Volunteer Leadership Drives Growth

The four chambers of commerce in Brevard County are the backbones of local business. They each have their own personality, but the chambers are comprised of member businesses, a CEO, board of directors and chairperson. The board members and chairs are carefully chosen volunteers who serve as liaisons between the CEO of their chamber and the rest of the board.

The other responsibilities of the position include:

• Knowing the mission and strategic initiatives of the chamber
• Organizing, preparing and attending meetings
• Understanding the hiring process of chamber staff, by-laws and voting procedures
• Overseeing committees
• Planning and attending events like ribbon cuttings
• Fundraising
• Supporting governing and legislative initiatives
• Recruiting new members
• And much more

Board chairs are representing their chamber at all times.

We are pleased to introduce the 2019 chairs of the board for the chambers in Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and Palm Bay. They have impacted the Space Coast community through their leadership, business acumen and knowledge. They have agreed to fill this position of distinction and are ready to work!

We asked each of them to share what it means to be selected for this valuable and prestigious volunteer position.

Kim Agee

A Melbourne native, Kim Agee is the owner of Agee Consulting, where she specializes in working with emerging and second-stage businesses to achieve success through strategic planning, revenue diversification, and identifying key market and community partnership opportunities. Kim is known for her ability to bring groups together, often with competing interests, and work with them to solve complex industry, market, and community issues. Kim also dedicates her time to mentoring young professionals.

Agee received accolades as one of the 100 Most Powerful People and Most Influential Business Leaders in Brevard, while also being named Manager of the Year by the National Management Association Brevard County Chapter. She is a past recipient of LEAD Brevard’s first Emerging Leaders – 4 Under 40 Award.

Agee is the 2019 Board Chair for the Melbourne Regional Chamber. In that capacity, she leads the Executive Committee, Finance Committee and Board of Directors. She is a member of CivMil, LEAD Brevard and a Sustainer in the Junior League of South Brevard, where she serves on their Community Advisory Board.

Why are you interested in holding this position?

For me, it’s in my blood and goes back to the early 1800s when my family was one of the founding members of Melbourne. They opened up trade between the mainland and the beaches by launching the first ferry service and were deeply committed to their community. I will work to continue the development between community and commerce by helping the Melbourne Regional Chamber provide programs, opportunities and services that deliver value to our members.

What does volunteerism mean to you?

I have a deep passion for giving back to the community. My favorite quote is “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,” by Sir Winston Churchill. Volunteering allows us to meet and learn from a range of new people and create memorable experiences with others that will last a lifetime. It is important that we share our gifts with others to ensure our communities and citizens reach their greatest potential. To me, the Melbourne Chamber is perfectly positioned to create a dynamic, compassionate business culture.

What are you hoping to accomplish during the year?

Out of the approximately 7,000 chambers in the United States, there are only 208 — or less than 1% — who, like us, carry the prestigious designation of being a Five Star Chamber. We have a dynamic base of over 1,100 members, many of them small businesses. Ensuring each business is reaching their optimal potential is our goal. We are here to help get them connected, teach them how to effectively run a business and advocate on their behalf. The Melbourne region is growing exponentially. Major expansions of our larger corporate entities are driving demand for small businesses to meet their needs. We are actively engaged in important dialog to match resources and continue to drive commerce.

Linda Webster-Dubea

Linda Webster-Dubea is the FPL External Affairs Manager for Seminole, Volusia, and Flagler Counties. She joined FPL in 2015 and holds a BS from Southeast Missouri State University.  She has held positions in Power Delivery, Business Services, and External Affairs with FPL. Linda Previously served as the CFO and CEO of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, the same organization that she will now be chairing. She is married to Jim Dubea, who served as commander of Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral, and has two children — Matthew who is in the U.S. Coast Guard and Jenna who is a recent graduate of USF and now resides in Tampa.   

Why are you interested in holding this position?

By being Chairwoman of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, I will be able to give back to the organization that has shaped, molded and supported me for over 12 years. Stepping into this new role will allow me to continue serving the Brevard community and Chamber partners.

What does volunteerism mean to you?

To me, volunteerism is the act of supporting a cause you believe in. The Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of business, enhances quality of life in the community and acts as a catalyst for business success. I am proud to be leading a board that has the same beliefs and goals as I do. Together we can make a difference in the community we live in.

What are you hoping to accomplish during the year?

My hopes during this year for the Chamber are to increase its new business partnerships, retain 75% plus of the business partners it currently assists, and to grow our brand and our footprint across the central region of Brevard and beyond. Not to mention, restore our home base office in Merritt Island to its full glory, better serving the business community that utilizes our services.

Matthew Walter

Matthew Walter is executive chef and owner of Delicious In Your Mouth “DIYM” Catering. As a graduate from
Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, he has over 20 years experience working in the restaurant industry and managed and opened over 100 restaurants. He opened his own catering business in 2014.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Titusville Chamber of Commerce and is on the membership/leadership team of the Beeliners Business Networking International group (BNI). He also is a member of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Originally, from Central, South Carolina, Matthew has been a Brevard county resident since 2008. In his spare time, he likes to cruise around in his vintage 1967 Volkswagen Beetle.

Why are you interested in holding this position?

For the past five years, the Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in the growth of my business. I want to be able to mentor and facilitate the growth of other small businesses in our community, just as the Chamber has helped my business.

What does volunteerism mean to you?

Performing selfless acts to help others in the community without personal gain.

What are you hoping to accomplish during the year?

I hope to really get the word out about all the resources the Chamber of Commerce and its partners have to offer small businesses, through education and community service.

 

Tracy Stroderd - Palm Bay Chamber

Tracy Stroderd brings consumers and businesses together with the EverythingBrevard.com website and magazine. She is a business strategist and consultant with the unique combination of real-world entrepreneurial experience and formal business education. She is a creator of media and brands that champion small business success.

Tracy has a Master of Arts degree with a major in administration from Barry University. She is a trained facilitator and mentor for the IGNITE 360 Mentoring Program at WeVenture powered by Florida Institute of Technology and served on their board from 2013-2015. Tracy is currently an adjunct professor at Barry University where she teaches services marketing. She has also taught in the entrepreneurship program at Eastern Florida State College and was recently recognized with the Heart of the Community award from the Business Acceleration Network. Tracy is the 2019 Board Chair for the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce and member of CivMil. She is passionate about her team and the work they do in our community.  

Why are you interested in holding this position?

It is an honor to hold the board chair position and represent our local community. I was born in a small town and grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. My passion is growing business and developing people. I have called Brevard County home for the last 34 years, 24 of which I have owned my own business. I understand the struggles of entrepreneurship and plan to use my talents and gifts to elevate the visibility of our membership and contribute to the greater good of the business community through the development of our programs and strategic partnerships.  

What does volunteerism mean to you?

I have been volunteering and raising money for nonprofits since I was in junior high. Volunteerism is part of who I am as a person. It provides an opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and it creates a sense of purpose and belonging. Elizabeth Andrew said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

What are you hoping to accomplish during the year?

Our mission at The Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce is to serve, advocate and promote as the trusted voice for our business community. It is my goal to develop relationships and foster discussions about key issues affecting the business community. I want to work closely with the Chamber staff to analyze our programs, processes and systems to make sure we are efficiently meeting the needs of our membership.    

 

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