10 AM to 6 PM, Sun. The Daytona Beach News-Journal/TNS - Nigel Cook ... with former NBA megastar Michael Jordan to form 23XI Racing — the name an amalgam of Jordan’s basketball jersey number … Four of Audrey Hines' five children work at the restaurant, along with her sister and Jenkins' children. Former Volusia County Chair Frank Bruno credits Cameron with helping him to connect with the local business community on a number of issues over the years. “We had to make the accommodations as far as adding the plexiglass. Being an entrepreneur keeps him focused. A general view of the grandstands during the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 29, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Florida. More: It was once a bustling main street of Daytona's Black community. Cameron's accomplishments over the years include helping to bring SunRail to Volusia County, helping to bring the Hard Rock Hotel to Daytona Beach, working with Space Florida to recruit aerospace companies, and addressing issues such as the area's homeless population. Cameron arguably has been the chamber's most recognizable face in the community. "We'd leave at 3 or 4 in the morning for a 9 o'clock meeting. Both Hankerson and Jenkins said the customers come for the honey wings, which are soaked in their homemade Shannon 'Shamp’s' Famous Honey Wing Sauce, which is named after Hines. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. “Working together and continuing our mother’s legacy is important to us.”. “We currently sell the sauce here in the restaurant and online.”. On Feb. 7, 2020, Latoya Woodard was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her husband, Edwin Daniels. His friends include Dave Aronberg, a Democrat, who currently serves as state attorney for Palm Beach County. I give him a lot of credit.". Word of mouth is the best marketing tool as far as I’m concerned. ", MORE: Chamber provides 'platform for businesses to succeed'. He just tries to do right by the people of Volusia County.". Developed a lot of great friendships.". Advocate turned entrepreneur leads by example in Holly Hill, Kenneth Grant Inzpirations is all about family. He is a lobbyist, but a slick talking cigar-chomping backroom dealer he most definitely is not. FTRI now has a new Customer Care toll-free telephone number for clients to call if they are experiencing trouble with their amplified phone. Prior to opening, she worked as a supervisor at Volusia Detention Center for 25 years in the dietary department … We basically helped her maintain the business until she passed away.”. And the 66-year-old isn't ready to call it a career just yet. That's what makes him so successful. Located 20 minutes from Asheville, this “oasis in the woods” offers luxury bedding, a hot tub, and a view of the surrounding forest from high above. "I'm going to miss the chamber. One wall of his office at the chamber is adorned with photos of him with elected officials. “Prior to her passing away in 2010, she asked me in 2007 to join my brother and help him run the restaurant. WUSF: State Reports Lowest Number Of New COVID-19 Cases Since October News4Jax: Florida daily COVID-19 case count dropping but number of deaths still high FlaPol: 500 visitors to Florida died from COVID-19 Clayton Park can be reached at clayton.park@news-jrnl.com. — The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to decline in Florida, but the number of fatalities remains sky-high: including 161 reported Monday by the Department of Health. "The new position will be really focused on communication technology and use of grassroots database technology, more technology based," said Keefer. “Well, believe it or not, Black businesses thrive on this street,” said Jenkins. ... phone number and a … "As much as I love this organization, after 38 years I felt it was time for a career change so at the end of April I'm going to start on my own as a consultant here locally in the area of government relations," said Cameron who lives in Daytona Beach with his wife Rita. It’s always busy.”, Where: 731 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach. “This is a mom-and-pop shop and we cater to all walks of life,” said Hankerson, 56, who manages the restaurant. Jenkins said when her mother was a little girl, a family member owned a store in northern Florida. Volusia County (/ v ə ˈ l uː ʃ ə / və-LOO-shə) is located in the east-central part of the U.S. state of Florida, stretching between the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean.As of the 2010 census, the county was home to 494,593 people, an increase of 11.6% from 2000. in DeLand, in addition to its location inside the Sunshine Bowling Center. "Both of us were getting beat up left and right. Last year's most sought-after Airbnb property in North Carolina was a romantic treehouse. ... Daytona Beach Daytona Beach News Journal Home Show Friday, March 19 - Fri. & Sat. The Daytona Beach News-Journal View Comments Jim Cameron at the end of April will end his 38-year-long run as the Daytona Regional Chamber … Politics is about relationships and compromise. Set down a gravel road and accessible via a swinging bridge, it costs $300-a-night. We ended up staying there for five years. During the long drive we were always talking about issues and deciding who was going to speak first. Can it be reinvigorated? "His institutional knowledge is not able to be replicated, so we are focused on a new position that clearly facilitates enhanced communications and member engagement while understanding the dynamics of advocating for a fair and equitable business environment on a local, state and federal level. “We get people from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, we even get people down from Atlanta. If you are the owner of a business or if you want to nominate a business for recognition, please contact reporter Erica Van Buren at EVanBuren@News-Jrnl.com. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Daytona Beach’s annual Bike Week has brought tens of thousands of motorcyclists to the city and its neighbors this weekend — and f… Brown is a former state lawmaker who served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives from 1978 to 1980. Prior to that, he has worked for The Miami Herald, The New York Times Regional Newspaper Group, Daytona Beach News-Journal and The Tallahassee Democrat. People line up and down the street. We’ve never done any form of advertising.”. Cameron moved to Daytona Beach to join the staff of the Daytona Regional Chamber when the late Alex Bray, his former boss in Calhoun County, became executive director here. "I knew Jim because he was a very passionate advocate for Volusia County, especially during the Great Recession," said Aronberg. FLORIDA, US — A man suspected of possessing arms and ammunition was tasered by the Daytona Beach police officers in Florida on Feb. 10. Be sure to include your name, phone number and a little bit about the history of the business. "Anyone who knows Jim understands his passion for our region and his belief in the chamber's mission to build a stronger community through advocacy and collaboration. The Daytona Beach News-Journal. "We worked together (in the 1980s) on getting a (countywide) sign ordinance  approved that took the better part of a year," recalled Bruno who served on the Volusia County Council from 1982 to 2012 and became its first chairman in 2004. There. Cameron grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and still speaks with a Southern drawl. Jessica Lipscomb is an award-winning, top producing REALTOR® who brings her BA in Communication Studies & Public Relations from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington to her position as Broker of a family-held real estate company, Houses & More Real Estate. He has a photo of legendary University of Alabama football coach Bear Bryant displayed in his office. His duties include lining up speakers for the chamber's monthly Eggs & Issues breakfasts as well as organizing a group of local business leaders to make the annual "Volusia Days to the Capital" trek to Tallahassee. Daytona Beach business serves, educates community on healthy eating, Holly Hill business inspires love of music, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I walked in the door at 7:55 a.m.," Cameron recalled. "She would often visit," Jenkins said. Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jim was so instrumental in getting it approved. Aronberg got to know Cameron when he was a state senator representing parts of Palm Beach, Lee and Glades counties, from 2002 to 2010. “We get doctors, lawyers, celebrities; we have such a diverse customer base. Other menu items include golden brown butterfly shrimp; golden brown filet of whiting or tilapia; fried pork chops; potato salad; coleslaw; and, to cure that sweet tooth, banana pudding or a slice of cheesecake. The new number to call is 888-554-1151 or you may email Customer Care at customercare@ftri.org. He is also known for his "guarantee" that he will pay $1,000 to anyone who leaves a phone message for him if he does not call back within eight business hours. A lot of our business is from word of mouth. "Jim's been a guy whose very focused on issues," said J. Hyatt Brown, the chairman of Daytona Beach-based Brown & Brown Inc. "When he gets on an issue, he's like a dog on a deer.". "Trips to Tallahassee in the future might be made by me or by Len (Marinaccio, the chamber's 2021 board chairman), instead.". Bethune Grill, which opened in 1997, has a staff of 12 employees, and most of them are family. Cameron is known for his allegiance to his alma mater. Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young tweeted on Friday. He plans to become a consultant, helping clients by doing what he does best: helping people make connections. “Our customers kept coming in asking if we were selling it," said Hines. I said it. And of course the college kids.”. Jim worked hard to get funding from both the state and federal government for a number of projects. Aronberg observed that it's unusual for a chamber to have a lobbyist known throughout the state. While the aforementioned are all Republicans, Cameron said he views his role with the chamber as strictly non-partisan. "Most chamber lobbyists only work the legislators from where they're from, but not Jim. "In all the years I've known him, what political party you belong to has never been an issue. "I see myself as a facilitator, not a salesman," said Cameron. I hate to go against the prevailing winds of media adulation – but I don’t give a damn about the Naked Cowboy. "I've never paid it because I don't have that kind of money," he admitted half-jokingly of the reason he returns calls so promptly. "What makes Jim unusual is that he's known and respected by legislators throughout Florida," he said. Cameron said he is leaving the chamber because he is ready for a new challenge. We became friends. “My mom, Audrey Hines, was the founder of the restaurant,” said Jenkins, 55, general manager. He's also such a likable guy. ", "Jim and I carpooled a number of times to Tallahassee," Bruno said of the trips they made over the years to meet with state lawmakers. ", Frank DiBello, the CEO of Space Florida, described Cameron as "a consumate economic development pro and a great representative for Volusia County. "Business people can deliver the message far better than me. And we've been here at our current location ever since.”. After graduating from the University of Alabama where he majored in history and political science, he landed a job with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce in Anniston, Alabama. He agreed to stay on through the end of April in part so he could work one more legislative session. Can it be reinvigorated? He takes the time to do his due diligence and is masterful at pulling together the right people to address an issue.". Daytona Beach siblings and owners of Bethune Grill attribute the restaurant's success to their mother’s legacy. “Also our level of customer service, the family feel; I mean everybody is welcome. I put them in a room with lawmakers and let them do the talking. He and his wife have huge hearts. Cameron announced his decision in December to leave his job with the chamber. Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, Congressman Michael Waltz, Gov. On the day of his interview for this story, he was proudly wearing Crimson Tide socks. "I liked working with all different types of people both in the business community as well as elected officials.". Hines said the best part of owning and operating the restaurant, located at 731 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., is working with his family. ", Keefer added, "We hope to be able to celebrate Jim's accomplishments in some fashion in the coming months.". But the customers continue to pile in here and won’t leave until they get their food. Had a lot of fond memories here. Post: Palm Beach County's vaccine success could mean fewer doses WLRN: Department of Environmental Protection Asks Florida Communities To Assess Their Sea-Level Rise Risk Star-Banner: Marion to DeSantis: For COVID-19 vaccine, make school staff 'essential' According to the Florida Health Department, the state reported 4,684 new cases of the virus and four deaths on Friday. He has served under five executive directors during his time here. "Best Real Estate Agent" 2020, "Preston Picks" by Preston News & Journal . The Gem Next Door is a series that highlights local entrepreneurs operating businesses in your neighborhoods. Local business leaders say Cameron is far too modest. It was once a bustling main street of Daytona's Black community. But he is most proud of the relationships and in many cases friendships he has made over the years. On Feb. 1, Bethune Grill celebrated the grand opening of another location at 595 E. International Speedway Blvd. Nancy Keefer, the chamber's president and CEO, said the group does not plan to hire another lobbyist to succeed Cameron. Jim Cameron at the end of April will end his 38-year-long run as the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce's point person for government relations. Instead, the chamber is looking to fill a new position: advocacy communicator. "I started on April 18, 1983. He has an innate ability to connect with others. I even spoke to a Leadership Daytona class at Jim's invitation. The 22-year-old man identified as Steven Michael Fuller was sitting naked and was also armed with a knife in his hotel room in North Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach. They include U.S. "We started out east of Martin Luther King. Jenkins said her mother wanted more for Hines than the street life. It took the jury less than two hours to arrive at the verdict, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal. DAYTONA BEACH — Shannon Hines, Rosemary Jenkins and Karen Hankerson attribute the success of Bethune Grill to their mother’s legacy, family spirit and their famous honey wing sauce. For this year's legislative session, the chamber's "Volusia Days" event on March 16 and 17 will be held virtually via videoconferencing calls, as opposed to in person, because of the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re a close-knit family,” said Hines, 45, who owns the restaurant managed by his two sisters. “The college kids tell their family members about us,” said Jenkins. He is one of the longest tenured staffers the chamber has ever had in its 101-year history. Customers can purchase a bottle or a case as well as other menu items. “Expanding, franchising and taking the wing sauce mainstream are next on our list,” said Hines. The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t had much of an impact on their bottom line. "He was a frequent visitor to Tallahassee to urge passage of pro-jobs legislation. “We had to shut down the dine-in side,” said Jenkins. "He was very much involved in helping to get the state legislature to approve using (hotel) bed tax revenues to finance the convention center in the 1980s," said Brown. Demand was so high, they made the move to bottle the sauce, which is made fresh daily, 12 years ago. Bethune Grill is located a half-mile west of the historic Mary McLeod Bethune-Cookman University campus. "And I think that’s how she became inspired to move forward with opening her own business.”. Our oldest customer's got to be at least 86 years old.”, “I would say the quality of food is one of the reasons we’ve lasted this long,” said Jenkins. Cameron's job as senior vice president of government relations is conveying the chamber's position on various issues to elected officials at both the local, state and federal levels. “She always wanted a restaurant of her own. Ron DeSantis, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, state chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis and former Congressman John Mica. Kinfolks Cafe and CJ's Place are a few of the other well-known businesses in the neighborhood. I've been here fulltime ever since,” said Jenkins. "The chamber and the community has been well served by Jim for nearly 38 years," said Keefer. "I got hired to do industrial and public affairs and I found I really enjoyed it," said Cameron. The Volusia County-run Ocean Center in Daytona Beach opened in 1985. "We’ve had other restaurants reach out wanting to buy the sauce.”.