December 2014 Forum for Business

CH A M BER STAFF KATHLEEN L. MUNSON President

KMUNSON@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

BARBARA BENNETT Executive Assistant

BBENNETT@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

S A L LY C H A P M A N

Vice President, Finance & Administration

SCHAPMAN@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

ADAM HANSJONS

Administrative Assistant, Member Information

AHANSJONS@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY

C A R O LY N J A C K S O N

Senior Vice President, Member Relations

CJACKSON@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

TIMOTHY B. JACKSON | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD NUJAK COMPANIES

KATHLEEN L. MUNSON | PUBLISHER LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMY S. WIGGINS | EDITOR

JACQUELINE L. JOHNSON

Senior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau

JACKIEJ@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

KATIE MCBRIDE

NICE BRANDING AGENCY | CREATIVE DIRECTION, PRODUCTION & PHOTOGRAPHY

KMCBRIDE@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

Membership Consultant

WWW.BRANDNICELY.COM

NIKKI OAKLEY

Membership Account Executive

NOAKLEY@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

TERRY OTTINGER

Vice President, Membership Development

TOTTINGER@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

E M I LY R I N E H A R T

Administrative Assistant, Member Relations | Public Affairs

ERINEHART@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

RICH ROY

Vice President, Public Affairs

RROY@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

PATTY SMITH

Administrative Assistant, Convention & Visitors Bureau

PSMITH@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

AMY WIGGINS

Vice President, Communications

AWIGGINS@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

35 LAKE MORTON DRIVE PO BOX 3607 LAKELAND, FL 33802-3607 (863) 688-8551 LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM © 2014 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to refuse certain advertising and is not liable for advertisers claims and/or errors. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the position of the Chamber.

2 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

LAKELAND CHAMBER AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS 45-YEAR ACCREDITATION WITH FIVE-STAR RATING

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded its 45-Year Five-Star Accreditation rating. Only 89 out of more than 7,000 chambers across the country have achieved this highest level of accreditation ranking.

“We are extremely proud to be awarded our 45-year accreditation with Five-Star rating by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Accreditation is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and offers an excellent measurement tool for chambers of commerce to achieve the highest standards of organizational excellence in representing their member businesses and communities,” said Lakeland Chamber President Kathleen Munson. “Achieving the highest level of accreditation is a tribute to the outstanding leadership of our Chamber volunteer leaders and professional staff, who unselfishly contribute their time and talent to make Lakeland such a tremendous place to live and work.”

The Accreditation program with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce defines organizational excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. In order to achieve accreditation rating, chambers undergo a comprehensive evaluation in nine areas: governance, finance, human resources, government affairs, program development, communications, technology, facilities and benchmarking.

To successfully complete the accreditation application, Chairman of the Board Timothy B. Jackson (NuJak Development, Inc.) appointed an Accreditation Review Task Force to lead the Chamber through the evaluation process. The Chamber would like to recognize the following leaders who worked with staff for more than six months to successfully complete the application:

CHAIR

Mark E. Wilson Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

GOVERNANCE

Tim Darby Darby Law Group, PA

FINANCE

Janice Jones CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

HUMAN RESOURCES

Don Selvage SHR Human Resources, LLC

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Steve Hamic Hamic, Jones, Hamic & Sturwold, P.A., CPA

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Rob Kincart A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure

COMMUNICATION

Linda Jezard Advantage Positioning

TECHNOLOGY

Rich Rogers FedEx Corporate Services

FACILITIES

Ben Mundy SCMH Architects

BENCHMARKING

Kurt Elmhorst Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce represents more than 1,600 businesses in the Greater Lakeland area. The Chamber was first accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1968, and has successfully achieved its accreditation every five years since then.

FORUM FOR BUSINESS | 3

Swing Batter Batter Swing!

sticky fingers comin' right up

oh those annual meetings!

1987-2014

IS Kathleen Munson will retire at the end of

Lakeland and Polk County have

It is difficult to think of our

2014 after more than

been so fortunate for Kathleen’s

Chamber without Kathleen.

keen insight into how to grow

She has been such a perfect

27 years serving the

the business arena that we are

professional leader for so many

blessed to be part of. She will be

years. We never would have grown

missed, but remembered for her

this rather small community to

tremendous leadership that placed

such a great place to live and work

our Chamber at the top of the

without her leadership, work ethic

list. I am humbly thankful to have

and vision. She did great and we

shared in some of her success and

had fun. What more could we

I extend my very sincere thanks

want? Best wishes for a long and

for her thoughtfulness.

Dick Mason, ‘76 Chair

happy retirement!

Bob Becker, ‘96

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lakeland community. As best as we could, we’ve given the December Forum for Business, Kathleen’s final edition as publisher, to her friends and fans to remember her leadership and offer her best wishes for a happy retirement.

4 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

My year as chairman was very active, working closely with Kathleen and knowing that she had everything at the Chamber under control. During that time, her strong support enabled me to oversee the construction of a $72 million facility for The Ledger. I also had the opportunity to work with Kathleen on the Millennium Party in 2000. I took notice of her accomplishments and attempted to pay her a compliment by saying, Kathleen, you have been a real princess!” She immediately gave me her ‘look’ and corrected me with, “Princess? I am the queen!” So, from that point forward, my fond and endearing greeting to Kathleen is always ‘Queenie.’

Don Whitworth, ‘95

When you took over the reins as President of our Chamber you were just exactly what we needed - and we have never looked back. During my year as Chairman you and your team of professionals were always there to keep business and the community educated and involved

the best staff in lakeland

in the important issues that were (or

Some bunny said smile!

had the potential of) impacting the business community (and to keep me on track). No matter what the

I have never met a more measured,

wishes for a joyful retirement.

Kathleen had lead our Chamber with grace, elegance and savoir faire, growing our community and our Chamber’s legacy as a world-class organization. Thank you, Kathleen, for your distinguished leadership and your friendship.

Maggie Lazarre, ‘02

Timothy B. Jackson, ‘14

savvy and sensitive leader. Kathleen has a knack for being subdued yet powerful at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her on the Chamber board. Best

issue or how strong the feelings, your ability to get key stakeholders together with professionalism and poise has always ensured that the focus stayed on what is best for this great City that we love, and the best possible solutions have been found.

John Griffin, ‘98

Kathleen transformed a successful Chamber into one of Florida’s best

Kathleen has left her indelible and

with the highest Chamber certification and thereby earning statewide

unforgettable mark on our community

recognition from her Chamber peers. Working with her for six years

and our hearts. Her professional

as Board member and Board Chair I saw a skillful, visionary executive

expertise and her friendship have been

who introduced best practices to nurture small businesses and

important to my experience both in and

collaborated strategically with local government to promote economic

out of the Chamber. While I will miss

and community development in order to make Lakeland Florida’s

her in this familiar role, I know that she

premiere city. Always seeking to make Lakeland a better place to live,

will forever be a part of the Lakeland

work, and do business, she exemplifies “service above self”.

Larry Durrence, ‘05

community and a dear friend to me.

Alice Hunt, ‘11

Kathleen taught me everything I know about the community and how to get involved. I am forever in her debt. I will miss her at the Chamber but look forward to our continued friendship.

John Fitzwater, ‘03

Those of us who have served the Chamber through the years know that having Kathleen as our President has made our service more rewarding, enjoyable and our jobs much easier. Lakeland could not have had a Chamber leader that has been more competent and gracious during those 27 years of service. She has been just wonderful in her role. We all just salute you, Kathleen.

Bill Loftin, ‘88

Kathleen’s personality was a perfect fit for our Chamber,

What a one of a kind woman. I will always have fond

always smiling. Also, your ability to both manage our

memories of my year as Chair thanks to the time we spent

Chamber, and encourage it to grow, will always be

together. Thank you, Kathleen, for representing Lakeland

remembered. As you enter a new phase of your life, please

and our business community in a way that no one else

do not forget your old friend. I wish you the very best.

Phill Dunne, ‘97

could and making the Chamber a Five Star organization!

Mark E. Wilson, ‘13 FORUM FOR BUSINESS | 5

As a Chairman’s Circle member we have had the privilege to work closely with Kathleen Munson. Over the years we have watched as she has lead The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce to success. Her vision and storied career have made this community a better place for businesses to thrive.

Heacock Insurance congratulates Kathleen and wishes her the best of luck in her retirement.

THANK YOU, KATHLEEN FOR 27 YEARS OF SERVICE.

100 E Main St. Lakeland, FL (863) 683-2228 1105 US Hwy 27 North Sebring, FL (863) 385-5171

6 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

FORUM FOR BUSINESS | 7

8 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS

Th e La ke l an d Ch a mb e r Re cogn ize s ret irin g M E M BERS

IRA ANDERSON

STEVE BECK

Crowe Horwath, LLP

Citizens Bank & Trust

Board of Directors [2013 - 2014]

Board of Directors [2013 - 2014]

DAVID DANIEL

TIM DARBY

BILL DORMAN

Gadd Case & Associates

Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center

Darby Law Group, P.A.

Lanier Upshaw, Inc.

Board of Directors [2012 - 2014]

Board of Directors [2012 - 2014]

General Counsel [2014]

Vice Chair Public Policy [2013]

SARAH CASE

Board of Directors [2012 - 2014]

10 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

BRAD FARROW

KAREN HOUTZ

KAREN KOVACH

ROBERT LOFTIN

RANDY STINSON

MARK E. WILSON

Firmenich

Community Bank of Florida

Third Wing Business Strategies, LLC

Community Southern Bank

Stinson’s Home Design Center

Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Board of Directors [2014]

VICE CHAIR, Business Development, [2013]

Board of Directors [2012 - 2014]

Board of Directors [2012 - 2014]

Vice Chair Public Policy [2009 & 2011]

Board of Directors [2012-2014]

Board of Directors, [2012 - 2014]

Chair-elect [2012] Chairman of the Board [2013] Immediate Past Chair [2014] Chair, Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation [2014] Board of Directors [2008 – 2014]

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 11

s mall b us in e s s o f t h e mon t h

GEM SUPPLY MARK HECHMER (813) 817-2924 1802 S COMBEE RD LAKELAND, FL 33801

CONNECT ] www.gemsupply.net

Founded in 1930 by Frank M. Curry, GEM Supply Company delivers industrial cleaning supplies and machines to businesses, institutions and consumers all over Central Florida.

In 1975, when Frank Curry was ready to retire, the company was purchased by Dutch Owens who had grown up in the cleaning industry with his father Paul Owens, already successful in his own company, AAA Janitorial Services. With Central Florida set for great expansion with the opening of Disney World, this was a great time to grow GEM. Dutch is a forward-thinking and very likable entrepreneur, and he quickly took GEM to the next level.

With its own fleet of trucks, GEM Supply operates from four locations in Lakeland, Orlando, Kissimmee and Tampa. The Lakeland location was opened in 2007 when GEM acquired Janitorial Industrial Maintenance Supply Company (JIMS), allowing GEM to service Polk County and its surrounding areas.

The Lakeland location is managed by Mark Hechmer and is located on Combee Road. There, customers can enjoy a well-stocked inventory that meets all their janitorial needs, including equipment sales, service and rentals.

Dutch is muchloved and respected by his employees. The

atmosphere he has fostered is friendly and fun yet professional at all times. The company’s growth has always been strategic and accomplished without incurring debt. This concise management has been a blessing to the company through the economic trials of the past few years.

Employees’ commitment to product knowledge and service with integrity, along with the company’s stability, makes for a winning combination.

Employees’ loyalty to GEM Supply is wellearned. They enjoy multiple company outings and parties every year where Dutch himself mans the grill, flipping burgers and hotdogs

for family members.

Employees can attend Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peach University, and the company also pays for any professional counseling employees or their immediate family members may need. In fact, GEM’s mission statement includes growing its team mentally, physically and spiritually.

Also to be admired is GEM Supply’s community involvement. When we visited, the staff was wearing pink shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The company donates to many municipal and church charities. GEM further works closely with Talbot House in Lakeland, providing free

BY LINDA JEZARD,

For more information on some of the requirements for the Small Business Award and to view previous recipients, please visit LakelandChamber.com/ BusinessResource.

SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE MEMBER LINDA JEZARD PRESENTS THE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH AWARD TO DUTCH OWENS, MARK HECHMER, BOBBY ZAGERS, GUY AND KATHY DUBE.

12 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

training to Talbot clients who attain certification as “Accredited Cleaning Experts”, enabling them to apply for and succeed in commercial cleaning jobs. Especially notable is GEM Supply’s realworld assistance to the homeless; all employees are provided with Ziploc bags containing food to pass out to the homeless, and carry these bags with them in their cars whether they are in sales, delivery or work in the offices. It's a great idea that provides immediate relief to those who need it!

It is our profound honor and great pleasure to award GEM Supply Company with November’s Small Business Award.

ADVANTAGE POSITIONING

WA N T T O K N O W W H Y B E I N G A M E M B E R O F T H E L A K E L A N D A R E A C H A M B E R I S S O B E C O M I N G ? R E A D O N . . .

CALENDAR

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

NEW MEMBERS

RIBBON CUTTINGS

28TH ANNUAL ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST On Thursday, January 15, 2015 the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, in concert with Allen & Company of Florida, will celebrate 27 years of bringing the Economic Forecast Breakfast to our Chamber members! This long standing partnership has brought many speakers to Lakeland to discuss the future of our economy, and this year will be no exception.

Internationally renowned economists, Brian Wesbury of First Trust Advisors, LP and Dr. Tony Villamil of The Washington Economics Group, Inc. will capture your attention with their thoughtful and knowledgeable insights from a global, national and local perspective.

Breakfast will be held in Sikes Hall at the Lakeland Center at 7:00 a.m. with the program starting promptly at 7:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 each and tables may be reserved with advanced notice.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS Call (863)688-8551 Ext. 228 or register online at EFB.LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 13

december 2014 dates FRI 5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 EMERGE ANNUAL RETREAT

WED 10

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ledger Building 300 W Lime St.

MON 8

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 24TH ANNUAL CHAMBER SCRAMBLE

THUR 11

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 BUSINESS & BREAKFAST

8:00 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

9:15 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

THUR 18

4:00 p.m.

Grasslands Golf & Country Club

WED 17

7:30 a.m.

Good Shepherd Hospice 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd

OCTOBER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 LEADERSHIP LAKELAND XXXII COUNTY GOVERNMENT DAY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 BUSINESSVOICE OF GREATER LAKELAND

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Grasslands Golf & Country Club 1600 Grasslands Blvd

TOURISM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 p.m.

Two Men and a Truck 3200 Atlantic Ave

During the month of October our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

11:30 a.m.

Grasslands Golf & Country Club 1600 Grasslands Blvd.

TUES 13 THUR 15

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 HATS OFF TO CHAMBER MEMBERS 8:00 a.m.

Florida Technical College 4715 S Florida Ave, Ste 4

WALK-IN VISITORS..................................................................................371 RELOCATION RESPONSE MAILINGS.............................................. 3 RELOCATION RESPONSE (WALK IN)........................................... 34 ACCOMMODATIONS.....................................................................................1 WINTER ACCOMMODATIONS.............................................................. 0 VISITOR INFORMATION MAILINGS..................................................11 VISITOR CENTER E-MAIL INQUIRIES..........................................98

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST 7:00 a.m.

Lakeland Center 701 W Lime St.

MONDAY 1

TUESDAY 2

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 4

3

FRIDAY

SAT

SUN

6

7

12

13

14

19

20

21

26

27

28

35 EMERGE ANNUAL RETREAT 1:00-5:00 P.M.

8

9

24TH ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE

10

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 8:00 A.M.

BUSINESSVOICE OF GREATER LAKELAND | 9:15 A.M. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING | 4:00 P.M.

15

16

17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 11:30 A.M.

22

23

24 CHAMBER CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

29

30

31 CHAMBER CLOSED AT 12:30 P.M. FOR NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY

14 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

11 BUSINESS & BREAKFAST 7:30 A.M. LEADERSHIP LAKELAND XXX11 COUNTY GOVERNMENT DAY

18 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 P.M.

25 CHAMBER CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

Even t HI G HLI GH T S 01

02

RALLY THE SPIRIT FOOD TRUCK RALLY Hosted by Chamber’s Talent Development Strategy Group

01 | Heath Funeral Chapel’s Caroline and Matt Schichtel and Comfort Keepers Kim Hooten.

02 | Some networking prior to Lakeland

EDC’s Claudia Tritton’s presentation on Lakeland’s Economic Development. The event was being held in Heath Funeral Chapel’s Tribute Center.

SCHMOOZE A’PALOOZA

Hosted by Miller’s Lakeland Ale House

03

04

03 | Kim Votery (Grow Financial), Katie McBride (Lakeland Chamber) and Kim Hooten (Comfort Keepers) welcome guests to the Business After Hours at McGee Auto Service & Tires.

04 | JayDee Hackney (Atlantic Relocation) and Crystal Corrigan (Florida Southern College) show off their loot from the money booth!

05 | Guests wore purple for Domestic Violence Awareness.

06 | Mike McGee receives plaque of appreciation from Chairman Tim Jackson. Congratulations on 40 years of business McGee Auto Service & Tires.

05

06

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION Hosted by Regions Bank Downtown

07 | New member Jason Manley (La Quinta Inn & Suites – Lakeland East) and C.J Marcello Jr. (Express Employment Professionals).

08 | Greetings and some networking before the New Member Reception starts.

07

08

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 15

Watson Clinic LLP Lakeland Regional Medical Center Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Evan Jones, MBA, was recently named to the Becker’s Hospital Review 2014 list of "150 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know.”

Also, has been named by the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) as the winner of the 2014 Innovation of the Year in Patient Care Award in the over 150-bed category for its national standard setting Emergency Department redesign. LRMC’s two year Emergency Department transformation resulted in reduced wait times, enhanced safety and better patient experiences. As a result, the State of Florida’s busiest single site Emergency Department handled over 187,000 visits in 2013 and is projected to handle over 200,000 visits this year.

THE LAKELAND CHAMBER PRINTS BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS EACH MONTH AS SPACE PERMITS. PLEASE EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MOTM@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM

Citizens Bank & Trust Welcomes Mark Schreiber and Cindy Henry to the board of directors.

16 | | F OF RO UR M U MF OF RO RB UB SU ISNI EN SE SS S

Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Proud to announce that Scott Whitener has recently joined the agency as Risk Consultant.

Polk State College LaTrice Moore is one of two educators in the nation to receive the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship’s (NACCE) Intuit Impact Award. Moore, entrepreneurship director and professor of business administration, received her award at the NACCE’s 12th annual conference in Phoenix.

Catherine B. Marcum, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with a proud history of serving patients within our community, returns to Watson Clinic to offer expert skin care services from our South location at 1033 N. Pkwy Frontage Rd. in Lakeland.

Audrey E. Jain, DO, comes to Watson Clinic’s South office following over nine years of experience in Kentucky at Ireland Army Hospital in Ft. Knox and Louisville Behavioral Health Systems in Louisville. She is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and will focus her practice on psychiatric services for adults.

Rosa Hughes was named the October recipient of Watson Clinic's PEER (Program for Employee Excellence and Recognition) award. Hughes has been with the Clinic for 15 years and is a medical coder in the Patient Financial Services department.

CivilSurv Design Group, Inc. Welcomes Tegan Desmond, PSM, as a Senior FDOT Right Of Way Surveyor. Tegan has an outstanding resume in surveying and mapping, with particular expertise in right-of-way control surveys and right-of-way mapping for public sector agencies. With offices in Lakeland, Fort Pierce, Sebring and Jacksonville, Tegan will be working with our state-wide client base.

N E W M E M BERS JCPENNEY LOGISTICS

6800 STATE ROAD 33 N LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 413-5506 WWW.JCP.COM CHERI MUSHENO DIANA DIAZ WAREHOUSING, RETAIL

THE PINK PIANO

1015 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 937-8555 NANCY MAMINSKI LOUNGES

TOOJAY'S RESTAURANT AND DELI 1235 N PKWY FRONTAGE ROAD LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 937-1598 WWW.TOOJAYS.COM TRACY MILNER ANNIE CATZ RESTAURANTS

ANYTIME FITNESS NORTH LAKELAND

FLOOR & DÉCOR

TOOJAY’S RESTAURANT AND DELI

919 LAKELAND PARK CENTER DR | (863) 210-090

1235 N PKWY FRONTAGE RD | (863) 937-1598

Lakeland, FL 33809

Lakeland, FL 33813

WWW.FLOORANDDECOR.COM

WWW.TOOJAYS.COM

4000 US HIGHWAY 98 NORTH LAKELAND, FL 33809 (863) 815-2424 WWW.ANYTIMEFITNESS.COM COREY JACKSON HEALTH & FITNESS

IMORTGAGE

100 S KENTUCKY AVE, STE 215 LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 327-1906 WWW.IMORTGAGE.COM JENNIFER ROWELL MORTGAGES & LENDING

10TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT GAL PROGRAM 205 E MAIN ST BARTOW, FL 33830 (863) 534-4606 WWW.GUARDIANADLITEM.ORG COOKIE MOONEY GOVERNMENT

THE TROPHY SHOP NORTH AMERICAN TITLE COMPANY

VICTORIA LANDING APARTMENT HOMES

740 S FLORIDA AVE | (863) 687-4500

3685 VICTORIA MANOR DR | (863) 682-1300

Lakeland, FL 33801

Lakeland, FL 33805

WWW.NAT.COM

WWW.VICTORIAMANORAPTS.COM

3420 RECKER HWY WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880 (863) 299-6566 WWW.TROPHYSHOPONLINE.COM KON & MIRANDA CHAMPAVANNARATH ENGRAVING

KREATIVE KIMISTRY

6155 S FLORIDA AVE, STE 3 LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 644-1199 WWW.KREATIVEKIMISTRY.COM KIM & JAMES CHEATHAM HAIR SALONS

F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 17

YEARS

YEARS MOBILITY AMERICA

1955 | 59 YEARS

1988 | 26 YEARS

STILLE REAL ESTATE

EYE EXPRESS

HAWTHORNE INN OF LAKELAND

TAYLOR RENTAL CENTER

CARLTON ARMS OF NORTH LAKELAND

1969 | 45 YEARS MCDONALD CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION

1974 | 40 YEARS

1989 | 25 YEARS TAX ADVANTAGE OF LAKELAND RODDA CONSTRUCTION, INC.

MCGEE AUTO SERVICE AND TIRES

FIELDS INSURANCE & FINANCIAL GROUP

1975 | 39 YEARS

A-C-T ENVIRONMENTAL & INFRASTRUCTURE

BENT'S CYCLING & FITNESS

1977 | 37 YEARS STANLEY STEEMER CARPET CLEANER

1978 | 36 YEARS AMERICA'S MATTRESS BY SLEEP CENTER

JEFFREY REESE COFFMAN, C.P.A.

1990 | 24 YEARS

FRED'S MARKET RESTAURANT

MAURICE AUTO REPAIR & TOWING, INC.

LAKE MIRROR TOWER APARTMENTS

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL

STRICKLAND CONSTRUCTION, INC.

1993 | 21 YEARS FANTASY OF FLIGHT

1980 | 34 YEARS

LEVIMAR & CO., INC.

BROWNING MOVING & STORAGE/UNITED VAN LINES

MANNING BUILDING SUPPLIES

1984 | 30 YEARS

TRANS-PHOS, INC.

TEXAS CATTLE COMPANY

YEARS

R NUNEZ HOMES

NOT FORGOTTEN!

YEARS

1986 | 28 YEARS

GTECH PRINTING CORP.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

PYRAMID PROFILES

As Kathleen Munson retires from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce we will never forget her leadership and commitment to this community.

Her vision has lead the Lakeland

THANK YOU, KATHLEEN FOR 27 YEARS OF SERVICE.

Chamber to success and helped our business community become a vibrant place to live and work.

Better Technology. Better Results.

18 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

c hair m an' s ci r cl e h o s t s

KATHLEEN MUNSON PRESIDENT

The Chairman’s Circle hosted its Fall Business Luncheon on November 6, and welcomed Chris Monnot, General Manager of Lakeland’s new Amazon Fulfillment Center, as its guest speaker. Also joining Chris from the Amazon team was Shemeka Young, HR Manager for the Lakeland facility.

Amazon was founded in 1994 and has become the world’s largest online retailer. Currently, more than 40,000 employees work in Amazon fulfilment centers across the U.S. This past holiday season on Cyber Monday, Amazon customers ordered more than 36.8 million items worldwide, a record-breaking 426 items per second. The company has recently partnered with the U.S. Postal Service to expand their delivery service to weekends, so you may see a USPS truck delivering your packages on a Sunday this holiday season!

Lakeland was one of two cities in Florida selected for the first Amazon fulfillment centers to be built in the state. The other center is located in Ruskin.

More than 500 full-time employees have been hired to work in the Lakeland fulfillment center, and they are in the process of increasing their workforce by another 1,000 seasonal employees to handle the holiday business.

Chris and Shemeka gave high praise to the professional and dedicated “Amazonians” they have been able to hire from the Lakeland workforce, and thanked the city and chamber for

20 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S

CHRIS MONNOT | GENERAL MANAGER OF LAKELAND’S NEW AMAZON FULFILLMENT CENTER

their support in getting the facility up and running.

The Chairman’s Circle has proven to be one of the most valuable programs to be offered by the Chamber.

Created in 2002, the Chairman’s Circle has offered a special membership forum for Lakeland’s senior level executives to meet with one another, build relationships, and participate in strategic marketing and leadership events to enhance their businesses and the overall Lakeland business community.

With the launch of the Chamber’s new tiered investment program, the Chairman’s Circle will be integrated into one of the tier benefit levels being offered to members. The Chamber’s immediate past chair Mark Wilson (Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.) presided over the last business luncheon hosted for Chairman’s Circle members, and he thanked the business leaders for their tremendous support of the Chamber over the years.

THE CHAMBER WOULD LIKE TO

RALPH ALLEN

FORD HEACOCK

IRA ANDERSON

DR. EILEEN HOLDEN Polk State College

Allen & Company of Florida Crowe Horwath LLP

MARIA BROUS

Heacock Insurance Group

MIKE MCGEE

Publix Super Markets, Inc.

McGee Auto Service and Tires

TIMOTHY F. CAMPBELL

HAROLD MCLEOD

MIKE CARTER

BB&T

GARY CASSARD

Peterson & Myers, P.A.

Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A. CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Bright House Networks

DAVID DANIEL/EMILY DUNCAN

Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center

DAN DORRELL

Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP

DALE DREYER

CenterState Bank

KEN ELY

Platinum Bank

SCOTT FRANKLIN Lanier Upshaw, Inc.

MIKE FURR

Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.

DR. ED GOODEMOTE

Radiology & Imaging Specialists

KEVIN GRIFFITH Morgan Stanley

KAMAL HAIDER, M.D.

Clark & Daughtrey Medical Group/LRHS P.A.

BOB HARRIS

Wells Fargo Bank

SunTrust Bank

MARK MCRAE DAVID MILLER MARK MILLER

GrayRobinson, P.A.

SAM MORRONE

Pepperidge Farm, Inc.

PAUL NORIS

Bank of Central Florida

GEORGE ROGERS GEICO

ART ROWBOTHAM

WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio

JOE P. RUTHVEN The Ruthvens

CHAS P. SMITH

CPS Investment Advisors

DR. ELAINE THOMPSON

Lakeland Regional Medical Center

LEE WALL

Wall Titus LLC

HOWARD WIGGS

City of Lakeland

salutes great leaders like

Kathleen Munson, who know investing time and energy today is an insurance plan for the future.

For great insurance or a great career visit us at geico.com

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exper i e nc e e me r g e

WILLIAM T. LINK CHAIR

CONNECT ] EMERGELakeland.com

A man standing at the edge of a small platform with a trapeze bar firmly planted in his left hand looks out across a vast sea of air towards a second platform. With a deep breath, a short prayer, and a small leap the man is suddenly hurdling through the air. Down and then up in a gentle arc.

Gaining speed and then slowing. Reaching the highest point of his swing, far away from any platform, the man notices another trapeze bar quickly approaching. There is a choice to be made.

First, the man could ignore the second trapeze bar and continue his ride on the

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first. Quickly changing direction he would ultimately end up where he began – back on the first platform.

Second, the man could reach out with one hand and clutch the second bar without letting go of the first.

People on the first platform would wait for the bar to return.

People on the second platform would await the arrival of the man.

The man however would be stuck, suspended in the air going nowhere and preventing others from moving as well.

Finally, the man could let go of the first bar altogether.

He could float above everything for a split

second and then grasp the second bar and continue his journey.

Down and then up in a gentle arc. Gaining speed and then slowing. The man’s feet would land safely on the second platform.

The empty first bar would return to the first platform, ready for the next performer.

Times of transition are important – and not just for acrobats.

Leadership transitions are vital in keeping organizations (including EMERGE Lakeland) fresh and relevant.

Leaders who choose to stay in one position too long are like the trapeze artist who decides to stay

on the first bar. The organization continues to move (but only so far), and capable leadership builds up on the first platform until eventually those leaders decide to try something else.

Leaders who choose to accept too many additional roles without letting go of other obligations risk stifling themselves and all of the organizations they purport to serve.

Like the trapeze artist holding on to both bars, everything stops.

The most effective leaders sense when it is time to move forward.

It is in that transition that new leaders emerge and existing leaders grow. This is

like the trapeze artist who lets go of the first bar and moves to the next - leaving behind an empty bar for someone else to seize.

When 2014 concludes, so does my time as EMERGE Lakeland’s chair. I’ve enjoyed every second of my year and am excited to see EMERGE Lakeland reach new heights under the leadership of EMERGE’s 2015 chair, Stephanie Colon. As EMERGE transitions to its new leadership, I look forward to that brief moment where I can float above everything and appreciate both how far I’ve come and how much further I have to go.

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Wh y b e A M e m b e r O f L e a d e rsh ip L ake l a nd A l u m n i A s s o ciat ion ?

LYONEL B. LINDSEY, JR. CLASS I

CONNECT ] LeadershipLakeland Alum.com

WE BECOME MEMBERS OF A GROUP FOR A REASON. WHATEVER THAT REASON MAY BE, WE DO IT BECAUSE IT GIVES US AN ADVANTAGE OR REWARD THAT WE WOULD NOT RECEIVE AS INDIVIDUALS. AT THE MOST BASIC LEVEL, WILD ANIMALS OFTEN EXHIBIT A “PACK” MENTALITY WHEN HUNTING FOR FOOD OR PROTECTION.

Membership in the group can increase the likelihood of success in the endeavor by joining forces. The combined effort and strength of each individual becomes focused on a goal that is common to all. Once we realize that we are not that far evolved from the wolf pack, it is not much of a stretch to see how some of the same principals apply to our everyday lives.

The Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association (LLAA) is a group made up of individuals that have a number of things in common. Each member of the Leadership Lakeland program was selected from a very competitive field due

to their demonstrated community involvement, each has been exposed to in-depth information about the inner workings of our community, all have diverse backgrounds with different skills and whose combined experience may be helpful in creating a force for change in our community. This “pack” has common goals and, by joining forces, the individual members are able to take advantage of the efficiencies of size to create more “clout”, more positive pressure, more funding and more access to centers of influence than any of us could muster as individuals.

The LLAA consists of

intelligent, effective and interested individuals that choose to amplify their “footprint” within this community in order to get things done. Each of our members has their own sphere of influence and when those contacts and resources are combined with those of others, virtually anything can be accomplished. LLAA provides the common ground for it all to come together.

The Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association could be your most valuable resource in terms of getting your own pet community project up and running.

Our members have valuable contacts,

both personal and professional, that can leverage your efforts so that you become more effective in creating positive change. Other community leaders become lifelong friends that can lend their support, both individually and collectively, to your worthwhile cause.

Experience indicates that you will work with these same folks over and over throughout the coming years – get to know them now!

Payment of nominal membership dues allows you access to the collective knowledge and experience of the most effective and influential people in our community – like you! Please join us.

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TA S T E

a of local business o n e c u p at a t i m e

S G T. S H E R M A N R O B E R T S , O W N E R MAJOR BBQ

After more than 24 years of active duty serving in the U.S. Army, Sherman Roberts, Jr. retired and decided to combine his passion for great BBQ with his dedication to support the community. Sgt. Major BBQ, LLC sells to the public and caters for special events with 100% of the profits donated to benefit Veterans. The business has no staff, but volunteers are eager to help considering the cause. Because our overhead costs are close to nonexistent, Sgt. Major BBQ can meet or beat any written price quote for catering events.

Now at his final year of culinary school at the Art Institute of Tampa, Sherman has decided to take the business a step further by adding additional menu items to the catering menu with “Foods Beyond the Q.” New menu items include chicken marsala with asparagus and roasted red potatoes, chicken gumbo served with dirty rice, or a prime rib dinner with baked potato and green beans, just to mention a few. Chef Sherman can make your event a great success while staying within your budget.

In April 2014, Sherman also started a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a broader focus to support all service providers in central Florida including former and current members of the Armed Forces, EMT, Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement and their families in time of need. The charitable organization is called All Gave Some, Inc. (AGS) and is funded through gracious donations from the community.

Since its inception in April of 2011, Sgt. Major BBQ has donated nearly $20,000 to veterans and veteran organizations in form of cash donation's and in-kind food donation's at no cost to the organization or through reduced prices for catering events. As Roberts stated in an interview with The Ledger in 2012, "I so enjoy seeing the faces of the veterans, who are sometimes forgotten about, get the hand they need and deserve. You've heard it before: Our freedom isn't exactly free. We should all support our veterans for the sacrifices they've made."

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RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802 - 3607