EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine November 2018 | Page 35

Returning to the area after spending several years in California,
Gehris is hoping to see balanced changes that will restore his
beloved city to glory.
Reviewing the recommendations for a revitalization of East
ISB, which include aesthetically appealing developments from
businesses to homes and greenspaces, pedestrian safety upgrades
known as “complete streets”, a roundabout anticipated to help
relieve traffic congestion along the artery leading to SR A1A and
continued beach access, he’s cautiously optimistic about
the possibilities.
“Right now is actually a great time because if we could do
something about it, if we actually get some good visionaries
in there, they could set the foundation up so that our kids and
grandkids have an awesome Daytona Beach,” said Gehris.
Lori Campbell Baker, executive director of the Daytona
Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is anticipating the
measurable impact improvements to the East ISB corridor will
have on the area.
“Improvements to our community always help us in
attracting new and returning visitors,” said Campbell Baker.
“With about half of all visitation currently generated by local
friends and families, we are more excited than ever at the positive
momentum that’s happening right now in the destination,”
she said.
Open-minded response by the Volusia County Council has
encouraged BRC members to stay motivated as they present
recommendations to the local municipalities for support.
“We, as a committee have said – the real work starts now,”
NANCY KEEFER, CCE
PRESIDENT & CEO,
DAYTONA REGIONAL CHAMBER
said Grippa. “We have got to keep this front and center with the
local officials. There has to be an investment of infrastructure and
neighborhood improvement in that area. I think the positive that
can come out of this is when a group this diverse comes together
and recommends a plan, it’s now on the elected officials to either
change the plan or fund the plan, but one thing I don’t believe is
appropriate is for them to ignore the plan. We have to have the
collective vision and cooperation to get it done.”
With the broad contributions and participation realized,
we are poised to be the “World’s Most Famous Beach” for
future generations.
To review the Beachside Redevelopment Committee’s work
visit https://www.volusia.org/services/growth-and-resource-
management/beachside-redevelopment-committee.stml#
Danielle Anderson, a resident of Palm Coast, Florida
has worked in the public relations and media
industry for a decade. Writing for high profile
publications across the state, Danielle started her
career as a news reporter for Flagler Broadcasting,
where she discovered her passion for telling the
stories of communities in Florida. Her love of
community extends to her non-profit work as the
Executive Director for the Friends of A1A Scenic &
Historic Coastal Byway and serving as the current
President of the Flagler County Republican Club.
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS.
As President & CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber,
Nancy Keefer advocates for our business community.
She has earned the coveted Certified Chamber Executive
designation. She has led chambers in New York,
Pennsylvania and Florida and is the current chair of the
American Chamber of Commerce Executives. Nancy is a
member of the Checkered Flag Committee and serves
on the boards of several vital organizations locally. As a
proud Board Level member of Team Volusia EDC,
she is committed to – and actively engaged in –
economic development.
TEAMVOLUSIAEDC.COM
386.265.6332
INVESTOR SPOTLIGHT
NOVEMBER 2018 | 35 |