January Forum 2009

Texas Cattle Company hosts

New Member Reception The November New Member Reception was hosted by Texas Cattle Company, 735 E. Main St. Approximately 30 new members and staff enjoyed outstanding hors d’oeuvres and networking. Chamber staff introduced the new members to chamber programs and services available to help them promote and build their business. Each new member present had the opportunity to give a 30-second “commercial” about their business. Thanks to Grant, Deidre and the entire staff of Texas Cattle Company for their hospitality in making the evening a great success.

Class of 2008

Riverside Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2008 New Member Reception Series.

Entrepreneurial Academy Grads Eighteen class members of the Entrepreneurial Academy graduated on Nov. 12, 2008, at Mitchell’s Coffeehouse. Maggie Lazarre was the wonderful keynote speaker. In addition to thanking Maggie, we have many other business leaders to show appreciation to who taught the various classes:

• Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts – Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc. • Hal Bolter – Florida Fluid System Technologies • Doretha Brooks – Small Business Development Center, CFDC • Becky Bywater – NAWBO • Spike Bywater – SCORE • Nancy Cattarius – WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio • Kevin Chambers – InfoMed Technologies • Liz Craven – ProAd Media • Claretha Conner – SunTrust Bank • Mayor Buddy Fletcher - City of Lakeland • Drew Gillan - Bright House Networks • Ray Gunder – Gunder’s Auto Center, Inc. • Mitch Harvey – Mitchell’s Coffeehouse • Gaynelle Henderson – Bright House Networks • Linda Jezard – Advantage Positioning • Roy Lawson – Software Development Services, LLC • Tori Lehman – Consultant • Steve Madden – Madden • Carolynne Mather – Kids World Enrichment Center • Suzanne Merritt – Benson’s Canine Cookies • Jeff Miles – OMS Insurance • Terry Ottinger – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce • Larry Ross – Florida Southern College • Greg Sanoba – Sanoba & Sanoba, P.A. • Bill Scisciani – Lanier Upshaw, Inc. • Art Rowbotham – WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio • Amy Wiggins – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce • Troy Yount – SunTrust Bank • Jimmy Waller – Waller Construction, Inc.

Congratulations Fall 2008 Entrepreneurial Academy Graduates! We would like to thank our sponsors for their continuing support of the Entrepreneurial Academy: Bright House Networks, Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation, Inc. and WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio. Pictured (seated): Patty Nievas Pictured first row le to right: Judy ompson, Bryan Dunn, Lisa Garcia, Ann McKee, Shaun Gursky, and Dave omas. Pictured back row le to right: Ilner Mesidor, Sherry Allen, Justin Harris, Jennell Wallace, Blake McQueen, and Rob Rice. Not pictured: Ashley Bray, Don Davis, John McGee, Kevin McGee, and Scott Wilson.

New members, staff and guests network during the November New Member Reception.

New members enjoyed the opportunity to continue to network aer the presentations were made. Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly

Volume Information: January 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 1

Anu Saxena Chairman of the Board Aaron Bates Managing Editor

No. 2

Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President Kingston Partners Design

Small Business of the Month Award presented

“We like to boast that we’re the store with the most choices and the largest selection, Claussen’s Fine Furniture even if there are some 4715 South Florida Avenue stores in the area with Lakeland, FL 33813-2126 a little more square 863/647-1000 footage,” explains Jim 863/648-1900 Fax Jr. “We encourage [email protected] customers to special www.claussensfurniture.com order the perfect fabric or piece for their room, unlike some of our chain store competitors. Customers love that they can choose from over 1,000 fabrics or browse through manufacturer’s catalogs to find the perfect piece.” Personal service and customer satisfaction is a priority for the Claussen brothers.

Claussen’s Fine Furniture began when brothers Jim and Byron Claussen bought an existing furniture business, Haven Furniture, in Winter Haven, in 1975. Jim had experience running a small business and Byron had the furniture knowledge, having been a furniture department manager for Montgomery Ward. Byron stayed with Montgomery Ward that first year before joining his brother in management. As a result, Jim approached things from the customer’s point of view. “I simply asked myself, what would I expect if I were the customer in this situation?” That customer focused attitude formed the basis for the company’s success and steady growth.

December winner

That growth allowed Jim’s sons: Jim Jr., Mark, and Joe to join the business after graduating from college. It also resulted in a second location in Lakeland, which opened in 1991. At 45,000 square feet, it is almost three times the size of the Winter Haven location.

Claussen’s Fine Furniture is a member of the National Home Furnishings Association, a retail affiliate of the Interior Design Society and Jim has served on the board of the Florida Furniture Dealers Association. Claussen’s often facilitates donations and deliveries of customer’s old furniture to thrift stores and local charities. The company supports various local charities and family members are involved in area service clubs and churches. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Claussen’s Fine Furniture as the December Small Business of the Month award winner.

Lana Swartzwelder, principal, St. Joseph Catholic School and Small Business Award Committee Member, presents the December Small Business of the Month Award to Jim and Mark Claussen, Claussen’s Fine Furniture.

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Chamber Foundation serves community’s diverse needs One of the greatest assets this Chamber has in serving the diverse needs of our community is the Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation. Founded in 1973 as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, the Foundation serves to support needed community and education initiatives. Regretfully, the economic downturn has impacted the Foundation’s investment fund and its ability to disburse grant funding in 2009.

Board of Directors

The following officers and directors will lead the Foundation in 2009:

Officers:

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

Special thanks to the following member businesses and individuals who have contributed to the Foundation for the period 10/1/07 – 9/30/08. Their tax-deductible contribution will support the Foundation’s mission to improve Lakeland’s Advantage Home Health Services, Inc. Allen & Company Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland AlphaGraphics Brett Blackmon, Inc. Brickyard Div of Custom Coatings & Design, Inc. Buckner Commercial Properties Canco General Contractors Central Florida Eye Associates/Jay Mulaney, M.D. Century 21 A.H. Realty, Inc. Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. COGISTICS, INC. CompAge, Inc. Compression Therapy Concepts Crown Printing, Inc. Dixie Signs, Inc. Larry Durrence Employee Insurance Benefits of Florida, Inc. The Fabric Warehouse Florida Lifestyle Communities, Inc. Flower Cart of Central Florida, Inc. Gene Engle Real Estate, Inc. Gillum-Waddell Plumbing, Inc.

Directors:

•Janet Fansler (Lakeland Regional Medical Center) •Dr. Jay Mulaney (Central Florida Eye Associates) •Maureen Shaw (Flower Cart Florist) •Gary Tarr, Treasurer (Pepperidge Farm, Inc.) •David Touchton (The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP)

SUPPORT GIVE YOUR

If you would like to learn more about how to support the Foundation’s efforts, please contact Barbara Bennett at the Chamber, 688-8551, ext. 233.

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quality of life. If you are interested in contributing and being added to the list below, simply mark the Foundation box on your annual Chamber Investment renewal form next time it comes in the mail. Griffin Pools, Inc. The Hair Shanty Hampton Inn of Lakeland Herndon & Associates Insurance, LLC Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc. Institute of Spanish Communication, Inc. Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Lake Morton Bed & Breakfast Charles Lake The Ledger Lilly, O’Toole & Brown, LLP Loftin Real Estate, Inc. Miller Construction Management, Inc. Oh’s Boutique “Soul Train Stop” Premier Appraisal & Consulting Services Quality Petroleum Corporation Seaboard Distribution Silvermoon Drive-In Theatre Southeastern Paper Group Stallings Crop Insurance Corp. Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano, Inc. W.A. Magarino, M.D., P.A.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Florida Blood Services calling on community to participate in blood drives With local usage of over 19,000 donations annually, there is a vital need to support the State’s 5th largest hospital and trauma center. This is a paid advertisement. If you would like to see your company featured, please contact Aaron Bates for more information. e-mail: [email protected]

We’re Florida Blood Services, the exclusive provider of blood components to more than 37 area hospitals, including Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Since 1942 we’ve been stewards of the blood supply in this part of the state, serving many of the most critically ill patients, young and old. When Lakeland Regional wanted the latest technologies and advanced resources in the blood industry, they called on us. Now we are calling on you. Lakeland Regional Medical Center hosts monthly employee blood drives with Florida Blood Services (FBS). With local usage of over 19,000 donations annually, there is a vital need to support the State’s 5th largest hospital and trauma center. Therefore, we are asking your organization to be a vital community healthcare partner, along with GEICO, Lockheed-Martin, First United Methodist, Church of the Resurrection, Ardella Baptist, and USF/PCC among others, who are now sponsoring regular blood drives with FBS. Your support will help to save the lives of patients locally, as well as veterans, ill newborns, cancer patients

and others from Polk County who continue to receive care, as they have for over 60 years, at other Tampa Bay area hospitals serviced by FBS and our vital volunteer blood donors. The blood is not for us after all, it is for your family, friends and neighbors. If you are already a blood donor, the credits you earned from anywhere in the country are good at Florida Blood Services. FBS wants to recognize your past as well as current donations. Please let us know your lifetime achievements! In addition to honoring your credits, FBS has a Blood Donor Benefit Program that will provide up to $5,000 coverage for any non-insured, unreimbursed blood processing fees, in the event you need blood. Subsequent donations can also cover family members and even provide annual coverage for someone who cannot donate blood. Our Blood Donor Benefit Program also has a benefit for organizations that sponsor regular blood drives. Please ask your FBS Community Relations Representative for details.

January is National Blood Donor Month and Dunkin’ Donuts encourages you to “Give a Pint-Get a Pound!” All January blood donors will receive a coupon for a FREE pound of coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts, plus you’ll enjoy a travel mug and a wellness check-up, including a cholesterol screening. Please call 1-800-68 BLOOD (25663) for an appointment or stop by your new Lakeland Community Donor Center at 2315 Commerce Point Drive. We are North of Edgewood and South of Combee Rd. You can also click on www.polkbloodbank.org for locations of mobile drives near you.

FBS mascot Phillip A. Pint recruits donors with the GEICO Gecko during their blood drive December.

www.polkbloodbank.org

FBS Vice President J.B. Gaskins practices what he preaches by donating platelets for patients in need.

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Please join our Lifesaving Team! Call Buzz Wells at 863/450-9733 or Penny Bennett at 863/450-9734 for details on how to sponsor a blood drive. Thank you for your civic support in helping to provide the blood supply that protects all of us and our loved ones when they need it most.

POTENTIAL

INCREASE YOUR

Increase Your Business Potential in the New Year! Each year, the Chamber offers its members the outstanding opportunity to meet and greet up to 20 businesses! On Jan. 22, Howard Johnson Executive Center will host Hats Off to Chamber Members. Join us for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. before jetting off around Lakeland to deliver the 2009 Membership Materials to up to 20 companies… it’s a perfect way to meet local business owners and provide assistance to the Chamber at the same time! Make sure you reserve your spot as a “Volunteer” or as a “Secret Hat Company”- there are a limited number of spaces available! Look for the volunteer sign-up form at LakelandChamber.com or call Mary Stevenson at 863/688-8551 Ext. 232 for more details!

OFF

HATS No. 8

EMERGE Lakeland members attended the organization’s annual meeting on December 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn. At the luncheon, members were provided an economic outlook and commercial development update for Lakeland in 2009 by Bill Mutz, President and Co-owner of Lakeland Automall and Chair of the Lakeland Economic Development Council. The presentation was very informative and provided insight into the opportunities and challenges ahead of us. EMERGE also announced its Executive and Committee Chairs for 2009. • Chair – Punam Saxena, Punam’s Perfections • Vice Chair – Kathy Wallen, The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P • Treasurer – Rachel Hollis, Dunson-Hollis Consulting, LLC • Secretary – Jennifer Nicholson, ASC geosciences, inc. • Marketing Chair – Cory Peace, AlphaGraphics • Events Chair – Adam Spafford, Madden • Volunteer Chair – Jennifer Roberts, Mote Marine Laboratory • Membership Chair – April Mullins, Bank of Central Florida • Technology Chair – Todd Baylis, Cipher Integrations, Inc. EMERGE promotes social interaction among young professionals, opportunities for philanthropic engagement and career enrichment. To get more involved in EMERGE please contact the members listed above. Visit www.emergelakeland.com to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and development and social outings. You can also click on the EMERGE logo on LakelandChamber.com.

NEW MEMBERS

e Chamber is proud to welcome 19 new members for November 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!

Adecco 740 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33801-5210 (863) 683-5000 Fax: (863) 682-5219 www.adeccousa.com Mickey Miller Employment Contractors Mark E. Clements, P.A. 310 E Main St Lakeland, FL 33801-5047 (863) 687-2287 Fax: (863) 682-7385 Mark E. Clements Attorneys Cozy Oaks Restaurant 1201 E Orange St Lakeland, FL 33801-5762 (863) 802-8121 Fax: (863) 802-5482 Rick Smerkers Restaurants First National Merchant Solutions Lakeland, FL 33812-4162 (863) 393-5457 Jay Engle Credit Card Processing Home Inventory Specialists of Central Florida LLC Lakeland, FL 33810-5565 (813) 625-1457 www.inventoryforyourhome.com Jo Sommers Home Inventory Home Solution Title, Inc. 4404 S Florida Ave Ste 9 Lakeland, FL 33813-2124 (863) 816-5866 Fax: (863) 816-5869 Dan Whitmore Title Companies Hudson Holiday Cabinet Co. 3120 Reynolds Rd Lakeland, FL 33803-7323 (863) 668-9370 Fax: (863) 668-9372 Timothy J. Jackson Cabinets/Cabinet Makers

Lakeland Women’s Show 931 E. Palmetto St. Lakeland, FL 33801-5583 (863) 712-3278 www.lakelandwoman.com Lori Powell Marketing - Special Promotions Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill 3120 S Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803-4549 (863) 644-6000 Natalie Oldenkamp Restaurants Palace Pizza Restaurant Inc. 5235 US Highway 98 S Lakeland, FL 33812-4291 (863) 709-8683 Fax: (863) 709-8695 www.palacepizza.net Michael Esposito Restaurants Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc. 5720 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-2528 (863) 619-5919 Fax: (863) 648-2459 www.palacepizza.net Giordano Lanuto Restaurants Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc. 6120 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809-3276 (863) 853-1316 Fax: (863) 859-2581 www.palacepizza.net Giordano Lanuto, Patricia Schiano Moriello Restaurants Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc. 105 E Main St. Bartow, FL 33830-4630 (863) 533-9300 Fax: (863) 533-9500 www.palacepizza.net Salvatore Esposito Restaurants Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc. 2054 Shepherd Rd Mulberry, FL 33860-8699 (863) 709-0002 Fax: (863) 647-3564 www.palacepizza.net Giovanni Schiano Restaurants

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Samaritan Care Hospice 1300 N Semoran Blvd Ste 210 Orlando, FL 32807-3567 (407) 514-1300 (205) 970-8888 Fax: (205) 968-8199 www.samaritancarehospice.com Gina Becker John Cline Hospice Health Services T3 Communications 199 Avenue B NW Ste 400 Winter Haven, FL 33881-4546 (877) 333-8126 (239) 333-0000 Fax: (239) 333-0001 www.t3com.com Loren Rosenthal Telecommunications U.S. Security Associates, Inc. 3710 DMG Dr Lakeland, FL 33811-1043 (863) 682-2023 Fax: (863) 686-5886 www.ussecurityassociates.com Jack Dove Security Services/Systems West Coast Transportation 37 Presque Isle Drive Port Charlotte, FL 33954-2311 (941) 391-5664 (877) 550-5526 Fax: (941) 391-5667 Sorell Gourege Francisque Paulemon Limousine Service ZOHRA’s Restaurant 101 Lake Wire Dr. Lakeland, FL 33815-1549 (863) 687-6114 Fax: (863) 687-8698 www.zohrasrestaurant.com Sara Rodriguez Restaurants

FORUM GETS REDESIGNED FOR 2009

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK The Communications KSI Committee of the Chamber Board is excited to roll out the new design of the Forum for Business Monthlly. The committee worked extensively this year to move the Chamber forward. The first decisive issue, everyone jumped on board with, was to steer away from the two-color or black and white theme for advertisements and open up the Forum to full-color advertising. The solidification of the Chamber “brand” was also needed to make this publication unique. The Communication Division staff worked extensively on this element. The end result is what you are holding in your hands today. After the final selection of our design team — Rex Wilson, CEO/President, and Michelle Jerla, Art Director, of Kingston Partners — the Chamber moved at a fast pace, collaborating on the various elements that would be incorporated with the new design. The Chamber is proud of the final product and of all who worked very hard on the production of this issue but we would like to hear from you on what you think. While we can say how much we love the format it will be our members who let us know whether this makes the grade or falls short. Please email your comments to [email protected]. Your comments will be highlighted in the next issue of the Forum.

RENEWALS

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

20+ Year Renewals 1945 - 63 Years Grenson, Inc.

1950 - 58 Years ARAMARK

1968 - 40 Years Crichlow Data Sciences, Inc. 1969 - 39 Years Highview Apartments 1971 - 37 Years Import Auto Parts

1973 - 35 Years Lakeland Center for Oral Surgery & Implantology 1974 - 34 Years B & B Auto Body Works, Inc

1975 - 33 Years Dr. Alan P. Fisher, Optometrist John H. Galberry, D.D.S., P.A. 1976 - 32 Years The Nissen Group LLC

1978 - 30 Years Harrison Center for Visual & Performing Arts

1981 - 27 Years Lakeland Animal Nutrition

1982 - 26 Years Levimar & Co., Inc. MARCOBAY Construction, Inc. 1984 - 24 Years PAI Pension Services, Inc. 1985 - 23 Years Quality Petroleum Corp. Innovative Ink

1986 - 22 Years Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc./Bob Read The Freedom Center Lakeland, Inc. 1988 - 20 Years Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida Winston Elementary School Florida Central Credit Union

15 Year Renewals GLT Total Office Relax Inn Southside Package & Lounge

10 Year Renewals Spherion Traviss Career Center Storage & Handling Equipment AdvoCare

5 Year Renewals Coney Funeral Home Central Florida Orthopaedic Surgery Assoc., P.L. Chastain-Skillman, Inc. Conner Construction & Aluminum Services Genie Publishing Services Musser & Richards, L.L.C. Taylor Rental Center

No. 12

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Thursday, January 1

Chamber Closed in observance of New Year’s Day

Thursday, January 8

Leadership Lakeland XXVI Education Day Leadership Lakeland XXVI Mid Year Retreat

Monday, January 12

Retail aCCess, 8:00 a.m., 2505 Bramble Ridge Drive

Wednesday, January 14

Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m. BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland, 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 15

Economic Forecast Breakfast, 7:00 a.m, The Lakeland Center Business After Hours, Boys & Girls Clubs/Alpha Appraisal Services, 5:30 p.m., 950 Pinewood Avenue

Monday, January 19

Chamber closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

Tuesday, January 20

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

Wednesday, January 21

Executive Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 22

Hats Off To New Members, 8:00 a.m., Howard Johnson Executive Center, 939 W. Robson Street EMEGE Lakeland Meeting, Community Southern Bank 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, January 29

Board of Directors Meeting, Noon, Lakeland Yacht and Country Club, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive No. 13

Schmooze a’Palooza

Chamber members gather at GrillSmith for final Schmooze of 2008 On November 13, 50 Chamber members gathered at GrillSmith for the third and final Schmooze a’Palooza of 2008. With 30 companies represented, it was easy to make new connections and build business relationships. Linsdey Crowley, General Manager of GrillSmith, offered thanks to attendees for making his restaurant the most successful in the GrillSmith family.

Monica Campbell (Girl Scouts of West Central Florida), Amber Adams (Riverside Bank), Toni Jones (Girl Scouts of West Central Florida) & Kim Busse (Riverside Bank) take time out for a photograph.

Join us at our next event on March 12 at Brima - Register now at LakelandChamber.com!

e final Schmooze a’Palooza of 2008 was held at GrillSmith.

GrillSmith at Lakeside Village provided the perfect venue for the group attending the Chamber’s Schmooze a’Palooza. No. 14

Commercial Design Services hosts Business After Hours The November Business After Hours was hosted by Commercial Design Services, 4343 Frontage Road N. Chamber attendees enjoyed being entertained all evening by piano music, a fortune teller, a magician, caricature drawings, massage chairs, and an abundance of food. There were lots of business conversations as members networked the room and exchanged business cards. Thanks to Commercial Design Services and their entire staff for an enjoyable evening. Pictured above, members power network. Pictured below, Doug Smaus, Commercial Design Services, accepts the Plaque of Appreciation during the November Business Aer Hours.

Pictured above, Doug Smaus, Commercial Design Services, welcomes chamber members as they arrive. Pictured below, the magician works his wonders on Bob Ettensohn, Allstate Insurance Company.

DECEMBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Grasslands Golf & Country Club

Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc.

Golf Digest magazine has released its top 50 clubs in the nation with the best players. Grasslands Golf & Country Club was named 16th on the list and the only club in Florida in the top twenty. Grasslands is home to six touring professionals including players from the PGA, LPGA and the Senior PGA tours. Grasslands was originally designed by Jerry Pate and Bob Cupp and is an 18-hole 72-par course.

Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. (PTS) is proud to announce that Katie Oneal has been awarded her Certificate of Clinical Competency. Katie joined PTS this year as a speech and language pathologist with a specialty in working with the pediatric population with language/communication delays.

Alliance for Independence

BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. is pleased to announce the forward progression of its Insurance

Alliance for Independence is pleased to announce the 2008-2009 Board of Directors and Officers elected at their annual meeting in August 2008: Chairman, John C. Burton, Sun n’ Fun, Inc.; Chair Elect/Chair Planning and Program Development Committee, Ron Losch, Retired; Co-Chair External Relations/Resource Development Committee, Bart Ross, Tinsley McQueen + Ross; Secretary/ Co-Chair External Relations/Resource Development Committee, Andrew M. Hernan, Griffin Pools, Inc.; Treasurer/Audit Committee, David R. Ramos, CPA; Chair Performance Oversight Monitoring Committee, Scott Sloman, The Lakeland Center; Jennifer L. Adams, Bank of Central Florida; Carol N. Asbill, Publix Super Markets; Yolanda M. Collins, Marriott Vacation Club, Inc.; Deborah Heatherly, Publix Super Markets; Charles Lake, Retired; Jim Rehberg, J-Reh, Inc.; Sena E. Schirm, SunTrust Bank; Anthony J. Senzamici, Jr., Pioneer Medical Company; Tom Patterson, Saddle Creek Corp.; William H. Wheeler, Jr., Wheeler & Wheeler, Inc.; Richard Wills, FITniche. Shirley Balogh, President/CEO of Alliance for Independence was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities for the 2008-2010 terms at their annual meeting in Orlando. Alliance for Independence is pleased to welcome Yolanda Collins to its Board of Directors. Yolanda is a Director for Marriott Vacation Club. She is a licensed title agent and is an active member of the Education and Enlightenment Group (EEG). Yolanda’s focus will be on Strategic Planning and Program Development.

Florida Presbyterian Homes William “Buzz” Hall, RN, BSN, has joined Florida Presbyterian Homes as Director of Nursing. Hall has 20 years experience in Staff Management positions in healthcare facilities. Kay Henry, RN, BSN, will be moving from Director of Nursing to a newly created position of Community Resource Nurse. This position will help manage the care needs of the Florida Presbyterian Homes independent residents and help coordinate the wellness initiative. FL Southern College Nursing Program students have been at FL Presbyterian Homes for their practicum (period of work for practical experience). Twenty-four students are being introduced to basic nursing knowledge and skills. Florida Presbyterian has appreciated the opportunity to share with these students our philosophy regarding family centered care and welcome them to the “homes with a heart”.

Watson Clinic LLP Watson Clinic is pleased to announce the arrival of Juan A. Baez, MD, to our team of hospitalists. Dr. Baez is board-certified in internal medicine. He received his medical degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. No. 16

Services group, as key team members accept new opportunities within. After 16 years of dedicated service, Mr. Ted Smith, PG, CPG, has transitioned to a full Associate Geologist. He will serve as a key technical resource and advisor while maintain his expert position in the sinkhole and geological hazards industry. Mr. James Funderburk, PG will assume the role of Director of Insurance Services. He will lead the team in fire, structural, and subsidence investigations.

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: [email protected]

Evans & Hurlburt, CPA’s, P.A. Evans & Hurlburt CPAs are now in their new location. The new address is 5125 S. Lakeland Drive, Suite 3, Lakeland, FL 33813.

Perpetual Technology Solutions is pleased to welcome Jim Stewart to their service department. Jim brings over 30 years of experience in the IT industry.

Perpetual Technology Solutions

Certified Foundations, Inc.

Perpetual Technology Solutions is pleased to announce Xan Morphew has accepted a new position as Purchasing and Inventory Team Lead. Joining our team in 2006, Xan continues to provide ongoing support throughout our organization.

Melaney Jason has joined our team of professional at Certified Foundations, Inc. as the Marketing Representative. Melaney brings over 25 years of marketing and sales experience to CFI.

Edward Jones Investments Alberto Bonfil with Edward Jones Investments was a Guest Speaker at the “Doing Business with the Spanish Community” Summit in Lakeland. The topic was “Hispanics and Investments”.

Habitat for Humanity of Lakeland Habitat for Humanity of Lakeland has been awarded a SILVER – LEED for Homes Green Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED homes complete a verification process to endure a home energy rating (HERS) and onsite inspection for the building of energy efficient and green homes.

March of Dimes The March of Dimes, West Central Division, announces Pat Hatcher, Division Director, will retire in January of 2009 after 19 years of service. Patty Frankenberger, previously with Publix Super Markets has been named as the new Division Director.

Moody Law, P.A. Local attorney Daniel D. Moody was presented with the Commander Owners Group Choice Award for the best Commander 114B/115 Aircraft at the groups 2008 Annual Fly-in, Fredericksburg, Texas. In a statement Mr. Moody said, “I am amazed how the ownership of a personal aircraft has allowed me to better serve my clients around the country”.

Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. The law firm of Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. with offices in Lakeland and Brandon is pleased to announce the addition of attorneys O. Reginald “Reggie” Osenton and Natasha S. W. Rieger to its Brandon office which is located in The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce building at 330 Pauls Drive.

FITniche, Inc. FITniche, a Lakeland-based running and active lifestyle store, was recognized as one of the four best running stores in America by the running industry's trade organization and two leading trade and consumer publications. The award was presented at the awards ceremony held at The Running Event in Dallas, TX, in November. FITniche is the youngest store and is from the smallest trade area to ever earn its way into the final four stores considered for Store of the Year.

Fifth Third Bank Fifth Third Bank is pleased to announce Martin “Marty” Wilkey has assumed the position of Assistant Vice President. Mr. Wilkey will be responsible and accountable for directing and administering a financial center with generally more than $30 million in core deposits and generating less than $700,000 in net profit. He is also in charge of ensuring that the Scott Lake financial center provides the public with banking services, credit decisions, and service for consumer and commercial loans. Fifth Third Bank would like to welcome Carrie McCoy to their staff of professionals. In the position of retail personal banker she will be in charge of providing superior customer service, making outside calls to establish new business and maintaining existing business.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

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

Create An Image Salon & Spa Inc.

3500 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/701-2887 www.createanimagesalon.com

Ideal Image

801 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/904-2500 www.idealimage.com

GTE Federal Credit Union

5320 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, 33809 • 863/680-2323 www.gtefcu.org

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. No. 18

No. 19

Return Service Requested P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LAKELAND, INC. & ALPHA APPRAISAL SERVICES, INC. THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 • 5:30 P.M. 950 PINEWOOD AVENUE (JAMES J. MUSSO UNIT) BOYS & GIRLS CLUB $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]