March 2013 Forum for Business

L AKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMME R CE

F O R B U S IN E SS MARCH 2013 | Vol. xXII, No. 3

BUY LAKELAND. It Makes GOOD cents!

FORUM FOR BUSINESS Lakelandchamber.com

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CH A M BER STAFF K a t h l een L . M unson President

KMunson@LakelandChamber.com

B a rb a r a B enne t t Executive Assistant

BBennett@LakelandChamber.com

s a r a h bree d

Administrative Assistant, Member Relations | Public Affairs

sbreed@lakelandchamber.com

Kara Butch

Administrative Assistant, Membership Development | Communications

kbutch@LakelandChamber.com

S a l ly C h a p m a n

Vice President, Finance & Administration

SChapman@LakelandChamber.com

C a ro l y n J a c kson

Senior Vice President, Member Relations

CJackson@LakelandChamber.com

J a c q ue l ine L . J o h nson

Senior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau

JackieJ@LakelandChamber.com

K a t ie M c B ri d e Membership Consultant

KMcbride@lakelandchamber.com

N ikki O a k l e y

Membership Account Executive

NOakley@LakelandChamber.com

Terr y O t t in g er

Vice President, Membership Development

TOttinger@LakelandChamber.com

Rich Roy

Vice President, Public Affairs

rroy@lakelandchamber.com

P a t t y S mi t h

Administrative Assistant, Convention & Visitors Bureau

PSmith@LakelandChamber.com

Polk State College’s Lynn Chisolm is connecting students to businesses like never before.

L . J o a nn W a l l er Membership Consultant

jwaller@lakelandchamber.com

L a ke l a n d Are a C h a mber of Commer c e F orum for B usiness M on t h l y

Am y W i g g ins

Vice President, Communications

AWiggins@LakelandChamber.com

M a rk E . W i l son | C h a irm a n of t h e B o a r d Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

K a t h l een L . M unson | Pub l is h er Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

Am y S . W i g g ins | E d i t or Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

ni c e br a n d in g a g en c y | Cre a t i v e Dire c t ion , P R O D U CT I O N & P h o t o g r a p h y www.brandnicely.com

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35 Lake Morton Drive PO Box 3607 Lakeland, FL 33802-3607 (863) 688-8551 LakelandChamber.com Š 2013 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.

R ec om m e nd e d R e a d i n g: Book Revie w From a Ch a m ber Peer

john small workforce education

CONNECT ] PolkAcademies.com

In his book, Schools Cannot Do It Alone, author Jamie Vollmer documents his 20year journey from public school critic to one of its most ardent allies. Challenged by a classroom teacher to understand the differences between education and the business model, he immersed himself in the world of teachers and administrators which

transformed his views. He documents the Terrible Twenty Trends, external forces which prevent a broad cross section of the public from involvement in the restructuring of public schools.

Jamie claims that “No generation of educators in history has been asked to do what Americans now demand of their public schools”. Each year the burden grows and each day millions of teachers and administrators give everything they’ve got to meet the challenge.

This book endorses my feelings about schools partnering with the local community to meet the ever increasing demands of meeting the needs of our next generation,

to become productive and happy citizens, while creating the future workforce that will make our community competitive in a global marketplace.

Jamie Vollmer describes The Great Conversation which must take place between our communities and our schools. He identifies community understanding, trust, permission and support as foundational prerequisites which must exist to engage in a meaningful and relevant conversation.

“The formal track of The Great Conversation is a positive, organized group activity designed to engage educators and the public in an

ongoing discussion about increasing student success,” says Vollmer.

He goes on to outline the 13 types of community organizations that must be included in the conversation, as well as identify the elements of the conversation and the proper use of scripts to ensure a consistent message reaches all the participants so they can serve as effective conversationalists and ambassadors for the process.

This book is particularly interesting to me, considering that much of what we have tried to accomplish with our Polk Academies matches what he has learned over the past 20 years in his journey.

He does an excellent job relating his experience through the eyes of a former businessman and attorney. Much of what he outlines in this book aligns with the work our Chamber has engaged in while partnering with Polk Academies. We must adapt and change with the world around us, or we will never meet the needs of our students, or our business community.

Jamie Vollmer concludes that schools cannot do it alone, but that conditions are right for all Americans to do their part. His final comment is, “Public education is a miracle and this is its most hopeful time.”

3 Way U.S Headquarters Lakeland, FL. - Est1976

Since we joined the Lakeland Chamber and started advertising we have been really popular and picking up loads of new clients.

Yeah, I don’t think anything English has been this popular since the Boston tea party... Imagine that, it must have been like one big giant cup of tea…lovely.

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Call 3Way Cleaning for all your commercial and janitorial needs at: 863 594 1965 or matthew.gull@3waycleaning.com FORUM FOR BUSINESS

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i nv es t i ng in to u r i s m

jackie johnson

Convention & Visitors Bureau

Senior Vice President

CONNECT ] LakelandChamber.com/ Visit

Governor Scott recently announced his proposed budget for 2013-2014 allocating $75 million for Florida’s tourism marketing efforts. The recommendation represents a 39 percent increase from last year’s allocation demonstrating his recognition that an increased investment in the state’s No. 1 industry will have an immediate impact on Florida’s economy and will create new jobs for Floridians.

The tourism industry in Florida provides the most jobs of any industry in the state and provides

approximately 20 percent of the tax revenue for cities, counties, and the state.

Tourism was one of only three sectors creating jobs for Floridians during the early part of the recession—second behind Health Care and Social Assistance.

Resilient and less correlated with the Florida Recession, the hospitality industry has led the state in job creation for 20 straight months and now employs more than one million Floridians.

The goal of VISIT FLORIDA, our state’s

tourism marketing agency is

These stable jobs improve the income of nearly one in nine working Floridians.

As our community enters into our busiest visitor season, with Detroit Tigers Spring Training, the FHSAA Championship events at the Lakeland Center, Sun ‘n Fun, snowbirds seeking warmth, sports enthusiasts and arts and cultural patrons enjoying our many resources— and many more diverse visitors, please remember how significant these visitors are to our area.

They truly strengthen our economy and create jobs putting our families first.

The varieties of superb natural and man-made attractions Florida offers enhance the quality of life for us all!

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Bank of Central Florida

“They understand the complex business of radiology.” …Ed Goodemote, PhD, RN | CEO, Radiology and Imaging Specialists

Radiology and Imaging Specialists’ experienced physicians and staff have provided radiology services to the community for more than 40 years. When they needed to expand, they looked for a bank that understood their unique lending and treasury needs.

Ed Goodemote, PhD, RN with Bank of Central Florida Senior Vice President, Randy Hollen

“At Bank of Central Florida, we talk directly with local people for loan decisions,” Ed Goodemote says. “We like the individual attention we receive from the entire staff.”

www.bankofcentralflorida.com

INTELLIGENT BANKING

Member FDIC

Downtown Lakeland 101 South Florida Avenue 863-682-7100

South Lakeland 5015 South Florida Avenue 863-701-2685

Bartow 515 North Broadway Avenue 863-534-3585

HOW TO

A M O N T H LY

naomi boyer polk state college

Initiative Aims to Increase Degree Completion Rates, Earn $1M Prize for Polk

CONNECT ] PolkVision.com

Graduate Polk, an initiative to increase college-completion rates in the Lakeland/ Winter Haven area, is coordinated by Polk Vision and chair Dr. Naomi Boyer. In the short term, Graduate Polk is focused on the $1 million-dollar prize available to the metro

Educational Attainment Level

critical to the county’s overall economic health.

In a nationally unprecedented move, the public and private colleges and universities of Polk County have formed a coalition to take unified, communityfocused action. The December 2013 deadline has honed the target audience to those students who may have “stopped out” of college, or started a course of study, but did not graduate for any number of reasons. Many of these students require only a few courses to complete their degrees. The local post secondary institutions are providing a variety of financial support options, fast-track courses, incentives, and degree options to assist in FINISHING a degree. One phone number - (863) 298-6855 - connects students to all the resources available from the participating institutions.

How can businesses help?

Please contact Polk Vision at info@ polkvision.com or call (863) 646-0439 to receive materials for distribution.

Many businesses offer tuition reimbursement and other incentives for employees to further their education, yet few take advantage of this tremendous benefit.

Recommend employees with potential to participate, encourage a friend to place the call, and know that you too can be the ONE to increase college graduate numbers in Polk County.

lakeland

polk

florida

national

2-year degree

8.21%

7.7%

8.9%

7.8%

2-year degree

13.9%

12.3%

16.5%

17.9%

6.7%

4.7%

9.3%

10.6%

20.5%

17.0%

25.8%

28.5%

post-bachelors degree bachelors & higher degree totals 2011 American Community survey

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area with the largest growth in degreecompletion rates by the end of 2013. CEOs For Cities, sponsors of the Talent Dividend competition, suggests that per capita income and college attainment rates are closely related.

The current local attainment rate of 17%*

of the population, 25 years of age or older with a bachelor’s degree or higher, is significantly lower than the national mean of 28.5%.

The objective of Graduate Polk is to increase current degree completion of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees by 600 additional graduates from the 2009 benchmark of 3,079.

The more important goals will directly affect local businesses include improving economic development opportunities, responding to the existing talent gap, and bolstering individual earning potential— all of which can facilitate corporate sustainability.

Given that an increase of 1% in degree completion for the Tampa Bay region has been forecast to have a $3 billion-dollar economic impact, improving Polk County post secondary graduation rates is

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By Rachel Pleasant

| polk state college

Polk.edu

& NEW TALENT New Polk State Internship Program Connects Students, Businesses — and Everyone Wins Recognizing the invaluable, indisputable benefits that come from internships — for students and employers alike — Polk State College has launched its first-ever Internship Program.

The program, which began in late 2012 in response to demand from the area business community, acts as a one-stop matchmaking service for students who seek real-world experience and employers who want to bring new talent into their folds. “Internships are, of course, tremendous learning opportunities for students, thrusting them into the professional world and making their classroom studies take on real-life meaning. For the businesses, too, interns add tons of value as they contribute to an operation’s productivity and help move it forward,” said Polk State President Eileen Holden.

“Polk State lacked a coordinated process for connecting students and employers for successful internships. We listened to our business partners — as we do in every decision we make at the College — and created the Internship Program as a way to meet their needs and broaden the horizons of our students.”

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The Internship Helping to make those successful internship pairings is Internship Coordinator Lynn Chisholm, who says her own winding career is a testament to the growth that comes from internships.

“Everything I’ve done through the years has all come together to bring me back here to Polk State and do this job,” Chisholm said.

She graduated from Lakeland High School and what was then Polk Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Central Florida and a master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University.

It was during her studies at BU that Chisholm spent a summer interning at a veterans’ hospital, an experience that affected her in ways she can’t undo.

“Most of the veterans in the hospital had been in Vietnam and had been exposed to Agent Orange (an herbicide used to kill vegetation during the Vietnam War). Many were dealing with substance abuse and their inner demons. It made a big impact on me. It was an eye-opening experience about the respect we need to show our veterans and the need to treat them better,” she said.

Following the stepping-stones of her education, Chisholm spent years working in hospitals and school environments, eventually becoming a clinical director and educational program specialist at the University of Georgia Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic.

But in 2000, the career path that seemed so clear veered when Chisholm decided to return to Lakeland, where she knew it would be difficult to find a position similar to what she was doing in Georgia.

So she parlayed experiences she’d had in previous jobs facilitating internships and landed a position in human resources and workforce development at the City of Lakeland. During her 12 years with the City, she managed the City’s Municipal Internship Program — just one of several duties that helped prime her for her position at Polk State.

“Polk State is so lucky to have Lynn in this position.

Her experiences in human resources and running an internship program obviously directly align with our goals for this new program. Also, Lynn’s training in a workforce field — speech pathology — makes her familiar with academic workforce programs. It’s a perfect match,” said Patricia Jones, district dean of academic and student services.

That her own career seemed headed one way, but then made a sharp turn in a direction she couldn’t have predicted — but one she’s glad it took — gets to the heart of what Chisholm hopes her interns gain from their experiences: The knowledge and skills they gain — even if their careers take unplanned paths — will always be of use.

“For students, I think it is nice to see someone like me. I’m proof that you never know where you might end up,” she said.

Businesses and Interns Still in a pilot phase, the Internship Program by mid-January had placed a half-dozen students in internships. But the program is growing rapidly, with an average of one student and one business signing up per day.

Among the already placed Polk State interns is Richard Williams, who is pursuing his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree and is interning in the business office at the Lakeland Family YMCA. Just as the Internship Program aims to do, the Williams-YMCA match is proving beneficial for both sides.

Williams is working three days a week through the spring at the Lakeland Family YMCA in South Lakeland. During his internship, he will shadow employees in administrative offices and human resources, participate in meetings, observe the process of planning fundraising and community events, and perform various day-to-day tasks. Along the way, he’ll gain insight into the operations of not only the Lakeland Family YMCA, but also the

to work with Polk State interns because most of the College’s students are residents of Polk County who live here and may remain here after they graduate. By working with Polk State, we’re keeping everything local and keeping the knowledge and skills we impart to our interns here in our community.”

For his part, Williams, who previously worked as an air-conditioning maintenance technician, his internship at the YMCA is a minute-by-minute learning experience.

“I’m learning to communicate and connect with people. I feel really welcome at the YMCA, like I fit in,” he said.

Williams said when he met with Chisholm, he shared with her his aspirations to one day become a CFO. Within just a few days, she’d arranged an interview with LePere. The quick turnaround was impressive, he said, and he couldn’t be more pleased with the match.

broader organization, the YMCA of West Central Florida, which includes locations across Polk County.

“One of the focus areas of the YMCA is social responsibility. By bringing interns into our organization, we are engaging with college students and helping them gain a better business experience in regards to a nonprofit environment,” said Terri LePere, chief financial officer for the YMCA of West Central Florida and Williams’ immediate supervisor.

“Working with (Chisholm) helped us define what our needs were in an intern and match it with the needs of the student, making it a smooth transition for everyone involved.

“We’re especially excited about the opportunity

“I’m learning about every part of the YMCA’s administration. The managers are teaching me how they do their work and I’ll get to apply that knowledge to myself in my own career,” he said.

“I’m working for free, but I know this experience will pay off in the long run.”

more For more information on Polk State’s Internship Program, contact Chisholm at (863) 298-6897 or lchisholm@polk. edu, or visit polk.edu/interns.

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smal l b u s i n e s s o f th e mon t h

FITniche, Inc. Mr. Richard Wills P. (863) 619-5390 1421 Town Center Dr Lakeland, FL 33803

CONNECT ] www.fitniche.com

“Get fit, Have fun!” is the FITniche motto, and customers who shop at Lakeland’s premiere full service fitness shoe and apparel retailer are doing just that!

Located at Lakeside Village, the FITniche concept was created, and is owned and operated, by Rich Wills. FITniche has been rated as one of the Best Running Stores in America four years in a row and was rated in the top four nationwide in 2009.

Helping you find the proper shoes and fit is a primary

goal at FITniche. The staff is informed and genuinely helpful, sharing their superior product knowledge.

The process starts with employee training that allows them to analyze a customer’s gait to determine the correct shoes for that individual’s biomechanics. This is accomplished by the customer walking or running on a treadmill, videotaping the gait, and then playing the recording back in slow motion to determine the person’s unique gait characteristics.

The results focus the

customer on shoes that have the proper attributes for his or her gait.

Additionally, a pressure mapping of each foot determines arch structure and pressure distribution across the surface of the feet. Employees are also trained to help customers find the proper fit in sports bras and other critical fitness equipment and attire, as well as providing encouragement and advice on training and technique.

Rich enjoys hearing from customers who

are appreciative of their shopping experience at FITniche.

Many customers highly praise and credit the gait-fitting analysis for the relief of chronic, painful conditions.

“It’s not a silver bullet for any pre-existing medical condition,” Rich is quick to add.

“But it often makes a noticeable difference.”

While it is important to stay active, Rich is also active in the community. FITniche facilitates numerous charity and nonprofit organization runs, and they furnish the logistical support and

B y Don Pi c k a r d ,

Small Business of the Month committee member Don Pickard, Pickard & Pickard Inc. REALTORS, presents the february Small Business of the Month Award to rich wills.

Scan here with your smart phone app for a short video about fitniche.

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liability insurance for running events.

Rich also is involved in Special Olympics as a coach, and the store provides shoes for athletes from their inventory of returns.

In addition, FITniche maintains a water station at the Lake Hollingsworth parking lot, and is leading an effort to find the right way to bring public restroom facilities to the Lake Hollingsworth area.

We congratulate FITniche as our Small Business of the Month Award Winner for February.

Pickard & Pickard Inc. REALTORS

THE

MATTERS OF

W A N T T O K N O W W HY B E in g A M E M B E R O F TH E LA K E LA N D A R E A CHA M B E R I S S O B E C O M I N G ? R E AD on . . .

CAL E N D a R

E V E N T H I GHL I GHT S

NEW MEMBERS

CHAMBER

NEXT Join the discussion to learn how you can maximize your investment in the Chamber.

Tuesday, March 5 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

BB&T Downtown Lakeland 114 N Tennessee Avenue

Is your business participating in the Internet economy?

Discover how your business can join the Reinventing Small Business Movement, a low- or no-cost way to gain Web exposure and transform your productivity.

R I B B O N C U TT I N G S

Your Chamber membership connects you to businesses in a way that is unlike any other organization. To keep that connection strong, the Chamber and BB&T are proud to bring you Chamber Next, an opportunity for members to learn more about maximizing their investments.

This hour-long conversation begins with a short presentation on a featured Chamber-related opportunity, and finishes with an open forum for member questions related to Chamber membership, business issues, political matters, and more.

This month, come prepared to learn more about the Chamber’s Reinventing Small Business Initiative which gives small businesses low- or no-cost Web exposure and critical customer management tools. This is technology that all small businesses need to access, and in the time it takes you to update your Facebook status, you would be reaching out to customers with new and exciting tools!

Develop your plan to engage & be connected.

Chamber Next.

Tuesday, March 5 5:30 p.m.

BB&T Downtown Lakeland 114 N Kentucky Ave The BB&T conference room has limited seating, please reserve your place today by calling (863) 688-8551, Ext. 222.

save the date

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march 2013 dates tues 05

Tuesday, March 5 Chamber Next

thur 14

Thursday, March 14 Schmooze a’Palooza

thur 21

5:30 p.m.

BB & T 114 N Tennessee Ave

11:30 a.m.

Patio 850 850 S Tennessee Ave

mon 04

MONDAY, MARCH 4 SBA COMMITTEE MEETING

mon 11

Monday, March 11 EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee

wed 13

Thursday, March 21 Business After Hours

11:45 a.m.

Chamber Conference Room

3:45 p.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

wed 20

Wednesday, March 20 Board of Directors Meeting

thur 28

Thursday, March 28 SCORE Business Round Table

thur 18

Thursday, April 18 14th Annual Luau Downtown and King of the Wing Contest

Noon Lakeland Yacht & Country Club 929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

7:30 a.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

Wednesday, March 13 Talent Development Committee Meeting 3:00 p.m.

Chamber Briefing Room

5:30 p.m.

Office Furniture Depot 2440 US Highway 98 N

thur 14

Thursday, March 14 Leadership Lakeland – Area Economy Day

Hosted by Citizens Bank and Trust 402 S Kentucky Ave

All Day

Thursday, March 14 Executive Committee Meeting 4:00 p.m.

monday

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tuesday

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sba committee meeting 11:45 P.M.

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Talent Development Committee Meeting 3 p.m.

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20 Board of Directors Meeting | noon

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thursday

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Leadership Lakeland – Area Economy Day All Day Schmooze a’Palooza 11:30 a.m.

Executive Committee Meeting | 4 p.m.

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business after hours 5:30 p.m.

28 score business round table | 7:30 a.m.

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friday

Chamber Next 5:30 P.M.

EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee 3:45 p.m.

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wednesday

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Ev ent HI G HL I G H TS 01

Business After Hours

02

Hosted by Waller Construction, Inc.

01 | Brian Waller, Waller Construction,

Inc. and Jimmy Waller, Sihle-Waller Insurance were presented the Plaque of Appreciation by Chairman of the Board, Mark Wilson (Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.).

02 | The crowd enjoyed food provided

by Bonefish Grill and beverages provided by Southside Package & Lounge.

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03 | Members enjoyed networking

outside the beautifully remodeled Waller Design Center showroom.

04 | Chairman’s Circle members Furr &

Wegman Architechts, PA and Radiology and Imaging Specialists visit inside Waller’s kitchen showroom.

Hat’s Off to Chamber Members!

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Each year, nearly 100 volunteers assist the Chamber in delivering new membership materials to our 1,700 members. This year, volunteers were surprised by six “Secret Hat” companies who shared a $25 gift!

05 | Secret Hat participant Tom

Cancellare of Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott presents to Andrea Burton of Burton’s Lawn & Landscape.

06 | Secret Hat participant Julie Pierce

of AllState Insurance presents to Peggy Martin of SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City.

07 | Secret Hat participant Jim Collier, 08

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President of Certified Foundations presented this pink hard helmet and cash to Trina Kingery of Homestar Financial Corporation.

08 | Secret Hat participant Steve Carey

of Serious Exercise presents to Andrea Burton of Burton’s Lawn & Landscape.

09 | Ali Lewis, Tammy Dailey & Paula

Pluhar of Hometown Homecare present their secret hat to Betty Delaney of BB & T.

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10 | Secret Hat participant Greg West

of Edward Jones Investments presented this beauty to Rebekah Mossow of Vantage Property Management, LLC.

11 | Students from Hat’s Off Host

Florida Technical College made Chamber volunteers a delicious breakfast to energize them for the morning’s deliveries.

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will serve as Co-Chair for Membership. The TBBTA is the Tampa Bay Area Chapter for the Global Business Travelers Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings organization with more than 5,000 members worldwide.

Brooks Chandler Realty Debbie Miller was named 2012 REALTOR of the Year by the Lakeland Association of REALTORS (LAR). This award recognizes REALTOR Spirit, high principles, faithfulness to laws and regulations and the REALTOR Code of Ethics, as well as civic involvement. Debbie is a Director with LAR.

Browning Moving & Storage/United Van Lines SunTrust Bank Has named Harold McLeod as Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking. McLeod is a Commercial Team Leader based out of the Lakeland office where he is responsible for leading a team of Commercial Relationship Managers. He relocated to Lakeland, FL from Richmond, VA and has more than 25 years of banking experience. He graduated from Wofford College with a bachelor of arts in accounting and a MBA from Brenau University. In addition to his responsibilities at SunTrust, McLeod is a Trustee with Hollins University in Roanoke, VA.

National Kidney Foundation of Florida More than 350 people took up the fight against kidney disease by taking part in the National Kidney Foundation of Florida’s Lakeland Kidney Walk on November 3rd, 2012. The event at Lake Hollingsworth raised more than $27,800 to help fund the fight against kidney disease through prevention, advocacy and education.

Southeastern University Was recognized as “Educator of the Year” by the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County for its commitment to the Hispanic community. Rev. Joseph Ocasio accepted the award for SEU and the Hispanic Leadership Center.

Zimmerman Associates, LLC Proud to announce a name change from Zimmerman Associates, Inc. effective January 1, 2013. Zimmerman Associates, LLC will continue to provide paramount design/build services as they have for the past 40 years.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate Has launched an innovative aerial video technology for real estate, specifically useful to for buyers to review large acreage. The Fly-the-Groves and Fly-the-Land videos are posted at FlyTheGroves.com.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot Lakeland/Plant City Thomas Cancellare, Director of Sales, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Tampa Bay Business Travelers Association (TBBTA) where he 14

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Randy Browning was names Humanitarian of the Year by the Lakeland Association of REALTORS in 2012.

Through his charity, KidsPack, hundreds of homeless children in Polk County are provided weekend meals.

Lakeland Association of Realtors Pleased to announce the 2013 Board of Directors: President, Aaron Chandler (Brooks Chandler Realty); President-Elect Trevor Puskar (Realty World Homes of Distinction); Immediate Past President Macara Parker (Keller Williams Realty of Polk); Treasurer Bobby Miller (All County Polk Property Management); Secretary Lisa Reinstetle (Keller Williams Realty of Polk); Directors Dawna Stone (Realty World Homes of Distinction), Debbie Miller (Brooks Chandler Realty), Dory Rodriguez-Joseph (Jan Bellamy, Broker/Owner), Greg Smith (Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Ralston Dantzler), Jim Steinbauer (Steinbauer Associates, Inc.), Joe Christian (Keller Williams Realty of Polk), Kyle Vreeland (Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Ralston Dantzler), Rachel Hernandez (WebPro Realty), and Tim Davis (All County Polk Property Management).

Lakeland Habitat for Humanity Becky Bywater has joined the staff as the ReStore Development Director. The ReStore is a Home Improvement Thrift selling new and used home supplies and furniture. The ReStore is located at 1317 George Jenkins Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815

Achievement Academy Proud to welcome Eunice M. Hutto as its new Development Director. She comes to us from the American Cancer Society, where she served as Executive Director for nine years and also acquired four years of clinical experience while working at Tampa General Hospital. Hutto has experience in fundraising, donor development, marketing and community outreach. She will oversee the Development Department operations related to Capital Campaigns, Major Gifts, Annual Appeals, Community Relations, Academy fundraisers and Marketing.

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please e-mail announcements to motm@lakelandchamber.com

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years 1 9 4 0 | 7 3 Ye a rs

1 9 8 2 | 3 1 Ye a rs Springer-Peterson Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.

1 9 8 4 | 2 9 Ye a rs Hilliard & Dietrich Orthodontics Peace River Center

Lamar Outdoor Advertising

Register Construction & Engineering, Inc.

1 9 4 4 | 6 9 Ye a rs

Brett Blackmon, Inc.

Nathan’s Men’s Store Wells Fargo Bank

1 9 4 5 | 6 8 Ye a rs Boring

1 9 4 7 | 6 6 Ye a rs Lanier Upshaw, Inc.

1 9 5 0 | 6 3 Ye a rs Phillips Photographers Chastain-Skillman, Inc. Payne Air Conditioning & Heating Publix Super Markets, Inc.

1 9 5 2 | 6 1 Ye a rs Joyner Lumber & Supply Co.

1 9 5 3 | 6 0 Ye a rs

Avon Leasing, Inc. Givaudan Flavors Signs & Specialities

1 9 8 8 | 2 5 Ye a rs LeMans Apartment Suites March of Dimes Foundation Troiano & Roberts, P.A.

1 9 8 9 | 2 4 Ye a rs Newberry’s Refrigeration, Inc.

1 9 9 0 | 2 3 Ye a rs Fabric Warehouse

1 9 9 2 | 2 1 Ye a rs Polk County Public Schools

ButterKrust Bakery Lakeland

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1 9 5 4 | 5 9 Ye a rs

years

Watson Clinic LLP

1 9 5 6 | 5 7 Ye a rs

Good Shepherd Hospice/Division of Chapters Health

Bernie Little Distributors

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

Jenkins Lincoln

West Area Adult School

1 9 6 0 | 5 3 Ye a rs Hauger-Bunch, Inc. Realtors

1 9 6 2 | 5 1 Ye a rs Farm Credit of Central Florida, ACA

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years

1 9 6 6 | 4 7 Ye a rs

Amscot Corporation

Lakeland Eye Clinic

Walgreen’s Store #4700

1 9 6 7 | 4 6 Ye a rs Bright House Networks

1 9 7 2 | 4 1 Ye a rs BB & T

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years

1 9 7 9 | 3 4 Ye a rs

CVS Pharmacy

Heacock Insurance Group

Mabe Production & Installation, Inc. Nice Branding Agency TriFactor, LLC Valenti Campbell Trohn Tamayo & Aranda

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American Irons & Tattoo 5313 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33813 (813) 210-7149 americanirons.com Aaron Cave Tattoo & Body Piercing

Broker Realty/The Butler Team 1142 1st St S Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 294-6773 thebutlerteam.com Renee Butler Real Estate

C12 Group

Call To Schedule An Appointment (813) 300-1295 c12group.com Mark Dillon Business Consultants

Comfort Inn Plant City

2003 S Frontage Rd Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 707-6000 comfortinnplantcity.com Kemelya Scott Hotels/Suites

Courtney Paat - State Farm Agent 5228 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 858-4878 CourtneyPaat.com Courtney Paat insurance

Good Shepherd Hospice

3450 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 682-0027 chaptershealth.org Don Evans Health Care - Hospice Health Services

Interim Healthcare of Lakeland 1525 S Florida Ave, Ste 3 Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 619-8822 interimhealthcare.com/lakelandfl Heather Mendez Tattoo & Body Piercing

La Quinta Inn & Suites 1024 Crevasse St Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 859-2866 lq.com John Loute Hotels/Suites

Little Footsteps Academy, LLC

National Flood Services-Stoneriver

tw telecom

Network Handlers Software & Interactive Agency

Wayne Crawford Construction

2345 Commerce Point Dr, Ste 140 Lakeland, FL 33801 (800) 759-8656 NFS.StoneRiver.com Sandra Sulton Insurance

609 Mid Florida Dr, Ste 4 Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 688-2600 networkhandlers.com Ria Nancoo Computers - Consulting & Networking

1910 Harden Blvd, Ste 105 Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 688-4505 getnfocus.com Rob Tritton Video Service/Production

Pandemic Creative

Call To Schedule An Appointment (813) 679-0124 pandemiccreative.com Justin Hurt Web Site Design/Development

Pediatric Dentistry of Lakeland 5710 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 640-2150 mydrerin.com Erin Berlin Health Care - Dentists

Residual Networks, LLC 1810 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 (863) 393-9740 residualnetworks.com Emilio Montero Telecommunications

Sam’s Club

3530 Lakeland Highlands Rd Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 644-0769 www.samsclub.com Tracy LaTourette Retail

Senior Helpers

McPherson Jewelers Design & Repair Center

TechMate Computer Sales & Service

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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 Ms. Jennifer Hatfield, Commercial Sales Professional at Terminix Commercial Division, for her outstanding attention to Chamber members and attendance at events! Jennifer is a wonderful asset to the Chamber and to the Lakeland community!

Jennifer Hatfield Terminix Commercial Division Commercial Sales Professional

4404 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 686-7333 seniorhelpers.com/location/1203 Jorge Giraldo M.B.A. Health Care - Home Health Care

Take Shape for Life

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4736 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 853-9500 Wayne Crawford Swimming Pool Contractors

NFocus Visual Communications, Inc.

6595 S Florida Ave, Ste 15 Lakeland, FL 33813 (863) 646-8400 lilfootstepslakeland.com Charlene Shiver Day Care Centers

5141 US Highway 98 N Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 859-5940 Richard McPherson Jewelers

3030 N Rocky Point Dr W, Ste 850 Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 316-7774 twtelecom.com Juan Perez Telecommunications

Call To Schedule An Appointment (239) 470-9111 healthcoachkelly.com Mike Kelly Personal Development & Improvement

1107 3rd St SW, Ste 4 Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 293-3800 techmatefl.com Adam Arndt Computers - Sales & Service

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

Walk-in Visitors...................................... 499 Relocation Response Mailings............. 5 Relocation Response (Walk In)........... 29 Accommodations..................................... 4 Winter Accommodations....................... 0 Visitor Information Mailings............. 39 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries........... 81

R IBBO N C U T T I N G S

Special thanks to Mayor Gow Fields, Commissioner Justin Troller, Commissioner Edie Yates, Commissioner Howard Wiggs and all the Board Members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies special events.

Custom Mobile Web Apps Call to Schedule an Appointment (863) 602-7055 | CMWApps.com

Madden Brand Agency Lakeland, FL 33801 116 S Tennessee Ave, Ste 201 | (863) 248-0822 BrandMadden.com

Presidium Network Services LLC Lakeland, FL 33813 624 Mid Florida Dr | (863) 619-5600 PresidiumNetworks.com

Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Polk Works “Race to Place� Initiative Lakeland, FL 33801 309 Ingraham Ave | (863) 508-1100 PolkWorks.org

Tennessee Smokehouse Lakeland, FL 33801 1401 E Gary Rd | (863) 683-0303

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

Lakeland, FL 33801

Zephyrhills, FL 33541

2335 Commerce Point Dr, Ste 180 | (863) 606-0423 Terracon.com

7050 Gall Blvd | (813) 788-0411 FHZeph.org

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B u s i n ess of E d ucat ion A ft e r Hours About 400 members and guests of Polk County’s chambers of commerce and Polk Academies attended the Business of Education After Hours at LEGOLAND on January 29.

Recently, Ford Motor Company Fund named Polk County as a Ford Next Generation Learning Community for its growth of sustainability of academies. Through a grant given to Workforce Florida by Ford in 2011, Polk County was one of four communities in Florida supported to take their academies to the next level.

Academies are small, personalized learning communities within a high school. Students who volunteer to attend one of the academies throughout the county have the unique opportunity to learn and hone skills related to a specific career field, which can lead to jobs after graduation. Participants can also earn college credit and scholarships. Currently there are more than 80 academies in Polk County, ranging from agriculture and culinary arts to medicine and veterinary science.

John Small, architect of Polk Academies and Senior Director of Workforce Education, believes that business, education, and community partnerships must be established to develop effective and sustainable academies.

This partnership provides students with the

Thursday, March 14 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

opportunity to achieve their highest potential, while developing a foundation for lifelong learning.

The January event highlighted this honor as well as the partnership between Polk Academies and local chambers. Students in attendance were given the opportunity to engage with the business community and showcase their academies.

The night included music from local schools, a meet and greet with Ford Next Generation Learning and Polk Academies Advisory Council representatives, and presentation of awards and recognitions.

Sponsors of the event Bartow Ford Jarrett Gordon Ford of Davenport Jarrett Gordon Ford of Winter Haven Lakeland Ford MidFlorida Credit Union Winter Haven Public Education Partnership

Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Gernert, Jr. addresses those gathered at LEGOLAND for the Business of Education After Hours, thanking Polk Chambers for partnering with Polk Academies.

Students from Lakeland Highlands Middle School’s PALMS Pre-Academy demonstrate their knowledge for guests at the Business of Education After Hours event. The PALMS is designed to prepare middle school students with real-world exposure to career specific curriculum through electives.

Students from Winter Haven High School’s Studio 21 Academy demonstrate their knowledge for guests at the Business of Education After Hours event. Studio 21is for students interested in fashion design.

Tuesday, January 29, 400 guests gathered at LEGOLAND for the Business of Education After Hours to celebrate Polk Academies: a Ford Next Generation Learning Community.

Patio 850 850 S Tennessee Ave

(parking south of McDonald on Tennessee Ave)

$25 Members Only Limited Seating

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L eade r s hi p L a k e l a n d H on ors Joh n Rod da Since 1989, 23 alumni from the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association have been named recipients of the Jere Annis Leadership Award. The award was established in 1989 by the LLAA to honor Dr. Jere Annis, one of the organizers of the Leadership Lakeland program, past president of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of Leadership Lakeland Classes 1 and 2. This award recognizes a graduate of the Leadership Lakeland program who has contributed significant community service within the Lakeland Area, created a definite positive impact on the community, and is involved in our community on a consistent and continuous basis. Dr. Annis, who passed away in 1989, was a founder of Watson Clinic.

John Rodda owner of Rodda Construction Inc.

He was recently honored by the LLAA at the Lakeland Yacht & Country Club.

B is for baseball.

Not only being a dad and coach, John followed his son from Little League at Peterson Park to George Jenkins High School and then to Florida Southern College. He left his mark at each location by generously restoring, rebuilding, or constructing baseball buildings and facilities and never asking for a penny. George Jenkins High School named its baseball field after John for the generous time and talents he gave to the school. He also received the Polk County School Board Superintendent’s Partnership Award for his generous contributions at the school.

Past winners of the award are as follows John T. Cannon III Hunt Berryman Terry S. Wilson T. Lynn Craven Barney Barnett Darlene Eanett Ralph Weeks Lyonal B. Lindsey, Jr. Carol Jenkins Barnett John A. Attaway, Jr.

The final B may be for what John is best known for—benevolence.

Frank O’Reilly

The generosity of this person spans throughout our entire community. The SPCA, YMCA, Carver House Ministries, St. Luke’s Ministries, Parker Street Ministries, First Presbyterian Church Boy Scout Building, and Miracle House in Highland City, are only a few of the places he has donated his incredible building talents and time to give back to our community. “Johnny,” as his high school buddies know him as, does most of his work anonymously and never asks for recognition.

Ronald L. Clark Ralph “Buddy” Fletcher Alice O’Reilly R. Howard Wiggs Clayton Hollis Anne Furr Bill Mutz Hollis Hooks Nancy Cattarius Jack Stephens Edie Yates Ed Crenshaw

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John is a member of Leadership Lakeland Class 11 and has served our community volunteering for Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine, Inc., Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland, Inc., Florida Southern College, SunTrust Bank, Bank of Central Florida, Polk Museum of Art, and SUN ‘n FUN, Inc., to name a few. United Way presented John with the Outstanding Community Service Award.

When anyone thinks of John, words that begin with “B” definitely come to mind.

B is for Becky— his lovely wife, who has supported him and given him two wonderful children. After 36 years, she continues to be his partner and best friend.

start exploring

B is for building— a career that has become John’s passion and life. The Lakeland High School graduate began his economic contribution to our community as a cook at the Holiday Inn on Memorial Boulevard. In 1979, John became Salesman of the Year at Joyner Lumber. He has owned his own construction company since then.

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po lk pr og re s s u p date

Dr. James Farrell, CFA Florida Southern College

CONNECT ] FLSouthern.edu/ PolkProgress

The year has started strong. Despite lower than expected employment numbers and much uncertainty remaining with respect to the federal budget, the stock markets had their strongest January since 1994.

January hiring came in at 157,000 jobs despite the elimination of 9,000 government jobs. This came in short of the 200,000 that had been expected, however the Labor Department also revised the 2012 jobs numbers up 335,000. Currently our unemployment stands at 7.9% with more jobs added each month during 2012 and more workers returning to the labor force. From the peak of employment in 2008, we are still down 3.2 million jobs,

polk county median home prices $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2000

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however we are up 5.6 million from the bottom.

While we have had a mix of encouraging and discouraging news over the past month, a real

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bright start, especially for Polk County was the 5.5% increase in home prices during November according to the CaseShiller 20-city index.

Prices have increased

MEET OUR TEAM THE LARGEST LOCAL CPA FIRM IN POLK COUNTY At Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP (C/F/R), our main focus is providing quality, hands-on service to our clients. We accomplish this by providing prompt, expert advice with a high degree of professionalism and personal attention.

Our team feels there are three elements of service that are essential to our clients’ success and satisfaction – quality, timeliness and affordability.

We take pride in the fact that we can fulfill all three elements. When you choose C/F/R, you can rest assured that you will never have to sacrifice quality, time or money.

From left to right: Denise Robson, Dan Dorrell, Managing Partner of the Lakeland Office, and Amy Bruce. As a true testament of remaining local, the professionals in the Lakeland office have served the community their entire careers.

Lakeland Office P: (863) 937-9520

Orlando Office P: (407) 841-6930

Tampa Office P: (813) 321-6869

For more information about our services, please visit www.cfrcpa.com.

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Winter Haven Office P: (863) 299-5638

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year-over-year in 19 of the 20 cities; New York was the sole exception.

According to Zillow. com, home sales prices have increased in Polk County 12.7% over the same period and 17.2% from December 2011 to December 2012.

An upturn in home sales prices is positive news for the economy as a whole as real estate and construction are expected to lead our growth in 2013, but more than that, it signals a return to normal expectations of future prices. When consumers expect future prices to decline, they tend to delay purchasing. This exasperated the housing collapse as many first time homebuyers and investors delayed getting into the market.

The stabilization of and potential increases in home prices has begun to attract these buyers into the market, especially the markets that had been hardest hit. The increasing home

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values will also reduce the percentage of homes underwater, providing both a greater incentive for home owners to avoid foreclosure and adding equity to potential home sales which in turn may make the difference between a traditional and short sale transaction. The increase in demand for homes along with a smaller proportion of distressed sales will likely continue to support our recent gains in home values.

Despite median sales prices at only 53.5% of their October 2006 peak values, data points to, at worst, a stabilization in home values and, more likely, the start of a housing recovery. The higher prices on existing homes are likely to spur demand for new home construction as new homes will be priced more competitively.

We have begun to see the start of this as construction added 28,000 new jobs in January.

JO B R E A D I NE S S A N D F L O R IDA’S “RE A DY T O WORK ” PROGAM

rich roy Public Affairs Vice president

CONNECT ] LakelandChamber.com

One of the challenges businesses face today is finding trainable, skilled workers. To help meet this demand, employers have historically asked our schools for students with higher math and reading skills. Our schools comply by teaching more and more math and English.

However, what employers really need are students with workplace math, reading, and problemsolving skills. They need employees who can read a technical product manual and locate the information needed to repair a high-tech piece of equipment. They need skilled workers who can be trained as their jobs change. In response to this need, the Florida Legislature created the

Florida “Ready to Work” program during the 2006 session and officially launched the program in spring 2007.

Endorsed by organizations such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida, the “Ready to Work” program has continued to make itself available to any Florida student or jobseeker at no cost to the individual.

Various partners ranging from high schools, community colleges, technical centers, Regional Workforce Board one-stop centers, and vocational rehabilitation centers help to provide this service to individuals across the state.

Floridians eager to

participate can simply enroll at a participating assessment center. Once enrolled in the program, the online coursework can be accessed from any computer, anywhere, anytime. The assessments required to earn a Florida “Ready to Work” credential must be proctored and taken at an official “Florida Ready to Work” assessment center. Fortunately, Polk County is host to several assessment centers and two located specifically in the Lakeland city limits.

Each individual who successfully completes the Florida “Ready to Work” coursework and receives his or her credentials will then receive a personalized certificate, signed by the governor that shows

employers the skill level achieved by the recipient.

This job readiness program is a joint venture administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity with maintenance and support of the web-based delivery system supported by Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN).

Since the program’s implementation in 2007, “Ready to Work” has had 238,719 participants either take an assessment or use the program’s online courseware.

Once job seekers receive their credentials from “Ready to Work” they can then utilize Regional Workforce Boards to receive assistance in finding work in the community.

Thanks in large part to Florida’s “Ready to Work” program, many companies across the state have identified quality new hires, reduced training costs, and incorporated skill building in the workplace.

Individuals or employers interested in Florida “Ready to Work” should visit the Web site located at www. floridareadytowork.com.

This Web site provides information about the program for employers, students, jobseekers, and educators. The site also serves as the main point of access for “Ready to Work” assessment centers for students and jobseekers participating in the “Ready to Work” program.

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COMMON

TA S T E

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

The Common Grounds 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 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.

B y E mi l y G a r v in Innkeeper & Manager

The Shaw House Bed and Breakfast is a completely renovated two story home dating back to the 1890s. Owner Tom Shaw and his granddaughter Emily Garvin operate the Bed and Breakfast. Tom Shaw, former city commissioner and mayor, enjoys telling his guests all about the history of his beautiful city. Tom explains that his favorite time of the day is “sitting down on the front porch of the Bed and Breakfast over a (complimentary) glass of wine and sharing stories with my guests.”

Tom is knowledgeable about the different events that take place throughout Lakeland and enjoys guiding guests in the right direction in accordance with their interests.

The Shaw House offers a unique vacation experience, right here in downtown Lakeland. The bed and breakfast is conveniently located in historic downtown across the street from the beautiful Hollis Garden on Lake Mirror. The best view in town of the garden is from the upstairs porch. Just a short walk around Lake Mirror and you are in downtown Lakeland with numerous shops and restaurants. Also, the well-known Lakeland Center and beautiful Florida Southern College are within walking distance from the Bed and Breakfast.

There are four rooms each with private bath. They are comfortably furnished and decorated. If guests are interested in learning about what Lakeland has to offer, its history, or just some good conversation, Tom is ready to accommodate.

His long history as a City Commissioner and participant in the Sister Cities program provide him with a perspective and experience that many guests seek in a host. The guest book is a testament to the charming southern hospitality that Shaw House Bed & Breakfast offers. The living and dining rooms promote a feeling of being home, and the huge porches are a natural gathering place for guests to relax and enjoy the views and company.

Contact Tom or Emily by phone at (863) 687-7120 or by e-mail at theshawhouse.bb@aol.com. They would love to reserve a room or give you a tour of the gorgeous home.

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R ace t o Pl ace I n i ti ati v e Con n ect s Employe r s to J o b S e e k e rs Circulate enough at any party or function and you will hear two very different perspectives on the job market. From one side of the room you may hear...

marybeth soderstrom

Here’s how it works Polk Works encourages all job seekers and graduating college students to utilize the Employ Florida Marketplace (EFM) system for their job searches, while providing tools, resources, and information on how to successfully gain employment.

The Race to Place Employer Partners list all of their open positions in EFM, and ask that their candidates all register in the same system. This ensures that all job seekers have access to the position. If a candidate isn’t the right fit for that position they then have access to all the jobs listed in EFM. Educational institutions encourage graduating seniors to begin the job search process before graduating by registering in EFM, creating a larger talent pool for Polk County businesses and the ability to retain that talent after graduation.

“I have a position open and I just can’t find the right person to hire” and from the other side of the room...

“I’ve been looking for a job for months. There are no jobs in Polk County!”

CONNECT ] PolkWorks.org

In an ideal situation you may be able to introduce the two people and solve both problems at the same time, and that is what Race to Place aims to do multiplied by 10,000.

Race to Place, the 2013 Workforce Challenge is an initiative spearheaded by Polk Works, but only possible with the support of the more than 100 community, employer, and educational partners with the goal to place 10,000 job seekers into jobs in the first six months of 2013 in Polk County.

Employers have the option of utilizing in-house recruitment events, pre-screening by Polk Works, and/or are able to search the system for job seekers with the qualities they are looking for.

Polk Works will make quality referrals to all jobs posted in EFM within 48 hours of the position being posted.

As the partners reach the half-way point of this endeavor, it is not too late to join in the effort to reach the goal of 10,000 placements. Interested employers or community groups may find more information at PolkWork.org.

WE PROVIDE SOLUTIONS Heacock Payroll offers a truly outsourced payroll service, including: • • • • • • • • • •

Direct Deposit Visa Paycard Options Payroll Checks Payroll Reporting Tax Filing, including 941 and UCT6 Employee Benefit Administration Paid Time Off Tracking Workers’ Comp “Pay As You Go” New Hire Reporting Child Support & Garnishments

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SOLUTIONS We can help reduce your overall cost and help to simplify your reporting and audit process.

• Avoid up-front premiums and year-end audit surprises with Pay As You Go Programs • Earn Discounts with Workers’ Comp Safety Programs Regulation Information

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SOLUTIONS Heacock Payroll helps you design & customize your program to include medical, dental, vision, voluntary products and 401(k).

A PARTNER YOU CAN COUNT ON A trusted organization, Heacock Payroll, LLC is a member of the Heacock Group of companies, which has been serving Florida since 1922. With Heacock Payroll, you will be transferring the burden of dealing with administrative employee-related functions to a team of professional specialists.

LAKELAND OFFICE 100 E. MAIN STREET LAKELAND, FL 33801 P: (863) 683-2228 TF: (800) 677-5172 PAYROLL@HEACOCK.COM

863.683.2228

CALL TODAY to find out how Heacock Payroll can help your business.

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get connected.

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You don’t have to be a SUPER HERO to make a difference in our community!

Shopping with LOCALLY OWNED stores and service providers helps keep Lakeland’s economy strong and growing!

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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

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Business After Hours March 21 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Give our loc al businesses a lift

2440 US Highway 98 N OFFICE CHAIR DRAWING NEXUS 7 TABLET GIVEAWAY FOOD FROM HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE DRINKS FOR EVERYONE

$10 Members ~ $30 Guests ~ Your RSVP is appreciated! Visit LakelandChamber.com to register.