The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce is rebuilding and working to expand its membership and events a year after a leadership dispute led to the termination of its president and CEO, according to the organization’s new board chairman. 

The chamber announced last week that it reached an “amicable resolution” with former president and CEO Nick Grounds. A press release said the resolution concluded all matters related to the separation, but it did not disclose any of the terms of the agreement.  

In an interview, Gerald Rooks, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors, said the organization is working to expand events, working with new ambassadors and use technology to promote member businesses. 

“We’re rebuilding in a much more positive way, using technology,” Rooks said.  

The chamber is using a new directory system that allows members to post videos about their businesses, Rooks said. The organization is also encouraging businesses to host chamber events as it works to increase membership and help local companies grow. 

“We try to put money back in the community not so we can have cash on hand, but so we can build it to help support events and be in good financial standing,” Rooks said.  

The rebuilding effort comes a year after the chamber fired Grounds, setting off questions about how the decision was made and who had authority to terminate him. 

Grounds said he learned through an Aug. 15, 2025, email that the chamber’s executive committee had voted to terminate him, effective immediately. Grounds disputed whether the executive committee had authority to make the decision without approval from the full board of directors. 

The full board later backed the executive committee’s decision. In an Aug. 25, 2025, statement, the board did not provide a specific reason for Grounds’ termination but said a change in direction was necessary for the chamber’s “long-term stability and growth.” The board also said at the time that it would focus on reconciling internally, strengthening governance and moving forward. 

Grounds had become president and CEO in July 2024 when the chamber was near bankruptcy. During his tenure, the organization grew its membership and revived the Leadership Apopka program, among other things.  

The chamber said its board remains focused on maintaining services for members, investors and community partners while advocating for local businesses and promoting economic growth. 

The chamber has announced several events scheduled for the remainder of the year, including a Business After Hours networking event scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Hurricane Grill & Wings Apopka, 2209 E. Semoran Blvd. A portion of checks during the event will benefit Lighthouse Leaders, a student-led program at Wekiva High School that promotes leadership, mental-health advocacy and an inclusive school environment. 

The chamber has also opened ticket sales for its 113th anniversary Celebration & Awards Gala, scheduled for 6-9:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at The Highland Manor. The annual event will recognize local businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions to the Apopka area. Last year’s event sold out, according to the chamber.