inside
Business After Hours: 'After Hours' fun at September event. Page 2
this issue
Board Retreat: ‘New Normal’ for Lakeland discussed. Page 6
Small Business of the Month: Find out who is this month’s winner. Page 5
FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com
LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Super charge employees with
Chamber’s 4 Annual CarBQ th
By Sam Nimah
Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida, CarBQ Chair
November 2010
Vol. XX, No. 11
lunches for folks in the office. Orders of more than 25 lunches can be delivered free!
Only have a few hard working staff members to November is here and with it comes the start of thank? Drive on through Hangar #2 at Tigertown the busy holiday season! Each year, the to pick up your Chamber kicks order & be the off this time with On November 19, the Chamber, with the office hero with a a celebratory complete lunch for help of Fred’s Southern Kitchen, will be BBQ lunch, everyone! made special for serving up some of the best pulled pork businesses and sandwiches in the county! For only $10, your their employees. completely portable This year, your CarBQ lunch includes a pulled pork sandwich, company can rev up your employees’ engines sides & dessert! Order for your office today with a hearty lunch to power them through from LakelandChamber.com or fax the order into the new year! form insert. On November 19, the Chamber, with the help For additional information, or to find out of Fred’s Southern Kitchen, will be serving up some of the best pulled pork sandwiches in the how to volunteer, call the Chamber at county! Businesses are encouraged to support (863) 688-8551 Ext. 228. the Chamber and their employees by ordering See CarBQ Sponsors, Page 4
Our famous 6 person Scramble will be held on Thursday, November 18, at Lone Palm Golf Club.
Registration at 11a.m. Shotgun Start at 12:00 Noon
There’s still time to register for all the excitement:
• Regal Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Acura, Kia is offering special Hole-In-One Prizes— INCLUDING A NEW CAR! • Citizen’s Bank & Trust jazzing up those golf carts! • The Detroit Tigers/Lakeland Flying Tigers and Terrie Lobb Catering, Inc. are offering exceptional hospitality with boxed lunches and an awesome awards reception! • Ward’s Heating & Air Conditioning helps you get started on the Putting Green! • And competition for this year’s FABULOUS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES…will Bright House Networks win again?
ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move
September Business After Hours leads to more after ‘After Hours’ fun By Terry Ottinger
accessories you can think of, and maybe some you would never think of, Fun Bike owners & staff provided a wonderful atmosphere for networking and fun. Many great door prizes were awarded and then a special announcement… open bar & karaoke contest at MOJO’s! Members danced and sang late into the night and everyone reported having a wonderful time. Thanks to the Fun Bike and MOJO’s staff for a great event!
Vice President, Membership Development
The Business After Hours was held at Fun Bike Center Motorsports located at 1845 E. Memorial Blvd. The Fun Bike folks really know how to throw a party! MOJO's Wings, Burgers, Beer and Papa John’s Pizza provided food and drink, while the members enjoyed 60,000 square feet of air-conditioned showroom. With a complete line of motorcycles and scooters, plus any and all
(Photo Credit: Justin Green Photography)
The crowd enjoys food and relaxed atmosphere in Fun Bike Center’s giant showroom
The Dorsch family, Elliott, Jordan, Dave & Nick, accept the Plaque of Appreciation om Chair Joe L. Ruthven
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Forum For Business Monthly
Volume Information: November 2011 Vol. XX, No. 11
Joe L. Ruthven Chairman of the Board
Kathleen L. Munson Publisher & President
Liz Craven, ProAd Media, shows off her special door prize
Amy S. Wiggins Editor Kingston Partners Design No. 2
Monthly updates for Lakeland’s young professionals Experience EMERGE
By EMERGE Lakeland Marketing Committee
opportunities and development and social outings.
EMERGE Lakeland members participated in several events recently including an Armed Forces Celebration at the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club, a networking event at Texas Cattle Company and volunteering at Lakeland Chamber’s Politics in the Park.
The EMERGE experience is open to young professionals (ages 21-42) who are interested in finding a place in the Lakeland community. You can follow EMERGE on Twitter @EMERGELakeland and join the EMERGE Lakeland Group on Facebook. Membership information is available at EMERGELakeland.com.
EMERGE Lakeland will be holding its annual meeting November 17 at the
Sorosis Building from 5:30-7:30 p.m. During the meeting, EMERGE’s 2011 officers, committee chairs and steering committee members will be announced. Visit EMERGELakeland.com to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer
EMERGE Serves prepares young leaders for board service By Kathy Wallen, EMERGE Lakeland Chair
Congratulations to:
EMERGE Lakeland proudly announces the first class of EMERGE Serves graduates. From September through October, community leaders and volunteers presented an intensive study in effective board leadership for the group. The following young professionals participated in the ten-hour course detailing the fundamentals of board service and now stand ready to serve the community.
Tim Darby, Darby Law Group, P.A.
Chris Chaffin, SunTrust Bank
Cindy Green, Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A. Matthew Green, Crowe Horwath LLP Ashley Hall, Alliance for Independence, formerly PCAHC
Michael Riskin, CPS Investment Advisors Jorge Rivera, CPS Investment Advisors Rosemary Roudabush, Baylis & Company, PA Mandy Sanders, The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP Lauren Saunders, Saunders Real Estate Lance Schmidt, The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP
Craig Hill, Law Office of Craig B. Hill, P.L.
Meredith Spresser, Polk Museum of Art
Karen Houtz, Community Bank of Florida
Thomas Stull, Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.
Marci Miller, Junior Achievement
Kathy Wallen, Baylis & Company, PA
April Mullins, Bank of Central Florida
Jeannie Weaver, JSK Consulting, Inc.
Callie Neslund, Representative Seth McKeel
April Williams, Integrity Insurance Agency/Word Alive Ministries
(Continued from Page 1)
Thanks to our sponsors
for FUELING
our CarBQ efforts! CarBQ Sponsors DIESEL Bright House Networks Fred’s Southern Kitchen WONN/WPCV/ WLKF/WWRZ Radio
PREMIUM Pepperidge Farm, Inc. Rib Crib Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida U.S. Foodservice UNLEADED Bank of Central Florida Furr & Wegman Architects, PA The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP HYBRID Baylis & Company PA CPA’s DSM.net International Paper RTS Packaging
No. 4
October Small Business of the Month Award presented
By Cory Petcoff Baron Realty, Inc.
Gold’s Gym/American Fitness, Inc. in South Lakeland has been in business for 16 years! The gym opened to help people realize their goals and find their inner strength. Gold's Gym provides the latest cardio and strength training equipment along with a dynamic group exercise program that includes classes like yoga, group cycling, mixed martial arts, boot camp, muscle endurance training and Pilates. More importantly, they provide an energetic, supportive environment full of all kinds of people who are committed to achieving their goals. Gold’s Gym is family owned and operated and the three owners are at the club daily. The dedicated staff includes many with more than 10 years tenure. This longevity provides the ability to build and maintain personal relationships with members. The health club business is competitive, so Gold’s Gym takes the time to make their members feel like family.
Members should feel as if they are part of more than just a health club. The staff strives to make Gold’s Gym a place where everyone feels welcome and enjoys coming back. Parents can feel comfortable and dedicated to their fitness while children visit the Kids Club. Kids Club is more than just ‘babysitting’. Parents realize how important it is for children to enjoy time at the gym. With daily fitness activities, crafts, games and more, the littlest members at Gold’s Gym stay safe and happy. The goal of the Kids Club is to direct the child’s energy into a lifelong love of physical activity. With more than 60 classes per week, group fitness programs are rockin’! There are four group fitness studios (including private yoga and private Pilates reformer studios) with very knowledgeable and passionate instructors. Gold’s Gym is more than fitness and fun. Gold’s is involved any many community and charity events. Each year they host a “Spinathon” (Indoor Cycling), for the March of Dimes, raising anywhere from $3,000 - $5,000. This year with the ad-
October Winner
Gold’s Gym/American Fitness, Inc. 3625 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 646-3036 Phone (863) 646-6701 Fax www.goldsgym.com
dition of a “Pedal for Pink” ride benefiting Breast Cancer Awareness, Gold’s Gym continues to find ways to give back to the Lakeland community. This year, Gold’s Gym hosted “Lean Out Lakeland” coordinated by Whitney Cabrera with Strategic Wellness. This event is designed to create permanent change in the lives of Lakeland residents. This eight week event began in January and helped more than 70 participants lose a total of 857 pounds. As a result, numerous lives were changed. The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Gold’s Gym/American Fitness, Inc. as the Small Business of the Month for October.
Small Business of the Month Committee Member, Cory Petcoff (Baron Realty, Inc.) presents the October Small Business of the Month Award to Zack Rogers, Gold’s Gym/American Fitness, Inc. Also present to accept the award back row (l-r) Mickie Rogers, Justin Young and Kathy Neel. Front Row (l-r) Ridge Rogers, Cassidy Neel, Hannah Neel and Holton Neel.
Chamber’s Board Planning Retreat discusses ‘New Normal’ for Lakeland By Alice Hunt
tify priorities for the 2011 Business Plan that will add value to Chamber membership and provide members assistance in adjusting to the “new normal” of today’s economy.
Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Chair-Elect
The Chamber’s board of directors took part in a very productive Board Planning Retreat on October 1-2, at Southeastern University. Special thanks to Dr. James Davis and SEU students, faculty and staff for generously allowing the Chamber to spend the weekend on their beautiful campus. Directors were given a unique opportunity to encounter firsthand the phenomenal growth that the University has experienced over the years and to witness the plans for future growth.
Special thanks to Dr. Larry Ross (Distinguished Professor of Business, Department of Business and Economics, Florida Southern College) for his excellent work in facilitating the Retreat, as well as the Chairman’s Circle, for serving as Retreat host. Chamber directors and staff will now develop a business plan and budget for next year with strategies to meet the needs of our 1,700 member businesses. The 2011 Business Plan will be published in January’s Forum for Business Monthly newsletter.
The two-day planning session focused on “The New Normal: Doing Business in Today’s Economy”. Directors heard several dynamic presentations during the retreat, including: • “What does Florida’s Future Look Like?” presented by Dr. Dale Brill (President, Florida Chamber Foundation). • An Economic Analysis of the “New Norm” and What Businesses Should Look for in the New Economy, presented by Dr. R. Joseph Childs (Dean, College of Business and Legal Studies, Southeastern University). • “Polk County’s Health and its Impact on Businesses and Schools”, presented by Dr. Daniel Haight (Director, Polk County Health Dept., and Associate Professor, College of Medicine, University of South Florida).
Dr. Dale Brill, President of the Florida Chamber Foundation, presents valuable insight on “What Does Florida’s Future Look Like?”
• “Florida High Speed Rail Project and its Future Impact on the State, Region, and Lakeland”, with presentations by: • Chuck Barmby (Transportation Planner, City of Lakeland) • Gow Fields (Mayor, City of Lakeland) • Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts (President/CEO, Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc.) Chamber leaders also heard how the following Key Strategic Issues (KSI) Committees are progressing in providing member services and value: • Communications – Vice Chair Tim Jackson (NuJak Companies) • Talent Development and Education – Vice Chair Steve Moore (Florida Property & Development) • Member Value – Vice Chair Patrick Fagan (Fifth Third Bank) • Public Policy – Vice Chair Mark Wilson (Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.) • Quality of Life – Mike LaPan (The Lakeland Center) for Vice Chair Melinda Harrison (Watson Clinic LLP)
(L-R): Board members Todd Baylis, Weymon Snuggs, Mitch Harvey and Linda Jezard discuss “What does the “New Normal” mean for Lakeland businesses?” during one of the breakout sessions.
Chamber Treasurer Walker Wilkerson (The NCT Group C.P.A.’s, LLP) also presented a Financial Outlook for the Chamber, to provide directors with a two-year projection on the Chamber’s financial resources. Armed with knowledge and concepts from the morning session, directors worked in breakout and general sessions to iden-
Incoming board members Kathy Wallen and Phil Wegman work with Vice Chair Patrick Fagan during a breakout session. No. 6
New $100 banknote begins circulating Spring 2011 Courtesy of the US Bureau of Engraving & Printing
This Spring, businesses and consumers will see their money move in a whole new way. The U.S. government will issue a redesigned $100 note with two new advanced security features: a blue 3-D Security Ribbon and a color-shifting Bell in the Inkwell. You can’t miss the blue 3-D Security Ribbon on the front of the new $100 note. The ribbon seems to be three-dimensional with bells and numeral 100s appearing to float or glide above the ribbon as you move the note. You’ll know a new $100 note is genuine by tilting the note back and forth while focusing on the ribbon. You will see the bells change to 100s as they move. It’s that simple. A second new security feature on the new $100 note, also on the front of the note, is the Bell in the Inkwell. At first, the bell blends with the inkwell because they are the same copper color, but when you tilt the note, the bell changes to green. This color shift makes the bell seem to appear and disappear within the inkwell. In addition to these new security features, the government also retained three highly effective security features from the old $100 note design, including: • Portrait Watermark – Hold the note to light to see a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the large portrait. It is visible from either side of the note. • Security Thread – Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread that runs vertically to the left of the portrait. The letters USA and the numeral 100 appear in an alternating pattern and can be seen from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light. • Color-Shifting 100 – Tilt the note to see the numeral 100 in the lower right corner of the front of the note change from copper to green.
Prevent Loss Law enforcement officials warn that counterfeiters look for opportunities to take advantage of uninformed businesses and consumers when a new currency design is issued. They are encouraging everyone who handles cash to know the security features of the new $100 note before it begins circulating. Any business or consumer that accepts a counterfeit note will suffer a financial loss because fakes cannot be traded in for real notes. How to Prepare Because cash handlers are the front line of defense in the fight against counterfeiting, the government has developed a number of training materials and resources to help them easily identify possible counterfeit notes before they accept them. The training materials can be downloaded from www.newmoney.gov or ordered by calling 1-877-639-2877. They illustrate how to detect a counterfeit note quickly and easily. A range of materials are available, including brochures to hand out to employees, posters to display in break rooms, training videos and interactive training tools.
What To Do If You Suspect a Fake If you suspect you’ve been passed a counterfeit note, the U.S. government wants you to be aware of a few tips. First, try to note the characteristics of the person who tried to pass the fake note and, if possible, write down a description of any vehicle he or she drove as well as the license plate number. Next, immediately contact your local police department or U.S. Secret Service field office. These contact numbers can be found in U.S. telephone books or on the law enforcement interactive map on www.newmoney.gov. Finally, make sure that you write your initials and the date in the border of the suspect note. Remember to limit the handling of the note and protect it by putting it in an envelope. Only turn the note over to a police officer or a U.S. Secret Service agent. If the note is genuine, it will be returned to you. If the note is counterfeit, you will not be reimbursed. You cannot trade in a counterfeit note for a real one, and it is against the law to knowingly try to pass a counterfeit along to someone else.
Each month, the Chamber enlists the help of 20 volunteers to mentor new and current members with involvement in Chamber events and programs. This dedicated group of professionals is rewarded for their efforts through a Sheree Saulter points system, and the Champion with the most points is featured in the Forum for Business Monthly. This month, the Chamber staff would like to recognize Mrs. Sheree Saulter, Community Relations Coordinator with Webster University for her outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Sheree is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!
CHAMBER CHAMPION FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER IS
SHEREE SAULTER
No. 8
NEW MEMBERS
e Chamber is proud to welcome 20 new members for September 2010 Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge you 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!
America's Business Benefit Association 1102 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803-1308 (863)682-0129 Insurance Steve Dufault www.abbaplans.com
Bee 'Dry' Carpet Cleaners, Inc. dba Bee Sure Services
PO Box 2216 Lakeland, FL 33806-2216 (863) 646-3544 Fax: (863)648-1142 Cleaners - Carpet/Upholstery/Drapery Sarah E. Wrigley
Blackwater Integration, LLC
2828 States St, Ste 101 Lakeland, FL 33803-7338 (863) 937-9368 Fax: (863) 937-9371 Broadcast Engineering Staci Martin www.BlackwaterInt.com
Bodine Printing & Copy Center
5711 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-2566 (863) 646-5704 Fax: (863) 647-5465 Printing Bruce Bodine, Jr.
Bubba Ques BBQ
2444 US Highway 92 East Lakeland, FL 33801-2671 (863) 665-4049 Fax: (863) 665-5650 Restaurants Shane Kossow www.bubbaquesbbq.com
Cachina King Mack, P.A.
1809 Richmond Road Lakeland, FL 33803-2541 (863) 288-7667 Attorneys Cachina King Mack
Camellia Rose Tea Room & Boutique 120 N Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563-3318 (813) 659-8287 Fax: (813) 659-1802 Restaurants Ellen Garrett www.camelliarose.com
Farm Bureau
2033 Edgewood Dr. E, Ste 1 Lakeland, FL 33803-3660 (863) 667-2001 Ext 4 Insurance Diane Faubert Ryan Brown www.floridafarmbureau.com
The Finishing Touch
Lakeland, FL 33803-5477 (863) 688-8874 Interior Decorators/Designers Fran Munson
Highland MRI
2946 Lakeland Highlands Rd Lakeland, FL 33803-4379 (863) 510-5944 Fax: (863) 510-5939 Radiology/Imaging Renee Kelly www.highlandmri.com
Brian Kuehner, P.A.
4921 Southfork Dr., Ste 4 Lakeland, FL 33813-2078 (863) 646-5728 Fax: (863) 646-8421 Attorneys D. Brian Kuehner www.briankuehner.com
Neo Net Media, LLC
6810 New Tampa Hwy Ste 600 Lakeland, FL 33815-3167 (863) 904-6949 Fax: (863) 435-2166 Social Media Consulting Steven Goodman www.neonetmedia.com
Regal Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Acura, Kia 1025 US Hwy 98 S PO Box 90037 Lakeland, FL 33804-0037 (863) 904-1170 Fax: (863) 680-2401 Automobile - Dealers - New www.regallakeland.com
RL Barr Enterprises
8410 Epicenter Blvd, Unit 1 Lakeland, FL 33809-1774 (863) 874-4830 Automobile/Truck - Repair Robert Barr www.rlbarrenterprises.com
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Shalom-Center for Peace and Restoration, Inc PO Box 1250 Lakeland, FL 33802-1250 (863) 802-4814 Fax: (863) 688-2169 Social Services Altavise Henry www.shalomcpr.com
Southern Gourmet Catering 2124 Harden Blvd Lakeland, FL 33803-5917 (813) 716-5607 Caterers Herbert & Trish Glaros www.fredssouthernkitchen.com
Superior Spray Service 1114 E. Palmetto St PO Box 8913 Lakeland, FL 33806-8913 (863) 682-0700 Pest Control Lawn Spray Service Kevin Blanks www.superiorspray.com
Total Body Conditioning, Inc. 5705 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813-2566 (863) 937-8996 Fax: (863) 937-8997 Health & Fitness Mark Bodine www.tbcpersonaltraining.com
Travel Made Easy
Lakeland, FL 33813-2634 (863) 666-0331 Travel Agencies LaTasha Duncan www.PremierTravelMadeEasy.com
TrueScapes Land Management, Inc. 2179 Malachite Dr Lakeland, FL 33810-8244 (863) 797-3009 Landscaping Ed Huckery www.truescapes.net
CORRECTION: In the September Forum, we incorrectly printed a wrong address for Sundown Southern Eatery. The correct information is as follows:
Sundown Southern Eatery 1100 3rd St. SW Winter Haven, FL 33880-2907 (863) 293-0069 Fax: (863) 298-0979 www.sundownrestaurant.com Michael Johnson Restaurants
Lakeland Flying Tigers GM named Florida State League Executive of the Year
By Jacqueline L. Johnson, Senior Vice President Convemtion & Visitors’ Bureau
In late September, The Florida State League announced its pick for Executive of the Year, Lakeland Flying Tigers General Manager Zach Burek. Burek will be honored in front of more than 1,200 representatives from Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball at the Baseball Winter Meetings during the Opening Session as well as the Awards Luncheon December 6 at Disney World. 2010 was a record breaking year for the Flying Tigers: • The team established a new single-season attendance record at Joker Marchant Stadium with 64,010 fans attending games. The previous record of 61,255 was set in 1987. The club also set new records in concession sales and merchandise sales. • 2010 marked the 60th season Lakeland has been a member of the Florida State League (FSL). Lakeland was an original
No. 12
member of the FSL in 1919 and has won five league championships. Lakeland has been a Detroit Tigers minor league affiliate since 1967, the second longest affiliation in all of Minor League Baseball. • The season also celebrates the 45th anniversary of Joker Marchant Stadium. “I am very honored and humbled to be recognized by a league with such great history and tradition as the Florida State League” commented Burek. “This award is a credit to the hard work and passion of our entire staff.” This is Burek’s 5th season as general manager and 10th season with the Tigers organization. Burek started with the Tigers as an intern in 1997 while attending Southern New Hampshire University. Congratulations to Zach and the Tigers organization for such noteworthy recognition!
SEPTEMBER TOURISM INQUIRIES
During the month of September, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community.
Walk-in Visitors..................................259 Relocation Response Mailings................3 Relocation Response (Walk In).............13 Accommodations...................................3
Winter Accommodations .......................0 Visitor Information Mailings ...................3 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries...............75
MARK YOUR CALENDAR EVENTS
Thursday, November 11
Schmooze a’ Palooza, 11:30 a.m. Beef O Brady’s Family Sports Pub, 3120 S Florida Ave
Thursday, November 18
20th Annual Chamber Scramble, 11:00 a.m. Lone Palm Golf Club Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m. Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd
Friday, November 19 4th Annual CarBQ, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tigertown
Thursday, November 25 & Friday, November 26 Chamber Closed in Observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday
MEETINGS
Monday, November 1
Lakeland Chamber Foundation Board of Directors Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 4
Leadership Lakeland Class XXVIII Law Enforcement/Judicial System Day
Friday, November 5
EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee Retreat, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Baylis & Company PA CPA’s
Wednesday, November 10 Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.
BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland, 9:00 a.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 17 Board of Directors Meeting, Noon Lakeland Yacht & Country Club, 929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
No. 14
RENEWALS
Common Grounds
A taste of local business one cup at time The Lakeland Chamber’s newest member feature gives your business the opportunity to showcase “a day in the life” of your employees and customers. Each month, one of the door prizes available at the Business After Hours event will be a “Common Grounds” Lakeland Chamber mug. One lucky business will be drawn to receive a mug and submit a 350 word article about a “taste of daily life” around the office along with a picture of the mug in or around the business. By Bob Read
Independent Associate, Pre-Paid Legal
Pre-Paid Legal was one of the first companies in the United States organized solely to design, underwrite and market legal expense plans. For a low monthly fee of $26 or less, the Company's legal expense plans (referred to as memberships) offer a variety of legal services in a manner similar to medical reimbursement plans or HMOs. We give members access to professional legal counsel not only for traditional legal problems, but for everyday events such as buying a house or a car, creating a will, handling a problem with an insurance company, dealing with identity theft, and much more where legal review should be routine, but rarely is. These events can be among the most important events in a person's life, yet there is a tendency for them to take place without proper legal review. For Pre-Paid Legal members, access to legal counsel is only a toll-free phone call away.
… no searching for a qualified lawyer, no claim forms, no worries about being able to afford a lawyer – just peace of mind. In addition to our family plans, we also have specialty marketing areas including Group Employee Benefits Plans, Commercial Driver's Legal Plans, and Small Business Plans for the small business owner. You can learn more at PrepaidLegal.com/hub/BobRead. I have been a PPL Independent Associate since 2001. As an Independent Associate, I have the freedom to work with you at your convenience. I invite you to give me a call or send me an email to give you further information about Pre-Paid Legal. Call me anytime at (863) 512-1437 or email bobread@prepaidlegal.com.
The Company currently provides legal services to more than 1.5 million families across the U.S. and Canada. Plan benefits are delivered through a network of independent provider law firms. Members have direct, toll-free access to their provider law firm rather than having to comb through a yellow-page style directory for a referral. Provider firms are carefully selected and the quality of service is closely monitored to maintain the high standards of Pre-Paid Legal. Our members are served by a provider law firm which has been carefully screened and selected by Pre-Paid Legal. Using the plan, members simply call their provider firm directly at the toll-free number on their membership card when they have a legal question or problem. It’s really that simple. Pre-Paid Legal does all the work;
The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses for their long-standing support and loyalty.
20+ Years Renewals
1953 – 57 Years Sale Insurance Agency, Inc. 1962 – 48 Years Loftin Real Estate, Inc. 1963 – 47 Years Regal Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Acura, Kia 1967 – 43 Years Watkins Associated Industries, Inc. 1968 – 42 Years Higgenbotham Auctioneers Int'l LTD., Inc 1974 – 36 Years Rita Staffing, Inc. 1975 – 35 Years Poor Richard's Print Shop 1977 – 33 Years CPS Investment Advisors Sam's Sport Shop 1978 – 32 Years Hauser's Coin Company, Inc. 1980 – 30 Years SCMH Architects, Inc. 1982 – 28 Years Polk State College/Winter Haven Campus 1985 – 25 Years Innovative Ink Lilley Air Conditioning, Inc. 1986 – 24 Years Spherion 1987 – 23 Years Citrus Connection/Lkld Area Mass Transit Dist University of South Florida Polytechnic 1988 – 22 Years Central Pavers, Inc. Computer Merchandise Corp.(CMC) Polk County Animal Hospital Smith, Feddeler, Smith & Miles, P.A. 1989 – 21 Years A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure/ American Comp Tech APG Electric, Inc. Cannon's Appliance Service Everest University Fleetwing Corporation Imperial Symphony Orchestra Mail Processing Associates, Inc. Mid-State Machine and Fabricating Corp. Rodda Construction, Inc. Tax Advantage of Lakeland The Fearn Partnership, Inc. Victory Church 1990 – 20 Years Lakeland Housing Authority
15-Year Renewals
Florida Kitchen and Bath Designs, Inc. Keith & Morgan, Inc.
10-Year Renewals
Bob and his assistant, Max, ready for another day at the office.
Lee & You Investments, Inc. dba Publix Chinese Kitchen
5-Year Renewals
Insulfoam of Florida Lakeland Outdoor Advertising
NOVEMBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
GLT Total Office
Pleased to announce that Marc Burnett has joined the staff as an account executive bringing more than 35 years of sales experience to the company. Marc will be targeting new accounts to explain the benefits and savings of buying office supplies and related products from GLT.
Baskets Instead, Inc.
Polk State College
Pleased to announce Capt. William Mann of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been named the director of the Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety. Captain Mann has 20 years experience in the PCSO after graduating from PSC’s Law Enforcement Academy in 1990.
Is celebrating their 23rd birthday! Debe Jordan and Mary Roberts attended the Atlanta Gift Market to ready the store for their 24th Christmas Season. Baskets Instead began as a home based business in 1987. This was the 61st market they have attended, including many International Fancy Food Shows held in New York and San Francisco.
CivilSurv Design Group, Inc.
Mr. J.N. “Jack” Breed, P.L.S., Vice President of CivilSurv Design Group, Inc, was awarded the highest honor of the Florida Surveying and Mapping Society, “Life Member”, to honor his dedication and hard work for over 25 years. Mr. Kenneth T. Glass, P.S.M., Vice President of Surveying and Mapping for CivilSurv Design Group, Inc., was elected to the 20102011 Florida Surveying and Mapping Society’s State Board of Directors as Treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee in Naples.
Sessums & Sessums, P.A.
Lacy Littlejohn has joined the firm as an Associate Attorney. Littlejohn, a Bartow native, graduated from the University of South Florida and has earned her law degree from Barry University with a concentration in Children and Family Law. She has earned her certification from the Florida Supreme Court as a County Court Mediator.
Watson Clinic LLP
Is pleased to welcome Duane O. Campbell, MD, to their team of expert neurology specialists. Dr. Campbell will offer his services primarily at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, as well as Watson Clinic’s Main location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. Is proud to announce the addition of boardcertified OB/GYN Diana L. Wilson, MD, to our team of expert specialists. Dr. Wilson will offer obstetric and gynecologic care from Watson Clinic’s Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland. Dr. Wilson is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
No. 16
Also, has named Terrell Elliston to be Sports Information Coordinator. He will be working closely with the coaches to develop the college’s athletic websites and promote its athletic teams to students and the community.
The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@LakelandChamber.com
Danielle Fence Mfg. Co., Inc.
Proudly announces that Kim Bollinger has been named the Product Manager for our five new lines of Outdoor Furniture on display at the Mulberry Design Center. The new manufacturers include; Brown Jordan, O.W.Lee, Lloyd Flanders, Casual Creations and Telescope.
Proudly announces that Kathy Barstow has been named The Product Manager for our new line of Gas Torches & Low Voltage Lighting. See top manufacturers such as; Kichler, Tempest Torch and Legendary Lights at our new design center in Mulberry.
Florida Presbyterian Homes
Allison Stinson has joined Florida Presbyterian Homes as the Director of Marketing. Stinson brings more than 20 years experience in private banking, organizational development, strategic planning and human capital. Also, the Porter-McGrath Health Center has received the coveted State of Florida Gold Seal Award for Nursing Homes for the fourth time. Implemented in 2002, the Gold Seal recognizes Florida nursing centers that exhibit excellence in care management and quality of life for their residents, marking nursing homes of the highest caliber.
Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate, LLC
Jay Mathews recently joined Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate in Lakeland, FL as Realtor速 and Sales Associate. He specializes in commercial and land properties.
Alliance for Independence
Pleased to announce that Ashley Hall has recently been named the Manager of Media and Community Relations. In this role, Ashley will continue to build and maintain relationships with the media as well as support the organization by sustaining relationships with donors, volunteers, clients and their families. Also pleased to announce two additional board members for 2010-2011: Suzette Jones, Community Volunteer & Javier Marin, SunTrust Bank.
Lanier Upshaw, Inc.
Is very proud to announce that Ben Krieg, AAI, AIS, has been awarded the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation from the American Institute for CPCU.
CPS Investment Advisors
Pleased to welcome our newest team member. Scott Sweeten has joined CPS Investment Advisors as Director of the CPS Alliance program. Sweeten has more than 15 years experience in the financial arena. He has a BS in Finance from the State University of New York and plans to utilize his vast experience in his new role at CPS Investment Advisors.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of September. See the photos on our Web site at LakelandChamber.com.
Polk Accident and Rehab Clinic 708 S Florida Ave • Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 937-8939
Lake Morton Retirement Home, LLC
3615 S Florida Ave, Suite 710 • Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 680-7000 • www.watsonclinic.com
Watson Clinic-ExpressCare
2020 Shepherd Road • Mulberry, FL 33860 (863) 701-6088 • www.joshuaskitchen.com
DeGeorge Custom Frames
2518 S Florida Ave • Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 669-0440 • www.promedhs.com
610 E. Lime Street • Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 937-9114
Joshua’s Kitchen
Pro Med Healthcare Services
1837 E Edgewood Drive • Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 646-4955 • www.degeorgeframes.com
Jets Pizza of Lakeland
3234 S Florida Ave, Suite A • Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 709-0999 • www.jetspizza.com
The Stanford Inn & Tea Room
555 E Stanford Street • Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 533-2393 • www.thestanfordinn.com
RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU
Special thanks to Mayor Gow Fields, Commissioner Glenn E. Higgins, Commissioner Phillip Walker and all the Board Members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies special events.
No. 18
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 5:30 – 7:30 P.M.
$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Chamber member Your R.S.V.P. is appreciated! Visit BAH.LakelandChamber.com to register and pay using your credit card or email psmith@LakelandChamber.com to register and pay at the door.
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Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607
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