March 2009 Forum

inside this issue

Hats Off: Volunteers head out into the cold to deliver info to new members. Page 10

Annual Meeting: Author Andy Andrews speaks to Chamber members. Page 4

After Hours: Networking at the Girls & Boys Club of Lakeland. Page 14

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

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

DIVERSITY: DON’T HIDE FROM IT, CELEBRATE IT!

March 2009 Vol. XIX, No.3

CommUnity Celebration ‘09 Featuring Keynote Speaker: Barrier Breaking CNN Anchor Betty Nguyen

Thursday, March 19, 2009 – 11:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m. The Lakeland Center – Exhibit Hall Purchase Your Tickets Online! Visit www.LakelandChamber.com And click on CommUnity Celebration Doors open at 11:15 a.m.

Ticket Price: $25.00 - Individual Tickets Corporate Table Sponsor Available: $500 1/2 Corporate Table Sponsor: $300 (all tickets include parking) presenting sponsors:

State sporting events once again create slam dunk for Lakeland’s Economy! Each year high school volleyball, wrestling and basketball teams from across the state battle for their respective state titles at the Lakeland Center bringing thousands of fans and supporters to the area with them. Lakeland was pleased to host once again the 2009 Florida High School Championships during February and March. The 2009 tournament season was no exception making area merchants the real winners by creating more than:

$6MILLION IN SPENDING throughout Polk County!

WONN/ WPCV/ WLKF/ WWRZ supporting sponsor: FOCUS MAGAZINE

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

LEADERSHIP LAKELAND PRESENTS

JERE ANNIS AWARD What do you call someone who is known for being a next to perfect spouse, parent and grandparent, is considered the consummate, responsible professional in their business, has volunteered and served their community in so many ways there is not time to mention them all, and is full of so much energy they work on little sleep in order to accomplish all of the above. You call that person this year’s Jere Annis Award winner. This year’s award winner has a long list of talents, enviable personal traits, and career achievements. The only time this so called “Energizer Bunny” can relax is when they are pulled to the beach for long weekends with their family. Otherwise, they are getting by on 3 to 4 hours of sleep a night. They have been known, though, to nod off at work. This year’s winner could also qualify for animal lover of the year award. They’ve been known to sleep on the floor of their closet on an air mattress for two weeks nursing their dying cat. When the circus came to town they somehow were given responsibility for a tiger cub which they kept in their office at work. This person is considered to be a gourmet cook but due to all the personal, business and community obligations they have taken on, rarely have time for a home cooked meal. Christmas gifts have sometimes been hidden in the unused oven. They are a shrewd shopper who could easily take on a second career as one of those “professional shoppers”. Stretching a dollar is not a new phenomenon for this person. Interior designing is another talent of this person. They have been asked by their business clients to moonlight in that capacity at their homes. This year’s winner has more than once taken on an interior design project for the Parade of Homes. According to her equally lovely daughter, she is such a shoe fan she could make Imelda Marcos look like a first-time shoe shopper. The quote was something like “she could wear a different pair every day for three years and not wear the same pair twice.” This year’s Jere Annis Award winner is our own

Chamber holds inaugural Retail aCCess program Lakeland retailers were at work well before their shops opened on January 12, meeting at Bramble Ridge Golf Course for the inaugural event of the Lakeland Chamber’s Retail aCCess program. After indulging in Chef Paulie’s superb omelet bar, attendees were treated to an informative and inspiring presentation from Mary Kay National Sales Director, Bett Vernon. Bett’s 24 years as an entrepreneur provided her insights into creating customer communities and persevering. She likened our current economic situation to a deep winter storm back home in South Dakota. Even on the darkest of days, she knew that, early or late, Spring would come. She encouraged us to use exceptional customer service to set us apart from our competition and turn our customers into a sales force. Without undue optimism, Bett painted a hopeful picture for those willing to put their customers’ needs above their own. Matthew Wengerd spoke on using social media to grow and enhance customer communities. Intended to show that the internet can be used to deepen personal interactions with customers instead of substituting for them, the presentation showed how companies can use blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and other social networking applications to enhance their customers’ experience. Chef Paulie and Bett even made guest appearances on Twitter! Many thanks to the Verizon Wireless store at 4120 S. Florida Ave. for providing the Chamber with internet access for the presentation. You can find links to the Chamber’s pages on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn at LakelandChamber.com

Nancy Cattarius.

Nancy has been in the radio business for over 30 years and with WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ RADIO for 26 of those years. She has risen to the very important position of station manager. Her achievements, recognitions and leadership roles she has achieved over her career are way too lengthy to mention. What distinguishes Nancy, though, and what brought her this award is her community involvement. She is serving as the President of the Florida Southern College Alumni Association. She is Past President of our own Leadership Nancy Cattarius Lakeland Alumni and a proud graduate of Class II, Past Advisory Board Chairman of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, Past President of the American Cancer Society for the West Polk Unit, Past Chairman of the Partnership for a Drug Free Florida for the Polk County chapter, Past Chairman of the Small Business Awards Committee for the Lakeland Chamber and, finally has served or is currently serving on the boards of Florida Southern’s Board of Trustees, Peace River Center, the SPCA , The Lakeland Pigfest, Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board, the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s Community Advisory Board, the Lakeland Chamber and the Lakeland Chamber Foundation. This is a condensed list of her much longer list of efforts. There are many others.

Mary Kay National Sales Director Bett Vernon shares her best practices for keeping customers engaged with business.

Matthew Wengerd, LCOC Staff, presents the power of new media through social networking sites like Twitter.com and Facebook.com and through blogging sites like WordPress.com. Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly Volume Information: March 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 3

Anu Saxena Chairman of the Board

And finally, she is the proud mother of Elisa, and she’s also an equally proud grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. And the guy who is there to cheer her on in all that she does is her loving husband, Bob Cattarius. Congratulations to Nancy Cattarius, the very deserving recipient of this year’s Jere Annis Award.

Aaron Bates Managing Editor No. 2

Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President Kingston Partners Design

Small Business of the Month Award presented “O u r R e p ut a t io n is Bu i l di n g ,” is a slogan that describes Milco Construction’s successful growth through satisfied customers that provide repeat business and referrals.

George Miller established Milco Construction Inc. in 1962. With a background in residential building, Mr. Miller made a transition into commercial construction and steel erection. More than four decades later Jeff Miller and Janey Miller Futch own and operate Milco Construction. The company specializes in

pre-engineered building systems. They offer clients design to build services that allows them to control and be responsible for a project from plans to delivering the keys to the owner. Additionally they re-roof and retrofit existing metal buildings.

February winner

Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida 4310 Wallace Road Lakeland, FL 33813 863/709-0293 Phone 863/709-0384 Fax [email protected] www.milcoconstruction.com

Milco’s mission statement is to thoroughly understand your building goals and objectives, to transform architectural plans into reality, on time and within budget. And, if possible, in time to allow early occupancy. Jeff Miller believes that delivering on their mission is responsible for the high percentage of repeat business they enjoy. Looking to the future, Milco Construction will deliver commercial construction services that build on the firm foundation that Mr. George Miller started almost 50 years ago.

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Don Pickard (Pickard & Pickard Realtors, Inc.) presents the February Small Business of the Month Award to Janey Miller Futch and Jeffrey E. Miller, Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida as the February Small Business of the Month Award winner.

2008 CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING The 2008 Chamber Annual Meeting on February 3 was a huge success! With a theme of “Sailing Above Rough Seas,” 2008 Chairman of the Board Timothy F. Campbell (Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.) presided over the evening’s festivities. We’d like to thank the following sponsors of the 2008 Annual Meeting. Without their generous support, this event would not have been possible:

GrayRobinson, P.A.

The Ledger Publix Super Markets, Inc. Southeastern University Watson Clinic, LLP

yed hearing 1,000 members and guests enjo New York internationally known speaker and rews as he Times best-selling author Andy And Seas: How to presented “Sailing Above Rough nturn.” Andy Prosper During an Economic Dow with humor tion atten s ence’ audi the red captu “perspective and common sense as he shared that the data … hing anyt than t rtan is more impo omic average, defines a recession is merely an econ panies are and does not mean that all com headed for ruin.”

presented to John W. e George Jenkins Award was on of Greater Fitzwater (Community Foundati ributions to the cont us endo trem his for ) land Lake ins’ daughter, Jenk Mr. y. unit comm and r Chambe ntation. (l-r): prese the e mad ett, Barn ins Carol Jenk irman Tim Cha and ater Fitzw John Carol Barnett, Campbell.

were the m a cappella ational Anthe Singing the N Florida Southern College. of ree Tenors No. 4

e Scott Linder Small Busines s of the Year Award was presente Folsom Construction and Lar d to ry and Glenn Folsom, by Mar tha Linder, widow of Scott Linder, in whose honor the award is named. (l-r) Tim Campbell, Larry Fols om, Martha Linder, and Glen n Folsom.

Outgoing Chairma n Tim Campbell (r) officially passed the gavel to 20 09 Saxena (ASC geoscie Chairman of the Board Anu nces, inc.) at the con clusion of the evening’s festivities . Pictured le, Ihla Sloman (l-r) and Nancy Cattarius enjoyed visiting during the reception. Below, the Matthew Wengerd Trio provided great jazz music during the reception and dinner.

Why Lakeland

makes good cents. We ask ourselves “why do we do the things we do”? Let me share with you why I joined the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. As a business owner and marketing director, I know first hand the importance of networking, education and productive advertising. Jennifer Smith

Through the numerous networking opportunities the Chamber offers the sky is the limit to promote myself and my business. I can take advantage of educational opportunities not to mention that the Chamber is always open to what their members would like to hear about and always finding ways to help their members get the resources they need or desire. As for advertising, my advertising gets in the hands of business people in the community who truly believe in supporting the local community and the importance of doing business with other Chamber members. Over the years I have joined various Chamber committees, attended as many events as I can, am a proud Chamber Champion, mentoring new members, and have developed great friendships. My only challenge being a chamber member has been not being able to attend all the various networking opportunities that are available to me. That’s not a bad challenge to have! So ask yourselves “Why should I join the chamber”? You will go on and on with this one so let’s get on to the real question “Why shouldn’t I?” For those of you who know me, can you believe that I have NO answer for this one? I usually have an answer for everything! LOL. I encourage everyone to join me at various Chamber events and you’ll quickly learn for yourself the answer to my question.

Jennifer Smith Florida Remodeling & Designs, Inc [email protected]

No. 6

MARK YOUR CALENDAR EVENTS

Wednesday, March 4

EMERGE Lakeland Professional Development Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. PCC Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Road – Room 1207, Lakeland, FL

Monday, March 9

Retail aCCess, 8:00 – 9:30 am Bramble Ridge Golf Course Banquet Room 2505 Bramble Ridge Dr.

Thursday, March 12

Schmooze a'Palooza,11:30 a.m. Brima, 3131 Flightline Dr, Ste. 200 Reservations Required

Thursday, March 19

CommUnity Celebration, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The Lakeland Center, Exhibit Hall 701 W. Lime Street

Thursday, March 26

Business After Hours 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Office Furniture Depot 2440 US Highway 98, N.

MEETINGS

Wednesday, March 11

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

Thursday, March 12

Leadership Lakeland XXVI Area Economy Day

Wednesday, March 18

Executive Committee Meeting 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25

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

TIRED OF OPENING ALL THAT MAIL? The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to help you out with that by sending your future invoices via E-mail. Not only will it save you time but you would be helping us “Save the Trees.” If your company is interested in receiving the E-mail version of invoices, please complete the information below and return to: Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 3607 Attn: Invoices Lakeland, FL 33802-3607 YES! I WANT TO RECEIVE INVOICES BY E-MAIL Company Name:

Billing Contact Name:

Address:

City: State: E-mail: Phone:

Zip:

EMERGE kicks off year with luncheon EMERGE Lakeland kicked-off 2009 with a luncheon hosted by Community Southern Bank on January 22. The speaker was Margaret Anne Wheeler, Senior Coordinator of Community Involvement with Polk County Schools. Ms. Wheeler gave an inspiring presentation on volunteer opportunities in Polk County Schools and how we can get involved. “Everyone can make a difference in someone’s life”, Wheeler stated. Students are in need of mentors. Mentors are positive, patient, committed and consistent. Become more involved by visiting www.polk-fl.net. Volunteering is one mission of EMERGE Lakeland.

Yacht & County Club on April 21st. Check out EMERGE’s website for more details. If you are interested in getting more involved in EMERGE, consider serving on a committee. The marketing, technology, volunteer, events and membership committees are all looking for assistance.

Chamber Schmooze

EMERGE Lakeland promotes social interaction among young professionals, opportunities for philanthropic engagement and career enrichment. EMERGE thanks Ms. Wheeler and Community Southern Bank for a great event. EMERGE Lakeland’s annual event hosting community leaders will be held at the Lakeland

Fax:

No. 8

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 www.lakelandchamber.com. In 2009, EMERGE Lakeland will be launching another initiative “EMERGE Green.” We will be working to become more environmentally friendly and reduce our carbon footprint on the planet. It is our desire for this to become a community-wide effort in the future.

HATS OFF TO NEW MEMBERS

“Hats Off” to New Members was held January 22 at the Howard Johnson Executive Center. About 70 volunteers braved the cold weather to help the Chamber distribute the new membership materials for 2009. Special thanks to Community Southern Bank for delivering all of Bartow, and to Fifth Third Bank for delivering all of the left-over delivery cards the day after the event. Five Secret Hat companies provided an additional incentive for those volunteers delivering their information. Dillon Daniels reported excellent results and many new contacts for his company, Solar Source, while the folks at Lexwan, continued to ask for delivery cards because of the great results they had! Remember this event for next year, it is great exposure for you and your company, and really helps the Chamber. A big thanks to all who helped and big thank you to all our great Chamber members for a very successful event.

Special thanks to the Secret Hat companies: Image Creations by Billie Fred’s Southern Kitchen TAB Office Systems Community Southern Bank Florida Career Institute

NEW MEMBERS

e Chamber is proud to welcome 13 new members for January 2009 1A Home Improvement LLC

Winter Haven, FL 33880-1024 (863) 206-1884 www.1Ahomeimprovement.com Henry Linden Home Improvements

Ameriprise Financial

5426 Bay Center Dr Ste 200 Tampa, FL 33609-3435 (863) 398-7797 (888) 244-8619 Fax: (813) 876-9185 www.ameriprise.com James W. Mewborn Financial Services

CrossFit Lakeland

3111 US Highway 98 S Ste 110 Lakeland, FL 33803-8318 (863) 937-8052 www.crossfitlakeland.com Michael & Kim Knaisch Jason Tarantino Health & Wellness

IKON Office Solutions

5100 W. Lemon St., Ste 250 Tampa, FL 33609-1128 (813) 261-2000 Ext 4472 Fax: (813) 261-2500 www.ikon.com Kevin Kennedy Office Machines - Sales & Service Billie Porche, Image Creations by Billie, presents Debra Cobb, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, a Secret Hat containing a $50.00 Gi Certificate.

Keel & Curley Winery

5202 Thonotosassa Rd Plant City, FL 33565-5700 (813) 752-9100 Fax: (813) 752-9199 www.keelandcurleywinery.com Amanda Dixon Wine - Retailer Weddings

Liberty Mutual

Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc. welcomes the volunteers.

3666 Harden Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803-5968 (893) 644-7798 (877) 665-7183 Fax: (863) 644-7918 www.libertymutual.com Jeremy Keller Insurance

Madison at Lake Gibson

Sherry Canto of TAB Office Systems admires the Secret Hat she presented to Jennifer Stewart of Railroad & Industrial Credit Union.

5233 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809-0548 (863) 859-5553 Fax: (863) 859-7852 Vicky Jones Apartments No. 10

The Maguires of Lakeland

Lakeland, FL 33801-5520 (863) 838-7891 www.maguire-consulting.com Michael & Phyllis Maguire Business Consultants Photography

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning of Polk County

Lakeland, FL 33809-7608 (863) 286-2568 Fax: (863) 815-1270 www.oxifresh.com David Englund Cleaners - Carpet/Upholstery/Drapery

PinnaCall Technologies, LLC Lakeland, FL 33813-1331 (863) 825-0209 Fax: (813) 354-2454 www.pinnacalltech.com Fred McConnell Telecommunications

Play The Game Golf

2425 Harden Blvd #228 Lakeland, FL 33803-5955 (863) 687-6068 (863) 398-1995 Chuck Castor Golf Courses

Universal Restoration Services of Florida

3810 Drane Field Rd Ste 26 Lakeland, FL 33811-1234 (863) 430-7290 (800) 357-8676 Fax: (866) 872-1310 www.4universal.com Chris Ananias Contractors

Warner University

5015 S Florida Ave Ste 210 Lakeland, FL 33813-2562 (863) 607-9452 (800) 497-2972 Fax: (863) 638-4967 www.warner.edu Timothy Dodd Education 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!

No. 12

RENEWALS

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

20+ Year Renewals

1940 - 69 Years The Ledger 1944 - 65 Years Nathan's Men's Store 1947 - 62 Years Lanier Upshaw, Inc. 1950 - 59 Years Harrell's, Inc. Phillips Photographers 1951 - 58 Years Publix Super Markets, Inc. 1952 - 57 Years Joyner Lumber and Supply Co 1953 - 56 Years Lakeland Memorial Gardens Country Hearth Bakery Lakeland Gillum-Waddell Plumbing Co., Inc. 1956 - 53 Years Bernie Little Distributors 1960 - 49 Years Heath Funeral Home 1962 - 47 Years Cannon Sline Industrial, Inc. 1963 - 46 Years Regal Automotive Group Holland & Knight LLP

1967 - 42 Years McKay Enterprises Superior Paving, Inc. Bright House Networks 1969 - 40 Years Jefferson-Allsopp, Inc. 1972 - 37 Years Colonial Bank 1973 - 36 Years Straughn Trout Architects, LLC 1975 - 34 Years Sonitrol 1979 - 30 Years Heacock Insurance Group 1980 - 29 Years Smith Barney 1981 - 28 Years Overhead Door Co. of Polk County 1982 - 27 Years Tidwell's Urethane Foam Service 1983 - 26 Years Harley-Davidson/Buell of Lakeland, Inc. 1984 - 25 Years Keith Hilliard, D.M.D., P.A. Hooters South Lakeland Avon Leasing, Inc. Register Construction & Engineering, Inc. 1985 - 24 Years Brett Blackmon, Inc.

1987 - 22 Years Winslow Engineering Group, Inc. 1988 - 21 Years Troiano & Roberts, P.A. Eye Express Jimbo's Pit Bar-B-Q LeMans Apartment Suites 1989 - 20 Years Newberry's Refrigeration Cheatwood Chiropractic Offices, P.A. APG Electric, Inc.

15 Year Renewals Esquire Salon & Day Spa

10 Year Renewals Hawthorne Inn Sterling Place Hampton Inn

5 Year Renewals The End Zone Family Sports Restaurant Flanders Electric Motor Service, Inc. Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Ryder Logistics & Transportation Lakeside Village a Casto Lifestyle Property

Business After Hours held at Boys & Girls Club of Lakeland The January Business After Hours was held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland located at 950 Pinewood Ave. A collaborative event with Alpha Appraisal Services, this event provided a great example of members working together to make it happen. Celebrating 70 years of service, the Boys and Girls Club opened their doors to enthusiastic Chamber members ready to learn about the club and also to help each other to promote their businesses. ZOHRA’S Restaurant provided great food which included their famous jumbo lump crab cakes, Romesco shrimp, and other delicious fare. Door prizes and plaque presentations rounded off the evening. Thanks to the

staff at the Boys and Girls Club and a special thanks to Greg White of Alpha Appraisals for helping the club celebrate their anniversary. Members enjoy food provided by ZOHRA’S Restaurant.

Bill Luffman accepts the Plaque of Appreciation for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland.

Greg White accepts the Plaque of Appreciation for Alpha Appraisal Services, Inc.

Door Prizes always draw a crowd.

No. 14

First-year members celebrate benefits of Chamber membership The Chamber’s annual "Cheers for First Year Members" event was held at Arbor Glen Apartments on January 27. On hand were first year members, board members, Chamber staff and Chamber Champions to enjoy great food from Presenting Sponsor, Texas Cattle Company. The pool and the outdoor patio glowed with the creative decorations of Party People Celebration Co. owner Joette Giardina. Attendees completed a Human Scavenger Hunt that provided an easy way to network and Arbor Glen tested everyone’s learning and retention

skills as they visited the model apartments. Guests were quizzed and property manager Kathern Cox scored the responses and presented gift certificates from Publix and Best Buy to the winners. Even new members got in the giving mood with additional prizes given by Create an Image Salon owner Denise Lane, and Dillon Daniels gave away tickets to promote the Kiwanis Clubs Pancake Breakfast. The evening came to a close as the “Chamber Champion of the Year” was awarded to Ken

Emmitt, Employ America, Inc. Ken was chosen because he actively engaged new members by making them comfortable at Chamber events and also was able to help them with everyday challenges in new businesses. Champions Presenting Sponsor The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP is proud to support Ken and all of the Champions as they are charged with helping our new members assimilate into the Chamber. However, beyond their assigned duties, the Chamber Champions are an outstanding group of dedicated members that understand the value of the Chamber and work to form the business relationships vital to the growth of any business.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors for making the evening a success: Texas Cattle Company, Party People Celebration Co., Center Door Productions, JSK Consulting, Inc., The Law Office of Andrew M. Reed, Sale Insurance Agency, Inc., and Signs & Specialties, Inc.

Members enjoy great food om Presenting Sponsor Texas Cattle Company.

Look at the happy faces the Human Scavenger Hunt madenetworking “fun.”

Ken Emmitt of Employ America, Inc is congratulated by Walker Wilkerson, of Chamber Champions presenting sponsor e NCT Group CPA's, LLP, on being named 2008 Chamber Champion of the Year.

MARCH MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Fantasy of Flight Florida’s Aviation Hall of Fame inducted three new members, including Kermit Weeks, creator and founder of Fantasy of Flight. Weeks has had a lifetime affiliation with aviation as an aerobatics and stunt pilot, a restorer of antique aircraft and as owner of Fantasy of Flight, an aviation theme park near Polk City.

Southeastern University

thorough study of the issues surrounding effective wealth advising to comprehensively address clients’ wealth management needs.

Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. Craig B. Hill. Matthew R. Clark and Brian P. Buchert of the law firm of Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A., recently hosted a seminar entitled “Hot

Southeastern University’s current president, Mark Rutland, was elected as the new president of Oral Roberts University during their Board of Trustees meeting held in January, 2009. SEU’s Board of Regents will appoint a search committee to begin identifying presidential candidates. Rutland will remain SEU’s president until spring commencement on May 2. Southeastern University has received a $10 million pledge from Hobby Lobby, Inc. scheduled to be paid over the next five years in $2 million increments. “As a result of recent visits to the campus of Southeastern University, we are impressed with the vibrant programs of Christian higher education and the beautiful facilities and campus,” Mark Green said in a recent letter to the SEU Board of Trustees.

Lakeland Habitat for Humanity The Lakeland Habitat for Humanity is proud to welcome the addition of Dr. Horst G. Max as Development Director.

Heacock Insurance Group Heacock Classic Collector Car Insurance announced its new contract with lead carrier, American Modern Insurance Company. Rated A+ by A.M. Best, American Modern is owned by Munich Re, one of the world’s largest insurance companies. Heacock Insurance recently welcomed Tina Cunningham to their team of Customer Service Representatives. Cunningham brings 6 years of personal lines experience and expertise to the agency. Sally Shell was named the 2008 Employee of the Year at Heacock Insurance for her outstanding performance and demonstration of exemplary attitude. Shawn McCabe recently delivered an address to Raymond James’ 2009 class of new financial advisors in St. Petersburg. McCabe, a Financial Advisor with Heacock Insurance’s branch of Raymond James, presented information on marketing, prospecting and client retention in tumultuous financial times.

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.’s Ginny Houghton has earned The Certified Wealth Strategist designation administered by the Cannon Financial Institute. The CWS recognizes those individuals completing a No. 16

Topics for Homeowners’ Associations” at the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. The seminar covered topics and issues frequently encountered by homeowners’ associations, such as the collection of assessments and the enforcement of restrictive covenants.

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

ASC geosciences, inc. ASC geosciences, inc. is pleased to announce the following staff promotions. Christopher C. Basile, P.E. has been promoted to Chief Engineer, Geotechnical Division. He will handle geotechnical projects for ASC throughout the southeastern USA. Mr. Basile has served as Area Manager for the past four years.

Prashanth Vaddu, E.I. has been promoted to Central Florida Area Manager. For the past five years, Mr. Vaddu has served as Senior Staff Engineer and has been instrumental in providing quality services to ASC’s clients in the Tampa Bay area.

to their Transportation and Construction Service teams. Mike Enot, P.E. is the new Director of Transportation; SarahLydia Keihl is the new Administrative Assistant for transportation and Bruce Powell as CEI Testing and Construction Observer.

ENVISORS – Engineers – Planners – Surveyors

ENVISORS welcomes two new professional to their Survey Department. Henry A Kilburn, P.S.M., as Director of Surveying, and Sara Decker is the Administrative Assistant in the Survey Department.

ENVISORS welcomes three new professionals

ENVISORS welcomes three new professionals to their Design and Administrative Services team. Kristi Ogaz as the new Office Administrator, Rico R. Simmons II has joined as a CAD designer, and Barbara George joins as Senior Administrative Assistant.

Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Lanier Upshaw proudly announces the addition of Benjamin Krieg as Commercial Lines Risk Consultant and Irma Whidden as Employee Benefits Account Executive.

Law Office of Andrew M. Reed Law Office of Andrew M. Reed is pleased to announce the addition of Kathleen L. Mank, Esquire as an associate attorney. Her current practice areas include commercial/business litigation and corporate law.

Fairfield Inn & Suites The brand new Fairfield Inn & Suites located off of County Line Road just south of I-4 is pleased to announce they are now open. The hotel is an environmentally friendly “Green” facility. The hotel boasts 87 rooms with 25 of them being suites featuring separate living and sleeping areas, flat screen HDTV, microwave, and mini-fridge. Also featured are their complimentary “Early Eats” breakfast, 24-hour market, business library with complimentary internet access, pool and spa, and an exercise room with state-of-the-art cardio equipment.

CPS Investment Advisors Chas P. Smith, CPA/PFS, president of CPS Investment Advisors was a guest speaker at the FICPA Estates & Financial Planning conference in Ft. Lauderdale. His topic was “Top 10 Tax Tips for Investors.”

SCORE SCORE will conduct a free workshop on “How to Make Your Business Thrive Not Just Survive” on March 24 at 6:00 P.M. Please call 863/619-5783 for reservations. • 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.

Americom-American Communications

5698 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/528-1914 www.americomfl.net/lakeland.htm

Brightway Insurance

230 N. Tennessee Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/683-1100 www.brightwayinsurance.com/locations/cf-lal

Ramada Inn

4620 Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, 33809 • 863/577-0977 www.ramada.com

Fairfield Inn & Suites

4307 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, 33566 • 813/716-1852 www.marriott.com/tpapc

Leap Ahead Professional Development, LLC

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry

5133 S. Lakeland Dr, Ste 3, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/607-3090 www.LeapAheadToday.com

950 Pinewood Ave, Lakeland, 33815 • 863/712-2710 www.bgclakeland.com

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.

Future Builders of America Chapter at Traviss Career Center, Polk County Builders Association 3225 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/665-0844 www.pcba.com No. 18

Jamie’s American Dream - BBQ at Pig Fest!

Jamie Oliver – the famous UK chef visited Lakeland the last weekend in January to film a true American tradition—BBQ—at our own Lakeland Pig Fest held at Tigertown! It was the final stop on Fresh One Productions tour—for a program titled “Jamie’s American Dream.” He visited a selection of States throughout the US and got familiar with the food local to the area. For the Pig Fest, the crew flew into Atlanta and then drove in an RV to Lakeland! The program will be broadcast on Channel 4, one of the largest terrestrial TV Channels, later this fall. A book will also be released following the shoot.

On the Move • Continued from Page 17

Florida Blood Services The new Lakeland Community Donor Center of Florida Blood Services opened in January 2009. The new center will provide the convenience to volunteer blood, platelet and plasma donors in Polk County. In addition, patients who wish to give blood for their own surgery or have people donate directly on their behalf will be able to do so at this location. The Blood Center is located in the Heritage Business Center at 2315 Commerce Point Drive (formerly A-Z Park Rd.), just east of Bartow Rd./US 98, west of Combee Rd. and north of Edgewood Dr.

The Estates at Carpenters The Estates at Carpenters is proud to announce that Alex Crawford and Stan Smith have joined our team as Sales Counselors in the Marketing Department. Alex and Stan bring their extensive sales experience and superior customer service skills to the Estates. Megan Odum, Certified Fitness Trainer, has joined the Estates at Carpenters in the newly created position of Wellness Coordinator. In this role, Megan will offer a variety of programs to the residents and employees of the Estates and coordinate the overall Wellness Initiative of the community.

AllianceCare Home Health AllianceCare Home Health is proud to announce that Cheryl Cantrall has been promoted to the newly created position of Business Office Manager in their Dundee office.

The group stayed in one of our local hotels, hired a local helicopter company, local production talent—and even ate in our Lakeland restaurants—as well as some terrific BBQ at Pig Fest! Special thanks to the Central Florida Visitor and Convention Bureau, Visit Florida and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland for partnering with and assisting the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors’ Bureau in hosting this exciting program in Lakeland!

Country Inn & Suites of Lakeland After months of planning and construction the beautiful new Country Inn & Suites located at 4500 Lakeland Park Drive at exit 33 off of I-4 is now open. This new upscale property offers a truly unique design to Lakeland. Featuring traditional architecture and a sophisticated residential interior design with the brand’s iconic plank lobby flooring, lobby fireplace, front porch, a beautiful indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center and business center. The new Country Inn Suites brings an exciting new fresh hotel experience for visitors coming to Lakeland.

JANUARY TOURISM INQUIRIES

During the month of January, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community. Walk-in Visitors.................................594 Relocation Response Mailings...........6

Relocation Response (Walk In)..........30 Accommodations..............................1 Winter Accommodations ..................1

Visitor Information Mailings ..............67

Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries............207

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M. 2440 US HIGHWAY 98, N. (ACROSS FROM LAKELAND CHRYSLER) FOOD & BEVERAGES PROVIDED BY: HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE

$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]

Return Service Requested

PAID

PERMIT # 31 LAKELAND FLORIDA

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

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

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce OFFICE FURNITURE DEPOT