April 2011 Forum for Business Monthly

L A KELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMME R C E

F O R B U S IN E SS APRIL 2011 | Vol. xXI, No. 4

Business, Environment, and More

BUY LAKELAND. It Makes GOOD cents!

FORUM FOR BUSINESS Lakelandchamber.com

|

1

CHAMBER STAFF K a t h l een L . M unson President

KMunson@LakelandChamber.com

B a rb a r a B enne t t Executive Assistant

BBennett@LakelandChamber.com

Sally Chapman

Vice President, Finance & Administration

SChapman@LakelandChamber.com

C a ro l y n J a ckson

Senior Vice President, Member Relations

CJackson@LakelandChamber.com

L a ke l a n d Are a C h a mber of C ommerce F orum for B usiness M on t h l y A l ice Hun t | C h a irm a n of t h e B o a r d

J a c q ue l ine L . J o h nson

Senior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau

JackieJ@LakelandChamber.com

Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.

K a t h l een L . M unson | Pub l is h er Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

Am y S . W i g g ins | E d i t or Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

C E Desi g n co . | C re a t i v e Direc t ion & P R O D U C T I O N www.cedesignco.com

K a t ie M c B ri d e - M c K en z ie Membership Account Executive

KMcBride-McKenzie@LakelandChamber.com

C h ris t ine M ur p h y

Administrative Assistant, Member Relations | Public Affairs

CMurphy@LakelandChamber.com

J us t in Green P h o t o g r a p h y | P h i l l i p s P h o t o g r a p h ers Contributing Photographers

N ikki O a k l e y

Membership Account Executive

and Breakfast

NOakley@LakelandChamber.com

Terr y O t t in g er

Vice President, Membership Development

TOttinger@LakelandChamber.com

P a t t y S mi t h

April 14 7:30 a.m.

1600 Grasslands Boulevard

Administrative Assistant, Membership Development Visitor Information Specialist

PSmith@LakelandChamber.com

R e v en a T h om a s

Administrative Assistant, Communications Convention & Visitors Bureau

RThomas@LakelandChamber.com

Am y W i g g ins

Vice President, Communications

AWiggins@LakelandChamber.com

COVER ART Is an artists rendering of the planned Corporate Center for Innovation, a joint venture designed to maximize learning and innovation in sustainable technologies. Read more on page 8.

35 Lake Morton Drive PO Box 3607 Lakeland, FL 33802-3607 (863) 688-8551 LakelandChamber.com

$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non�Chamber Member Your R.S.V.P. is appreciated! Visit LakelandChamber.com to register.

2 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

Š 2011 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to refuse certain advertising and is not liable for advertisers claims and/or errors. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the position of the Chamber.

GREAT OUTDOORS Steve and Deb Carey Serious Exercise www.SeriousExercise.com

Deb & I love exercising our legs on a bike ride around Lakeland’s beautiful lakes. About half-way through a recent ride, Deb spotted this guy sticking his head out of a drain pipe. After seeing him, our ride changed from just exercising our legs to exercising our minds and spirits as well. Along the way (a total of 12 lakes), we took a count of all that we saw:

People walking Lake Hollingsworth, more than we could count.

Birds, ducks, geese and swans on Lake Morton, hundreds of them.

Turtles, Deb counted 18, I counted 16.

I guess my eye sight is slipping.

Alligators, two, we saw another one on Lake Hunter.

Flowers, we kept up with colors, red, yellow, purple, light blue and white.

Jason Witty Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida www.SouthernWine.com

When we got back to the house, we had ridden 17 miles, but we felt so refreshed. It was a perfect day for a bike ride.

Jennifer Adams Bank of Central Florida www.BankOfCentralFlorida.com I’ve always lived in Florida and when I was young my mom spent a lot of time with my brothers and sister and I, playing outside. The memories of those days are so special to me and I find such a closeness to my mom who passed away in 1993 when I am in the sunshine.

Running is my passion and I find myself living my mom’s adventurous spirit when I am conquering anything from a marathon to a 5K that ends with a crawl through a mud pit! I’m a fifth generation Floridian...the sunshine flows through my veins.

Mitch Harvey Mitchell’s Coffeehouse www.MitchellsCoffeehouse.com

Cycling, for me, is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle.

I have been riding bicycles for most of my life, and competing for the past 16 years as a mountain biker. I enjoy all types of riding, from casual rides with family and friends to 12 hour endurance races. Cycling is a great way to get around town, spend time with my kids and stay healthy. Happy trails!

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

|

3

Your community has always been ours.

David Brown

Doug Elmore

Loretta Mervis

Bretta Christakos

Commercial Relationship Manager - 31 years

Commercial Banking Sales Team Manager – 31 years

Commercial Relationship Manager – 35 years

Commercial Relationship Manager – 28 years

Tom Pollock

Commercial Relationship Manager – 8 years

Shared values. Long-term vision. A commitment to each other. The same things that have made us a strong community also make SunTrust a strong bank. In fact, in addition to extensive local market knowledge, our primary bankers have a combined 133 years of experience. In other words, we’re here today and we’re here to stay. Get to know us better. Stop by a branch, call 800.SUNTRUST or visit suntrust.com.

SunTrust Bank, Member FDIC. © 2011 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust and Live Solid. Bank Solid. are federally registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.

a GREEN MARKETING

Chrissanne Long Marketing System Blueprints OWNER

MARKETING MINUTE worth

Quick! What’s the one thing you are most likely to have with you, wherever you are? I think it’s pretty safe to say you are not going to mention flyers, coupons, newspapers, phone books or magazines. Parents of teenagers, especially, know the answer is mobile phones! As mobile technology advances, and more people are upgrading their phones to “Smartphones” - by Christmas, 2011, Nielsen predicts that 1 in 2 Americans will have a Smartphone. (Nielsen, 2010). Today’s businesses can help the environment,

Here a re a few i d e a s t h a t businesses in L a ke l a n d c a n use ri g h t now t o re d uce p a p er w a s t e , g ener a t e bu z z a roun d t h eir businesses a n d g row t h eir bo t t om l ines .

millions

as well as their bottom lines, by focusing on new and non-traditional forms of marketing.

Sustainability is not a buzzword anymore.

It’s a best practice for all businesses. Even without a dedicated focus on conservation, businesses can find benefit in reaching their customers in more efficient ways. Mobile technologies provide an exciting solution for Lakeland businesses on several different levels. When a customer is mobile, (or not in front of their computers) he or she is still connected to his or her networks, via e-mail,

Social Media, Text and even Search Engines.

Businesses that have learned to leverage this are reaping the rewards and thriving. How? Because they are providing special offers direct to customers on the one object they never leave home without – their cell phones.

National Brands have proven the power of this marketing tool and have launched Green Campaigns with incredible success. This proves that consumers are likely looking for ways to enjoy these technologies locally too, because “Buying Lakeland Makes good Cents!”

Partner with other businesses to create an SMS/Text campaign that can offer special promotions to their Mobile Subscribers Promote Mobile Contests, Like a Text2Vote or Text to Win Campaign Drive traffic to websites that have been optimized for viewing on mobile devices with QR codes and SMS/Text campaigns Utilize Location-Based Social Media Applications like Foursquare, Facebook Places, SCVNGR, Gowalla and Yelp to offer special discounts for “checking in” and sharing with social networks

CONNECT ]

MarketingSystemBlueprints.com

Extraordinary LIVING

WELCOME TO THE SANCTUARY.

A limited and unique collection of estate villa homes, The Sanctuary is located within the most prestigious country club community of Grasslands Golf & Country Club. These Tuscan-style villas have exquisite features that set them apart from all other homes. Call or visit our Sales Center to see how you can experience extraordinary

living at Lakeland’s Most Coveted Address.

Estate villas starting from the $600’s.

OFFICE HOURS: MON TO FRI 9-5 | SAT 10-5 | SUN 12-5 PAT JONES 863.581.4699 OR DEBBIE HASKELL 863.602.8830 | 866.668.1227 1301 GRASSLANDS BLVD., ST. 100 | LAKELAND, FL 33803 | WWW.OAKBRIDGE.COM

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

|

5

HOW TO

A M O N T H LY

• WORKERS COMP • EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • PAYROLL PROCESSING & TAXES Heacock Payroll offers employers a complete payroll processing service which can combine your payroll taxes, workers’ compensation and employee benefits. Allowing you to spend more time on your business and less time on paperwork.

Jessica Gutowski Natural Air Energy Saving Systems

We all know we need to be greener, but you probably haven’t run out to buy all new appliances for your home or office simply because your current ones aren’t as efficient as brand new ones. But you can still save money AND hug a tree, so to speak, with these energy-saving best practices.

There are so many ways we all can save energy and money. Good luck to you all!

Natural Air Energy would love to hear about your progress— please post your thoughts, comments or ideas on our Facebook wall. www.facebook.com/NaturalAirEnergy.

CONNECT ] NaturalAirEnergy.com

Action #1: Carpool with a buddy, take your bike or walk in nice weather. The reason is obvious: cut fuel consumption.

Action #2: Don’t print your emails.

Reason: Saves your company paper.

It’s hard, you’ve done it for years… don’t cut it cold turkey, try to print one or two less a day.

A c t i o n # 3 : Don ’ t t r a s h y our e l ec t ronics . R e a son :

You spend more time on your business and less time on paperwork.

a l l t h e o l d t ec h no l o g y y ou h a v e is t o x ic w h en no t d is p ose d of p ro p er l y . You c a n t a ke t h em t o t h e Gener a l S t ore Down t own — t h e y a cce p t mos t e l ec t ronics a n d d is p ose of t h em for y ou .

.HEACOCK.COM

WWW

100 E Main St. • Lakeland, FL • 863.683.2220 1105 US Hwy 27 North • Sebring, FL • 863.385.5171

6

|

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

Action #4: Recycle paper, glass, plastic bottles, microwave meal boxes and soda cans. Reason: It will cut the amount of waste down and allow you to reuse them more than one time.

Action #5: Turn your computer screen level down. Reason: The dimmer, the less energy it takes to fuel.

Expe r i e n c e E M E R G E : W hat w e Wa s t e i n t h e Workplace The latest buzz outside of Twitter & Facebook is how everyone is “going green”.

Conversations, advertising, magazines, even school lessons are all about “green” products and “green” businesses and how to “go green” yourself. It is no secret that there is a rapidly increasing need to prioritize the preservation of natural resources and consider the environment everywhere we go, including our workplaces.

Consider for a moment what we use at work every day. The first thing most of us will think of is paper.

Crystal Lester Furr & Wegman Architects, PA

The best thing we can do is stop the waste at the source and reduce the amount of paper we use. Reducing the amount of paper we use in the workplace is both environmentally and economically beneficial.

By reducing our paper usage we will be reducing the air and water emissions from the production of paper and the usage of our precious natural resources.

We will be spending less money to buy excessive paper and there will be a savings on supplies and maintenance of printers and copiers.

But paper is not the only thing that we waste

in the workplace. When we are at work most of us will drink at least one beverage during the day and typically that beverage comes in an aluminum can or plastic bottle. Consider using reusable drink containers instead of individual disposable containers.

This will significantly reduce the amount of waste produced and will save you a little money in the long run. And for those instances where reusable drinking containers are not practical, aluminum and plastic can be recycled as well. You can also turn your computer off when you leave work for the

Chamber Members Get The Family Discount

day, turn off your office or desk light when leaving for extended periods of time and unplug any unused appliances.

What about the less obvious waste at work?

A big part of “going green” is saving energy.

Most of us do not have direct control of the energy operations at work but there are still some things that we can all do to contribute to save energy. EMERGE Lakeland sets a great example of this at their steering committee meetings by using sunlight instead of electricity. Simply turning off the lights and opening the window shades to use the sun-

50

$

Instant Rebate

light to illuminate your space will not only save energy but will also help to reduce utility cost.

These are just a few suggestions that won’t take too much time and in some cases will save money too. Accept the challenge to think about your average work day and the resources that you use. What can you save? Are you recycling everything that you can? How are you going to “Go Green”?

CONNECT ] EMERGELakeland.com

On A Set Of 4 Tires

CHAMBER SPECIAL!

Must present coupon to get this offer. Discounts are good for any brand, any tire, with full tire installation package and Road Hazard program. Redeem at participating McGee Auto Service and Tires.

See Retailer for complete details. No other discounts apply. Offer ends 12/31/11.

At McGee Auto Service & Tire, you can tell we’re a family business. We’re committed to our customers, proud to be local. That’s why we’re offering these exclusive discounts to Chamber of Commerce members*. Come in, and see for yourself how we’ve earned a great reputation for customer satisfaction!

Oil Change

The McGee Family

17

$

95

CHAMBER SPECIAL!

Coupon Price Additional Charge For Disposal Fee

Must present coupon to get this offer. Most vehicles. No other discounts apply. Up to 5 quarts of oil. Canister filter, diesel, high-mileage, synthetic blend, full synthetic and 5W20 oil extra. Waste oil fee may apply in some areas. Additional charges for shop supplies, up to 7% or $25 maximum, may be added. Redeem at participating McGee Auto Service and Tires. See Retailer for complete details. Offer ends 12/31/11.

CENTRAL FLORIDA LOCATIONS: LAKELAND DUNDEE 3939 Highway 98 S 28919 Highway 27 863-439-8473 863-667-3347 5020 N. State Rd. 98 LAKE WALES 863-858-4477 203 Domaris Ave. 4304 South Florida Ave. 863-676-3423 863-646-8518

Visit our website at

MULBERRY 6867 N Church Ave. Hwy 37 863-644-7700 WINTER HAVEN 1803 3rd St. SW 863-401-8473

www.mcgeeautoservice.com for more information, great offers and other locations.

CHAMBER SPECIAL!

Computerized 4-Wheel Alignment 98 Regular Price $89.95 $

44

Must present coupon to get this offer. Most vehicles. No other discounts apply. Additional charges for shop supplies, up to 7% or $25 maximum, may be added. Redeem at participating McGee Auto Service and Tires. See Retailer for complete details. Offer Ends 12/31/11.

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

|

7

SPOTLIGHT ON AT THE PLANNED CORPORATE CENTER FOR INNOVATION

C OVE R F E AT U R E

B Y C in d y R O D R I G U E z | A•C•T Environmental & Infrastructure, a n d R ob c l a nce y | Polk State College Corporate College

F

or two Polk County-based organizations, sustainability and partnership are not just buzz words, they’re a core part of their respective missions. Polk State College Corporate College (PSC) and A•C•T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. (A•C•T) formed a synergistic partnership that puts a spotlight on sustainability – giving it a leading role at their planned Corporate Center for Innovation (CCI).

A•C•T, a leading national environmental and engineering services firm, will build the 10,000-squarefoot, two-story center at their corporate headquarters in Bartow – providing office and classroom space for Polk State Corporate College’s Design, Construction & Sustainability Institute (DCSI) and Agri Business/ Technology Institute (ABTI).

S U S TA I N A B L E E N E R GY As the facility is built, Polk State’s DCSI will provide solar energy expertise to guide installation of state-of-the-art solar equipment, to achieve major energy cost savings for A•C•T. And, while using renewable energy makes great financial sense, the project is also a perfect fit with A•C•T’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Kincart Construction Company (KCC) is the contractor for the project and according to KCC’s project manager, Ben Hilton, P.E., it’s slated for completion this year (2011). Hilton said “The CCI will feature a sloped roof – specifically designed (angled) for optimum solar capture.” That means that as the sun moves along its path, panels are strategically positioned to maximize available sunlight – converting it to usable energy. In addition to the roof-mounted solar panels, an on-ground solar array will provide additional ca8 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

pacity. Sunny Florida provides the perfect location for this type of alternative energy.

Once completed, the facility will provide both organizations with much-needed growing room.

When the two PSC institutes move to Bartow, it will free up space at Lakeland’s Airside Center for other Corporate College programs and activities. Later, when the college ultimately relocates to its permanent campus at Clear Springs east of Bartow, A•C•T will occupy all 10,000 square feet of the facility, benefitting from, not only that enviably-low power bill, but some extra elbow room as well.

S U S TA I N A B L E W O R K F O R C E That pretty much sums up why collaborating on the CCI is a great idea for the two partner organizations, but what’s in it for learners? Both PSC institutes feature instruction designed to foster sustainability. DCSI will certainly offer traditional construction course work, but will place special emphasis on green technology and environmental sustainability – preparing students for real-world success in a rapidlygrowing industry and consumer-driven trend.

As for the Agri Business/Technology Institute, the critical need to support the agricultural industry is not just a regional concern, but one that crosses counties and states. And considering the dynamics of the agricultural leaders within our community and their support of ABTI, there is no doubt that key aspects of Best Agriculture, Best Business, and Best Management Practices for Florida’s second largest industry will be addressed in a fluid and timely fashion.

Agri Business/Technology Institute course work will include agriculture safety, water management, food grade homeland security, and much more.

Inc.

PSC’s Design, Construction & Sustainability Institute may be just the place for you , especially if you are interested in learning more about any of the following “green” applications: Solar Domestic Hot Water Installation, Solar PhotoVoltaic System Installation, LEED Green AP – Existing Building: O & M Preparation or Hazardous Waste ID and Generator Requirements.

If none of those tickle your fancy, you might consider an online course in Home Energy Fundamentals, Choosing a Renewable Energy Installer, or Achieving Solar – An Introductory Guide. And that’s just a partial listing.

An artist’s rendering of the new Corporate Center for Innovation in Bartow.

And, when you get right down to it, almost everyone agrees that a safe food supply is of the utmost importance.

With this wide array of collective course offerings, it’s easy to see that PSC’s Corporate College is firmly committed to advancing sustainable practices in both arenas – agriculture and building design.

But PSC isn’t the only partner providing instruction and real-life application opportunities at the site, A•C•T is also very much a part of the instructional mix.

Founded in 1987, A•C•T is a multi-disciplined professional environmental sciences, engineering and field services firm with a national client base. The company has expertise in a range of areas, including those listed above plus industrial hygiene, industrial services, infrastructure, waste management and emergency response. The company’s A•C•T University currently provides training at its Bartow headquarters or client locations with courses ranging from fire and hazardous materials to OSHA and management level training – blending classroom instruction with hands-on experiences. A•C•T focuses on sustainability in every business activity – whether that’s delivering innovative solutions, services or instruction.

So, in addition to the synergies created by colocating the two like-minded organizations, bringing the two instructional teams and curriculum together

Representatives from Polk State College and A•C•T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. celebrate the ground breaking for the new facility on October 26, 2010.

under one roof is certainly expected to produce immediate benefits for both PSC and A•C•T. But, if you spend a few minutes talking to either PSC Corporate College Director Rob Clancey or A•C•T President Rob Kincart, you’ll discover that it’s not all about the immediate, since both leaders see potential for long term benefits well into the future.

S U S TA I N A B L E E C O N O M Y It all started in 2010 when Kincart attended a Bartow Committee of 100 meeting and heard Clancey’s presentation on the scope and substance of PSC’s Corporate College. “Rob’s presentation spoke to many of the things we wanted for our own company and staff,” said Kincart. “In our business, if you’re not leading edge, you’re not just middle of the road – you’re behind the curve. In such a competitive business environment, keeping abreast of advances in green technologies and rapidly incorporating new skills to address our clients’ real world challenges is imperative to success and aligns with the things we strive to consistently provide – vision, solutions and performance,” Kincart said.

According to the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation, Polk’s current unemployment rate hovers around the 12.5 percent mark and the current average annual wage is right at $35,000, or approximately

With agriculture as Florida’s second-largest industry, the Agri Business/ Technology Institute will be key in establishing and instructing best practices.

$16.83 per hour. “For a community to thrive or build sustainability, those numbers cannot be ignored and education has a key role to play in helping address them,” said PSC Corporate College Director, Rob Clancey. By providing access to the knowledge/skills needed to gain and retain higher-wage employment, PSC and PSC’s Corporate College are doing their part to help achieve financial health and sustainability for individuals and the community at large. “This is definitely a long-term benefit we expect to see produced by the Corporate Center for Innovation and the partnership with A•C•T,” said Clancey.

With this dynamic partnership in place, 1 + 1 may actually equal 3, since the things A•C•T and PSC’s Corporate College can achieve together is likely more than either could achieve independently. With both organizations focused on sustainability at all levels, the result should be a supply of well trained talent for local employers, reduced energy consumption across the area and increased awareness of the need for more of this type of forward thinking – especially as it relates to sustainability. In fact, the community may be the biggest winner of all, because well-conceived and well-executed public-private partnerships save taxpayer dollars and successfully address community needs. This joint venture between PSC and A•C•T should exceed expectations on both sides.

Students at Polk State College’s Design, Construction & Sustainability Institute learn about the installation of solar panels.

FORUM FOR BUSINESS | 9

smal l b u s i n e s s o f t h e month

Giovanni Schiano & Salvatore Schiano OwnerS

Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.

(863) 688-0045 Phone (863) 688-8040 Fax 114 South Kentucky Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 www.PalacePizza.net

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie… that’s amore!

And for the folks in Lakeland – it is love love of Palace Pizza. To Giovanni and Salvatore Shiano and family, the secret is simple: fresh food at a fair price served in a friendly and bright family atmosphere.

Since 1998, the people of Lakeland have shown that this is a recipe for success. Palace Pizza makes their dough, sauce

and entrees fresh daily and only buy the best of pastas and Italian desserts. This is a family owned and operated business in the truest sense. Mom and Dad do all of the training of the cooking staff and teach them the family recipes that have been used for generations so that the food remains deliciously consistent.

The counter and wait staff go through two to four weeks of training to perfect the customer

service that Giovanni, Sal and their loyal customer base expect.

While there are several Palace Pizzas throughout Lakeland, the family soon discovered that if they were all involved with all the restaurants, then family get togethers were really just business meetings with great food! They decided to divide the locations so that Giovanni, Sal and their parents own and operate the downtown and Shepherd Road

locations. The other locations are operated by family members - aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Palace Pizza partners with our community through donations of funds, raffle items and food to such worthy organizations as the Foundation for the Homeless, Breast Cancer Awareness, Lakeland Christian School, Kathleen High School, and Southeastern University to name but a few. They try to help

B y S h a ri Pro v a n ,

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Shari Provan (Douglass Screen Printers Inc.) presents the March Small Business of the Month Award to Giovanni Schiano, Tugce “Lucia” Erol, and Salvatore Schiano, Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.

10

out any worthy cause or organization when asked. If you haven’t experienced Palace Pizza’s fabulous food, then make plans to treat yourself soon… it will be “amore” at first bite!!

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc. as the March Small Business of the Month.

Douglass Screen Printers Inc.

THE

MATTERS OF

W A N T T O K N O W W HY B E in g A M E M B E R O F TH E LA K E LA N D A R E A C HA M B E R I S S O B E C O M I N G ? R E AD on . . .

C AL E N D a R

E V E N T H I GHL I GHT S

NEW MEMBERS

R I B B O N C U TT I N G S

Do You Know the King of the Wing?

Baseball, apple pie and the Luau Downtown...

What better way to get ready for the active summer season? Many local restaurants will sample their great food and a distinguished panel of judges will help determine the “King of the Wings”.

A special mystery band will entertain, and the new text to vote effort will help crown a new “People’s Choice” wing winner! Networking and a great party atmosphere make this the perfect venue to start those new business relationships, which will make your business prosper.

Join 500 of your closest chamber member friends and sample the best that Lakeland has to offer!

Dress for the occasion and bring a big appetite, beverages of course are include and you are welcome to have as much fun as you want. Tell your friends and mark your calendars for April 21 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Citizens Bank and Trust will host again on the beautiful patio overlooking Lake Morton!

mark your

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 11

APRIL 2011 dates

TUES 5

TUES 12

thur 14

EMERGE Lakeland – Follow the Leaders

MON 11

5:30 p.m.

Grasslands 1600 Grasslands Blvd.

EMERGE Lakeland – Coffee & Conversation 7:30 a.m.

Mitchell’s Coffeehouse 235 N. Kentucky Ave.

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Meeting

EXECUTIVE Committee Meeting

11:45 a.m.

WED 20

EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee Meeting

THUR 21

Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting

WED 27

Board of Directors Meeting

Government Affairs

THUR 28

SCORE Business Roundtable

3:45 p.m.

WED 13

Business & Breakfast

8:00 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland

7:30 a.m.

CPS Investment Advisors hosts at Grasslands 1600 Grasslands Blvd.

9:00 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

TUES 19

Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast

thur 21

Luau DOWNTOWN & King of the Wing Contest

7:00 a.m.

Lakeland Yacht & Country Club Hear first-hand how Polk County fared in the 2011 Legislative Session

THUR 14

Leadership Lakeland XXVIII

MON 18

Investment Committee Meeting

1:30 p.m.

Noon Lakeland Yacht & Country Club.

929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.

7:30 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

Human Services Day

4:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Citizens Bank & Trust 402 S Kentucky Ave.

monday

4

tuesday

5

wednesday

6

thursday

7

EMERGE Lakeland – Follow the Leaders 5:30 p.m.

11 Small Business of the Month Award Committee Meeting | 11:45 a.m.

EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee 3:45 p.m.

18 Investment Committee Meeting | 4:00 p.m.

25

4:00 p.m.

12 EMERGE Lakeland – Coffee & Conversation 7:30 a.m.

19 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast | 7:00 a.m.

26

sat

sun

1

2

3

8

9

10

15

16

17

22

23

24

29

30

Leadership Lakeland Nominations Due 4:00 p.m.

13 Government Affairs 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland 9:00 a.m.

20 EXECUTIVE Committee Meeting | 4:00 p.m.

27 Board of Directors Meeting | Noon

12 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

friday

14 Leadership Lakeland X XVIII Human Services Day Business & Breakfast 7:30 a.m.

21 Luau DOWNTOWN & King of the Wing Contest | 5:30 p.m.

Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting | 1:30 p.m.

28 SCORE Business Roundtable | 7:30 a.m.

01

01 | Members fill the Chevrolet

02

Showroom at the February Business After Hours Hosted By Regal Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Acura, Kia

02 | Chair Alice Hunt (Hunt

Construction of Central Florida, Inc.) presents a plaque of appreciation to Sal Campisi & Sal Campisi, Jr. at the February Business After Hours.

2010 Annual meeting 03

04

05

06

The 2010 Chamber Annual Meeting on February 3 was a tremendous success! A sellout crowd of 1,000 members and guests enjoyed hearing about the culture and great customer service that Southwest Airlines is known for from keynote speaker Dave Ridley, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Management, SWA. 2010 Chairman of the Board Joe L. Ruthven (The Ruthvens) presided over an evening full of celebration and surprises as the Chamber honored Carol Jenkins Barnett with the award named for her father. Troiano & Roberts, P.A. received the Scott Linder Small Business Award in recognition of their outstanding business culture and entrepreneurial spirit. The Detroit Tigers, represented by Hall of Famer Al Kaline and Director of Florida Operations Ron Myers, accepted a Plaque of Appreciation from Joe L. in recognition and celebration of the 75 year Spring Training relationship between the Tigers and Lakeland. The evening concluded with the traditional passing of the gavel from Joe L. to 2011 Chairman of the Board Alice Hunt (Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.)

07

03 | L-R: Joe L. Ruthven, Nicholas

Troiano, Martha Linder, Victor Troiano and Lauriane Ciccarelli.

04 | L-R: Guest Presenter and Past

Chairman of the Board John Fitzwater, Carol Jenkins Barnett and Joe L. Ruthven.

08

05 | Dave Ridley, Senior Vice President

of Marketing & Management, SWA

We’d like to thank the following sponsors of the 2010 Annual Meeting. Without their generous support, this event would not have been possible:

GRAYROBINSON, P.A.

AT&T PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC. Radiology and Imaging Specialists, Inc. WATSON CLINIC, LLP

06 | L-R: Al Kaline, Joe L. Ruthven, Ron

Myers

07 | L-R: Kim and Kurt Elmhorst with

Jim and Pat Lobinsky.

08 | Joe L. Ruthven passes the gavel to

2011 Chairman of the Board Alice Hunt.

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 13

NEW M E M B E R S Acentria

Digital Hurricane

The UPS Store 1858

Alliance 1st Bail Bonds

Ethics Plus Accounting, Bookkeeping & Payroll, LLC

The UPS Store 4024

170 Fitzgerald Rd, Ste 2 Lakeland, FL 33813‑2607 (850) 650‑1950 F: (863) 937‑9998 Insurance Cheryl Baker Acentria.com

414 West Memorial Blvd Lakeland, FL 33815‑1456 (863) 603‑3462 Bail Bonds Frantz Etienne

Arbonne International

(863) 255‑4599 F: (863) 937‑4064 Health & Wellness Edna M Williams livinfree@myarbonne.com

Cater Kentucky Fried Chicken 3630 US Hwy 98 North Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 816-9193 Caterers Todd Peterson

Cater Kentucky Fried Chicken/Bartow 1492 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 533-5120 Caterers Mo Zughbieh

Cater Kentucky Fried Chicken/ Winter Haven 401 Cypress Gardens Boulevard SE Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 299-1990 Caterers Michael England

Cater Kentucky Fried Chicken 3025 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803-3607 (863) 802-0774 Caterers Tyrone James

Cater Kentucky Fried Chicken 727 E Memorial Boulevard Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 688-2111 Caterers Billy Hogan

Cater Kentucky Fried Chicken 5204 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 644-4199 Caterers Mary Maxwell

Chef Paulie Culinary Services 5675 New Tampa Highway Lakeland, FL 33815-3153 (863) 686-3121 Restaurants Paul Tippin Dinewithchefpaulie.com

4125 Shepherd Road Lakeland, FL 33811-2583 (863) 608-3770 Computers – Consulting & Networking Matthew A. Baker Digitalhurricane.com

12550 Country Place Road Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 853-7160 F: (863) 853-7160 Bookkeeping Services Oralee Brickey Spivey

Ferrera Tooling, Inc.

P.O. Box 146 Highland City, FL 33846-0426 (863) 646-8500 F: (863) 646-8582 Machine Shop Services Nick Millard FerreraTooling.com

Highlands Lake Center

4240 Lakeland Highlands Rd Lakeland, FL 33813-6101 (863) 646-8699 F: (863) 607-6060 Rehabilitation Centers Sherri Headley Opismr.com

Keisha J, Inc.

(863) 419-5864 Event Supplies/Coordinator LaKeisha C. Jones Keishajinc.com

Polk County School Board – Elementary Department

4798 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-2181 (863) 647-1108 F: (863) 647-4581 Packaging & Shipping Beverly Kington Theupsstorelocal.com/1858

2028 Shepherd Rd Mulberry, FL 33860-8699 (863) 709-1886 F: (863) 709-1523 Packaging & Shipping Keith Salmi Theupsstore.com

The UPS Store 4056

3616 Harden Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803-5938 (863) 709-1141 F: (863) 648-4581 Packaging & Shipping Stephen Haynes

Winners Circle Sportsbar and Comedy Club 4125 South Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803-4564 (863) 644-WING (9464) F: (863) 647-3275 Restaurants Bill Alcock Winnerscirclesportsbar.com

Word Alive Ministries, Inc. 302 E Memorial Blvd Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 683-3846 F: (863) 683-7819 Churches/Synagogues Edgar T. Pickett III

P.O. Box 391 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 534-0642 Education Diana Myrick Polk-fl.net

Silver Ring Café

106 N Tennessee Ave Lakeland, FL 33801-4659 (863) 687-3283 Restaurants Tim Altman

Strickland Power, Inc. 1453 E Gary Rd Lakeland, FL 33801-2143 (863) 606-5918 F: (863) 683-5857 Electric Contractors Rhett Strickland

Thompson Animal Hospital

6615 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-3309 (863) 648-4886 F: (644-3545) Veterinarians Christopher H. Thompson, DVM Thompsonanimalhospital.com

Each month, the Chamber enlists the help of 20 volunteers to mentor new and current members with involvement in Chamber events and programs.

This month, the Chamber staff would like to recognize Kathryn Koch, Vice President with Lanier Upshaw for her outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Kathryn is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!

Kathryn Koch

Lanier Upshaw Vice President

14 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

RIBBO N C U T T I N G S

Special thanks to Mayor Gow Fields, Commissioner Glen E. Higgins, Commissioner Justin Troller, Commissioner Phillip Walker, Commissioner Edie Yates and all the Board Members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies special events.

Cash America Lakeland, FL 33809 4694 US Hwy 98 North | (863) 868-0030 www.cashamerica.com

Big Cypress Golf Club

Lake Morton Bed & Breakfast

Lakeland, FL 33809

Lakeland, FL 33801

10000 US Hwy 98 North | (863) 859-6871 www.bigcypressgolfclub.net

817 South Blvd | (863) 688-6788 www.lakemortonbandb.com

Lorna’s Financial Central, LLC

QMI

Lakeland, FL 33805

Lakeland, FL 33803

921 E Parker Street, Suite 1 | (863) 606-8469 www.lornafinancialcentral.com

3606 Craftsman Blvd | (863) 665-3338 www.qmitw.com

Tourism February Tourism Inquiries During the month of February, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community.

End Results A Salon Spa by Victoria Lynne Lakeland, FL 33813

Walk-in Visitors............................................................. 477 Relocation Response Mailings.................................... 1 Relocation Response (Walk In).................................. 26 Accommodations............................................................. 2 Winter Accommodations.............................................. 1 Visitor Information Mailings.................................... 19 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.................................. 85

5315 S Florida Ave | (863) 510-5969

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 15

1=<4723<B7/: 7<4=@;/B7=< 23AB@C1B7=< 4=@ B63 AB 13<BC@G A^SQWOZWhW\U W\ 67>>/ 4/1B/ O\R 50: Q][^ZWO\QS a]ZcbW]\a

20+

years 1 9 2 1 | 9 0 Ye a rs Pickard & Pickard Inc. REALTORS

F `Og bSQV\]Z]Ug SZSQb`]\WQ RSab`cQbW]\ ASQc`S R]Qc[S\b b`O\a^]`b aS`dWQSa AQVSRcZSR aS`dWQS QZSO\ ]cba =\ aWbS R]Qc[S\b RSab`cQbW]\ 0]\RSR O\R W\ac`SR

1 9 4 4 | 6 7 Ye a rs Wachovia A Wells Fargo Company

1 9 5 1 | 6 0 Ye a rs Publix Super Markets, Inc.

1 9 5 5 | 5 6 Ye a rs

1 9 8 6 | 2 5 Ye a rs Dale Gardner Jacobs, PA

1 9 8 8 | 2 3 Ye a rs Eye Express First United Methodist Church Jimboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pit Bar-B-Q Tri-County Human Services, Inc.

1 9 8 9 | 2 2 Ye a rs Cheatwood Chiropractic Offices, P.A.

1 9 9 1 | 2 0 Ye a rs Care Animal Clinic Lorio & Associates, Inc.

Universal Building Specialties, Inc.

1 9 6 0 | 5 1 Ye a rs Hauger-Bunch, Inc. Realtors

1 9 6 3 | 4 8 Ye a rs

15

Regal Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Acura, Kia

years

1 9 6 4 | 4 7 Ye a rs

Dairy Queen North Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

1 9 6 7 | 4 4 Ye a rs McKay Enterprises

1 9 7 1 | 4 0 Ye a rs Santa Fe Animal Hospital

1 9 7 3 | 3 8 Ye a rs Imperial Manor Mobile Home Terrace Southern Glass Products Company, Inc.

1 9 7 7 | 3 4 Ye a rs BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc.

1 9 7 8 | 3 3 Ye a rs

10

years Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc. Macfarlane, Ferguson & McMullen Savannah Court of Lakeland John O. Tucker, D.C., P.A.

Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Hut

0`WO\ 1]^WQ ! ! %#&

P`WO\.Q`]e\aV`SRRW\U Q][

1 9 7 9 | 3 2 Ye a rs Lakeland Flying Tigers

1 9 8 3 | 2 8 Ye a rs Imperial Florida Sales Co.

1 9 8 4 | 2 7 Ye a rs The Family Dentist / Mariela K. Lung-Compton, D.M.D.

1 9 8 5 | 2 6 Ye a rs ^O`b\S` W\ bVS U`SS\ W\WbWObWdS

16 | |F OFROURMU MF OFRO RB UBSUI SN IENSESS S

Family Eye Center South Florida Presbyterian Homes Signs & Specialties, Inc.

5

years Granny Jo Products Maronda Homes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Polk County MBM Corporation MetroPCS The Pansler Law Firm, P.A. Steel Technology & Design, Inc. Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auto Clinic

CHAMBER

ON THE

MOVE

Baylis & Company PA CPAs Leigh I. Baker has rejoined Baylis & Company PA CPAs. Baker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Florida Southern College and has more than 11 years of accounting experience.

GEICO George Rogers of Lakeland, FL., has been named to the board of directors of the GEICO companies. Rogers has served as regional vice president of GEICO’s Florida operations since 2002. GEICO is the second largest auto insurer in the state.

CPS Investment Advisors Chas P. Smith,CPA/PFS was a guest speaker at the annual FICPA Estate & Financial Planning conference in Ft. Lauderdale. His topic was “Fee versus Commission Based Investment Management.”

CE DESIGN Co. | Design . Web . Marketing CE Design Co. is proud to welcome Alison Williams to their team of talented designers. Alison has a BFA in Graphic Design from University of South Florida.

Coming straight from the Strawberry Capital of the World with more than five years experience, Alison is sure to find a way to make your company appear way cooler than they actually are. Check out her full bio at www.CEDesignCo.com.

Straughn Trout Architects The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (SBIC) announced the results of its 2010 Beyond Green™ HighPerformance Building Awards in the Nation’s Capital.

Lakeland based Straughn Trout Architects, LLC was recognized with a second place award for their design for the South Lakeland Branch Magnify Credit Union.

Rep. Dennis Ross congratulated both the architects and the owners on their recent award. He stated, “Sustainable, net zero construction is vital to our long term economic and ecological future. I congratulate all involved in the project for their commitment to the health, success, and financial future of the citizens of Central Florida. During these times of energy volatility, I hope this project, and those like it, become the standard for our communities and put us on a path to energy freedom.”

F OFROURMU MF OFRO RB UBSUI SN IENSESS S | | 17

Recycling Out of the Box: Thrift Shops Lauren Lengyel Peace River Center

CONNECT ] PeaceRiverCenter.org

resale goods. What often goes unnoticed is the resourcefulness of these stores.

At Peace River Center, the donations that are made to the shops are tax deductible.

When donations arrive, they are sorted according to what will be sold at the shops or what is needed and can be used at one of the Domestic Violence shelters or by clients who may need clothing for job interviews. From the very beginning, donations of others’ unwanted items are recycled into tangibles like supplies for a non-profit facility and intangibles like dignity and confidence for clients.

Thrift stores have turned a profit by selling

When most people think of recycling, they think of plastic bottles, aluminum cans and those blue collection tubs out on the curb.

Even outside of the traditional, recycling has an important part in sustaining the community.

For years, thrift shops have operated with growing purpose.

However true the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” may be, shops now provide much more to our community and economy than just terrain for treasure hunting. The current economic environment has given even greater reasons for individuals to shop at stores with inventories of quality

F i n a n c i a l

P l a n n i n g

.

c e r t i F i e d

items that people no longer use at a lesser price than a new item anything from clothing or textile materials to household goods.

How impressive that a business was formed from simply selling other people’s stuff !

Almost every donation that is made is used – whether it is “purchased” by a client through our voucher system or sold to the public. Thrift shops provide affordable, gently used goods to the community. Those who are in need of clothing receive it, and items that would normally be discarded are repurposed and do not end up in our landfills.

Above all else, the store is a business that

P u b l i c

contributes not only to Peace River Center, but to the local economy.

At first glance it seems a stretch that one’s unwanted clothing could help sustain your community. Reducing rubbish, recycling

a c c o u n t a n t s

.

i n v e s t m e n t s

From

jazz notes to

treasury notes proud to sponsor

At Wall Foss we understand our client’s needs and offer real solutions to fit long-term goals. Our dedicated team of Certified Public Accountants and Financial Advisors gain an in-depth understanding of each clients personal and business aspirations and tailor services to meet those objectives. Our philosophy to protect, grow your wealth and limit your tax liabilities is vital during any economic condition. Call Wall Foss today to see how we can help manage your business and personal financial future.

child of the sun | April 16, 2011 | 12 noon to 10 p.m. | lAke mirror AmphitheAter | free Admission

212 East Highland Drive 18 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

|

Lakeland, FL

|

863.683.0708

|

unwanted items, and allowing them to be reused by others begins with you. Thrift stores are not only “green”; they provide a practical solution to taking care of the environment as well as our neighbors.

wallfoss.com

Polk County Celebrates New Opportunities to Enjoy the Environment

By Friends of the Parks Foundation GLENDA MINK

Polk County

(863) 534-4340 glendamink@polk-county.net

Marian ryan

Friends of the Parks Foundation (863) 293-6961 marianryan@gmail.com

CONNECT ] FriendsOfTheParks.net

Another access point to the Peace River will soon be open to recreational users with canoes and other small water craft. On April 30 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., the Polk County Board of County Commissioners in a public/private partnership with the Dick Pope Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) will host the official opening of the new landing in Homeland, east of US Highway 17 and south off CR 640 less than ½ mile from the County’s popular Mosaic Peace River Park, which features a 3,000-foot linear boardwalk and offers a spectacular view of the historic river.

To be known as the Heritage Peace River

Landing, the four-acre site will feature an ADA-compliant floating dock and covered picnic pavilion with sidewalks connected to ADA paved parking.

Approximately one dozen grassed spaces will accommodate parking for vehicles with small boat trailers.

Several seating benches are strategically placed around the peninsularlike perimeter for a beautiful and peaceful view of the river.

Polk County entered into a sublease to year 2043 with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in July of 2008 for the site where a phosphate dragline had been previously. Physical

characteristic of the launch site allowed the County to construct a basic and less expensive dock design in-house and make minor improvements to an existing shell-rock road to access the facility.

Volunteer members of FPRA, with the aid of heavy equipment and operators donated by A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Clear Springs Land Company LLC., and the Polk County School Board cleared and readied the site for County workers. The final amenity, a 12x12 covered shelter with picnic table will be in place for the grand opening.

“This is truly a public/private partnership,” notes David Hupp, chair of

the Friends of the Parks Foundation’s recently created Friends for Public Lakes Access subcommittee.

Friends for Public Lakes Access will join with the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) to clean-up the river two weeks prior to the grand opening. Citizens who would like to help on April 16 are asked to call Glenda Mink, Friends of the Parks Foundation at 534-4340 to volunteer,

or send an e-mail: glendamink@polkcounty.net.

FRIENDS OF THE PARKS FOUNDATION is a private, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization staffed solely by volunteers to promote and support parks, trails, lakes and environmental lands to ensure recreational opportunities for future generations. To learn more contact: Marian Ryan, (863) 293-6961 or marianryan@gmail.com.

watson clinic

Orthopaedics You don’t have to be a seasoned athlete to benefit from our orthopaedic surgery department. We offer the latest in surgical and non-surgical treatments, including minimally invasive techniques for total joint replacement, ligament reconstruction and cartilage injury repair, as well as state-of-the-art digital imaging (advanced X-ray, CT and MRI technology). Our sports medicine experts include board-certified surgeons, physician assistants, athletic trainers, and specialized physical therapists. From evaluation and treatment to surgical intervention and rehabilitation, you’ll appreciate personalized orthopaedic care designed to keep you healthy and active for life.

Everywhere you look, we’ve touched lives. www.WatsonClinic.com | 863-680-7214 FORUM FOR BUSINESS

|

19

Public Policy and the Environment

Danny Kushmer

Community Affairs Manager, Southwest Florida Water Management District

CONNECT ] WatterMatters.org

The willingness of the taxpayer to take ownership in Florida’s future is the driving force behind public policy toward the environment. A common practice in early Florida was to ditch and drain the land in order to accommodate the many new residents wishing to live in the Sunshine State. Feeding these new residents was also very important so, much of this “newly” created “dry” land was used for agriculture.

For example, in the early 20th Century the Peace Creek Canal and Haines City Drainage District opened up new land for Polk County’s growth. The

Commercial Institutional Industrial Healthcare • Voice

| Data | Video

• Andover • Fire

Controls Authorized Dealer

Alarm | Nurse Call | Security

• Maintenance

same (albeit, a larger scale) can be said for what was happening in the Everglades. Bottom line, Florida was growing and people wanted to be in the land of Sunshine. While ditching and draining allowed for growth, it also served to protect the many new residents from floods.

Throughout history, we have used our engineering skills to harness the power of water.

From dams, wells and reservoirs to ditches, canals and pipes, all used to protect us from flooding and at the same time bring this precious resource into our homes. Based upon our

knowledge and needs, (at the time) taxpayers directed public policy to create these projects and agreed to use tax dollars to pay for them.

Was it wrong to ditch and drain? Today it wouldn’t meet our current water management practices.

But when I turn on my faucet, the water comes out and when it rains for days on end, the roads remain passable and my home does not flood, all good things. However, can we do better? The Southwest Florida Water Management District

Design Installation Service New Construction Renovation

1507 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, Suite 101 Lakeland, Florida 33805-3205 863.688.0600 www.apgelectric.com

Electrical Contractors and Engineers 20 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

EC0000486 | CA5947

(SWFWMD) thinks we can.

Current water management initiatives are directed to ensure adequate water supply and environmental preservation and restoration. On June 30, 2009 former Governor Charlie Crist signed into law Senate Bill 2080 containing the West Central Florida Water Restoration Action Plan (WRAP). Governor Crist acknowledged “Senate Bill 2080 contains a comprehensive package of provisions related to the water management districts and the conservation of water resources”. From water supply to natural systems restoration, WRAP is a means and funding source for restoring the Southern Water Use Caution Area of which, most of Polk County resides.

For decades, run-off from roads, parking lots and subdivisions have been degrading our lakes and streams.

WRAP is being used to create additional storm-water systems to improve water quality to slow and even reverse this degradation. Currently, the Upper Peace River often goes dry during the winter months.

WRAP is being used to

raise the level of Lake Hancock to ensure the Upper Peace River will have a constant flow.

Spanning decades, an overreliance on ground water has lead to depleted aquifers in the region. Environmentally and economically sustainable solutions are needed to combat reduced flows in the upper Peace River, lowered lake levels, reduced water quality, and to ensure the provision of water supplies for all users. WRAP works with local and regional partners to implement new water supply initiatives. A combination of surface water systems, reservoirs, seawater desalination and Lower Floridan Aquifer wells are being used and/or investigated to ensure water is available for all reasonable and beneficial uses.

In the meantime, water conservation is the key and citizens in Polk County have been doing their part. From observing watering restrictions to using less water in our homes, both can delay the need for seeking costly alternative sources. Can we do more? Of course, by ensuring your home and business is equipped with the latest “low flow” devices you can further

“reduce your use”. Make sure you install rain sensors and if it’s your day to water the lawn and it rained the day before just “skip a week”.

Maybe in the future, to combat additional flooding, a case can be made for more canals and/or ditches. But, as technology improves and our knowledge of the environment grows, restoring wetlands and base levels and flows to our rivers, streams and lakes are vital to Florida’s economic growth. Understand the water you drink today is the same water dinosaurs drank millions of years ago. As a society,

we must value this resource in the same way we value the infrastructure (roads, electricity, hospitals, airports, etc.) that allows us to grow.

SWFWMD’s West Central Florida Restoration Action Plan will work with its partners to introduce agricultural best management practices and storm-water treatment, restore surface water storage and flows, and maximize the beneficial use of alternative supplies to further reduce groundwater withdrawals. For more information on WRAP go to: www.watermatters.org/ projects/wrap B A N K O F C E N T R A L F L O R I DA

INTELLIGENT BANKING

Left to right Nancy LaFountain, Jennifer Vaughn, Larry Pitts, Randy Hollen, JoAnn Johnson

Who makes the decisions about your financing?

“We are fortunate to have these five professionals with more than 130 years of combined banking experience, over half of which have been right here in Polk County.”

Paul J. Noris – President and CEO

Does your bank shift your loan application to someone who doesn’t know you, or is unfamiliar with the local business climate?

We were founded to serve professionals and owner-managed businesses. Our commercial banking officers understand the local marketplace and can respond to your individual needs in a way you won’t find anywhere else.

Member FDIC

www.bankofcentralflorida.com

Downtown Lakeland 101 S. Florida Avenue • 863-682-7100 South Lakeland 5015 S. Florida Avenue • 863-701-2685 Bartow 515 N. Broadway Avenue • 863-534-3585

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

|

21

COMMON

TA S T E

a of local business o n e c u p at a t i m e

The Common Grounds member feature gives your business the opportunity to showcase “a day in the life” of your employees and customers. Each month, one of the door prizes at the Business After Hours event will be a Common Grounds Lakeland Chamber coffee mug & the opportunity to submit a 350 word article about your local business.

S us a n N ee d h a m |

The Avenue Hotel Lakeland

“Didn’t you used to be Holiday Inn?” Lately we have been hearing this a lot! Our property at 3405 South Florida has re-branded to The Avenue Hotel Lakeland & Ruby’s at the Avenue Restaurant and Lounge.

The “New Name, Same Stay” campaign was designed to make it known that our owners, management and superior guest service have not changed, only the sign and the logos. The hotel was built by H.I. Development in 1969 and has been a leader in the hospitality industry for four decades! Everyone has a “Holiday Inn story” and we hear them every single day. From coming to Lakeland to go to school, to getting married here, having their family reunion here, or celebrating their birthday or anniversary here, their stories are all the same with loving memories of life’s hallmarks.

We are very proud of our history, having been a part of the Kemmons Wilson Family’s creation & success of the Holiday Inn Brand. As an award-winning hotel, our property has demonstrated outstanding quality service as measured by guest satisfaction scores. We were even recognized as a Top Twenty Holiday Inn Worldwide!

With no less than ten employees that have been with this family owned company for more than 25 years, it is no wonder guests come back again and again to their home away from home. We invite you to “give us a try” and see why this hotel has stood the test of time and managed to offer the best value in the Lakeland area for accommodations, food and beverage and friendly warm Southern hospitality!

Ruby’s at the Avenue, the newly named restaurant and lounge, was lovingly named after another Lakeland icon and long term H.I. Development staff member Ruby Williams. Everyone knows “Miss Ruby” and her fabulous homestyle cooking and buffets. The newly revised “Comfort on a Plate” menu is set to premier soon. A long time entertainment venue, Ruby’s at the Avenue Lounge is home to the very successful Tuesday night Early Bird Entertainment Revue and Buffet hosted and sponsored by WONN Radio from 4-9 p.m. Reservations required. The weekends are exciting with dinner shows scheduled monthly.

So, yes, we used to be Holiday Inn! And we are very proud to have unveiled our new name and we welcome our friends old and new to visit us to see why this jewel in Lakeland is still ready to offer the best in hotel stays, service and guest satisfaction! Visit us at TheAvenueLakeland.com or on Facebook. For reservations, call (863) 646-5731.

22 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

GO TIGERS!

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

|

23

24

|

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

2/25/11

12:59 PM

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802 - 3607

June09AdLkldChamber:FloorMatAdNov-LKLD

Page 1