New Member Tips

Make sure to check out your business listing by visiting the Online Membership Directory. If your membership level allows you to have pictures and a description that explains what you do, make a point to refresh that information at least once a year. Keep your business listing current and fresh. Changes to your listing can be made in your member portal.

Need help updating your business listing? Reach out to Kelly Amy, Member Engagement & Communications Director, at 386.229.5759 or kelly@daytonachamber.com.

Influencing Change by Creating an Impact: A Collaboration of Two Powerhouse Coaches

By Renae Rogers, Resources by Renae

In a world where youth face unprecedented challenges, the collaboration between coaches Jessica Coffield and Renae Rogers is lighting a path toward positive change. Their joint mission? To shape the future by empowering young people and their families with the tools and support they need to succeed emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This dynamic partnership is a beacon of hope and progress, offering a holistic personal and social development approach.

The Power of Collaboration

Jessica and Renae met through what can only be described as a fated connection. Both share a profound passion for helping others live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. Though they come from different backgrounds, their vision aligns extraordinarily. By blending their unique skill sets, they aim to uplift and inspire a generation of youth and families, making a lasting impact on society.

Renae Rogers is a Certified John Maxwell Coach with 12 years of experience in the Volusia County school system. Her accolades include the 2020 Teacher of the Year award, a Black Excellence Award, and a Guiding Principal Award for her ability to foster mutual respect and build relationships. In addition, she holds an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Leadership and Business from Ruach Global Christian University. Renae’s faith-based nonprofit, Resources By Renae, empowers youth through personal development workshops and community connections, helping individuals realize their God-given purpose.

On the other hand, Jessica Coffield, a Certified Life Coach with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, focuses on emotional and mental well-being. Named Top Coach & Consultant of 2023 by USA Today, she is a published author and three-time business award winner. Her life coaching business, Endless Possibilities Life & Business Coaching Services, supports people of all ages in becoming mentally resilient and emotionally balanced. Articles in US Insider and NY Weekly showcase her innovative approaches.

Building a Stronger Future: How Easterseals Empowers Our Community

By Deanna Wilson, Easterseals Director of Community Partnerships

Every day, Easterseals Northeast Central Florida provides a wide range of services that change lives and empower individuals and families within our community. Serving over 6,300 children annually in Volusia and Flagler counties, we provide essential support to individuals with developmental delays and disabilities. Our commitment to our community is stronger than ever, and we are thrilled to announce our merger with Easterseals Florida. With our current CEO, Bev Johnson, now leading both organizations, we are expanding from providing services in two counties to providing services in forty-two counties, significantly increasing our ability to serve families across the state.

In the past, collaboration primarily focused on community service projects and financial support. However, with the recent addition of new programs the need and the opportunity for collaboration has grown significantly. Our new Transition Services department is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities develop career readiness skills and confidently enter the workforce. This program provides work-based learning experiences, job placements, and continued support through on-the-job coaching. These transition services empower individuals with disabilities to earn a paycheck, gain independence, and become valued members of the workforce. We are incredibility grateful for organizations like Caribbean Jack’s, Himarcs Automotive and Collision, and PURe Joy Cafe who have already agreed to support work-based learning experiences and have been open to implementing workplace accommodations that enable individuals with disabilities to excel. Beyond employment, we aim to help businesses foster welcoming environments through staff training on sensory sensitivities, accessibility support, and increased awareness of the challenges individuals with developmental disabilities face.

As we look toward the future, we recognize that the children we serve today are the workforce of tomorrow. The need for autism and developmental services is growing, with current research indicating that 1 in 36 children is diagnosed with autism. These individuals will become part of our local economy, and as a community, we must take an active role in investing in our future employees. We invite you to join us in making a difference. Whether through transition services partnerships, event sponsorships, or hosting disability awareness training for your team, there are countless ways for businesses to support our mission at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida.

Monthly Member Focus

During the month of April, members from the real estate category will have the opportunity to submit content to be featured in The Edge newsletter, on social media, and on the Chamber website.

Content could include an article, white paper, business spotlight, testimonial, or video. Content submission deadlines are 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25.

Direct questions to Kelly Amy, Member Engagement & Communications Director, at 386.229.5759 or kelly@daytonachamber.com.

Top 3 Ways Our United Way Drives Change for a Better Future

By Sheila Pilath, Community Foundation & United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties Vice President of Development

For over 80 years, the United Way has raised money to support causes for immediate impact in Volusia and Flagler Counties. Meanwhile, the Community Foundation has focused on managing donations for the future of Volusia and Flagler Counties, helping people plan their giving and build lasting financial support for the community.

But, did you know Volusia and Flagler Counties have always benefited from the United Way and the Community Foundation operating as one nonprofit entity?

Here’s how the United Way and the Community Foundation are shaping the future together as one.

1. Redefining United Way

United Way focuses on the power of “Today Money” — funds collected and granted out each year. In contrast, the Community Foundation focuses on “Tomorrow Money” — endowed funds raised with a philanthropic approach to addressing the needs of future generations.

Our team accomplishes this by leveraging over 120 years of investment experience and an investment tree that includes advisors, investors and managers who specialize in foundation investing. With nearly $20M under management, our historic returns place us in the top 6% of foundations’ investment return performance.



In 2023-2024, we provided grants to 105+ nonprofits totaling $2.6 million. Many are familiar with our Community Impact Grants, which focus on health, education and financial stability. However, as both a United Way and a Community Foundation, we manage over 30 different grant opportunities for our donors. For example, The HELP Southeast Volusia Fund delivered meaningful impact in the Edgewater, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill communities. With nearly $150,000 in HELP grants distributed, funded initiatives in these communities addressed the needs of at-risk children, helping to break the cycle of poverty for homeless and economically disadvantaged students enrolled in the public-school system.

Junior Achievement of Central Florida: Work Readiness, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship

By Hannah Linquanti, Junior Achievement of Central Florida Stewardship Manager

Junior Achievement of Central Florida focuses on high-impact programs that drive long-term outcomes in work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.

From JA BizTown for elementary students to 3DE by Junior Achievement for high school students, we are committed to empowering every student with limitless opportunities. By fostering strong partnerships between the business and education communities, we are creating innovative experiences that equip students with real-world skills and open doors to a brighter future.

Together, we are building a collaborative framework that ensures students, no matter their background or zip code, can meet and exceed their unique potential.