Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce

Happy chamber anniversary 🥳🥳🥳🥳

This month, we proudly mark our 47th year as members of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce. 💼🤝

Since 1977, we've been dedicated to supporting our community and driving local growth alongside other incredible businesses. Our commitment to Apopka is stronger than ever, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and success!

We thank the Chamber for their unwavering support and all they have done for the Apopka community over their 110 years of service! Here’s to a future filled with progress and prosperity for Apopka and all of the communities we serve. 🌟

What a fantastic event! Thank you, Caroline, for the invaluable insights you shared today. This workshop was essential, and we all gained a wealth of knowledge.

NuJourney Foundation Chayil Consulting, LLC.

John Ricketson
March 5, 1940 - July 16, 2024

We are sad to share that our long time Board Director, John Ricketson has passed away after a brief battle with cancer.
A true Floridian – John Ricketson was born in Dixie Camp, Fl, grew up in Winter Park, and moved to Apopka in 1958.
John graduated from Winter Park High School, enlisted in the Army, became a paratrooper, and married his wife
Eileen in 1964, they just celebrated their 60 year anniversary a few months ago. John & Eileen have 3 sons, and 2 grandchildren.
John got into the newspaper business in 1965. To gain newspaper experience, he moved from Orlando to Ocala, to Gainesville, back to Ocala, and then on to
Galveston, Texas in 1971. He then moved to Beaumont, Tx in 1973, and back to Clearwater, FL (1975-1980 as Publish-
er of The Clearwater Sun). He then moved to Lake County to publish the Lake News, before coming back to Apopka, after
purchasing the Apopka Chief and The Planter from Mac McGuffin in 1979.
John is President of Foliage Enterprises, Inc., that owns The Apopka Chief, The Planter Newspapers and Apopka Office Supply located at 400 N. Park Avenue, across from Apopka Memorial Middle School. He has been publisher of the newspapers since 1982.

He was the
• former president of The Clearwater Chamber of Commerce (1979-80),
• Vice President of the Pinellas Suncoast Chamber of Commerce,
• Chairman of Board of Directors, Clearwater YMCA,
• the Chairman of Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce (1984-1987)
• President of Rotary Club of Apopka and Foliage Sertoma Club (1986-1987), Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
• founding chairman of The Florida Hospital Apopka Foundation (1984-1987),
• member of the Florida Press Association which represents most newspapers in the state – both daily and
weekly, and served as President from 1990-1991.
• Served as Chairman of Apopka Complete Count Committee 2000 (when Apopka named second largest city in
Orange County),
• Chairman of City of Apopka 120th Anniversary – a year-long celebration,
• Chairman of 4th of July Committee 2000 through 2006;
• was Grand Marshal of the 2004 Christmas Parade;
• along with Mayor John Land was chosen as the recipient of the first Pillar Award by the Apopka Christian Ministerial Association in November 2006),
• chairman Festival of Families/Grandmother of the Year Committee (2000-2008)
• Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce businessman of the Year 2002, has been a long time member of the Board of Directors of the Apopka chamber. Life Time Achievement Award December 2023.
• Vice President of the John Land Community Trust 2015-2016.

This are just a few of the many committees and activities that John has been involved in over the years.
John believed in service, the welfare of the community, and keeping the character and charm of the community.
He realized that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but would always strive to emphasize their strengths.
He enjoyed fishing, keeping up with his many friends and having fellowship with others.
We are sending our thoughts and condolences to his family and many friends.
Cards can be sent to Eileen Ricketson and family 400 N. Park Ave., Apopka Fl 32712.

Chamber member ✨

Sisters open coffee bar in Apopka inspired by family farm in Guatemala At Calypso Coffee Bar in Apopka, the day starts strong for Natasha and Julisa Lopez.

British Swim School of Northwest Orlando ribbon cutting.

Located: 2360 E Semoran Blvd
Apopka, FL, 32703
inside 24 Hour Fitness

Welcome Tansey's Hair Boutique llc. to our community ✨

Upcoming events ✨

Visit our website @ www.apopkachamber.org to register.

Which one will you be attending?

Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce For over 110 years the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of the business community

Last day to register!

https://www.apopkachamber.org/events/details/the-entrepreneurial-mindset-workshop-12768

NuJourney Foundation

It was wonderful to see all of the support from the local community, including Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson, and Commissioner Alexander Smith!

More from our 2024 Realtor event 💥

Women in Leadership 2024 ⭐️

What an incredible panel of women leaders!

Thank you to all attendees and sponsors for making this day so memorable!

Student awards 🎉

Remember when Wyld Oaks broke ground in January? This 215-acre mixed-use destination is a harmonious blend of Mother Nature's inspiration and human creativity. It's not just a place; it's a state of mind—a golden opportunity to expand your horizons and be part of Orlando's thriving future. Could this be the perfect spot for your next adventure in Apopka?

Our chamber member! Congrats! 🎉

6th Annual Business Expo 2024

⭐️ Thanks to all the exhibitors and attendees for making our event incredible!

See you at for our meet & mingle!

When? Thursday 11 @ 4 pm
Where?

REMINDER: 6th Annual Business Expo will be April 18.

Free admission & reduced price for vendors. Visit the apopkachamber.org or email [email protected] for more information.

Don’t forget to pop by to enjoy a black & tan and the best reuben at the oldest Irish Pub in Apopka! Celtic Jam at 3 today!

Stephie's Irish Eatery – The Best Irish Pub in Apopka Traditional Irish Pub food cooked without Greasy fryers & propane powered or greasy flat grills , yes No Deep Fat Fryers.

Always Yummy

Come on out and support local tonight until
10 pm. 40 E Main St Apopka! Support the ApopkaFoundation.org.

Join us from 4-6 pm, Celebrating Stephie’s Pub’s Birthday!

MEET & MINGLE! Party at the Oldest Irish Pub in Apopka! -Stephie's Pub Join us as we Celebrate our 2nd St. Patrick s Day Birthday Bash at the largest and oldest Irish Pub in Apopka! STEPHIE S PUB MEET MINGLE Check out Paddy s Yummy Shepherd s Pie, Juicy Reuben, Bangers Mash Or any of the tasty menu items on the menu!

DID YOU KNOW???

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