Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

inside this issue

Small Business of the Month: See who received the plaque for this monthly award. Page 3

Giving back: Commissioner and local business join forces to raise money for school supplies. Page 14

After Hours: Members support members at July event. Page 4

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

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Catalyst volunteers exceed kickoff goal

On July 23, Catalyst Volunteers & Chamber board members celebrated the official kickoff of the Catalyst Campaign! With $105,953 in total sales, teams came together to eat, drink & congratulate the Campaign’s top producers to date. In celebration of our “Growing Green” theme, the Grass Root Organic Restaurant was on hand to share some VBLTs (Vegetarian BLT’s)

September 2009 Vol. XIX, No.9

and beautiful vegan, raw appetizers. Spencer & Sabrina even shared their newest addition, Ollie with the group. In addition, Tina & Tim from Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro (863-683-5267) provided delicious brownies, pastries & treats to satisfy the sweet tooth of everyone in attendance. • Continued on Page 2

start your engines!! Chamber Members…

sponsors:

Gold Campaign Backer

Campaign Training Sponsor

Campaign Growth Partner

Campaign Kickoff Partners

ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • Renewals • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move

The 2009 Car BQ Committee is pleased to announce planning for this year’s event has begun. Plan to fill up your tank with a delicious BBQ lunch at this year’s Car BQ Chamber fundraiser, November 20, 2009 at Tigertown. Need more information? Want to help? Call Katie Daughtrey at 688-8551, x241 or email her at: kdaughtrey@ lakelandchamber.com

Catalyst volunteers exceed goal • Continued from Page 1

“Growing Green” Supporting Sponsor, Warren Tree & Landscape shared information on how their company (the original green) was helping businesses and homeowners continue to preserve the environment. One suggestion, with energy costs on the rise, a well-placed tree can reduce heating and cooling costs, and add to the beauty of your property. Campaign Chair Nancy Cattarius (WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio) recognized Vice Chair Phil Wegman (Furr & Wegman Architects, PA) as the top producer to date with $22,000 in total sales! Sarah Case (JSK Consulting, Inc.) was recognized as the top Rookie producer to date with $2,000 on the board! What’s next for the Campaign? Join volunteers, board members & supporters on October 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Promenade (near the Lakeland Electric Building) for the Campaign’s Victory Celebration and dedication of 12 Florida-friendly Flame Maples. Sponsorships and advertising are still available; please visit Catalyst.LakelandChamber.com for additional information and contact information for Catalyst volunteers.

Volunteers cheer as Campaign Chair Nancy Cattarius, WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio shares that the kickoff goal has been surpassed.

Board member Alice Hunt, Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc., Board Chair Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc., and Catalyst Vice Chair Mary McQueen, tmr Agency, Inc., discuss the progress of the Campaign.

STRATEGIES FOR PROSPERITY WEBSTER UNIVERSITY CITY CENTER 101 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 150

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly

Volume Information: September 2009, Vol. XIX, No. 9

Anu Saxena Chairman of the Board Aaron Bates Managing Editor

Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President Kingston Partners Design

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 7:30 - 9:30 AM TOPIC: THE ECONOMIC “BIG PICTURE” SPEAKER: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL ADVISOR ARTHUR MCKEE, MCKEE INVESTMENT PLANNING JOIN FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS AT WEBSTER UNIVERSITY FOR OUR BUSINESSPREP WORKSHOP. COME ENJOY A LIGHT BREAKFAST AND LEARN THE FINANCIAL TRUTHS’ THAT TRANSCEND ANY ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND GET THE ECONOMIC "BIG PICTURE" THAT IS NOT REPORTED IN THE NEWS. YOU'LL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS. REGISTER EARLY BY VISITING BUSINESSPREP.LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM! Seating is limited and reservations are required. $15 Chamber Members Only. Visit the Chamber Store at: lakelandchamber.com to use your credit card or email [email protected] to pay with cash or check at the door. No. 2

Small Business of the Month Award presented Twenty three years ago, Joy Morse was the Acting Director of Nursing for Seven Critical Care Units at the University of Texas in Galveston. In 1986, she moved from Texas to Florida and had the courage and foresight to take a different career path and on September 1, 1987, she

opened the doors of Joy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc. as a State Farm Agent. With a full team of licensed associates and a combined experience of over 50 years, Joy’s office helps their customers with over 90 insurance and financial products. In April, 2008, Joy and her

August winner

Joy Morse Joy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc. 5727 US Highway 98 South Lakeland, FL 33812-4108 863/647-2915 Phone 863/648-0719 Fax [email protected] www.joymorse.biz

associates moved into their newly transformed building at 5727 US Highway 98 South in Lakeland.

Joy Morse, Joy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc. accepts the August Small Business of the Month Award from committee member, Gary Cleveland, Cleveland & Company, Inc. Also pictured (L-R) Stephanie Vazquez, Cathy Schneider and Patricia Welsh.

The Joy Morse Insurance Agency strives to offer exceptional customer service in a warm hometown atmosphere. Joy and her team of licensed associates care about every client and work diligently to connect the dots to make insurance and financial services easy for every client to understand. Joy is proud of her accomplishments of succeeding in a male dominated field, building a profitable • Continued on Page 5

Members Support Members at July Business After Hours From the moment that members walked into the Clubhouse, they knew that this was a first-class event. The setting at Lakeland’s newest luxury apartment homes was enhanced with balloon décor from Party People Celebration Co as guests began their evening by walking down the red carpet. Alexan at Lakeside Village was showcased by all the staff, but Rod Harris, Senior Property Manager, made sure that everyone was

There were lots of groups networking.

welcome. With help from Creative Gift Consultants owner Somer Huffman, Rod and his team created a relaxing and festive atmosphere around the pool – perfect for Chamber members to sample catering by Chef Paulie Culinary Services owner Paul Tippin and locally produced wines from Vintner’s Cellar Custom Winery served by owner Jeff Johnson. Finally, everyone enjoyed the smooth sounds of the Matthew Wengerd Trio

from underneath one of the shady pergolas. And, we couldn’t leave out on site sound provided by Center Door Productions and owner Ken Williams. Thanks to Alexan at Lakeside Village for providing a beautiful setting, and for the reminder to “Buy Lakeland” and partner with Chamber members.

is group is all smiles as they network and learn more about each others businesses.

Rod Harris, Senior Property Manager at Alexan at Lakeside Village, accepts the Plaque of Appreciation.

No. 4

SBA August • Continued from Page 3

insurance agency, having many loyal clients, and having an awesome group of associates to work with. Joy is presently a Board member of the Imperial Associates of Insurance and Financial Advisors and Vice President of Programs for ABWA Hollingsworth Chapter. Joy offers her help in the community through organizations that she is a member of in addition to volunteering at Philip O’Brien Elementary School. When Joy is not busy finding new customers or helping on-board clients, she can be found cheering for her sons, Ryan and Jake, as they play baseball for Lakeland City Baseball and Rawlings AAU Teams. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Joy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc. as the Small Business of the Month for August.

Members gather for July’s Schmooze a’ Palooza On July 9, 50 members joined the chefs at Mt. Fuji Steakhouse & Sushi Buffet for power networking the Chamber way! Before the meal, attendees spent time meeting and greeting each other and learning more about how their businesses could partner to continue to sustain Lakeland’s economy. Businesses from every industry were available to share more about how they could support fellow members and how they could be supported.

Nearly 50 Chamber members network at the July Schmooze a’Palooza event.

Schmooze a’Palooza is just one way that the Chamber continues to communicate the “Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents.” Campaign. All those in attendance were helpful in reminding business owners to patronize fellow Chamber members for commercial needs as well as residential. And, on the positive side of things, not one member mentioned the “down economy”! Schmooze a’Palooza continues to be a successful event for those that attend. Be sure to mark your calendars for the November 12 event to be held at Florida Southern College!

Bill Masters, Cartridge & Toner Zone, Chamber Trustee Member Sandy Serletic, Citizens Bank & Trust, and Chamber Champion Dillon Daniels, All Solar, catch up on business.

Chamber Champion Bryan Mau, CPS Investment Advisors, shares his 30-second commercial with the group.

No. 6

No. 8

RENEWALS

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

20+ Years Renewals 1965 - 44 Years Belk #355 1975 - 34 Years Bent's Cycling & Fitness 1978 - 31 Years The Philpot Law Group, P.A. Stanley Properties 1979 - 30 Years MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union 1980 - 29 Years American General Finance, Inc. Wallis Murphey Boyington Architects, Inc. 1984 25 Years W. A. Magarino, MD, PA 1985 - 24 Years Micro Path Laboratories, Inc. 1986 - 23 Years Greg's Hallmark Shoppe 1988 - 21 Years Drug Prevention Resource Center, Inc. Lifestyle Family Fitness Lakeland Seafood, Inc. 1989 - 20 Years Allied Scrap Processors, Inc

15-Year Renewals RE/MAX Paramount Properties

10-Year Renewals Stephen D. Herman, CPA Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. MDM Services, Inc.

5-Year Renewals Creative Refinishing, Inc. Go Chamber Power FL McKeel Elementary Academy Gator Ford & Gator Lincoln Mercury Parrish & Parrish CPA’s, P.A.

NEW MEMBERS

e Chamber is proud to welcome 24 new members for July 2009 Access Fitness

5291 US Highway 98 S Lakeland, FL 33812 (863) 937-8028 Fax: (813) 464-8056 www.accessfitnesslakeland.com Scott Hills Health Clubs

Broadway Real Estate Services 500 S Florida Ave Ste 420 Lakeland, FL 33801-5267 (863) 683-3425 Fax: (863) 683-3425 www.resbroadway.com Matthew Clark Real Estate-Commercial/Industrial

Church of the Resurrection

Crimsafe North America LL

3020 Reynolds Rd Ste 1 - 3 Lakeland, FL PO Box 2440 Eaton Park, FL 33840-2440 (863) 510-1088 (866) 740-3888 Fax: (863) 665-0485 www.crimsafe.com Peter Bouma Manufacturers

DC's Sports Bar

1015 S Florida Ave Lakeland 33803-1117 PO Box 8856 Lakeland, FL 33805-8856 (863) 682-2300 www.dcssportsbar.com Joy M. Browne Lounges

Fields Motorcars

3855 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33813-1109 (863) 646-3556 Fax: (863) 644-8697 www.churchoftheres.net Joe D'Orsaneo Churches/Synagogues

209 S. Lake Parker Ave. Lakeland, FL 33801-5741 (863) 688-8111 Gary Gordon Automobile - Dealers - New

CJ Pallet Co., Inc.

First Help Urgent Care Clinic

3850 Old Tampa Hwy Lakeland, FL 33811-1108 (863) 688-4042 (800) 227-2253 Fax: (863) 802-8722 Brian Pearlman Wooden Pallets

Cookie Jar Bakeshop

305 E Main St Bartow, FL 33830-4716 (863) 519-3333 Fax: (863) 519-3403 www.cookiejarbakeshop.com Maura Galbraith Bakers

Creative Sign Designs

12801 Commodity Place Tampa, FL 33626-3104 (813) 818-7100 (800) 804-4809 Fax: (813) 749-2311 www.creativesigndesigns.com Jamie Harden Signs

1801 Crystal Lake Dr Lakeland, FL 33801-5979 (863) 299-8485 Fax: (407) 386-3342 www.uc-walkin.com Tommy L. Louisville, M.D. Clinics

Hicks Advertising Group

The Latt Maxcy Corporation 21299 US Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859-6851 (863) 679-6700 Hood Craddock Real Estate

Magnify Credit Union/Bartow 1790 N Broadway Ave Bartow, FL 33830-3103 (863) 582-7300 Fax: (863) 582-7303 www.magnifycu.org Kelli Ingle Credit Unions

Magnify Credit Union/Lakeland 961 E County Road 540 A Lakeland, FL 33813-6800 (863) 644-9104 Fax: (863) 644-9326 www.magnifycu.org Dave Fisher Credit Unions

Magnify Credit Union/Traviss 3225 Winter Lake Rd Lakeland, FL 33803-9709 (863) 666-2025 Fax: (863) 666-2021 www.magnifycu.org Yesenia Weaver Credit Unions

Magnify Credit Union/ Winter Haven

10012 N Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 213 Tampa, FL 33618-4425 (813) 908-7722 Fax: (813) 908-7708 Bob Hicks Advertising

3501 Cypress Gardens Rd Winter Haven, FL 33884-2459 (863) 618-1000 Fax: (863) 618-1003 www.magnifycu.org Melissa Ticson Credit Unions

Lakeland Montessori School

Miller, Crosby & Miller, P.A.

1124 N Lake Parker Ave Lakeland, FL 33805-4725 (863) 413-0003 Fax: (863) 413-0006 www.lakelandmontessori.com Josie Zinninger Schools - Charter

2323 S. Florida Ave. PO Box 8169 Lakeland, FL 33802-8169 (863) 688-7038 Fax: (863) 688-2619 www.mcmpalaw.com Sozon C. Vatikiotis Attorneys

Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge you 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! No. 10

Oglesby & Company Auctioneers

215 E Main St Bartow, FL 33830-4632 (863) 533-7900 Fax: (863) 533-7911 www.oglesbyauctioneers.com Sue Helms Auctioneers

QB & Associates of Florida, Inc. 704 N Combee Rd 33801-3056 PO Box 24732 Lakeland, FL 33802-4732 (863) 665-3221 Fax: (863) 665-3229 Sheryl McKinley General Contractors

SendOutCards

5220 Lakeland Highlands Rd Lakeland, FL 33813-3214 (863) 370-8545 Jan Coachman Direct Mail

Sendoutcards.com

11919 Backland Path Polk City, FL 33868-2604 (863) 397-7531 www.sendoutcards.com\74866 Leah Stine Direct Mail

Tijuana Flats

4796 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-2121 www.tijuanaflats.com Brandy Blackwell Restaurants

USA Computer Technologies, Inc.

3930 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-1114 (863) 648-4443 Fax: (863) 644-1652 www.usacns.com Arthur Alvarez Computers - Sales & Service

No. 12

JULY TOURISM INQUIRIES

During the month of July, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of

individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community.

Walk-in Visitors..................................324 Relocation Response Mailings ......... 11 Relocation Response (Walk In) ........ 34 Accommodations...................................1

Winter Accommodations .......................0 Visitor Information Mailings .................33 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............156

MARK YOUR CALENDAR EVENTS

September 9

EMERGE Lakeland Book Review by Larry Ross and David Steele, Florida Southern College, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

September 10

BusinessPrep Workshop Webster University, 101 W. Main St. 7:30 – 9:30 AM

September 16

Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association, State of the Schools, Lakeland Yacht & Country Club

September 17

Business After Hours Fun Bike Center Motorsports, 1845 E. Memorial Blvd. 5:30 – 7:30 PM

MEETINGS September 9

Government Affairs, 8:00 AM BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland 9:00 AM

September 15

EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee Meeting, 3:45 PM

September 16

Executive Committee Meeting 4:00 PM

Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill teams up with Commissioner

Local City Commissioner Justin Troller and restaurant entrepreneurs Kenny Baldwin and Natalie Oldenkamp of Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill have joined forces to raise money for school supplies benefitting the students of 10 area elementary and middle schools. The idea surfaced when Kenny’s daughter was assigned a school project that ultimately cost the family over $100.

lunch, dinner, or even happy hour, and ask for Kenny. He is more than happy to accept a donation!

Natalie’s is located at 3120 South Florida Avenue and has recently started dinner deliveries to the south Lakeland area. For more information on how you can help, call Kenny Baldwin at 863-644-6000.

Kenny was shocked and couldn’t imagine that every family in his daughter’s school would be capable of affording such an expense. He expressed these concerns to Commissioner Troller one night at the restaurant, and the idea took off. Natalie’s would hire Justin as a server, and Justin would donate his wages and tips to the cause. The group is in the process of forming a 501(c)3 and looking for matching donations from local businesses. Commissioner Troller’s goal was to raise $1,500 by August 24th and we are happy to report that he surpassed his goal! Congratulations! Giving back is nothing new to Commissioner Troller. He promised during his 2007 campaign that he would donate his commission earnings to charity- and he has kept his promise, donating $12,000 to various Lakeland charities in 2008! Commissioner Troller has returned to his day job teaching History at Lakeland High School and coaching the Dreadnaught wrestling team. But you can still help!! Call for delivery or drop by Natalie’s for

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to give a big thumbs up to Commissioner Justin Troller and the crew at Natalie’s for continuing to go above and beyond for their community. No. 14

LEDC wraps up second annual

YLakeland Summer Leadership Program The 2009 YLakeland Summer Leadership Program was lead by LEDC intern Savannah Eaves, a junior at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois and a 2007 graduate of Lakeland Christian School. The 2009 SLP Program Chair was Antwan Key, Communications Specialist at the City of Lakeland and a member of the inaugural YLakeland Summer Leadership Program Class I.

Beginning in the Summer of 2008, YLakeland launched an 8-week (June-July) Summer Leadership Program (SLP) for interns and new hires. The program was started under the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s High-Skill High-Wage initiative. The LEDC staff facilitated the pilot program which included 45 participants from 17 local companies. The main goal of the program was to connect College Students/Young Professionals to Lakeland and to each other in an effort to attract and retain talent.

For more information on the Lakeland Economic Development Council or our YLakeland program, please contact Laura Taylor at 863-687-3788 or [email protected].

The Lakeland Economic Development Council is pleased to announce that the following 40 participants from 27 companies have completed the 2nd Annual YLakeland Summer Leadership Program: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Morgan Andrews, Lockheed Martin Corporation Ashley Barnett, Polk County School Board Brett Blondell, Rodda Construction Amber Cook, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Kaley Cooper, City of Lakeland Hilary Crenshaw, Boring Business Systems Travis Dimming, DSM.net Tia Donathan, Watson Clinic Jacob Driggers, Crowe Horwath Alexis Echeverria, Polk Works Kevin Estroff, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Laura Fannin, Marriott Vacation Club International Rodney Gadd, JSK Consulting Matt Green, Crowe Horwath Michael Hanlin, Lockheed Martin Corporation Craig Harwick, Lockheed Martin Corporation Justin Heacock, Heacock Insurance Rennie Heath, Bright House Networks Matthew Jones, GrayRobinson, P.A. Michael Kincart, Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alex Koskey, Peterson & Myers, P.A. Sarah Malone, City of Lakeland Karlo Martinez, Southern Wine and Spirits Shawn McCole, Rita Staffing LaurieAnn McDonald, Polk Works Matthew McGowan, Watson Clinic Patrick Mize, City of Lakeland Sean Morris, City of Lakeland Carlos Parra, Polk State College Stacy Pfannenstiel, WellDyneRx Lauren Saunders, Saunders Real Estate Omar Sebti, Lockheed Martin Corporation Ryan Scully, Crowe Horwath Anna Shirokova, Saddle Creek Corporation Brendan Smith, Qgiv.com David Stark, City of Lakeland Melvin Thompson, Polk State College Alana Trimmier, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation Kimber Wiggs, Bagley Advertising Idea Pros Ryan Zika, Peterson & Myers, P.A.

AUGUST MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Qgiv, Inc. Todd Baylis and Brendan Smith of Qgiv, Inc. recently attended the 46th Annual Association of Fundraising Professionals Conference in New Orleans. This was a great opportunity to showcase Qgiv in front of thousands of non-profit and tax-exempt organizations from across the US.

Fantasy of Flight Kermit Weeks will once again participate in the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration -“2009 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh” – For more information visit www.airventure.org.

Cipher Integrations Todd Baylis of Cipher Integrations is proud to announce the recent acquisition of the Microsoft Small Business Specialist Certification. In order to qualify as an SBS, Cipher had to show a proven competency in marketing, selling, planning, and building network solutions for all small businesses. ASC geosciences, inc. Pleased to announce that Murali Bommareddy has joined their staff as Senior Staff Engineer. Watson Clinic LLP, South Proud to announce the addition of dermatologists Catherine B. Marcum, MD to their expert team of physicians. Ross Vecchio, PA Charles A. Flint II has joined the firm as an associate attorney, specializing in workers' compensation defense. The Mahoney Group, Inc. Pleased to announce Anna Coco joining The Mahoney Group, Inc. as a Commercial Sales Associate. OMS Group, Inc. Betty Leslie recently joined OMS, a leading benefits and payroll firm, as the Benefits Manager. PSC The Polk State College Alumni Association has donated $20,000 to PSC Foundation. The monies will be used to endow a scholarship for deserving Polk State College students. Alliance for Independence Pleased to welcome Sherrie D. Long director of Marketing at Allen and Company and Anne-Marie Wendel to its Board of Directors. No. 16

Watson Clinic Pleased to welcome Alexander H. Le, MD to their expert team of radiologists. Dr. Le will practice from our Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

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

The Salvation Army Captain's Stanley & Deborah Colbert are the new Corps Officers for The Salvation Army serving Western Polk County. They are transferring from Greensville, S.C. They have been Salvation Army officers for 10 years.

Furr & Wegman Architects, PA Announces – Crystal Lester, LEEP AP became a Licensed Architect in the State of Florida on July 8, 2009. Her most recent GREEN project is the design and construction of a new office building for Kyra InfoTech, currently being constructed by Olivera Construction.

Swan Development Advisors, Inc. Pleased to announce Rachel Booth a Senior Town Planner and Project Manager. Through her education, time as a community volunteer, and in her professional work, she has dedicated herself to her passion for work in urban redevelopment and affordable housing. Also, pleased to announce Stefanie von Paleske-Bush a Senior Planner with over 18 years of planning and project coordinator experience. Stephanie provides public sector services including preparation of Comprehensive Plan Amendments, annexations, zone changes, impact assessment statements, and planned unit development applications. Douglass Screen Printers, Inc. Lisa Kaiser Hickey recently attended the Women’s Business Conference Chicago 2009 hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners in Chicago, Illinois June 24-26. Conference graphics were provided by Douglass Screen Printers, a bronze sponsor of the event. Pediatric Therapy Service, Inc. Proud to announce that Christine Kangas and Dana Herrington have been awarded their Certificate of Clinical Competency. Christine and Dana joined PTS in June 2008 as a Speech Language Pathologist with a specialty in working with the pediatric population. Senior Helpers Jorge Giraldo, MBA, owner of Senior Helpers has received his designation as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. Becoming a CSA provides Jorge with advanced training on the Health, Social and Financial well being to assist seniors and their families. MIDFLORIDA Real Estate Sales, LLC Pleased to officially welcome several experienced realtors: Alfredo Perez, Christopher Clark, Elizabeth Kreticos, Hayacinth Baxter, Leslie Askew and Lisa Brown.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

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

3400 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809-3803 863/859-7772 • www.hooters.com

Hooters North

4796 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813-2121 863/937-9155 • www.tijuanaflats.com

Alexan at Lakeside Village

5216 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813-2516 863/937-9141 • www.redelephantpizza.com

Tijuana Flats

Red Elephant Pizza and Grill

1555 Village Center Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803-2802 863/499-0004 • www.alexanatlakesidevillage.com

CORRECTION: The incorrect website address was published in the August Forum under the ribbon cutting photo for Agnini Family Dental. The correct address is www.agninidental.com.

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU

Special thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher, City Commissioner Jim Verplanck, City Commissioner Howard Wiggs and all of the board members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event. No. 18

SAVE THE

DATE

Bright House Networks presents the

19th Annual Chamber Scramble Thursday, November 5th, 2009. Look for the flyer in the October FORUM FOR BUSINESS or online at www.lakelandchamber.com. Sponsorships available…contact [email protected] or 863.688-8551, ext. 223.

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Chamber member Your RSVP is appreciated! Visit BAH.LakelandChamber.com to use your credit card or email [email protected] to pay with cash or check at the door.

Return Service Requested

PAID

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M.

PERMIT # 31 LAKELAND FLORIDA

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce FUN BIKE CENTER MOTORSPORTS 1845 E. MEMORIAL BLVD.