2009 Business Plan

2009

BUSINESS PLAN VISION STATEMENT: The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce will be the

premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life — creating Florida’s community of choice.

Chairman’s Message: Anu Saxena As the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce begins a new year, I am excited and humbled to serve as Chairman of your Chamber, alongside a talented and diverse Board of Directors. Together, we will combine our talents and energies to transform Lakeland from being just another great place to live and work to indeed becoming Florida’s “Community of Choice”. Our 2009 Business Plan outlines in detail the many initiatives we’ve adopted to carry out the Chamber’s Vision and Mission. The five key strategic initiatives adopted by the Board for 2009 include: Communications, Organization Advancement, Education, Public Policy, and Smart Community. Our Board of Directors will work diligently to promote these initiatives for the benefit of all our members. In addition to these initiatives, our Chamber has a number of committees, task forces and networking events which provide an easy way for every member to get involved. We find ourselves in interesting yet challenging times. The economy of our city is a microcosm with respect to our region, our state, our country, and, indeed, the world. Economies are transforming themselves the world over from what they once were to what they hope to be, and cities are each vying to become a ‘next generation city’; a place where the ideas of tomorrow will be created and launched by the workforce of today. If we work smart and we work together, Lakeland will be well-positioned to take its place as a next generation city. Lakeland already benefits from significant assets, including our location along Florida’s High-Tech Corridor, our growing and diverse workforce, and our relative affordability. While all of these attributes indeed make Lakeland a desirable place to work and live, the ethos of our business community is marked with a sense of philanthropy coupled with a culture of leadership. These qualities are unique to Lakeland and our Chamber is instrumental in sustaining and nurturing these distinctive attributes.

Strategic Plan

“Building Tomorrow…Today” The initiatives outlined in this Business Plan will move the Chamber’s Strategic Plan forward and allow this Chamber to carry out its Vision and Mission to our members and community. In 2009, the strategic plan will focus on the following key strategic issues: • Communications • Education • Organization Advancement • Public Policy • Smart Community

I look forward to working with you this year and hope you will join me in actively participating in your Chamber. Sincerely,

contact

Anu Saxena, 2009 Chairman of the Board

Mission Statement

Here To Serve You The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce staff encourages you to contact us with questions, ideas and suggestions on Chamber programs and events. For more information on the Chamber and its programs, contact: LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 35 Lake Morton Drive – Lakeland, FL 33801 863/688-8551 [email protected] Kathleen Munson President [email protected]

LAKELAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 210 South Florida Avenue Suite 328 Lakeland, FL 33801 863/687-3788 Steven J. Scruggs Executive Director [email protected]

[LakelandChamber.com]

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading organization dedicated to creating a climate where business can prosper.

2009BUSINESS PLAN [COMMUNICATIONS] • Create an effective Communications Plan that promotes Chamber benefits and services. • Achieve awareness of Chamber member’s needs and their level of satisfaction with Chamber programming and communiqués. • Improve media relations to effectively promote Chamber initiatives, programs and services.

LakelandChamber.com

• Market site to the community-at-large as the premier resource for community information and to Chamber members as a vehicle to enhance their business. • Drive Chamber communications to the site creating the business community’s site of choice

Forum 2.0

• Continue the E - Newsletter for members offering timely information both Chamber related and business focused. .

Blog.LakelandChamber.com

.• Continue public engagement with the Chamber blog on the web site that will strengthen the public relations plan by effectively and professionally promoting Chamber benefits and services and amplifying the focus on branding the Chamber identity.

Buy Lakeland, It makes good cents!

• Continue promotion and implementation of a multi-media marketing plan that brings greater significance and promotes the positive aspects of the Buy Lakeland, It makes good cents! Campaign. • Maintain partnerships with Bright House Networks and WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio to promote the Buy Lakeland Campaign. • Create community awareness of the campaign and the positive results of seeking goods and services locally. • Magnify use and interaction of the campaign with Chamber member businesses.

Forum for Business Monthly

• Debut a redesigned Forum for Business Monthly • Strengthen content of newsletter toward business and current community issues and improve marketing strategies for both the newsletter and companion piece.

FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

[ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT]

[EDUCATION]

• Through LEDC High Skill Initiative, recruit High Skill/High Wage businesses to Lakeland and assist local High Skill/High Wage businesses to expand. Activities to show an increase in Per Capita Income, Avg. Household Income & Avg. Annual Wage. 2008 Data:

• Work with strategic partners to accomplish identified education goals. • Focus on important legislative issues as they relate to education.

Industry Recruitment/Expansion

Per Capita = $23,708 (Lakeland ZIPs) Avg. Family HH Income = $58,785 (Lakeland ZIPs) Avg. Wage = $33,394 (Polk County 2007)

• 2009 New and Existing Industry Expansion goal: 1 million sq. ft; 1,000 jobs; $25 million capital investment. • Continue regional partnerships to enhance economic development with the Tampa Bay Partnership, Tampa Bay Tech Forum, Central Florida Partnership, Florida High Tech Corridor and Enterprise Florida. • Continue higher education partnerships focused on economic development with Polk Community College, USF Polytechnic, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Keiser University, Webster University, Traviss Vo-Tech, Ridge Tech, Polk Works and Enterprise Florida’s QRT & QTI training programs.

Convention/Tourism Marketing

• Develop a marketing plan for Lakeland and Polk County as an ideal convention, meeting and tourist destination. Focus: increase sales of overnight accommodations, generate tax revenues and enhance tourism and economic climate. • Develop more web-based marketing initiatives and continue to develop resource information for the Chamber’s Visitor Center. • Position Lakeland’s Convention & Visitors Bureau within Polk County and the state of Florida to generate higher visibility, extend marketing dollars and penetrate target markets. • Establish a full-service convention/visitors bureau to assist meeting/convention attendees, increasing overnight stays. • Maintain active roles with existing industry partners such as Visit Florida, the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau, The Lakeland Center, Polk County Sports Marketing and Outpost 27 to increase visitor stays in the greater Lakeland area and promote Lakeland’s arts and cultural heritage.

Annual Publications

• Produce 2009 Annual Report • 2010 Business Plan • 2010 Buyers’ Guide

Ribbon Cuttings

• Continue ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and grand opening celebrations offering members the opportunity to build relationships with Chamber leadership.

• Partner with the Detroit Tigers and the Lakeland Flying Tigers to enhance and continue the long-standing relationships between the Tiger organization and the Lakeland business community. Implement events associated with this endeavor such as the Tiger BBQ and North with the Tigers. [LakelandChamber.com]

Initiatives

[ORGANIZATION ADVANCEMENT] Finance

• A finance committee comprised of member financial advisors will meet regularly to ensure the Chamber has the proper resources to carry out its strategic plan and objectives.

Investment Committee

• The Investment Committee is comprised of three representatives from each of the following organizations: the Lakeland Chamber, Chamber Foundation and LEDC. The committee meets quarterly to oversee the investment funds of the organizations.

Chamber Annual Meeting

• The Annual Meeting on February 3 celebrates the Chamber’s 2008 accomplishments and recognizes volunteer leaders who have made the year a success.

Small Business Awards

• Continue to recognize a member business each month that exemplifies outstanding business characteristics and entrepreneurial spirit. • Continue to recognize one of the 12 monthly winners as the Linder Small Business of the Year.

19th Annual Chamber Scramble

• Develop 19th Annual Chamber Scramble as a first-class golf tournament with fundraising and networking opportunities for members.

63rd Annual Tiger BBQ

• This annual event is designed to welcome the Detroit Tigers back to Lakeland and communicate to the community the enormous economic impact and public relations benefits of having a major league team spring training in our area. It additionally helps promote the benefits of the Lakeland Flying Tigers operating in Lakeland all year long.

North With The Tigers

• Continuing event organized to further demonstrate Chamber business and City support for the Detroit Tigers economic benefit to the Lakeland community in their hometown of Detroit or on the road with the team.

Chamber Map Project

• Develop first-class updated street map of Lakeland to use for informational purposes and as a fundraiser for the Chamber.

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Business After Hours

• Continue to be one of the most effective networking opportunities the Chamber offers for members to meet monthly at a Sponsor member business.

Chamber Champions

• Third year for this program which helps inform and assimilate new members into the Chamber and provides another platform for building member to member relationships.

Juicing Up!

• Held in May and September, this morning meeting provides high-quality personal development opportunities for small business members at an affordable price.

Business & Breakfast

• Six programs are planned at sponsor member businesses. These morning events will feature speakers on relevant business topics and provide a great opportunity for members to network and promote their business.

Retail aCCess

• This breakfast meeting is specially designed to meet the needs of our growing retail population. Six events will be held to focus on customer relationships, grassroots marketing and progressive technology. To develop and plan these meetings, a small group Retailer Forum exists.

Diversity

• Continue to host the premier diversity event in the county: the CommUnity Celebration, where more than 700 people will gather to celebrate the differences among us that make our community rich. Spirit of Diversity awards are presented: to an individual and to a company for their efforts in expanding the understanding of diversity as a cohesive force in the community and who have worked to develop harmonious relationships across racial, ethnic and socio-economic lines.

Economic Forecast Breakfast

• Partner with Allen & Company to bring Chamber members the 22nd annual Economic Forecast Breakfast on January 15, 2009 at the Lakeland Center. • Provide a forum for Chamber members to hear first hand the economic predictions for 2009.

Hats Off!

• On January 22, Chamber volunteers will deliver the 2009 membership packets to more than 2,000 member businesses. Packets include the 2009 Buyer’s Guide, Chamber membership window decal and other important information.

New Member Receptions

• Six events to provide new members with an informal orientation and overview of programs offered by the Chamber.

Cheers for First Year Members

• On January 27 the Chamber will host this event to recognize the members who joined the Chamber in 2008 and to thank the Chamber Champions who dedicated their time to mentoring these members.

Schmooze a’Palooza

• Held three times in 2009, the Schmooze a’Palooza event offers members the opportunity to meet up to 20 business contacts over lunch. The Chamber’s version of power networking allows participants to share their 30-second commercials with a group of 50.

CarBQ

• We will celebrate your employees while supporting the Chamber in the 3rd Annual CarBQ. The community will be encouraged to pre-order tickets and drive through to pick up their completely portable CarBQ lunches on the day of the event.

[PUBLIC POLICY]

Government Affairs Committee

• Lobby a pro-commerce priority agenda during the 2009 Legislative Session. • Recommend the Chamber take action on important and timely governmental issues. • Monitor all levels of government and report activity to Chamber members. • Represent the business community and interests of Chamber members at government meetings and have a presence at all levels of government. • Increase grassroots lobbying efforts, as well as lobbying trips to Tallahassee.

[SMART COMMUNITY] OneSmartLakeland

Mission: Enabling collaboration to encourage connectivity and integrate technology for the transformation of our community. • Actively participate in CEOs for Cities. • Convene a summit on Broadband Initiative with community stakeholders. • Organize and formalize the Healthcare Initiative with community stakeholders

[PRIVATE SECTOR LEADERSHIP] Leadership Lakeland XXVI and XXVII

• Continue a 26 year old tradition in excellence. The 30 class members will experience the community through educational presentations, tours, immersion experiences, demonstrations, and in-depth interviews. The year long curriculum covers key components of the community while building esprit de corps among the class members.

EMERGE Lakeland

• Continue to provide an organization for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 42 in which they can build relationships, develop professionally, become politically aware, philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Lakeland. This collaboration between the Lakeland Chamber and the United Way of Central Florida was established in December 2003.

Leadership Polk

• Continue to serve on the Polk Vision committee to provide a county wide leadership program.

BusinessVoice, Inc. & BusinessVoice for Effective Government

• Support the passage of legislation compatible with achieving the goals of the business community. • Endorse pro-business candidates for elective office at the local and state levels. • Take positions on local and state issues as they may arise.

For more information on any of the listed programs, please contact:

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

35 Lake Morton Drive – Lakeland, FL 33801 863/688-8551 [email protected]

Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast

• Provide Chamber members the opportunity to hear from the Polk County Delegation as to how the business community fared during the 2009 Legislative session in Tallahassee.

[2009 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan]

2009EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman of the Board Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc.

Chair elect Joe L. Ruthven, The Ruthvens

Immediate Past Chairman Timothy F. Campbell, Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.

Treasurer Walker Wilkerson, The NCT Group CPA's, L.L.P.

Chairman, Lakeland Economic Development Council Scott Franklin, Lanier Upshaw, Inc.

Vice Chair, Communications: Sam Nimah, Southern Wine and Spirits of Florida

Vice Chair, Education: Alice Hunt, Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.

Vice Chair, Organization Advancement: Melinda Harrison, Watson Clinic, LLP

Vice Chair, Public Policy: Mark E. Wilson, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.

Vice Chair, Smart Community: Hugh Autry, Lakeland Regional Medical Center

General Counsel: Andrea Teves Smith, Peterson & Myers, P.A.

Kathleen L. Munson, President

2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAMBER FOUNDATION

Keith Albritton, Allen & Company of Florida Todd Baylis, Cipher Integrations, Inc. Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc. Hal Bolter, Florida Fluid System Technologies Maria Brous, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Gary Cassard, Bright House Networks Denis Cole, Firmenich Patrick Fagan, Fifth Third Bank Jerome Ferson, The Ledger Mayor Ralph L. “Buddy” Fletcher, City of Lakeland Terri Goleno, Cheatham & Goleno Financial Services, P.A. Dr. Marshall Goodman, University of South Florida Polytechnic Andy Hernan, Griffin Pools, Inc. Dr. Eileen Holden, Polk Community College Tim Jackson, NuJak Companies Linda Jezard, Advantage Positioning Joe Joseph, Royal Granite & Marble LLC Tom Joyner, Joyner Lumber and Supply Co. Tony Martinez, Herndon and Associates Insurance, LLC Dr. Gail McKinzie, Polk County Public Schools Mark Miller, GrayRobinson, P.A. Steve Moore, Florida Property & Development Bob Morrow, GEICO Paul Noris, Bank of Central Florida Dennis Pershing, MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union Tim Rice, Ward’s Heating & Air Conditioning Steve Scruggs, Lakeland Economic Development Council Doug Thomas, City of Lakeland

• Chairman: Timothy F. Campbell Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. • Chairman of the Board: Anu Saxena ASC geosciences, inc. • Chairman-elect: Joe L. Ruthven The Ruthvens • Treasurer: Walker Wilkerson The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P. • President: Kathleen L. Munson • General Counsel: Andrea Teves Smith Peterson & Myers, P.A.

Directors:

• Janet Fansler, Lakeland Regional Medical Center • Dr. Jay Mulaney, Central Florida Eye Associates • Maureen Shaw, Flower Cart Florist • Gary Tarr, Pepperidge Farm, Inc. • David Touchton, The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P. One of the greatest assets the Chamber has in serving the diverse needs of our Lakeland community is the Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 1973 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization through the efforts of several Chamber leaders. The Foundation’s mission is to raise additional funds to support needed community and education efforts.

The Chairman’s Circle was founded in the fall of 2003 to provide a unique business forum for senior level executives to meet with one another, build relationships and participate in strategic marketing and membership events to enhance their own business and the overall Lakeland business community. Through the leadership and support of the following members of the Chairman’s Circle, this Chamber has the resources to better assist our members with special focus on our small business members. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ralph Allen, Allen & Company Ira Anderson, Crowe Horwath, LLP Alice Barr, BloodnetUSA Dean Boring, Boring Business Systems Cynde Bunch, Bunch & Associates Timothy F. Campbell, Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. Mike Carter, The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P. Gary Cassard, Bright House Networks Jim Chaffin, SunTrust Bank Ken Ely, Platinum Bank Art Erickson, Florida Lifestyle Communities Jerome Ferson, The Ledger Buddy Fletcher, City of Lakeland Scott Franklin, Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Mike Furr, Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A. John Griffin, Pilot Bank Kamal Haider, M.D., Clark & Daughtrey Medical Group, P.A. Ford Heacock, Heacock Insurance Group, Inc. Clayton Hollis, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Dr. Anne Kerr, Florida Southern College Mike Kosor, Bartow Regional Medical Center Robert Loftin, Colonial Bank Mike Marino, Wachovia Bank Leonard Mass, Drummond Company, Inc. Mark Miller, GrayRobinson, P.A. Sam Nimah, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida Bob Puterbaugh, Peterson & Myers, P.A. George Rogers, GEICO Art Rowbotham, WONN/WPCV/ WLKF/WWRZ Radio Joe P. Ruthven, The Ruthvens Dr. Lou Saco, Watson Clinic, LLP Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc. Jack Stephens, Lakeland Regional Medical Center

• Gary Tarr, Pepperidge Farm, Inc.

• Ralph Weeks, Quality Petroleum Corporation

[2009 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan]