DAYTONA BEACH
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 3
ROBOT BRAWL VI PAGE 1B
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025
Life finds a way, at new MOAS exhibit Expedition: Dinosaurs at Daytona Beach museum brings prehistoric era to life for children (and adults). PAGE 13A
Arts groups shocked by council’s cuts Loss of grant funds may lead to fewer programs PAGE 8A INSIDE KIRK ROAD?
Volusia County Council to consider dedicating a local road after Charlie Kirk. PAGE 10A
DBPD OFFICER’S DUI Daytona Beach police officer arrested on DUI charge after crashing truck at Palm Coast McDonald’s. PAGE 2A
INDEX
Business..................... PAGE 3B Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 8B Letters.......................PAGE 12A McMillan....................PAGE 12A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Sports......................... PAGE 6B Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate................. PAGE 4B
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Q + A NANCY KEEFER, DEPARTING CHAMBER PRESIDENT
On Daytona Beach’s economic growth and its future this community.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
D
IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR PART ABOUT BEING PRESIDENT OR CEO THAT YOU’RE GOING TO MISS MORE THAN THE OTHERS?
aytona Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Nancy Keefer will be stepping down from her presidency in December. Keefer has served as the chamber’s president and CEO for 12 years. On Dec. 18, Keefer will step down, and Kristin Weiss will take her place. Weiss joined the Chamber on Oct. 6 as the incoming president. The public can welcome Weiss at the Chamber’s upcoming Oct. 21 Business After Hours event at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach from 5-7 p.m. Keefer recently sat down with the Daytona Beach Observer to talk about the growth she’s seen in Daytona Beach, her retirement, the new president, and where she sees business going in Daytona Beach.
HOW HAS THE DAYTONA BEACH BUSINESS SCENE GROWN WHILE YOU’VE BEEN PRESIDENT AND CEO?
We have certainly seen a change in the demographics of our business base here. Specifically, with all of the work we’re doing in aerospace and engineering, through Embry Riddle. You’ve seen us attract Boeing and Aura Aero — which are major aviation companies — to this area. We’re always going to have a very strong tourism base here. That’s really a very, very important part of our industry. But you can even see the attraction we’ve had for new hotels to the market. I think we’ve got great bones here in this community. We’ve got the respect for the longtime culture of being a tourism economy, with the intent of continuing to diversify and grow wages [and] higher paying jobs for the area. WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO RETIRE NOW?
You know, because I can. How’s that for an answer? I just love what I do, and, fortunately, I’ve made really smart choices throughout my life, from a financial standpoint. I want to be
Nancy Keefer is stepping down as president and CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Keefer
always look at how we can move things forward.
able to take the time to enjoy this beautiful community. I’ve worked hard for the past 12 years here, and now I’m going to stay, and I’m going to be the newest tourist in my own backyard. And the chamber is in such great shape with leadership and such a fabulous staff. It’s nice to leave at a time when there’s a good, solid foundation here to carry it forward. WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE PRESIDENT KRISTIN WEISS TAKING THE CHAMBER OVER THE NEXT FIVE TO 10 YEARS?
We’re very financially stable, brand new building, dedicated staff and great board leadership. I think she has a real opportunity to take this even further. And she’s got a passion for workforce development and education. I think that’s something that’s very much needed. We’re very active in that now, but I think that’s something that you’ll see do even better in the years ahead. And just new and innovative ideas for the community: It’s always great to get some fresh perspective. Don’t ever forget who we are and where we’re from, but
ARE THERE ANY AREAS FOR BUSINESS GROWTH THAT YOU FEEL ARE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL FOR DAYTONA BEACH?
I still think we’ve got to focus on those higher paying jobs. And it won’t be just in the aerospace industry. It can be recruiting and retaining high level professionals in our area. That’s still a big part, between professional services of attorneys and CPAs and insurance. HOW DOES AN ACTIVE AND STRONG CHAMBER IMPACT THE LIVES OF THE EVERYDAY RESIDENT?
That’s such a great question, and it’s one we have a hard time putting a value to, because we’re such a broad and diverse organization. Our belief is that every single member, regardless of size, makes an impact in this community, because they help us to better advocate for what the needs are, whether you’re a business or a resident. It helps us to provide mentors and training to our students who are future workforce. The events and everything are great, but where the rubber meets the road is how we improve the potential for
I think it’s working with the best and the brightest in our community. I get to sit around the table with business owners and elected officials of all shapes and sizes. And it really is being in the know of what’s going on in the community and being a part of so much that’s happening. You can almost look out every day and say, “Gosh, I helped that small business get started,” or “I helped an educational institution secure funding,” things like that. I think you miss being a part of that. And again, I’m incredibly proud of this building. You know, we did raise $3.2 million, and it’s private sector money — businesses that believe in the future of this chamber and the future of the community. We have a beautiful, state of the art building with a lot of training spaces and meeting spaces, so that’s probably one of the things I’m most proud of. IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU’D LIKE TO GIVE MISS WEISS AND THE TEAM YOU’RE LEAVING BEHIND?
Never settle for status quo. Always look to improve and build upon the foundation that’s here while respecting the culture and the history of this community. IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE OR LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED?
The takeaway is how caring people are in this community. And how, even though sometimes, as residents and businesses, we might disagree on how we get somewhere, we always want to be at the end place. Which is making this the greatest place to live and work in.
TACO Tuesday! Burger & Brew Wednesday! and
TWO TACOS + CHIPS & DRINK
ANY BURGER + A CRAFT DRAFT
Tues. Street or Standard Tacos. Add $2 and get any Taco.
Wed. 5pm-Close. Single Patty Only. One per Customer.
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