Calling all Chamber Members.....On Thursday, Feb. 16, Join Office Manager Mariah Arana and me for a 45-minute workshop on all things Chamber & Chamber Master. Learn about the programs and tools the chamber has to offer you and your business. Leave with your web portal updated and ready to help bring in new clients. If you have never attended one of these workshops or just need a refresher, this is for you. This is not just for new members, it is for anyone looking to use all the tools the chamber has to offer. Learn about exclusive member opportunities such as: Amped Up Marketing, Google My Business Courses, Google for Adult Learners, Leadership Okeechobee, Studio 55 Newscast, Chamber Master Web Portal. We look forward to seeing you at this session. All members are welcome!

Do you want to reach more customers online? Well, register online now to Learn how your business can be found online with Google. This workshop explains how Google Search works and how you can improve a website’s visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces products like Business Profiles, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Ads, and more. Let Google certified Chamber Manager Mariah Arana help you Reach More Customers Online. This workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce 55 South Parrott Avenue Okeechobee on Feb. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m.

The 2022 Leadership Okeechobee Class is unveiling their project! On Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m., the chamber invites you to the Okeechobee Visitor Center at 55 South Parrott Avenue (chamber) for an unveiling and ribbon cutting. Don’t miss out on this proud moment that our Leadership class has worked diligently on, and this will certainly be an opportunity to thank all those who have been involved from start to completion. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend this momentous event!

We are celebrating with a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday, March 3 from 4 to 5 p.m. for “The Closet”, previously My Aunt’s House. This non-profit organization has proudly been serving our community since 2003. They are located at 204 North Parrott Avenue, next door to United Way House. Come ready to shop, learn about their non-profit and discover how you can help. Light refreshments will be served.

Our March Chamber After Hours will be on Tuesday, March 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the law offices of Philip DeBerard located at 413 South Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee. We invite our members and anyone else in the community that would like to attend, to come and participate in some great networking, our ice breaker game, meet up with new and old friends, while learning a little about our host for the evening. Light refreshments will be served.

The Chamber Rise-Up Breakfast is a bi-monthly networking meeting hosted by local businesses and non-profit organizations in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce. Breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. with event host Martha’s House. Attendees were treated to bagels, fruits, breakfast meats and cheese, coffees, juices and more. Martha’s House Executive Director Jonathan Bean spoke about the mission of the organization, it’s services, shelter program and the fundraising events that help keep all of the vital programs it provides to the community running. Special guest and board member Jane Robards of the Okeechobee Community Theatre spoke about the theatre’s upcoming show, a comedy called Play On! In addition, Jane went on to detail how to get involved with the theatre and its mission to the community. To round out the event, attendees were given the opportunity to share announcements and upcoming events themselves more of which can be found at www.okeechobeebusiness.com/events/calendar. To see the live recording of the event visit the chamber’s Facebook page or search #ChamberCandidCamera and learn more about these organizations.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7 the Okeechobee community officially welcomed Apolonia’s Prime Steakhouse! Apolonia’s Prime Steakhouse is a beautiful, elegant, rustic, fine dining experience from the décor and atmosphere to the delightful cuisine that was sampled by Okeechobee patrons. Patrons and local dignitaries participated in a champagne toast, wine tastings, tours, and were treated to hors d’oeuvres representative of menu items. Owner Rachid El Yamani cut the ribbon with Mayor Dowling Watford and addressed the crowd with heartfelt thanks to all who have frequented the establishment already. The feedback so far has been tremendous, and we look forward to hearing more from this company. Apolonia’s Prime Steakhouse is located at 202 Northeast Seventh Avenue in Okeechobee. Currently, their hours are Tuesday – Sunday 5 p.m. to close with Happy Hour Tuesday – Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 863-484-8119. For more information like and follow Apolonia’s Prime Steakhouse on Facebook.