2010 Business Plan

2010

BUSINESS PLAN VISION STATEMENT: The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce will be the

premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life – creating Florida’s community of choice.

Chairman’s Message: Joe L. Ruthven As the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce begins a new year, I am honored to serve as Chairman of your Chamber, alongside a very talented and dedicated Board of Directors.

Our 2010 Business Plan outlines in detail the many initiatives we’ve adopted to carry out the Chamber’s Vision and Mission. The five key strategic initiatives adopted by the Board for 2010 include: Communications, Member Value, Public Policy, Quality of Life and Talent Development and Education. Our Board of Directors will work diligently to promote these initiatives for the benefit of all our members. In addition to these initiatives, our Chamber has a number of committees, task forces and networking events which provide many opportunities for every member to get involved.

Please take a minute to review the Chamber’s Business Plan, and take advantage of the many services available to grow your business in 2010. Now, more than ever, it is important to support the Chamber’s “Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents” campaign and do business here in Lakeland.

Strategic Plan

“Building Tomorrow…Today” The initiatives outlined in this Business Plan will move the Chamber’s Strategic Plan forward and allow this Chamber to carry out its Vision and Mission to our members and community.

In 2010, the strategic plan will focus on the following key strategic issues: • Communications • Member Value • Public Policy • Quality of Life • Talent Development and Education

I look forward to working with you this year and hope you will join me in actively participating in your Chamber.

Mission Statement

Sincerely,

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading organization dedicated to creating a climate where business can prosper.

Here To Serve You

Joe L. Ruthven, 2010 Chairman of the Board

CHAMBER CORE VALUES The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is guided in pursuit of its Mission and Vision by the following commonly held values: Advocacy – supporting business, political and economic development beneficial to our members and to our community; Community – committed to creating and maintaining a rich sense of community and an unrivaled quality of life; Connectivity – communicating information and opportunities to our members, public policy leaders, and the residents of the greater Lakeland community;

Inclusion – sustaining a diverse membership by welcoming all interested parties to become involved, treating all members equally, and encouraging a variety of thoughts and viewpoints; Integrity – demonstrating the strength, accountability, and fiscal responsibility that warrant the trust of our members, elected officials, and the community; Leadership – fostering a spirit of collaboration, recognizing the worth of community leadership, and nurturing the development of future leaders; Service – focused on delivering service excellence to our members.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce staff encourages you to contact us with questions, ideas and suggestions on Chamber programs and events.

For more information, contact:

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 35 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801 863/688-8551 info@lakelandchamber.com Kathleen Munson President kmunson@lakelandchamber.com

LAKELAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 210 South Florida Avenue, Suite 328 Lakeland, FL 33801 863/687-3788 Steven J. Scruggs Executive Director sscruggs@lakelandedc.com

[2010 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com]

2010BUSINESS PLAN [COMMUNICATIONS] • Create an effective Communications Plan that promotes Chamber benefits and services.

• Achieve awareness of Chamber member needs and their level of satisfaction with Chamber programming and communiqués.

• Improve media relations to effectively promote Chamber initiatives, programs and services.

LakelandChamber.com

• Market site to the community-at-large as the premier resource for community information and to Chamber members as vehicle to enhance their businesses.

• Continue the e - Newsletter for members offering timely information both Chamber related and business focused.

• Drive Chamber members to the site creating the business community’s site of choice.

Blog.LakelandChamber.com

[

TALENT DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

]

• Create a new approach to address the education and talent needs of our business community.

Recognizing the importance of education and talent development to the economic growth, diversification and high skill needs of our community; establish relationships and collaborations to provide a grass roots contribution to meeting the needs expressed by business leaders.

Leadership Lakeland XXVII and XXVIII

• Continue a 27 year old tradition in excellence.

The 30 class members will experience the community through educational presentations, tours, immersion experiences, demonstrations, and in-depth interviews. The year long curriculum covers key components of the community while building esprit de corps among the class members.

• Continue public engagement with the Chamber blog.

Buy Lakeland, It makes good cents!

• Continue promotion and implementation of a multi-media marketing plan that brings greater significance and promotes the positive aspects of the Buy Lakeland, It makes good cents! Campaign.

• Maintain partnerships with Bright House Networks and Hall Communications to promote the Buy Lakeland Campaign.

• Create community awareness of campaign and the positive results of seeking goods and services locally.

• Magnify use and interaction of campaign with Chamber member businesses.

Forum for Business Monthly

• Strengthen content of newsletter toward business and current community issues and improve marketing strategies for both the newsletter and companion piece.

FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Annual Publications

• Produce 2009 Annual Report • 2010 Business Plan • 2010 Buyers’ Guide

Ribbon Cuttings

• Continue ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and grand opening celebrations offering members the opportunity to build relationships with Chamber leadership.

64th Annual Tiger BBQ

• This annual event is designed to welcome the Detroit Tigers back to Lakeland and communicate to the community the enormous economic impact and public relations benefits of having a major league team spring training in our area. It additionally helps promote the benefits of The Lakeland Flying Tigers operating in Lakeland all year long.

Annual Meeting

• The Annual Meeting on February 2 celebrates the Chamber’s 2009 accomplishments and recognizes volunteer leaders who have made the year a success.

Business After Hours • Continues to be one of the most effective networking opportunities the Chamber offers for members to meet monthly at a sponsor member business.

Business & Breakfast

Emerge Lakeland

• Continue to support an organization for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 42 in which they can build relationships, develop professionally, become politically aware, philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Lakeland. This collaboration between the Lakeland Chamber and the United Way of Central Florida was established in December, 2003.

Leadership Polk

• Continue to serve on the Polk Vision committee to provide a county wide leadership program, which includes the structure/processes of the program as well as serving as host for the day the class spends in Lakeland.

Diversity

• Continue to host the premier diversity event in the county: the CommUnity Celebration, where more than 600 people will gather to celebrate the differences among us that make our community rich.

[MEMBER VALUE]

20th Annual Chamber Scramble

• Develop 20th Annual Chamber Scramble as first-class golf tournament with fundraising and networking opportunities for members.

• Six programs are planned at sponsor member businesses. These morning events will feature speakers on relevant business topics and provide a great opportunity for members to network and promote their business.

CarBQ

• Scheduled for November 19, 2010.

• CarBQ is a “drive through” themed fundraising event held every November at Tigertown. Over 100 volunteers assemble 3,000 lunches that are delivered throughout the community. Many employers purchase CarBQ lunches for their employees to demonstrate their appreciation or to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Chamber Champions

• Fourth year for this program which helps inform and assimilate new members into the Chamber and provides another platform for building member to member relationships.

Finance

• A finance committee comprised of member financial advisors will meet regularly to ensure the Chamber has the proper resources to carry out its strategic plan and objectives.

[2010 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com]

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Hats Off!

• On January 26, 2010, Chamber volunteers will deliver the 2010 membership packets to more than 1,800 member businesses. Packets include the 2010 Buyer’s Guide, Chamber membership window decal and other important information.

Investment Committee

• The Investment Committee is comprised of three representatives from each of the following organizations: the Lakeland Chamber, Chamber Foundation and LEDC. The committee meets quarterly to oversee the investment funds of the organizations.

New Member Receptions

• Six events to provide new members with an informal orientation and overview of programs offered by the Chamber.

North With The Tigers

• Continuing event organized to further demonstrate Chamber business and City support for the Detroit Tigers economic benefit to the Lakeland community in their hometown of Detroit or on the road with the team.

Schmooze a’Palooza

• Held three times a year, the Schmooze a’Palooza event offers members the opportunity to meet up to 20 business contacts over lunch. The Chamber’s version of power networking allows participants to share their 30-second commercials with a group of 50.

Small Business Awards

• Continue to recognize a member business each month that exemplifies outstanding business characteristics and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Continue to recognize one of the 12 monthly winners as the Linder Small Business of the Year.

BusinessVoice, Inc. & BusinessVoice for Effective Government

• Support the passage of legislation compatible with achieving the goals of the business community.

• Endorse pro-business candidates for elective office at the local and state levels.

• Take positions on local and state issues as they may arise.

Economic Forecast Breakfast

• Scheduled for January 14, 2010 at The Lakeland Center.

• Partner with Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. to bring Chamber members the 23rd annual Economic Forecast Breakfast.

• Provide a forum for Chamber members to hear first hand the economic predictions for 2010.

Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast

• Scheduled for May 20, 2010.

• Provide Chamber members the opportunity to hear from the Polk County Delegation as to how the business community fared during the 2010 Legislative session in Tallahassee.

Politics in the Park

• Scheduled for October 7, 2010.

• A free event, open to Chamber members and the public where participants experience politics with an old-fashioned flair.

• Provide an arena where Chamber members can meet candidates for local, state and federal offices, as well as provide an opportunity for candidates to meet more than 1,000 constituents.

• Provide an opportunity for Lakeland residents to vote in a straw poll and familiarize themselves with issues appearing on the November ballot.

[PUBLIC POLICY]

[QUALITY OF LIFE]

• Lobby a pro-commerce priority agenda during the 2010 Legislative Session.

• Recommend the Chamber take action on important and timely governmental issues.

• Monitor all levels of government and report activity to Chamber members.

• Represent the business community and interests of Chamber members at government meetings and have a presence at all levels of government.

• Increase grassroots lobbying efforts, as well as lobbying trips to Tallahassee.

• Develop a marketing plan for Lakeland and Polk County as an ideal convention, meeting and tourist destination. Focus: increase sales of overnight accommodations, generate tax revenues and enhance tourism and economic climate.

• Develop more web-based marketing initiatives and continue to develop resource information for the Chamber’s Visitor Center.

Government Affairs Committee

Convention/Tourism Marketing

For more information on any of the listed programs, please contact: Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce 35 Lake Morton Drive – Lakeland, FL 33801 863/688-8551 • info@lakelandchamber.com

• Position Lakeland’s Convention & Visitors Bureau within Polk County and the state of Florida to generate higher visibility, extend marketing dollars and penetrate target markets.

• Establish a full-service convention/visitors bureau to assist meeting/convention attendees increasing overnight stays.

• Maintain active roles with existing industry partners such as VisitFlorida, the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau, The Lakeland Center, Polk County Sports Marketing and Outpost 27 to increase visitor stays in the Greater Lakeland area and promote Lakeland’s arts and cultural heritage.

• Partner with the Detroit Tigers and the Lakeland Flying Tigers to enhance and continue the long-standing relationships between the Tiger organization and the Lakeland business community. Implement events associated with this endeavor such as the Tiger BBQ and North With the Tigers.

Industry Recruitment/Expansion

• Through LEDC High Skill Initiative, recruit High Skill/High Wage businesses to Lakeland and assist local High Skill/High Wage businesses to expand. Activities to show an increase in Per Capita Income, Avg. Household Income & Avg. Annual Wage. 2009 Data: Per Capita = $24,387 (Lakeland ZIPs) Avg. Family HH Income = $71,012 (Lakeland ZIPs) Avg. Wage = $33,875 (Polk County 2008)

• 2009 New and Existing Industry Expansion goal: 1 million sq. ft; 1,000 jobs; $25 million capital investment.

• Continue regional partnerships to enhance economic development with the Tampa Bay Partnership, Tampa Bay Tech Forum, Central Florida Partnership, Florida High Tech Corridor and Enterprise Florida.

• Continue higher education partnerships focused on economic development with Polk State College, USF Polytechnic, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Keiser University, Webster University, Traviss Tech, Ridge Tech, Polk Works and Enterprise Florida’s QRT & QTI training programs, as well as continue to focus on talent with our YLakeland blog and 8-week Summer Leadership Program for interns and new-hires in their 20’s.

Smart Community

• OneSmartLakeland Mission: Enabling collaboration to encourage connectivity and integrate technology for the transformation of our community.

<CONTACT

[2010 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com]

2010EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman of the Board Joe L. Ruthven, The Ruthvens

Chair elect Alice Hunt, Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.

Immediate Past Chairman Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc.

Treasurer Walker Wilkerson, The NCT Group CPA's, L.L.P.

The Chairman’s Circle was founded in the fall of 2003 to provide a unique business forum for senior level executives to meet with one another, build relationships and participate in strategic marketing and membership events to enhance their own business and the overall Lakeland business community. Through the leadership and support of the following members of the Chairman’s Circle, this Chamber has the resources to better assist our members with special focus on our small business members.

• • • •

Chairman, Lakeland Economic Development Council Scott Franklin, Lanier Upshaw, Inc.

Vice Chair, Quality of Life: Melinda Harrison, Watson Clinic, LLP

Vice Chair, Communications: Tim Jackson, NuJak Companies

Vice Chair, Talent Development and Education: Steve Moore, Florida Property & Development

Vice Chair, Member Value: Patrick Fagan, Fifth Third Bank

General Counsel: Dave Hallock, GrayRobinson, P.A.

Vice Chair, Public Policy: Mark E. Wilson, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.

Kathleen L. Munson, President

2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAMBER FOUNDATION

Hugh Autry, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Todd Baylis, Cipher Integrations, Inc. Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc. Hal Bolter, Florida Fluid System Technologies Don Bosko, Beef O'Brady's Family Sports Bar Maria Brous, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Stacy Campbell-Domineck, Polk Works/Region 17 Gary Cassard, Bright House Networks Denis Cole, Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Jerome Ferson, The Ledger Mayor Gow Fields, City of Lakeland Terri Goleno, Cheatham, Goleno & Ferguson, P.A. Andy Hernan, Griffin Pools, Inc. Mitchell Harvey, Mitchell’s Coffeehouse Linda Jezard, Advantage Positioning Joe Joseph, Royal Granite & Marble LLC Tom Joyner, Joyner Lumber and Supply Co. Mike LaPan, The Lakeland Center Katrina Lunsford, Wachovia Bank Tony Martinez, Herndon and Associates Insurance, LLC Dr. Gail McKinzie, Polk County Public Schools Bob Morrow, GEICO Sam Nimah, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida Tim Rice, Ward’s Heating & Air Conditioning Steve Scruggs, Lakeland Economic Development Council Andrea Teves Smith, Peterson & Myers, P.A. Weymon Snuggs, Citizens Bank & Trust David Steele, USF Polytechnic Doug Thomas, City of Lakeland

• Chairman: Anu Saxena ASC geosciences, inc.

• Chairman of the Board: Joe L. Ruthven The Ruthvens • Chairman-elect: Alice Hunt Hunt Construction of Central Florida • Treasurer: Walker Wilkerson The NCT Group CPA’s. L.L.P. • President: Kathleen L. Munson • General Counsel: Dave Hallock GrayRobinson, P.A.

Directors:

• Hugh Autry, Lakeland Regional Medical Center • Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, Blackmon Roberts Group • Maureen Shaw, Flower Cart Florist • Gary Tarr, Pepperidge Farm, Inc. • David Touchton, The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P. One of the greatest assets the Chamber has in serving the diverse needs of our Lakeland community is the Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation. The foundation was formed in 1973 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization through the efforts of several Chamber leaders. The Foundation’s mission is to raise additional funds to support needed community and education efforts.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ralph Allen, Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. Ira Anderson, Crowe Horwath LLP Dean Boring, Boring Business Systems Timothy F. Campbell, Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. Mike Carter, The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P. Gary Cassard, Bright House Networks Jim Chaffin, SunTrust Bank Dale Dreyer, CenterState Bank Ken Ely, Platinum Bank Art Erickson, Florida Lifestyle Communities Mayor Gow Fields, City of Lakeland Scott Franklin, Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Mike Furr, Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A. Kamal Haider, M.D., Clark & Daughtrey Medical Group, P.A. Ford Heacock, Heacock Insurance Group Clayton Hollis, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Mike Kosor, Bartow Regional Medical Center Robert Loftin, BB&T Katrina Lunsford, Wachovia Bank Leonard Mass, Drummond Company, Inc. Mark Miller, GrayRobinson, P.A. Mike Moss, FedEx National LTL Sam Nimah, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida Bob Puterbaugh, Peterson & Myers, P.A. George Rogers, GEICO Art Rowbotham, WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio Joe P. Ruthven, The Ruthvens Dr. Lou Saco, Watson Clinic, LLP Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc.

Jack Stephens, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Gary Tarr, Pepperidge Farm, Inc. Ralph Weeks, Quality Petroleum Corporation

The Trustee Membership program debuted in 2009 as an elite level of membership. Recognition and bundled benefits provide Trustee members the opportunities to establish contacts with top-level professionals and to realize a greater return on membership investment.

• Citizens Bank and Trust • Community Southern Bank • Fifth Third Bank • Florida Refuse Service • Florida Southern College • Fred’s Southern Kitchen • Kerry Ingredients & Flavours • McGee Tire Stores • Polk State College • Skanska USA Building, Inc.

[2010 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com]