August 2014 Forum for Busienss

AUGUST 2014 | VOL. XXIII, NO. 8

ON THE GO:

MOBILE PAYMENTS ARE ON THE RISE BUY LAKELAND. IT MAKES GOOD CENTS!

LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

CH A M BER STAFF KATHLEEN L. MUNSON President

KMUNSON@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

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

Senior Vice President, Member Relations

CJACKSON@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

JACQUELINE L. JOHNSON

Senior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau

JACKIEJ@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

KATIE MCBRIDE Membership Consultant

KMCBRIDE@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

NIKKI OAKLEY

Membership Account Executive

NOAKLEY@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

TERRY OTTINGER

Vice President, Membership Development

TOTTINGER@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

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

Administrative Assistant, Member Relations | Public Affairs

ERINEHART@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

RICH ROY

Vice President, Public Affairs

RROY@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

PATTY SMITH

Administrative Assistant, Convention & Visitors Bureau

PSMITH@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

AMY WIGGINS

Vice President, Communications

AWIGGINS@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

TIMOTHY B. JACKSON | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD NUJAK COMPANIES

KATHLEEN L. MUNSON | PUBLISHER LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMY S. WIGGINS | EDITOR LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

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35 LAKE MORTON DRIVE PO BOX 3607 LAKELAND, FL 33802-3607 (863) 688-8551 LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM © 2014 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.

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aware: LPD to host Active Shooter Awareness Seminar

CINDY SHARP FLORIDA CRIME PREVENTION PRACTITIONER THE LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS TEAMED UP WITH THE LAKELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIME PREVENTION DIVISION TO BRING HELPFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

CONNECT ] LakelandGov.net/LPD

According to the FBI, the rate of active shooter incidents in the United States is on the rise. Between 2000 and 2012, 40% of all active shooter incidents took place in a business while 29% occurred in schools.

Following the Lakeland Police Department's two-month active shooter training, the LPD training division plans to further assist the City of Lakeland to prepare, prevent and react to an active shooter scenario. The Lakeland Police Department will conduct an active shooter awareness seminar for Lakeland businesses, schools and organizations on August 26 at 10 a.m. This seminar is organized by Sergeant Bryan McNabb in LPD's training section.

This seminar is FREE, but preregistration is required. Seminar participants must have a primary location within Lakeland city limits.

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PREPARE PREVENT REACT ACTIVE SHOOTER The Lakeland Police Department is hosting a FREE Awareness Seminar for local leaders of businesses, hospitals, schools, churches, and other organizations to learn how to prepare, prevent and react during an active shooter event.

Pre-registration is required.

www.lakelandgov.net/lpd

AWARENESS

SEMINAR Aug 26, 2014 10:00 – 12:00 Youkey Theatre The Lakeland Center

WWW.LAKELANDGOV.NET/LPD

There is no charge to attend, but participants must register at LakelandChamber.com.

Photo ID and employment credentials (business card, employee badge) will be required at check-in, beginning at 9 a.m.

New Technology Makes POS an Affordable Option for Retailers ROBYN KEYT

RETRIEVER PAYMENT SYSTEMS AREA DIRECTOR

Whether you have been running your company for one year or 20, you probably have heard about the importance of working ON your Business not IN your Business.

Technology is one resource that business owners can utilize to maximize the impact of their work.

POS SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED FOR MANY TYPES OF BUSINESS INCLUDING: RETAIL, RESTAURANT AND SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR AN EASY TO USE, ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION. EACH OWNER IS LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT, COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR HIS OR HER BUSINESS WITH FUNCTIONALITY THAT WILL FACILITATE SMARTER DECISIONS. Most POS systems allow you to do many different things so here are some features to check out with the manufacturers you are researching. www.LocalCCProcessing.com

DOES IT HAVE ELEMENTS THAT ALLOW YOU TO EASILY GROW YOUR BUSINESS? • Automated marketing campaigns • Secure POS mobility • Backed by a PCI compliant gateway • Integrated gift card support • Integrated analytics for sales and marketing effectiveness

CAN YOU QUICKLY KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR BUSINESS? • Access back office from the store, home or office, or anywhere • Analyze sales real-time with pre-designed dashboards and customized reporting • Receive alerts for unusual discount, sales, and price activity • Track on-hand inventory • Easy to import data and make changes • Clock in / clock out capabilities for employees • View information at a company or store level with multi-store support

DOES IT SAVE TIME AND MONEY? • Easy to set-up POS solution • Utilizes cost effective hardware choices • Easily add more hardware components / peripherals • Monthly fees and what is included • Customer support 7 days a week • Costs for hardware support and replacement and software upgrades

Seek help from a trusted source where you will be guaranteed support because this system becomes the life and pulse of your enterprise. Knowing the questions to ask going in will help you make a wise decision that you will not regret six months down the road. Ask what you want your system to do for you. The return on investment for a purchase like this can be measured. You should spend less time doing inventory, less time doing payroll and you will have a way to monitor every aspect of your business which translates into more time to market and create

opportunities for growth.

Prices can start as low as $499 for a POS Systems with features like these, where pricing was closer to $5,000- $10,000 only a few years ago. Monthly fees for software maintenance and support can start at only $59. There are also lease programs available that can get you into a system for as low as $99 a month. You just need to know what features are important for your business. It is a tool just like a delivery truck or a display fixture so you will want to make sure your CPA or accountant is informed for tax ramifications.

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MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE

MIKE MCGEE

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT VICE CHAIR

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN MAXIMIZE ITS ADVANTAGE AT

In January, after careful consideration, the Chamber’s board of directors initiated a change in the ways members invest in the work of the organization. For many years, businesses joined the Chamber of Commerce based on the size of the company. The size was determined by some metric – employee count, dollars of deposit, hotel rooms, restaurant seats, etc.

Under the new investment model, businesses have the opportunity to invest at the level that fulfills their needs and best allows them to grow and succeed.

The Chamber’s new Membership Advantage Plans give business members a clear and well defined list of benefits and value ranging from business listings in our award winning publications to event participation and sponsorship. Of course this is all in addition to the work that the Chamber’s professional staff does each day to ensure that your business has every opportunity for success here in Lakeland.

Since January, new members have joined the Chamber by selecting the advantage plan that best meets the needs of their businesses.

Current members may elect to transition now, however all memberships will be transitioned with renewals in 2015.

Vice Chair, Membership Development Mike McGee (McGee Auto Service and Tires) has been a champion of the Chamber’s Advantage Plans, leading his board strategy group through the research, development and market studies of each plan. Continuing that leadership, Mike is also leading the transition to the new plans by selecting the Ambassador Plan for McGee Auto Service and Tires beginning in 2015.

"After evaluating our current engagement in Chamber activities, advertising and sponsorships, it was clear that the Ambassador Advantage Plan met our needs, saved us money and even pushed us to increase our participation. With our Ambassador Plan, sponsorship and advertising credits are included – plus more of our team members can attend events with the Business After Hours Passes and annual event tickets."

Our clients are family. We pride ourselves on confidentiality and accessibility so that your peace of mind is never in question.

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M O B I L E T E C H N O L O GY I S C H A N G I N G T H E WAY Y O U M A K E A S A L E .

ABBY JARVIS | QGIV | QGIV.COM

MOBILE REGISTERS ARE POPPING UP ALL OVER LAKELAND. YOU’VE PROBABLY SEEN THEM; THEY ’RE IN MITCHELL’S, IN BLACK & BREW AND IN OTHER RESTAURANTS AND STORES ALL OVER THE CITY. THEY ’RE COMMON IN THE FOOD TRUCKS AT THE MONTHLY RALLIES DOWNTOWN AND ARE LIFESAVERS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE FARMERS CURB MARKET AND EVEN LOCAL THRIFT SHOPS. MOBILE CASH REGISTERS, ONCE TOOLS USED MOSTLY

BY SMALL BUSINESSES AND MOBILE ENTREPRENEURS, ARE QUICKLY BECOMING POPULAR IN LARGER BRICKAND-MORTAR STORES AND BUSINESSES TOO.

Mobile registers, generally, are apps that are used on smartphones or tablets. Users can use them with card readers that plug into their devices, or they can manually enter credit card information. Some programs even use a device’s camera to “read” the number right off the card! Other mobile registers are a little more substantial; some businesses have adopted tabletop card readers or more traditional-looking touchscreen registers. For a small processing fee, businesses can use the devices to process cards and have the money deposited directly to their bank accounts, usually within a day or two.

There’s a mobile register for everyone, it seems, and that variety is driving the technology’s success. From basic versions ideal for mobile businesses to point-of-sale systems for restaurants and storefronts, business owners have plenty of options. The variety is especially helpful for businesses that are just getting started; smaller, more inexpensive card readers offer a low overhead, especially if storeowners already have their own tablet or smartphone. Overhead is low for other forms of mobile register, too; Square’s POS solution, Square Register, is far less expensive than other, more complex POS systems.

The low overhead is a major selling point for local vendors. Ann Rubin, owner of Pumpernaks, a vintage shop located in Traders Alley in downtown Lakeland, uses a Square credit card reader with an iPad. She said, “I like my mobile register because it's less expensive than a traditional credit card machine. When I first opened I couldn't afford to pay for the hardware and all the fees associated with them. There are also no contracts and it's free to start.” Rubin added that she has no doubt that her mobile register has contributed to her business’ success.

Other businesses are catching on to Rubin’s enthusiasm, and even large chains like Chili’s are starting to see the potential of offering mobile checkout options. They’re definitely a time-saver. Chili’s, for example, allows guests to pay their checks and leave a tip at a table-top kiosk. You can choose to print a receipt or have it e-mailed to you, which can help speed up the dining process for tables that don’t want to wait for servers to split, print, and process each tab. Mitchell’s and Black & Brew have adopted similar systems that allow patrons to select a tip and sign for their purchase in seconds. The potential to save customers’ time isn’t limited to restaurants, either. Some stores are adopting mobile registers as backup options for busy days when lines pile up in front of traditional cash registers.

No technology is perfect, and mobile registers do have a few limitations.

Some mass-market readers like PayPal and Square can be expensive for businesses that process lots of transactions or very large purchases. Limits for each reader vary, so interested businesses should be careful to research their choices. Security could also be an issue. While many mobile registers offer encryption capabilities for card numbers, they’re still not as secure as traditional cash registers. Mobile registers are also not equipped to read chipand-pin credit and debit cards. Those cards, which are widely used in Europe and are attracting attention in the US, are a more secure version of cards with magnetic strips. Chip-and-pin cards are predicted to become more widely used in the US in the next few years, which means businesses may have to replace their mobile registers in the future.

Regardless of its limitations, the technology isn’t just a passing fad. Once found mostly in food trucks and small businesses, mobile registers are predicted to account for half of all credit and debit card transactions by 2017*. Rubin, for one, thinks that they’re here to stay. “There is nothing else out there as safe and convenient,” she said. “You can use it at flea markets, farmers’ markets, even garage sales!” As Lakeland focuses on nurturing entrepreneurs and fostering local businesses, mobile registers are sure to become an even more common sight throughout the city. *”iPads as Cash Registers Are About to Go From Novelty to Norm” by Marcus Wohlsen, published May 6, 2013 on wired.com

DESKTOP USERS ARE STILL KING, BUT MOBILE IS ON THE RISE

Donation forms that are accessed on desktop computers are responsible for the vast majority of gifts; 90% of online donations are still made on non-mobile devices.

Mobile devices accounted for 10% of all donations, and that number is rising every day!

For fundraisers, that means mobile-ready technology is becoming increasingly important. Qgiv President and Co-Founder Todd Baylis said, “Mobile web access is growing, and it will soon surpass all other forms of internet browsing. It’s important for nonprofits to respond by creating responsive and mobile-optimized fundraising tools. Easy-to-use mobile pages increase donor conversion and make online fundraising more effective.”

At Qgiv, we're always on the lookout for new technology that can change the way nonprofits do business. Mobile registers make accepting card payments easier for businesses, and they're making accepting donations easier for nonprofits, too. From standalone kiosks to smartphone apps, we see a ton of potential for mobile registers to make fundraising easier.

The technology has taken hold in the for-profit sector, and it's starting to pick up momentum in the nonprofit world, too.

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

OVERHEAD DOOR CO. OF POLK COUNTY LEO WOODARD (863) 665-1856 3412 REYNOLDS RD LAKELAND, FL 33801

CONNECT ] www.ohdpolk.com

Did you know that the first overhead (upward swinging) garage door was used in 1921 and in 1926 electricity was added to power the operation of the door?

If you’re anything like me, you don’t think too much about your garage door. But, when that morning comes when you’re late to work and nothing happens when you push your remote button, you know it’s going to be a bad day.

No doubt you have opened, closed, driven or walked under an Overhead

Door from Overhead Door Company of Polk County. Overhead Door was started by Leo Woodard in 1971 and moved to their current location in 1982. The foundation that was built over 40 years ago has allowed the company to steadily grow through the years. Their customers have experienced the quality of the Overhead Door product coupled with the fairness and integrity of the trained employee service technicians.

Overhead Door sells, installs, and services both

residential as well as commercial doors.

Training is ongoing as the technology changes. Training this year will include a focus on circuit boards, remotes and other electronics.

Whether its technology, building codes, or other government regulations, one of the challenges of this business is to stay on top of the learning curve.

But what is most important is what hasn't changed over the years. It’s the old fashioned idea of putting the customer

first while serving the customer with integrity and providing a quality product at a fair price.

This approach has allowed the company to gain new customers by word-of-mouth advertising.

Overhead Door Company of Polk County is a member of the International Door Association.

Their favorite community project is to provide toys to many underprivileged children in our community through their involvement in the Polk County Christmas Angels.

BY GARY E. CLEVELAND

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH COMMITTEE CHAIR GARY CLEVELAND PRESENTS THE JULY SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH AWARD TO JUSTIN BARNHILL.

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The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Overhead Door Company of Polk County for their dedication to our community and congratulate them for being our Small Business Award winner for the month of July 2014.

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

CLEVELAND & COMPANY, INC./ ALLSTATE

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

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

NEW MEMBERS

august 12

2014

MEET CANDIDATES • DISCUSS ISSUES • VOTE IN STRAW POLL

lake mirror center

Politics in the park EVENTS

TICKETS order

5:00PM - VIP RECEPTION 6:00PM - CANDIDATE SPEECHES 7:30PM - STRAW POLL RESULTS

general admission • $20 vip reception • $75 ORDER ONLINE AT PIP.LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM OR BY PHONE AT (863) 688-8551.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESIDENTIAL

SENATORIAL Sykes Acquisition, LLC / Kellogg Marketing / Ledger Media Group Bernie Little Distributors STRAW POLL Bright House Networks vip reception CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A / Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Ralston Dantzler CONGRESSIONAL Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson P.A. CSX Transportation / Florida Strategic Group / The Mosaic Company

RIBBON CUTTINGS Politics in the Park is right around the corner! This year’s event will be held at the Lake Mirror Center on August 12 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. This “old-fashioned” political rally gives participants the opportunity to meet with candidates and discuss campaign issues.

Federal, state and local candidates have been invited to participate. The upcoming elections promise to be exciting and Politics in the Park offers the community the perfect venue to meet the candidates and hear firsthand their positions on the many important issues facing our region.

Participants at the VIP reception will have the opportunity to enjoy light hors d’oeuvres, drinks and mingle with the candidates an hour prior to the official start of the event. Individuals interested in attending the event following the VIP reception will be treated to food, beverages, candidate speeches and the ability to vote in the straw poll (18 and older).

PRESIDENTIAL

Florida Strategic Group

Publix Super Markets, Inc.

The Mosaic Company

SENATORIAL

Drummond Company Inc.

Bernie Little Distributors

Ovations Food Services LP

Kellogg Marketing Ledger Media Group

GUBERNATORIAL

Sykes Acquisition, LLC

Bank of Central Florida

Regal Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Acura, Kia

Citizens Bank and Trust

STRAW POLL

Community Southern Bank GEICO

Bright House Networks

VIP RECEPTION

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Lanier Upshaw, Inc

CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A.

Republic Services

Coldwell Banker

RSA Consulting Group

Commercial Saunders Ralston Dantzler

Tampa Electric/ Peoples Gas

CONGRESSIONAL

A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure

Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson P.A.

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.

Coca-Cola

Florida Polytechnic University

CSX Transportation

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

AUGUST 2014 dates THUR 7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 LEADERSHIP LAKELAND OPENING RECEPTION

WED 27

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

MON 11

MONDAY, AUGUST 11 EMERGE LAKELAND STEERING COMMITTEE

THUR 28

THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 SCORE ROUND TABLE

WED 13

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

MON 18

MONDAY, AUGUST 18 SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS COMMITTEE MEETING

WED 20

6:00 p.m. (Invitation Only) Lakeland Yacht and Country Club 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr

3:45 p.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

Noon Grasslands Golf & Country Club 1600 Grasslands Blvd.

THUR 25

JUNE

TOURISM TUES 12

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12 POLITICS IN THE PARK

THUR 14

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 BUSINESS & BREAKFAST

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 4:00 p.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

THUR 21 MONDAY

4

TUESDAY

5

5:30 p.m.

Fresco's Bakery & Bistro

7:30 a.m.

Lakeland Chamber 35 Lake Morton Dr

8:00 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

11:45 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 EMERGE FILLS FRESCO’S

5:00 p.m. VIP Reception 6:00 p.m. General Admission Lake Mirror Center 121 S Lake Ave

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

7:30 a.m.

Valencia Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center 1350 Sleepy Hill Rd

WALK-IN VISITORS................................................................ 339 RELOCATION RESPONSE MAILINGS..................................4 RELOCATION RESPONSE (WALK IN)............................... 34 ACCOMMODATIONS.................................................................2 WINTER ACCOMMODATIONS..............................................0 VISITOR INFORMATION MAILINGS....................................5 VISITOR CENTER E-MAIL INQUIRIES............................... 66

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 p.m.

Pilot Bank 439 S Florida Ave

WEDNESDAY

6

THURSDAY

6

7

FRIDAY

SAT

SUN

1

2

3

8

9

10

15

16

17

22

23

24

29

30

31

LEADERSHIP LAKELAND OPENING RECEPTION 6:00 P.M.

11 EMERGE LAKELAND STEERING COMMITTEE 3:45 P.M.

18

12 POLITICS IN THE PARK 5:00 P.M. (VIP RECEPTION) 6:00 P.M. (GEN. ADMISSION)

19

SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS COMMITTEE MEETING 11:45 A.M.

25

13 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 8:00 A.M.

20 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 4:00 P.M.

26

27 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 12:00 P.M.

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14 BUSINESS & BREAKFAST 7:30 A.M.

21 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 P.M.

28 SCORE ROUND TABLE 7:30 A.M.

Even t HI G HLI GH T S 01

02

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Hosted by Ed Morse Mazda Lakeland

01 | Chairman Tim Jackson (NuJak Companies) presented a plaque of appreciation to Al Leo, General Manager of Ed Morse Mazda Lakeland.

02 | The renovated showroom at Ed Morse Mazda Lakeland was a perfect location for networking.

03

04

03 | New members Tony Greenwood, General Manager and Joe Giquinto, Bar Manager of Miller’s Lakeland Ale House enjoy their first Business After Hours event since becoming a Chamber Partner!

04 | Ron Reeves (Express Employment Professionals) and Chrissanne Long (Maximize Digital Media) enjoy the delicious food and drinks that Ed Morse Mazda Lakeland provided.

BUSINESS & BREAKFAST Hosted by Estates at Carpenters

05

06

05 | VP, Membership Development Terry Ottinger welcomes a full house to Estates at Carpenters as attendees enjoy a delicious hot breakfast.

06 | Dick Pellegrini of Pilgrim Associates and SCORE Mentor presented the “One Page Business Plan” to attendees as a tool for keeping small business on track.

LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP BREAKFAST

Presented by Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson P.A. and The Mosaic Company

07

08

07 | Rep. John Wood addresses a crowd of more than 200 at the 2014 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast on June 5 at the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club.

08 | Owner of My Family's Seasonings, LLC, Christine Y. Quinn, speaks to Polk County Delegation members: Sen. Kelli Stargel, Rep. Neil Combee, Rep. Seth McKeel, and Rep. John Wood.

09

10

09 | Chairman of the Board Tim Jackson (NuJak Companies) presents an “Outstanding Service” award to Rep. Seth McKeel. His term in the Florida House of Representatives will come to an end later this year.

10 | Rep. Seth McKeel with wife, Board Member Kim McKeel (Keller Williams Realty of Polk); sister, Maggie McKeel Mariucci (Florida Polytechnic University), and mother, Peggy McKeel.

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

Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate The Saunders Gives Back program recently presented $37,500 to the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Foundation. Launched in July 2013, the program gives a portion of FCA referred land sales to sustain and preserve the heritage of Florida cattle ranchers.

Grow Financial Federal Credit Union Has been recognized by personal finance website NerdWallet for its consumer-friendly products and services. Grow Financial was named a top credit union in the Southeast region in NerdWallet’s Consumer Banking Index.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

CHAIRMAN ’S CIRCLE Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A. Michael Kincart has been awarded the Outstanding Employee Coordinator for 2013 for Small Companies by the United Way. Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A.’s 2013 United Way Campaign raised more than $40,000, the highest per capita giving amount for all Polk County companies.

In addition, Michael has been selected as the 2014/2015 chair of the United Way Young Leaders Society (“YLS”). The YLS is a group of Leadership Givers dedicated to increasing philanthropy and volunteerism among their peers across Central Florida.

CPS Investment Advisors Was recently ranked #17 of the top 100 fee-only wealth management firms in the nation by CNBC.

GrayRobinson, P.A. Sandra G. Sheets and John K. Vreeland have been named “Florida Super Lawyers.” Super Lawyers are considered the top attorneys in the state with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Heacock Insurance Group Is proud to announce Stephanie Shelnut has recently joined the agency. She is a commercial account producer with 23 years of sales & business experience. She has previously held positions at national and independent agencies where she specialized in risk identification, analysis & program design. In her new position she will be working with clients providing comprehensive, cost-effective risk management solutions.

Adventist Health System’s employees, which includes the 950 employees at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, have been recognized for being one of the best-performing and most productive and engaged workforces in the world. This is the fourth year in a row that Adventist Health System, and all of the hospital campuses including Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, has received the Gallup Great Workplace Award.

JSK Consulting, Inc.

Edward Jones Investments/Greg West Edward Jones Investments/Laura Lear Edward Jones Investments/Matt Bishop Financial services firm Edward Jones moves up on the annual FORTUNE 500 list, as published by FORTUNE magazine. The annual listing ranks the largest U.S. companies by revenue. Edward Jones moved up to 444 on this year’s list, up 47 spots from No. 491, with more than $5.7 billion in revenue for 2013.

Central Florida SCORE Has moved to downtown Lakeland at 100 South Kentucky Ave., Ste. #230, in the Merrill Lynch Building. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. No cost counseling is sponsored by the Small Business Administration.

For more information call (863) 284-5607 or e-mail score122@ verizon.net.

THE LAKELAND CHAMBER PRINTS BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS EACH MONTH AS SPACE PERMITS. PLEASE EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MOTM@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

Kelsey Hull was inducted into the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. FPRA fosters professional development and promotes ethical communications practices throughout the state.

Center for Cancer Care & Research The Watson Clinic Center for Cancer Care & Research was recently presented with the 2013 Outstanding Achievement Award by the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC). Watson Clinic’s cancer center is the only cancer facility in the state to receive this honor, and one of only 74 US health facilities with accredited cancer programs to receive this national honor for surveys performed last year.

Watson Clinic LLP Congratulates Julie Bowne, MS, CCC-SLP, lead/ senior speech-language pathologist at our Bella Vista Building location, for recently earning certification as a McNeill Dysphagia Therapy Program (MDTP) provider. An MDTP provider is uniquely qualified to administer exercise-based therapies for swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia.

Dexter M. Jain, DO, MPH, has joined Watson Clinic’s team of family medicine hospitalists serving inpatients during their stay at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Prior to his arrival, Dr. Jain spent eight years as a hospitalist at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, KY.

Chamber Champion 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 Kim Hooten, Community Relations Manager at Comfort Keepers for her outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Kim is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community

KIM HOOTEN

COMFORT KEEPERS Community Relations Manager

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WELCOME E MILY RINEHART The Chamber’s Member Relations and Public Affairs divisions welcome Emily Rinehart as Administrative Assistant. A native of Indianapolis, Emily spent much of her youth involved in mission work and community involvement before making the decision to attend Florida Southern College.

A communications major, Emily graduated in May and joined the Chamber team at the end of June.

Emily brings with her a proven track record of leadership and service, spending her senior year as president of Alpha Chi Omega. “The Chamber is a perfect opportunity for me to continue to grow as a leader and become more involved in the Lakeland community,” said Emily. “I’m looking forward to meeting our members and learning more about their businesses.”

Emily works with Carolyn Jackson, Senior Vice President Member Relations and Rich Roy, Vice President Public Affairs. Her email address is erinehart@LakelandChamber.com.

EMILY RINEHART

MEMBER RELATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

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

NEW BETHEL A.M.E. CHURCH

ED MORSE MAZDA LAKELAND

2122 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR AVE | (863) 687-1994

1250 W MEMORIAL BLVD | (863) 274-7240

Lakeland, FL 33805

Lakeland, FL 33815 EDMORSE.COM

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

N EW M E M B E R S SPARTNERS.............................................

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC. (WTEC) 1718 S COMBEE RD LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 665-5105 WWW.WTECMSS.COM MS. JEANNA FUEHRER COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

SBUSINESS BUILDERS..............................

24HR RAYS TANNING CLUB 1489 TOWN CENTER DR N LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 738-7297 WWW.24HRRAYS.COM STACY & BRENT ELLIOTT TANNING CENTER

A TO Z RENTAL CENTER

4046 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 646-1004 WWW.ATOZRENTAL1.COM MS. KAREN DEMICHAEL RENTAL SERVICES

AARP FOUNDATION

1959 E EDGEWOOD DR, STE 101 LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 449-1290 WWW.AARP.ORG SANDY SWANSON EMPLOYMENT TRAINING & CAREER SERVICES

ABC FINE WINE & SPIRITS 4315 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33802 (863) 644-3780 MR. BILL JACKSON LIQUOR STORES/PACKAGE

ADAMS HOMES OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA, INC. 5060 LUNN RD LAKELAND, FL 33811 (863) 619-8120 WWW.ADAMSHOMES.COM MR. PETER GUNN BUILDERS/RESIDENTIAL

ALL AMERICAN FURNITURE & MATTRESS FACTORY 845 N FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 683-5054 WWW.ALLAMERICANFURNITURELAKELAND.COM BONNIE EVANS FURNITURE RETAILERS

CAPITAL LAND MANAGEMENT 9830 YAWN RD DADE CITY, FL 33525 (863) 797-9970 WWW.CAPITALLAND.NET JAMES PINEY LANDSCAPING

CIMMA RECYCLING

3919 AIRPARK DR, STE 1 LAKELAND, FL 33811 (863) 698-7996 WWW.CIMMA.NET MS. CLAUDIA ALVEREZ RECYCLING

EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS/GARY WILLIS 2216 E COUNTY RD 540-A LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 647-6986 WWW. EDWARDJONES.COM RENA SNEDEKER FINANCIAL PLANNING

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS BY JERI THOM, INC.

933 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 646-6688 WWW.JERITHOM.COM MS. JERI THOM REAL ESTATE

G. FRIED FLOORING AMERICA 5388 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 430-5669 WWW.GFRIEDFA.COM MS. REBECCA COPE FLOOR COVERINGS

GREAT AMERICAN COOKIES LAKELAND SQUARE 3800 US HIGHWAY 98 N LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 859-2900 WWW.GREATAMERICANCOOKIES.COM MR. RON PATEL BAKERS

JIMMY BELLE'S SEAFOOD MARKET & GRILLE 3120 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33802 (863) 940-2876 WWW.JIMMYBELLES.COM MS. SAVANNAH MINOR RESTAURANTS

LIZARD JUICE

3238 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 692-3344 WWW.LIZARDJUICE.COM MR. JEREMY WHITSON RETAIL

MASSEY SERVICES

3705 US HIGHWAY 98 S, STE 3 LAKELAND, FL 33812 (863) 802-3764 WWW.MIDDLETONPEST.COM MR. WILLIE DAVI PEST CONTROL

NEW MOON SUSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 4231 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 647-1212 WWW.NEWMOONSUSHI.COM BRUCE YOO RESTAURANTS

THE RED TOP PIT STOP

12160 US HIGHWAY 98 N LAKELAND, FL 33809 (813) 850-3414 MS. SANDI HAMM RESTAURANTS

16 || FFOORRUUMM FFOORR BBUUSSIINNEESSSS

YEARS

YEARS

1949 | 65 YEARS

FLORIDA TECH GROUP, LLC

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE

EXECUTIVE SUITES PARRISH & PARRISH CPA'S, P.A.

1953 | 61 YEARS ALLEN & COMPANY OF FLORIDA, INC.

1959 | 55 YEARS THE RUTHVENS

1975 | 39 YEARS POOR RICHARD'S PRINT SHOP

1978 | 36 YEARS DIXIE SIGNS, INC.

1980 | 34 YEARS CLARK, CAMPBELL, LANCASTER & MUNSON P.A.

YEARS QGIV BROADWAY REAL ESTATE SERVICES COOKIE JAR BAKESHOP TIJUANA FLATS BURRITO COMPANY CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION

1981 | 33 YEARS LAKELAND RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB INC.

1982 | 32 YEARS LAKELAND AUTOMALL - FORD & HYUNDAI

1984 | 30 YEARS CIVILSURV DESIGN GROUP, INC.

1984 | 30 YEARS LAKESIDE PEDIATRICS/NORTHSIDE

1985 | 29 YEARS DRUMMOND COMPANY, INC.

1986 | 28 YEARS VOGEL BROS. BUILDING CO.

1989 | 25 YEARS ALBE STAMP & ENGRAVING

1989 | 25 YEARS ALLIANCE FOR INDEPENDENCE

1990 | 24 YEARS ALL-BRITE SPECIALTY SERVICES, INC.

1990 | 24 YEARS POLK THEATRE INC.

1991 | 23 YEARS CARLTON ARMS OF LAKELAND

1992 | 22 YEARS GUNDER'S AUTO CENTER, INC.

1994 | 20 YEARS STATEWIDE BUILDING MAINTENANCE, INC.

FFOORRUUMM FFOORR BBUUSSIINNEESSSS || 17

Recognizing the Chamber's Leading Investors

KATHLEEN MUNSON PRESIDENT

For further information on the Chairman’s Circle, please email Kathleen Munson at kmunson@ LakelandChamber.com.

The Chairman’s Circle is a special membership forum for senior level executives.

The forum provides members with the opportunity to meet with one another, build relationships, and participate in strategic marketing and leadership events to enhance their businesses and the overall Lakeland business community.

In the July issue of the Forum for Business, several names were omitted from the Chairman’s Circle acknowledgements.

To the right is a complete listing of business leaders that are members of the Chairman’s Circle.

THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS LE ADERS ARE MEMBERS OF THE CHAIRMAN ’S CIRCLE: RALPH ALLEN

KEN ELY

ALLEN & COMPANY OF FLORIDA

PLATINUM BANK

IRA ANDERSON

SCOTT FRANKLIN

CROWE HORWATH LLP

LANIER UPSHAW, INC.

MARIA BROUS

MIKE FURR

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

FURR & WEGMAN ARCHITECTS, P.A.

TIMOTHY F. CAMPBELL

DR. ED GOODEMOTE

CLARK, CAMPBELL, LANCASTER & MUNSON, P.A.

RADIOLOGY & IMAGING SPECIALISTS

MIKE CARTER

MORGAN STANLEY

CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP

GARY CASSARD BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS

KEVIN GRIFFITH KAMAL HAIDER, M.D. CLARK & DAUGHTREY MEDICAL GROUP/LRHS P.A.

DAVID DANIEL

BOB HARRIS

LAKELAND SURGICAL & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

WELLS FARGO BANK

DAN DORRELL

FORD HEACOCK

CROSS, FERNANDEZ & RILEY, LLP

HEACOCK INSURANCE GROUP

DALE DREYER

DR. EILEEN HOLDEN

CENTERSTATE BANK

POLK STATE COLLEGE

MIKE MCGEE

Bus NESS&bre kfast “Understanding Where, Why & How Your Tax Dollars are Spent” August 14 7:30 a.m.

MCGEE AUTO SERVICE AND TIRES

HAROLD MCLEOD SUNTRUST BANK

MARK MCRAE BB&T

DAVID MILLER PETERSON & MYERS, P.A.

MARK MILLER GRAYROBINSON, P.A.

SAM MORRONE PEPPERIDGE FARM, INC.

PAUL NORIS BANK OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

GEORGE ROGERS GEICO

ART ROWBOTHAM WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ RADIO

JOE P. RUTHVEN THE RUTHVENS

1350 Sleepy Hill Rd

CHAS P. SMITH CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS

DR. ELAINE THOMPSON LAKELAND REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

LEE WALL WALL TITUS LLC

$5 Members | $15 Non Members RSVP at LakelandChamber.com 18 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

HOWARD WIGGS CITY OF LAKELAND

n a c k e e w a One night

E F I L R U O Y E HC ANG

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u/lake d e r. te s b e w • 9 3-687-930 6 8 2 0 2 e it u S , r Drive 1479 Town Cente

Webster University educates professionals in the Lakeland area through our accredited master’s degree programs. Classes are taught by academically qualified faculty who are practitioners in their fields. The classes are the right size for learning and the perfect place for networking. Apply today!

For a complete program listing go to webster.edu/lakeland No GRE/GMAT • Classes one night a week Webster University, founded in 1915 with its home campus based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, is the only Tier 1, private, nonprofit university with campus locations around the world including metropolitan, military, online and corporate, as well as American-style traditional campuses in North America, Europe and Asia.

EC-2476 Generic.indd 1

Be a part of what’s next.

8/13/13 8:33 AM

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

| 19

po l k E c onomi c U p dat e

DR. JAMES FARRELL, CFA

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS IS PROUD TO UNDERWRITE THE RESEARCH AND PREPARATION OF THE POLK PROGRESS REPORT

The markets continued their upward climb in June with the S&P 500 gaining 1.91% bringing the year to date total return to 6.05%. The DJIA has had less robust performance so far this year, finishing June up 0.65%, bringing the year to date return to 1.50%. The NASDAQ has been the most volatile of the three, returning 3.90% in June for a year to date return of 5.54%. Gold sits just above $1300/ oz. while oil is above $105/barrel following increased uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, specifically the actions of ISIS in Iraq

during the month of June. The increased price of gold is likely unsustainable as Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis President James Bullard hinted that the Fed is getting closer to raising interest rates. While 1st quarter GDP was revised downward to -2.9%, many are expecting a solid second quarter result as the pent up demand from the rough winter sparked consumer spending once the snow melted.

Bullard projected a rate hike for early 2015.

Nationally, home prices continued to climb, with the CaseShiller index rising

2.2% in May but remain slightly down year-overyear. The proportion of foreclosure sales has fallen and is being replaced with a larger proportion of short sales, a signal of a better functioning market. In Polk County, the median sales price has risen to $129,550, a monthly increase of 2.3% in May. From May 2013, home prices have risen 3.4% after dipping during the latter part of 2013. While these gains are well short of the double-digit gains experienced from 2012 to 2013, they are more in line with long-run average growth in real estate values. This is

MEDIAN HOME PRICES $250,000

$200,000

$150,000

$100,000

$50,000

CONNECT ] FLSouthern.edu/ PolkProgress 20 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

$0

a positive signal that the local residential real estate market has begun to stabilize. The accompanying chart compares the median sales prices from January 2000 through the boom and bust until May 2014 to a 3% growth line. While the boom provided for significant returns, the market correction eliminated all of the returns and more. The double-digit price gains between 2012 and 2013 acted to fix the over-correction. Polk County has fluctuated around the line for the past year and is likely in line with long-run growth projections

given the relatively stable population, demographics and income. While the projected increases in interest rates may reduce home affordability, a stable housing market will do much to increase confidence in the return to a more normal housing market where 2 – 4% gains per year are customary.

The reduction in uncertainty surrounding housing prices will hopefully balance off the expected increases in mortgage interest rates and allow the market to continue to grow normally.

3% GROWTH RATE

publi c pol i cy INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXPANDS WITH THE HELP OF ENTERPRISE FLORIDA

RICH ROY

PUBLIC AFFAIRS VICE PRESIDENT

CONNECT ] LakelandChamber.com

Over the past two years, international trade proved once again to be one of the state’s strongest sectors, even with the economic challenges that affected global trade. In 2013, total merchandise trade (exports plus imports) reached $158.4 billion – the second-highest level ever recorded.

Florida serves as a major international trade center and hub for businesses across all industries. Florida continues to have one of the highest trade surplus across the U.S. In fact, international trade and foreign investment accounted for about one-sixth of the state’s economic output last

year and supports an estimated one million jobs. This is due in large part to Florida’s unique combination of geographic location, hightech ports, transportation network, diverse workforce and financial resources.

International trade provides one of the state’s strongest sectors, accounting for $60.5 billion in Florida-origin exports and continues to see growth yearly.

More than 60,000 Florida companies export, which accounts for 20 percent of all U.S. exporters. Businesses that operate in Florida can take advantage of unrivaled access to

export counseling and international trade through services that Enterprise Florida provides. In fact, this past legislative session leaders in Tallahassee expanded its footprint in the internal trade world by investing $19.9 million for trade and offices in Japan and China.

Enterprise Florida has seven trade offices located throughout the state to provide export counseling and advice to Florida manufacturers, export intermediaries, and services companies.

The trade offices provide many services including evaluation of a company’s market readiness, selecting target markets for its products or

services, market research, information on channels of distribution in target markets, educational “how to” seminars, export promotion through trade missions, shows and matchmaking programs and introductions to our International Offices.

In addition to the aforementioned services, Enterprise Florida provides export counseling to Florida companies in the form of identifying the best markets for companies products and provide pertinent market entry information and data, more than 30 international export development events annually and refers more

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imaging services.

MEET OUR VASCULAR TEAM.

than 500 qualified export sales leads annually to Florida small and medium-sized enterprises free of charge.

On a worldwide scale, Enterprise Florida has over 15 international offices which counsel small businesses looking to export to foreign markets. The offices also identify Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) opportunities for international companies looking to invest or do business in Florida.

Enterprise Florida is the perfect partner for foreign businesses looking to locate in Florida and for small and medium-sized Florida businesses looking to expand internationally.

With over 25 board-certified physicians, Radiology and Imaging Specialists (RIS) has been serving the Central Florida area for over 45 years providing the latest state of the art imaging services. Our expert team of physicians has credentials in diagnostic and interventional radiology subspecialties, so you receive the best care available.

Better Technology. Better Results.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ENTERPRISE FLORIDA’S PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES, VISIT WWW.ENTERPRISEFLORIDA.COM.

Ask about our payment plan options

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

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

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.

BY TRINA KINGERY HOMESTARFC.COM/TRINAKINGERY

During one of the most challenging times in history, this mortgage company tripled in size, and shows no signs of slowing down.

When Homestar Financial Corporation started in 2002, there was no intention of growing the company to 46 offices across the southeastern United States. What began as a small local banking company in Gainesville, GA now boasts 250 team members, including 125 licensed mortgage loan originators across 6 states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

At Homestar Financial, our focus is “a boots on the ground mentality”. We work hard to build relationships with each client, local business partners and the community. Our team of professionals is among the most knowledgeable and experienced in the mortgage industry. We offer a full range of mortgage programs from the first time buyers to the seasoned investor; Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA. Our Lakeland office is led by Branch Manager, Trina Kingery. She has 23 years of experience as a licensed mortgage loan originator. Her career began immediately after graduating from Florida State University with a degree in business. She managed her own mortgage broker business, The Mortgage Source for 19 years. Her transition to Homestar Financial in 2011 was motivated by the “in-house” team atmosphere. She felt the need to be part of something bigger and better. She is an active member of the Chamber leads group, Lakeland Business Leaders, Lakeland Association of Realtors, and Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals.

Her position requires her to be a hands-on manager and loan originator. She assists with all aspects of running a successful branch and keeping the mortgage process flowing. She starts every loan application with one goal, “find the needs and wants of the customer”. Understanding someone’s mortgage needs requires sharing of personal or private information. Employment history, income, assets and of course credit history are required. All of these items must be reviewed separately and complied together to make a loan package. The better Trina documents the loan package the easier the process. Thus, allowing her in-house team of processors, underwriters, and closers to move a file quicker to the closing table.

Handling someone’s biggest investment is a huge responsibility, and we completely get that. As an outstanding and honest mortgage company we strive to meet the needs and wants of our customers in a timely manner ensuring they arrive at “the easiest way home”.

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

C/F/R’S POLK COUNTY TEAM – CPAs DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS

At C/F/R, we’re firm believers that bigger isn’t always better. We prefer to know our clients on a personal level, providing our undivided attention and wholehearted support. From the smallest tasks to the largest challenges, we keep the focus where it’s meant to be, on having the right people with the right skills providing our clients with amazing service. As advisors, we believe we are a reflection of the clients we serve. Knowledge is key. Deadlines are met. Costs are fair. Relationships matter. We take on your challenges as if they were our own and we celebrate your successes, because ultimately, what’s important to you is important to us.

The largest accounting firm local to Polk County

Lakeland Office 863-937-9520

Winter Haven Office 863-299-5638

Tampa Office 813-321-6869

Orlando Office 407-841-6930

www.cfrcpa.com

Free Design Consulting

Our professional team represents over 80 years of experience in our 75,000 sq. ft. showroom!

(863) 682-3450 2440 Hwy. 98 North

1 Mile So. of I-4 Across from Lakeland Chrysler

www.officefurnituredepot.com

Locally owned & operated.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

LET US DO THE ONSITE MEASURING & HELP WITH THE LAYOUT

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

W E C A N D E S I G N R E C E PT I O N A R E A S TO F I T A N Y ST Y L E

GET CONNECTED.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS PRESENTED BY

AUGUST 21 | 5:30 -7:30 P.M. 439 S FLORIDA AVE

hors d’ouevres, wine & beer from Fresco’s music by Rich Mistretta

$10 MEMBERS | $30 GUESTS ~ YOUR RSVP IS APPRECIATED. VISIT LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM TO REGISTER.