The Osceola Chamber of Commerce brought together business, civic, and community leaders on Saturday, February 7, for its Annual Meeting at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, marking an evening that celebrated achievement, honored service, and ushered in a new era of leadership.
Presented by Walt Disney World Resort, the annual meeting carried the theme “The Osceola Chamber 101: Our Next Era,” blending recognition of the Chamber’s legacy with a forward-looking vision for the future of Osceola County’s business community.
Chairman’s Award Honors Michelle Chandler
One of the evening’s top honors, the 2025 Chairman’s Award, was presented by 2025 Chairman Tim Weisheyer to Michelle Chandler, recognizing her outstanding dedication and contributions to the Chamber and the broader community.
The Chairman’s Award is reserved for individuals whose service, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization, and Chandler’s recognition reflected her continued role in advancing the Chamber’s mission.
Guillermo Hansen Unity Award Recognizes Danny Ruiz Manrique
The 2025 Guillermo Hansen Unity Award was presented to Danny Ruiz Manrique, founder and chief executive officer of Total Industrial Supplies, Inc.
The Unity Award reflects the Osceola Chamber’s core values of building unity, creating opportunity, embracing heritage, and delivering membership value. Named in honor of Guillermo Hansen, the award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond as champions for business and the Osceola community.
Ruiz Manrique’s leadership and commitment to ethical business practices and community engagement exemplify the spirit of unity the award represents.
Adrianna Sekula Receives Linda Goodwin-Nichols Service Award
The 2025 Linda Goodwin-Nichols Service Award was awarded to Adrianna Sekula, founder and president of Solidarity Partners, honoring her extensive record of civic engagement and public service.
The award is named for Linda Goodwin-Nichols, a longtime community leader whose legacy reflects selfless service, leadership, and deep involvement in the Osceola community. Candidates for the award are recognized for meaningful and sustained community involvement.
Sekula’s leadership spans public affairs, business strategy, and nonprofit support across Central Florida, reflecting the values embodied by the award’s namesake.
Hall of Fame Inductee: Atlee Mercer
The Osceola Chamber also inducted Atlee Mercer into its Hall of Fame, recognizing a legacy of leadership, public service, and long-standing commitment to the Osceola County community.
Mercer is a former Kissimmee City Commissioner, past Chairman of the Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, and served on the board of Osceola Regional Medical Center. He has also been engaged with regional planning organizations such as MetroPlan Orlando and has been recognized locally for his long-term contributions to public service and community development. Through these roles, Mercer played a significant part in shaping local policy, economic development, healthcare governance, and regional collaboration across Osceola County.
The Hall of Fame recognition honors individuals whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on both the Chamber and the community it serves. Mercer’s induction reflects a career defined by service, civic engagement, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening Osceola County.
Gavel Passed to 2026 Chairwoman Rebekah Hurd
A highlight of the evening was the ceremonial passing of the gavel, marking the transition from 2025 Chairman Tim Weisheyer to 2026 Chairwoman Rebekah Hurd, Director of Government Advocacy at AdventHealth Central Florida Division.
Hurd, who works at the intersection of healthcare policy and public affairs, delivered a message emphasizing vision and partnership for the year ahead. “The last 100 years were only the beginning for The Osceola Chamber. In 2026, we step confidently into our next era—one defined by vision, leadership, and possibility,” she said.
Hurd highlighted the Chamber’s strategic focus on strengthening the business community and elevating its impact regionally, closing her message by saying she is “honored to lead the Osceola Chamber in 2026 and inspired by the future ahead.”
The evening featured a pre-show reception, live entertainment, dinner, award presentations, and remarks from leadership. The gala concluded with music and dancing, celebrating both the accomplishments of the past year and the opportunities ahead.
The 2025 Annual Gala underscored the Chamber’s commitment to leadership, collaboration, and community impact. As the organization moves into its next chapter, the event served as both a celebration of those who have helped shape its legacy and a reaffirmation of its role as a champion for business and the Osceola community.
Photo Source: Osceola Chamber
