5 Seismic Shifts: How The Daytona Regional Chamber Of Commerce Is Redefining Economic Power In 2025

The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce (DRCC) is not the organization you remember. A series of major, high-impact changes—from a significant leadership transition to a bold, multi-million-dollar facility renovation—have entirely redefined its role in the Volusia County area, making it a critical hub for regional economic development as of late 2024 and early 2025.

This powerful shift signals a renewed commitment to business advocacy and growth, moving the DRCC from a traditional networking group to a central command center for the entire Daytona Beach region's prosperity. The recent focus on legislative priorities and unprecedented collaboration with the City of Daytona Beach highlights a fresh, aggressive strategy to secure the area's future.

New Leadership: The Kristin J. Weiss Era and Executive Profile

The most significant recent development at the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce is the transition of its top executive role. This change marks a new strategic direction for the organization.

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Kristin J. Weiss: President & CEO (Incoming)

• Role: President & Chief Executive Officer, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• Start Date: Set to officially join the Chamber on October 6.
• Appointment: Selected after a nationwide search.
• Significance: Her appointment is expected to usher in a new era of strategic leadership, focusing on the Chamber’s mission to foster growth and prosperity in the Daytona Beach region.

Nancy Keefer: Former President & CEO

• Role: Former President & Chief Executive Officer.
• Tenure: Led the Chamber through a period of significant achievement, including the major renovation of the headquarters and numerous community events.
• Departure: Her last day was around June 23, 2025, according to financial filings, leading up to the new CEO announcement.

The formal announcement of the new President & CEO was made on August 6, 2025, following an extensive national search to find a leader capable of driving the Chamber’s ambitious 2025 legislative and economic agenda. This leadership change is a clear signal that the DRCC is aggressively positioning itself for the next decade of regional growth.

The New Command Center: HQ Renovation and Strategic Co-Location

One of the most tangible examples of the Chamber's commitment to the future is the completion and opening of its newly renovated headquarters. This was a highly anticipated building renovation that transformed the organization's offices.

The renovated facility, which was set to open in April 2024, is far more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It represents a profound strategic move to centralize and streamline economic development efforts across the region.

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A Partnership for Prosperity: City Co-Location

In a move that is virtually unprecedented for a regional chamber, the City of Daytona Beach has leased space within the renovated DRCC headquarters. This strategic co-location allows the City’s economic development staff to work directly within the Chamber’s building.

The purpose of this co-location is explicit: to enable the Chamber and the city to cooperate more closely with one another in achieving their shared economic goals. This integrated approach ensures that business advocacy, recruitment, and local government initiatives are perfectly aligned, eliminating bureaucratic friction and accelerating development projects.

The facility itself is designed to foster collaboration, featuring modern office facilities, virtual office solutions, and casual meeting areas. It also includes a "Wall Art" legacy opportunity for members to leave their mark on the new building, symbolizing the community's investment in the Chamber's future.

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Advocacy and Influence: The Stance on Florida's Amendment 3

The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce has cemented its role as a powerful business advocate, taking a clear and strong position on critical legislative issues impacting the state and the local economy. A prime example of this is their official opposition to Florida’s Amendment 3.

Opposing Recreational Marijuana Use

In October 2024, the DRCC Board of Directors approved a formal position opposing the passage of Florida’s Amendment 3, which aimed to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.

The Chamber joined the Florida Chamber of Commerce in this opposition, citing concerns over the potential hazards and negative impacts on the business community and workforce. This stance demonstrates the Chamber’s willingness to engage in high-stakes political advocacy to protect the perceived interests of its member businesses, particularly regarding employee health, workplace safety, and regional image.

Furthermore, the Chamber actively publishes its 2025 Legislative Priorities, ensuring members are informed and represented during the Florida legislative session and in local city and county matters. This proactive approach to advocacy is a key pillar of its modern mission.

Celebrating Excellence: The 2024 Annual Awards and Programs

The Chamber continues its tradition of recognizing the driving forces behind the region's success through its Annual Awards Celebration. The 2024 awards, announced on August 29, 2024, highlighted significant contributions across several categories, celebrating the accomplishments of businesses and individuals. The event itself, including the 105th Annual Meeting, is a cornerstone of the regional business calendar, often presented by major local entities like Halifax Health.

Key 2024 Honorees and Entities

• Nonprofit of the Year: Volusia Recovery Alliance. This award highlights the Chamber’s recognition of organizations addressing critical community issues like substance abuse recovery, which directly impacts the workforce.
• Small Business of the Year: (Honoree recognized for significant growth and local impact).
• Large Business of the Year: (Honoree recognized for major economic contribution and regional influence).
• Other Awards: The celebration typically includes honors for individuals who embody the spirit of leadership and excellence that drives the region forward.

These awards are a crucial mechanism for building topical authority and showcasing the diverse economic landscape of the Daytona region, from healthcare (Halifax Health) to vital social services (Volusia Recovery Alliance).

Developing the Future: The Leadership Daytona Program

Beyond immediate advocacy and corporate recognition, the DRCC is heavily invested in the long-term sustainability of the region's leadership pipeline. The flagship Leadership Daytona Program remains a vital initiative for community development.

Class XLV – 2025

The Leadership Daytona Program, now in its 45th iteration (Class XLV – 2025), is specifically designed for the community's active leaders. The rigorous, 11-week program focuses on providing inspiration, connections, and a deep understanding of the region's challenges and opportunities.

Graduates of the program, such as Deputy Chief Matthews of the Daytona Beach Fire Department, go on to hold influential positions, demonstrating the program's success in shaping the next generation of Volusia County decision-makers. By consistently running this program, the Chamber ensures a steady supply of informed, connected, and dedicated civic and business leaders, solidifying its role as a key educational and mentorship institution in the region.

From the new CEO's strategic vision to the physical renovation of its headquarters and its bold political stances, the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce is clearly operating with a renewed sense of purpose. Its focus on integrated economic development with the City, strong business advocacy, and leadership cultivation confirms its status as the single most critical force driving the economic future of the Daytona Beach area in 2025 and beyond.