February 2009 Forum For Business Monthly

inside this issue

After Hours: It was a “Big Kid’s Playground” night. Page 14

SBA Awarded: See who received the plaque for this monthly award. Page 2

Business & Breakfast: GLT Total Office hosts December event. Page 15

FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

February 2009 Vol. XIX, No.2

Join us in welcoming our 2006 American League Champion Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium, Florida’s most magnificent spring training facility! Purchase

Your Tick ets Onlin e! Visit Lake landCha m and click ber.com o 63rd An nual Tigen r BBQ

009 ry 19, 2 , Februa Thursday PM pen at 6 PM Only Gates O PM – 8 7 d e rv e r Person Steak Pe Steaks S s – One er Out Ord No Take

Enjoy “The Famous Menu” which begins serving at 6 PM – 8 PM. Roasted Corn, Shrimp, BBQ Ribs, Char-Broiled Steaks, Italian Sausage and Baked Beans!

Adults: $50.00 Children 12 & Under: $25.00 (We host the Tiger Organization)

sponsored by:

2009 Keynote Speaker

BETTY NGUYEN • MARCH 19, 2009 •

The Diversity Business Council of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the CommUnity Celebration keynote speaker will be Betty Nguyen, the weekend anchor of CNN Newsroom. The CommUnity Celebration is a unique event that provides you and your employees with practical knowledge that can be incorporated into your organization and community. Make your reservations now by calling 863/688.8551, ext. 228.

Diversity: Don’t Hide From It, Celebrate it! • Continued on Page 4

ALSO INSIDE: New Members • Leadership Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move

Small Business of the Month Award presented Dreamward Travel, Inc. is a modern day travel agency and more. Owner Maria Thomas prefers to be known as a “Travel Destination Specialist” – not only booking flights, hotels, dinner reservations, show/theatre tickets and golf tee times, but also securing scooter rentals for the physically-challenged customers, handling oxygen requirements, special food needs and so much more.

January winner

Dreamward Travel, Inc. Maria Thomas, Certified Travel Consultant Polk Theatre Building 137 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801-4664 863/802-8409 phone 877/804-8409 toll free phone [email protected] www.dreamwardtravel.com

Located in downtown Lakeland, at 137 S. Florida Ave, adjacent to the Polk Theatre entrance, Dreamward Travel will flirt with your travel fantasies in a tiny street-facing office with GIGANTIC personality! Painted front windows of dreamy clouds and far-off visions of travel have allured passers-by purely out of curiosity. Once inside this inviting office, shaded by its green & white outside awnings, you’ll be glad you went through the trouble to get there! German-born Maria has lived in Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, California, Arizona, Ohio and now Florida and her gracious opinions, expertise and travel recommendations are highly valued and respected by all her clients young and old. Dreamward Travel’s corporate philosophy is to treat every client with “honesty and integrity.”

Despite the country’s economic situation, Maria believes people still need to relax and get away…for even a couple of days or so. Many of us have to decide whether to renovate our kitchens or travel. Maria’s positive, pro-active response is “Do both. Stay closer to home but do, indeed, get away for a few days to nearby local favorite Florida destinations and spend 2-3 nights away instead of a week.” Having a knack for making her clients’ dreams become reality comes with many awards and recognitions. Maria Thomas has achieved the level of ‘Certified Travel Counselor” through ICTA (Institute of Certified Travel Agents), ‘Accredited Cruise Counselor’ and ‘Master Cruise Counselor” through CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association) and is a Destination Specialist for Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Holland, Mississippi and Florida. She is presently affiliated with NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Maria has worked with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and as a volunteer at the Polk Theatre for over 8 years. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Dreamward Travel, Inc. as the Small Business of the Month award winner for January.

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly

Small Business of the Month Committee Member Maureen Shaw (Flower Cart Florist) presents Maria omas, Dreamward Travel, Inc. with the January Small Business of the Month Award.

Volume Information: February 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 2

Anu Saxena Chairman of the Board Aaron Bates Managing Editor No. 2

Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President Kingston Partners Design

Farris & Foster’s Chocolate Factory hosts New Member Reception It was a Chocolate Lovers Paradise! The December New Member Reception was hosted by Farris & Foster’s Chocolate Factory located in Lakeside Village. New Chamber members indulged themselves with hot chocolate, appetizers and most of all, “yummy” chocolate samples. Chamber staff presented the new members an overview of what Chamber programs are

available to them to help build their businesses and get the most out of their Chamber memberships. Each new member had the opportunity to present a 30-second commercial about themselves and their business. Many thanks to Julie Cook and her staff for hosting this “sweet” event. Thanks also go along to Riverside National Bank for being the Presenting Sponsor for the 2008 New Member Reception series.

New Members network with Chamber President Kathleen Munson.

New members listen to presentations given by Chamber staff.

CommUnity Celebration ‘09 Diversity: Don’t Hide From It, Celebrate it!

A charismatic, gifted speaker, Betty Nguyen will speak on “Diversity: Don’t Hide From It, Celebrate It!” Diversity is all around us – in our schools, in our offices, and in our communities. Often, what sets us apart is what makes us great. By pooling together our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we increase our knowledge and find new solutions to the problems we all face… as humans. Noted diversity speaker Betty Nguyen shares stories of how diversity has enriched the media and our lives.

Where: The Lakeland Center

Cost : Corporate Table: $500 Corporate 1/2 Table: $300 Individual Tickets: $25

anchor a national television news broadcast in the United States. She was featured in the “Exit Saigon, Enter Little Saigon” exhibit. Nguyen is also the cofounder of Help the Hungry, a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid to poverty-stricken families.

The CommUnity Celebration is a unique event that provides you and your employees with practical knowledge that can be incorporated into your organization and community. Another reason why you should make this event a ‘must do’ is that it’s a great opportunity Betty Nguyen to be in a positive environment and enjoy the company of others in our community who believe in the benefits of embracing diversity. Come to this year’s event prepared to laugh, learn and gain renewed respect for all of our differences.

PRESENTING SPONSORS: GEICO, The Ledger, Publix Super Markets, and WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio SUPPORTING SPONSOR: Focus Magazine

Most recently, she reported on Pope Benedict XVI’s historic trip to the United States. She provided live coverage as the pope celebrated Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, performed a blessing at Ground Zero and concluded his trip with a Mass at Yankee Stadium. In 2007, the Smithsonian Institute recognized Nguyen as the first Vietnamese-American to

RESERVATIONS

MAKE YOUR

Make your reservations now to the CommUnity Celebration by calling:

863/688.8551, ext. 228 For more information, please see the flyer in this edition of the Forum for Business Monthly.

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SPONSORS

Since joining the network in April, 2004, she has provided in-depth reports on Anderson Cooper 360 and other CNN programs. Nguyen’s work with CNN has taken her around the globe. In 2007, she traveled to Africa to cover the presidential elections in Sierra Leone, the political and economic crises in Zimbabwe, and apartheid-era prosecutions in South Africa. In September, 2005, Nguyen reported from the Houston Astrodome, where thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims were seeking shelter from the devastation. That same month, she went on assignment in Vietnam to cover the deadly flooding caused by annual monsoons.

Event Information:

When: March 19, 2009 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.

SPONSORS

The Diversity Business Council of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the CommUnity Celebration keynote speaker will be Betty Nguyen, the weekend anchor of CNN Newsroom.

Are you a member of Business Voice? Business Voice of Greater Lakeland is a Political Action Committee (CCE & PAC) to support pro-business candidates and issues.

In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever that BusinessVoice has the support of Chamber member businesses to ensure that Lakeland has a viable economic and political environment.

Through membership investment, BusinessVoice is able to proactively support the election of pro-business candidates to local and state office and to represent the business community’s interests on issues that have a direct impact on our area’s businesses. As we begin the new year, BusinessVoice is already gearing up to actively represent Lakeland’s business interests in several critically important elections taking place in 2009. In Lakeland alone, the Mayoral and three City Commission seats are up for election in November. To make it as cost effective as possible for members to continue to be involved, BusinessVoice has reduced its annual base membership from $250 to $150. Please call the Lakeland Chamber’s Public Affairs office at 863/688-8551, ext. 228 for more information or to join.

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LEADS JOIN THE

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce offers members the opportunity to grow their business and create new relationships by its sponsorship of LEADS groups. Membership is limited to one business of each type in order to create the best value for members. In addition to the great leads and information you receive, membership in a Chamber LEADS group includes free admission to Business After Hours for a year! The cost of membership in a LEADS group is $50/year; if you are an active participant at Business After Hours, membership will save you $70/year! Our current LEADS group meets Wednesdays at noon at the Chamber offices on Lake Morton. If you are interested in joining a Chamber LEADS group, please email Matthew Wengerd at:[email protected]. We are currently creating a list of members interested in joining a second LEADS group. The day and time of this group has yet to be determined. To have your name and company added to the interest list please contact Terry Ottinger at 863/688-8551 ext. 231.

BUSINESS AND BREAKFAST YMCA OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 • 7:30 TO 9:00 A.M. 3620 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS BOULEVARD SPEAKER: DR. FRANK SCHULTZ FROM WEBSTER UNIVERSITY TOPIC: HUMAN STRESS

$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non-Member Please R.S.V.P. by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the event. You may register and pay online by using this link: LakelandChamber.com or by E-mailing: [email protected]

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BEGINNING MARCH 1 APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

Nominations for Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII will be accepted from March 1 through April 9, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. The nomination form can be accessed from the March Forum for Business Monthly and on the Chamber’s Web site, LakelandChamber.com, by going to Online Forms and clicking on Leadership Lakeland Nomination. Established in 1983 by the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Leadership Lakeland does not take public policy positions or advocate any individual viewpoint. The program unites leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to improve their ability to lead effectively, offering its members a broad range of experiences and insights about the community, its people, its needs and its services. Participants in the program are selected from applicants representing business, public and private agencies, and civic and professional organizations throughout the Lakeland area. The final selection of members is made by a selection committee. Some of the criteria considered are as follows: • Have the candidates reached a responsible level in their chosen careers? • Have they demonstrated a commitment to serve the community? • Do they have the time and resources to give community service? • Do candidates represent a cross-section of the business community, including government, community service volunteers and professionals?

NEW MEMBERS

e Chamber is proud to welcome 15 new members for December 2008 Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge to 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!

Best Human Resource Solutions PO Box 5445 Lakeland, FL 33807-5445 (863) 397-9283 Sandy Wotring Consultants/Human Resources & Labor Relations

Century Document Management 500 S. Florida Ave., Suite 700 Lakeland, FL 33801-5270 Brian Altman Document Management

Five Guys Burgers & Fries 2641 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803-3860 (863) 686-5552 Fax: (863) 686-5553 Peter H. Scher Restaurants

Freedom Tax Advisors, Inc.

210 S. Florida Ave., Ste 327 Lakeland, FL 33801-4622 (863) 682-6381 Fax: (863) 413-1848 www.freedomtaxadvisors.net Jonathan R. Jackson Tax Services

Julianne’s Fine Dining & Catering 3125 US Highway 98, S Lakeland, FL 33803-7371 (863) 937-8032 (863) 937-8031 Fax: (863) 937-8033 Joanne List Restaurants

Just Joan’s Historic Barber Shop 1040 Pennsylvania Ave Lakeland, FL 33803-1350 (863) 698-2242 www.justjoanshairdesign.com Joan Peterson Barbers

Lakeland Publishing, LLC PO Box 90544 Lakeland, FL 33804-0544 (863) 670-4853 (888) 859-7779 Fax: (888) 859-7779 www.laughablenewsfl.com Tonya Lockamy Publishers

Leap Ahead Professional Development, LLC

5133 S Lakeland Dr Ste 3E Lakeland, FL 33813-2622 (863) 607-3090 Fax: (888) 290-7771 www.leapaheadtoday.com Marsha M. Leap, Ed.D. Employment Services

Primo’s I Pizzeria

1031 S Combee Rd Lakeland, FL 33801-6319 (863) 665-1020 Alberto Petrecca Restaurants

Primo’s II Pizzeria

3114 S Florida Ave Ste 1 Lakeland, FL 33803-4549 (863) 607-6767 Fax: (863) 607-9096 Nick Petrecca Restaurants

Rainbow Coach LLC

PO Box 3918 Lakeland, FL 33802-3918 (813) 997-6160 www.myrainbowcoach.com Frank Gifford, III Buses - Charter, Tours & Sightseeing

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Ramada Inn

4620 Socrum Loop Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-4203 (863) 577-0977 Fax: (863) 577-0984 www.ramada.com Debbie Godo-Turner Hotels/Suites

Senior Helpers

1625 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803-2260 (863) 686-7333 Fax: (863) 686-7336 www.seniorhelpers.com/location/1203 Jorge Giraldo, M.B.A. Home Health Care

Smith & Thomas Insurance

100 S Kentucky Ave Ste 290 33801 PO Box 3544 Lakeland, FL 33802-3544 (863) 688-1141 (800) 852-4872 Fax: (863) 687-9009 www.smiththomasinsurance.com Rebecca Jeffries, Jr. Insurance

V. I. Pet Resort

3927 Progress Dr Ste 108 Lakeland, FL 33811-1260 (863) 619-9000 (863) 619-9002 Fax: (863) 619-9001 www.vipet.net Dani Chao Lauren DeVane Pet Grooming

RENEWALS

The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses for their long-standing support and loyalty.

20+ Year Renewals

1940 - 68 Years Mine & Mill Supply Co. 1943 - 65 Years TECO Peoples Gas 1944 - 64 Years Verizon 1950 - 58 Years Cannon Buick - Cadillac - Mitsubishi George L. Gaines, Jeweler 1954 - 54 Years Watson Clinic LLP 1956 - 52 Years Marshall Jewelers 1959 - 49 Years Fletcher Printing Co., Inc. 1960 - 48 Years

Hauger-Bunch, Inc. Realtors 1961 - 47 Years Martin & Martin, Attorneys PA 1962 - 46 Years Farm Credit of Central Florida, ACA 1964 - 44 Years State Farm Insurance/Buzz Tarver 1965 - 43 Years James I. Black & Company 1966 - 42 Years Hexion Specialty Chemicals 1969 - 39 Years C. L. “Jimmy” Lawhon, Real Estate 1971 - 37 Years Douglass Screen Printers Inc. 1972 - 36 Years Sanlan RV Park 1973 - 35 Years Sligh Clinic of Chiropractic 1977 - 31 Years Lakeland Periodontics, Inc. 1978 - 30 Years Howard Johnson Executive Center Craig W. Valentine, D.M.D., P.A. 1982 - 26 Years Springer-Peterson Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. 1985 - 23 Years Sun State Janitorial Products, Inc. ASC geosciences, inc. Givaudan Flavors Thomas McClane, MD, PA Signs & Specialties, Inc. 1986 - 22 Years Greg’s Hallmark Shoppe Jack’s Insurance Agency, Inc. 1987 - 21 Years English Family Residential Properties, LLC 1988 - 20 Years March of Dimes Foundation

15 Year Renewals Manning Building Supplies

10 Year Renewals Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

5 Year Renewals Keller Williams Realty of Polk Craig Advertising, Inc. Focus Magazine Amscot Services Randstad USA Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc.

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S

MARCH 11-13, 2009

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TD JAKES PATRICK LENCIONI DAVE RAMSEY CRAIG GROESCHEL MEGYN KELLY MARK RUTLAND ERWIN MCMANUS TIM SANDERS MATTHEW BARNETT HENRY CLOUD BILL GEORGE

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seuleadershipforum.com

No. 12

MARK YOUR CALENDAR EVENTS

Tuesday, February 3

Chamber Annual Meeting, 5:30 p.m. The Lakeland Center Exhibit Hall

Thursday, February 12

Business and Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. Lakeland Family YMCA 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd.

Thursday, February 19 Tiger BBQ, 6:00 p.m. Joker Marchant Stadium

Thursday, February 26

Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m. Watson Clinic - Bella Vista Center 1755 N. Florida Avenue

MEETINGS

Wednesday, February 11 Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland, 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, February 12 Leadership Lakeland XXVI Health Care Day

Tuesday, February 17

EMERGE Lakeland, Steering Committee Meeting 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, February 18 Executive Committee Meeting 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25

Board of Directors Meeting, Noon Lakeland Yacht and Country Club 929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Fifth Third Bank & Backyard Adventures host Business After Hours It was a “Big Kid’s Playground” night.

Fifth Third Bank and Backyard Adventures hosted the December Business After Hours at the Backyard Adventures facility located at 3111 US Highway 98, South, Ste 130. Even with only a small branch office, Fifth Third Bank was excited to host and found the perfect location for the large crowd in Backyard Adventures. Every staff member from the bank was involved: from food preparation and set-up to door prizes and even the event entertainment! The evening was full of fun and surprises as our own Chair-Elect Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc. and Chamber President, Kathleen Munson, were brave enough to race down the giant slide. Thanks to Fifth Third Bank and Backyard Adventures for kicking off the holiday season with this fun time for all.

Co-Host Jeremy Yost, Backyard Adventures, accepts Plaque of Appreciation

Co-Host Patrick Fagan, Fih ird Bank, accepts Plaque of Appreciation

Comparing pictures of President Kathleen Munson going down the Giant Slide. No. 14

ere is always a group ready to have their picture made.

GLT Total Office hosts December’s Business & Breakfast

Topics include networking and new media trends

The December Business & Breakfast was hosted by GLT Total Office, 2929 S. Combee Road. Speakers Chuck Welch & Lorrie Delk Walker, LakelandLocal.com, presented a program covering Social Networking & New Media Trends. Members and guests learned all about using online social media to grow their businesses. A variety of products were displayed by several of GLT’s vendors and many door prizes were given out. Thanks to GLT and their staff for such a great Business & Breakfast.

Lorrie Delk Walker, LakelandLocal.com, gave a presentation to attendees regarding blogging and corporate transparency.

Chuck Welch, also om LakelandLocal.com, gives additional information on mobile media.

JANUARY MEMBERS ON THE MOVE EXIT Realty of Lakeland Carmel Smith, an agent with EXIT Realty of Lakeland, was recently awarded the Bronze Award by the company. The award was given in recognition of achieving 25+ closed transaction sides from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.

annual VII 100 Study. For 2008, ASC is ranked 90th on their list. Since 1996, ASC has been consistently ranked on this top 100 list.

Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.

William T. Link, Jr., attorney with Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster P.A., was

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. honored two of its own at a ceremony in Lakeland recently.

MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union proudly announces the combination of two of the oldest and most respected companies in central Florida. On December 3, 2008, A.H. Realty became part of MIDFLORIDA and will be renamed MIDFLORIDA Real Estate Sales, LLC. Andy Hernandez, principal of A.H. Realty, has been named the president of MIDFLORIDA Real Estate Sales, LLC, which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of MIDFLORIDA.

Alliance for Independence Joan Eby, Director of Development for Alliance for Independence has been elected President of the Greater Polk County chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). AFP was formed over 40 years ago and has been the industry leader in promoting philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs.

featured as a guest columnist in the December 16th edition of the Florida Real Estate Journal. The column was titled “Borrowers Need Legal Assistance in Spite of Rough Economic Times”.

Crown

ASC geosciences, inc. News India Times, a national publication covering the Asian Indian American business community in North America, has named ASC geosciences, inc. as one of the Top 100 Asian Indian American businesses for 2008 in their

No. 16

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: [email protected] Named as this year’s 2008 Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. ‘Employee of the Year’ recipients were Valerie Travis and Ron Riggs. Both individuals were recognized for their outstanding work ethic and achievement in the financial services industry. Valerie Travis, a Client Service Associate who

has been employed with Allen & Company since 2004, was chosen as the 2008 Support Staff Employee of the Year.

Riggs/Lopez/Marotz Team of Financial Advisors whose offices are located in the Lakeland office of Allen & Company.

Ron Riggs, who joined the team of Financial Advisors at Allen & Company in 1994, was awarded the title of 2008 Financial Advisor of the Year. Ron is a member of the

Hal Paul Enterprizes, Inc. Hal Paul Enterprizes, Inc. has acquired Logoland, Inc., a Bartow based business. All inquiries and business already placed will transfer to the Operations Center of Hal Paul Enterprizes Promotional Advertising in Lakeland.

Country Inn and Suites After months of planning and construction Country Inn and Suites is pleased to announce the opening of their beautiful new location at 4500 Lakeland Park Drive at exit 33 off of I-4. This new upscale property offers a truly unique design new to Lakeland. The new Country Inn and Suites of Lakeland features traditional architecture and a sophisticated residential interior design with the brand’s iconic plank lobby flooring, lobby fireplace, and front porch. The new Country Inn and Suites brings an exciting new fresh hotel experience for visitors coming to Lakeland that is beyond compare.

Peace River Center At the beginning of their 60th year, the Board of Directors was pleased to announce the selection of the new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. J. Gilbert Sierra. Mr. Sierra has an extensive background as a CEO, COO, consultant, and strategic advisor.

Southeastern University Southeastern University’s Leadership Forum will be held March 11 – 13 at Southeastern University’s Lakeland campus. The Forum is an innovative and creative approach to teaching the servant leadership concept not only in the academic community but in business and church communities, as well. Sponsorships and lunch with the speakers are available. For more information or to register, please call 866/966-9119 or visit www.seuleadershipforum.com.

Polk Community College Two members of Polk Community College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) have been appointed to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Associate Committees. DBOT Chair Twyla G. Ely has been appointed to the ACCT Public Policy Committee and Trustee Cindy Hartley Ross has been appointed to serve on the ACCT Communications and Education Committee. • Continued on Page 19

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of December. See the photos on our Web site at LaklandChamber.com.

Farnsworth & Mullins, P.A., CPA’s

1611 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/687-8320

Munson, Vining & Midyette, LLLP

1623 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/802-8291

4404 S. Florida Ave, Ste 9, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/816-5866 www.homesolutiontitle.com

4233 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/853-2214 www.uss.salvationarmy.org

Home Solution Title, Inc.

The Salvation Army – Christmas Center

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU

Special thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher, City Commissioner Glenn Higgins and all of the board members and chamber champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event.

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On the Move • Continued from Page 17

Polk Community College Polk Community College held its 99th Commencement on Dec 12 and 440 students graduated during the ceremonies held at the Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theater. They ranged in age from 18 to 57 years old. Polk Community College has awarded over 30,000 diplomas since the first graduates marched in 1964. About 70 percent of PCC’s graduates received Associate in Arts (AA) degrees, which are parallel and transferrable to state universities. The remaining 30 percent of the students received Associate in Science (AS) and Associate in Applied Science degrees (AAS), which lead directly to employment. For the second year in a row, Polk Community College Chapter of the Florida Nursing Students Association (FNSA) received the Chapter of the Year Award at the FNSA state convention. The award was only one of the honors collected by PCC nursing students and faculty at the 2008 FNSA Annual Convention.

Florida Southern College Florida Southern College’s Roberts Center for Learning and Literacy has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Verizon to enhance reading instruction for Polk County elementary school students struggling with reading. The grant will fund two reading clinics at Lakeland elementary schools for third-grade students with reading challenges. The Florida Southern College Board of Trustees and president Dr. Anne B. Kerr announced in December the establishment of three “Yellow Ribbon” scholarships for students who are war veterans of the U.S. armed forces. The scholarships provide tuition for students attending the College who qualify under the Post-911 Veterans educational Assistance Act of 2008, also known as the “New GI Bill.”

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) announced in December that it has reaffirmed, unconditionally, the accreditation of Florida Southern College. An unconditional reaffirmation is the highest form of reaccreditation that a college can attain. Florida Southern College and the Division of Education are pleased to announce the expansion of classes for its Master of Education in Collaborative Teaching and Learning (MEd) degree. The program is designed to appeal to undergraduates who are completing their bachelor’s degrees in education and wish to move directly into the MEd program. For more information on this program, please contact Dr. Tedder at 863/680-4177 or [email protected].

Amedisys Home Health Caroline C. Henderson was recently promoted to the Sales Performance Coach position for Florida and Puerto Rico with Amedisys Home Health Care. Her responsibilities will be teaching, training and mentoring the sales team throughout the region. Jocelyn Bulger has been hired as Account Executive in the Lakeland office. Her responsibilities include building and maintaining business relationships. Paige Singletary, RN, has changed positions from a Clinical Manager to Account Manager and will be coordinating home health care services to clients discharged from skilled nursing facilities and area hospitals.

PAID

P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M. 1755 N. FLORIDA AVENUE (CORNER OF NORTH FLORIDA & BELLA VISTA) $10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Member Please R.S.V.P. by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the event. You may register and pay online by using this link: LakelandChamber.com or by E-mailing: [email protected]

PERMIT # 31 LAKELAND FLORIDA

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce WATSON CLINIC BELLA VISTA CENTER