TheConnection Your chamber of choice.
Serving The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce - February 2016
Meet
SUZANNE VAN BIBBER and WHIT LIVINGSTON
of CareerSource Central Florida PAGE 6
www.bestversionmedia.com â—† Cover photo by Byron Faudie
[ SPONSORED BY: COLDWELL BANKER ] Sue Hooper, Realtor
REAL ESTATE UPDATE ACTIVE
PENDING
SOLD
G4811962 23801 Pine Dr., Sorrento 925 sq. ft. 3/1 $55,000
G4811414 804 E. Hazelton St., Eustis 1365 sq. ft. 3/2 $96,500 *DOM 7
G4811151 302 S. Rhodes St., Mt. Dora 1000 sq. ft. 3/2 $58,000 *DOM 3
G4812000 201W. Holly St., Howey in the Hills 1443 sq. ft. 4/2 $149,900
G4811689 580 Page Ln., Mt. Dora 1695 sq. ft. 3/2 $200,000 *DOM 2
G4809753 41003 Royal Trials, Eustis 1945 sq. ft. 3/2 $184,500 *DOM 3
G4811988 19545 Spring Oak Dr., Eustis 1940 sq. ft. 3/2 $249,900
G4811577 16326 Shirley Shores Rd., Tavares 2423 sq. ft. 3/2 $349,900 *DOM 9
G4808949 7140 Lake Ola Dr., Mt. Dora 1660 sq. ft. 3/1/1 $275,000 *DOM 6
G4811797 1771 Heim Rd., Mt. Dora 5629 sq. ft. 6/3/1 $1,150,000
G4811654 6608 Sinisi Dr., Mt. Dora 4220 sq. ft. 5/4//1 $5499000 *DOM 4
G4807750 2410 Harbor Way, Mt. Eustis 1922 sq. ft. 3/2 $416,000 *DOM 13 *DOM - Days On Market
Have a Colorful
&
]
352.357.4781
205 N. Grove Street • Downtown Eustis
d
sales@henn-house.com • www.Henn-House.com
2 [ TheConnection
Professional Graphic Design Services Available
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Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page which is primarily gathered from the MLS. Any real estate agent's ad appearing and sponsoring this page is separate from the statistical data which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Your chamber of choice.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President, Robin Austin – TD Bank President Elect, Karen Sartele – RE/MAX Premier Treasurer, Tom Popieski – Seacoast Bank Past President, Jerry Cobb – Cobb’s Triangle Tractor BOARD OF DIRECTORS Barb Yaussy – CenterState Bank BE Thompson – LifeStreams Behavioral Center Bill Gay – Straight-line Communications Craig Regan – Bronson Ace Hardware David Logan – Logan, Bowyer & McCullough Donnie Covey – Honey Baked Ham Emanuele Fano – Fano Consulting Jessica Quinones – Regions Bank Joanne Keller – Joanne M. Keller, ARNP Jordan Hawkins – United Southern Bank Judy Stewart – Law Offices of Judy Stewart Karen Carroll – AFLAC Kellie Morgan – Home Companions Senior Care Pete Kenjosian, ASK Cleaning Rachel Holtzclaw – Rachel Holtzclaw CPA, PA Stephanie Carder – The Village Framer YOUR CHAMBER STAFF Christie Bobbitt – Executive Director Jan Wilson – Communications and Events Director Bonnie Mayo – Special Events Staff YOUR CHAMBER AMBASSADORS Colleen Campagnari – Pro Auto Care Emanuele Fano – Fano Insurance Services Ellen Jordan – Tupperware Contractor Kellie Keith – Home Companions Senior Care Jessica Quinones – Regions Bank Mary Rhodes – The Mortgage Firm, Inc. Jennifer Slater – 1000 Words Gallery Jeanne Sutton – Coldwell Banker Tyre and Taylor Realty Sue Hooper – Inspired Designs Laurie MacKillip – Star Security Jiovanni Yacobellis – Rhythms Barb Yaussy – CenterState Bank
CHAMBER TRUSTEE PARTNERS What is a Trustee Partner: This innovative membership category has evolved with the growth of the Chamber and is designed to meet the Chamber’s short and longer term financial needs by supporting current operations, while building resources for the future. This support allows Chamber staff and volunteers to focus their efforts on a broader range of programs that make a real difference to our members and the community.
Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2016 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
For more information on the Community Trustee Partner program contact us at cbobbitt@eustischamber.org or call (352) 357-3434.
February 2016 ] 3
PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
CHAMBER BREAKFAST Sponsored by: Independent Air
GARY CALHOUN Eustis Police Chief
MICHAEL SWANSON Eustis Fire Chief LIFEPOINTE CHURCH 3551 E ORANGE AVE., EUSTIS
Thank you to The City of Eustis for sponsoring the January Chamber breakfast.
GARY CALHOUN: Under the direction of Chief Gary Calhoun, the Eustis Police Department provides professional, efficient, and effective law enforcement services within the City of Eustis. With a total of 59 department employees, 41 sworn officers maintain a high level of crime deterrence utilizing highly visible, pro-active patrols and special operations. Through a community policing philosophy, the department provides people and community-oriented law enforcement services, with excellent community involvement and support. Highly specialized programs and patrols, such as Criminal Investigations Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, SWAT, K-9, and Communications enhance the level of services provided to the community. Neighborhood Watch, Citizens Police Academy, and Prescription Drug “Take Back” are some of the special programs hosted by the department. Crime avoidance and prevention seminars are given throughout the year to businesses, civic groups, and other organizations. Police Department tours, K-9 demonstrations, and other informative presentations are conducted for all elementary schools, as well as to various youth organizations. MICHAEL SWANSON: Established in 1883, The Eustis Fire Department is widely renown as the most professional fire department in Lake County. The department serves a 10+ square mile area, with a population of more than 18,000. Based upon the average response time, equipment, dispatching services, water flow, service area, and the professional training of department personnel, the City’s current ISO rating is a “2”. Under the direction of Fire Chief Michael Swanson, the department provides administrative, inspection, rescue, and suppression services to our community. Additionally, the department provides vehicle extrication services. Typically, the Eustis Fire Department responds to over 4,000 calls per year.
Breakfast Calendar 2016 4 [ TheConnection
January 14 February 11 March 10 April 14 May 12 June 9
July 14 August 11 September 8 October 13 November 10 December 8
Your chamber of choice.
Publication Team: Publisher: Missie Jordan Content Coordinator: Renee Garrison Photographers: Byron Faudie, Jennifer Slater Designer: Rachel Zaborowski Chamber Communications: Jan Wilson Expert Contributors A special Thank You to our Expert Contributors. Several of our contributors have stepped up to the expert status in their prospective field. Please look for the E+ sticker. Betty Ainsley - Skin Care Eric Blamick - Financial Advisor Karen Carroll - Aflac Country Club of Mount Dora Florida Hospital Waterman Pastor Alan Holden - Midway Baptist Church Joanne Keller - Wellness Maranatha Tax - Tax Services Jodie McEwen - Insurance Kathy Thomas - Acupuncture Dr. Tracie Wilson - Veterinarian Dr. Wade Winker - Dentist Advertise in The Connection Missie Jordan • 317-331-9205 mjordan@bestversionmedia.com Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 25th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.
Your chamber of choice.
Epiphany Celebration Anglican Church Senior Pastor, The Rev. Dr. Woodleigh Volland “Pastor Woody” speaks at the Chamber monthly breakfast on December 10th
New Members: Exit Tri County Realty Judy Stewart Campaign Renewing Members: ARC Sunrise of Central Florida Break Point Alley, LLC Employer Benefits Consulting, LLC Henn-House Printing Mary Rhodes – The Mortgage Firm Oakwood Smokehouse & Grill United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties The above listing reflects new members and renewals between November 24 and December 21, 2015.
WE NOTICED
Animal Medical Center was the recipient of the December WE NOTICED Award. Chamber Ambassadors presented the award on December 17th to Dr. Tracie Wilson in recognition of their business expansion and growth, and their commitment to our community.
Free sprinkler repair and winter pressure wash with yearly contract.
Affordable Lawn and Sprinkler Cut/Edge/Trim/Blow/Hedges Flower Bed Weed Control MONTHLY SERVICES START AT $60 A MONTH
Premier Realty Karen Sartele, SFR, FSP, ABR, CIPS, TRC, CPDE, CIAS REALTOR®
352-255-5049
Josh Mullaly, fireman owned and operated.
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
352-223-3799 cell
Fax: 866-311-2947 karensartele@remax.net 605 N. Donnelly Street Mount Dora, FL 32757 February 2016 ] 5
[ MEMBER OF THE MONTH ]
CAREERSOURCE CENTRAL FLORIDA Benefits Local Businesses
By Casey Johnson
Behind every successful organization is a dedicated, innovative team. CareerSource Central Florida is fortunate to include Suzanne Van Bibber, a Business Sales Consultant, among those who contribute to the success of workforce development in Central Florida. As an organization that tailors recruitment services to both businesses and career seekers, Suzanne brings her expertise as a successful healthcare representative to help serve one of Central Florida’s booming targeted industries. Prior to relocating to Leesburg, Florida, twenty years ago, Suzanne held an impressive eleven-year career in pharmaceutical sales in Rochester, New York. After moving to the Sunshine State, Suzanne continued building her résumé to include experience in the healthcare industry and active-adult retirement communities. Over the duration of her career, Suzanne has effectively developed an understanding of the unique needs and requirements of the healthcare industry, making her a perfect recruitment partner to this outstanding field of business professionals in Lake County. This has essentially enabled her to build collaborative and mutually beneficial partnerships with key players in the industry, including physicians and medical staff at hospitals and pharmacies. Suzanne’s relationship with the Eustis Chamber of Commerce began four years ago, and she says, “The chamber is a great place to network with local companies and new businesses…And networking is the key to success! It is a wonderful place to build long-term, professional relationships, and I take pride in connecting Lake County businesses with programs and talent that can assist with their growth and expansion.” Having been brought up in a family-owned manufacturing 6 [ TheConnection
business, Suzanne says, “I can relate very well to many of the challenges faced by businesses - similar to ones that my father faced while running his business. It is very satisfying for me when I am able to assist local employers with the no-cost programs we [CareerSource Central Florida] provide that help them in the success of their business.” With team members like Suzanne Van Bibber, CareerSource Central Florida continues to tailor programs that benefit businesses and career seekers throughout its five-county region: Lake, Sumter, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. Business Sales Consultants partner with local employers to identify recruitment needs and obstacles, and work to overcome these challenges. The result is a knowledgeable and powerful workforce, with businesses and career seekers in the region excelling to their fullest potential. Contact us today to get started on your tailored business plan to bring your workforce to the next level. Suzanne Van Bibber, Business Sales Consultant, SVanBibber@ careersourcecf.com; Wit Livingston, Veteran Representative – LVER, WLivingston@careersourcecf.com; CareerSource Central Florida Lake/Sumter County Career Services Center: 352.360.6280
Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to
present GeorgeFest 2016 –
“Proud To Be An American”
February 2016 ] 7
graphic design • web design • marketing
So you can look forward
Helping our local businesses
GROW. Ivan Gonzalez Branch Manager 352-483-5908
YOUR FRIEND IN MARKETING!
unitedsouthernbank.com
352.602.4325 9 N. Eustis Street Eustis, FL 32726 www.CreativeMixOnline.com
16EustisChamber.indd 1
11/17/15 4:33 PM
Find the “ROOT” cause of disease ◆ Learn wellness tools for a healthier “YOU” Engage with others in our educational seminars Image the body without radiation or pain ◆ Reveal hidden sources of toxicity Become as “well” as you can be!
Invest In Your Wellness!
• NEW BioTe Hormone Pellet Therapy & Hormone Optimization • Thyroid Management • Nutritional Counseling • Functional Medicine Evaluation • Probiotics & “Gut” Health • Infrared Sauna for Detoxification • Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging • Breast & Full Body Imaging • Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men & Women • Gluten Sensitivity & Food Allergy Testing
352.385.2631 • www.JoanneMKellerARNP.com 8 [ TheConnection
LAKE EUSTIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS GEORGEFEST 5K RUN/WALK By Chamber Staff
2016 marks the 2nd GeorgeFest 5k run/walk. The event will take place on Saturday, February 13. The run will begin in Ferran Park at 8 a.m. You can register to ‘Run With the Georges’ up to race day. The event is made possible through a partnership with Greater Events. Greater Event’s expertise lies in organizing and facilitating 5k races throughout Central Florida. The proceeds from the “Running With the Georges” will be used to fund two grants. Each grant will be for up to $1,000. One grant will go to one of our local schools to fund a project and one grant will go to a non-profit (501 3c), Lake Eustis Area chamber of Commerce Member for a project to benefit the Eustis area. Grant opportunities were sent to all organizations who met the criteria and a selection committee chose the winners based on the merits of the projects presented. All race day events are open to the public. Following the race weekend, please join us for the Eustis AfricanAmerican Heritage Celebration the next weekend on Saturday, February 20. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and the festival will begin afterwards at the Eustis High School Curtwright Campus, 1801 Bates Avenue, Eustis.
HILLCREST INSURANCE AGENCY
Focused on the Protection of Individuals and Businesses Mount Dora Office 18500 US Hwy 441 Mount Dora, Florida 32757
Phone: (352) 383-8164 Toll Free: 800-227-4380
www.HillcrestInsurance.com As an independent insurance agent, we represent many top rated insurance companies. We're here for you locally! February 2016 ] 9
GeorgeFest Calendar of Events: “PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN” February 26 -28, 2016 By Chamber Staff
In Historic Downtown Eustis and Ferran Park, Eustis, FL 32726 The city of Eustis, Florida has been celebrating the birthday of our nation’s first President, George Washington, for more than 100 years. This puts Eustis on the map, as it has the 2nd longest running GeorgeFest in the nation, second only to Laredo, Texas
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, February 26 5 p.m. ������� Festival Opens – Food & Carnival in Historic Downtown Eustis/ Ferran Park 7 p.m. ������� FREE Birthday Cup Cakes in Historic Downtown Eustis/Ferran Park 7 – 10 p.m. Live Entertainment in the Band Shell DUSK �������� Fireworks (Rain Date: Saturday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m.) in Ferran Park Saturday, February 27 10 a.m. ������ Grand Parade 1 – 10 p.m. Entertainment (in Historic Downtown Eustis and Ferran Park) 1 p.m. ������� Distribution of Parade Trophies (Band Shell in Ferran Park) Sunday, Feb. 28 10 a.m. ������ Patriotic Service (Ferran Park) 12 - 5 p.m � Carnival Continues 3 p.m �������� Button Drawing (Near Band Shell – Winners will be posted) Schedule subject to change. All events-weather permitting Please contact Christie Bobbitt at (352) 357-3434 or cbobbitt@eustischamber.org for more information.
10 [ TheConnection
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Hill Insurance Group, Inc. Kay and Gene Hill 352-385-7355
Allstate has no financial responsibility to you for any home insurance policy you purchase and would not be responsible for any claims. Allstate does not make any representations or accept liability related to operations of home insurance companies, including, but not limited to, their financial conditions. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Š 2012 Allstate Insurance Co.
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2785 S. Bay St., Unit D Eustis, FL 32726 kayhill@allstate.com www.allstate.com/kayhill
CountryClub The
of M ount Dora
1900 Country Club Blvd., Mount Dora 352.735.4059 www.ccofmtdora.com Golf course is Open to the Public Serving Lunch 7 days a week - open to all Golf course is Open to the Public Banquet facilities available
Serving Lunch 7 days a week – open to all Banquet facilities available.
352.735.4059
www.ccofmtdora.com
February 2016 ] 11
[ CALENDAR OF EVENTS // FEBRUARY ] Sponsored by eSportsPhoto
Friday, February 5 7:30-8:30 a.m. Leads Group Barnwood Bar-B-Que 50 West Orange Avenue, Eustis
Friday, February 12 7:30-8:30 a.m. Leads Group Barnwood Bar-B-Que 50 West Orange Avenue, Eustis
Friday, February 5 6-10 p.m. Eustis LIVE! Downtown Eustis
Friday, February 19 7:30-8:30 a.m. Leads Group Barnwood Bar-B-Que 50 West Orange Avenue, Eustis
Thursday, February 11 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. Chamber Breakfast Eustis Community Center 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis
12 [ TheConnection
Friday, February 26 7:30-8:30 a.m. Leads Group Barnwood Bar-B-Que 50 West Orange Avenue, Eustis
SHORT TERM DISABILITY By Karen Carroll
Most people insure their material possessions—their homes and cars, for example. But many of these same people don’t insure what is probably their most valuable asset — their ability to work and earn income. If an individual becomes sick or is injured and can’t work, will he or she be able to pay bills and maintain a standard of living? The truth of the matter is, nobody likes to think about what life would look like should disability strike. But your chances of becoming disabled are probably greater than you realize. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. Of course, the chances that any one individual will
be disabled before retirement depends on many factors, including age, general health, and occupation. The loss of income because of a disability can be so devastating that it forces some people to leave their home or even declare bankruptcy. Disability insurance can help you pay your bills by replacing a portion of your income. It can help you maintain your current lifestyle and help protect you and your family from going into serious debt. People may think they are adequately insured against disability because they have coverage through their employer or through government programs such as Social Security and workers’ compensation. However, many employers do not make short- or long-term disability insurance available. Government programs may pay a person benefits, but only if he or she meets a strict definition of disability. More information contact AFLAC Agent Karen Carroll 352-455-1556
Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
352-323-0795 2430 S. Bay Street Eustis, FL 32726
Don't Just Medicate . . . Eliminate! We work to get to the root cause of your ailments, allowing you to greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for prescription drugs. No more side effects!
Karen Carroll 352-385-7536 karen_carroll@us.aflac.com February 2016 ] 13
[ CHARITY SPOTLIGHT ] Sponsored By The Lake Eustis Area Chamber of Commerce
final sale of the finished product. There are no taxes on used items as they were taxed when originally bought. It broadens the tax base. Everyone buys things! Tax evaders and drug dealers even our foreign visitors, legal or not, will pay the sales tax. Every lawful U.S. resident household (regardless of income) will be eligible to receive a “rebate” at the beginning of every month. It is calculated by family size and adjusted for inflation. According to the 2015 FairTax Prebate schedule, a single person will receive a check from the government for $226.00. A family with 7 children will receive $1,009. The rebate is meant to eliminate the taxation of necessities and make the tax progressive. Presently, today the average taxpayer pays 15% income tax and pays 7.65% social security taxes. This equals 22.65%. The FairTax rate is 23%. The “FairTax Prebate” makes the effective tax rate much lower than 23% for the average person and the most that the very wealthy will pay is 23%. The FairTax (HR 25) is a bill presently in the Ways and Means Committee of the US Congress. We need grass roots support! Please go to www.fairtax.org and let your congressman know that you support the FairTax! For more information, go to the website www.fairtax.org or contact Sue Hooper at fairtaxlady@embarqmail.com or call 352 636-5221
THE FAIRTAX BILL ELIMINATES TAXES ON INCOME By Sue Hooper
The FairTax will make April 15th just another Spring Day! It eliminates the IRS! It is a national sales tax that eliminates all taxes on income; no payroll tax, no inheritance tax, no tax on savings, investments, no corporate taxes and it is revenue neutral. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and all government agencies supported by taxes today will still be supported. The FairTax will bring jobs back to the United States. Our country has the highest corporate taxes in the world. With 0% corporate tax we would be the corporate tax haven of the world! With the FairTax there are no embedded taxes in production of goods. An item is only taxed at the point of
14 [ TheConnection
[ BUSINESS FEATURE ]
DERMATOLOGIST-INSPIRED SKINCARE IN YOUR HOME By Renee Garrison
Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields founded Rodan + Fields®Dermatologists in 2002 to extend their vision of bringing dermatology-based skin treatment to everyone. Originally available as a top-selling clinical skincare brand in high-end department stores, the company realized the doctors’ vision could never be fully realized when confined to department store counters. In an unprecedented move, Rodan + Fields became the first prestige skincare line to exit the department store for the world of direct selling. Today, the company is changing skin and changing lives by partnering with independent business owners like Betty Ainslie across the United States to redefine the future of aging. “In 2009 I was introduced to the doctors,” Betty says. “I was shown a flawless business model and these worldrenowned dermatologists already had credibility: They produced Proactive Solution, the leading acne product in the world.” Previously, Betty had enjoyed selling Rubbermaid products in the 1970s but didn’t like collecting money, warehousing the items and delivering them. “I needed a product that I could believe in: something that was wholesome, healthy and a benefit to people,” Betty says. “These are professional products that work – no more skin-care graveyard drawer. My clients achieve real results that are possible at home without injections or other invasive procedures.” “Our motto is changing skin, changing lives,” she adds. “And if at the end of 60 days clients haven’t seen results, they return the empty container and the doctors will refund the cost of the product. This Valentine’s Day, invest in your skin and enjoy the rewards.” For more information, contact Rodan + Fields skin care consultant Betty Ainslie at 352-255-5668 or order products at bettya.myrandf.com.
You’re a
Smile...
and a
Wink Away
Wade Winker, DDS, PA Family and Cosmetic Dentistry • On time appointments • Positive attitude • Clean, modern technology • Caring and highly skilled staff
Map data ©2014 Google
• Most insurance accepted • Serving Lake County for over 21 years • Convenient parking
Special Pricing For New Patients
Experienced in challenging dental problems Single Visit Crowns // Cosmetic Bleaching // Dentures // Snore Guards Veneers // Tooth Colored Fillings // Laser Tooth Shaping
Monday and Wednesday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm | Tuesday and Thursday: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm 15 West Atwater Avenue, Eustis, FL 32726 | wadewinker.com | 352.357.2564
February 2016 ] 15
[ February 2016
Your chamber of choice. 318
WE CAN DO IT!
DECLARE WAR ON BREAST CANCER. ADVANCEMENTS IN OPTIONS FOR TREATING OCTOBER RADIATION ONCOLOGY BREAST CANCER 4 Thursday, October 8 4 Tuesday, October 27 EVENTS 4 1 – 2 p.m. 4 1 – 2 p.m. PINK IT UP CELEBRATION
4 Thursday, October 1 4 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 4 Florida Hospital Waterman 4 Help us kick-off breast cancer awareness month with a community celebration. Bring a bra! For each bra donated receive a chance to win one of our grand prizes.
4 Florida Hospital Waterman 4 A Waterman Wellness presentation featuring Anudh Jain, MD PINK IT UP PINK ARMY 5K RUN/WALK 4 Sunday, October 18 4 Race stats: 7:30 a.m. 4 Ferran Park, Eustis 4 Support the Pink Army by putting your foot down in our 2nd annual 5K run/walk.
4 Florida Hospital Waterman 4 A Waterman Wellness presentation featuring Borys Mascarenhas, MD.
To register for these events or for more information visit FHWaterman.com or call (352) 253-3635. To join the Pink Army, visit JoinThePinkArmy.com.