We are pleased to announce that we will have a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, July 19 at noon for three of our new businesses and all are located at 203 Southeast Second Avenue. EXP Realty, LLC/Gold Label Florida, PLT Therapy and HSBC insurance/Beacon Insurance will be providing light type lunch items for you to enjoy. Cindi, Valerie and Rod are looking forward to having you visit and sharing in the celebration.  Our events are always open to the public. 

Google Workshop: Do you want to get your business found online locally? Does search engine optimization seem too complicated and time consuming for your small business? Sign up online at www.okeechobeebusiness.com for this.. July 21 workshop that will be held at the Chamber from 9:30 until 11 a.m.

In this webinar, Mariah will focus on what you need to know to optimize your website for local searches. We will take a step by step look at what you should do to be found in your local area and why that matters.

You will learn:

• What you need to know about search engine optimization (SEO)

• What to change on your website for better local search results

• What off-site optimization is and tips to improve your off-site presence

• Steps you can do today to improve your website

Our next Chamber luncheon will be on Aug. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We have some great information that everyone needs to hear and we’re happy to be able to share this with all.

Our sponsor for this lunch will be HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital, and our guest speaker will be Kathy Selby, Director of Emergency Services and Stroke Coordinator. You don’t want to miss out on learning how to be aware of the symptoms of a stroke.

During her presentation Kathy will provide an overview of the two types of strokes and the risk factors that make someone more likely to experience a stroke. Kathy will also explain in detail the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T., a helpful tool in recognizing stroke signs and symptoms. BE FAST stands for: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time.

We will have another photo backdrop, supplied by our sponsor, for all to have their photos taken in front of. We have a Chamber Ambassador, Christina Honeycutt, that will oversee snapping the photos and you’ll be able to get them right away by using a QR code that will be given to you. It’s going to be a time of learning and a little fun too.

You’ll want to make sure to get there when the doors open at 11:20 to get your photo taken, get a good seat and get in line for your meal. We will start serving about 11:40 a.m. to get everyone their meal so we can begin right at noon.

This luncheon will take place at IRSC, Dixon-Hendry Campus, Okeechobee. Catering by D & G Catering. Make sure to register early as we are expecting a sold-out crowd, again. Lunch Tickets are $20 and you can register at www.okeechobeebusiness.com You will see the event scrolling on the left side of the website, just click into it and fill out the information.

Studio 55 Newscast – Each Friday we have a different segment, sharing what’s happening in our community, foodie reviews, customer candid reviews, Tribe time, Ask the Expert, Special Guest, photo challenges, Outdoor adventures and more. Be sure to tune in to our YouTube channel or watch us on Facebook.