JANUARY 2015 | VOL. XXXIV NO. 1
BRINGING COUNTRY TO THE CORPORATE TABLE BUY LAKELAND. IT MAKES GOOD CENTS!
LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM
CH A M BER STAFF CORYDON G. SKEATES President
CSKEATES@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
C A R O LY N J A C K S O N
Senior Vice President, Member Relations
CJACKSON@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM
JACQUELINE L. JOHNSON
Senior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau
JACKIEJ@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM
KATIE MCBRIDE Membership Consultant
KMCBRIDE@LAKELANDCHAMBER.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
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
AWIGGINS@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM
KURT ELMHORST | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
35 LAKE MORTON DRIVE PO BOX 3607 LAKELAND, FL 33802-3607 (863) 688-8551 LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM
ALLEN & COMPANY OF FLORIDA, INC.
CORYDON G. SKEATES | PUBLISHER LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AMY S. WIGGINS | EDITOR LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NICE BRANDING AGENCY | CREATIVE DIRECTION, PRODUCTION & PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.BRANDNICELY.COM
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© 2015 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.
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exper i e nc e e me r g e
STEPHANIE COLON CHAIR
CONNECT ] EMERGELakeland.com
It is hard to believe that EMERGE Lakeland is entering its 11th year of service. I expect that this year will be just as vibrant and exciting to local young professionals as in years past. Let me tell you a little about EMERGE and how it is unique to the Lakeland area. We are a meaningful networking organization of dedicated, talented young professionals. EMERGE is governed by a Steering
Committee, comprised of about eighteen members, who help pave the way every year. Several Steering Committee members are responsible for leading working committees including:
EVENTS COMMITTEE These EMERGErs are dedicated to creating and planning out events that will attract young professionals. This team meets monthly and I can assure you they are experts at event planning.
VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE This group is passionate about fulfilling volunteer
hours for organizations such as AFI, Salvation Army and Parker Street Ministries just to name a few. This committee organizes volunteer projects every quarter fulfilling one of EMERGE’s mission areas… creating a venue for young professionals to become philanthropically active.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE If you love EMERGE as much as we do, then you want everyone to know it! The members of this committee have a desire to grow EMERGE Lakeland and share the passion they have for the relationships
they’ve built and the experiences in which they’ve shared.
MARKETING COMMITTEE These folks are so creative and tech savvy! If it weren’t for these people, our events and volunteer projects wouldn’t come alive. They are the creative minds behind the eye catching artwork you see on our website and our other materials. Aside from the folks who lead and serve on these committees, we have approximately 184 members who attend our events and volunteer projects! As the 2015 Chair of EMERGE, I am proud to say that the
team is in place to provide a great year of events, service and fellowship. If you are an employer of young professionals, I ask that you encourage them to get involved. This is my eighth year as a member and my sixth year on the Steering Committee, and I have found that the involvement has helped me grow professionally and personally. EMERGE Lakeland has so much to offer, and we want to share it with as many young professionals as we can.
You can find out more about Emerge at EMERGELakeland.com
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e mp loye r securit y: i d e n t it y t h eft ch eck list THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (SHRM) C/O DUSTIN SHAY, MID-FLORIDA SHRM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Identity theft has become the country’s number one consumer fraud complaint, and the crime has been elevated to the status of a felony. The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. A prime target for identity theft is employee information which each employer maintains in its human resources and payroll departments. Thus, every employer maintains records that are of great value to those who would engage in this activity.
Given the seriousness of this issue, employers should audit their processes and procedures which govern the use and protection of the confidentiality of such employee information. Some states have implemented laws restricting the use of social security numbers (SSNs). There has also been federal legislation introduced in Congress that would limit the use of social security numbers. Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) went into effect in December 2003 and amended the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in a number of ways. FACTA instituted a procedure to help users of consumer reports combat identity theft by creating a notion of “red flags” when identity theft was suspected. A “red flag” is defined as a pattern, practice or activity that indicates the possible existence of identity theft. A “user” of a consumer report includes entities such as employers who obtain consumer reports for the purpose of making employment (hiring, promotion, firing) decisions. In addition, as of June 1, 2005, all employers are required to shred any document that has personal information on it derived from a consumer report.
Checklist: Safeguarding Employee Records From Identity Theft Look at how and when you use employee social security numbers, especially when coupled with other information, i.e., name and address. Review alternative identification descriptors that could replace the use of SSNs. Financial and HRIS systems and company intranets are subject to penetration. Review how personal employee information may be minimized or segregated in these systems.
Building and preserving your personal wealth requires specialized
Institute criminal/credit background checks for all employees who have access to sensitive employee records information.
attention. At Wall Titus, we provide one-on-one guidance and
Audit personal employee information currently maintained and determine if all data elements are absolutely essential for business or government reporting purposes. Eliminate any data that is not essential or is merely nice to have.
comprehensive financial planning to manage risk, ensure growth, and secure the longevity of your wealth.
212 E HIGHLAND DR // STE 201 LAKELAND, FL 33813
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All employee and applicant records should be kept in locked and secured areas. Those with access to such records should be clearly identified, and responsibilities for maintaining the security of these records should be assigned.
For more information on SHRM or the local chapter, Mid-Florida SHRM, please visit: www. midflorida. shrm.org
Outdated hard copy records which contain confidential employee information should never be merely discarded but should be shredded. Develop and communicate an employee records or security policy that outlines what types of records will be maintained, for what purposes they will be used and what safeguards have been put in place to ensure adequately protection of such records. Remain abreast of governmental efforts at all levels that may impact how your organization uses employee information.
Measur ing t h e F i n a n ci al Re t urn o f You r I nv e s t me n t i n P e ople
JIM PARRISH
FLORIDA SBDC AT USF
In spite of payroll frequently being the single largest expense (exclusive of cost of goods sold) for most businesses, few business owners do any sort of quantitative analysis to determine the financial return of their investment in people (payroll expense). According to Jim Parrish, Growth Acceleration consultant with the Florida SBDC at University of South Florida, “Owners should make an appropriate riskadjusted rate of
return on their business investment. In order to determine if they are achieving this goal, it is critical that owners continually track the profitability of their investment in their people. This should be done on a monthly basis in order to spot trends and take actions designed to continually improve financial performance.” Owners attempting to determine the effectiveness of the investment in people,
generally seek out industry statistics. While industry data is helpful, it also has limitations. Using annual data ignores seasonality and/or significant swings in monthly sales, profits, and payroll costs. In addition, this data is usually stated as a percentage of sales causing significant fluctuations to appear to be less significant than they actually are. See the following example:
2012
2013
$3,000,000
$3,100,000
GROSS PROFIT MARGIN
40%
38%
PAYROLL/SALES
30%
32%
SALES
SO, ABC COMPANY HAD ONLY A 2 PERCENT DECLINE IN GROSS PROFITS AND A 2 PERCENT INCREASE IN PAYROLL, NEITHER OF WHICH APPEAR TO BE AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT CONCERN. HOWEVER, LET’S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS A LITTLE CLOSER AS SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE.
2012
2013
Change
$3,000,000
$3,100,000
$100,000
GROSS PROFIT
40%
38%
- $22,000
PAYROLL
30%
32%
+ $92,000
SALES/PAYROLL
$3.33
$3.12
- $.21 (-6.3%)
GROSS PROFITS/PAYROLL
$1.33
$1.19
- $.14 (-10.5%)
SALES
In spite of the increase in sales in 2013, after subtracting the two major expense items, the company generated$114,000 less than it did in 2012. Thus, the return to the company of its investment in payroll in 2013 was significantly less effective than 2012. This would have been
obvious if the company had looked at these items as multipliers. In other words, for every dollar invested in payroll how much did the employees generate in Sales and Gross Profits. By looking at the same data from a multiplier perspective, the trend appears more significant.
The decline in the effectiveness of the investment in payroll for sales (-6.3 percent) and gross profits (-10.5 percent) is more obvious.
According to Parrish, Using Multipliers provide business owners: A clearer
understanding of the magnitude of changes than does the percentage of sales method. Using multipliers monthly, better accounts for seasonality and/or significant swings in monthly sales, profits, and payroll costs.
Tracking these multipliers on a monthly basis, allows them to spot trends easier and better determine if any corrective action is required. Determine if they are getting an appropriate risk-adjusted return for their investment in people.”
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On the professional side of things, the New Year is a time to make important decisions about the future of your business. While health care costs are continuing to rise anda businesses struggle to understand the ramifications of the ACA rules and regulations, one local insurance agent is creating a new kind of employee benefits program, where a healthy group has a tremendous advantage in regards to employer health care costs. Greg Sale, Partner at OMS, believes that a good health strategy is a good business strategy. He and his benefits team have been working tirelessly to design the most cost-effective healthcare benefit program for their clients that would work to foster a healthier workforce. The OMS Well-Life Corporate Health System is a self-funded platform combined with preventative care and a strong wellness initiative. Greg and his team define what a healthy company culture looks like for many Central Florida businesses. They begin first by assessing a group through biometric screenings to determine who may be at-risk for a serious health condition. The system is confidential and each at-risk employee receives personalized medical attention and opportunities to improve their health through coaching and one-on-one disease management. When employees reach their health goals they receive awards and incentives. Company culture begins to shift its awareness away from reactionary health care and embraces prevention. Now OMS is launching a new project as part of this already 8 | FORUM FOR BUSINESS
successful system: a focus on nutrition, education and training to promote healthy eating habits that further the preventative stance these groups are taking. Whitney Cabrera, has joined the OMS team to lead this charge. She has designed comprehensive workshops to educate participants about nutrition and healthy cooking that she believes will be a turning point in many lives. Whitney has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and began her career 28 years ago as an RN. She is also a licensed Well Coach, certified personal trainer, and therapeutic chef. While working in the Emergency Room and Critical Care Unit, she noticed that many of her patients were return visitors because they had preventable or manageable diseases, which she knew could be reserved or avoided with proper nutrition. She has brought her extensive knowledge to OMS. Her workshops include cooking demonstrations to show healthy, yet tasty recipes, food education, and meal planning. Whitney likes to get to the root of many health set-backs—food. Now there’s someone in the trenches with those who want to learn and make a change for the better. Her excitement for natural wholesome food combined with her compassion for helping people is opening new doors, bringing farm fresh produce to the tables of corporate conference rooms.
"I DECIDED TO TALK TO A HEALTH COACH. DURING MY FIRST CONVERSATION WITH HER, WE SET GOALS AND I JUST KNEW I DID NOT WANT TO DISAPPOINT HER. I GOT SERIOUS ABOUT WALKING. AND MY HUSBAND JOINED ME." - VIOLET ARGO
"IT’S NOT ABOUT ME. IT’S AN ENTIRE SYSTEM OF PREVENTION AND PROACTIVE MEASURES, AND I GET TO BE PART OF THAT. I GET TO SEE COMPANIES GO IN A NEW DIRECTION, PEOPLE BECOME HEALTHIER BECAUSE THEY WANT TO, AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS ARE REVERSED. IT’S EXCITING TO SHARE VALUABLE NUTRITION TOOLS IN THESE SMALL GROUP SESSIONS AND INTERACT Annual Health Fairs performed at the client’s location connect the employees to the health and wellness providers in their community, prizes motivate participation, and each vendor becomes a potential wellness partner. Health fairs are fun events that help shape corporate culture and give employees a chance to interact. Personal relationships provide the encouragement people need to stick with a plan and not give up. Whether it’s Whitney or a health coach, speaking into the lives of its participants is a key component of this system emphasizing direction, education, and accountability. OMS demonstrates firsthand how this personal interaction is so significant in drastically improving the lives of employees. Violet Argo, the executive director at Cornerstone Hospice, is a prime example. With the help of a health coach she and her husband achieved tremendous weight loss goals. She tells their story online at: www.omsgroup.com/success.
WITH BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES." - WHITNEY CABRERA
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OMS helps companies create a culture of healthier living while also dramatically decreasing costs. Customized programs like this are usually only accessible to large groups, but OMS has created an avenue for companies with as little as 50 employees to join the savings. Three components of this system that have an immediate impact on savings are the advanced claims mitigation, pooled stop loss policies, and the unique pharmacy integration that OMS has obtained. Every OMS Well-Life customer has contained costs or reduced their overall benefits expenses with the added effect of creating a healthier group. A solid wellness program that shifts the paradigm of health care from the reactive to proactive health maintenance has a profound effect on all areas of a company as well. With a healthier workforce, workers’ compensation claims are expected to decrease, as healthy workers are less likely to have accidents on the job. While we can’t prevent the common cold, the number of sick days used will definitely reduce as well with a healthier workforce. In turn, productivity will ramp-up as workers are more likely to be at work finishing their projects and accomplishing their goals. Prevention and reversing disease is no longer a theory and this aspect along with the multitude of others within the program will further the success of OMS as they continue to carve out new aspects of corporate wellness. Greg Sale and OMS believe a healthy company culture is something to strive for. So as the New Year starts off, remember that your business could turn the corner in 2015 with not only a healthier workforce but also a healthier bottom line.
OMS GROUP specializes in employer services including benefits, payroll, and workers’ compensation. They can be reached at 863-688-1751 or visit them on the web at www.omsgroup.com for more information.
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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 2014 ANNUAL MEETING
lakeland is for The Board of Directors of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
Invites you and your guests to
The 2014 Chamber Annual Meeting Thursday, February 5, 2015
The Lakeland Center Exhibit Hall
Please join us as we pay tribute to Southeastern University. From their humble beginnings in 1935 in New Brockton, Alabama, Southeastern University moved its campus to Lakeland in 1946 initially to the Lodwick School of Aeronautics and eventually to its current location bordered by Lake Bonny and Lake Holloway in 1952. Recently recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastestgrowing private baccalaureate institutions in the nation, Southeastern University equips students to discover their divine design and become influential leaders in the fields of business, education, medicine, law, church ministries, communication, psychology, social work, literature and music. The university’s impact in Lakeland and around the world is marked by a deep commitment to transforming minds and engaging culture through the integration of faith, learning and service.
For additional information, call the Chamber at (863) 688-8551
Reception: 5:30 pm • Dinner: 6:30 pm
Entertainment provided by The Staff & Students of Southeastern University
Scan the Code for Tickets! $60/person • $650/corporate table of 10
http://AnnualMeeting.LakelandChamber.com or call Barbara Bennett at (863) 688-8551, Ext. 233 Reply by January 22, 2015 • business attire sponsored by
GrayRobinson, P.A.
CenterState Bank of Florida, N.A. Lakeland Regional Health/Lakeland Regional Health Medical Group Publix Super Markets, Inc.
F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 11
January 2015 dates TUES 13
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 EMERGE ANNUAL RETREAT
TUES 13
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 HATS OFF! TO CHAMBER MEMBERS
WED 14
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
THUR 15
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST
1:00pm-5:00pm Ledger Building 300 W Lime St.
8:00 a.m. Chamber Briefing Room
BUSINESSVOICE OF GREATER LAKELAND
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
WED 28
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
4:00 p.m. Chamber Briefing Room
7:00 a.m. The Lakeland Center 701 W Lime St
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
9:15 a.m. Chamber Briefing Room
WED 21
8:00 a.m. Florida Technical College 4715 S Florida Ave
TOURISM
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Waller Construction, Inc. 1065 S Florida Ave, Ste 2
THUR 22
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 SCORE ROUND TABLE 7:30 a.m. Chamber Briefing Room 35 Lake Morton Dr
During the month of November our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community.
11:30 am Grasslands Golf & Country Club 1600 Grasslands Blvd.
MONDAY
FEB 5
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5 ANNUAL MEETING
FEB 26
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 69TH ANNUAL TIGER BBQ
TUESDAY
WALK-IN VISITORS................................................................................258 RELOCATION RESPONSE MAILINGS.............................................. 5 RELOCATION RESPONSE (WALK IN).............................................21 ACCOMMODATIONS................................................................................... 2 WINTER ACCOMMODATIONS.............................................................. 0 VISITOR INFORMATION MAILINGS................................................ 10 VISITOR CENTER E-MAIL INQUIRIES..........................................98
5:30 p.m. Lakeland Center 701 W Lime St.
Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd
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HATS OFF! TO CHAMBER MEMBERS 8:00 A.M. EMERGE ANNUAL RETREAT 1:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M.
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CHAMBER OFFICES CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 8:00 A.M. BUSINESSVOICE OF GREATER LAKELAND 9:15 A.M.
21 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING 4:00 P.M.
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28 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING 11:30 A.M.
12 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S
ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST 7:00 A.M. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
22 SCORE ROUND TABLE 7:30 A.M.
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Even t HI G HLI GH T S NOVEMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
01
Hosted by True MD and Gold’s Gym
01 | Live music, food, drinks and great people at the Business After Hours hosted by True MD and Gold’s Gym. 02 | Dillon Daniels (The First Tee of Lakeland), Frank (Gold’s Gym), Shandale Terrell (Crystal Lake Middle School) and Gary Willis (Edward Jones/ Gary Willis Financial Advisor).
02
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03 | True MD’s Dr. Adam Parker performs a Botox injection demonstration. 04 | Board Member Mike McGee (McGee Auto Service & Tires) had the honor to present the plaques of appreciation to Lisa Birket (True MD) and Mickie Rogers (Gold’s Gym).
SCHMOOZE A’PALOOZA Hosted by Beef O’Brady
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05 | Liz Tripolino shared her 30 second commercial for Heartland for Children, Inc. during the Schmooze a’ Palooza at Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Pub. 06 | Fellow Chamber members getting acquainted and networking over lunch.
CHAMBER NEXT
Hosted by Grow Financial Federal Credit Union
07 | Chrissanne Long (Maximize Digital Media) demonstrated how to utilize LakelandChamber.com to the fullest.
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08 | VP, Membership Development Terry Ottinger welcomed members to the very informative Chamber NEXT event.
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F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 13
VISIONARY Lanier Upshaw, Inc Welcomes Cynthia Marcotte as Vice President/ Director of Employee Benefits Operations. Cynthia’s work experience is diverse as she has worked in insurance agencies, a Professional Employer Association (PEO) and a Third Party Administrator (TPA).
Boring
AB ASSAD O R watson clinic Watson Clinic’s credentialing department recently earned a recertification from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This two-year Certification acknowledges organizations that establish the highest quality standards in their credentialing practices following a rigorous review of policies, filing practices, and quality improvement measures. International Executive Service Corps (IESC); a Washington D.C based international development nonprofit organization to serve as a volunteer expert advisor to local government in China. IESC deploys consultants and volunteer experts to developing countries to provide managerial and technical expertise to private enterprises, emerging industries, financial institutions, and governments. Their continuing mission statement is “Prosperity & Stability through Private Enterprise.” The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has granted Level 3 recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home to Watson Clinic’s North Pediatrics location. This is the highest honor a medical institution for receive from the non-profit NCQA, a renowned organization devoted to improving health care quality across the nation. Following a rigorous on-site examination during which all operational aspects were carefully scrutinized, Watson Clinic has earned a three-year reaccreditation from the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC). Outpatient facilities seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care – during which the organization’s various operations and practices are meticulously analyzed.
14 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S
Mike Johnson, a sales representative with Boring, received both the “Top Revenue” and “Top Percentage of Quota” awards for the month of September, 2014. Also, Amy Campbell has joined the company as their new Marketing and Social Media Specialist and Luis Colon has joined Boring’s Service Department. Konica Minolta USA presented Dean Boring with two honors recognizing Boring’s status as a top Konica Minolta dealer; a plaque commemorating Konica Minolta’s 2013 Spirit of Adventure trip to South Africa and a copy of America’s Greatest Brands, an annual publication that included Konica Minolta in the 2014 edition.
Communications Accreditation at the CALEA Conference in Albuquerque, NM. The Lakeland Police Department has now received dual law enforcement/ communications accreditation awards.
C oldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Ralston Dantzler Welcomes Brian Durden as Property Manager. As Property Manager, Durden supports and assists in the management of commercial real estate properties. He is involved in all aspects of day-to-day operations of the properties, including accounting, tenant relations, and maintenance and repair. Durden will also assist in the preparation of the annual budget, reporting, and financial performance of the properties he manages.
THE LAKELAND CHAMBER PRINTS BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS EACH MONTH AS SPACE PERMITS. PLEASE EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MOTM@LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM
Mid-Florida SHRM David Sorg,SPHR, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Concentrate Operations (Mosaic Company) was recognized by the HR Florida State Council as 2014 HR Professional of the Year. Recognized Polk County Public Schools with the 2014 Mid-Florida SHRM Diversity Award. This award is presented to a business that recognizes and values diversity in its everyday practices.
Ledger Media Group The Ledger won eight awards from the Florida Press Club in its class of papers with less than 40,000 circulation. The awards included five first place for front page design, photography and reporting, one second place for reporting and two third place for design and reporting.
Polk State College For the fourth consecutive time, Polk State College's Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety has received a perfect audit from the state. The Institute has received perfect audits from FDLE since 2006.
A merican Business Women’s Association – Lkld Dwntwn Was recognized at National Conference in Overland Park, Kansas and a Level 1 Best Practices Chapter. Additionally, immediate past president Maria Martinez was recognized as a Top 10 Business Women of the Year and past president Gina Berry was voted District I Vice President.
Lakeland Police Department The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA) presented the Lakeland Police Department its Public Safety
Each month, the Chamber enlists the help of 20 volunteers to mentor new and current members with involvement in Chamber events and programs. This month, the Chamber staff would like to recognize Bretta Christakos, with Centerstate Bank, for her outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Bretta is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!
BRETTA CHRISTAKOS
CENTERSTATE BANK
SPECIAL THANKS TO MAYOR HOWARD WIGGS AND ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS AND CHAMBER CHAMPIONS WHO TRULY MAKE THESE CEREMONIES SPECIAL EVENTS. PILOTMALL.COM 4040 LAIRD BLVD | (863) 226-1106
Lakeland, FL 33815 PILOTMALL.COM
7TH ANNUAL CARBQ 01
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7TH ANNUAL CARBQ
Sponsored by Fred’s Market Restaurant, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio
01 | Fifth Third Bank volunteers were still smiling after four hours of hard work preparing nearly 2,000 meals! 02 | CarBQ Chair John Fitzwater and President Kathleen Munson welcomed 40+ volunteers to the 7th Annual CarBQ. 03 | Volunteers prepared pickles for delivery with the delicious barbeque lunch made by Fred’s Market Restaurant.
F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 15
YEARS 1950 | 64 YEARS CHASTAIN-SKILLMAN, INC.
HATS OFF! TO CHAMBER MEMBERS
1953 | 61 YEARS LAKELAND FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS
1969 | 45 YEARS LAKELAND CENTER FOR ORAL SURGERY & IMPLANTOLOGY
1970 | 44 YEARS WHEELER APPRAISALS, LLC
1975 | 39 YEARS
2015
MARCOBAY CONSTRUCTION, INC. QUALITY PETROLEUM CORP. SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
1976 | 38 YEARS
ENGAGE & BE CONNECTED January 13 | 8:00 a.m.
MUSSER & RICHARDS, L.L.C.
1984 | 30 YEARS HIGH SHINE CLEANING SERVICE, INC.
1987 | 27 YEARS RADIO TRAINING NETWORK, INC.
4715 S Florida Ave, Ste 4 Volunteering for Hats Off! offers you a unique opportunity to visit businesses as a Chamber representative while still promoting your company. In one afternoon, each volunteer will deliver up to 20 packets with 2015 Guide to Lakeland/membership directory and new membership window clings to our 1,600 member businesses.
BE A VOLUNTEER
SANTA FE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL WAL-MART SUPER CENTER #01-1245
1990 | 24 YEARS FABRIC WAREHOUSE
1993 | 21 YEARS PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS
YEARS THE MAHONEY GROUP, INC.
BE A “SECRET HAT” COMPANY
YEARS For more information, visit the calendar at LakelandChamber.com or call (863) 688-8551 Ext. 242
JOHNSON STIVENDER WEALTH ADVISORS, INC. RAYMOND HANDLING CONSULTANTS, L.C.
YEARS DARLENE D. EANETT LLC MCQUEEN MARKETING LLC PYRAMID PROFILES
16 | | F OF RO UR M U MF OF RO RB UB SU ISNI EN SE SS S
EMBRACE HOME LOANS
820 S FLORIDA AVE, STE 208 LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 393-9973 WWW.EMBRACEHOMELOANS.COM MORTGAGES & LENDING
PLANET FITNESS LAKELAND SOUTH 4315 S FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 816-6800 WWW.PLANETFITNESS.COM CHRISTINE PENN HEALTH & FITNESS
1ST CLASS CERTIFIED HVAC UNLIMITED, LLC 115 PETTEWAY DR, STE 309 LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 808-7964 ERIKA LAUR H.V.A.C./R.
CENTURY SIGNS, INC. 2020 S COMBEE RD #4 LAKELAND, FL 33801 (863) 816-6947 MATTHEW CANTRALL SIGNS
HORIZON DOOR AND DOCK, INC. 5611 GREENWAY CIR LAKELAND, FL 33805 (863) 686-0111 CHIRAG (ROCCO) AMIN BUILDERS/COMMERCIAL
S & D REAL ESTATE SERVICES, LLC 2000 E EDGEWOOD DR, STE 104 LAKELAND, FL 33803 (863) 412-0214 SHAWN & DEE MCDONOUGH REAL ESTATE
PIANO DISTRIBUTORS
6595 S FLORIDA AVE, STE 11 LAKELAND, FL 33813 (863) 937-9091 RICH LANE MUSIC STORES/INSTRUMENTS
WELCOME, CORY SKEATES! This month, we welcome Corydon G. Skeates, J.D. to serve the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce as President. Cory has served as President and CEO of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce in Oviedo, Florida, since 2007. Prior to joining the Chamber, Cory served as a Senior Legislative Assistant to Florida State Representatives Attkisson (2001-2002), Kallinger (2002-2004), Quinones (2005) and Adams (2005-2006) and also consulted independently on several local, state and federal
campaigns. Originally from Scottsville, NY, Cory moved to Central Florida in 1997 to attend Barry University School of Law after receiving a B.A. in Political Science, Cum Laude, from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. During his tenure, the Oveido-Winter Springs Chamber made significant progress through the establishment of initiatives such as the Trustee, Partner In Progress and Friend of the Chamber levels of membership, Winter Springs Festival of the Arts, Central Florida's
BBQ Blowout, East Side Regional Hob Nob, Capitol Connection, The Ovations, Marketing Seminar Series, Chamber Clinic, Bagels & Business, Young Executives Network, incorporation of My Chamber App, the relocation of the chamber's corporate offices in 2008 to the UCF Incubator in Winter Springs and recently engineered the purchase of the chamber's first stand-alone building in February of 2014. Cory is married to Shannon, his wife of 12 years and together they have two daughter, Ella (9) and Amelia (7).
Are We the Right Fit? When it comes to decisions as significant as managing wealth, there’s no one-size-fits-all. That’s why we believe it’s important to have a trusted advisor with the competency to give measured advice in any market climate. No one can guarantee you future investment performance, but we promise a unique, high-touch experience, custom-tailored to your long-term financial success.
Learn how we measure up. Call (863) 904-4745.
THE CORE TEAM: Chuck Foss • Nathan Dunham Andrew Foss • Matte Diaz • Kristi Brooks • Angela Newell
231 N KENTUCKY AVE • STE 217 • LAKELAND VISIT US DOWNTOWN OR AT COREWEALTHADVISORSINC.COM
Investment advisory services offered through Calton & Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Core Wealth Advisors, Inc. and Calton & Associates, Inc. are separate entities. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss.
FORUM FOR BUSINESS
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s mall b us in e s s o f t h e mon t h
EVENTRICS MS. SHERRIN SMYERS FOUNDER/PRESIDENT (863) 683-3905 2622 W MEMORIAL BLVD LAKELAND, FL 33815
CONNECT ] www.eventrics.com
Eventrics is a premier, full-service corporate event and wedding planning company headquartered in Lakeland but serving any locale - with the scope and size of your event superseded by the need for it to be successful in every aspect! Masters at managing, planning and showcasing corporate meetings, conferences, celebrity and community events, grand openings, etc., to traditional and South Asian weddings, Eventrics needs to be your “go-to” professional firm for a range of preand post-event planning. The firm’s services range from first step/ initial planning, creative design sessions, final
step planning or day-of support services. Or, in most cases, all of the above! As one of their customers, you will enjoy peace of mind, effective time and money management and experienced planning professionals. Owner Sherrin Smyers begins with the client’s goal at the center of each event, and then creates an event to achieve that goal with superior timing, service and creativity. Local recent events developed by Eventrics include: Lakeland Derby (2007-2011), Tigers Diamond Gala (2011), and Florida Ice Cream Festival (2013.) Sherrin is extremely passionate about givingback to the Lakeland
community, where she has resided since 1983. Volunteering her time and talent has produced enormous success for many organizations in the community. Sherrin has worked on golf tournaments benefitting The Polk Education Foundation and the Explorations V Children’s Museum. She co-chaired the Capital Campaign for The First Tee of Lakeland, and all the successes attributed to that campaign including the Barkley, Bean, Bryant & Friends Golf Tournament and the Bobby Jones Movie Premier at Polk Theatre. The UCF Rosen School of Hospitality Management and Polk State College Event Planning Class have
also enjoyed Sherrin’s extensive knowledge and experience. Brittany Ellis Cole, Event and Wedding Planner, lead the expansion of Eventrics into the wedding market with the launch of Eventrics Weddings in 2011. A strategic move into the planning of South Asian Weddings the following year has resulted in a demand for Eventrics services around the State. In the past year, Eventrics Weddings has assisted families with planning at some of the top venues in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Orlando and Tampa. With their team of experienced professionals, Eventrics
BY MAUREEN SHAW, 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 OF THE MONTH COMMITTEE MEMBER MAUREEN SHAW (FLOWER CART FLORIST) PRESENTS THE DECEMBER SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH AWARD TO SHERRIN SMYERS (FOUNDER/ PRESIDENT) AND BRITTANY ELLIS COLE (WEDDING & EVENT PLANNER.) 18 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S
Weddings has maintained a 5-star rating on “The Knot.” To secure this rating, Eventrics must receive a minimum of 10 “A” ratings per year for consideration. (Not any easy task with a guest list of 1,000… unless you’re Eventrics!) In 2013, Eventrics was named a Top 5 finalist in the Events Solutions national award in budget category for their work on the Detroit Tigers 75th Anniversary Diamond Gala event in Lakeland. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to present Eventrics with the December 2014 Small Business of the Month award. FLOWER CART FLORIST
L eade r s hi p L a k e l a n d A lum n i Asso c iati on t o g o “ B ack t o t h e F u ture ” f or A n n u a l M e et in g TRACY KIMBROUGH LLAA SECRETARY AND ANNUAL MEETING CHAIRPERSON
IS AN ANNUAL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO IDENTIFY AND ENHANCE LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
The program unites leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to increase their understanding of community issues and improve their ability to lead effectively. In 1984, the term “Leadership Lakeland Alumni” was born following the successful graduation of Class I. With Class XXXII currently “in session,” the success of the program continues. Each Leadership Lakeland graduate can continue his or her Leadership Lakeland experience and is eligible to join the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association (LLAA). The mission of LLAA is to provide extraordinary learning experiences, to inspire community participation and leadership and to cultivate and invigorate leaders in Lakeland. As most organizations do, LLAA hosts an annual meeting each January. This “don’t miss event” has the typical annual meeting elements elections, recognition of exiting board members, summary of the past years accomplishments, etc - but it also finally
eliminates the suspense of the renown Jere Annis award winner’s identity. The LLAA Annual Meeting Committee organizes and oversees all aspects of the meeting, and has some big shoes to fill after last year’s event. The 30th Anniversary celebration, arranged by Sandra Sheets and Lisa Oliver, included Marilyn Monroe to mingle with the great past presidents of the Association!
THIS YEAR’S COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF:
Classes 1 through 7 occurred during the years 1984-1989, so we have chosen to take you back to the 80s as we celebrate Classes 1 through 7. The 1980s were a defining decade for Lakeland, Florida, the United State and the world. National Geographic reminds us of this in their program, “The 1980’s: The Decade that Made Us,” where they describe this time as “the decade when we went forward to the future.”
Tracy Kimbrough Lisa Oliver Jim Mammel Sam Crosby Ed Lunz Lana Swartzwelder Cynthia Haffey Claire Orologas Todd Christian Lyonal Lindsey Ken Ely Barbara Lineberger Paula Dockery
The committee is working hard to make this year’s event just as memorable.
Please plan to join us on Tuesday, January 27 as we regognize and celebrate the decade and the leadership that shaped our present.. Networking starts at 5:30. Stay tuned to our website (www.leadership lakelandalum.com) for the latest details. Your invitation will be arriving soon! F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 19
publ ic pol i cy WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SETTING UP A WELLNESS PROGRAM?
RICH ROY PUBLIC AFFAIRS VICE PRESIDENT
CONNECT ] PolkElections.com
As the largest purchasers of health care, employers are uniquely situated to help provide leadership in the workplace wellness and health promotion space. Your Lakeland Chamber, along with chambers across the country, encourage wellness and chronic disease management programs in the workplace. These initiatives play a critical role in improving the
nation’s health and productivity and help employers control costs, improve quality, and expand access to health care. Workplace wellness programs are a win-win for both the employer and employees. Employees who participate in workplace wellness programs are fitter, more productive, have better morale and are safer than employees who do not
otherwise treat their chronic conditions. Employers who offer wellness initiatives have achieved excellent returns on their investment – programs that follow best practice guidelines return $2 to $3 dollars for each dollar invested. These savings can be used to pay employees higher wages, invest in further adapting benefits to specific employee population needs, and create more jobs.
What matters to You
Ford
HEACOCK
MATTERS to Us
Jason
HEACOCK
To learn more about wellness programs and how to set up a workplace wellness program for your business our U.S. Chamber partners have developed a robust Workplace Wellness Toolkit. The toolkit contains a brochure titled “Workplace Wellness Programs: Promoting Better Health While Controlling Costs,” an instructional video on how to set up a workplace wellness program, as well as case studies of other employers with successful workplace wellness initiatives. To view the toolkit go to, www. uschambersmallbusinessnation.com/toolkits/ workplace-wellness . Additionally, our U.S. Chamber partners recently published a report titled, “The Role of Business in Health and Wellness Innovation.” The report shares stories of business solutions for wellness and prevention, systems innovation, disease management and market mechanisms. To view that report go to http://www.uschamberfoundation.org/promisingpractice/role-business-health-and-wellnessinnovation.
HOW IS THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY SHOWING LEADERSHIP IN WORKPLACE WELLNESS? At the recent Florida Chamber Future of Florida Forum, Florida’s corporate wellness programs were discussed with a focus on how businesses can invest in promote worksite wellness. Following the Forum, our Florida Chamber partners had the opportunity to sit down to speak with Dr. John Armstrong, Florida Surgeon General, to hear his take on the role Florida’s businesses role in helping to develop private wellness programs. Dr. Armstrong stated:
“BUSINESSES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SHAPING HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS IN THE WORKPLACE AND IN THEIR COMMUNITIES,” HE SAID. “WE ARE VERY INVESTED IN PROMOTING WORKSITE WELLNESS. BUT WORKSITE WELLNESS IS MORE THAN PROVIDING SCREENINGS AND HEALTH COACHES
Stacey
HEACOCK WEEKS
IN THE WORKPLACE. WORKSITE WELLNESS IS ABOUT TRANSFORMING THE WORKPLACE SO THAT HEALTHY CHOICES BECAME EASIER.” To learn more about wellness programs and how your business can benefit please visit the Lakeland Chamber’s blog for more informative material on worksite wellness.
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F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 21
TA S T E
The Common Grounds member feature gives
a of local business o n e c u p at a t i m e
your business the opportunity to showcase “a day in the life” of your employees and customers. Each month, one of the door prizes at the Business After Hours event will be a Common Grounds Lakeland Chamber coffee mug & the opportunity to submit a 350 word article about your local business.
BY DAMIEN THURSTON HOME CONTRACTING SERVICES
Home Contracting Services is a diverse interior exterior repair and remodeling company. We specialize in the design of kitchens, bathrooms, indoor and outdoor spaces. Home owners often come to us with ideas which we make possible or offer alternatives to perfect their ideas. HCS is not just another repair and maintenance company. We take pride in our work and the satisfaction of every completed job. The joy it brings to our customers once they see the quality of our work and the transformation of their homes makes all the hard work and effort worth it. It started with the owner Damien Thurston who is a 3rd generation tradesman. He finished his degree in Engineering and design in England and moved to Florida in 2000. After working a few years for other companies he realized that there were some flaws in the home repair and maintenance companies in Florida. “The companies I worked for were all about profit and greed, they didn’t put the customer first. So HCS was formed in 2006. I realized that by being punctual and just doing what I agreed with the customer I was already 90 percent ahead of other companies”. The owner personally oversees every job or is on the job as he likes to give his personal touch. We never cut corners or use cheap materials for profit; we are a company with a conscience. If we can make somebody’s life a little easier with an interior or exterior repair, or the joy of creating something special, that is what makes it worth it. All our business is local and referred by existing clients. We know that we are only as good as our last job. We never subcontract our work as we have a dedicated team of specialists and it’s our passion that stands us out from the rest. We often go above and beyond expectations of our customers as we are always striving for perfection. Too many times we see or hear of bad work which saddens us. We believe in honest work at an honest price. If you would like to look at our vast portfolio or a obtain a free consultation, please call Damien Thurston at (863) 709-7120. 22 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S
Memb e r R e c o g n i t i o n f o r e ach Forum
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
COUNCIL OF ADVISORS WONN/WPCV/WLKF/ WWRZ Radio
AMBASSADOR
VISIONARY CliftonLarsonAllen LLP CPS Investment Advisors GrayRobinson, P.A.
Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center L.L.P. Lanier Upshaw, Inc. Polk State College
Platinum Bank The Ruthvens Wall Titus, LLC F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S | 23
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