New chamber president to focus on mentor program
By KATHY FERGUSON
Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006  |
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| Photo by KATHY FERGUSON |
| Mike Vasquez, new chamber president, takes a break from a planning session to chat with Gretchen Cain, assistant executive director of the chamber. |
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SEMINOLE – Getting younger business people involved in the chamber through mentoring is one goal of its newest president, Mike Vasquez.
“I truly enjoy working with past chamber presidents and longtime members,” said Vasquez about the Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce, “and I’d like to open up that experience to the younger crowd.”
A program is being designed now that will team up new members with one of the 388 current members as mentors for the first several months. Personal contact will help new members feel more comfortable getting involved.
“It is our responsibility as a board to help these new folks along,” he added.
Vasquez signed up as a chamber member about five years ago. From day one, Vasquez said, he wanted to get involved as much as possible. He served on many committees including the golf tournament, ambassador, and chamber champion teams.
“I jumped right in because I felt it was my time to step up,” Vasquez said when asked why he accepted the president’s job.
The business environment is prosperous, said Vasquez. “A wide variety of businesses are located in Seminole,” he said. “You can get just about anything done in the area.”
But having a high-end restaurant would be a good Seminole addition, he said. Also, with the increasing number of condominiums and townhomes being built, Vasquez said, entrepreneurs might want to think about offering specific services for that lifestyle.
Another project the new president is excited about is revamping the Saturday, April 8, Seminole Stampede.
“We are rebuilding just about every aspect of the event, except the course itself,” said Vasquez. Pulling in the expertise of the city’s recreation director Jim Sheets, the event organizers are adding more outside vendors catering to athletes.
“Last year, we had 400 runners,” he said. “We would like to double that number this year.”
Vasquez encourages businesses to get involved.
“The payoff is tremendous personally and professionally.”
Lifetime friends and a thriving business have been built through his chamber networking. “I’m looking forward to a positive year,” he added.
Being a part of the Seminole community is nothing new to Vasquez. He was 9 years old when his family moved to the area. He attended Madeira Beach Elementary and Middle schools and went on to graduate from Seminole High School.
Vasquez spent the last 10 years in the mortgage industry. Currently he owns and operates Gulf Coast Mortgage and Investments. His son, Michael, attends Seminole Elementary.
“I love it here. This is a great city,” said Vasquez. “From the mayor to the city manager, the leadership has been phenomenal.”
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Article published on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006
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