What a Year!

by Kevin Fritz

The Seminole County Chamber is on a roll. 

The venerable  organization is entering the new year having been named a Five Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce this past spring, followed by being named the Florida Chamber of the Year in its budget category this fall.

“It was an incredible year, overall, and we have achieved so much,” says Rebekah Arthur, Seminole County Chamber president and CEO, praising its board of directors, volunteers, and everyone in between. “We couldn’t have done it without our team.”

Maritza Martinez Guerrero, the board chair, says the double recognition received in 2025 is a credit to the organization’s staff members, who are continuously seeking ways to evolve and deliver value to its members beyond networking – such as advocacy and best in-business services.

“This is affirmation that the level of programming delivered to our members is exceeding expectations,” says Maritza.

Rebekah says one initiative that played a key role in last year’s acknowledgments was the chamber’s advocacy work to help eliminate Florida’s Business Rent Tax – a major victory for the business community.

The Seminole County Chamber, which began in 1921 as the Altamonte Chamber, has grown to become one of the leading chambers in the country, representing 760 unique businesses with 1,000 locations.

Achieving Superstar Status

The announcement last March from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that the Seminole County Chamber had earned a five-star accreditation was a game-changer. Of the more than 7,000 chambers nationwide, only 147 are ranked as five-star, and Seminole is one of only 10 chambers in Florida recognized with five stars.

“We went from no stars to five stars,” says Rebekah. “It was a dream come true. It was a phone call I will never forget.”

That journey began five years ago when the Seminole Chamber first received an accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. From there, its volunteers, members, staff, and board focused on enhancing and growing the nonprofit in hopes of a more substantial ranking.

Before awarding the new rating, the U.S. Chamber examined all facets of the Seminole County Chamber, including financial stability, marketing goals, member-provided programs, and its technology platforms.

High marks were given to the chamber for: fostering an environment that encourages board discussion of new and innovative ideas, recognizing the work of its volunteers, utilizing a variety of communication tools and tactics to reach members and the community, and its Legislative Update and State of the County programs, among other accomplishments.

“Most people don’t realize how monumental it is to have five stars,” says Rebekah.  “It takes an incredible team to get to that ranking.”

Rewarding Excellence

In November, the Seminole County Chamber was named Chamber of the Year among chambers with budgets under $1 million. The award was bestowed by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP), which annually honors Sunshine State chambers that have excelled in their services.

To determine the top chambers, a panel of peers from across the state reviews three years of data about all aspects of the organizations, including finances, member growth, member retention, government relations, strategic planning, technology use, communications, events, and innovation.  

Danica Kramer, Orlando Health community relations manager, says the dual honors the Seminole County Chamber received last year are not surprising.

“The Seminole Chamber has done an excellent job of serving the businesses in our community, the community as a whole, and nonprofits,” says Danica. “They have been a wonderful partner.”