\u201cWe\u2019re rebuilding in a much more positive way, using technology,\u201d Rooks said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The chamber is using a new directory system that allows members to post videos about their businesses, Rooks said. The organization is also encouraging businesses to host chamber events as it works to increase membership and help local companies grow.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to put money back in the community not so we can have cash on hand, but so we can build it to help support events and be in good financial standing,\u201d Rooks said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The rebuilding effort comes a year after the chamber fired Grounds<\/a>, setting off questions about how the decision was made and who had authority to terminate him.\u00a0<\/p>\n Grounds said he learned through an Aug. 15, 2025, email that the chamber\u2019s executive committee had voted to terminate him, effective immediately. Grounds disputed whether the executive committee had authority to make the decision without approval from the full board of directors.\u00a0<\/p>\n The full board later backed the executive committee\u2019s decision<\/a>. In an Aug. 25, 2025, statement, the board did not provide a specific reason for Grounds\u2019 termination but said a change in direction was necessary for the chamber\u2019s \u201clong-term stability and growth.\u201d The board also said at the time that it would focus on reconciling internally, strengthening governance and moving forward.\u00a0<\/p>\n Grounds had become president and CEO in July 2024 when the chamber was near bankruptcy. During his tenure, the organization grew its membership and revived the Leadership Apopka program, among other things.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The chamber said its board remains focused on maintaining services for members, investors and community partners while advocating for local businesses and promoting economic growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n The chamber has announced several events scheduled for the remainder of the year, including a Business After Hours networking event<\/a> scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Hurricane Grill & Wings Apopka, 2209 E. Semoran Blvd. A portion of checks during the event will benefit Lighthouse Leaders, a student-led program at Wekiva High School that promotes leadership, mental-health advocacy and an inclusive school environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n The chamber has also opened ticket sales for its 113th anniversary Celebration & Awards Gala<\/a>, scheduled for 6-9:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at The Highland Manor. The annual event will recognize local businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the Apopka area. Last year\u2019s event sold out, according to the chamber.\u00a0<\/p>\n Teresa Sargeant has been with The Apopka Chief for over 10 years.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6.png\")
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