Vonnie, I Can’t Believe You Jumped Out Of A Perfectly Good Plane!

Vonnie Mikkelsen, Executive Director, Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce

As many of you know, I have been a private pilot for many years and in my lifetime have flown thousands of hours. In all of my training I was never taught how to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. As a matter of fact, in an emergency I was taught how to land in a cow pasture, on water or in not such a favorable location. In any event it was a pleasure to watch the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Executive Director/Thrillseeker Vonnie Mikkelsen jump out of an airplane during a fun day at Skydive City in Zephyrhills as ribbon cutting ceremonies followed for a new multi purpose facility at the drop zone. TK Hayes has done a wonderful job improving the facility and keeping up with the trend of a world class facility. Those in attendance were treated to videos on the big screens of RJ with the City of Zephyrhills (first time also) and Vonnie going through the procedures for their tandem jumps from suiting up to getting there first jump logged. All were also treated to a wonderful meal courtesy of TK and his staff as the band Frogbelly White got ready for a continued night of fun.  What a way to start off Independence Day activities. You can read the complete story in your favorite local weekly newspaper. Way to go RJ and Vonnie……What’s next?

See The Time Capsule Now Or Come Back In 2060 To See It Again!

You will get a couple of opportunities to see the Time Capsule before it is sealed in a monument at Zephyr Park as part of the 100 year Anniversary of this Community. It will be in the Founder’s Day parade kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2010 in Downtown Zephyrhills. It will then be on display at the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce for the remainder of the activities after the parade. You will have an opportunity to stop by and write a message or draw a picture to be included in the capsule to be opened in the year 2060. On Sunday, March 14, 2010 a Dedication Ceremony will take place at the Veteran’s Memorial Flagpole in Zephyr Park beginning at 3:30 p.m.   The program kicks off with skydivers from Skydive City parachuting in and bringing a well used parachute to be used as a blanket for the capsule for the next 50 years. It will be placed by the Skydivers and members of the JROTC. A complete program will follow. Bring your family and friends to experience a once in a lifetime event. Be a part of history and be a part of the 100 year Centennial Anniversary Celebration of the City Of Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills Chamber Has A New Look And New Direction

Photo by Gary Hatrick

The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted and are pleased that Vonnie Mikkelsen has accepted the position of Executive Director. A long list of applicants applied for the position, several were interviewed and by a majority vote Vonnie was the clear choice.  Her community involvement and great enthusiasm coupled with a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of South Florida helped to make the decision. The Chamber is looking for a new look and direction and Vonnie has already hit the ground running.  The Chamber should be a leader in business and in communicating information to its members. One of the first areas to address is the website and within a couple of months we plan to roll out a new and much improved product for the membership and community.  If you get a chance stop by and say hi.  Welcome to Zephyrhills Vonnie.  We are glad you’re here!