The International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce is reader’s choice for the best Chamber in Central Florida and there are many reasons why!
Maria Triscari, president and CEO of the I-Drive Chamber, said the Chamber reflects the excitement of our community and its strong membership base.
The I-Drive Chamber is revered as one of the most exciting, proactive and powerful Chamber’s much like the area and stakeholders it represents. First, take a look at its’ leadership. I-Drive Chamber trustees are comprised of major stakeholders and powerhouses like Harris Rosen, CEO of Rosen Hotels and Resorts, SeaWorld and Universal. New visionaries like Josh Wallack, CEO of Mango’s and Chuck Whittall, CEO of Unicorp and I-Drive 360 help make up an energetic forward – thinking board.
Through much of the Chamber’s work over the last 30 years, the I-Drive corridor has become its own destination. Today, I-Drive is home to over 120 hotels, 900 retail outlets, six major theme parks, 35 plus family friendly attractions, 350 restaurants and the Orange County Convention Center,the 2nd largest convention center in the country. This 11- mile corridor employs over 75,000 people and generates 10% of Orange County’s tax base.
The I-Drive Chamber, now celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary, is the foundation of the community. The Chamber is the uniting and the guiding force that continues to move our destination forward said Maria Triscari, President and CEO of the Chamber. A force to be reckoned with for sure. The Chamber has political clout that has been the catalyst for many ordinances and improvement projects that have enhanced this tourist corridor making it one of the most successful tourist destinations in the world. “The Chamber is the voice of our community. It helps keep us working together and growing in the right direction.” said Harris Rosen, CEO of Rosen Hotels and Resorts. “It is an amazing organization.” he said.
To keep I-Drive Chamber members up to speed on the over 2 billion dollars in new and planned development, the I-Drive Chamber holds luncheons the third Thursday of every month and they have been doing that for over 30 years. “The monthly luncheons are a staple on everyone’s calendar” said John Stine General Manager and Director of Business Development at I-Drive 360. “It’s a great way for people to come together, learn about what’s happening in the I-Drive corridor, and of course, the great networking.” he said. The Chamber’s highly acclaimed Tourism Orlando Leadership Program now in its 17th year, is second to none in the country providing participants the opportunity to learn about the vast components and aspects of the tourism industry. This 10-month program incorporates every major attraction and other entities that help make Central Florida’s economic engine work.
The Chamber works closely with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department and Homeland Security to provide security workshops. Members also enjoy special events throughout the year including golf tournaments, mixers and an annual bass fishing tournament at Disney. Police Ball, now celebrating 25 years, is the I-Drive Chamber signature gala that honors the men and women of law enforcement while raising money for special law enforcement programs. “The I-Drive Chamber has been a wonderful partner with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for many years” said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings. I-Drive Chamber’s promotions such as the “Rediscover International Drive” Campaign, and in their new web site have all been a big success.
Over the last 30 years the I-Drive Chamber has created programs and events that have united a community and galvanized its leadership base. That power and success is evident in the Chamber that represents them. And through all the growth and development and through all the success Maria Triscari has been at the helm. It really is the best job in the world she said. Working with amazing visionaries who have a dream and who make their dream a reality. That is really what I-Drive and the I-Drive Chamber is… “Great people working together. And when great people work together, great things happen”
