March 2015 Forum for Business

MARCH 2015 | VOL. XXXIV NO. 3

POLK STATE'S ADVANCED MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE OFFERS WIDE RANGE OF TRAINING OPTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES BUY LAKELAND. IT MAKES GOOD CENTS!

LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

CH A M BER STAFF C O RY D O N G . S K E AT E S 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.

C O RY D O N G . S K E AT E S | P U B L I S H E R 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

N I C E B R A N D I N G A G E N C Y | C R E AT I V E D I R E C T I O N , P R O D U C T I O N & P H O T O G R A P H Y WWW.BRANDNICELY.COM

K AT I E M C B R I D E 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

Director of Marketing and Communications

ERINEHART@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

RICH ROY

Vice President, Public Affairs

RROY@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

PAT T Y S M I T H

Administrative Assistant, Convention & Visitors Bureau

PSMITH@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

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

2 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

“through our process of selecting an employee benefits vendor, it was clear to us that alltrust stood out as a true partner. they have the resources of a large company with a level of personal touch that really separates them from the competition. our employees have face-to-face contact with a person they know and trust, a team with a passion for education. the alltrust team has truly become an extension of our HR department.�

888.563.7278

LORI WALSH Vice president of Human Resources W.s. Badcock corporation

EmployEE BEnEfits . Human REsouRcEs . compliancE . tEcHnoloGy | multiplE officEs tHRouGHout floRida FORUM FOR BUSINESS | 3

exper i e nc e e me r g e

CHAD BEARDEN MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

CONNECT ] EMERGELakeland.com

I grew up in a town of just about 7,000 people, so when I moved to Lakeland 10 years ago, it was pretty intimidating. Since I didn’t know anyone, I did what most people do and I hung out with coworkers and visited local hangouts to introduce myself to the folks there. But, none of that really connected me to the community. Until, someone invited me to an EMERGE Lakeland event.

My first exposure to EMERGE was through a volunteer event that was held at the Florida

4 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

Baptist Children’s Home. Even though it seemed like we were playing fun games with kids, we were mentoring them – and they were mentoring us. I left that event feeling proud to be part of something bigger than myself and I knew right away that I wanted to become more involved with EMERGE. Fast forward two years and many amazing events… I am now a member of the EMERGE Steering Committee and the Membership Committee chair. My

duty in these roles is to engage young professionals the way I was engaged initially. Retention and outreach are my committee’s highest priorities. We have implemented an initiative to identify and engage new members at events in a more deliberate way. We also have a short presentation prepared to help other groups understand what EMERGE Lakeland is all about.

If you’re interested in learning more about EMERGE or meeting new people,

the Membership Committee has a new and exciting event planned on March 19. The event is called EMERGE Madness and revolves around “Minute to Win It” style games. The games are meant to create friendly competition as well as initiate interactions between potential and seasoned members of EMERGE.

If you are interested in attending please visit our website at EMERGELAKELAND.COM for details.

MAKING CONNECTIONS THAT GO BEYOND JUST BEING MEMBERS OF A GROUP IS WHAT EMERGE STRIVES FOR AND WILL ULTIMATELY MAKE THE COMMUNITY, AS A WHOLE, A BETTER PL ACE.

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L o ca l Com pa n y Reach es out t o S B D C t o M a n age Growt h STACEY PIERCE

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER FLORIDA SBDC AT USF

Building and preserving your personal wealth requires specialized attention. At Wall Titus, we provide one-on-one guidance and comprehensive financial planning to manage risk, ensure growth, and secure the longevity of your wealth.

212 E HIGHLAND DR // STE 201 LAKELAND, FL 33813

6 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

Tyler Stagner, General Manager of Ferrera Tooling in Lakeland, knew the company needed something to help manage expected growth. While at a Polk Manufacturing Association meeting, he met Javier Marin and Carl Hadden, certified business consultants with the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida. The two were giving a presentation to the group regarding the FSBDC at USF services.

“It really seemed like something that could be beneficial to us,” Stagner said. “I knew we were expecting a large growth path here in the next few years and I really felt we could use some guidance from someone who’s been there.”

Ferrera Tooling is a tool and die machine shop specializing in the blow mold industry. The blow mold industry makes plastic containers.

Ferrera manufactures the tooling for the companies that manufacture plastic bottles.

Stagner reached out to Marin to find out more about the Growth Acceleration Services offered by the Florida SBDC at USF. Marin has since completed an in-depth business assessment, with the assistance of additional certified business consultants at the FSBDC at USF. The assessment included a review of

the financials, Website analysis and industry research. The results of the assessment were then presented to the management at Ferrera Tooling.

“On paper, I guess we are a very good looking company,” Stagner said. “Javier explained that we were in the higher percentiles among our peers. I really wasn’t expecting that.”

“In general, we found that the company is in a growth stage,” Marin said. He offered recommendations to assist Ferrera Tooling in continuing to grow in the right way, and Stagner is thrilled to have a continued working relationship with the FSBDC at USF. “We’re just now starting this adventure here but just the little bit I’ve gotten so far is really going to help us in the future,” he said.

“It’s going to be a longterm relationship and I’m looking forward to being able to grow with them.”

In the coming months, Marin and a team of certified business consultants will help the management team at Ferrera Tooling implement the recommendations offered in the report, which include a marketing plan and a succession plan.

“Just the report alone is enough but instead of it being just a report,” Stagner said, “it’s a hands-on, in-depth process and they’ll hold your hand

to make sure your company grows and gets what it needs to be profitable.”

Stagner also said that he realizes he wouldn’t have known about the SBDC without being active in the Polk Manufacturing Association.

"HAD I NOT BEEN AT THAT MEETING, I WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE SBDC. I REALLY FEEL THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPANIES OUT THERE THAT ARE SEARCHING FOR THIS TYPE OF HELP BUT THINK IT’S GOING TO COST TOO MUCH MONEY. IT’S NICE TO KNOW THAT THIS IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE."

SCAN FOR INFO

WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS

EMPLOYERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM HAGERTY

No matter their size or product line, manufacturers big and small share a common dilemma: As they grow, and as technology evolves, how do they keep their employees’ skills up to date?

Manufacturers here in Polk County have found the solution within Polk State Corporate College’s Advanced Manufacturing Institute.

Housed at Polk’s newest location, the Polk State Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center, 310 Technology Drive in Bartow, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute is, essentially, a one-stop shop for manufacturers’ training needs.

From quick skills updates, to long-term apprenticeships, to courses in specific processes and equipment, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute has it all. And if it doesn’t have it, it will get it.

“We specialize in offering open-enrollment, non-credit, manufacturing-based training to employers and their incumbent workforce, as well 8 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

as individuals looking to make themselves more appealing to potential employers,” said Wyatt Dube, one of the coordinators of the Institute. “But in addition to the institute’s open-enrollment offerings, AMI prides itself on the ability to deliver customized training solutions that enhance workforce skills in the region.”

The Advanced Manufacturing Institute’s openenrollment offerings include courses in mechanical and electrical maintenance, process control/ automation, and industrial instrumentation.

Polk’s industrial instrumentation offerings include courses in instrumentation fundamentals, level and flow measurement, pressure and temperature calibration, and liquid analysis techniques. All of the institute’s instrumentation courses utilize the College’s state-of-the-art, $1.4 million process training unit (PTU).

“People can’t believe it when they see it,” said Polk

State Corporate College Director Rob Clancey. “Any industry that processes liquid uses this exact same equipment, and we have it right here, available for training purposes. We’re getting employers from all over the state— from theme parks to utility companies — coming here to utilize this incredible resource.”

Also available as open-enrollment training options, Polk’s process control/automation offerings allow students to gain hands-on experience with the most current programmable logic controller software available.

Available process control and automation courses include all of the ControlLogix courses necessary to sit for the corresponding Maintainers, Programmers or Drives certificate assessment test.

On both the instrumentation and automation sides, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute offers students an edge beyond equipment; instructors

from industry partners Rockwell Automation, TriNova and Endress + Hauser teach the courses.

“You really can’t beat that: learning from people who have years of experience while using the latest technology,” Dube said.

Rounding out the Advanced Manufacturing Institute’s selection of standard training options are courses in electrical maintenance and mechanical maintenance, which are designed to help currently employed workers expand their technical maintenance and troubleshooting skills.

Of course, for each employer there is a unique training need, which is why, as Dube mentioned earlier, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute also offers customized courses and programs.

Companies in need of customized training can select from the institute’s long list of electrical and mechanical maintenance courses to design the training package that addresses their specific needs.

Those training packages might be short-term, with students in and out in a few days, or, they might be more intensive experiences, such as the Mosaic EIA (Electrical, Instrumentation and Automation) and mechanic/millwright apprenticeship programs.

The two-year combination of classroom studies and on-the-job training equips participants with advanced skills that are in demand at Mosaic, a Fortune 500 fertilizer manufacturer. The College and Mosaic partnered to create the apprenticeship program in 2007 and have so far graduated more than 100 participants.

“The Polk State College EIA training program has been a good fit for Mosaic. We work in an ever-changing field and up until now, we really had no way of giving our first-class mechanics an opportunity for seat time combined with hands-on training. Polk State has provided an opportunity for our employees to have a learning environment off-site and away from distractions. I have received nothing but positive feedback from the employees I have sent for training. We look forward to future training opportunities provided at Polk State College,” said David Ron Hummel, EIA superintendent at Mosaic’s New Wales facility.

The Mosaic Company is but one of many employers who have utilized the institute.

Others include CocaCola, Florida’s Natural Growers, Lakeland Electric, Pepperidge Farm and Publix.

Another is Mulberrybased ArrMaz, a specialty chemical company.

“Polk State is able to narrow the training and topics down to what we really need,” said Charles Elliott, maintenance and reliability manager at ArrMaz.

“I SEE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE EMPLOYEES WHO TRAIN AT POLK STATE. WHEN THEY COME BACK, WE CHAT ABOUT WHAT THEY’VE LEARNED AND HOW WE CAN USE WHAT THEY LEARNED TO HONE NOT ONLY THEIR SKILLS, BUT ALSO THE SKILLS OF OTHER EMPLOYEES. “ANYBODY IN THE AREA WHO IS MOVING TO RELIABILITY-CENTERED MAINTENANCE SHOULD LOOK POLK STATE UP. THE COLLEGE OFFERS CLASSES THAT FIT UNDER THE RELIABILITY-CENTERED UMBRELLA, AND IT HAS THE FLEXIBILITY TO TAILOR THE CLASSES TO ALIGN WITH YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS.”

Despite the range of standard offerings, and the ability to quickly create customized trainings, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute remains something of a well-kept secret in Polk County. In response, Dube welcomes manufacturers — of any size and specialty — to contact the institute.

“Send an email or make a phone call. Come out and tour the facility. Learn more about what we offer and how we can help your business,” he said.

Learn more about the Advanced Manufacturing Institute at polk.edu/corporate-college/ advanced-manufacturing, or call (863) 669-2326.

In addition to the Advanced Manufacturing Institute, the Polk State Corporate College the following institutes: Child Care Training, Contractor Safety, Insurance, IT/Computer, Professional Development, Real Estate, and Supply Chain Logistics. All of these institutes offer workforce training needed by local employers.

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

FLORIDA LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES, LLC

ARTHUR H. ERICKSON 146 HORIZON CT LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 646 2699 FAX: (863) 644 8079 AERICKSON@FLCTODAY.COM

Florida Lifestyle Communities, LLC, and its affiliate companies plan, develop, and construct lifestyle communities throughout Central Florida, and have succeeded at this for more than 30 years. The company’s mission is to give each of its customers not only a well-built and well-designed home, but also an attractive, engaging neighborhood environment in a community that

fosters friendships, health, and longterm enjoyment of life. That goal has been achieved by building 4,500 homes throughout the state, including more than 1,800 in the greater Lakeland area.

Local communities include Silver Lakes, Highland Fairways, The Colonnades, and Carillon Lakes.

“Excellence is our way of living” is the company motto and it is fulfilled by FLC’s commitment to

offering its owners a high level of personal service, along with homes individually customized to their family’s specific needs and desires. The company’s nimble management style and careful attention to market shifts have helped FLC successfully weather numerous economic cycles, competitive challenges and changes to national and local government policies.

The firm operates out of a professional

two-story building in south Lakeland, and currently markets and builds communities in Lakeland, Ocala, and Leesburg. Principals Art Erickson, Tom Eleazer, and Robbie Salzman have been active in Lakeland civic activities, including serving on the board of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairman's Circle, Leadership Lakeland, Central Florida Development Council, Polk Businesses for Wold

BY CURT WHEELER,

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

LEFT TO RIGHT, JOHN ESTES, CAROLYN JOSEY, TOM ELEAZER, ROBBIE SALZMAN, JOSE PARRILLA, CURT WHEELER AND ART ERICKSON.

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

Class Education, Polk County Builders Association.

Leadership Polk, and The Lakeland Rotary Club. The firm provides a flexible work environment and employees are encouraged to give back to the community in their own venues.

The Chamber is proud to have the Florida Lifestyle Communities, LLC in our community and proud to recognize the firm as the February 2015 Small Business of the Month.

WHEELER APPRAISALS, LLC

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

RIBBON CUTTINGS

[ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ] GENERAL MEMBERSHIP IS THERE A MINIMUM LEVEL AT WHICH MY BUSINESS MUST JOIN?

ADVANTAGE PLAN BENEFITS IS IT TRUE THAT MY MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT INCLUDES SPONSORSHIP OR ADVERTISING CREDIT TO BE USED TOWARD A MENU OF OPPORTUNITIES?

Business Builder and Partner Investor levels of

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR FOR ME TO UPGRADE MY MEMBERSHIP? CAN I USE PART OF MY CURRENT MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT TO PAY FOR MY UPGRADE?

membership. A staff member will be delighted

Anytime during the year is a good time to

Sponsorship and advertising allocations are

to review the various investment plans to

upgrade. You will be paying the difference

non-refundable and non- transferable. Please

determine the best option for you.

between your new plan and the unused portion

contact a Chamber staff member to determine

of your current plan. For example, if your

availability.

Yes. Please refer to the plan schedule for the number of employees allowed at the

HOW LONG IS MY MEMBERSHIP? HOW LONG DO MY BENEFITS LAST?

Yes, depending on your membership plan.

membership investment based on the size of your company is $456 with a renewal date

Your Chamber membership is good for one

of October 1 and on January 1 you decide to

HOW DO I UTILIZE THE BENEFITS OF MY CHOSEN TIER?

year starting on the date on which you join or

upgrade to the Key Stakeholder plan ($3,000),

We want you to take full advantage of

renew your membership. All member benefits

you will pay $3,000 minus the part of the $456

all benefits! Once you renew or join the

included in your chosen investment tier must

you did not use. You used your membership

Chamber at a chosen level, you will receive

be used within that 12-month period and

from October 1 to December 31 (3 months):

a confirmation letter along with a listing of

are not transferable. Your annual billing is

$456 divided by 12 months equals $38,

your benefits. You will also be contacted by

based on an anniversary date cycle. Once you

multiplied by the number of months used (3

a member of the staff of the Chamber who

join the Chamber your date of membership

months) equals $114. The $114 represents the

will assist you in understanding the benefits

will become your anniversary billing date. If

used portion of your membership. $456 minus

you will receive as an investor in your chosen

you upgrade to a higher tier during the year,

$114 equals $342, which represents the unused

plan. You will also receive quarterly alerts

then your upgrade date becomes your new

portion of your membership. So, you would pay

concerning upcoming programs, projects, and

anniversary billing date.

on your new Key Stakeholder plan ($3,000)

events in which you are entitled to participate.

minus the unused portion of your new tier

Call the Chamber at (863) 688-8551 to

amount ($342) for a total upgrade of $2,658.

schedule a one-on-one consultation.

WILL MY RENEWAL DATE CHANGE IF I UPGRADE? Yes. Your renewal date will change to the date you upgraded your membership. For example, if you joined in January as a Key Stakeholder Investor and you decide to join in June as a Visionary Investor, you will be billed at the Visionary rate in June of each subsequent year. Please note that your advantage plan membership investment is paid upfront and is non-refundable and non-transferable.

If you are a new member, there is a grace period of 60 days during which you can upgrade and pay only the difference of your chosen new level and your current level. For example, if you join at a Partner Investor ($750) and you want to upgrade to a Key Stakeholder Investor ($3,000), you will pay $3,000 minus $750 or $2250 to become a Key Stakeholder. After the grace period, you will pay the full amount of your new plan.

PO Box 3607 Lakeland, FL 33802 P. (863) 688-8551 F. (863) 683-7454 F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 11

March 2015 dates TUES 3 THUR 12

THUR 19

THUR 26

MON 9

MONDAY, MARCH 9 EMERGE STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

TUES 17

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

WED 25

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

TUESDAY, MARCH 3 CHAMBER NEXT

5:30 p.m.

Grow Financial Federal Credit Union 2645 S Florida Ave.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 SCHMOOZE A’ PALOOZA

11:30 a.m.

Cleveland Heights Golf Course 2900 Buckingham Ave.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

5:30 p.m.

Office Furniture Depot, Inc. 2440 US Highway 98 N

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 SCORE ROUND TABLE

THUR 16

7:30 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room 35 Lake Morton Dr.

JANUARY

TOURISM

Chamber Briefing Room

4:00 p.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

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

12:00 p.m.

Grasslands Golf & Country Club 1600 Grasslands Blvd.

WALK-IN VISITORS................................................................................. 491 RELOCATION RESPONSE MAILINGS.............................................. 3 RELOCATION RESPONSE (WALK IN)........................................... 44 ACCOMMODATIONS................................................................................... 2 WINTER ACCOMMODATIONS.............................................................. 0 VISITOR INFORMATION MAILINGS.................................................12 VISITOR CENTER E-MAIL INQUIRIES.......................................... 96

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

Citizens Bank & Trust 402 S Kentucky Ave.

THUR 23

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 POLK GOES GLOBAL – INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Lakeland Linder Regional Airport 3900 Don Emerson Dr, Ste 210

MONDAY 2

TUESDAY 3

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SAT

SUN

4

5

6

7

8

11

12

13

14

15

20

21

22

27

28

29

CHAMBER NEXT 5:30 P.M.

9

10

EMERGE STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

16

SCHMOOZE A’ PALOOZA 11:30 A.M.

17

18

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 4:00 P.M.

23

24

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 P.M.

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

30

31

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

19

26 SCORE ROUND TABLE 7:30 A.M.

Even t HI G HLI GH T S 01

02

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Hosted by Waller Construction

01 | Wes Craven (ProAdMedia), Bob Ettensohn (Ettensohn Agency/Allstate) and Liz Antaya (Stahl Herndon & Associates Inc.) enjoyed the great atmosphere at January’s Business After Hours hosted by Waller Construction, Inc. 02 | Happy Chamber members after some great food catered by Outback Steakhouse!

03

04

03 | Certificates of Appreciation given to Brian and Jimmy Waller by Janice Tedder Jones (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

EFB

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.

04 | Keith Albritton, President and CEO of Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. lead the introduction at the 28th Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast.

05 | Ralph Allen, Chairman of the Board for Allen and Company, Brian Wesbury (Economist), and Clayton Hollis (Hollis & Sons).

06 | Bretta Christakos and Anita Stasiak from CenterState Bank enjoyed breakfast before the presentation.

05

06

07 | Dr. Tony Villamil (Business Economist), Brian Wesbury (Economist), Keith Albritton (CEO/ President, Allen & Company ), and Laura Hawley (Senior Vice President, Allen & Company) responded to questions from the audience.

07

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

h ats of f 01

02

04

05

03

IN JUST A WEEK, VOLUNTEERS DELIVERED THE 2015 MEMBERSHIP MATERIAL TO OVER 1,500 LAKELAND CHAMBER BUSINESSES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSTANT SUPPORT! 01 | David Sandow (Spherion Staffing) took on a lot of responsibility and delivered to more than 60 members!

02 | A Woman’s Choice presented their Secret Hat to winner Bretta Christakos (CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A)

05 06

07

03 | Chamber volunteers waited eagerly to deliver the 2015 Buyer’s Guide to Lakeland to 1500+ Chamber members.

04 | Comfort Keepers Winner Billie Porche (All America Fire & Safety) 05 | Grow Financial Federal Credit Union presented their Secret Hat to winner Carl Stutzman (Waller Plumbing and Mitigation) 06 | Eddie Navarez (Senior Helpers) wearing the Secret Hat received from the Ettensohn Agency/Allstate.

07 | Spherion Staffing presented the Secret Hat to winner Brooke Ernst.

08

09

08 | Scott Katz from Fifth Third Bank presented their Secret Hat to winner Allyson Hyndman (Pilot Bank) 09 | Joy Morse Insurance Agency and Secret Hat winner David Brown (Bank of Central Florida)

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

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

VITAS HEALTHCARE

ADAMS HOMES OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA, INC.

6850 NEW TAMPA HWY, STE 600 | (863) 583-7100

5060 LUNN RD | (863) 619-8120

Lakeland, FL 33815

Lakeland, FL, 33811

WWW.VITAS.COM

WWW.ADAMSHOMES.COM

HOBBY LOBBY LAKELAND NORTH

BANK OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

4236 US HWY 98 N | (863) 858-7601

5015 S FLORIDA AVE | (863) 701-2685

Lakeland, FL 33809

Lakeland, FL 33813

WWW.HOBBYLOBBY.COM

WWW.BANKOFCENTRALFLORIDA.COM

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

LEGALSHIELD BREWLANDS BAR & BILLIARDS

5733 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 646-2600 WWW.BREWLANDSBILLIARDS.COM CHAD CLEMENT LOUNGES

AREA LITHO, INC.

238 N WABASH AVE LAKELAND, FL 33815 (863) 687-4656 RAY DREWS PRINTING

FARMMOSAID LLC

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPPOINTMENT (863) 513-7214 HAYDEE DICKASON HEALTH CARE SERVICES - NON CLINICAL

GOSPEL, INC

914 N KENTUCKY AVE LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 808-9440 HTTP://WWW.GOSPELINC.ORG BRIAN SEELEY REHABILITATION CENTERS

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT (863) 808-2245 HTTP://WWW.LEGALSHIELDASSOCIATE.COM/DFRACK DEBBIE FRACK LEGAL SERVICES

LIFELINK FOUNDATION, INC.

9661 DELANEY CREEK BLVD TAMPA, FL 33619 (813) 253-2640 WWW.LIFELINKFOUND.ORG BRANDI AHONSI NON-PROFIT CONSULTING/EVENT PLANNING

THE PROPERTY SHOPPE

211 E MAIN ST, STE 100 LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 638-6638 HTTP://WWW.PROPERTYSHOPPEFL.COM DEBBIE MILLER REAL ESTATE

UNIFORM SCRUBS 4 ME

3145 US HWY 98 N LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 937-9328 FRED FRANCIS UNIFORMS - RENTALS & SALES

LIGHTHOUSE CLIPPER COUPON BOOK CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT (863) 248-3708 RONALD REYNOLDS ADVERTISING

PAYCHEX, INC.

1001 HEATHROW PARK LN, STE 2001 LAKE MARY, FL 32746 (352) 408-8555 WWW.PAYCHEX.COM DOUGLAS REICHWEIN PAYROLL PROCESSING

Are We the Right Fit? When it comes to decisions as significant as managing wealth, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

That’s why we believe it’s important to have a trusted advisor with the competency to give measured advice in any market climate.

No one can guarantee you future investment performance, but we promise a unique, high-touch experience, custom-tailored to your long-term financial success.

Learn how we measure up.

Call (863) 904-4745.

THE CORE TEAM: Chuck Foss • Nathan Dunham Andrew Foss • Matte Diaz • Kristi Brooks • Angela Newell

231 N KENTUCKY AVE • STE 217 • LAKELAND VISIT US DOWNTOWN OR AT COREWEALTHADVISORSINC.COM

Investment advisory services offered through Calton & Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC a SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

Core Wealth Advisors, Inc. and Calton & Associates, Inc. are separate entities. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.

16 || FFOORRUUMM FFOORR BBUUSSIINNEESSSS

1984 | 31 YEARS AVON LEASING, INC. DIETRICH & HILLIARD ORTHODONTICS

YEARS

PEACE RIVER CENTER FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, INC.

1940 | 75 YEARS

REGISTER CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING, INC

LAMAR OUTDOOR ADVERTISING

1944 | 71 YEARS

1985 | 30 YEARS BRETT, BLACKMAN INC.

WELLS FARGO BANK/LAKELAND DOWNTOWN AMBASSADOR

SIGNS & SPECIALTIES, INC.

1950 | 65 YEARS

PEPPERIDGE FARM, INCORPORATED AMBASSADOR

CANNON BUICK - CADILLAC - SUBARU | PARTNER PHILLIPS PHOTOGRAPHERS

1950 | 65 YEARS

1986 | 29 YEARS

1988 | 27 YEARS JIMBO'S PIT BAR-B-Q

WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ RADIO COUNCIL OF ADVISORS

TROIANO & ROBERTS, P.A.

1952 | 63 YEARS

NEWBERRY'S REFRIGERATION, INC.

JOYNER LUMBER AND SUPPLY CO.

SAUNDERS & WILHELM

1989 | 26 YEARS

1956 | 59 YEARS

1990 | 25 YEARS

BERNIE LITTLE DISTRIBUTORS

LAKELAND HOUSING AUTHORITY

JENKINS LINCOLN

1959 | 56 YEARS HARDY'S INDUSTRIES, INC. RUTHVENS | VISIONARY

1960 | 55 YEARS HAUGER-BUNCH, INC. REALTORS

1963 | 52 YEARS HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP | PARTNER

1993 | 22 YEARS GEICO | AMBASSADOR RADIOLOGY AND IMAGING SPECIALISTS, INC. AMBASSADOR

1994 | 21 YEARS CENTRAL FLORIDA SURGERY CENTER, LIMITED

1995 | 20 YEARS VISTE/VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO THE ELDERLY

1967 | 48 YEARS BRIGHT HOUSE NETWORKS BOARD OF GOVERNORS MCKAY ENTERPRISES

1974 | 41 YEARS GRAYROBINSON, P.A. | VISIONARY

1978 | 37 YEARS

IMPERIAL CHRISTINA PLAZA NOAH'S ARK OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RIB CRIB

SUN 'N FUN, INC.

1979 | 36 YEARS HEACOCK INSURANCE GROUP | AMBASSADOR

1980 | 35 YEARS CLARK, CAMPBELL, LANCASTER & MUNSON P.A. COUNCIL OF ADVISORS

FITNICHE, INC.

1981 | 34 YEARS OVERHEAD DOOR CO. OF POLK COUNTY

1982 | 33 YEARS POLK STATE COLLEGE/WINTER HAVEN CAMPUS VISIONARY

1983 | 32 YEARS

ALEXANDER AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING, INC.

LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH

BODINE PRINTING & COPY CENTER

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

CRYSTAL LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL LAW OFFICE OF CRAIG B. HILL, P.L. NATIVE PALM PROPERTIES OVATIONS FOOD SERVICES LP

FFOORRUUMM FFOORR BBUUSSIINNEESSSS || 17

F lo r ida S c o r e ca r d : M a n ufact urin g C r eate s Job s i n F l o r i da DR. JERRY PARRISH FLORIDA CHAMBER FOUNDATION

Did You Know? For every 10 jobs created in Florida’s export-oriented manufacturing, 12 more jobs are created in transportation, warehousing and retail? With an additional eight jobs created in business services, there are a total number of 30 jobs supported by Florida export manufacturing. In fact, manufacturing has the highest jobs “multiplier” of any sector because it leads to the creation of more indirect and induced jobs in other sectors in the economy.

Simply put, expanding manufacturing in Florida diversifies the economy and provides high-wage jobs. In 2013, the Florida Legislature passed a threeyear exemption from sales and use taxes on industrial machinery and equipment used in manufacturing in Florida. This exemption is expected to increase capital investment in Florida by manufacturers, improve productivity, and help Florida’s manufacturers compete better in world markets.

Besides diversifying the economy, manufacturing firms perform around 70 percent of U.S. Industry Research and Development, even though manufacturing accounts for only about 11 percent of the U.S. economy.

“The impact Florida’s manufacturing industry has on our state’s small businesses is undeniable,” said Michael Myhre, Network State Director for Florida’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network.

“Manufacturing helps diversify Florida’s economy and helps create high-wage jobs for Floridians. When Florida remains competitive, small businesses succeed.”

CONSIDER THE FACTS: Florida is the 12th-highest state in number of people employed in manufacturing.

Florida has 330,544 manufacturing employees, with an average annual wage of more than $54,000.

Floridians receive $17.9 billion in manufacturing wages in Florida.

There are 19,206 manufacturers in Florida – an increase of 696 over the last year.

Manufactured Goods Exports in 2013 equal $56.4 billion.

CONNECT ] jparrish@flfoundation.org

Manufacturing’s Share of Florida’s Exports in 2013 was 93.3 percent.

The Florida Scorecard, located at www.

TheFloridaScorecard. com, presents metrics across Florida’s economy. Each month, the Florida Chamber Foundation produces a Scorecard Stat that takes an in-depth look at one aspect of Florida’s economy. If you would like additional information on the Weekly Scorecard Stat or on the Florida Scorecard, please contact Dr. Jerry Parrish with the Florida Chamber Foundation at 850.521.1283 or jparrish@flfoundation. org. You can also follow the Florida Chamber Foundation on Twitter at @FLChamberFDN. F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 19

publ ic pol i cy The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce understands that today's professionals are busy focusing on the day-to-day responsibilities of their business operations, and may find it difficult to be active in public policy debates that will determine the future business climate.

Each year, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee develops a Legislative Agenda. Memberdriven policies are created after engaging discussion and debate, with input from leading experts and our members.

Local items included in the 2015 agenda include support extending the repeal date of the City of Lakeland’s Enterprise Zone designation, the repeal and/or reduction of the sales tax imposed on commercial leases, support payment of appropriate Medicaid rates to safety net hospitals like Lakeland Regional and achieving 100% representation for the state/area’s Guardian Ad Litem program.

The Lakeland Chamber works closely with our partners at the Florida Chamber to advocate for business- friendly legislation that helps to grow small business and the state’s economy. Some of the issues important to both Chambers include:

o AGRICULTURE/WATER. Supporting alternative water supplies, projects and creating science-based policies that encourage alternative water investments. o ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. Supporting Enterprise Florida, International Trade-Ports, QTI & Tech Industries and International Trade-Ports. o HEALTHCARE o INTERNET SALES TAX LOOPHOLE o TRANSPORTATION. Investment in transportation and infrastructure that improves/expands major trade and freight conditions. o LOCAL ISSUES. Supporting the extended repeal date of Lakeland’s Enterprise Zone designation, repeal and/or reduction of the sales tax imposed on commercial leases, support payment of appropriate Medicaid rates to safety net hospitals like Lakeland Regional and achieving 100% representation for the state/area’s Guardian Ad Litem program. o EDUCATION. Supporting local K-12 initiatives and higher education institutions such as Florida Polytechnic, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University and Polk State College.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHAMBER’S PRIORITIES ONLINE AT LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM.

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

O S H A Report in g – N e w Re quire m en t s for 2015 DUSTIN SHAY

MID-FLORIDA SHRM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

THE NATIONAL SO CIET Y FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (SHRM) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) updated injury and illness recordkeeping and reporting requirements go into effect Jan. 1, 2015.

In addition to new requirements on what must be reported, employers in dozens of industries will be required to maintain OSHA 300 logs for the first time, while others previously covered will be exempt. The reporting changes will no doubt lead to thousands more incident inspections by OSHA. On top of that, OSHA plans to publish these reports of injuries on OSHA’s public website.

REPORTING CHANGES Employers are currently required to report all work-related fatalities and inpatient hospitalizations of three or more employees within eight hours of the event. Beginning in January 2015, employers will also have to report each work-related inpatient hospitalization, as well as amputations and losses of an eye, to OSHA within 24 hours. The reporting regulations affect all employers covered by OSHA, even those who are partially exempt from maintaining injury and illness records. This is eight hours and 24 hours from when you learn about fatalities or injuries, not from when the injury occurred. Only fatalities occurring within 30 days of the work-related incident must be reported to OSHA. Inpatient hospitalizations, amputations or loss of an eye must be reported to OSHA only if they occur within 24 hours of the incident.

WHAT CONSTITUTES INPATIENT HOSPITALIZATION? The rule defines reportable hospitalizations as “formal admission” to inpatient care or treatment.

It does not include admission for diagnostic testing or observation only. OSHA states that you do have to report hospitalizations due to a heart attack, if the heart attack resulted from a workrelated incident. Emergency room care is not formal admission. OSHA is working on guidance to clarify its intent.

USE CAUTION WITH ONLINE REPORTING OPTION There will soon be three options for reporting incidents: 1. telephone to the nearest OSHA Area Office during normal business hours; 2. telephone to the 24-hour OSHA hotline (1-800321-OSHA or 1-800-321-6742); or 3. electronically, via a web portal which is not yet available.

There are concerns about the online reporting option, including data security and written statements that could be used against employers in enforcement proceedings or civil litigation.

Anything you submit in writing can be used against you by OSHA, plaintiffs’ attorneys, the media and unions. Give a very minimal version of what happened, about the same as what you would record in your OSHA 300 log.

NEARLY 200,000 EMPLOYERS MUST START KEEPING INJURY RECORDS Employers in certain low-hazard industries are partially exempt from routinely keeping OSHA injury and illness records. Starting on Jan. 1, 2015, an estimated 199,000 establishments that had previously been partially exempt will be nonexempt. In addition, 119,000 employers that were previously nonexempt will become partially exempt. The new rule maintains the recordkeeping exemption for any employer with 10 or fewer employees regardless of industry classification. The new list of exempt industries includes gasoline stations, clothing stores, newspaper publishers, colleges and universities, and full-service restaurants. Industries newly required to keep records include automobile dealers, liquor stores, bakeries, performing arts companies, museums, historical sites, and emergency and other relief services.

For more information, consider becoming a member of Mid-Florida SHRM. Mid-Florida SHRM is the Polk County based chapter for National SHRM and provides members with constant HR news. Visit http://midflorida. shrm.org/ for more information.

CONNECT ] midflorida.shrm.org

COMINGSOON! SOON! COMING

3108 US HWY 98 N, 1202 BROADWAY AVE.

BARTOW LAKELAND

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.

JERRI THOM PREMIER REALTY NETWORKS WWW.PRN-GROUP.COM

Founded in 2004, the real estate firm, “Exclusively Yours by Jeri Thom” found success during the recession by staying true to their core beliefs. Even though the recession lasted longer than anticipated, the firm is one of the few small local brokerage firms to survive the real estate downturn. Much of that success is attributed to a team of experienced agents who focused on providing excellent customer service and client retention.

Ready for a new beginning, Exclusively Yours changed their name to “Premier Realty Network, INC., and has added a new company structure.

This new structure included modernized logos, signage, website and wider internet presence. Internet marketing plays a major role in promoting real estate and provides a more convenient exposure to its customers making the process easier.

Premier Realty Network’s goal is to merge the buying and selling experience with other aspects of the real estate industry to make the experience is as easy as possible. This process operates under one umbrella and provides a simpler solution for the customer. Traditional real estate activities will continue through Premier Realty Network, but rental and property management will work with "DANJO Managed Executive Properties.”

Statistics show, staged or restyled homes sell faster and at a higher price than competitors. In addition to the changes, the PNR-group is launching the Premier Restylers Network, where they will learn how to restyle a home or developing simple staging techniques. By teaching these techniques, they hope to outsell the competition.

Today’s buyers and sellers are overwhelmed by information and become confused during the buying and selling process. PRN-Group views it as their job to help discern the relevant information and help identify a plan. By doing so, we are building a highly effective team that is known in the market for its innovative approaches and integrity.

22 | | F OF RO UR M U MF OF RO RB UB SU ISNI EN SE SS 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. Platinum Bank

Polk State College The Ruthvens Wall Titus, LLC F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 23

WIN A

DIAMOND RING

Food

All-in-One

Inkjet Printer & Scanner

ChromecastMedia Streaming Device

Netflix, etc.

Give Aways Movie Tickets

Special Desserts provided by

Fun Oh 4 Goodness

Music

Cakes

DJ Dan Farese

Aaron Entertainment

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Absolute Pawn

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

courtesy of

Drink Network

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Thursday, March 19 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Rice Jambalaya Pasta Chicken Louisiana FREE Appetizer Cards & Beads Drinks for Everyone

Hosted by:

Courtesy of Locally owned & operated.

www.officefurnituredepot.com

2440 Hwy. 98 North $10 Members • $30 Guests

•

(863) 682-3450

Your RSVP is appreciated! Visit lakelandchamber.com to register.