Written by Debbie Shannon | 05 March 2010

Heather McDonough has done something most CPA’s only fantasize about – she auditioned to be a New York City Rockette.  While this Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam senior tax manager did not make the chorus line she did have the experience of a lifetime.  “I was 25 and it was nerve-racking, but the coolest thing,” said McDonough, who has been a ballet, tap and jazz dancer since she was a toddler. “I still love to watch them.”

That adrenalin rush that McDonough felt at Radio City Music Hall is still with her today.  Tax season is in full swing: March 15 is the first deadline for corporate work and 30 days later personal work, partnerships and trust returns must be filed.

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 04 March 2010

Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce presents Keynote speaker Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast on March 30 to present "Surviving Layoffs and Economic Uncertainty."

All businesses are affected by the critical changes taking place around the county so make time for this valuable luncheon so you can prepare yourself for what is to come.

When: Tuesday, March 30, from 11:30am to 1:00pm
Where: DoubleTree Hotel Cocoa Beach
(2080 N. Atlantic Ave.)
How much: $25 per person or $300 for a table

Visit Www.CocoaBeachChamber.com for
more information about the chamber and
upcoming events!

Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
400 Fortenberry Rd., Merritt Island 32952
Phone: (321) 459-2200
Fax: (321) 459-2232

•Please RSVP with meal selection
to 321-459-2200 by March 22

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 26 February 2010

The Citizens for Space Exploration (CFSE) Committee of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce will have their first meeting to discuss their 19^th annual trip to Washington, D.C. on March 9^th, at the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (400 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island), beginning at 4:00 p.m.

The Citizens for Space Exploration (CFSE), a grassroots committee of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce comprised of aerospace companies, area businesses, students and community leaders will meet with the United States House and Senate members to advocate for continued investment in space research and exploration during their annual trip to the nation’s Capital - May 17^th through 19^th.

This is a collaborative effort with five other states Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Ohio that have a similar interest in maintaining and expanding their roles in the development of new modes of space transportation, launch capabilities, research, experimentation and exploration.

Working in teams during their visit, the committee has scheduled appointments with legislators who have influence in the direction and funding of the nation’s space program.  They meet with all members of Congress to stress the importance of the space program.  Special meetings have been set for Florida’s delegation.

CFSE is headed by Jon McBride, Kennedy Space Center, Frank DiBello, Space Florida and Melissa Stains, President/CEO of the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, along with over fifty community leaders from central Brevard County.  “I am thrilled at the enthusiasm of the Florida members of the Citizens for Space Exploration, said Melissa Stains.  ”All of our businesses are affected by NASA and space exploration. Let’s take this opportunity to be a voice for Human Space Exploration and save jobs in our county!”

For more information, contact the Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce at (321) 459-2200 or visit www.cocoabeachchamber.com.

The Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce was established in 1968 and serves Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Patrick Air Force Base, Port St. John, Rockledge, Suntree and Viera.

Written by BrevardCounty.com | 22 February 2010

Company: Exceptional Dentistry (Melbourne)

Position: Owner

Background:  University of South Florida undergraduate degree in biology and doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry.  She has been in private practice in the Melbourne area since 1996. 

Why so many women are entering dentistry: “You can have a solo practice and work as many hours as you want.  But there are also a lot of great opportunities out there for a woman who wants to have a family and only work a few days a week.  That can be a hard thing to find in the corporate world.”

Advice to others who might follow in her footsteps: “I think it’s pretty straightforward: Follow your heart, do what you love and work really, really hard.”