April 2010 Forum for Business Monthly

inside

Tiger BBQ: Despite cold weather, fans enjoy annual Tiger BBQ. Page 4

Sun ‘n Fun: Fun in the sky returns to Lakeland on April 13.

Page 2

this issue

Business After Hours: Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse welcomes members.

Page 6

FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

April 2010

Vol. XX, No. 4

Friday, April 16 • 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Lake Mirror Amphitheatre

{

event sponsor

}

April 1, 2010 is National Census Day It’s easy. It’s important.

It’s safe

Free concert featuring the band, “Think Big”

“Take 10 to answer 10” today and be sure Lakeland is counted in Census 2010.

Because census data affects how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments, the census will frame the future of our country and our community for the next 10 years.

additional sponsors include:

Furr & Wegman architects, P.A. is Excited to Announce a Green Celebration

By Stacie Jones,

Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.

Plan to join the celebration in honor of Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary with a free concert and showcase in the Lake Mirror Amphitheatre on April 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This carbon neutral, alternatively powered concert is the first of its kind to take place in Florida. There will be live music on the sound stage by the band, “Think Big” along with a variety of showcase vendors throughout the amphitheatre promoting “green living.”

Census forms were mailed in late March and must be returned in April. Celebrate National Census Day by returning your short 10-answer questionnaire by mail today!

The Chamber serves as a Questionnaire Assistance Center. Contact us at (863) 688-8551 for information.

Continued on Page 2

ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move

The Fun returns to Lakeland April 13 Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In Special Dates & Activities • April 2 – Sun ‘n Fun Skyward Festival (6:00 – 9:00 p.m.): Downtown Lakeland’s Sun ‘n Fun kick off with tethered hot air balloons, airplane fly-bys, Air Force Rock Band & more!

Sun 'n Fun, one of the world's premier events for recreational aviation enthusiasts and those who just enjoy the fun, returns April 13-18 to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport!

This exciting event brings approximately 160,000 visitors to Lakeland with an estimated economic impact of approximately $28 million. The focus is on education with more than 450 educational forums, seminars and "hands-on" workshops; plus more than 500 commercial exhibitors who offer aviation products and services including all the major aircraft manufacturers; daily air show plus additional night air show on Friday, April 16; more than 5,000 aircraft of every size and shape. Contact www.sun-n-fun.org or (863) 644-2431 for information.

• April 14 – First Officer Jeff Skiles, Co-Pilot of U.S. Airways Flight 1549, “The Miracle on the Hudson” (8:00 p.m.)

• April 15 – Splash-In Competition, Lake Agnes at Fantasy of Flight (11:00 a.m.)

• April 17 – Hot Air Balloon Launch (6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.)

• April 17 – USAF Thunderbirds F-16 Performance (4:00 p.m.)

• April 18 – USAF Thunderbirds F-16 Performance (4:00 p.m.)

Don't miss the Skyward Festival in Downtown on April 2!

Green Celebration Concert & Showcase Continued om Page 1

The band’s performance will be powered by a solar generator supplied by Solar Source.

Interactive displays and activities will spawn excitement as you learn of ways to improve the environment through recycling, transportation initiatives, alternative energy and clean living. Organizations focused on green related business and technology efforts will participate in the showcase to answer questions. In addition, environmentally friendly products and samples will be given away. Food and drink vendors will be available.

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly

Volume Information: April 2010 Vol. XX, No. 4

Joe L. Ruthven Chairman of the Board

Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President

celebration or going green in your home, contact event organizers at Furr & Wegman Architects, PA - (863) 688-1211 or www.furrandwegman.com.

Bring your family and friends and enjoy an evening filled with music, dancing, food and fun. Come and help us... turn up the volume!

For information on the partnership, the

Think Big

Amy S. Wiggins Editor Kingston Partners Design No. 2

2010

EDUCATION LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY STATEMENTS The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce announces its list of education priorities for this year’s legislative session.

POLK COUNTY SCHOOLS K-12 Support the Legislature placing an amendment to the 2010 ballot allowing Class Size Amendment requirements to be measured permanently by a schoolwide average.

Request the Legislature to provide funds to accommodate the costs incurred for increased state mandates passed to local districts.

Support allowing Perkins Skill Attainment lists to be used for industry certifications.

POLK STATE COLLEGE Support the funding of growth and the preservation of open access to higher education.

• Add recurring, operating dollars to PSC base budget to sustain current enrollment resulting from doubledigit enrollment growth over the past three years and the expansion to offer workforce-focused baccalaureate degrees.

Support private philanthropy through the Facility Enhancement Challenge Grant Program.

• PSC received a $12 million cash gift from a private donor and a $2 million cash donation for infrastructure from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC Support an increase in the USFP base budget, to expand and enhance polytechnic programming.

Support full funding of Phase 1 of the new campus construction project.

Support funding of the Courtelis matching fund program.

Support the passage of HB 101 establishing a Pharmaceutical Program on the USFP campus.

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE Support continued funding of FRAG at its current levels.

Support funding for Department of Historical Resources Historic Preservation Grants, specifically for the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel located on the Florida Southern Campus.

Support funding for the new Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Center.

Experience EMERGE

Monthly updates for Lakeland’s young professionals

By EMERGE Lakeland Marketing Committee

EMERGE Lakeland will again host one of the organization’s must-attend events for young professionals. The annual “Follow the Leaders” program will take place on Tuesday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club. A dynamic group of Lakeland’s business and community leaders will participate in a panel discussion on leadership and will share experiences and wisdom. The Lakeland Yacht and Country Club will provide great appetizers and drinks.

Visit EmergeLakeland.com to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, development programs and social outings. If you are a current member, consider getting more involved and join a committee.

EMERGE Lakeland is also on Facebook and Twitter. You can also click on the EMERGE logo on LakelandChamber.com. Get involved! Join EMERGE Lakeland today!

Florida Southern College will host a professional development presentation on business etiquette on Thursday, April 22. Dr. Rob Tate will provide enlightening and entertaining answers on proper protocol in business situations. A continental breakfast will be provided.

EMERGE’s P2P program continues to be successful building relationships and developing leaders for our organization. Be on the lookout for enrollment opportunities soon.

EMERGE Lakeland members held a mixer with the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association at the Honeyman Pavilion in February. e “speed network” format proved to be quite entertaining!

Members Discuss HR Surprises at Valencia Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center

Tiger fans enjoy the 64th Annual Tiger BBQ — A little cool weather did not stop the fun!

By Terry Ottinger

Vice President, Membership Development

With the need for a last minute venue change, the staff of Valencia Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center stepped up “to the plate” and welcomed members to visit the largest center of its kind in Polk County.

Located at 1350 Sleepy Hill Road, Administrator Mike Bradley shared the features and unique opportunities that make this facility an asset to Lakeland’s medical community and welcomed the attendees while the staff prepared a great breakfast and set the meeting room - complete with table cloths and napkins. Ms. Sandy Wotring, President of Best Human Resource Solutions, provided general HR guidelines for all businesses, and also covered some of the compliance issues faced by small business - some they might not be aware of. Sandy answered questions from the group and assured them that education was the key along with documentation of personnel matters.

Thanks to Sandy for a great presentation and to the staff at Valencia Hills for a great event.

Crowd enjoying some Jimbo’s ribs and Texas Cattle Company steaks!

And there’s Detroit Tiger pup “Wallace” ready for the BBQ—complete with pass!

He truly enjoyed the cooler weather!

Dave Dombrowski—President , CEO, and General Manager of the Detroit Tigers Detroit Tiger pitchers Joel Zumaya and Bobby Seay join the excitement!

Sandy Wotring of Best Human Resource Solutions answers questions om members.

Chamber members enjoy breakfast provide by Valencia Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center.

One of the players? No, that’s our Chairman of the Board Joe L. Ruthven welcoming Chamber board member Steve Moore to all the festivities!

No. 4

Photo Credit: Polk State College Student, Justin Green

March Small Business of the Month Award presented

By Maureen Shaw Flower Cart Florist

Registered nurse, published-author, visionary and passionate advocate for eldercare and the benefits of ‘aging in place,’ Maggie Lazarre established Advantage Home Health Services in 1990 and is at the helm of her reinvented business plan for this company.

She has redesigned her office, logo and Web site to deliver the message, not just to elderly citizens - but to the loving family members taking care of them, that senior care at home can be safe, manageable and affordable.

For our aging parents and their fellow elderly comrades, HOME is ‘truly where the heart is.’ Now, day to day living in our twilight years can be manageable with the watchful eye of a certified

home health agency named Advantage Home Health Services.

With skilled nursing care, therapy, companionship, homemaker and personal care services – gone are the days of the ‘no-alternative-but-a-nursing-home’ option. The main philosophy behind this company, is to foster independence of the elderly by allowing seniors to ‘Age at Home.’

For those seniors able to reside alone in their own homes, AHHS allows them to live independently with help available to them 24-7 by fully licensed and experienced RNs, seven days a week including weekends and holidays. The charges for these services are ‘a la carte’ from a myriad of options desired by seniors or their loved ones. Physicians and family members (in town and out of

March Winner

Advantage Home Health Services Maggie Lazarre, President & Founder 607 S. Missouri Avenue PO Box 93378 Lakeland, FL 33804 (863) 603-9777 Phone (863) 603-9779 Fax mlazarre@advantagehomecare.com www.AdvantageHomeCare.com

town) are kept abreast of all visits, check-ups, problems, etc. on an ongoing, real time basis.

This novel approach allows the senior to remain in the comforts of their own personal environment with their furniture, knickknacks, china, tools and plants. This fresh and forward thinking trademarked business plan is titled, Advantage Healthwatchtm and defined

by Maggie as subscription-based health management and oversight service for seniors.

Maggie’s commitment to her community goes beyond senior care issues. Her volunteer participation in civic activities includes currently holding Board positions at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Home Care Association of Florida, Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, Global Reach Foundation and Polk Senior Games. She is also an advisory Board member for Florida Southern College School of Nursing and Travis Vocational School Nursing Program. Most importantly to us, Maggie served as the first female Chairman of the Board of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce in 2002!

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Maureen Shaw (Flower Cart Florist), presents the March Small Business of the Month Award to Maggie Lazarre, President/Founder, Advantage Home Health Services, Inc. and her staff. Pictured first row, L-R; Maureen Shaw, Maggie Lazarre, Laurel Petrie, Sandra Duerr, Gwen Hyatt. Second row, L-R; Jessica Butler, Elizabeth Lattimore, Marc Lazarre.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Advantage Home Health Services as the Small Business of the Month for March.

Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse Welcomes Members to the Red Carpet

By Amanda Lipham

Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse

It was a red carpet event at Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse, where their courteous staff welcomed guests by the hundreds to February’s Business After Hours. Their expansive 10,000 sf showroom, located at 2145 E. Edgewood Drive, was the perfect setting to network and enjoy the spread of delicious food and drinks provided by their generous sponsors. Tables provided by Taylor Rental featured fabulous BBQ from Grills Plus More, Otis Spunkmeyer

brownies were provided by Bright House Networks, and beautiful fruit bouquets and treats were created by Edible Arrangements. Bernie Little Distributors supplied the beer, Tim’s Wine Market provided wine samples, and Community Bank of Florida gave out sodas and bottled water.

Those in attendance were also able to peruse the store’s extensive inventory of first quality flooring products, including carpet, tile, laminate, wood, vinyl, and the largest selection of area rugs in Polk County. Along with door prizes from

Photo credit: Polk State College Student, Justin Green

Darren Harrison accepts the plaque of appreciation om Chair Elect Alice Hunt.

Regal Carpet & Tile, Golf Club at Bridgewater, Grills Plus More, Edi’s Place, AFLAC/Les MIddleton, 1st Class Bookkeeping Services, and V.I.Pet Resort, Galloway’s Flooring Warehouse gave away five beautiful area rugs!

Also, thanks to the generosity of Sunshine Growers, each guest was encouraged to take home one of the flowering plants lining the red carpet on their way out. A big thank you to all involved for a night full of food, fun, and networking opportunities.

Les Middleton, AFLAC, increases his face value by adding Galloway staff members Anna and Amanda

Riverside Bank Says “Welcome Home” to New Chamber Members

By Terry Ottinger

Vice President, Membership Development

New members, Chamber staff, Chamber Champions and the Riverside Bank staff all met at the North Riverside Branch located at 6108 US Highway 98 N, for the February New Member Reception. Riverside Bank supports the entire series of New Member Receptions as the presenting sponsor, and this month opened their doors as host. Branch Manager, Kim Busse welcomed all and provided a sample 30 second commercial for new members, as they were ask to do the same later in the program. An overview of the programs and events was provided

by Chamber staff, and after new members gave their commercials, networking followed. Thanks to Riverside and their staff for a great welcoming event.

New Chamber members network with Champions.

No. 6

Chamber Foundation Awards Community Grants One of the greatest assets your Chamber has in serving the diverse needs of our community is the Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation. Founded in 1973, the Foundation serves to support vital community and education initiatives.

It also allows an avenue for Chamber member businesses to contribute philanthropically to non-profit organizations in our community by making a voluntary donation through the Chamber’s membership renewal invoice.

Under the leadership of Foundation Chairman Anu Saxena (ASC geosciences, inc.), the Chamber Foundation Board of Directors met in February and approved grants totaling $32,500 to the following programs in 2010: • • • • • • •

Alliance for Independence Junior Achievement Lakeland Vision, Inc. Leadership Lakeland New Bethel Social Services Polk Arts Alliance Polk County Council on Economic Education, Inc. • Polk Education Foundation • Polk Vision, Inc.

A special thanks …

Special thanks to the following member businesses and individuals who have contributed to the Foundation for the period 10/1/09 – 2/28/2010. Their tax-deductible contributions will support the Foundation’s mission to improve Lakeland’s quality of life. If you are interested in contributing and being added to the list below, simply mark the Foundation box on your annual Chamber Investment renewal form.

• Fletcher Printing Company, Inc. • Herndon & Associates Insurance, LLC • Quality Petroleum Corporation • Sanlan RV Park • Stille Real Estate • Tapatio's Restaurante Mexicano, Inc.

Board of Directors

The following officers and directors will lead the Foundation in 2010: Officers: • Anu Saxena, Foundation Chairman and Immediate Past Chamber Chairman (ASC geosciences, inc.)

• Joe L. Ruthven, Chamber Chairman of the Board (The Ruthvens) • Walker Wilkerson, Treasurer (The NCT Group C.P.A.’s, LLP) • Kathleen Munson, President • David Hallock, Jr., General Counsel (GrayRobinson, PA) Directors: • Hugh Autry (Lakeland Regional Medical Center) • Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts (Blackmon Roberts Group) • Maureen Shaw (Flower Cart Florist) • Gary Tarr (Pepperidge Farm, Inc.) • David Touchton (The NCT Group, C.P.A.’s, LLP)

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If you would like to learn more about how to support the Foundation’s efforts, please contact Barbara Bennett at the Chamber, (863) 688-8551, ext. 233.

BUSINESS AND BREAKFAST G WAREH

CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS "BUSINESS ETIQUETTE" WITH DR. ROBERT TATE GRASSLANDS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 1600 GRASSLANDS BLVD THURSDAY, APRIL 8 7:30 – 9:00 A.M.

$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non-Member Your R.S.V.P. is appreciated! Visit the Chamber Store at LakelandChamber.com to register and pay using your credit card, or E-mail psmith@LakelandChamber.com to register and pay at the door.

No. 8

Public/Private Partnership Brings IB to Lawton Chiles Middle School

By Susie Kallan

Lawton Chiles Middle School

Last Spring, the Lakeland community, led by Anu Saxena, and the Polk County School District, joined forces to create a public/private partnership that would allow Lawton Chiles Middle Academy (L.C.M.A.) to become an IB World School. L.C.M.A. will become the first IB middle school in Polk County to offer what the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) refers to as the MYP: the Middle Years Programme.

Looking ahead, the school would like to be able to offer students more challenging experiences with applications to the real world and the global community. If you are interested in helping Lawton Chiles Middle Academy in its endeavor to become the first IB middle school in Polk County, please contact Anu Saxena, asaxena@ascworld.net, or Principal Sharon Neuman, sharon.neuman@polk-fl.net.

As Lawton Chiles Middle Academy becomes an IB MYP World School, Polk County joins Hillsborough, Pinellas and Osceola counties in offering an IB education at the middle school level.

Expanded IB opportunities within the district make our community more attractive to many families and businesses. With this change, increased student expectations and rigor will be incorporated into the classroom setting. Of course, L.C.M.A. students choosing to attend an IB high school will also be better prepared as a result of their MYP experiences.

Because IB is based on best teaching practices from around the world, Lawton Chiles Middle Academy teachers will receive ongoing training and will be integrating more technology into their classrooms. Through inquiry-based lessons, students will become independent thinkers who can apply classroom learning to the world around them. Encouraging students to be responsible for their own learning and fostering the ability to communicate their knowledge to others are major components of the IB philosophy.

In the first year of “practicing” MYP, L.C.M.A. students have already had the opportunity to hear guest speakers from other cultures share their knowledge and experiences and have witnessed firsthand the amazing feats of the seven Chinese acrobats that visited the school from Beijing. Students have also studied artifacts from various parts of the world that local parents and community members have offered for display. Even the school’s cafeteria is joining in by providing food from many different countries on the salad bar!

Many individuals and businesses have contributed to fund the MYP initiative. Those monies have been used primarily for training. Continual training that directly affects students is a main component of the IB concept. Donations from the community are funding this venture for the first three years, until 2012. At that time the Polk County School District will assume the responsibility for the school’s funding. In addition to funding from the private sector, the School District via the Office of School Choice has also contributed significant funding to allow teachers to share their learning with coworkers and develop interdisciplinary and subject-specific units using the MYP format.

Students collaborate with the Education Director of the Lakeland Community eatre, Steve Smith, to create informational podcasts for the actors to learn the history and culture of China so that the actors are better prepared for their roles in the production.

Pictured above: Students in Mrs. Sitta’s 6th grade math class applied their math skills and built birdhouses that will be donated to the Circle B Ranch.

Pictured le: Punam Saxena shared the Indian culture with students as part of L.C.M.A.'s IB MYP emphasis on global awareness

NEW MEMBERS

e Chamber is proud to welcome 16 new members for February 2010 Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge you to to “Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents!” by doing business with these new Chamber members. For the most up-to-date list of members, visit our on-line Preferred Business Directory at LakelandChamber.com!

Accelerated Flying Academy & Adopt -A-Dream Foundation 113 Hawthorne Rd Winter Haven, FL 33884-2350 (863) 324-0000 www.learntoflyquick.com Aviation - Flight School John Amundson

Alexander Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. 2034 Edenfield Place Ste 3 Lakeland, FL 33801-7600 (863) 667-2299 Fax: (863) 614-9910 www.alexander-air.com Air Conditioning/Heating Michael Alexander

Audubon Oaks, Ltd.

4350 Audubon Oaks Cir Lakeland, FL 33809-5945 (863) 853-9900 Fax: (863) 853-6975 www.audubonoaks.com Apartments Lacey Benigas

Backyard Adventures IIPC, LLC

3111 US Highway 98 S Ste 130 Lakeland, FL 33803-8318 (863) 665-9876 Fax: (863) 258-8359 www.backyardadventuresfl.com Entertainment Fun Center Jeremy & Trish Yost

The Golf Club at Bridgewater

6200 State Road 33 N Lakeland, FL 33805-8000 (863) 682-3000 Fax: (863) 682-3015 www.golfbridgewater.com Golf Courses Dana Saad

Brown & Associates

PO Box 3393 Lakeland, FL 33802-3393 (863) 899-5337 Cleaning-Commercial-ResidentialNew Const.

John Brown

Elite Designs Lighting

313 W Poinsettia St Lakeland, FL 33803-7220 (863) 393-8315 Fax: (863) 248-5408 www.elitedesignslighting.com Landscape Lighting Blake McQueen

Florida Baseball Heaven

5101 Gateway Blvd. #5 Lakeland, FL 33811-2705 (863) 644-0500 Fax: (863) 644-0500 www.baseballheavenpc.com Baseball Training Center Elly Hogue

General Works of Tampa, LLC

6809 N Nebraska Ave Tampa, FL 33604-5660 (813) 621-1700 Fax: (813) 621-1861 www.gwtroofing.com Roofing - Contractors/Supply Steve Rajavich

Gentry Printing

2070 Gentry Street Clearwater, FL 33765-2109 (727) 441-1914 Fax: (727) 447-0364 www.gentryprinting.com Printing Debbie Stewart

Home Instead Senior Care 601 S Florida Ave, Ste 1 Lakeland, FL 33801-5237 (863) 937-1500 Home Health Care Temi Charrier

Lakeland Rental Properties 5359 Imperial Lakes Blvd Mulberry, FL 33860-8691 (863) 709-8400 Fax: (863) 646-5068 Property Management Jan Miley

No. 10

Lakewood Terrace Apartment Homes

1315 W 14th St #133 Lakeland, FL 33805-3411 (863) 683-6428 Fax: (863) 683-2823 Apartment Homes Tom Champion Tammy Nunnally

Marketing System Blueprints, LLC PO Box 1411 Highland City, FL 33846-1411 (863) 397-4233 www.marketingsystemblueprints.com Internet Marketing Chrissanne Long

McMachen Construction, Inc PO Box 456 Eaton Park, FL 33840-0456 (863) 665-2996 Fax: (863) 248-5241 Contractors Larry McMachen

Ovations Food Services LP

701 W Lime St Lakeland, FL 33815-4534 (863) 384-8109 Fax: (863) 834-8108 www.ovationsfoodservices.com Caterers Mark Pruett

No. 12

FEBRUARY TOURISM INQUIRIES

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

Walk-in Visitors..................................491 Relocation Response Mailings................3 Relocation Response (Walk In) ............35 Accommodations...................................0

Winter Accommodations .......................0 Visitor Information Mailings ...................9 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............136

MARK YOUR CALENDAR EVENTS

Thursday, April 8

Business & Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.

Grasslands Golf & Country Club, 1600 Grasslands Blvd.

Thursday, April 22

EMERGE Lakeland – Business Etiquette, 8:00 a.m.

The Hollis Room, Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive Luau Downtown & King of the Wing Contest, 5:30 p.m.

Citizens Bank & Trust, 402 S Kentucky

Tuesday, April 27

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

Lakeland Yacht & Country Club, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

MEETINGS

Thursday, April 8

Leadership Lakeland – Human Services Day

Monday, April 12

EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, April 14

Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice, 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, April 21

Executive Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 27

Investment Committee, 4:00 pm

Wednesday, April 28

Board of Directors Meeting, noon Lakeland Yacht & Country Club, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr

Each month, the Chamber enlists the help of 20 volunteers to mentor new and current members with involvement in Chamber events and programs. This dedicated group of professionals is rewarded for their efforts through a Jonathan Crain points system, and the Chamber Champion of the month is announced via our blog.

Each quarter, the Champion with the most points will be featured in the Forum for Business Monthly.

This month, the Chamber staff would like to recognize Jonathan Crain, Owner of Two Men and a Truck for his outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Jonathan is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!

CHAMBER CHAMPION FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL IS

JONATHAN CRAIN

No. 14

A taste of local business one cup at a time.

Common Grounds

The Lakeland Chamber’s newest member feature gives your business the opportunity to showcase “a day in the life” of your employees and customers. Each month, one of the door prizes available at the Business After Hours event will be a “Common Grounds” Lakeland Chamber mug. One lucky business will be drawn to receive a mug and submit a 350 word article about a “taste of daily life” around the office along with a picture of the mug in or around the business.

By Don Westerfeld

President and CEO, Lock Insurance

Each member of Lock Insurance is a team player, serving a crucial role in our commitment to excellence and our reputation for superior customer service. Our roots are based on a solid foundation of old-fashioned values, continuing growth, and lasting financial success for our clients.

Meet our staff: As president and CEO of Lock Insurance, Don Westerfeld is a man with great professionalism, spirit and talent.

Don grew up in the Mideast on a farm in rural Indiana where much of Don Westerfeld his family still resides today.

Don holds industry-specific licenses and designations. His goal is to best serve the financial needs of every client by offering expert advice.

Debbie is of Puerto Rican descent but was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Florida. She specializes in Commercial Auto but is knowledgeable in all areas of insurance. Debbie began her experience with Allstate Insurance in December of 2000 and has worked with Lock Insurance since May of 2005. (Bilingual) Kim was born in Tampa, Florida, and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She specializes in Homeowners but is knowledgeable in all areas of insurance. Kim began her experience in Gainesville, Florida, in December of 2000 and worked there until December of 2006, when she began working with Lock Insurance.

RENEWALS

The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses for their long-standing support and loyalty.

20+ Years Renewals 1921 – 89 years Pickard & Pickard Inc. REALTORS 1940 – 70 years Mine & Mill Supply Co. 1944 – 66 Years Nathan's Men's Store 1945 – 65 Years Boring Business Systems 1950 – 60 Years Cannon Buick - Cadillac - Mitsubishi George L. Gaines, Jeweler Phillips Photographers WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio 1951 – 59 Years Payne Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. Publix Super Markets, Inc. 1952 – 58 Years Joyner Lumber and Supply Co. 1953 – 57 Years Country Hearth Bakery Lakeland 1954 – 56 Years Watson Clinic LLP 1955 – 55 Years Universal Building Specialties 1956 – 54 Years Jenkins Lincoln Mercury 1960 – 50 Years Heath Funeral Chapel 1961 – 49 Years Martin & Martin, Attorneys PA 1962 - 48 Years Cannon Sline Industrial, Inc. 1963 – 47 Years Holland & Knight LLP Regal Automotive Group 1964 – 46 Years State Farm Insurance/Buzz Tarver 1966 – 44 Years Hexion Specialty Chemicals 1971 – 39 Years Douglass Screen Printers Inc. Santa Fe Animal Hospital Juice Bowl Products, Inc. 1972 – 38 Years Sanlan RV Park Williams & Williams, Inc. Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital

1973 – 37 Years Imperial Manor M.H. Terr.

Southern Glass Products Company, Inc. 1975 – 35 Years Beasley Speed & Company, P.A. Herndon & Assoc. Ins., LLC 1977 – 33 Years BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. Sam's Sport Shop 1979 – 31 Years Lakeland Flying Tigers 1982 – 28 Years Springer-Peterson Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. Peterson & Myers, P.A. 1983 – 27 Years Imperial Florida Sales Co. 1984 – 26 Years Peace River Center The Family Dentist/ Mariela K. Lung-Compton, D.M.D. 1985 – 25 Years Bella Vista Manor & Vista Villas Signs & Specialties, Inc. Sun State Janitorial Products, Inc. Florida Presbyterian Homes 1986 – 24 Years Greg's Hallmark ShoppeCypress Lakes 1986 – 24 Years English Family Residential Properties, LLC ADT Security Services, Inc. Winslow Engineering Group, Inc. Imperial Swan Hotel & Suites 1988 – 22 Years March of Dimes Foundation First United Methodist Church Tri-County Human Services, Inc. Munchel's Fine Jewelry, Inc. Polk County Animal Hospital 1989 – 21 Years Fields Insurance & Financial Group 1990 – 20 Years Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

15-Year Renewals

5-Year Renewals

Sunrise Community of Polk County, Inc. Crossroads Construction Co. Marriott Vacation Club International Party People Celebration Co.

Deep Six Divers Service, Inc. Lakeview Place Plastipak Packaging, Inc. Shelter Mortgage, LLC Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating

10-Year Renewals Imperial Christina Plaza Beall Insurance Services/Deborah Beall Vinson, Agent Joy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc. Canco General Contractors, Inc. Hair Razors Salon, Inc.

Watson Clinic

APRIL MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Pleased to introduce Steven M. Barrett, MD, to their team of urgent care specialists. Dr. Barrett will provide medical care to patients visiting the urgent care department at the Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate, LLC

Dixie Signs, Inc.

Pleased and proud to announce that Julianne C. Dunham was named CFO of the Year in the Small Private Company category for the Tampa Bay area. Julianne was honored at a luncheon hosted by the Tampa Bay Business Journal on February 25, 2010 at the Quorum Hotel in Tampa.

Jeff Cusson recently joined Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate in Lakeland, FL as Sales Associate specializing in land, industrial, and general commercial real estate.

JSK Consulting

Pleased to announce that Rodney A. Gadd recently passed his Professional Engineer Exam. Mr. Gadd is licensed as a Civil Engineer, concentrating on the areas of site and stormwater design, environmental engineering and permitting, and construction management.

Central Florida Development Council (CFDC) and Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing (PCTSM)

CFDC and PCTSM headquarters moved March 1st. The new address is 904 Lake Myrtle Park Dr., Auburndale, 33823. The grand opening of the new office building and the Florida Sports Hall of Fame is scheduled for May 1, 2010.

PCTSM would like to welcome two new employees to its ranks, Sara Young and Rebeca Mueller, APR. Ms. Young currently serves as the administrative assistant to the PCTSM Director, Mark Jackson. Ms. Mueller serves as the PCTSM internet and e-marketing specialist where she is responsible for all Web sites, social media and e-marketing.

Fantasy of Flight

Kermit Weeks, creator and founder of Central Florida's premier aviation attraction, Fantasy of Flight, recently received the "Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award," one of the highest awards given at the "7th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards" presented by Learjet. Often called the "Academy Awards of Aviation," the red-carpet event was held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel.

No. 16

Ross Vecchio, P.A.

Thomas P. Vecchio of Ross Vecchio, P.A. was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Florida Blood Services.

Cipher Integrations

Cipher Integrations proudly announces the promotion of Nick Pelfort to Senior Network Engineer.

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@LakelandChamber.com

Baylis & Company PA CPAs

Proud to announce the addition of Kathleen D. Wallen as Director of Communications and Marketing. Wallen brings to the firm a decade of experience in communications and the accounting industry.

Lanier Upshaw, Inc

Proud to announce that Nicole Lawrence, RCSR, has joined the agency as Personal Lines Account Manager and William “Jack” Withrow joined as Employee Benefits Consultant.

Fresco's Bakery & Bistro

Proud to announce the launch of Fresco's Little Chefs Birthday Parties. Little Chefs Parties will allow children 4-12 years of age a hands on cooking experience previously not available in the Lakeland area.

Wanda Bath has joined the staff as Lead Catering Coordinator. Wanda brings a wealth of experience to the growing catering department. Also, Fresco's has added a private dining space perfect for business meetings, luncheons, dinners, etc. The room is located at 305 Lemon Street.

St. Joseph’s Academy

Pleased to have Consul Gardy Thomas from the Haitian Consulate Office in Orlando on campus to accept a check in the amount of $800 for the Haitian relief effort. The students raised the money by holding bake sales and selling donuts, hot chocolate and lemonade. Consul Thomas was in Port-au-Prince when the earthquake occurred and was able to give the students first-hand knowledge of the devastation.

Polk State College

Sheila Rios, Program Director-Office Administration for Polk State College’s Medical Office Administration and Medical Transcription Program, was recently appointed to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ Community Relations Advisory Council.

RIBBON CUTTINGS The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of February.

See the photos on our Web site at LakelandChamber.com.

Santa Fe Catholic High School

3110 US Hwy 98 E • Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 665-4188 • www.santafecatholic.org

230 N Lake Parker Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 937-8021 • www.shootstraightlakeland.com

Shoot Straight Lakeland, LLC

1366 Ariana Street • Lakeland, FL 33803 (866) 861-2010 • www.2010.census.gov

U.S. Census Bureau

132 S Kentucky Avenue • Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 683-5267

First Help Urgent Care Clinic

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro

1801 Crystal Lake Drive • Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 299-8485 • www.uc-walkin.com

4729 US Hwy 98 S, Suite 201 • Lakeland, FL 33812 (863) 683-2392 • www.tommypate.com

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU

Special thanks to Mayor Gow Fields, Commissioner Glen Higgins, Commissioner Howard Wiggs, and all the board members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event.

No. 18

• SAVE THE DATE• 2010 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast Thursday, May 20th at 7:00 a.m.

Lakeland Yacht and Country Club 929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Return Service Requested

PAID

PERMIT # 31 LAKELAND FLORIDA

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

DRy cLEan ThE HuLa skiRT anD TunE ThE ukuLELE. It’s time for the 11th annual

Luau Downtown,

a Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

Featuring the 8th annual “King of the Wing” Contest

Local restaurants and caterers compete for the honor of “Best Chicken Wings” in Lakeland.

• Live Entertainment • Beverages • Food Samples from Area Restaurants • Great place for Networking

Thursday, April 22 5:30-7:30 pm.

Hosted “On the Deck” of: Event decorations provided by:

402 S. Kentucky Avenue Beverages provided by:

$10 Chamber Member - $30 Non-Member

Pre-register online at Luau.LakelandChamber.com

Aprons provided by: