By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce is facing continued scrutiny following the termination of President and CEO Dr. Nick Grounds, as questions about governance, finances, and contractor payments remain unanswered. In a statement released on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after Grounds' termination, Chairman Matt DiSalvatore and the board emphasized that the executive committee acted in the organization's best interest, citing bylaws that grant the committee authority to employ or terminate the president when the full board is not in session.
Related: Leadership turmoil rocks Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce.
Grounds, who has led the Chamber since July 2024, disputed the action, stating that the executive committee lacked proper authority. In emails obtained by The Apopka Voice, Grounds outlined the Chamber's previous financial struggles, including credit card debt, an EIDL loan, and a disputed $40,000 liability. He also raised concerns about payments to contractors and alleged that decisions were made without full board approval.
On August 21st, The Apopka Voice submitted several specific questions to the Chamber to clarify Grounds' allegations:
- Was a vote taken during the emergency board meeting to terminate Grounds?
- What were the specific causes that led to Grounds' termination?
- Were the claims about the Chamber's financial status—including $12,000 credit card debt, $140,000 EIDL loan, and $40,000 unexplained liability—accurate?
- Did Grounds' termination relate to his decision not to employ contractor Chad Creech after June 2025?
- Did the Chamber owe Apopka Serves $40,000, as Grounds claims?
- Did the Chamber authorize a $2,000 payment to Creech via the Florida Growth Alliance for one hour of work?
- Has the Chamber ever paid a salary or made other payments to the Florida Growth Alliance, and if so, what was the nature of these payments?
As of publication, DiSalvatore and the Chamber have not responded to these questions.
In their statement, the board writes:
"The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce wishes to provide clarity regarding recent leadership changes.
To be clear, Apopka Serves Foundation has never been a contractor for the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce nor has it provided services on behalf of the Chamber. The organization is not implicated in recent events, and we regret any confusion that may have suggested otherwise.
As a Board, our only goal is to act in the best interest of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful for the work and progress accomplished during Mr. Grounds' time with the Chamber. However, after careful consideration, the Executive Committee determined that a change in direction was necessary to ensure the long-term stability and growth of the organization.
We ask for privacy and unity as the Chamber focuses on reconciling internally, strengthening governance, and moving forward as one. Our mission remains clear: to serve the businesses and residents of Apopka with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to be a trusted partner and advocate for our community, and we are committed to building a stronger future together."
Although Apopka Serves is not a contractor for the Chamber and has not provided services to the Chamber, there is a history between the two organizations. For a thorough look into Apopka Serves and its origins, go here.
The Apopka Voice also asked Grounds to provide proof of his allegations through documentation or confirmation from other sources, but he declined to answer the questions. Grounds, who was not among the multiple sources who provided emails about his termination, said in a text:
"I got your email and will answer in due course," he said.
