By Trista Otto, Saddle Creek Corporation On a hot afternoon in July, Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII members were crossing their fingers that the rain would hold off long enough for them to make a very large, and surprise, delivery to Sunrise Community of Polk County, Inc. Lucky for them – it did. At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday July 1, ten members of Class XXVII pulled up to the front doors of Sunrise with three vehicles filled with donations ranging from desks and chairs, to pots and pans, and a little bit of everything in-between. They were met by James Roberts, the Director of Community Development, the staff at Sunrise, and some surprised and excited clients. Sunrise Community of Polk County, established in 1997 as Wheelhouse, provides assistance and support for people with disabilities. In Lakeland they have 30 individuals living in five group homes, and 36 individuals receiving adult day training services at TEC (Technology and Education Center), which is located at 807 N. Lake Parker Ave. August 2010 Vol. XX, No. 8 Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com Business After Hours: TriVeritas showcases new building. Page 3 Small Business of the Month: Find out who is this month’s winner. Page 5 Welcoming New Members: Hawthorne Inn hosts reception. Page 9 inside this issue FORUM FOR BUSINESS LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move monthly See Sunrise, Page 2 Sunrise Surprise Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII makes special delivery 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 A very proud moment: Back Row-Far Le: James Roberts, Director of Development and Ashley Green, Area Director. Back Row: Members of Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII. Front Row: Clients of Sunrise Communities. is initiative is a perfect example of a win-win-win collaboration. What a wonderful way to develop community!
Transcript
By Trista Otto,Saddle Creek Corporation
On a hot afternoon in July, Leadership LakelandClass XXVII members were crossing their fingersthat the rain would hold off long enough forthem to make a very large, and surprise, deliveryto Sunrise Community of Polk County, Inc.Lucky for them – it did. At 2:00 p.m. onThursday July 1, ten members of Class XXVIIpulled up to the front doors of Sunrise withthree vehicles filled with donations rangingfrom desks and chairs, to pots and pans, and alittle bit of everything in-between. They
were met by James Roberts, the Director ofCommunity Development, the staff at Sunrise,and some surprised and excited clients.
Sunrise Community of Polk County, establishedin 1997 as Wheelhouse, provides assistance andsupport for people with disabilities. In Lakelandthey have 30 individuals living in five grouphomes, and 36 individuals receiving adult daytraining services at TEC (Technology andEducation Center), which is located at 807 N.Lake Parker Ave.
August 2010Vol. XX, No. 8
Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com
FORUM FOR BUSINESSLAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGELakeland •RibbonCuttings •Members on theMove
monthly
See Sunrise, Page 2
Sunrise SurpriseLeadership Lakeland Class XXVII makes special delivery
SAVETHE DATE!
You want ‘em. We’ve got ‘em.Let’s keep ‘em.
Attend to learn more aboutPolk's Career Academies andbuilding our future workforce.
Thursday, November 47:30 a.m.
The Lakeland Center
Hosted byThe Workforce EducationDistrict Career Academy
Advisory Council
In partnership withThe Lakeland Area Chamber of
CommerceA very proud moment: Back Row-Far Le: James Roberts, Director of Development and Ashley Green, Area Director.Back Row: Members of Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII. Front Row: Clients of Sunrise Communities. is initiativeis a perfect example of a win-win-win collaboration. What a wonderful way to develop community!
During a visit to the TEC as a part ofHuman Services Day this April, LLClass XXVII recognized there was aneed and decided to give back. Someclass members reflected on how theywished a place like Sunrise had beenavailable to their loved ones, whileothers simply felt a tug on their heartto help an organization that is fillingsuch an important role in our com-munity. Michael Folsom, FolsomConstruction Inc. and member ofClass XXVII, made phone calls toidentify what Sunrise needed, andshortly thereafter the Class wasmobilized. “Once I had the wish list Ireached out to my fellow LeadershipLakeland classmates to see what wecould do. The group’s response wasamazing. In just three weeks we wereable to provide Sunrise with many ofthe items on their wish list”. Robertsand the entire staff at Sunrise werevery appreciative of the efforts ofClass XXVII.
Ashley Green, Area Director ofSunrise said “The LeadershipLakeland Class provided everythingwe had on our wish list. There areenough items to stock all 5 homesand enough program supplies for ouradult day training program. Theseitems are so appreciated becausethere have been severe budget cutsand there are no longer funds toprovide these specific items and wewould not be able to provide for theevery day care of our clients.”
If you have an interest in learning moreabout Sunrise, give them a call – they’d loveto give you a tour, introduce you to theirclients, and help you understand what theyare all about.Sunrise Community of Polk County, Inc.(863) 688-9671SunriseGroup.org
Class XXVII would like to thank the entirestaff at Sunrise for all that they do, everyday. In addition, a special thank you to TheLedger, Office Furniture Depot, SaddleCreek Corporation, and Folsom Construc-tion for their generous donations.
Aer a very successful shopping trip and collecting items om various sources, members of the class made ahuge delivery to Sunrise – It was Christmas in July.
100% participation came om Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII. is was a complete andtotal team effort. Pictured are: Michael Folsom, Folsom Construction; Cindy Green,
Furr and Wegman Architects; Trista Otto, Saddle Creek Corporation; LisaOliver, LBA, LLAA, and NAWBO; Ramona Blankenship, Attorney;
Becky Joyce, Action Professional Recruiters; Mark Gray,MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union. And, yes, as
they shopped, they borrowed a “2” and a “7”to let everyone know who they were!
Sunrise(Continued from Page 1)
Joe L. RuthvenChairman of the Board
Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President
Amy S. WigginsEditor
Kingston PartnersDesign
Lakeland AreaChamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly
Volume Information: August 2010Vol. XX, No. 8
No.2
TriVeritas showcases new building at Business After HoursBy Terry OttingerVice President, Membership Development
Get a group of innovative and active Chamber members togetherand what happens? One of the best Business After Hours ever!TriVeritas, LLC coordinated a multi-sponsorship event withother partners to showcase their beautiful new building at 4729US Highway 98 South. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network,Central Florida Mediation Group, JSK Consulting Inc., HulbertHomes, Central Florida Internal Medicine Associates and
Premier Care Professionals joined forces to provide food fromGrillSmith, drinks and a band to help celebrate the completionof the first phase of the project. The beauty and workmanshipof the building was reflected in the pride of all partners, as tourswere given. Upstairs in Northwestern Mutual Financial Network’sconference room, a new dessert called “lolly cakes” was a bighit, and encouraged members to network throughout the building.A special thanks to Thomas Pate of Northwestern Mutual forhis hard work as well as everyone that helped make this eventvery special.
Members listen intently for door prize drawing
TriVeritas partners and clients accept the plaque of appreciation for the June Business Aer Hours.
Politics in the Park is right around the corner! This year’s eventwill be held in Munn Park on October 7 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.This old-fashioned political rally gives participants the oppor-tunity to meet with candidates and discuss campaign issues.Federal, state and local candidates have been invited to partici-pate. Be sure to attend to vote for your favorite candidate in thestraw poll! The November elections promise to be very excitingand Politics in the Park offers the community the perfect venueto meet the candidates and hear first hand their positions on themany important issues facing our region.
Keeping with the theme of an “old-fashioned” political rally,there will be plenty of apple pie and ice cream, beverages andlive entertainment. This event is for the entire family and is freeto the public. Tickets to the popular VIP Party will be availablein September. Tickets are $50. VIP participants mingle with thecandidates and hour prior to the event at a reception hosted byWachovia.
We still have several sponsorship opportunities available! If youare helping a candidate, working on a referendum, or member ofa political organization that would like to purchase a table andparticipate, call Katie Daughtrey at (863) 688-8551, Ext. 241.
No.4
Save the Date for Politics in the Park
By Tim JacksonNuJak Companies
Wallis Murphey Boyington (WMB)Architects, Inc. was founded in 1980with history in Lakeland stretchingback to 1964. Today, the partners JohnWallis III, AIA, J. Michael Murphey,AIA and Steven J. Boyington, AIAlead the full service architectural firm.
Their mission is to provide quality, cost-effective solutions that serve their businessand residential clients’ specific needs.
Wallis Murphey Boyington is an “Ar-chitecture for Business” centered practice;they understand that they are providing“facilities” whose purpose is to facilitatetheir client’s goal. The goal is not tocreate a building for its own sake, butstrictly to enable the client to realizetheir business and personal goals. Thissometimes means finding a solutionwhich enables a client not to have to
build a costly project. They rememberthat the building itself cannot becomemore important and/or costly than thatwhich it facilitates, be that an industrialassembly space with complex processes;an office to optimize the intellectualresources of an enterprise; or a home tonurture a family! WMB focus on indus-trial, multi-family, master plans, lightmedical and interior space planning.
Located at 110 South Kentucky Avenue,Wallis Murphey Boyington has been indowntown Lakeland since their inceptionin 1980, and with the restoration of theMunn Annex (once the founder ofLakeland’s private office) in 1985-1986,their commitment to the LakelandCommunity was solidified. WMB hasalways felt that being in downtown hasbenefitted them. It has given themboth convenience and accessibility tomany of the offices they deal with on adaily basis, and has cemented theirplace in Lakeland.
Wallis Murphey Boyington has been amember of the Lakeland Area Chamberof Commerce for many years. Theirarchitects have worked with Habitat forHumanity and Alliance for Independenceand have served on the boards of HistoricLakeland, Leadership Lakeland(Boyington was a member of Class IXand Chair of Class XVI), LeadershipLakeland Alumni, the AmericanCancer Society, the American HeartAssociation, The Polk Museum of Art,Learning Resource Center, The SertomaClub, Rotary, and Polk Businesses forWorld Class Education. They haveprovided pro bono work for the Alliancefor Independence, Boys and Girls Clubsof Winter Haven, Lakeland Volunteersin Medicine Clinic, the AmericanCancer Society, and St. Joseph Academy.
Wallis Murphey Boyington is proud tohave done projects as diverse as locallandmarks Hollis Garden, City Hall,Lakeland Train Station, and FloridaSouthern College Wellness Center tothe award winning master plans for theGarden District and Cleveland Streetin Clearwater.
The Lakeland Area Chamber of Com-merce congratulates Wallis MurpheyBoyington Architects, Inc. as the SmallBusiness of the Month for July.
Small Business of the Month Committee Member, Tim Jackson (NuJak Companies) presents the JulySmall Business of the Month award to Wallis Murphey Boyington Architects, Inc. On hand to acceptthe award were John Wallis, Mike Murphey, Steve Boyington, Margarita Nielson, Dawn Patterson,Matt Lukens, Mark Mclean and Erica Azorin.
No.6
By Sue McGuire Regions Bank
On Thursday June 10, 2010 the Chamber had its breakfastmeeting at the Regions downtown office in Lakeland. We hadseveral speakers that gave valuable information ranging from“How To Become Bankable” by Patti Rubin, Business Bankerat Regions, SBA lending-“Myths and what’s Really Happen-ing” by Patrick McEvoy who is an SBA lender with GULF-Coast Business Finance from Orlando, “What Drives theMarket” by Chris Dickman, Financial Advisor with Morgan
Keegan. At the end questions were asked from the audienceon all subjects, which evolved to questions about mortgagelending. At this point we had Dave Shannon, a residentiallender with Regions, come up and answer questions and giveupdated information on what’s happening in the residentialmarket. The audience participation was very open and frankand we hope this breakfast has helped our small business com-munity understand better with this economy what banks arelooking for-whether it’s for small business needs, mortgage fi-nancing or insight on investing. Thanks to OUR local cham-ber that supports Lakeland!
Region Banks sponsors June’sBusiness and Breakfast
Members receive handouts and listen to presentation.
Patti Ruben (Regions Bank) presents door prize to Brad Jenckes of Lakeland Flooring
Each month, the Chamber enliststhe help of 20 volunteers to mentornew and current members with in-
volvement inChamberevents and pro-grams. Thisdedicated groupof professionalsis rewarded fortheir effortsthrough apoints system,and the Cham-
pion with the most points is featuredin the Forum for Business Monthly.
This month, the Chamber wouldlike to recognize KKaatthhrryynnKKoocchh,,VViiccee PPrreessiiddeenntt wwiitthh LLaanniieerrUUppsshhaaww,, IInncc.. for her outstandingattention to Chamber members andattendance at events! Kathryn is awonderful asset to the Chamber andto the Lakeland community!
Kathryn Koch
No.8
CHAMBER CHAMPIONFOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS
Kathryn Koch
Hawthorne Inn hosts June’s New Member ReceptionBy Terry OttingerVice President, Membership Development
The June New Member Reception was held at Hawthorne Innlocated at 6150 Lakeland Highlands Rd. New members listenedto Chamber staff explain opportunities to promote their busi-nesses through events, advertising and networking opportuni-ties. Programs such as Chamber Champions and LEADSGroups, along with a presentation from S.C.O.R.E. provide the
perfect environment for business growth. A special thanks toMs. Kim Broom, Administrator and her staff for a wonderfulevent.
Presenting Sponsor Riverside Bank is an integral partner inwelcoming new members and starting them down the path toinvolvement with the Chamber. The Chamber is proud torecognize their contribution.
Aer orientation, members gives their 30 second commercials SCORE’s Becky Bywater explains how the volunteer organization works.
NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 14 new members for June 2010
No.10
Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. Weurge 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!
Allure Salon Day Spa Lakeland Inc.5668 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33813-2526(863) 644-8663Fax: (863) 709-1022www.AllureSalonDaySpa.comAnnette RisingSpa - Day
Events by Joann, LLC8216 US Highway 98 NLakeland, FL 33809-5326(863)859-5056www.eventsbyjoann.comJoann MoncadaEvent Coordinator
Foot and Ankle Associates2939 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33803-4046(863) 687-3404Fax: (863) 687-4672www.floridafootandankle.comDr. Matthew B. WerdPhysicians & Surgeons - DPM- Podiatrists
Integrity Insurance Agency310 E Memorial BlvdLakeland, FL 33801-1767(863) 683-1768Fax: (863) 682-6679April Y. WilliamsInsurance
Jets Pizza of Lakeland3234 S Florida Ave, Ste ALakeland, FL 33803-4564(863) 709-0999Fax: (863) 648-9138www.jetspizza.comDavid MagalottiRestaurants
Lakeland Football Booster Club726 Hollingsworth DriveLakeland, FL 33801-5818(863) 738-1336www.lakelandfootball.comRob MyersAssociation
Mary Kay Cosmetics & Skin CareConsultant - Regi MurrayLakeland, FL 33801-6431(863) 226-2111Regina Murraywww.marykay.com/regimurrayCosmetics
Polk Accident and Rehab Clinic708 South Florida AvenueLakeland, FL 33801-5233(863) 937-8939Fax: (863) 937-8941Dan Jolich, D.C.Chiropractic Physicians
Specialized Labor Services712 East Alsobrook St., Ste 3Plant City, FL 33563-6600(813) 754-4664Fax: (813) 754-9800Angelo MurrayEmployment Contractors
The End Zone, Lakeland6206 US Hwy 98 NLakeland, FL 33809-3277(863) 420-7226Fax: (863)858-2897Doris & Paul VanSickleRestaurants
USA Bearings & Belts3615 Century Blvd., Ste 4ALakeland, FL 33811-1396(863) 248-8499Fax: (863) 647-4114www.usabearingsandbelts.comJo DiniusBearings & BeltsIndustrial Equipment & Supplies
Public Transit Initiative Planned for November BallotBy Carolyn Simpson, A Better Polk
This November a ½ cent sales tax for public transportation willbe on the ballot. The tax will fund public transportation acrossPolk County. Over the last ten years, ridership has increasedover 30%. However, there is no dedicated funding source tomeet this growing demand.
Currently, Polk County has three separate public transporta-tion systems with partially blended services and schedules. In2003, a countywide Transportation Study identified a way tocombine the three transit providers, fragmented funding andservices into a single authority. In 2007, The Polk Transit Au-thority (PTA) was created through legislation passed in Talla-hassee. The purpose of this legislation was to allow for thecreation of a single entity to oversee public transit throughoutthe county in a coordinated manor.
The Polk Transit Authority (PTA) worked with local govern-ments, stakeholders and citizens to identify today’s needs andplan for tomorrow. A five-year plan was developed to enhancepublic transportation. Under this plan, transit service will in-crease through the addition of express routes, local circulators,new and more frequent local service. The increased servicewill also provide residents with better access to businesses, jobs,shopping, health care, and other community services.
With the announcement of a new high-speed passenger railsystem, Polk County needs to remain competitive and thisnew transportation plan will help provide increased publictransportation options that will benefit our economy and ourcommunity.
In addition, economic studies show that for every dollar in-vested in public transportation there are between four and ninedollars in local economic activity. The ½ cent sales tax is esti-mated to generate $31 million annually - that means between$120 and $270 million in private economic activity for PolkCounty.
Along with the positive impact on the economy, the newcounty-wide system will provide special transit services for theelderly and frequent pick-ups will be scheduled in heavily trav-eled routes to ensure convenience for passengers of all ages. The money raised by the ½ cent sales tax will go into a sepa-rate public transportation fund and there will be a citizen over-sight committee that will be responsible for reviewingexpenditures and conducting periodic audits of those expendi-tures. Committee meetings will be open to the public.
If this measure passes, Polk County will be eligible for federaland state transportation funding. This could mean millions ofdollars in additional funding that would help to fund additionalbuses and increased service.
See Public Transit Initiative, Page 19
No.12
MARK YOURCALENDAR
EVENTSThursday, August 5
Business & Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.True MD,
3627 S Florida Ave
Thursday, August 12Leadership Lakeland Class XXVIII
Opening Reception, 5:30 p.m.Lakeland Yacht and Country Club,
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Thursday, August 19Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m.
Magnify Credit Union, 961 E County Road 540A
MEETINGSMonday, August 2Chamber Foundation
Board of Directors Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
Monday, August 9EMERGE Lakeland Steering
Committee, 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, August 11Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, August 12Leadership Lakeland Class XXVIII
Orientation, 2:00 p.m.Lakeland Yacht and Country Club,
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Wednesday, August 18Executive Committee Meeting,
4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 25Board of Directors Meeting, Noon
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Thursday, August 26SCORE Business Roundtable,
7:30 a.m.Chamber Briefing Room
JJUUNNEE TTOOUURRIISSMM IINNQQUUIIRRIIEESSDuring the month of June, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and theLakeland community.
Winter Accommodations .....................0Visitor Information Mailings .................5Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries...........120
By EMERGE Lakeland Marketing Committee
EMERGE Lakeland members enjoyedthe opportunity to visit the new WatsonClinic Bella Vista Spa on June 15. IanMcIntosh from Body & Soul Massageand Wellness discussed the importance ofmassage therapy and stretching exercises.Whitney Cabrera of Strategic Wellnessdiscussed the science behind nutrientdensity and the power of simple choicesto prevent and reverse disease. Dr. JoffreRivera, M.D., Gastroenterologist withWatson Clinic, discussed acid refluxdisease including symptoms, treatment,causes and prevention. A Black & Brewboxed lunch was provided by CommunitySouthern Bank. Following lunchEMERGE members were given a tour ofthe state-of-the-art full-service spa facility.
EMERGE Lakeland is excited to an-nounce the third annual P2P Program.P2P = Peer to Peer Networking and aimsto enrich the professional developmentof Lakeland's young professionals by part-nering them with existing EMERGELakeland members. All newly con-nected young professionals will partici-pate in two EMERGE Lakelandmembership programs and in four specifi-cally designed P2P events or activities.
Please visit EMERGELakeland.com/P2Pfor more information.
Visit EMERGELakeland.com to learnmore about upcoming events, volunteeropportunities and development and so-
cial outings. If you are not a member,consider attending and learn more aboutEMERGE and how you can becomemore involved in our community.EMERGE promotes social interactionamong young professionals, opportunitiesfor philanthropic engagement and careerenrichment.
You can follow EMERGE on Twitter@emergelakeland and join the EMERGELakeland Group on Facebook. Get in-volved! Join EMERGE Lakeland today!
No. 14
Experience EMERGE
Monthly updates for Lakeland’s young professionals
Ian McIntosh with Body & Soul Massage and Wellness discussed the importance of massage therapyand stretching exercises with Bryan Dhue om DMA Engineering, Inc.
Common GroundsA taste of local business one cup at at timeBy Sharon Casey,Community Southern Bank
The founding Board of Directors of Community Southern Bank had a vision to create a localindependent community bank as an alternative to the large regional and national bankingentities that populate Polk County.
The founders saw the need and believed the economic growth in Polk County, combinedwith the substantial consolidation of the banking industry in our banking area, created awindow of significant opportunity for a new independent community-based bank to establishitself as a sound and logical alternative to the big banks in our service area.
Community Southern Bank operates as a full service, state-chartered, commercial bankwith primary emphasis on customer recognition, high quality service directed at meetingthe financial needs of the individuals and business in and around Lakeland and Bartow.
Our bank received regulatory approval for operation of a financial institution and opened ourdoors on August 28, 2006. Community Southern Bank has focused on providing a broadarray of consumer and commercial banking services to Polk County. We emphasize our localownership and management. We have strong ties to the community at large and demandthat our staff remain very involved in the community and in all local events, clubs andnon-profit organizations. We have devoted a significant amount of space in our two officesto provide a free usage of a “Community Room” equipped with the latest technology andmedia to business and organizations to utilize seven days per week. We also offer a free“Courier Service” so if our customers cannot make it to Community Southern Bank; wesend the bank to them!
Our Board designed the bank to be able to originate a variety of residential and commercialloans to be made in Polk County. This is in contrast to the out of state banks that gatherdeposits and lend the money in other states such as California, North Carolina, Alabamaand Georgia. In addition, our bank has remained healthy because our Board and LoanCommittee Members are all local people who know their borrowers and are very familiarwith the local market area.
After three short years of operation, the dream and vision of a locally operated communitybank has become reality. The community has demonstrated the need for a neighborhoodindependent bank by providing the capital needed to open our doors and by growing theassets to almost two hundred million dollars since August 28, 2006. Thank you Polk County!
20+ Years Renewals1953 – 57 YearsAllen & Company of Florida, Inc.1956 – 54 YearsMarshall Jewelers1959 – 51 YearsThe Ruthvens1968 – 42 YearsWilliams-Hess Insurance1970 – 40 YearsLohr Enterprises1973 – 37 YearsFurr & Wegman Architects, P.A.Gene Engle, REALTORPeppertree Village Apartments1975 – 35 YearsBent's Cycling & FitnessCrawford Bracken, P.A.1976 - 34 YearsXYZ Liquor1978 – 32 YearsCraig W. Valentine, D.M.D., P.A.1980 – 30 YearsClark, Campbell, Mawhinney and Lancaster, P.A.Browning Moving & Storage/United Van LinesZimmermann Associates, Inc.1981 – 29 YearsLakeland Rifle & Pistol Club Inc.1982 – 28 YearsCrown Printing, Inc.Perpetual Technology Solutions1984 – 26 YearsLakeside Pediatrics/NorthsidePolk County Fraternal Order of Police1985 – 25 YearsDrummond Company, Inc.1986 – 25 YearsVogel Bros. Building Co.1988 – 22 YearsBaskets Instead, Inc.Polk County Animal Hospital1989 – 21 YearsAlbe Stamp & EngravingAlliance for Independence formerly PCAHC1990 - 20 YearsAll-Brite Specialty Services, Inc.
15-Year RenewalsCombee Insulation Company, Inc.Mas Verde Mobile Home Estates, Inc.Carlton Music Center
Vinson, AgentUnited Rentals, Inc.Keiser University
5-Year RenewalsBrooks Chandler Realty, LLCBlack & Brew Coffee House & BistroChiefLand Property & Land Management, LLCCornerstone Hospice
RENEWALSThe Chamber would like to recognizeand thank the following businesses fortheir long-standing support and loyalty.
Sharon Casey, Vice President and Director of Business Relations enjoys her morningcup of coffee.
No.16
AUGUST MEMBERS ON THE MOVEWatson Clinic LLPWatson Clinic cardiologist John G. Canto,MD, MSPH, FACC, FACP, FAHA, FASE,was recently featured as a guest presenterduring the 59th Annual Scientific Sessionof the American College of Cardiologyheld in Atlanta, GA in March. Dr. Cantospoke to attendees from across the globeconcerning the information containedwithin a recent article he co-authored ti-tled ‘Sex Differences in Presentation With-out Chest Pain for Confirmed MyocardialInfarction,’ which illustrated that womenare significantly less likely than men to suf-fer from chest discomfort prior to myocar-dial infarction.
Alliance for IndependencePleased to welcome Tim Kiley and PhilipMowry to its Board of Directors. Tim is anattorney with Peterson & Myers, P.A. andspecializes in Corporate and Business Lawas well as Healthcare and Real Estate Law.Tim is a member of the Lakeland Bar Asso-ciation, The Learning Resource CenterBoard of Directors and EMERGE Lake-land. Philip is the Vice President for Ad-vancement at Florida Southern College.Philip is also affiliated with the LakelandEconomic Development Council and theLakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.
Also, AFI is pleased to announce the pro-motion of Jesse Osgood to ResidentialManager. Jesse began his involvement withAFI as an intern in the Communications& Development Department in 2008 whileattending Southeastern University. Upongraduation, Jesse was hired as a Residentialstaff member in 2009 and was recently pro-moted to Residential Manager of the Car-leton Group Home which serves 6 men.
CivilSurv Design Group, Inc.Pleased to announce that Greg Jordan hasbeen named I.T. and Operations Managerand Desiree L. Evans has been named Di-rector of Administration.
Lakeland OB/GYN, a Division ofWomen’s Care FloridaZaira Moreno, MD of Lakeland OB-GYN,a Division of Women’s Care Florida, has re-cently received her certification as a Diplo-mate of The American Board of Obstetricsand Gynecology. This 2 year, rigorousprocess, consists of both written and oralexaminations.
Danielle Fence Mfg. Co., Inc.Proudly announces their expansion of over200 new products, including paver stone,built-in and stand alone grills, low voltagelighting, outdoor cooling systems and bugrepellent solutions.
They are entering the final phase of con-struction on a new 28,000 square foot “out-
door design center” featuring all your out-door living space needs. The center is theonly one of its kind in Central Florida andwill allow patrons to stroll through the cen-ter and experience all your outdoor prod-ucts in an installed setting, just as if youwere in your own backyard.
JSK Consulting, Inc. Sarah Case, of JSK Consulting has beennamed Vice Chair for the 2010-2011 GirlsIncorporated of Lakeland Board of Direc-tors. Girls Inc. is a national nonprofityouth organization dedicated to inspiringall girls to be strong, smart and bold.
CPS Investment AdvisorsChas P. Smith, CPA/PFS, president of CPSInvestment Advisors, attended a two dayinvestment forum at the Harvard Univer-sity Faculty Club in Boston, MA. Profes-sors from Harvard University businessschool presented topics on multi asset allo-cation and alternative investments strate-gies.
Lanier UpshawLanier Upshaw is proud to announce thatMike Easton, AAI has joined the agencyas Vice President.
Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate Realtors, LLCPleased to announce that Greg Smith;Clay Taylor, ALC; David Hitchcock andDarby Craddock worked almost two yearsto close the sale of 34 +/- acres in Frost-proof formerly owned by Dimara Corpora-tion. Buyer Lomas Del Sol LLC purchasedthe improved property for $1,050,000 andplans to utilize the parcel and facilities foran H2A Farm Labor Housing Facility bythe buyer.
Polk County Builders Assoc.Pleased to announce that Anne Houghhas joined the Association as the Founda-tion Director. Anne was involved with theAssociation back in the 1990’s while work-ing in the residential lending industry. As avolunteer, Anne received the MotivationAward from President Bob Godbee in 1993and has served as Spike Club Chair, Auc-tion Chair, Builder/Realtor Liaison Chairand served on the PCBA Board of Direc-tors.
PCBA Foundation was awarded the PolkWorks “Partners of Excellence Award” fortheir development of the “Go GreenBuilding” teaching series. Mike Hickman,President of the Foundation accepted theAward at the June 22 ceremony.
Tri-County Human Services, Inc.Robert C. Rihn, Executive Director, isproud to announce that Tri-CountyHuman Services, Inc. has been awarded athree-year accreditation from the Commis-sion for Accreditation of RehabilitationFacilities (CARF). This accreditation sur-vey found the agency ranking in the topthree percent of all CARF accredited facil-ities internationally according to CARFPresident Brian J. Boon. This marks thesecond time in the past three surveys thatTri-County has had perfect scores.
The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits.Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: [email protected]
The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of June.See the photos on our Web site at LakelandChamber.com.
RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial thanks to Commissioner Glenn E. Higgins, Commissioner PhillipWalker, Commissioner Howard Wiggs and all the Board Members andChamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event.
No.18
Healing Hands Pain Relief1321 E Memorial Blvd • Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 286-1962
RIBBON CUTTINGS
GEM Enterpriseswww.floridasecuritysource.com
(863) 241-1923
Fortis Institute formerly Florida Career Institute 5925 Imperial Parkway, Ste 200 • Mulberry, FL 33860
$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non-MemberPlease R.S.V.P. by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the event. You may register and pay online atLakelandChamber.com or by E-mailing [email protected]
TRUE MD3627 S FLORIDA AVE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 57:30 – 9:00 A.M.
If the ½ cent sales tax is approved it willmean the end of the property tax levied bythe Lakeland Area Mass Transit District,which has operated Lakeland's CitrusConnection bus system since 1982. Atthe County level, $1.4 million from thegeneral fund currently used for transit willbe returned to the general fund and avail-able to fund other vital services.
The ½ cent sales tax would create a dedi-cated funding mechanism for public tran-
sit and allow Polk County to have a coun-tywide integrated public transit system.Under this plan, service will be expanded;park and ride and bike and ride optionswill also be expanded. Mass transit im-pacts everything from economic develop-ment to the quality of the environmentand the lives of Polk County residents.
For more information on the ½ cent trans-portation sales tax referendum please visitPolkTransitAuthority.com.
Public Transit Initiative(Continued from Page 11)
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O
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Lake
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, FL
3380
2-36
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$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Chamber memberYour R.S.V.P. is appreciated! Visit BAH.LakelandChamber.com to register and pay using your credit card or email [email protected] to register and pay at the door.
