F O R B U S IN E SS september 2013 | Vol. xXII, No. 9
BUY LAKELAND. It Makes GOOD cents!
FORUM FOR BUSINESS Lakelandchamber.com
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CH A M BER STAFF K a t h l een L . M unson President
KMunson@LakelandChamber.com
B a rb a r a B enne t t Executive Assistant
BBennett@LakelandChamber.com
s a r a h bree d
Administrative Assistant, Member Relations | Public Affairs
sbreed@lakelandchamber.com
As partners at 1026SOFLO Vicky Luffman, Koko Brandao, Mary May Witte, Kim Cleghorn, and Eva Mora (not pictured) found friendship and art can build a successful business model.
S a l ly C h a p m a n
Vice President, Finance & Administration
SChapman@LakelandChamber.com
L a ke l a n d Are a C h a mber of C ommerce F orum for B usiness M on t h l y M a rk E . W i l son | C h a irm a n of t h e B o a r d
C a ro l y n J a ckson
Senior Vice President, Member Relations
CJackson@LakelandChamber.com
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
K a t h l een L . M unson | Pub l is h er Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
Am y S . W i g g ins | E d i t or Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
nice br a n d in g a g enc y | C re a t i v e Direc t ion , P R O D U C T I O N & P h o t o g r a p h y
J a c q ue l ine L . J o h nson
Senior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau
JackieJ@LakelandChamber.com
K a t ie M c B ri d e Membership Consultant
KMcbride@lakelandchamber.com
www.brandnicely.com
N ikki O a k l e y
Membership Account Executive
NOakley@LakelandChamber.com
dining . shopping . nightlife . sports . events . where to stay . what to do
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Terr y O t t in g er
Vice President, Membership Development
TOttinger@LakelandChamber.com
R ic h R o y
Vice President, Public Affairs
rroy@lakelandchamber.com
P a t t y S mi t h
Administrative Assistant, Convention & Visitors Bureau
PSmith@LakelandChamber.com
K a r a simm
Administrative Assistant, Membership Development | Communications
KSimm@lakelandchamber.com
Am y W i g g ins
Vice President, Communications
AWiggins@LakelandChamber.com
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35 Lake Morton Drive PO Box 3607 Lakeland, FL 33802-3607 (863) 688-8551 LakelandChamber.com © 2013 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.
to
Chamber Members
from
Mark E. Wilson, Chairman of the Board
subject
2014 Board of Directors Nominating Committee Report
date
September 1, 2013
The 2014
Accordingly, I am pleased to present the following slate to the membership for election, effective January 1, 2014:
CHAMBER
NEXT Join the discussion to learn how you can maximize your investment in the Chamber.
in accordance with Articles VIII and XIII of the Chamber Bylaws, was charged with developing a
Elliott Dorsch Fun Bike Center Motorsports
slate of twelve (12) individuals to serve a three-year term on the
Kurt Elmhorst
Board of Directors.
Allen & Company 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, 2013.
Craig Hill Law Office of Craig B. Hill, P.L.
Janice Jones CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Jarvis Kendrick 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.
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Rob Kincart
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (863) 701-8702, 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 Tim Jackson, Immediate Past Chair Walker Wilkerson, Past Chair Alice Hunt, Stacy Campbell-Domineck, Craig Hill and Matt Ruthven.
Your Chamber membership gives you opportunity - to see and be seen, to speak and be heard, and to engage and be connected. Learn more about: - Member Coupons - Event Listings - Search Terms - NEW! RFP Builder
A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure
Kathryn LeRoy If no additional nominations are received from the membership, the slate proposed by the Nominating Committee will be considered elected by acclamation.
LakelandChamber.com Works for You
Polk County Public Schools
Tuesday, September 10 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Kelly Lonsberry
BB&T Downtown Lakeland
Watson Clinic LLP
114 N Tennessee Avenue
Cindy Maddox Omnia, Inc.
Dan McBride Victory Church
Mike McGee McGee Auto Service and Tires
Ben Mundy, Jr. SCMH Architects, Inc.
No Charge for Members Seating is Limited, Please RSVP at LakelandChamber.com
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Just about everyone has heard of it, but many businesses shy away from using Twitter as a means to communicate socially with consumers, potential customers, and other local businesses. Twitter can be intimidating at first, but it can also be a way to spread the word about events, products, and specials that a business is promoting very quickly and with very little investment.
google +
Sarah Farnsworth Torch Designs
CONNECT ] TorchDesigns.com
A few simple tips to help Utilize Google+ for your business Make it look good. On any social media platform
What is your business trying to achieve by using Twitter?
a professional profile page is of vital importance. Make sure to have a good picture of the product or service you provide to use on the cover page. Hire a photographer, if necessary, to shoot your products for all your media. The profile picture should be the business logo or name so customers can clearly see what business they are dealing with.
What resources can your company use to devote to Twitter? How much time can you devote to Twitter?
Keep the information accurate. On the business Google+ page, one can go to the edit info screen simply by clicking on the logo or tag of the page. After that, it is as simple as placing the information in the fields.
What are you trying to achieve through Google+? Finding out what direction to go can help. Just as it is good to have multiple posts in Facebook on a daily basis it is also good to do that for Google+. This can keep your content fresh and relevant for your followers.
Do you want to be able to reach your customers instantly with specials, news, and new product information? If so, Twitter is a great platform for your business.
You can spend hours or minutes a day “Tweeting”. For the business owner that likes to work on a schedule, websites exist that can set up automatic tweets so that you don’t have to worry about trying to tweet throughout the day.
A few simple tips to help improve Twitter Presence
Follow others. Find individual and other companies to follow. Just like Facebook has “Likes” to up a business presence on Google+ one must follow others and share information with them.
Don’t be Shy. Follow everyone who might have an interest in your company, live in the local area, or need your business services. The more you follow the better. If you decide later that you don’t like the tweets from some people you follow simply un-follow them. It is that easy.
Create Categories for Followers. One
Spread out your message throughout the day. Not everyone will see 20 messages at 8 am in the morning. By spreading your tweets out during the day there is a greater chance of them being seen and shared by others.
thing that Google+ does allow is for people to place their followers into categories making it easier to distinguish between customers, other businesses, and friends.
AdD locations and tags to images. Place tags and locations on images of your service, product, or business locations. Those images will be searchable on Google making your business achieve higher rankings.
What resources can your organization devote to Google+?
Time is a business owner’s greatest resource and it is often in short supply. Social media can help bridge that gap by allowing people to find your product or service without having to search for hours and hours. By placing your information on Google+ your company can share vital information to all those you follow, and who follow you. 4
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Re-tweet the messages of others that your followers can benefit from. By sharing the tweets of others or “re-tweeting,” you can show that you have an investment in their ideas. It also makes you more visible to their followers.
Use Hashtags. The number sign followed by a simple key word (example: #GraphicDesign). These “tags” are searchable so that anyone looking for that key word can find related topics. Using hashtags at the end of tweets allows people to search and find a particular topic. Create open communication. If possible, create open communication with your Twitter followers by asking questions, answering questions, and participating in conversations that are important to you and your business. don’t get too carried away. Lastly, with Twitter, and every other social media platform, it is important not to get too carried away. It can be a vital resource in any marketing campaign, or just a pain... It all depends on how it is utilized.
To utilize Facebook for your business there are a few things that really should be done. First find out what your business is trying to achieve by using Facebook.
Facebook is perfect for businesses that want to share connections with people, and other businesses, and promote a product or services. But like any social media, the sky is the limit, and that can seem overwhelming.
What resources can your organization devote to using Facebook?
If you have the time to update your business page or add a status at least twice a day then you are doing well. Getting people to “like” your page is a different thing all together. The best bet is to invite people who would have interest in your company. Start with friends, and then friends of friends. Once the social media branching out has started it is important to maintain momentum. Facebook isn’t just for the kiddos anymore. It has blossomed into an all out marketing mecca that can allow people to form real relationships with business by “liking” and following business pages. This is great for companies that really want to connect and share with their customers and other business.
A few simple tips to help improve YOUR business Facebook Page Make it look good. One does not have to be a professional designer to make sure the image on the cover photo is not a grainy, unrecognizable cell phone picture. Get a clear image of the product or service you provide. Hire a photographer, if necessary, to shoot your products for all your media. That will make you stand out and look your best. Also, the profile picture should be the business logo or name, not a self portrait, a picture of a cat, or a neighbor’s cute kid. Make it Accurate. Go into the edit profile section of the page and make sure all of the address, contact, product/service, and company information is correct. If there are any inaccuracies, fix them immediately. That way your customers can find you. Post a minimum of twice a day, not all at the same time. Provide meaningful content that your customers and Facebook followers would be interested in. Follow other business Pages. Use your business page to follow other pages and share information with them. You can mention them or add links to their Facebook pages by simply adding the “@” symbol followed by their page names. By doing that you can increase the size of your audience, and their audiences as well. Use Hashtags on your post. The number sign followed by a simple key word (example: #GraphicDesign). These “tags” are searchable so that anyone looking for that key word can find related topics. This can help people find information about your post in a sea of daily updates.
Try to create open communication with your Facebook followers. Ask and answer questions, and participle in conversations that are important to you and your business.
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Expe r i e nc e E me r g e : Co nn e ct in g t h e Coun t y
Jessica Gutowski Slaydon Two Men and a Truck
CONNECT ] EMERGELakeland.com
There are many young professional groups from city to city, but not many unite together as a whole county. Some folks in Winter Haven and Lakeland thought it was time to change that and get the different young professional groups together. Earlier this year, Winter Haven’s Young Professional Group and EMERGE Lakeland hosted a joint event at Southern Home’s Shores at Lake Sears. “It was a perfect venue not only for proximity, but also for the stage of life for many young professionals,” said Jared Weggeland of Southern Homes. “So many of them are
getting started in their careers and looking to purchase a home.” The event went so well; group chairs began collaborating ideas for the next young professional meet-up. This time, a group of young professionals from Bartow Chamber Young Professionals, Winter Haven’s Young Professional Group and EMERGE Lakeland got together duking it out for the best kickball team in the county. Well, not exactly. But friendly competition is a guaranteed strategy for bonding, especially amongst young professionals. “Everyone had one of two goals: to win or not embarrass themselves while hoping for
victory. The WHYP’s had a great time and look forward to next year’s game,” said Nicole Roe of Noble Juice in Winter Haven. Stephanie Colon of Community Southern Bank led the collation kickball efforts and enjoyed collaborating with other young professional groups. “The game was fun and a great opportunity to get to meet other members from other YP groups locally. Bartow and WHYP chairs were eager to come and play and encouraged their members to be there too. If we can come together for a game like this, imagine the possibilities of what we could do together
in our county,” said Colon. It was great to have Bartow Chamber Young Professionals in on these efforts as well. Lesley Green, with the Polk County School Board in Bartow, also commented on the effort. “It was a great way to get together by doing an activity that is quickly rising in popularity with our age group. It was a nice change of pace from the ‘lunch and learns’ and ‘meet and greets,’ and allowed each of us the opportunity to meet up in a different sort of environment and capacity. Trading out our business attire for our workout clothes automatically made people feel more
comfortable, which allowed people to communicate more freely and openly. In addition, so many of our rising young professionals overlap in each of the groups, so it was a great way to network across the board.” When asked who won the games, no one seems to remember. Or perhaps, for some it is a repressed memory.
If you would like to learn more about EMERGE Lakeland or other young professional groups in the area, please contact the Chamber or visit EMERGE Lakeland’s Facebook page.
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Leade r s hi p L a k e l a n d A l um n i A ssociat ion Anne Furr
LEADERSHIP LAKELAND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Communications Chair
The of
What do Leadership Lakeland graduates Linda Bagley Wiggs, Linda Jezard, and Donna McWilliams all have in common? Each is a successful female entrepreneur in the Lakeland community.
In 1979, Linda Bagley Wiggs, LLAA Class 3, became the owner of the company her father founded in 1952, Bagley Specialty Advertising. Bagley Idea Pros, as it is known today, was recently recognized with the American Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award. Although the company name has changed, Bagley Idea Pros knows its success secret. “We treat our clients’ business as if we were ‘their department’ for Promotional Products… only with our own roof,” says Linda. “We create incentive programs and distribution plans. Because we are in this
business and in this community full-time, we know what will make an impactful message.” Linda Jezard, LLAA Class 20, owner of the website design company Advantage Positioning, comes from a family of entrepreneurs. She is a recent finalist for the Greater Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Women in Business award. “For anyone in business, developing deep relationships with customers, suppliers, business alliances, and within the community itself is vital. With deep relations, I mean being earnest about getting to know people
and connecting on a human level; laughing together and sharing life’s happenings – the good, bad, and the mundane. When you truly connect with a person in an honest and forthright manner, business transactions become a side issue. ” Dr. Donna McWilliams, LLAA Class 27, purchased My Pet’s Animal Hospital in May of 2007 and a second practice in Sarasota in 2009. Donna shares that her successful business stems from a “focus on the needs of the client, not just the needs of the patient. We train our staff in communication skills and customer
service in addition to their medical training.” This year, she received the Gold Star Award by the Florida Veterinary Medical Association. “Perhaps the most important recognition for us, however, is the daily recognition and thanks that our clients give us when they are pleased with our service, and refer others to us.” The Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association is proud of the many entrepreneurs in its organization. And if you ask each of them the secret to his or her success, chances are it would begin and end with the word customer.
Each has a different business story to share. Each has a very different product to sell. But one important element makes these business owners successful.
Call us today for all your shredding needs!
It is that a secret that makes their businesses familiar throughout the community and the reason each have received accolades and awards as entrepreneurs.
CONNECT ] LeadershipLakeland Alum.com
For each, the secret of her success comes down to one word: customer.
P.O. Box 5252 . Lakeland, Florida 33807 SHREDDING . ON-SITE DESTRUCTION . DOCUMENT STORAGE . DOCUMENT RETRIEVAL . FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING FORUM FOR BUSINESS
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combining
By Amy Wiggins | 1026SOLFO.com
In the heart of Dixieland, 1026 SOFLO stands out with a beautiful courtyard and greenery, thanks to its setback from the road. With whimsical black and white striped awnings welcoming visitors through the courtyard and into the vibrant foyer, the 1920’s bungalow at 1026 South Florida Avenue is home to five artists, friends, and entrepreneurs. The story of 1026 SOFLO begins, no matter who you ask, with Mary May Witte. As Kim Cleghorn, a painter who specializes in impasto style painting with a palette knife, remembers, “For me, it started with a phone call from Mary while I was at Publix right before Thanksgiving. The Witte building was vacant, and Mary suggested that we do an art show over a couple of days right before Christmas.” So Mary and Kim met at Mary’s dining room table and called fellow artist Koko Brandao to map out a special exhibition. Mary, a contemporary impressionist painter; Koko, a classical painter using acrylic on canvas; and Kim, the painter specializing in textures, contrasted and complimented one another forming a beautiful, and very successful, art exhibition. With a successful show behind them, the three friends decided to make the retail space a permanent home. Silk painter Vicky Luffman was looking for a new studio space and Koko’s friend Eva Mora was searching for space for her boutique clothing business, completing the partnership. Kim recalls the strengths of the partners: “It really is very serendipitous how it all came together.”
“We all collaborated on everything and it has been so helpful that Vicky and Eva have business backgrounds and that Mary is a fabulous professional graphic designer. Also, Mary, Vicky, and Koko know so many artists and are very knowledgeable about the local art scene. Eva is beautiful, young, vibrant and distinctly European so she really brings a cosmopolitan flair to the gallery.” As a former bank manager, Vicky’s journey as an entrepreneur began several years ago when she opened Garden District Arts on East Lemon Street. She recalls that her professional career (and motherhood) helped prepare her for the challenges of owning her own business. “I picked up some very valuable skills in regards to accounting, customer service, marketing, and time management. So I guess I have the advantage of exercising both the left and right sides of my brain.” “I think sometimes the professional community views artists as people who do not have a mind for business, but frankly, artists are the ultimate multitaskers; we have to be creative in not just our artistic endeavors, but in marketing and promoting our work too. Most artists that maintain an outside studio or gallery business have learned to schedule their time, and direct their attention in a very productive manner.” Eva Mora is an economist by trade. In Italy, her fashion distribution business was successful, but her move to Florida was not compatible with the cold-weather fur fashion she knew. After receiving her MBA in Florida, she knew that she was prepared to launch her own business in the US. When Koko called to pitch the idea of combining art and fashion into a retail space, Eva didn’t hesitate. “The interactions with my partners and friends is the way I enrich my fashion point of view every day. We are five women with different ideas... There’s nothing better than that!” Koko Brandao moved to the US from Brazil in 2003 when her husband was transferred with JBT Corporation. The difficulties of learning a new
language kept her from continuing her work as a travel professional, but provided an opportunity for her to create her own artistic line and renew her training from the fine arts institute in Brazil. Koko says her greatest difficulty in becoming an entrepreneur was “beginning to paint again after so long, enabling all of my skills that I learned in art school.” But after 11 years of “hard work, exhibiting at art festivals, taking courses, and much research,” Koko was able to open her own studio on Clubhouse Road. With a BA in fine art, Mary had let her brushes sit dry for more than 35 years while she pursued her career as a graphic designer. Four years ago, she began to paint again, showcasing her art in juried events and galleries. Mary says she does not find it difficult to see herself as a business owner and artist. “Professional artists must develop a business sense. We all want to sell our work!” Kim’s background in her husband’s retail stores fits perfectly with the needs of the group. As an English major and former teacher, Kim imagined her art would manifest as a book at this stage in her life. “It is much easier and quicker to paint a canvas than to write the great American novel,” she says. “I am rather impatient as my colleagues will agree.” The venture has been a learning experience for each of the women. With a variety of art, home and garden décor, and fashion, each partner has become a sales agent for the others. “Each person’s success here at SOFLO translates to my success. We fully support each other, and have become very close friends as well,” says Vicky. And, just as each remembers Mary as the force behind the partnership, Mary, Koko, Vicky, Kim, and Eva also recall that the greatest lesson they have learned from one another is to make the business fun. With creative thinking, a mindset to put the needs of others first, and plenty of passion for keeping the arts community moving forward, the partners at 1026 SOFLO have created a unique, fun experience. As Vicky described it, “a place where laughter is always present, and sometimes dancing.” FORUM FOR BUSINESS
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smal l b u s i n e s s o f th e mon t h
The Agency REalty & Property Management, LLC Jonathan Brock (863) 686-7080
815 S Missouri Ave Lakeland, FL 33815
CONNECT ] TheAgencyFlorida.com
The Agency is a full-service real estate management and sales firm that operates out of a renovated historic house in the Dixieland Historic District south of Downtown Lakeland. Principal Jon Brock notes the company positions itself as a consultant, offering fee-based services in addition to standard commission arrangements, to best assist their clients in meeting their particular needs. The firm started in 2001 and through
Small Business
of the Month
committee member Curt Wheeler
presents the August Small Business of
the Month Award
to Jon Brock. Also
pictured: Lisa Crosby, Barbara Brock, and Remington.
Scan here with your smart phone app for a short video about the agency
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some difficult times (the death of Mike Grady – founder of the property management division, theft, stressed real estate markets) has kept active and busy, thankfully keeping staff and vendors gainfully employed. The office is a busy, professional atmosphere in a casual and friendly environment (pets permitted!) that keeps it a fun place to work. Property management is a large part of the business, and the firm strives to develop a cordial, respectful
relationship among landlords, management, and tenants that satisfies everyone. The management functions are more than administrative. The Agency has helped tenants with moving, chores, banking, and shopping. The firm has had tons of unusual and interesting experiences that may one day be seen in a screenplay or a blog! One client gave them her beloved Cavalier King Charles instead of selling it, knowing the dog would be in the best hands.
The firm is very active in the Lakeland area. Community activities over the years have included Learning Resource Center, Lakeland Community Theater, Junior Achievement, InnerAct Alliance, and Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership boards. Other areas of service over the years have included volunteering, running for, and donating to Inheritance of Hope in memory of family member, Kristen Grady Milligan, working closely with Peace River
Center and Volunteers of America to help serve needy tenants, creating an informal pet shelter, and contributing to mission projects at Christ Community and First Presbyterian churches. Personal, respectful real estate management and sales services meeting your specific needs by a firm completely involved in the Lakeland community life sounds like a winner, and it is. The Chamber congratulates The Agency on being the August Small Business of the Month.
B y C ur t W h ee l er ,
Wheeler Appraisals, LLC
THE
MATTERS OF
W A N T T O K N O W W HY B E in g A M E M B E R O F TH E LA K E LA N D A R E A C HA M B E R I S S O B E C O M I N G ? R E AD on . . .
C AL E N D a R
E V E N T H I GHL I GHT S
COMMON GROUND PARK
NEW MEMBERS
WN LAKELAND DOWNTO SHOPPING
PARK FAMILY BARNETT
2012-2013 Annual Marketing Report LAKELAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
LAKE MORTON
THE LAKELAND CENTER JENKINS ARENA/YOUKEY THEATRE
UNTEERISM’ ‘THE SPIRIT OF VOLRE/LAKE MIRROR PTU ALBERT PALEY SCUL
LAKELAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
R I B B O N C U TT I N G S
As one of Florida’s top industries, tourism is the largest job creator and a leading driver of the state’s economy generating 23% of the total sales tax revenues in Florida. More than one million people visited Lakeland last year creating millions of dollars in economic impact that supports our economy. The tourism industry employs more than 20,000 people from the Polk County area. Perhaps nowhere in the world are so many well-known tourist attractions situated within one area as in Central Florida, making Florida the top vacation destination for domestic and international visitors. The Detroit Tigers/ Lakeland Flying Tigers, LEGOLAND Florida, the Lakeland Center, Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, and amateur sporting events are the top economic engines for our local market. A Destination Travel Analysis conducted in 2012 by Randall Travel Marketing concluded that we are a competitive tourism destination, providing a foundation to a more stable economic future and offering a higher quality of life for all our citizens. In spite of a sluggish U.S. economy, Lakeland’s and Polk County’s tourism revenue grew more than 5% compared to the previous fiscal year. Room demand and total revenue have seen significant gains and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) has been steadily growing. These are positive signs that higher levels of tourism traffic are impacting our economy. In fact, the tourism industry was one of only three sectors creating jobs for Floridians during the early part of the recession—behind health care and social assistance. The Lakeland Convention and Visitors Bureau of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce relies heavily on tourism industry partnerships to cultivate tourism in our area. Lakeland’s economic future is interconnected with travel and tourism! The 2012-2013 Annual Report, “Investing in Tourism,” is available online at Blog.LakelandChamber.com/Tourism. FORUM FOR BUSINESS
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SEPTEMBER 2013 dates mon 09 wed 11
Monday, September 9 EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee 3:45 p.m. Chamber Briefing Room
Wednesday, September 11 Government Affairs 8:00 a.m. Chamber Briefing Room
Tuesday, September 24 businessvoice 2013 candidate interviews
tues 10
Tuesday, September 10 Chamber NEXT
thur 26
Thursday, September 26 SCORE Business Round Table
thur 12
Thursday, September 12 Schmooze a’Palooza
fri 27 sat 28
Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 Annual Board of Directors Planning Retreat
thur 19
Thursday, September 19 Business After Hours
tues 24
8:00 a.m. Citrus Mutual Building Conference Room
Wednesday, September 11 BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland 9:00 a.m. Chamber Briefing Room
tues 17
Tuesday, September 17 New Board Member Orientation
wed 18
Wednesday, September 18 Executive Committee Meeting
7:30 a.m. Chamber Briefing Room
5:30 p.m. BB & T 114 N Kentucky Ave
11:30 a.m. Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub 4810 S Florida Ave
5:30 p.m. SUN ‘N FUN, Inc. 4175 Medulla Rd
3:00 p.m. Chamber Briefing Room
fri 16
4:00 p.m. Chamber Briefing Room
friday, november 15 6th Annual CarBQ
CarBQ.LakelandChamber.com
Chamber Closed: MONDAY, september 2, in observance of labor day
monday 2
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chamber office closed for labor day holiday
9 emerge lakeland steering committee 3:45 p.m.
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chamber next 5:30 p.m.
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24 businessvoice 2013 candidate interviews 8:00 a.m.
30
12
schmooze a’palooza 11:30 a.m.
BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland | 9:00 a.m.
new board member orientation | 3:00 p.m.
23
Government Affairs 8:00 a.m.
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18 executive committee meeting | 4:00 p.m.
25
19 business after hours 5:30 p.m
26 score business round table | 7:30 a.m.
annual board of directors planning retreat
Ev ent HI G HLI G H TS 01
02
July Business After Hours Hosted by The Club at Eaglebrooke
01 | Chairman of the Board, Mark
Wilson of Kimley-Horn and Associates presents the Plaque of Appreciation to Dale Jacobs, Managing Partner at The Club at Eaglebrooke.
02 | The food was delicious and the
crowd greatly enjoyed the ambiance that the Club exudes!
03 | Thank you to the staff at The Club
at Eaglebrooke for a beautiful, fun, and successful networking event!
03
04 | Everyone enjoyed the gorgeous
newly renovated sports bar area at The Club at Eaglebrooke!
July Schmooze a’Palooza Hosted by The Terrace Hotel
05 | Sales Manager Erica Jordan of
The Terrace Hotel, shares the different opportunities the hotel offers to both business and recreational customers.
06 | Nearly 50 members came out to
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support The Terrace Hotel and network at this power networking luncheon! Each participant has the opportunity to share a 30-second commercial about his or her business.
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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...................................... 314 Relocation Response Mailings............. 2 Relocation Response (Walk In)........... 21 Accommodations..................................... 1 Winter Accommodations....................... 0 Visitor Information Mailings............. 10 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries........... 79
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Highland Homes Kareyann Rhodes Ellison has joined the team as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Ellison comes to Highland Homes with an extensive background working in new home sales management with homebuilders in the Tampa area.
Center for Cancer Care & Research
chairman ’s circle Lakeland Regional Medical Center Pleased to welcome Jose Torres Gluck, M.D., neurosurgeon, to the community and our team of specialists. Dr. Gluck is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. His area of special interest and training is in transsphenoidal pituitary and disc replacement surgery, both cervical and lumbar – relieving neck and lower back pain for patients with spinal diagnoses.
Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Proud to announce that Michelle Hoffert has been promoted to Vice President/Director of Information Technology.
trustees Community Southern Bank Has been named one of the top 50 community bank leaders in social media by Independent Community Bankers of America. The list was compiled based on fans/followers, engagement, content and frequency of posts. Community Southern Bank was the only Florida bank on the list.
Explorations Children’s Museum Sue Schluender, Education and Operations Director, attended the fifth annual Florida Prosperity Partnership’s state training conference held recently in Orlando. Schluender was joined on a panel by Brenda Reddout, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central Florida and Scott Lonsberry, Director of Financial Stability Partnership, United Way of Central Florida, leading a session entitled Collaborating for Community Change. The session focused on how Explorations V Children’s Museum, the Catholic Charities of Central Florida and the United Way of Central Florida partner together to provide a system for financial stability for families within the community by working together to offer financial services classes and support. 14
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Has received a three-year reaccreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. CCCR is the only freestanding cancer center in the state of Florida to have earned this tremendously distinctive honor. The Commission on Cancer reaccredited CCCR after conducting an intensive, voluntary onsite evaluation. CCCR achieved a compliance rating on each strict standard represented in the review, and received special commendations for excellence in the following areas: Clinical Trial accrual, Registrar Education, Public Reporting of Outcomes, College of American Pathologists Protocols, Nursing Care, Abstracting Timeliness, and Accuracy of Data Submission
Hill Ward Henderson Received an Award of Distinction for Web sites in the Law and Legal Services category during the 19th Annual Communicator Awards, the largest and most competitive awards program honoring the creative excellence for communications professionals. Each year over 6,000 entries are received from across the US and around the world and are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts. Also, announces that 34 attorneys have been named 2013 Florida Super Lawyers and 11 have been named 2013 Florida Rising Stars. Only 5% of attorneys in Florida receive the honor of Super Lawyer, a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Lawyers who are under the age of 40 or have been practicing for 10 years of less are eligible to receive the Rising Star designation.
Estates at Carpenters Executive Director Brian Robare completed a twoyear term as chairman of LeadingAge Florida. Under his leadership, the organization that promotes practices that support, enable, and empower people to live fully as they age completed a co-branding campaign, restructured bylaws and dues, and revitalized FAHA Health & services.
Watson Clinic Pleased to welcome two new additions to their team of experts. Robert Y. Mendez, MD, and Deepak K. Singh, MD, are Watson Clinic physicians who will provide treatment for inpatients during their stay at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Hospitalists work closely with admitting physicians and order appropriate tests, monitor patient conditions, make treatment decisions and coordinate patient care among members of the hospital staff.
Danielle Fence Mfg. Co., Inc. Initiated an internship program to provide jobs for local graduating seniors. In partnership with Mulberry High School the company hired three young men who spent the summer learning to build and install fences. The program has been extremely successful and all three will be leaving for college soon. We look forward to expanding the program next summer by working with other area high schools to provide jobs for more students.
Certified Foundations, Inc. Jon “Shelly” Shellabarger has accepted the position of Director of Sales. He brings 25 years of proven experience in business development for Florida companies within the engineering and construction industry to his new position where he will spearhead the company’s statewide sales strategy. Jon holds a degree in Business from USF in Tampa. Also, pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn J. McCabe, MBA, CFP® as Financial Controller. Experienced in finance, financial planning and accounting, he joins the company to facilitate CFI’s strategy of continued growth. Mr. McCabe holds a B.A. in Business Administration and an M.B.A., from St. Leo University and has served in the Florida Army National Guard.
Sessums Law Group Mark A. Sessums, Esq. and Brian M. Monk, Esq. have jointly written an article published in The Florida Bar Journal. The article is titled “A Wrinkle in Time: Personal Jurisdiction’s Evolution—Pleading, Proving and Defending Person Jurisdiction Issues”.
Alltrust Insurance Was recently named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For. The fifth annual Best Companies list appears in the August issue of Florida Trend magazine. One-hundred companies are ranked in small, medium and large employer categories. Since the Best Companies list inception, Alltrust has been among the top employers for Small Businesses every year. This year they were placed 5th.
Owl Now Urgent Care Welcomes their newest physician, Dr. Jen Wilson, M.D. Dr. Wilson is board-certified in Family Medicine and has been caring for patients of all ages for the past five years. Dr. Wilson attended medical school at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please e-mail announcements to motm@lakelandchamber.com
Special thanks to Mayor Gow Fields, Commissioner Justin Troller, Commissioner Phillip Walker, Commissioner Howard Wiggs, and all the Board Members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies special events.
Gary Moore of Western & Southern Life
Eyeglass World
Lakeland, FL 33815
Lakeland, FL 33809
5349 Great Oak Dr | (863) 450-3755 Wslife.com/agent/gmoore1
3635 US Highway 98 N | (863) 937-9045 Eyeglassworld.com
Keller Williams Realty of Polk
Savannah Cottage/Memory Care Residences
Mobility America
Lakeland, FL 33801
Lakeland, FL 33809
Lakeland, FL 33809
218 E Pine St | (863) 577-1234 Kw.com
605 Carpenters Way | (863) 815-9411 Slm.net
5130 US Highway 98 N | (863) 816-1513 Mobilityamericaonline.com
Allison Brown, CPA
Sir Speedy Printing
Healthy Habits
Lakeland, FL 33815
Lakeland, FL 33811
Lakeland, FL 33813
101 W Main St, Ste 133 | (863) 614-0308 AllisonBrownCPA.com
4175 S Pipkin Rd, Ste 108 | (863) 647-5500 Sirspeedy.com/Lakeland
4760 S Florida Ave | (863) 937-9202
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A Step Above Unique Shoes & Handbags 2888 Havendale Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33881 (863) 875-5617 Tenesia Hawthorne Women’s Apparel & Accessories
Bonnie Riha/Realtor Coldwell Banker Lakeland Central Office 3003 S Florida Ave Ste 104 Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 687-2233 floridamoves.com/bonnie.riha Bonnie Riha Real Estate
Brightway Insurance
St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council #2505
2014 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 (863) 687-6086 kofclakeland.org Joseph Grates Event Planning/Coordinator/Supplies
Staples - Store #1064
Brilliant Minds Early Learning Academy, LLC
Streamlined Technologiez
Creative Refinishing, Inc.
Tokyo Steak House
1041 E Rose St Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 688-8400 creativerefinishing.com Wayne Small Furniture Repair & Restoring
Dennis Wood Engineering LLC 1925 Bartow Rd Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 940-2040 DennisWoodEngineering.com Dennis Wood Engineers
Manny’s Chophouse
5125 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 940-9924 mannyschophouse.com Manny Nikolaidis Restaurants
Office Movers of Florida
5110 Causeway Blvd Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 293-7504 officemoversofflorida.com Brit Paiva Movers
Organo Gold
Call To Schedule An Appointment (863) 838-3251 livscoffeeplace.organogold.com Lida Livingston Coffee House
Prime Protection, LLC
Call To Schedule An Appointment (813) 787-6652 spotcrime.com Jarvis El-Amin Security Services/Systems
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2036 Shepherd Rd Mulberry, FL 33860 (863) 858-6825 pyramidcomputers.net Lou Jorden Computer – Sales & Service
4720 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Ste 305 Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 644-7711 brightwayinsurance.com/locations/cflakeland.html Charlene Rodriguez Insurance 5900 Sundance Blvd Mulberry, FL 33860 (863) 646-6444 brilliantmindsearlylearningacademy.com Tisa McNeil-Robinson Schools – Pre-Schools
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Pyramid Computers - Imperial Lakes Plaza
4315 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 644-9665 staples.com Mike Arce Office Supplies/Equipment 6375 Harney Rd, Ste 102 Tampa, FL 33610 (863) 874-4726 streamlinedtechnologiez.com Bridget Dean Technology Systems Provider 2607 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 688-2288 Cuong Phu Restaurants
UBS Financial Services
15310 Amberly Dr, Ste 100 Tampa, FL 33647 (813) 903-6685 ubs.com/team/theparkergroup Samantha Hopkins Financial Services
USI Insurance Services
Call To Schedule An Appointment (813) 321-7572 usi.biz Jeffrey Lenderman Employee Benefits
MEMB E R R E N E WA L S 20+
15
years
years
1 9 7 2 | 4 1 Ye a rs
Mitchell’s Coffeehouse
Williams & Williams, Inc.
1 9 7 3 | 4 0 Ye a rs
Platinum Bank St. Joseph’s Academy Talbot House Ministries, Inc.
Gene Engle, REALTOR Hamic, Jones, Hamic & Sturwold, P.A., CPA
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1 9 7 4 | 3 9 Ye a rs John Goddard Produce
1 9 7 5 | 3 8 Ye a rs Beasley, Bryant & Company, CPA’s, P.A.
years Pilka & Associates, P.A.
1 9 7 8 | 3 5 Ye a rs Dixie Signs, Inc.
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1 9 8 4 | 2 9 Ye a rs W.A. Magarino, MD, PA The Parlour Inc. of Lakeland
1 9 8 5 | 2 8 Ye a rs Micro Path Labroatories, Inc.
years Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lakeland North
1 9 8 6 | 2 7 Ye a rs Fun Bike Center Motorsports
1 9 8 8 | 2 5 Ye a rs Lockheed Martin Enterprise Business Service
1 9 8 9 | 2 4 Ye a rs Allied Scrap Processors, Inc. Highlands Properties/North Carolina Radio Training Network, Inc.
1 9 9 0 | 2 3 Ye a rs All-Brite Speciality Services, Inc.
1 9 9 1 | 2 2 Ye a rs Green Construction Services, Inc. Outback Steakhouse, Inc. Rooms To Go
1 9 9 2 | 2 1 Ye a rs Fortis Institute Lakeland Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
1 9 9 3 | 2 0 Ye a rs Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream
Each month, the Chamber enlists the help of 20 volunteers to mentor new and current members with involvement in Chamber events and programs. This month, the Chamber staff would like to recognize Stephanie Colon, Bank Officer/Business Banker at Community Southern Bank for her outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Stephanie is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!
Thursday, September 12 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub 4810 S Florida Ave $25 Members Only Limited Seating
stephanie colon
community southern bank
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po lk pr og re s s u p date
Dr. James Farrell, CFA
Florida Southern College
CONNECT ] FLSouthern.edu/ PolkProgress
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The month of July saw a rebounding market with the S&P 500, DJIA, and NASDAQ indices up 4.59%, 3.75%, and 5.61% respectively. Much of this came after mortgage interest rates stabilized after spiking following the Federal Reserve hinting that they may scale back their bond purchasing programs towards the end of the year. First estimates of second quarter growth at the national level came in at 1.7%, and while we are still hampered by the sequester cuts, the effects are subsiding. Early estimates of private sector job growth were strong with 200,000
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LAKELAND - WINTER HAVEN AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES
$700 $625 $550 $475 $400
JAN 07
AUG 07
new jobs expected for July, slightly beating estimates, although the unemployment rate is
MAR 08
oct 08 may 09 DEC 09 JUL 10 FEB 11 SEP 11 APR 12 NOV 12 JUN 13
unlikely to move much. Consumer confidence pulled back slightly to 80.3 from 82.1 in June.
This is not surprising given the interest rate increases, in reaction to the Federal Reserve’s comments, which did not level off until the middle of the July. Nationally we are seeing wages rise with a 0.4% increase for the quarter ending in June and 1.7% for the year ending in June. Private industry workers fared better than state and local government workers with a 1.8% increase for the year ending in June versus a 1.0% increase for state and local government workers. Locally, we have seen average weekly wages pull back in the quarter ending in June, with a 2% decline for the Lakeland-Winter Haven MSA, dropping to $656.52 from $669.73 in March. This left us relatively flat for the year as we ended last June at $655.32. But, given that we finished June 2011 at $611.80, we have had a 2-year growth rate of 5.75%, besting national
wage growth of 3.7% over the same time period. We should expect that wage growth will turn positive for the remainder of the year as new construction continues to pick up pace given the uptick in home sales per month with only 3 months worth of inventory on the market and the continued climb in existing home prices making new construction relatively less expensive. As we continue on our slow, but relatively steady climb out of the bottom, we are facing another debt ceiling increase and budget battle once congress returns from their August recess. With the current budget slated to expire in September, we again, stand facing a potential shutdown for October. The fall is likely to be a battle between political grandstanding from both sides and real compromise. While compromise will likely prevail eventually, how long it takes will likely have a significant impact on the recovery rate.
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public af fa i r s a l ook at
rich roy
Public Affairs Vice president
CONNECT ] LakelandChamber.com
In Florida, we know that businesses create jobs, invest in the community, and generate economic growth. As the official economic development organization for the State of Florida, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) helps innovative, high-growth businesses start up, locate, or expand in Florida. Originally established in 1996, Florida became the first state in the country
WE PROVIDE SOLUTIONS Heacock Payroll offers a truly outsourced payroll service, including: • • • • • • • • • •
Direct Deposit Visa Paycard Options Payroll Checks Payroll Reporting Tax Filing, including 941 and UCT6 Employee Benefit Administration Paid Time Off Tracking Workers’ Comp “Pay As You Go” New Hire Reporting Child Support & Garnishments
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SOLUTIONS We can help reduce your overall cost and help to simplify your reporting and audit process. • Avoid up-front premiums and year-end audit surprises with Pay As You Go Programs • Earn Discounts with Workers’ Comp Safety Programs Regulation Information
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to place principal responsibility for economic development, trade, research, and business image marketing in the hands of a business-government partnership. The move was the result of several years of effort by business and government leaders, driven by the belief that, with hands-on participation by Florida businesses, Florida could move from its traditional economic drivers of
tourism and agriculture to a sophisticated mix of industries and international business. Since that time, the department has evolved into Enterprise Florida, Inc.
As part of the Tampa Bay Region of Enterprise Florida, Lakeland and the Central Florida area is considered a hotspot for innovative companies in the sciences and services.
Since 1996, Florida’s competitive economic development projects have created more than 87,000 new jobs and $3.2 billion in capital investment in communities throughout the state.
We are the 14th largest consumer market in the country and offer a diverse and talented workforce supported by the fastest-growing research hubs in the country.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SOLUTIONS Heacock Payroll helps you design & customize your program to include medical, dental, vision, voluntary products and 401(k).
A PARTNER YOU CAN COUNT ON A trusted organization, Heacock Payroll, LLC is a member of the Heacock Group of companies, which has been serving Florida since 1922. With Heacock Payroll, you will be transferring the burden of dealing with administrative employee-related functions to a team of professional specialists.
LAKELAND OFFICE 100 E. MAIN STREET LAKELAND, FL 33801 P: (863) 683-2228 TF: (800) 677-5172 PAYROLL@HEACOCK.COM
863.683.2228
CALL TODAY to find out how Heacock Payroll can help your business.
Those members interested in taking advantage of the available opportunities through EFI can visit the “Expand Your Florida Business” section at eFlorida.com. Members can find a wealth of information located within this section regarding the growth of their businesses in the state. Information ranging from site location data, regional and county information, infrastructure, workforce and training, taxes and incentives, possible grants, and resources on more in-depth statistical information for both national, and international trade can be found here. In addition, small businesses looking to reach the second stage of growth may be interested in looking into Enterprise Florida’s “GrowFL Program.” The GrowFL Program provides strategies, resources and support to second-stage companies for next level growth
and helps companies overcome obstacles to growth and leads them towards prosperity. During the pilot program from 2009-2011, GrowFL helped more than 400 companies create 1,400 new jobs and had an annual economic impact of $510.4 million. At the beginning of 2013, that number has grown to nearly 700 companies supported by GrowFL. Individuals looking to start a business or locate to the Sunshine State can utilize Enterprise Florida’s support system offering an extensive network of state, federal, and nonprofit resources ready to assist with everything from business plan writing to accounting and marketing. Some of the many programs available to individuals looking to start a business range from small business assistance programs, assistance for minority owned businesses, contracting opportunities, assistance for high tech start ups, and one of the most important issues affecting Chamber members, financial assistance. With so many varying options for individuals to either grow or start their own versions of the American dream, Enterprise Florida is well poised to help Florida expand on being one of the states known for economic development and a business-friendly climate. To find all the above information and more, visit eFlorida.com or contact the regional office in Orlando at (407) 956-5600.
COMMON The Common
Grounds 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 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.
b y M a rk E . M c R a e
Prou d l y s p onsore d b y
2222 | | F OF O RR UU MMF OF O R RB B UU SS I NI N ES ESS
| Market President, BB&T
If this Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce coffee mug had eyes and ears, it would see and hear great things going on at BB&T. It would see the strength of a 140 year-old financial institution ranked as one of the largest in the U.S. with over 1,800 branch locations across 12 states. It would see the local banking presence of 10 financial centers here in Polk County staffed with experienced and highly skilled branch associates. It would hear those associates eagerly helping our clients achieve their personal and family financial goals. Right here, off of Munn Park at 114 North Tennessee Avenue, it would see a team of dedicated commercial bankers with the expertise to deliver the financial tools for any local business to meet the challenges of growth in a rapidly changing economy. It would see Nicole Irby helping a physicians group finance an expansion into its third office location. It would hear Bob Harris conferring with an equipment manufacturer on ways we can help to support their growing working capital needs as they expand marketing efforts overseas. It would see Mark McRae sharing financing strategies with a commercial real estate investor for acquisition of a second office building to add to his portfolio. It would hear Kathy Buldini consulting with a local CPA as to ways we can help her mutual client succeed through the latest innovations in financial data reporting. And it would see Laura Burkhardt assisting a retailer with streamlining their depository accounts across multiple store locations. This Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce coffee mug would be overflowing with pride in knowing that the 65 associates that work with BB&T right here in Polk County contribute significantly to the local community. From volunteering time to assist local not-for-profits to sponsoring community events, our associates understand the importance of a happy and healthy environment in which we all grow and prosper. Thank you for taking time to read our story. We would enjoy an opportunity to share a cup of coffee with you to learn your business story as well.
Bank of Central Florida
“Personal service from knowledgeable, accessible bankers.” Jim Ham President, J.H. Ham Engineering
J.H. Ham Engineering is a full service engineering and construction firm. Founded in 1974, the firm has provided turn-key electrical, instrumentation and system integration for clients ranging from phosphate, citrus and aggregate industries in Florida to a ship loading project in Murmansk, Russia. “We feel like the Bank of Central Florida is an extension of the J. H. Ham family,” says Jim Ham. “The bankers are very experienced and knowledgeable. I value the bank’s local decision making and financial strength.”
Barbara Lineberger, Senior Vice President/Private Banking Officer and Paul Noris, President/CEO of Bank of Central Florida with Jim Ham at J.H. Ham Engineering.
Get started with Mobile Banking today Downtown Lakeland 101 South Florida Avenue 863-682-7100 South Lakeland 5015 South Florida Avenue 863-701-2685 Bartow 515 North Broadway Avenue 863-534-3585
Member FDIC
www.bankofcentralflorida.com FORUM FOR BUSINESS
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Model: 409733 Size: 23”d x 53”w Finish: Jamocha
B
B August Hill Computer Desk
Model: 409748 Size: 23”d x 47”w Finish: Oiled Oak
YOUR CHOICE: COMPUTER DESK ONLY $179! (863) 682-3450 2440 Hwy. 98 North
1 Mile So. of I-4 Across from Lakeland Chrysler
www.officefurnituredepot.com
Locally owned & operated.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
A Shoal Creek Computer Desk
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802 - 3607
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