inside this issue
Business After Hours: CenterState Bank hosts ‘Margaritaville’ event. Page 3
Natalie’s welcomes ‘Schmoozers’: Members network during event. Page 9
Small Business of the Month: Find out who is this month’s winner. Page 5
FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com
LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
September 2010
Vol. XX, No. 9
EMERGE Lakeland is proud to announce the launch of EMERGE Serves, a program designed to provide comprehensive training for young professionals interested in community service. EMERGE Serves will begin on September 28 and will run every Tuesday through the end of October.
The 2010 elections are in full swing. Candidates are campaigning and Politics in the Park is right around the corner! This old fashioned political rally is your opportunity to meet local, state and federal candidates and discuss important election issues facing our community.
treats, beverages and live entertainment. In addition, participants will once again have the opportunity to take part in a straw poll sponsored by Folsom Construction, Inc. and administered by the Polk County Supervisor of Elections office.
You don’t want to miss this popular Lakeland tradition. Attendees will enjoy a variety of tasty
This year we are introducing a political costume contest sponsored by Southside
This 10-hour course will be taught in five sessions by a wide variety of respected community leaders and will detail the fundamentals of effective board service. Class size is very limited so be sure to visit EMERGELakeland.com for the program details and an application.
See Politics, Page 2
ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move
Politics (Continued from Page 1) Cleaners-Launderers. Dust off your best political duds and come on down to compete for a chance to win ONE YEAR of free dry cleaning! Yes that’s right, one year of free dry cleaning valued at $2,400. Check out the details of the costume contest on our “Politics in the Park”
Facebook page or in next month’s Forum. Be sure to mark your calendars now and join more than 1,000 of your fellow community members and leaders at this popular Chamber event. With entertainment for the whole family, political speeches
and great food and drink, this evening promises to be THE political event of the year! For more information, call Katie Daughtrey at the Chamber (863) 688-8551 Ext. 241.
This evening would not be possible without the support from the following Chamber-member businesses.
PRESIDENTIAL SPONSORS Publix Super Markets, Inc. The Ledger Wachovia Bank, a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio SENATORIAL SPONSORS Bernie Little Distributors • Southside Cleaners-Launderers
STRAW POLL SPONSOR Folsom Construction, Inc. CONGRESSIONAL SPONSORS CF Industries, Inc. • GEICO • Ross Vecchio, P.A. GUBERNATORIAL SPONSORS Allied Scrap Processors, Inc. Badcock Home Furniture & more Bank of Central Florida Community Southern Bank GLT Total Office Representative Seth McKeel The NCT Group C.P.A.’s, LLP Ward’s Heating & Air Conditioning
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly
Volume Information: September 2010 Vol. XX, No. 9
Joe L. Ruthven Chairman of the Board
Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President
Amy S. Wiggins Editor Kingston Partners Design
SAVE THE DATE
20th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble Thursday, November 18 6- Person Scramble 11 a.m. Registration—Shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. No. 2
CenterState Bank hosts ‘Margaritaville’ Business After Hours By Terry Ottinger
Vice President, Membership Development
The CenterState Bank building at 500 South Florida Avenue was the scene for July’s “Margaritaville” themed Business After Hours. Despite the downpour, members and guests packed the bank’s lobby and ventured to the portico for refreshments and entertainment provided by co-sponsor and eighth floor tenant Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster P.A.
CenterState’s Brian Yates, Branch Manager and Dale Dreyer, Senior VP accept A plaque from Chair-Elect Alice Hunt, Hunt Construction of Central Florida.
With food provided by Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub and goodie bags for each person, event planners Dunson Hollis Consulting, LLC certainly created an event to remember! Thanks to CenterState Bank and Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster P.A for hosting the perfect mid-summer pick-me-up event! Photo Credit: Justin Green Photography
Tim Campbell, Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A., accepts a plaque of appreciation om Chair-Elect Alice Hunt, Hunt Construction of Central Florida.
Members and guests brave the elements to hear about the host companies.
LEDC wraps up third annual YLakeland Summer Leadership Program By Laura Taylor
Lakeland Economic Development Council
The Lakeland Economic Development Council is pleased to announce that the following 45 participants from 30 companies have completed the 3rd Annual YLakeland Summer Leadership Program: Adam Justice, Polk Museum of Art Dominique Lee, City of Lakeland Crystal Lester, Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A. Keaton Krumreich, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Caroline McBride, Rita Staffing Clay McKown, Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. Ben Misch, Center for Retina and Macular Disease Cassie Morris, WellDyneRx Michael Mutz, Design The Difference Callie Neslund, Office of State Representative Seth McKeel Elvis Pena, WellDyneRx Will Roberts, GrayRobinson, P.A. Maribel Rodriquez, Bank of Central Florida Gregor Ruthven, Center for Retina and Macular Disease Tom Speno, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Lindsay Thilburg, Watson Clinic LLP Barbie Torres, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida Laura Ward, NFocus Visual Communications, Inc. Kristen Wheary, The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP Stacy White, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Zachary Wolfram, Lakeland Electric Brad Wright, Wall Foss Financial, LLC
George Aufiero, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Blair Bailey, WellDyneRX Leah Bartholomay, Polk State College Amber Bizzarri, GTECH Diane Bornik, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Daniel Brown, Saddle Creek Corporation Jonathan Brown, City of Lakeland Margaret Chaffin, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Jerry Clerveaux, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Eric Click, Polk State College Michelle Crawford, American Compliance Technologies Christina Ellis, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Derek Farling, Lakeland Electric Katherine Fitzwater, VISTE/Volunteers in Service to the Elderly Clay Gard, Register Construction & Engineering, Inc. Cheri Geiger, City of Lakeland Angel Gonzalez, CenterState Bank Ginger Gonzalez, WellDyneRx Christine Hansen, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Will Harrell, Peterson & Myers, P.A. David Hensarling, City of Lakeland Alicia James, Crowe Horwath, LLP Crystal Joseph, Joseph Realty
As a component of the LEDC’s High-Skill High-Wage Initiative, the YLakeland program is a year-round connection to Lakeland’s current and future young professionals. In 2008, the program launched an 8-week (June-July) Summer Leadership Program (SLP) for interns and new hires. The main goal of the program is to connect college students and young professionals to Lakeland and to each other in an effort to attract and retain talent. The 2010 YLakeland Summer Leadership Program was lead by LEDC interns Katherine Schichtel and Meg Welch. For more information on the Lakeland Economic Development Council (LakelandEDC.com) or our YLakeland program (YLakeland.com), please contact Laura Taylor at (863) 687-3788 or ltaylor@lakelandedc.com.
No. 4
August Small Business of the Month Award presented By Shari Provan
Douglass Screen Printers
Sweet Sixteen and still going strong! Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano is a Lakeland institution that celebrated its 16th anniversary on April 21. Many Lakeland residents are very familiar with this family owned and operated restaurant. Jesus Vargas formed Tapatio’s based on a successful restaurant in Mexico; a family owned and operated restaurant in the true sense where Mom did the cooking and the kids ran the restaurant. To this day, most of the recipes used at Tapatio’s are those of Jesus's and Rene's mother, while the kids still run the restaurant! When asked what they attribute their very loyal customer base to, Rene says it is the authenticity of the food, the freshness of the ingredients, the affordable prices and quick, friendly service that keeps folks coming back. Tapatio’s
is not interested in expanding to a national, or even statewide chain, running the risk of losing control over the quality of the food and wonderful atmosphere. They want to create and maintain a good business, with a family friendly atmosphere that will earn them friends, as well as customers, for life.
Tapatio’s is very well respected in the community and supports many local organizations such as The Second Chance Training Center, First Baptist Church at the Mall, Renaissance, Santa Fe Catholic School Carnival, and more through donations of food, gift certificates, sponsorships, raffle items and the like. They try to help everyone who asks because the Lakeland community has been so good to them and they want to return the kindness. Rene proudly remarks that they have served generations of families – grandpas, sons, sons of sons and so on. One boy told him that the reason he loves
August Winner
Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano, Inc. 734 Memorial Boulevard Lakeland, FL 33801-8806 (863) 686-6958 Phone (863) 603-0454 Fax
the salsa so much is because his mom ate at Tapatio’s regularly when she was pregnant with him! Providing excellent food in a friendly fashion and treating people with respect seems to be the recipe for success for this wonderful Lakeland restaurant. If you haven’t eaten there yet, do yourself a favor and go today! The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano as the Small Business of the Month for August.
Small Business of the Month Award Committee member Shari Provan presents the August Small Business of the Month Award to Jesus Vargas and Rene Vargas of Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano, Inc.
CHAMBER MEMBERS … START YOUR ENGINES! The 2010 Car BQ Committee is pleased to announce planning for this year’s event has begun. Mark your calendar to fill up your tank with a delicious BBQ lunch at this year’s CarBQ Chamber fundraiser, November 19 at Tigertown. Need more information? Want to help? Call Katie Daughtrey at (863) 688-8551, Ext. 241 or email kdaughtrey@lakelandchamber.com.
Small business owners learn from each other In July, the Chamber began a partnership with SCORE, the Counselors to America’s Small Business, hosting a Business Roundtable event each month. Facilitated by Spike & Becky Bywater, SCORE Volunteers, attendees shared experiences and discussed solutions for common challenges facing small business owners.
Thanks to the partnership with SCORE, the Chamber will host a Business Roundtable on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Reservations are requested, to ensure adequate meeting space. To reserve your spot for the September 23 Roundtable, call Terry Ottinger at (863) 688-8551, Ext. 231.
No. 6
TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJ:
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 Sheree Saulter points system, and the Champion with the most points is featured in the Forum for Business Monthly. This month, the Chamber staff would like to recognize Mrs. Sheree Saulter, Community Relations Coordinator with Webster University for her outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Sheree is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!
Chamber Members Joe L. Ruthven, Chairman of the Board September 1, 2010 2011 Board of Directors Nominating Committee Report
The 2011 Board of Directors Nominating Committee, in accordance with Articles VIII and XIII of the Chamber Bylaws, was charged with developing a slate of twelve (12) individuals to serve a three-year term on the Board of Directors. Accordingly, I am pleased to present the following slate to the membership for election, effective January 1, 2011:
Kurt Elmhorst (Allen & Company of Florida) Melinda Harrison (Watson Clinic LLP) Steve Madden (Madden) Rev. Dan McBride (Victory Church) Mike McGee (McGee Tire Stores, Inc.) Dr. Sherrie Nickell (Polk County Public Schools) Don Pickard (Pickard & Pickard, Inc., REALTORS) Sam Sheets (Samuel G. Sheets and Associates, P.A.) Kathy Wallen (Baylis & Company P.A., CPAs) Phil Wegman (Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.) Mark Wilson (Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.) Jason Witty (Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida) Per the Bylaws, the membership has the opportunity to place additional names in nomination by presenting a petition signed by at least 25 members. Such petition must be filed at the Chamber office no later than September 15, 2010. If nominations are received from the membership, a ballot bearing names of all nominees will be issued to the membership for vote, and the number of nominees with the highest votes equal to the number of Directors needed shall be declared elected. If no additional nominations are received from the membership, the slate proposed by the Nominating Committee will be considered elected by acclamation.
CHAMBER CHAMPION FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER IS
SHEREE SAULTER
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (863) 686-3173, should you have any questions regarding the proposed slate of nominees. I would like to thank the following members who served on the Nominating Committee: Chair-elect Alice Hunt, Immediate Past Chair Anu Saxena, Past Chair Tim Campbell, Todd Baylis, Linda Jezard, and Katrina Lunsford.
No. 8
Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill welcomes ‘Schmoozers’ By Terry Ottinger
Vice President, Membership Development
On July 8, Lakeland’s most die-hard networkers packed into Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill at 3120 South Florida Ave. Members networked upon arrival, and as soon as lunch orders were taken, each member stood to give a 30-second commercial.
Members listen to 30 second commercials.
After lunch, the one-on-one networking continued. This format works well for many members because they are able to select the perfect prospect and talk to him or her in a positive environment. If you haven’t “Schmoozed” you need to give it a try- look for the next event in November. Thanks to Natalie and her staff for the great venue and outstanding service.
NEW MEMBERS
e Chamber is proud to welcome 20 new members for July 2010 Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge you 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!
American General Life/ Rick Rundle 113 Havendale Blvd. Auburndale, FL 33823-4509 33823-4509 (863) 738-2610 Rick Rundle Insurance
Andress Electric, LLC
The Doggie Bag, Inc. 1745 E. Edgewood Dr. Lakeland, FL 33803-3411 (863) 683-6220 Fax: (863) 683-6220
www.thedoggiebagboutique.com Heather Moran Pet Specialty Items
(863) 661-0097 Fax: (863)816-2463 Marshall Andress Electric Contractors
The Florida United Methodist Foundation, Inc.
346 W. Central Ave. Winter Haven, FL 33880-2960 (863) 293-1797
www.fumf.org
Arabella's
450 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Lakeland, FL 33815 (863) 904-2970 Fax: (863) 904-0169
www.arabellasristorante.com
Suzanne McGovern Churches/Synagogues
Franco Basalone Restaurants
Ardis Limited, Inc.
704 N. Ingraham Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801-2034 (863) 683-4565 Fax: (863) 683-4616
www.ardislimited.com ardislimited.mfr.mlxchange.com Reginald L. Ardis Mortgages, Real Estate
C & S Graphics and Design
120 E. Pine St., #9 Lakeland, FL 33801-4982 (863) 644-7308 Fax: (863) 647-3574
Grainger
Lakeland, FL 33803-5400 (863) 602-9027
www.grainger.com
Country Chicken & Fish of Lakeland
1263 Kathleen Rd. Lakeland, FL 33805-3514 (863) 686-2564 Fax: (863) 291-4780 Keith Klepper Restaurants
Shingetsu Sushi Bar & Grill, Inc. 4231 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33813-1632 (863) 647-1212 Kazuko Smith Restaurants
Smart Move
www.teamsmartmove.com (863) 397-0047
100 3rd St. SW Winter Haven, FL 33880-2907 (863) 293-0069 Fax: (863) 298-0979
Kelley Buick GMC of Bartow
Ed Dalton Automobile - Dealers - New
Sonji Coney Funeral Homes
Joe Munchel Jewelers - Repair/Sales/Manufacturers
5401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Ste. 161 Tampa, FL 33609-2448 (813) 892-5258 Gary Crossfield Insurance
Humana Insurance
Coney Funeral Home
www.coneyfuneralhome.com
www.munchelbrothers.com
Randal Viggiani Movers
www.centralflahomesandmore.com
1404 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Lakeland, FL 33805-3626 (863) 686-5006 Fax: (863) 687-1790
5167 US Hwy 98 S. Lakeland, FL 33812 (863) 619-7478 Fax: (863) 619-7479
Ken Farris Industrial Equipment & Supplies
255 W. Van Fleet Dr. Bartow, FL 33830-3839 (863) 534-1561 Fax: (863) 582-9212
Carri McLure Publications - Real Estate Magazine
Munchel Brother's Jewelry & Coin Exchange
www.bartowgpb.com
LEGOLAND Florida
6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33884-2100 (863) 595-2330
Sundown Southern Eatery www.sundownrestaurant.com Michael Johnson Restaurants
The Stanford Inn and Tea Room 555 E. Stanford St. Bartow, FL 33830-4751 (863) 533-2393
www.thestanfordinn.com Anthony Grainger Bed & Breakfast
Woodmen of the World
www.LEGOLANDFloridaResort.com
3730 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Ste. 1 Lakeland, FL 33803-0212 (863) 647-3829 Fax: (863) 647-2350
MJ's Cuban Cafe
Laura Helm Insurance
Todd Andrus Theme Parks
635 Robin Road Lakeland, FL 33803-4840 (863) 644-4400 Henry Quintana Restaurants
No. 10
www.woodmen.org
SAVE THE DATE! You want ‘em. We’ve got ‘em. Let’s keep ‘em. Attend to learn more about Polk's Career Academies and building our future workforce. Thursday, November 4, 7:30 a.m. The Lakeland Center Hosted by The Workforce Education District Career Academy Advisory Council In partnership with The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
No. 12
JULY TOURISM INQUIRIES
During the month of July, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and
the Lakeland community.
Walk-in Visitors..................................326 Relocation Response Mailings................6 Relocation Response (Walk In).............14 Accommodations...................................1
Winter Accommodations .......................0 Visitor Information Mailings ...................6 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............122
MARK YOUR CALENDAR EVENTS
Monday, September 6
Chamber Closed in Observance of Labor Day Holiday
Thursday, September 16
Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m. Fun Bike Center Motorsports 1845 E Memorial Blvd
MEETINGS
Wednesday, September 8
Government Affairs Committee, 8:00 a.m. BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland, 9:00 a.m.
Monday, September 13
EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, September 15 Executive Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 22
Board of Directors Meeting, Noon Lakeland Yacht and Country Club, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Rd.
Thursday, September 23
Business Round Table, 7:30 a.m.
Monday, September 27
Small Business of the Month Award Committee Meeting, 11:45 a.m.
Monthly updates for Lakeland’s young professionals Experience EMERGE
By EMERGE Lakeland Marketing Committee
EMERGE Lakeland had two great events in July! On July 15, our members attended a Professional Development Breakfast at USF Polytechnic’s Blue Sky West business incubator. Aaron Bates, Business Development Manager (and EMERGE Lakeland member), and Eddie Hill, Director of New Venture Development, spoke about entrepreneurship and the basics of starting a successful business. On July 27, we celebrated Pack The Bar, an annual event just for fun at Linksters Tap Room. What’s next for September? EMERGE will meet on Thursday, September 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club to Honor Our Military. We’ve invited active and retired officers from several branches of the armed forces to share their experiences and inspire our patriotism. Several of the speakers are current and former EMERGE members.
Please visit our Web site for more details and to register for this event. We will also hold an after-hours social later in the month. This summer, EMERGE Lakeland has been hard at work on a new program which we hope will benefit both our members and our community. We are proud to announce the launch of EMERGE Serves, a program designed to provide comprehensive training for young professionals interested in community service. EMERGE Serves will begin on September 28 and will run every Tuesday through the end of October. This ten hour course will be taught in five sessions by a wide variety of respected community leaders and will detail the fundamentals of effective board service. Class size is very limited so be sure to visit EMERGELakeland.com for the program details and an application.
Are you interested in learning more about EMERGE Lakeland? We are an organization of young professionals who meet for networking, philanthropic activities and professional development. Visit EMERGELakeland.com, follow EMERGE Lakeland on Facebook or @emergelakeland on Twitter to learn more.
No. 14
Common Grounds
A taste of local business one cup at a time 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 David Dorsch
…
Fun Bike Center Motorsports
As the GM and vice president of Fun Bike Center Motorsports, a franchised Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha dealership for motorcycles, scooters, ATV’s and personal watercraft, I am excited to share with you the fun I experience each day. Sixteen years ago Fun Bike Center began as a small, 3,000 square foot dealership off of Gary Road with a staff of only five people, all with a passion for motorcycles and family fun. With the enthusiasm of our staff, our customers, and our love for the products we sell, Fun Bike Center Motorsports grew quickly. Today’s 60,000 sq.ft. Fun Bike Center Motorsports is recognized nationally as one of the top powersports dealerships in the country. This fabulous dealership provides powersports vehicles, parts, accessories, clothing, sunglasses, footwear, and superior service to customers from all over Florida. Whether you bought your vehicle here or from another dealership, you can count on our factory-trained and A-certified technicians to take care of your service and repair needs. The Fun Bike Center Motorsports Complex includes not only Fun Bike Center Motorsports, but Mojo’s Wings Burgers and Beer restaurant and bar, Mojo’s Liquor Store, and Papa John’s Pizza! Touted by many as Destination Florida and by many Polk County riders as “the gateway to Lakeland on the East Side,” the Fun Bike Center Motorsports Complex is undeniably the best place to go for powersports-related excitement, delicious food, great live music, and overall family fun. With weekly events, including car shows, truck shows, bike nights, live bands, prize giveaways, UFC fight nights, and charity fundraisers, Fun Bike Center Motorsports Complex ALWAYS delivers on its promise of FUN!
Dave Dorsch, VP and GM of Fun Bike Center Motorsports sits in the showroom of the family owned and operated company founded 16 years ago by his brother, Daniel J. Dorsch.
I have had the opportunity to meet many good friends that have become loyal customers of Fun Bike Center Motorsports, and through the years we have had a lot of fun sharing our passion for the industry with the Lakeland community and fellow enthusiasts. Today, Fun Bike Center Motorsports continues to live up to the original goal with which we began, providing great products, great customer service, fair prices, entertaining events, and always FUN, with smiles on our faces. We are proud to be a Lakeland-based business and thank you all for your continued patronage! We look forward to seeing you soon!
RENEWALS
The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses for their long-standing support and loyalty.
20+ Year Renewals
1952 - 58 Years W. S. Badcock Corp. 1973 - 37 Years Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A. Hamic, Jones, Hamic & Sturwold, P.A., CPA Straughn Trout Architects, LLC 1974 - 36 Years John Goddard Produce 1975 - 35 Years Beasley Speed & Company, P.A. 1976 - 34 Years XYZ Liquor 1977 - 33 Years Crowe Horwath LLP 1978 - 32 Years The Philpot Law Group, P.A. Stanley Properties 1979 - 31 Years MIDFLORIDA Credit Union 1980 - 30 Years Zimmermann Associates, Inc. 1981 - 29 Years Sunco Carriers, Inc. 1982 - 28 Years Crown Printing, Inc. 1984 - 26 Years W. A. Magarino, MD, PA 1985 - 25 Years BloodnetUSA Micro Path Laboratories, Inc. 1986 - 24 Years Daryl A. Johnson, CPA Alabama Metal Industries Corporation 1988 - 22 Years Cleveland & Company, Inc. Inner Act Alliance, formerly DPRC Town & Country Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Lockheed Martin Shared Services 1989 - 21 Years Radio Training Network, Inc. Allied Scrap Processors, Inc. 1990 - 20 Years Watson Clinic Foundation, Inc. Tampa Electric Company All-Brite Specialty Services, Inc. Polk Theatre Inc.
15-Year Renewals
Duffy and Lee Carpet Company June Hyde Trucking Company, Inc.
10-Year Renewals
The Jameson Inn Tampa Maid Foods, Inc. Express Paint & Body, Inc.
5-Year Renewals
Brooks Chandler Realty, LLC Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro Murray Equipment Sales, Inc. Steinbauer Associates, Inc. Samuel G. Sheets and Associates, P.A.
SEPTEMBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Sessums & Sessums, P.A.
Mark Sessums has achieved certification in Civil Trial Law. Sessums is now one of only four lawyers in Florida that is board certified in both Civil Trial Law and Marital and Family Law. Board certification indicates that Sessums has achieved special knowledge, skills and proficiency in Civil Trial Law and Marital and Family Law and is an expert in these fields of law.
The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill
Pleased to announce the opening of a private dining room for up to 26 guests. Featuring blinds, a glass door and state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, this is a perfect spot for corporate meetings, holiday parties, private dinners or football watch parties. Call today to reserve at (863) 937-9141.
Santa Fe Catholic High School
Glenda Pierce, assistant principal, presented for the second time at the Curriculum Improvement Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from June 25-27. The workshop was titled, “Using Curriculum Mapping Data,” which highlighted the important steps for developing a process to analyze curricular and instructional data in order to formulate an appropriate course of action within the classroom.
Ricky Lee Insurance
Pleased to announce Wade Luke RHU has joined the staff and its strategic partnership with The Stoner Organization, a member of United Benefit Advisors (UBA). Wade has more than 12 years of experience in Employee Benefits as a Producer and Account Manager and he has earned the professional designation of RHU (Registered Health Underwriter).
Edi's Place, Inc.
Has relocated the Hair Color Studio to suite 23 in the Executive Plaza, 4406 S. Florida Ave. The phone number remains the same, (863) 616-1100.
Edward Jones Investments
Proudly announces for the fifth year out of the past six, the financial-services firm ranks highest in investor satisfaction with full service brokerage firms, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study. The study measures seven factors: investment advisor, portfolio performance, account information, account offerings, commissions and fees and web site and problem resolution.
Watson Clinic LLP
Pleased to introduce Obinna U. Nwobi, MD, vascular surgeon, to our team of expert physicians. Dr. Nwobi’s office is located in the Main Clinic’s Heart & Vascular Institute at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. Dr. Nwobi’s areas of expertise include endovascular aortic aneurysms repair, carotid surgery, dialysis access, peripheral artery disease, limb salvage, treatment of varicose veins and deep venous thrombosis.
No. 16
Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc.
Congratulations to Diana Riva OTR who has completed her SIPT certification. Also, pleased to welcome Amy Woodrum SLP-CF, Tracy Farrar STA and Julie Hall COTA to the Lakeland outpatient pediatric clinic.
The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@LakelandChamber.com
The RCSI Group
Proudly announces that company president Michael R. Martens is the first group insurance broker in Polk County Florida to receive the advanced insurance designation of CBC (Chartered Benefit Consultant). This designation indicates that Mr. Martens has expertise and knowledge in Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHP).
Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc.
Announces its newly elected 2010-2011 Board of Trustees: Executive Committee: Tom Watson, President; Michael Folsom, First VP; Mike Carter, Second VP; Krista Gospodinova, Secretary; Yvonne Bunce, Treasurer; Ken Menefee, Immediate Past President. Board Representatives: Joyce
Barclay, Matthew Cantrall, Cathy Kennedy, Tim Kiley, Frank Lansford, Curt Wheeler. Board of Trustees: Alyce Badcock, Walt Engle, Austen Snodgrass and Sara Reyes-Peacock.
Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney and Lancaster, P.A.
Pleased to announce that Laura Newlin has been certified by the Florida Bar in real estate law. CCM&L now has four attorneys certified in real estate law. The Bar grants certification in a particular area based on expertise and peer review. Also, pleased to announce that Matt Schroeder has joined the firm and will practice in the area of business and tax law and estate planning. Matt is a cum laude Master of Laws in Taxation (L.L.M.) graduate of University of Florida Law School and the Florida Graduate Tax Program. Also, pleased to announce that Julie Baumgartner has joined the firm and will practice in the area of commercial litigation. Julie is a graduate of the Catholic University of America, Columbia School of Law, and The Johns Hopkins University. She previously practiced with Venable LLP in Baltimore.
Hilton Garden Inn Lakeland
Pleased to announce that Rebecca Fortier has joined staff as the Sales and Catering Manager. Rebecca has been involved in hospitality and event planning in the Lakeland area for the past ten years, and is excited to represent 4,000+ sq. feet of event space at the hotel property located at the entrance of the Lakeland Linder Airport. Rebecca serves as Vice President for the Lakeland Hotel & Motel Association.
The Doggie Bag, Inc.
Is pleased to announce that Rhonda K. Foreman has been named the new General Manager. In this position, Rhonda will oversee operations for the Lakeland store and conduct training of all new employees. Also, pleased to welcome Lorraine Turner to the staff as Sales Associate of our Bartow store. Lorraine will handle a variety of responsibilities on a full-time basis in our new Downtown Bartow location.
Broadway Real Estate Services
Pleased to announce the hiring of Jack Strollo as vice president of Broadway Brokerage, LLC. Broadway Real Estate Services handles the management and leasing of over 400,000 sf of Class A Commercial Office space in and around the downtown Lakeland area. As the managing broker, Mr. Strollo will handle all leasing and acquisition efforts for Broadway and all related real estate matters.
RIBBON CUTTINGS The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of July. See the photos on our Web site at LakelandChamber.com.
5380 N Socrum Loop #8 • Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 937-0190 • www.coastdental.com
Coast Dental
1019 W Pipkin Road • Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 646-5683 • www.allcreaturesfl.com
All Creatures Animal Clinic
Integral Quality Care
41 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 29 • Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 688-3888 • www.edwardsconstruction.com
Edwards Construction Services, Inc.
1729 Lakeland Hills Blvd • Lakeland, FL (813) 775-0158 • www.integralqualitycare.com
Webster University
RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU
1479 Town Center Drive, Suite 202 • Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 687-9309 •www.webster.edu/lakeland.com
Special thanks to Mayor Gow Fields, Commissioner Glenn E. Higgins, Commissioner Phillip Walker and all the Board Members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event. No. 18
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE
PERMIT # 31 LAKELAND, FL
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607
Return Service Requested
PAID
FUN BIKE CENTER MOTORSPORTS 1845 E MEMORIAL BLVD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Chamber member Your R.S.V.P. is appreciated! Visit BAH.LakelandChamber.com to register and pay using your credit card or email psmith@LakelandChamber.com to register and pay at the door.