Forum for Business - 04 April

APRIL 2015 | VOL. XXXIV NO. 4

AEROSPACE ACADEMY:

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS BUY LAKELAND. IT MAKES GOOD CENTS!

LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

CH A M BER STAFF CORYDON G. SKEATES President

CSKEATES@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

BARBARA BENNETT Executive Assistant

BBENNETT@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

S A L LY C H A P M A N

Vice President, Finance & Administration

SCHAPMAN@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

ADAM HANSJONS

Administrative Assistant, Member Information

AHANSJONS@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

C A R O LY N J A C K S O N

Senior Vice President, Member Relations

KURT ELMHORST | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

CJACKSON@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

ALLEN & COMPANY OF FLORIDA, INC.

CORYDON G. SKEATES | PUBLISHER LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

E M I LY R I N E H A R T | E D I T O R

JACQUELINE L. JOHNSON

Senior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau

JACKIEJ@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NICE BRANDING AGENCY | CREATIVE DIRECTION, PRODUCTION & PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.BRANDNICELY.COM

KATIE MCBRIDE Membership Consultant

KMCBRIDE@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

NIKKI OAKLEY

Membership Account Executive

NOAKLEY@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

10 Steps to Better Web Marketing

Frank Motola, Web DesignWeb of Lakeland

by Brandtastic 10 Steps to Better Marketing

TERRY OTTINGER

Vice President, Membership Development

TOTTINGER@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

E M I LY R I N E H A R T

Director of Marketing and Communications

ERINEHART@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

RICH ROY

Vice President, Public Affairs

RROY@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

PATTY SMITH

Administrative Assistant, Convention & Visitors Bureau

PSMITH@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

35 LAKE MORTON DRIVE PO BOX 3607 LAKELAND, FL 33802-3607 (863) 688-8551 LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

Thursday, April 9 • 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

All Children’s Hospital of Lakeland • 3310 Lakeland Hills Blvd $5 Admission $15 Guests Visit LakelandChamber.com to register

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© 2015 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.

“Alltrust is an excellent employee benefits broker – top notch; but that’s not what sets them apart. Alltrust takes the time to understand our mission “to ensure that no one has to go through crisis alone”. They understand the services we offer and serve as Crisis Center ambassadors in the community to increase awareness. They spend the time to get to know our staff, and work to ensure staff know and trust them as a resource. They’re proud to work with us, and us with them. We collectively focus on people to enrich the lives of others. We’re not simply a “client”, and they’re not just a “vendor”. I think of Alltrust as part of our Crisis Center team!”

- Katie

888.563.7278

KATIE ANDROFF Vice President of Talent Management

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS . HUMAN RESOURCES . COMPLIANCE . TECHNOLOGY | MULTIPLE OFFICES THROUGHOUT FLORIDA FORUM FOR BUSINESS

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exper i e nc e e me r g e : Expand you r n e t w o r k – a n d your sk ills

ANDREA MERRITT MARKETING COMMITTEE CHAIR, EMERGE Florida Southern College

CONNECT ] EMERGELakeland.com

If someone had told me five years ago I would be the Marketing Committee Chair for EMERGE Lakeland, I wouldn’t have believed them. In fact, I may have laughed because I hated marketing. At least, I thought I did. I would tell colleagues at my previous company, “If I wanted to do marketing, I would have gone to school for marketing!”

Little did I know, I would end up loving it, thanks to EMERGE. It all began in 2013 when I wanted to help with some of the marketing pieces at work, and began to dabble in graphic design. In exploring this new

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world, I discovered two things: 1) I loved graphic design and never imagined work could be so much fun.

2) I had a long way to go if I ever wanted to be good at this. To further my knowledge and experience in the subject, I utilized the only resource I knew of and joined the EMERGE Marketing Committee.

I quickly learned the crucial importance of this committee, as the people in this group are essentially the only reason our members know about our monthly events. As Steuart H. Britt once said, “Doing business without marketing is like winking at a girl

in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.”

EMERGE could plan events all year long, but the attendance wouldn’t be what it is without marketing. This committee produces graphics that are attention-grabbing and tell a story about EMERGE and its events.

They draw people in and encourage them to click the “RSVP” button.

EMERGE Marketing committee is more than the graphics it produces, however.

We also manage the social media pages for EMERGE on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with members,

potential members, and other people in our community. We produce monthly newsletters that are emailed to EMERGE members and subscribers. We produce flyers and manage advertising for EMERGE, among other small marketing activities. I am so thankful for the knowledge, experience, and relationships I have gained through EMERGE and this marketing committee.

Each graphic I create teaches me something new, and I’ve even gained some experience working with email campaigns and managing a website.

In addition to increasing skill sets, EMERGE is a great place to expand your network. I now have contacts from a plethora of industries: law, banking, investments, moving companies, therapists, higher education, healthcare, hotels, restaurants, and more! I even found my new dentist through someone I met at an EMERGE event.

No matter what your personal and professional goals are, EMERGE is a great resource to help you fulfill them while simultaneously getting involved with your community.

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Pol k G oe s G l o b a l

On April 23, the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce and Lakeland Linder Regional Airport will host the inaugural event of the emerging Polk International Business and Protocol Council.

“Polk Goes Global” is a half day symposium designed to inform Polk County businesses about the value of international trade and to give instruction on how to take steps to initiate international trade.

Attendees interested in building export markets will be introduced to US Department of Commerce, Enterprise Florida and SBDC representatives who can start them on a defined path to growth.

Attendees will also be exposed to ideas on how to gain access to data on potential international partners, clients and suppliers.

Speakers not only include representatives from the commerce sector mentioned above, but also Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing and small businesses in Polk County who have successfully “gone global” will stimulate thinking on how to better serve international visitors and customers in our local market areas.

The symposium is

designed to impact businesses of all sizes throughout Polk County.

Participants will hear the scope of current international trade in Florida and Polk County, learn from agencies and institutions that facilitate export and sourcing, hear from small businesses that have been successful in expanding to foreign markets, learn how to make international connections through protocol capabilities and will be given information on how to take first steps in trade development.

Polk County has a long history of international trade.

Cattle exporting goes back generations, as does the export of citrus and other agricultural products.

International travelers come to Central Florida by the millions, and

are currently adding LEGOLAND to the list of destinations. Our area has long been a leading world producer and exporter of phosphate.

With its strategic location relative to the Florida ports, a free trade zone in the middle of the Tampa/ Orlando metroplex, and the development of the CSX intermodal logistics center, Polk County is positioned to be the keystone for international intermodal distribution and light manufacturing. In addition, Polk County is a desirable vacation and retirement destination for an increasing number of Europeans and Canadians.

Enterprise Florida reported that in 2013, the State was responsible for exporting over $93 billion in goods and

services and for international trade totaling over $155 billion. Florida has the second highest number of exporters of any US state, following only California. International trade in Florida supports over 1 million jobs and accounts for nearly one-sixth of the state’s economy.

Florida’s top ten trading partners include Brazil, Columbia, China, Chile and Japan. Over 45% of all goods produced in Florida are exported!

Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA experienced over 190% export growth from 2009-2013, the second highest rate of growth among state MSA’s. In 2013, the MSA alone was responsible for $1.9 billion in merchandise exports.

Polk County businesses leaders with appropriate knowledge can and should be planning

to take advantage of the international opportunities. (www. enterpriseflorida.com) The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, through its Business Development Key Strategic Task Force, is working with the area economic development agencies, chambers, and business organizations to ensure that Polk County businesses have access to international options – including business and client development services, free trade zone related services, trade mission opportunities, educational, training and protocol opportunities.

THIS EVENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:

EVENT SPONSOR: SUNTRUST BANK CSX SADDLE CREEK CORPORATION FLORIDA IMPORT EXPORT CORPORATION THIRD WING BUSINESS STRATEGIES ADDED BONUS View some of the international Sun ‘N Fun activity as you arrive and leave! Register at PolkGoesGlobal.

LakelandChamber.com 6 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

The students of Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) possess a passion for flight and an insatiable curiosity to discover more about the machines and careers that make soaring possible.

The program began in August 2008, as an extension of Kathleen Senior High, to expose local youths to the aviation-related industry while giving them hands-on lessons and access to state-of-the-art technology.

The program emphasizes both teamwork and individual achievement as well as skill development, creativity, innovation and critical thinking.

The Academy’s mission is to encourage students to seize existing opportunities and make the most of their futures:

THROUGH A COMBINATION OF RELEVANT ACADEMIC EXPERIENCES, COLLABORATION WITH THE LOCAL AEROSPACE COMMUNITY, AND AN AVIATION FOCUS, ALL STUDENTS WILL ENGAGE IN A RIGOROUS COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM THAT WILL MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL CAREERS. Students, faculty and staff members pursue this mission every day as CFAA serves not only as the springboard to the future, but also provides Polk County students with a unique high school experience centering on aerospace and aviation.

Since its inception, the Academy has become quite successful, boasting a 99.99 percent graduation rate, according to data from the first graduating class of 2011 through the class of 2014.

More than 130 seniors have graduated so far from the Academy, and the class of 2015 promises to be its largest yet with 53 seniors expected to graduate in June.

Community partnerships and teamwork have been crucial to the Aerospace Academy’s success. To get the idea off the ground, Polk County Public Schools partnered with a variety of organizations, including Sun 'n Fun, Lakeland Linder Regional Airport and Gulf Coast Avionics.

The Academy combines relevant academic work with generous support from the aerospace community.

Over the years, the Academy’s pupils have experienced extraordinary opportunities to broaden their educational horizons. They have been visited by a member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the country’s first African American aviation unit, taken an up-close tour of a Goodyear blimp, and chatted during a live video 8 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

session with astronauts aboard the International Space Station. National airline JetBlue even gives seniors a field trip to its Orlando training facilities where they can fly multi-million-dollar flight simulators.

The Academy’s growth has soared to impressive heights, considering its inaugural class consisted of 57 students. There are now 295 students who attend classes at a 58,000-square-foot facility, built in 2011, thanks to over a $7 million donation from James C. Ray, a former World War II bomber pilot and Naples businessman.

A scholarship named in Ray’s honor provides financial support to students for their flight training.

The scholarship pays for the majority of recipients’ flight lessons allowing them to focus on their education and less on the cost of pursuing their dream.

As of this printing, there have been a total of 22 students who have completed their flight training through the James C. Ray Scholarship program. A total of 26 have completed their solo flight, and another 21 scholarship recipients are in the process of working toward their solo flight.

However, not all students have their sights set on becoming pilots. Many are interested in other aerospace-related professions, and the Academy’s diverse curriculum accommodates this. Students can also obtain valuable industry certification and in some instances earn college credit.

THERE ARE FOUR TRACKS OF STUDY OFFERED IN THE ACADEMY: AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY Students explore a variety of topics such as the history of aviation, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, flight instruments, navigation, the aerospace industry, air transportation, military aviation, weight and balance, aviation-related regulations, aircraft performance, rockets, missiles and space.

Some of the career paths that students are pursuing are airport management, aeronautical engineering, military aviation, missionary aviation and commercial space operations.

The industry certifications available to students are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Written Test for the Private Pilot’s License and FAA Private Pilot’s License.

AVIONICS

This course of study begins with the fundamentals of electronics and then builds in increasing complexity. Students also learn about avionics, aircraft maintenance technologies and Radio Frequency (RF) communications.

Possible job opportunities include installation and maintenance of avionics systems, line maintenance as well as bench test and repair. Students can test for industry certification (the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radio Telephone Operators License (GROL) and the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT) Aircraft Electronics Technician certification).

ENGINEERING

This course’s studies focuses on aviation but are not exclusive to aircraft design or aircraft systems. Students are exposed to a wide range of engineering disciplines: aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, electrical engineering and more.

Students will learn how to use common computer drawing software programs and can become certified in them. Such certification is marketable immediately after high school for drafting positions in engineering firms, manufacturing companies and government utilities offices.

AIRFRAME & POWERPLANT

This course of study puts students on track to become an aircraft technician and opens many doors in general, corporate or commercial aviation industries.

In December 2013, JetBlue flew eight students to the company’s operations center in New York City to receive a $25,000 grant to purchase equipment for the Airframe & Powerplant program.

When students successfully complete

the General and Airframe portion of the program in high school, they will be qualified to test with the FAA for their airframe certification and can work as airframe technicians on aircraft.

Students can choose to continue with the Powerplant portion of

the program as an adult student at the Academy.

If students successfully complete this portion, they will be qualified to test with the FAA for Powerplant certification and can work on all aspects of an aircraft as a technician.

All though not officially recognized

as a career path, Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) is one of the Academy’s and Kathleen Senior High’s premier programs, which has consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of programs in the nation.

The cadets of AFJROTC receive instruction in “citizenship, community service, responsibility, character and selfdiscipline as well as providing instruction in air and space fundamentals.”

No matter what their area of interest, students look to faculty members at the aerospace Academy to inspire them to reach for the stars. Special guest speakers also share their valuable insights and interact with students. Past lecturers to visit the campus have run the gamut from professionals with NASA and Lockheed Martin to pilots with famous flight demonstration teams like the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Overall, the Academy’s aim is to reach students with an exciting curriculum that taps into their natural desire to learn. From there, the sky is the limit.

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

HULBERT HOMES INC. MARK HULBERT

863.647.5815 464 W PIPKIN RD, STE 1 LAKELAND, FL 33813

CONNECT ] www.HulbertHomes.com

“Our goal is to make raving fans.” Even though this is not Hulbert Homes’ official motto, owner Mark Hulbert states that by doing this, “we are very close to achieving our main philosophy of providing a superior product with quality and integrity.

Hulbert Homes has been constructing custom homes in Polk and Hillsborough counties for 18 years. Much of their success can be reflected in the teamwork atmosphere of the staff at Hulbert Homes.

Instead of competing apples to apples with other builders, Hulbert Homes believes it is their process that makes them stand out. The project doesn’t start when the foundation is poured, but rather the first

encounter with builder and homeowner. The relationship is a critical component of the Hulbert Homes process. They believe in discovering the client’s dreams and ideas, transcribing them to paper, and from paper to reality.

By the end of the economic crisis of 2009, Hulbert Homes, while not untouched, came through by standing by their “quality and integrity” principles and by shifting to more environmentally friendly methods and products, thus providing value and energy savings for their customers.

During the recession, Mark became a Certified Green Professional with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Hulbert Homes now strives to use green

products wherever they can. The key is in the payback period (the period of time the product will benefit the homeowner) and the positive impact on the environment—both of which are explored prior to installation in a Hulbert Home.

Mark learned construction under the tutelage of his younger brother and later pursued his contractor’s license.

In 1997, he built his first home; customers who remain friends to this day. By the end of 2015, Hulbert Homes will break ground on their 700th home.

Along with the NAHB, Hulbert Homes is also a member of the Polk County Builders Association (PCBA) and the Florida Home

Builders Association (FHBA). Mark and Linda Hulbert, along with many of their employees, are active participants and contributors in several local charitable organizations such as Highland Park Church, Boys & Girls Club, Project Care Outreach, PACE, Idols Aside, Faith Runners, Jesus Film, Talbot House, and Young Life and Alliance for Independence. However, possibly the most notable act of charity came in 2014—a mission inconspicuously known as the Polk City 3:4 Project.

Last year, a friend of Mark’s, Tim Williams, asked if he would donate his time and expertise to fix the roof of the home of an elderly Polk City woman and her 14-yearold adopted daughter.

BY JIM RUSSELL,

For more information on the requirements for the Small Business Award and to view previous recipients, please visit LakelandChamber.com/ BusinessResource.

COMMITTEE MEMBER JIM RUSSELL PRESENTED THE MARCH SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH AWARD TO HULBERT HOMES. PICTURED IN THE PHOTO ARE JIM RUSSELL TO THE LEFT AND MARK HULBERT TO THE RIGHT.

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After inspecting the situation, Mark and Tim decided they needed to demo the existing house and build a new one in its place. He donated Hulbert Homes’ time and labor and rallied several subcontractors and suppliers to donate to the cause. When it was all said and done, the woman and her daughter had a brand new home, free of charge.

Hulbert Homes has a history of satisfied customers. The evidence is in the numerous letters of gratitude, referrals, and repeat customers on the informative and well-furnished website (www.hulberthomes.com).

It is with great honor and pleasure to award Hulbert Homes, Inc. with the March’s Small Business of the Month Award.

CEMENT PRODUCTS & SUPPLY CO., INC.

WA N T T O K N O W W H Y B E I N G A M E M B E R O F T H E L A K E L A N D A R E A C H A M B E R I S S O B E C O M I N G ? R E A D O N . . .

CALENDAR 01

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 02

NEW MEMBERS

RIBBON CUTTINGS 07

08

03

04

01 | Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus &

die-hard Tigers fan Barbara Bennett.

05

06

02 | CEO & General Manager Dave Dombrowski expressed appreciation about the Detroit Tigers 79 years of partnership with the City of Lakeland, and the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.

03 | Mayor Howard Wiggs welcomed the Detroit Tigers on behalf of the City of Lakeland.

04 | Chair elect, Mike McGee officially welcomed the Detroit Tigers on behalf of the Chamber.

05 | Players and attendees in line for the

perfectly cooked pulled pork and beef brisket.

06 | 07 | 08 Beautiful setup and food

provided by Delaware North Food Service.

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

APRIL 2015 dates THUR 23 THUR 2

THURSDAY, APRIL 2 EMERGE VOLUNTEERS!

TUES 7

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 NEW MEMBER RECEPTION

THUR 9

FRI 10

THUR 16 THUR 23

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 POLK GOES GLOBAL – INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 8:00 a.m.

Lakeland Linder Regional Airport 3900 Don Emerson Dr

11:30 a.m.

109 N Kentucky Ave

WED 8

5:30 p.m.

Audubon Oaks Apartment Homes 4350 Audubon Oaks Cir

TUES 12

8:00 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

FEBRUARY

MON 13

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 2ND ANNUAL MAYOR'S SUN 'N FUN BREAKFAST 7 a.m.

Aerospace Discovery Center at the Florida Air Museum 4175 Medulla Rd.

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 LUAU DOWNTOWN & KING OF THE WING CONTEST 5:30 p.m.

Citizens Bank & Trust 402 S Kentucky Ave

TOURISM

9:15 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

7:30 a.m.

All Children’s Outpatient Care of Lakeland 3310 Lakeland Highlands Blvd

MONDAY, APRIL 13 EMERGE STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 3:45 p.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

TUES 14

TUESDAY, APRIL 14 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

THUR 23

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 SCORE ROUND TABLE

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

4:00 p.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

WALK-IN VISITORS................................................................................ 455 RELOCATION RESPONSE MAILINGS.............................................. 6 RELOCATION RESPONSE (WALK IN)........................................... 35 ACCOMMODATIONS................................................................................... 2 WINTER ACCOMMODATIONS.............................................................. 0 VISITOR INFORMATION MAILINGS................................................ 18 VISITOR CENTER E-MAIL INQUIRIES........................................... 81

12:00 p.m.

Lakeland Linder Regional Airport 3900 Don Emerson Dr

7:30 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room 35 Lake Morton Dr

MONDAY

TUESDAY

5:30 p.m.

Lakeland Yacht & Country Club 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 BUSINESSVOICE OF GREATER LAKELAND

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 BUSINESS & BREAKFAST

TUESDAY, MAY 12 EMERGE FOLLOW THE LEADERS

WEDNESDAY 1

THURSDAY 2

FRIDAY

SAT

SUN

3

4

5

10

11

12

17

18

19

24

25

26

EMERGE VOLUNTEERS! 11:30 A.M.

6

7

8

9

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION 5:30 P.M.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 8:00 A.M.

BUSINESS & BREAKFAST 7:30 A.M.

BUSINESSVOICE OF GREATER LAKELAND 9:15 A.M.

13 EMERGE STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING 3:45 P.M.

20

14

15

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 4:00 P.M.

21

16 LUAU DOWNTOWN & KING OF THE WING CONTEST 5:30 P.M.

22

23 SCORE ROUND TABLE | 7:30 A.M. POLK GOES GLOBAL – INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 8:00 A.M. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING | 12:00 P.M.

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28

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2ND ANNUAL MAYOR'S SUN 'N FUN BREAKFAST 7:00 A.M.

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Even t HI G HLI GH T S 01

02

BUSINESS & BREAKFAST Hosted by Lake Morton Plaza

01 | Jared Weggeland from Southern Homes of Polk County gave a very insightful presentation on how to increase your sales success.

02 | A big thank you to Lake Morton Plaza for hosting the February Business & Breakfast!

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Hosted by Fields Motorcars

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03 | Stephanie Colon (Community Southern Bank) presented the Plaque of Appreciation to General Manager Gary Gordon (Fields Motorcars) 04 | Fellow Chamber members reconnecting at Fields Motorcars.

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION Hosted by Hawthorne Inn

05 | New members waited eagerly to give their 30-second commercial to those in attendance.

06 | The Hawthorne Inn provided an amazing venue and first class food.

Thank you for hosting the February New Member Reception!

07 | New members getting acquainted with some of our veteran members.

05

06

FORUM for Business is Going Digital

07

Starting in May the Forum will only be available to view digitally. The digital magazine will have its own email distribution at the beginning of every month and will be featured on the website, Forum 2.0 and social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter.

The digital Forum offers businesses added opportunities to reach their target audience by creating clickable links to take viewers straight to the source. These links make the viewing process interactive and engaging while sharing up to three times the information.

These new changes allow the Chamber the opportunity to offer the same benefits while potentially saving money in other ways. The funding usually allocated to the printing publications will be distributed to backing long term programs that will benefit the community.

By offering a new look to the magazine with more benefits helps to promote the Chamber’s publication while also offering advertisers an added bonus to promoting their business.

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

for the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Lakeland Business Leaders and Downtown Lakeland Partnership Association.

Madden Brand Agency Congratulations to Michelle Ledford for being named President of Madden Brand Agency.

Stephanie and Steve Madden and Lory and Greg Madden are pleased to announce that Michelle Ledford has been named President at Madden Brand Agency.

Michelle’s diverse 20 year career with several Central Florida advertising agencies make her a natural fit.

Michelle joined Madden in 2008 and has been focused on the company's growth ever since. Madden Brand Agency is excited about the future of the agency under her leadership.

CenterState Bank CenterState Bank promoted Bretta Christakos to VP/ Retail Market Manager for the Lakeland and Bartow markets.

Christakos brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role where she will oversee the operation/production of Downtown Lakeland, Lake Miriam and Bartow offices. She joined CenterState Bank in 2013 and has held numerous positions during her 30 years in the financial industry including Branch Manager, Business Banker and now VP/Retail Market Manager.

Well known and respected in the community, Christakos also devotes time as a Chamber Champion

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

Southern Homes, LLC Catherine Serrano has been named ‘Sales Person of the Month’ at Southern Homes for both January and February! So far this year, she has helped 12 families start their journey of building their Southern Home.

Southern Homes is proud to have Catherine on their team and know it will be a successful year for her.

THE LAKELAND CHAMBER PRINTS BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS EACH MONTH AS SPACE PERMITS. PLEASE EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MOTM@LAKELANDCHAMBER.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 Bob Read, Director at LegalShield of Lakeland, for his outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Bob is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!

BOB READ

LEGALSHIELD OF LAKELAND Director

SPECIAL THANKS TO MAYOR HOWARD WIGGS AND ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS AND CHAMBER CHAMPIONS WHO TRULY MAKE THESE CEREMONIES SPECIAL EVENTS.

EXPLORATIONS V CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

JETTY'S PLACE

PINK PIANO

109 N KENTUCKY AVE

122 W MAIN ST

1015 S FLORIDA AVE

Lakeland, FL 33801

Lakeland, FL 33805

WWW.EXPLORATIONSV.COM

Lakeland, FL 33803 WWW.THEPINKPIANO.CLUB

N EW M E M B E R S CENTRAL FLORIDA ATHLETICS

2250 HERITAGE DR LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 578-3015 WWW.CENTRALFLORIDAATHLETICS.COM JUSTINE MATHEWS GYMNASTIC SCHOOLS

DUNKIN' DONUTS

3108 US HWY 98 N LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 688-9777 WWW.FLMSINC.COM ALEXANDER F FERNANDEZ RESTAURANTS

LOWE'S NORTH

3600 US HIGHWAY 98 N LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 513-1161 WWW.LOWES.COM CHRIS BOGEDAIN HOME IMPROVEMENTS

LOWE'S SOUTH

3525 LAKELAND HIGHLANDS RD LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 701-9800 WWW.LOWES.COM STUART CRAWFORD RETAIL

GIGI'S WREATHS & MORE, LLC

4415 FLORIDA NATIONAL DR, STE 102 LAKELAND, FL 33813 LAKISHA BAH RETAIL

JETTY'S PLACE

122 W MAIN ST LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 614-4454 LASONYA YOUNG RESTAURANTS

LENNAR HOMES

6503 SEDGEFORD DR LAKELAND, FL 33811 (863) 868-1428 WWW.LENNAR.COM MICHAEL GIAMALIS BUILDERS/RESIDENTIAL

THE MOBILITY STORE

915 N FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 688-3900 WWW.THEMOBILITYVANSTORE.COM JOHN VATH JR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

RHYTHM TREK, LLC

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT (863) 585-5595 WWW.PLAYWELLWITHOTHERS.ORG JESSICA FREDRICKS EDUCATION

RIDGE PROFESSIONAL GROUP, INC. 4425 US HIGHWAY 92 E LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 669-0108 WWW.RPG-ENG.COM KENNETH R. WILLIAMS P.E. ENGINEERS – CIVIL

SMOKIN' ACES BBQ

5675 NEW TAMPA HWY BAY, STE 7 LAKELAND, FL 33815 (863) 937-9787 WWW.SMOKINACESBBQ.NET ROBBIE JORDAN RESTAURANTS

THE TRANSITION HOUSE BARTOW 550 N RESTWOOD AVE BARTOW, FL 33830 (863) 733-4181 WWW.THETRANSITIONHOUSE.ORG ASHLEY PORTER REHABILITATION CENTERS

WATER BOY, INC

1808 OLIVE AVE LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 644-7244 WWW.WATERBOYINC.COM SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN BOTTLED WATER

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

YEARS 1944 | 71 YEARS

1987 | 28 YEARS

NATHAN'S MEN'S STORE

CITRUS CONNECTION

1945 | 70 YEARS

1988 | 27 YEARS

BORING BUSINESS SYSTEMS | ADVOCATE

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

1947 | 68 YEARS LANIER UPSHAW, INC. | VISIONARY

1951 | 64 YEARS PAYNE AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING, INC. | PARTNER PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC. BOARD OF GOVERNORS

1953 | 62 YEARS In May, the Chamber welcomed current staff member, Emily Rinehart as the Director of Marketing and Communications.

A graduate of Florida Southern College, Emily earned a Bachelors of Science in Communication, Advertising and Public Relations.

Soon after graduation she was hired by the Chamber in July as an Administrative Assistant to the Member Relations and Public Affairs Division and quickly integrated herself into the community. Emily is involved with many Chamber initiatives including Leadership Lakeland, Emerge, BusinessVoice, Small Business of the Month Awards Committee, Government Affairs Committee, and Talent Development Committee.

Additionally, Emily has helped plan and organize the 2014 Politics in the Park, Rally the Spirit College Food Truck Rally, CarBQ, Economic Forecast Breakfast, and Suit Up. She oversees Chamber publications such as the Forum for Business magazine, Forum 2.0 email, and other marketing materials from the Chamber.

ALLEN & COMPANY OF FLORIDA, INC. COUNCIL OF ADVISORS

1954 | 61 YEARS WATSON CLINIC LLP | AMBASSADOR

1955 | 60 YEARS UNIVERSAL BUILDING SPECIALTIES | PARTNER

1964 | 51 YEARS

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1989 | 26 YEARS ACTION HOME CARE, INC. CHEATWOOD CHIROPRACTIC OFFICES, P.A.

1992 | 23 YEARS SOUTH FLORIDA GUN & PAWN, INC.

1993 | 22 YEARS CRICHLOW DATA SCIENCES, INC.

1994 | 21 YEARS BRIDGES OPTICAL FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER CHURCHES, INC.

1995 | 20 YEARS CROSSROADS CONSTRUCTION CO.

MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH, INC.

1971 | 44 YEARS SANTA FE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

1972 | 43 YEARS CLEVELAND HEIGHTS ANIMAL HOSPITAL CANCO GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC.

1974 | 41 YEARS

JOY MORSE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP VISIONARY MCGEE AUTO SERVICE AND TIRES AMBASSADOR

1979 | 36 YEARS DETROIT TIGERS | LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS

1980 | 35 YEARS MORGAN STANLEY | AMBASSADOR

1982 | 33 YEARS SPRINGER-PETERSON ROOFING & SHEET METAL, INC.

1983 | 32 YEARS HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF LAKELAND, INC. IMPERIAL FLORIDA SALES CO.

1985 | 30 YEARS FAMILY EYE CENTER SOUTH LLC

IF YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS HAS INFORMATION TO SHARE, PLEASE CONTACT EMILY. 863.688.8551 EXT 228 ERINEHART@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

LEMANS APARTMENT SUITES TOWN & COUNTRY TERMITE & PEST CONTROL, INC.

FLORIDA PRESBYTERIAN HOMES

1986 | 29 YEARS DALE GARDNER JACOBS, PA

ALL ABOUT SIGNS & SERVICE, INC. FLORIDA TILE INDUSTRIES, INC. KANGA MARKETING, INC. NAPA AUTO & TRUCK PARTS ONE LIFE AMERICA TRIVERITAS, LLC

Publ ic Pol i cy – G r a s s r o ot s A dvocacy Effort s Gets M e m b e r s I n vo lv e d

RICH ROY PUBLIC AFFAIRS VICE PRESIDENT

At the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, we aggressively advocate for probusiness legislation and public policy at all levels of government.

Our legislative advocacy team works closely with our Florida Chamber colleagues, elected officials and key staff to ensure that the voice of business is heard loud and clear— from City Hall, to the Florida State Capitol, to Washington, DC. That is why the Lakeland Chamber believes in effective grassroots advocacy, powerful partnerships, and well-informed and politically engaged communities. The Chamber is the business community’s voice in the halls of government for policies and laws that promote business enterprise and a strong economy.

While members benefit the more they get involved in the Chamber’s many offerings, the Chamber’s staff and committees are continuously working behind the scenes to provide a return on investment to its members through its advocacy.

You can focus on your business, knowing your Chamber is keeping a pulse on the issues that are important to the business community, and determining what we can do to continue to help our business community thrive.

Building upon years of history in representing our business community’s interests in collaboration with our local, regional and state public partners, the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce continues to further strengthen our role in business advocacy by strengthening our efforts in support of your business. Those goals include: Seeking to monitor, inform, communicate and engage for the benefit of our members, businesses and economic good.

THE LAKELAND CHAMBER’S GRASSROOTS EFFORTS SERVE OUR 1,500+ MEMBER BUSINESSES, THE THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS OUR MEMBERS EMPLOY AND THE REGION’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THE FOLLOWING FOUR STRATEGIC AREAS: o MONITOR. Monitor public policy, growth management and government targeted objectives/issues that impact our members at the local, state and federal levels.

o INFORM. Inform our members regarding important topics utilizing a variety of membership communication channels, including these weekly legislative updates. o ENGAGE. Engage a formalized, productive "Business & Government" communication process. o ADVOCATE. Advocate Chamber positions, provide guidance to, and seek input from, Chamber members regarding top priority business topics.

To learn more about how you and your organization can advocate for more business friendly legislation, contact Rich Roy at (863) 688-8551 ext. 241 or rroy@lakelandchamber.com .

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 17

2014 C ham b e r A n n u a l M eet in g – “ Lake l a nd I s O n F i r e f o r B usin ess”

The Chamber Annual Meeting, held February 5 at The Lakeland Center, celebrated a great year of accomplishments for the Chamber and the volunteer leaders who unselfishly dedicate their time and talent to make Lakeland a great place to live and work.

2014 Chairman of the Board Tim Jackson (NuJak Companies, Inc.) presided over the evening’s festivities, as the Chamber honored Peter J. Munson (Clark,

Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A.) with the George Jenkins Award. The Lighting Hut received the Scott Linder Small Business Award in recognition of their outstanding business culture and entrepreneurial spirit.

Dianne Wilson Bishop, David Hernandez and Bob Millen accepted the award on behalf of their employees.

Outgoing Chairman Tim Jackson passed the leadership gavel to 2015 Chairman of the Board Kurt Elmhorst (Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.).

The theme of this year’s event, “Lakeland Is On Fire for Business”, showcased Southeastern

At Wall Titus, we consider your tax journey a marathon of strategic conditioning as opposed to an unintentional sprint. Our accounting professionals are determined to identify and nurture strategies that will reduce your tax burden not only this year, but for the life of your business.

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

University through video and live programming produced by Southeastern University.

David Hallock, Jr., Lakeland Managing Shareholder of event Title Sponsor GrayRobinson, P.A., introduced the program. Brian Collins and Dr. Kent Ingel took guests on a journey through Southeastern’s history and future, with many notable community leaders providing testimonials to the wonderful education and contributions that Southeastern offers.

Special thanks to the Southeastern University Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Daniel Gordan, for

the beautiful singing of a special arrangement of “God Bless America”, by Dr. Gordan.

It will be tough to top this year’s spectacular program but Chairman Kurt Elmhorst is up to the challenge!

Mark your calendar now for the Chamber’s 2015 Annual Meeting...

THIS EVENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS: PRESENTING SPONSOR GRAYROBINSON, P.A.

CENTERSTATE BANK OF FLORIDA, N.A. LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

2014 CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING 01 | Michelle Ledford (Madden Brand Agency) talks with Dr. Craig Collins from SEU and his wife Brenda.

02 | On behalf of The Lighting Hut,

principals David Millen, Dianne Wilson Bishop, and David Hernandez accept the P. Scott Linder Small Business of the Year Award from Martha Linder.

03 | Peter Munson (Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A.) accepts the distinguished George Jenkins Award from Ed Crenshaw and Tim Jackson.

04 | 2014 Chairman Tim Jackson passes the

gavel to 2015 Chairman Kurt Elmhorst.

05 | On behalf of the Title Sponsor GrayRobinson, P.A., Lakeland Managing Shareholder David Hallock, Jr. introduced the Southeastern University program.

06 | Southeastern’s Drumline paraded

through the crowd midway through the event!

07 | Dr. Kent Ingle, President, Southeastern

University, took guests on a virtual trip into the future of SEU.

08 | Guests had the opportunity to have

their photos taken by Southeastern University photography students and they were given a card that enables guests to download their photos after the event.

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 19

THE 41ST ANNUAL SUN ‘N FUN INTERNATIONAL FLY-IN AND EXPO PROVIDES NOT ONE BUT TWO JET TEAMS! MORE THAN 500 EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS WILL BE ON THE 2,200 ACRES USED FOR THE EVENT AS 10,000 AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS ARE RECORDED.

The 41st Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo will be on the grounds of the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport April 21-26th. As guests arrive from more than 80 countries for the weeklong event, they will be thrilled by the Breitling Jet Team appearing for the 1st time in the United

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

States. The USAF Thunderbirds will perform on the weekend. Themed airshow days will introduce Formation Flying, Warbirds, Aerobatics, a Salute to Veterans and Women in Aviation. Evening entertainment throughout the week includes live music, two illuminated airshows, guest speakers and aviation themed movies. More than 500 exhibitors and vendors will be on the 2,200 acres used for the event as 10,000 aircraft movements are recorded.

Educator and aviation workshops and forums throughout the week offer recertification. Your presence is requested at Florida’s largest convention that is the main fundraiser for year-round aviation themed STEM education programs, activities and

facilities at the Aerospace Center for Excellence on the SUN ‘n FUN Convention Campus. More than $430,000 is contributed annually by SUN ‘n FUN in scholarships for flight school and/or college tuition for students entering aviation related career fields.

Student tours, assemblies and hands-on activities are highlights for visitors. Watch for information about activities in April that are designed to introduce the local community to components of the $64m indirect economic impact made by SUN ‘n FUN in one week.

VISIT SUN-N-FUN.ORG FOR SCHEDULES AND TICKET INFORMATION.

Secu r i ng F i n a n ci n g f o r Ex port In it iat ives STACEY PIERCE

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Florida SBDC at USF

CONNECT ] sbdctampabay.com

THE PRACTICE OF SALES OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES IS BECOMING MORE GLOBAL BY THE DAY, AND FLORIDA COMPANIES HAVE TAKEN NOTE. FROM SERVICE PROVIDERS TO MANUFACTURERS, MORE AND MORE COMPANIES ARE SEEKING EXPORT ADVICE AND REACHING TO THE FLORIDA SBDC AT UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA FOR EXPORT ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTATION. Beyond the considerations of “internationalizing” the product or service, finding the proper foreign markets, and

learning about tariffs and freight, company owners and managers are often faced with an all-common challenge.

It’s hard enough to get financing for domestic operations. How can the company finance an export initiative?

Javier Marin is a financial analyst and provides guidance through the process of acquiring financing for domestic and export operations.

According to Javier Marin, Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and financial business consultant with the FSBDC at USF, banks look at working capital export financing as one of the riskiest credit deals simply because the

collateral is beyond the confines of US territories and highly unlikely to be liquidated in case of loan default.

“Banks want to help their clients, but the primary premise behind extending financing to a client, from a bank’s perspective, is that the loan will be repaid and that there is recourse if it’s not,” Marin, a 21 year veteran of the banking industry, said.

Marin adds that a combination of programs by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides loan guarantees to banks who want to consider extending

credit to businesses contemplating starting or expanding export activities and have been in business between 12 and 36 months, depending on the program.

For financing up to $500,000, the SBA Export Express program provides the lenders with guarantees for credit extension to qualified businesses for export development; export transactions; standby letters of credit and or fixed asset acquisitions. EXIM’s Global Credit Express provides short-term direct financing for general export activities or specific export transactions.

According to Marin,

the SBA’s CAPLines and Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) loans can go up to $5 million and may be used for working capital purposes to cover production costs (inventory, labor, materials, etc.) as well as freight costs and insurance on freight and foreign accounts receivable. Other allowable expenses under the CAPLine and EWCP include letters of credit to guarantee performance, bids or advance payments.

The EXIM Bank also provides a Working Capital Guarantee Program for similar purposes but for requests over $5 million.

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 21

TA S T E

The Common Grounds member feature gives

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

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.

FRED FRANCIS,OWNER UNIFORM SCRUBS 4 ME | FRANCIS CONSULTING

Uniform Scrubs 4 Me proudly serves the North Lakeland and Brandon areas for all of your uniform needs. We proudly serve professionals in our community; providing them with comfortable, quality uniforms which they can take pride in wearing.

Each location has over 150 yards of displayed inventory (longer than a football field). We carry 20 brands or more consisting of chef, server, EMS, medical uniforms, medical accessories, shoes and other professional uniforms. We also carry a variety of colors, fabrics and sizes from extra small petite through 3X in stock. Sizes up to 5X, as well as talls, can be special ordered in some brands. Our staff proudly wears the uniforms we carry so they know how well each uniform performs.

Each location has a "Man Cave" and uniforms specifically made for men. The Man Cave has elastic and drawstring waist bands, belt loops, front zipper pants, and double or triple stitched seams. We also have medical jackets, T-shirts and shoes made specifically for men.

If you would like for us to provide uniforms for your facility, not a problem.

We have supplied uniforms for nursing facilities, high school programs, and other companies.

Opening a new medical office? We are a Welch Allyn authorized retailer, available to meet and supply all your medical office needs.

Our staff are 3-M Littmann trained on which stethoscope each profession needs and an authorized Littmann dealer and repair center. The oldest stethoscope we have refurbished was reportedly 40 years old. Our stock includes all 31 Littmann finished representations, including Lightweight, Classic II SE, Cardiology III, Master Cardiology, and 3200 model.

Our company is very supportive of Autism and Women's Cancer foundations.

We carry brands, at various times, which donate a portion of the proceeds to foundations that we support.

Jeanette is our new Lakeland store manager. Jeanette has been promoted and transferred from our Brandon location to serve our Lakeland customers. Owner, Fred Francis is also active in the field of human resources as a consultant, and has served on several committees over the past 21 years. Uniform Scrubs 4 Me is looking forward to serving the Lakeland community at their new store location.

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

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

COUNCIL OF ADVISORS WONN/WPCV/WLKF/ WWRZ Radio

AMBASSADOR

VISIONARY CliftonLarsonAllen LLP CPS Investment Advisors GrayRobinson, P.A.

Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center L.L.P. Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Polk State College

Platinum Bank The Ruthvens Wall Titus, LLC F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 23

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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