May 2009 Forum

inside this issue

SBA Awarded: See who received the plaque for this monthly award. Page 5

After Hours: Office Furniture Depot hosts Business After Hours. Page 14

Community Celebration: Betty Nguyen keynote speaker at annual event. Page 4

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

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2009 The 38th Annual Celebration of Art & Community Begun in 1974 as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake has grown into one of Florida's premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother's Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Mayfaire is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida. Come see why it has such a great reputation! • Over 180 artists: With so many to choose from, you're sure to find one you love! From jewelers, to clay artists, to painters; landscapes and wildlife to pure abstraction, any artistic taste will be satisfied. • Free parking and shuttle service: Free parking at Florida Southern College on the corner of Johnson and McDonald. A free shuttle will run between the parking lot and the festival. • MayFerrys: Free shuttles will run around Lake Morton and up to the Museum during the festival. • Food and beverage vendors: A wide variety of great edibles are available for purchase including smoothies, funnel cakes, shaved ice and MORE! • Live entertainment: Local musicians, dance companies, and VSA arts of Florida perform on stage on the shady front lawn of

May 2009

Vol. XIX, No.5

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

WELLDYNE® EXPANDS TO LAKELAND • TO EMPLOY 700 PEOPLE •

2009 poster art by Chris Boone

Lakeland Public Library throughout the weekend. • Hands-on Children's Art Tent: Several FREE art activities are offered every year and are designed for participation by children of ALL abilities. Volunteers are always needed for this happy area. Call 863-688-7743 ext. 227 or 863-688-5423 to volunteer.

With WellDyne’s national base of business growing so large, the decision was made to open a second mail order pharmacy. The company hired a site selection consulting firm to assist with the evaluation of locations throughout the Eastern United States. After a comprehensive search, Lakeland was chosen as the site that will eventually employ 700 people. • Continued on Page 6

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

Gov. Crist endorses grassroots movement to boost Florida’s economy We’re excited to announce that on March 24th, Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined businesses, chambers and associations from across the state to launch Florida’s Backyard Card incentive program. This program gives Floridians another good reason to get out and support their local and state businesses. The Backyard Card program is a powerful marketing tool which you can use to grow your business. Tap the benefits of widespread promotion of shopping incentives by a partnership that includes the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, statewide business leaders and the State of Florida. We need your help now in populating the value offers on the Web site. To get started: 1.Add a value offer for your customers by visiting LakelandChamber.com and clicking on the Florida Backyard Card. 2. Once reviewed and approved, your value offer will show up on www.FloridaBackyardCard.com for people to find and use. 3.Keep updating and posting new values so you can attract more business. (You’ll receive a username and password once your first offer is reviewed.) How it works: • Someone here at the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce will review all value offers before they appear on www.FloridaBackyardCard.com.

tourism in the wake of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. This time, ALL Florida businesses can benefit from the statewide “spend at home” campaign.

• Consumers across the state will be urged to get a Florida Backyard Card, which will be available online and distributed by Florida Lottery retailers. • The campaign will be heavily promoted across the state by the Florida Lottery as well as print and broadcast media partners. • Consumers access the online searchable database to find the best values in their backyard. • The campaign will continue into the fall. You will be able to use your unique user name and password to manage your account and change your special offers at any time. This campaign is similar to the highly successful campaign used to drive in-state

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly Volume Information: May 2009, Vol. XIX, No. 5

Anu Saxena Chairman of the Board Aaron Bates Managing Editor

Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President Kingston Partners Design

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Get started now by following the three steps above. If you would like to see a demonstration of the registration process, click here to our online webinar for step-by-step instructions. For more information about the Backyard Economics campaign, or to access downloadable promotional tools to display in your business, visit www.BackyardEconomics.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The 2009 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast is right around the corner. Come enjoy breakfast with our Polk County Legislative Delegation and discover firsthand how the business community fared during the 2009 Legislative Session.

Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 AM First Presbyterian Church 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

$25 Chamber members / $30 non-members Make your reservations TODAY – seating is limited!

…

Call 863/688-8551 ext. 302 Or visit WrapUp.LakelandChamber.com to reserve a seat For additional information see enclosed flyer or contact Katie Daughtrey at 863/688-8551 ext. 241

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: E-mail: Phone: Fax:

State:

Zip:

with Keynote Speaker Betty Nguyen visited er Ledg e and her Fletc dy Bud or May Publisher, Jerome Ferson.

Over 550 people om our community attended the 10th annual CommUnity Celebration.

Betty Nguyen visited with guests both before and aer the event. In this photo, she was visiting with a fellow Vietnamese, Dien Duong-Strickland.

Punam Saxena, Punam’s Perfections, was one of several who hosted Betty Nguyen for dinner the night before the event.

School groups are always encouraged to attend the CommUnity Celebration. Lincoln Academy was hosted by ASC geosciences, inc and the 5th grade class earned the opportunity to hear a nationally recognized speaker and experience an adult event.

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With Mayor Fletcher looking on, Brian Britten, the Media Relations Director for the Detroit Tigers, proudly presented Betty Nguyen with her own personalized, official Tiger shirt.

Phuc Vo, an Orthop edic Surgeon, at Watson Clinic spe nt some time with Betty Nguyen discussing the foundation she has established to assist people in her na tive country of Viet Nam.

Javier Marin, Su nTrust Bank, is the chairman of the Diversity Busin ess Council for 2009 , and served as the emcee for the ev ent.

Small Business of the Month Award presented Wilma Taylor has been sewing since she was a child and always dreamed of having her own alterations shop. That dream came to fruition in August 1991 when she rented the red house on South Florida Court.

Wilma made all the repairs to her shop during the day and did the alterations at night. By the end of the first month, she had enough customers that she needed to hire someone to help her. The business continued to grow and she now has three employees. The shop has maintained the same hours of business from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. since the opening.

At Taylor’s Alterations you can have your old or new clothes altered a little or a lot. Many wedding dresses have been tailored to each bride’s satisfaction and outfits can be newly sewn from your design and choice of fabric. Some customers of Taylor’s have been bringing their clothes to the shop since its opening. Small Business of the Month Committee Member, Lana Swartzwelder (St. Joseph’s School), presents Wilma Taylor, Taylor’s Alterations, with the Small Business of the Month Award for April.

Wilma is thankful for her customers and knows that it is because of them that her shop has been so successful.

April winner

Taylor’s Alterations Wilma S. Taylor 4410 South Florida Court Lakeland, FL 33813 863/646-2439

She always has a smile when you enter her shop and it is noticeable that she enjoys her work and her clients, which she considers friends. The clothes are ready when her clients need them and the customer’s satisfaction is important. She is a member of National Association of Women Business Owners and the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Taylor’s Alterations as the Small Business of the Month for April.

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]

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

WellDyne chooses Lakeland for second mail order pharmacy location Why We Chose Lakeland for our Expansion … WellDyne® has a history of providing innovative solutions to the healthcare industry. Over the last twenty years, WellDyne has built their business on the principle that by delivering incredible service, they will create relationships which last a lifetime. The result of this customer focused strategy has been continuous growth for the company. With WellDyne’s national base of business growing so large, the decision was made to open a second mail order pharmacy. WellDyne wanted a second location to provide additional capacity for growth, disaster recovery backup and better geographic balance with their Colorado operation. The company hired a site selection consulting firm to assist with the evaluation of locations throughout the Eastern United States. After a comprehensive search, Lakeland was chosen as the site for the new 62,000 square foot facility that will eventually employ 700 people. WellDyne felt that Lakeland was the perfect place for their business to prosper. Lakeland is a well planned community that offers a great combination of small town hospitality coupled with big city

amenities. This combination lines up well with WellDyne’s philosophy of providing incredible service while leveraging technology and innovation to provide smarter solutions. In addition to Lakeland’s vibrant and diverse business community, WellDyne believes the proposed USF Polytechnic University will serve as an excellent future source for highly technical workers. WellDyne hopes to work with USF Polytechnic University on joint research and business ventures that will improve health through innovation. “We are a company that knows that our investment in technology and innovation gives us the lead in cost containment and accuracy,” states Damien Lamendola, President and CEO of WellDyne. “However, it is our people, and their commitment to service, that really distinguishes us from our competitors. We know that we will find a workforce in Lakeland that will be the basis for our continued growth.” Many factors went into WellDyne’s decision to expand their business in Lakeland. First of all, Lakeland offered WellDyne a business friendly environment

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with an impressive workforce to help fuel their growth. Being situated between Orlando and Tampa provides WellDyne with easy access to national transportation services. In addition, the ideal year-round climate and the appeal of world class attractions provide the perfect draw for customer entertainment. WellDyne was searching for a leading community to be a partner in the company’s growth. Lakeland has provided the perfect strategic relationship for their future. About WellDyne: We are leading the way with products and services to help people live healthier lives. WellDyne’s companies include: WellDyneRx®, a full service pharmacy benefit manager; US Specialty Care®, a leader in providing expertise in specialty pharmaceuticals; wellCenters™, onsite health clinics which promote employee health and improve employer profitability; WellMailRx™, a partnership for Pharmacy Mail Service including Central Fill capability; and NetCard Systems™, the advanced technology network administration leader. WellDyne operates two regional offices located in Centennial, Colorado and Lakeland, Florida. WellDyne’s clients include Managed Care Organizations, Medicare and government health plans, self-insured employers including state and local governments, third party administrators, and unions.

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RENEWALS

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

20+ Years Renewals 1940 - 69 Years Lamar Outdoor Advertising JBT Food Tech 1945 - 64 Years Boring Business Systems 1961 - 48 Years Century Realty Funds 1962 - 47 Years Florida Rock Industries, Inc. 1966 - 43 Years Lakeland Eye Clinic 1967 - 42 Years YMCA of West Central Florida 1970 - 39 Years Lohr Enterprises 1974 - 35 Years GrayRobinson, P.A. 1976 - 33 Years XYZ Liquor 1977 - 32 Years Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner 1979 - 30 Years Lakeland Flying Tigers Lakeland Association of Realtors 1980 - 29 Years Miriam South Corporation Zimmerman Associates, Inc. 1981 - 28 Years Verplanck Plumbing, Inc. 1982 - 27 Years Sclafani Williams Court Reporters, Inc. Hudson Pump & Equipment Manpower, Inc. 1983 - 26 Years Lakeland Regional Medical Center Flower Cart Florist 1984 - 25 Years Thorpe Heating & Cooling, Inc. 1986 - 23 Years Grant’s Auto, Inc. Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated 1987 - 22 Years Williford Flooring Company, Inc. The Hooks Group 1988 - 21 Years Goodwill Superstore Junior League of Greater Lakeland

15-Year Renewals DiCesare, Davidson & Barker, P.A. Gulf Coast Boring and Pipeline, Inc. Tapatios Restaurante Mexicano, Inc.

10-Year Renewals WorkComp Solutions, Inc.

5-Year Renewals Champs Sports Bar & Grille

NEW MEMBERS

e Chamber is proud to welcome 15 new members for March 2009 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!

Law Offices of Allen & Abaray, P.A.

5835 US Highway 98 S Lakeland, FL 33812-4325 (863) 669-9999 Fax: (863) 669-0699 www.allenandabaray.com Tenille Jennings Attorneys

AllSolar Service Company, Inc.

1507 Damon Ave. Kissimmee, FL 34744-3465 (407) 846-7830 Fax: (407) 847-5013 www.allsolarflorida.com Dillon Daniels Solar Energy Contractor

Barrett Creative

6700 S Florida Ave Ste 30 Lakeland, FL 33813-3312 (863) 648-2725 (866) 907-2111 www.barrettcreative.com Michael G. Barrett Michael Warnock Graphic Design

Joseph W. Brown, II, Attorney & Counselor at Law, P.A.

501 E. Kennedy Blvd Ste 775 Tampa, FL 33602-5258 (813) 223-5258 Fax: (813) 223-3909 Joseph W. Brown, II Attorneys

Cartridge Connection

Lakeland, FL 33810-2624 (863) 859-4408 Fax: (863) 937-5185 www.thecartridgeconnection.com Dawn Lawson Office Supplies/Equipment

Community Bank of Florida 5800 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809-3110 (863) 815-4855 Fax: (863) 815-4884 www.communitybankfl.com Stacy Stokes Banks

Community Bank of Florida 3221 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803-4550 (863) 648-9961 Fax: (863) 648-9967 www.communitybankfl.com Karen Houtz Banks

Digital Imaging & Consulting, Inc.

2318 Maple Hill Dr Lakeland, FL 33811-1476 (863) 399-0242 www.dicgroupinc.com Scott Eaton Computers - Consulting & Networking

Flooring America of Lakeland

5729 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-2529 (863) 701-9411 Fax: (863) 701-9511 www.FlooringAmericaofLakeland.com Tim & Barbara Riley Floor Coverings

Gators Dockside - Highland City 5147 US Highway 98 S Lakeland, FL 33812 (863) 619-7619 Fax: (863) 619-7629 Jeff Adkins Restaurants

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Grass Root Organic Restaurant 1212 S. Florida Ave Bldg 2 Lakeland, FL 33803-2202 (863) 603-7668 www.thegrassrootlife.com Sabrina Aird Restaurants

Hang-Ups Custom Window Coverings Lakeland, FL 33809-1523 (863) 393-8269 Fax: (863) 868-7023 www.hangupscwc.com Richard N. Wintz Window Treatment Specialist

Home Sound Solutions

Lakeland, FL 33813-2141 (863) 248-5770 Fax: (863) 248-3743 www.homesoundsolutions.com Tony Calero Home Theatre Systems

Imagine-Net Technology PO Box 7052 Lakeland, FL 33807-7052 (863) 397-5879 www.imagine-net-tech.com Computers

Major Nightscapes, Inc. 230 Tara Court Lakeland, FL 33809-1523 (863) 255-2670 Fax: (863) 859-7620 Brian & Jennifer West Landscape Lighting

AFFORDABLE

HOMEOWNERSHIP Keystone Challenge Fund provides the following services:

STRATEGIES FOR PROSPERITY

• DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

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

• CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE • AFFORDABLE MORTGAGE FINANCING • HOMEBUYER EDUCATION • MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT www.keystonechallenge.org

THURSDAY, MAY 14 7:30 - 9:30 AM TOPIC: DEVELOPING YOUR MARKETING PLAN THIS MONTH, JOIN FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS AT WEBSTER UNIVERSITY FOR OUR BUSINESS PREP SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP. COME ENJOY A LIGHT BREAKFAST AND TAKE HOME TOOLS AND TIPS FOR WRITING AND EXECUTING YOUR MARKETING PLAN IN ANY ECONOMIC SETTING. SEATING IS LIMITED TO 20, SO REGISTER EARLY BY VISITING BUSINESSPREP.LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM!

Members Only - $15

www.keystonechallenge.org 863-682-1025 Assistance provided by the City of Lakeland and Polk County SHIP Programs. Income limits and other qualifying requirements apply.

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MARCH TOURISM INQUIRIES

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

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

Walk-in Visitors..................................487 Relocation Response Mailings ............ 8 Relocation Response (Walk In) .......... 18 Accommodations................................. 3

Winter Accommodations .................. 2 Visitor Information Mailings ............... 43 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............188

MARK YOUR CALENDAR EVENTS

Thursday, May 14 Business Prep Workshop 7:30 a.m. Webster University, 101 W. Main St, Ste 150 Chairman’s Circle Spring Business Luncheon Noon - 1:30 p.m. Lakeland Yacht & Country Club Thursday, May 19 Pink Slip Party 5:30 p.m. Natalie's Sports Bar & Grill 3120 S. Florida Ave. Thursday, May 21 Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast, 7:00 a.m., First Presbyterian Church 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Monday, May 25 Chamber closed in observance of Memorial Day. Thursday, May 28 Business After Hours, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Lakeland Electric & Lakeland Flying Tigers, Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

MEETINGS

Monday May 4 Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation Board of Directors Meeting. 4:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7 – Leadership Lakeland XXVI – Communications/Arts & Culture Day Wednesday, May 13 Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m. BusinessVoice, 9:00 a.m. Thursday, May 14 – Leadership Lakeland XXVI – Closing Retreat & Graduation Lakeland Yacht & Country Club 929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive Wednesday, May 20 Executive Committee Meeting. 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 Board of Directors Meeting, Noon Lakeland Yacht and Country Club

Office Furniture Depot hosts March’s Business After Hours The March 26 Business After Hours was held at Office Furniture Depot located 2440 US Highway North. It was a great event featuring food from Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, music by the “Music Makers” and an all-star line-up of door prizes provided by our host. Office Furniture Depot’s employees welcomed each member at the door and made sure everything was perfect. Members ate, drank and networked late into the evening. There was a positive attitude as members chose to think about the good things that were happening in the business community. Thanks to David Boles and the entire staff for great door prizes and a great event.

Melanie Brenton accepts Plaque of Appreciation for Office Furniture Depot

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Door prize winners le to right: Bob Carlton, Balloons & Beyond (won a beautiful storage cabinet); Melanie Brinton, Ashley Stirling, Office Furniture Depot; Tom Cancellare, Fairfield Inn & Suites (won a comfy office chair).

Chamber members enjoy Schmooze a’Palooza On March 12, 50 Chamber members met for lunch and “power networking” at Brima (3131 Flightline Drive, Suite 200). The Chamber’s famous Schmooze a’Palooza event kicked off it’s 2009 series with plenty of great food, fabulous contacts and lots of business cards! When members stood to give an overview of their businesses, nearly everyone introduced their company as

“recession-proof”! We are so blessed to be in a community where our business owners and employees are positive and energetic!

Chamber board member & Trustee, Patrick Fagan (Fifth Third Bank) chose to use his 30 second introduction to share a reminder about the Chamber’s “Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents!” campaign. He let the

group know about the board’s renewed focus on the campaign and their commitment to keep business and dollars in the Lakeland community.

Join us for our next event on July 9, 2009 at Mt. Fuji Steakhouse! Seating is limited, so be sure to register early by visiting: Schmooze.LakelandChamber.com

e networking didn’t stop - even during the meal!

Bett Vernon, Mary Kay Cosmetics, learns more about Fairfield Inn & Suites om Shalla Ferguson.

Susie Tart & Debbie Hooks give a 30-second commercial for their gi shop, e Fancy Frog.

MAY MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Wallis Murphey Boyington Architects, Inc. Steven J. Boyington, AIA recently became an accredited LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) professional. This designation is consistent with his long interest in sustainable design in Central Florida. This interest started back in 1981with his thesis at MIT on “Energy Strategies for Central Florida”.

Baylis & Company PA Baylis & Company PA recently provided two seminars entitled “Complying with the new Form 990” for 40 clients and community members. The seminars were hosted by Edith Yates, CPA, CFP, Tracy Kimbrough, CPA, Tamara Burroughs, CPA, Jean Bias, CPA, and Nancy Noe.

Pediatric Therapy Services Pediatric Therapy Services hosted the first of 6 parent training sessions for special needs children on 2-16-09 entitled " What Parents Can Do". Marcia Postema Occupational Therapist presented. Upcoming sessions include: Success at School, The Sixth Sense, The Listening Ear, Play Power, and The Climate for Healing. Sessions are held the last Tuesday of the Month. Contact Pediatric Therapy Services for more information. Douglass Screen Printers Lisa Kaiser Hickey of Douglass Screen Printers, Inc was recently recognized as the Honorary Chair of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s Dessert First Dinner and Auction in Lakeland, Florida. Ms. Hickey actively participated on the Steering Committee for the dinner and her company was also a corporate sponsor.

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Ms. Yates spoke about the current requirements of Form 990, “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax,” which has been extensively revised by the IRS.

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

Cipher Integrations, Inc. Todd Baylis, COO, recently gave a presentation to the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland on “Computer Security and Helping Protect Your Clients.” Mr. Baylis addressed basic computer security principles and threat

prevention, detection and response. He also spoke about computer security as it relates to disaster recovery and intellectual property. Lunz Prebor Fowler Architects Heather Pell, an interior designer with the

firm of Lunz Prebor Fowler Architects in Lakeland, recently passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination and earned the prestigious NCIDQ Certificate. Mrs. Pell has been appointed to manage the interiors work for Lunz Prebor Fowler Architects and LPF Interiors. Bok Tower Gardens The bride and groom rooms at Bok Tower Gardens will be redecorated thanks to proceeds from the first annual Sweetheart Tea and Bridge Party at Pinewood Estate in February. A check for $700 was presented to Gardens’ president David Price by Jean Gibson, Ann Stewart, Sharon Harned and Shirley Hopp, Gardens’ volunteers who coordinated the event. Also pictured on the left is Marjola Burdeshaw, Gardens’ membership and development manager.

ATTENTION Clubs & Organizations It is time to update our Lakeland Area Guide to Clubs & Organizations. Please contact us no later than August 31, 2009 To ensure your club or organization is represented. Please contact Patty Smith at 863/688-8551 Ext. 221 Or E-mail at [email protected]

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.

Julianne’s Fine Dining

3125 U.S. HWY 98 S, Lakeland, 33803 Joanne List – 863/937-8032

Webster University

101 W. Main Street, Ste 150, Lakeland, 33815 863/286-9347

WellDyneRX

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU

500 Eagles Landing, Lakeland, 33805 863/686-4700

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

Retailers focus on going ‘green’ March 9 saw another early morning meeting of Chamber retailers. Focusing on Merchandising and Consumer Trends, Barb Erickson of PartyLite Gifts reminded the attendees to dress for success and showcase new and exciting products. As the TrendWatching.com report indicated a continuation of “green” initiatives, AGreenMaid’s Jennifer Hicks was on hand to offer business owners some insight into bringing the dollars associated with the trend into our local stores. Special thanks to Chef Paulie’s Services for an outstanding omelette and waffle breakfast and to Bramble Ridge for hosting the event.

EMERGE Lakeland Goes Green Event

EMERGE Lakeland members attended an EMERGE Goes Green social hosted by Allure Salon and Day Spa. The event was part of the 2009 EMERGE Green Initiative. Members had the opportunity to network, enjoy refreshments and learn what EMERGE and its members are doing to go green. Everyone can make a difference and there are many simple things we all can do that take less than a minute from changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs to saying “no thanks” to atm receipts. Look for more Green initiatives at future events throughout the year. Social interaction among young professionals is one of the missions of EMERGE. EMERGE members also attended a Professional Development Breakfast hosted by Rob Clancey, Director of Polk Community College’s Corporate College. Mr. Clancey outlined tips for a successful career change in his program titled “Don’t Be Afraid of Reinventing Yourself….The Grass CAN Be Greener on the Other Side”. Mr. Clancey discussed the relevance in today’s society as many people are choosing or are being forced to choose career changes. Thanks to the PCC Lakeland Campus for being great hosts. Professional development is one mission of EMERGE. EMERGE promotes social interaction among young professionals, opportunities for philanthropic engagement and career enrichment. 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.

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 LAKELAND ELECTRIC AND LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS THURSDAY, MAY 28 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M. JOKER MARCHANT STADIUM (2301 LAKELAND HILLS BLVD.)

COME FOR NETWORKING, STAY FOR THE GAME. ALL BUSINESS AFTER HOURS ATTENDEES ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION TO THE EVENING GAME!

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Guests 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]