The powerhouse Winter Park law firm’s annual holiday party has become one of Central Florida’s top “Must Attend” events.
By Jacob Engels
Last year, the East Orlando Post published a write-up on the Vose Law Firm’s annual holiday party, highlighting the high-profile attendees and meticulously planned event. I said it last year, and I will say it again this year, this is the only “holiday party” I put on the docket annually.
From the handcrafted hors d’oeuvres, to the decadently decorated space, it is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to your appetite. This years event was at full capacity and featured an even larger spread of delectable jumbo shrimp, finger sandwiches, and a host of other made-from-scratch treats.
Everything was mouthwatering…just a small selection of what was on hand.
Libations abound, guests were furnished with a glass of their choice, which was of course featured a frostily etched “Vose,” for the duration of their stay. A solo acoustic guitarist played all the Christmas classics with ease. Orlando Politics publisher Frank Torres was out and about.
The music was angelic.
Shawn Richmond, a government and community relations expert, explained the Vose Law Firm holiday party in just five words. “Everyone who is anyone, is there.”
Wade Vose, who runs the firm with his mother Gretchen “Becky” Vose, has had an impressive 2015, culminating in him being named as the General Counsel to the Orange County Charter Review Commission.
“We have seen a lot of growth in 2015, and I applaud everyone at our firm for contributing to a successful year. At the end of the day though, spending time with our friends and family is the most important thing for all of us. We are always humbled to see so many friends and community leaders,” Vose told us.
Mr. Vose was quick to point out how hard his mother and the firm’s staff worked to plan the event, and make sure guests were taken care of for the duration.
The Vose Law Firm has managed to continue garnering high-level clients in the private sector, while strengthening it’s portfolio of cities and counties in the state of Florida that it represents.
I attended the event with filmmaker and photographer Jason Jack Underwood, who commented on the high-quality staging and decorations.
Fillmmaker Jason Jack Underwood and myself at the party.
“In what is already a beautiful office, Wade and his firm had it looking like a high budget film set. No stone was left unturned.”
Justin York, an attorney with Lydecker Diaz, said that the Vose Law Firm once again impressed with the 2015 party. York also serves on the Lake Mary Planning and Zoning Board, as well as the Seminole County Soil & Water Conservation Board.
“They are world class hosts, and I consider Wade a close friend.”
Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary was spotted at the event, sporting a nicely grown beard, and working the room. Leary, who won a close raise against Cynthia Mackinnon, has received tremendous praise since becoming Mayor for his intense focus on nuts & bolts issues facing residents.
Noted political and governmental affairs consultant Alan Byrd, who previously worked as a reporter and later as Director of Business Marketing for the Orlando Business Journal, was also at the holiday party.
“I am always impressed with the crowd. You see people from all levels of goverment and politics, it is the must attend party of the year.”
Byrd and Leary were among a host of political power-brokers that is almost too long to list, that included Mayors and County Commissioners. Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olzweski and former Orange County Commissioner and one-time Mayoral hopeful Bill Segal were also spotted.
Olzweski is running a strong campaign to replace Scott Boyd on the Orange County Commission.
Phillip Kaprow, an attorney at Vose Law Firm who heads up the corporate and business end, told the East Orlando Post he always looks forward to annual holiday party.
“We all work very hard each and every day, but this event is always about being able to enjoy time with friends and family,” who was sporting a Darth Vader themed Christmas sweater.
The force is strong…
Casselberry City Commissioner Anthony Aramendia commented that it was a great way to start off the busy holiday season. “Casselberry has a packed schedule of marathons, tree-lighting events, and more over the next few weeks. This was an awesome way to appreciate the calm before the storm.”
While the event was was often so packed and full of conversation that it could sometimes be hard to hear, it held a sense of true camaraderie. I saw Republicans and Democrats enjoying fellowship, if only for a few hours, forgetting the partisan divide.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater’s Central Florida lieutenant Nick Corvino held a similar observation. “Phenomenal time where everyone in Central Florida can get together, give thanks, and reflect.”
In what has become a tradition for the past three years, I furnished the Vose Law Firm with an authentic Douglas Fir Christmas wreath from my hometown in Northern Michigan, this time befitted with a tasteful ribbon and ornament combination.
Seminole County Republican Party Chairman Al Schwarz, who also serves as the Vose Law Firms go-to attorney in the property and tax law areas, was happy with the turnout.
“Honored to work with a gracious and talented group of people who attract some of the friendliest and kindhearted people I know.”
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
