Scott Powers
Robert Agrusa has been named the new president of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce.
A Florida native and leading advocate for years for the Central Florida business community, Agrusa comes to the Apopka chamber from BusinessForce, the political arm of the Orlando Economic Partnership, where he had served as executive director for the past two years.
He takes the Apopka chamber helm Sept. 25.
“I am very excited and humbled by this opportunity” Agrusa stated in a news release from the Apopka chamber. “Apopka is a wonderful place for business and I look forward to sharing my skills and vision with the Board of Directors and membership to meet the expanding business needs of this rapidly growing community.”
As the lead administrator and spokesman for BusinessForce, Agrusa led community conversations, built diverse coalitions, and engaged the Central Florida’s businesses by facilitating positive, proactive participation. He also provided a strong voice on behalf of the business community to create more balanced media coverage in the process.
“Robert is a well-known and well-respected business advocate whose background and extensive experience in the Central Florida community will enable him to hit the ground running as we focus on bringing increased and measurable value to our members,” Apopka Chamber Board Chair Debbie Perez stated in the release. “We are confident his skills and experience will enable us to meet the continued growth of our community head-on.” The chamber’s executive search included nearly 200 applicants.
Agrusa moved to Central Florida in 2011 to serve as the chief political liaison between state Sen. Andy Gardiner’s legislative office and his responsibilities as Florida Senate President designate. In this role, Agrusa was immersed in Gardiner’s political, fundraising and campaign-related activities – including his 2014 re-election campaign and his state Political Action Committee.
He also has been active in the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, the Government Affairs Council at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, and the Central Florida Young Professionals Advisory Council, among other organizations.
