The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) recognized Florida’s top chambers of commerce throughout the state for their outstanding achievement and superiority within the area of communications. The awards were presented at the organization’s Annual Conference, held September 22-24, 2021, at the Wyndham Grand Jupiter at Harborside in Jupiter.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce (ZCOC) was the recipient of the award in the Audio/Visual/ Online Communications category and was among the following chambers of commerce recognized for excellence:

Audio/Visual/Online Communications: $1 Million+ – Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

$500,000-Under $1 Million – South Tampa Chamber of Commerce

Under $500K – Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce                                                                                          

“We could not have been more impressed with or proud of the caliber and diversity of the entries that were submitted for this year’s communications awards, and we are pleased to honor each and every one of the winning chambers. The judges noted that it was impressive to see so many exceptional entries knowing what a challenge the past year and a half has been for everyone,” stated Tammy C. Bracewell, President, FACP.

FACP is a statewide organization whose mission is “Advancing excellence in chamber management” and whose vision is “Enhancing Florida’s business communities by cultivating successful chamber professionals.”

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber received this communication award from their work on the “JumpStart Z’Hills” series that was implemented 17 months ago.

Zephyrhills Chamber receives Statewide Honors for their JumpStart Z’Hills
Campaign

Melonie Monson, CEO of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber states, “When COVID hit we all believed things would get back to normal quickly. Well, we soon saw this was not the case. As a chamber, there was no playbook as to what to do in a situation like this, but we knew we were not going to just sit back and wait to see what happened. The chamber staff brainstormed (via zoom) and decided that we needed the public to know our businesses were still open and needed them.  So, we quickly created the “JumpStart Z’Hills” series to showcase our community.

We started with a “Restaurant Recovery” series which spotlighted more than a dozen local restaurants with videos, interviews, and an interactive scavenger hunt for our citizens. We realized we had thousands engaged via social media and knew we were on to something. From there, the staff kept creating new series focusing on different sectors in our community and we are continuing to this day to make an impact in Zephyrhills.”

The “JumpStart Z’Hills” series has brought you town halls, where both local and state leaders gave messages, via zoom, with pertinent updates such as a “we are in this together” video with the mayor, city manager, police chief, and many more who gave words of encouragement. This series has focused on different sectors of our community, including Adventures in Z’Hills, Main Street Gives Back, Spark your Style, Blooming Business, Women in Business, Be Well, 12 Days of Christmas Lights, and many more. 

“I’m not sure in the beginning we knew the impact this series could have,” says Melonie, “but the board of directors and staff are thrilled that we were able to keep Zephyrhills on the map during these unprecedented times.”

Melonie Monson awarded Florida Certified Chamber Professional (FCCP) Designation

Along with the communication award, The Florida Association of Chamber Professionals (FACP) recognized Florida’s top chambers of commerce and the professionals who lead them for their outstanding achievement and dedication to the industry, at the annual conference in Jupiter. Among the recognition given was the Florida Certified Chamber Professional (FCCP) designation. In 2012, FACP implemented the FCCP to recognize standards of excellence in the chamber profession on local, state, and national levels. The recipient must have demonstrated a commitment to the profession through continued professional development and involvement with chamber-related programs.

This year, FACP was proud to present the following chamber professionals with this FCCP designation:

• Tiffany Garling, FCCP, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
• Christine Miller, FCCP, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce
• Melonie Monson, FCCP, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
• Nancy Peltonen, FCCP, Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce

“These individuals have exemplified excellence in chamber management and are true industry professionals. We are pleased to recognize their achievements through this certification program,” stated Tammy Bracewell, FACP President. 

Monson states, “I feel blessed; blessed to have had two professions in my life that bring me such love and gratification. My first profession as a cosmetologist for 33 years, gave me amazing satisfaction knowing that what I did helped others feel good about themselves and built lifelong friendships. When I retired from being a hairdresser, I was thrilled to find another way I can still make a difference in people’s lives.”

The FCCP designation is earned after a minimum of 5 years in leadership of a chamber of commerce. It is only earned after years of continuing education and work toward forwarding the chamber’s mission.

Through Melonie’s leadership, the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber achieved the FACP Certified Chamber+ designation two years ago, which is only achieved through advancing excellence in the chamber organization by providing best practices among all sectors in the chamber industry. The ZCOC chamber is one of only 16 chambers in the state who have earned this designation.

“Melonie is great to work with and has more energy and persistence than anyone I know.”  States Dr. Randy Stovall, ZCOC Chairman, “Her work does indeed make a difference for our chamber and our community.  The FCCP designation just puts a stamp on her work.’

“I am honored to have received my FCCP designation, it is proof that we are never too old to learn and make a difference,” states Melonie, “I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to serve this wonderful city and to help others know that our chamber is focused on its mission to ‘advance economic growth and prosperity in our community by being the catalyst for business growth, the connector for leaders and influencers, and the champion for stronger communities.”

For more information about the Zephyrhills Chamber Of Commerce, contact Melonie Monson, President & CEO, at 813-782-1913 or via email CEO@zephyrhillschamber.org
For more information on FACP, contact Tammy Bracewell, President, at 1-800-226-3269 or via email director@facponline.com.