of all constituents. Whether advocating for rural preservation or promoting economic development, embracing the spectrum of viewpoints enriches our understanding of complex issues and fosters collaboration toward shared goals. By valuing inclusivity, compromise, and dialogue, we can cultivate a more harmonious and prosperous community that reflects its members’ diverse needs and aspirations.

Ultimately, the path to progress lies in fostering a culture of mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation. By championing open-mindedness, active listening, and consensus-building, we can bridge divides, forge meaningful connections, and chart a course toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.