dec 2014

24
A Monthly Publication of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce www.plantcity.org Inside this issue President’s Message ...... …..….2 New Members ............... ......3 Anniversaries ................. .........4 Business Aſter Hours….….......11 Contact Breakfast…………….….13 Calendar………..……………...……14 Thank You Corner ......... .......16 Business Spotlight………..….....18 Ribbon Cungs……….…….......19 Ambassador Spotlight…….…...21 Ambassadors……….…………......23 Special points of interest Christmas Tree Contest has begun! Entry form is on Page 10 See more photos from the 2014 Business of the Year Awards Banquet on Pages 6 and 7 What a great Pig Jam event! Check it out on Pages 8 and 9 “Businesses Building A Better Community” 2014 Business of the Year Award Winners! December 2014 GROWING BUSINESS LARGE BUSINESS SMALL BUSINESS SPECIAL BUSINESS MID-SIZE BUSINESS AWARD MID SIZE BUSINESS

Upload: the-greater-plant-city-chamber-of-commerce

Post on 06-Apr-2016

212 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

 

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Dec 2014

A Monthly Publication of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce www.plantcity.org

Inside this issue

President’s Message ...... …..….2

New Members ............... …......3

Anniversaries ................. .........4

Business After Hours….….......11

Contact Breakfast…………….….13

Calendar………..……………...……14

Thank You Corner ......... .......16

Business Spotlight………..….....18

Ribbon Cuttings……….…….......19

Ambassador Spotlight…….…...21

Ambassadors……….…………......23

Special points of interest

Christmas Tree Contest has begun! Entry form is on Page 10

See more photos from the 2014 Business of the Year Awards Banquet on Pages 6 and 7

What a great Pig Jam event! Check it out on Pages 8 and 9

“Businesses Building A Better Community”

2014 Business of the Year Award Winners!

De

ce

mb

er

20

14

GROWING BUSINESS LARGE BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

SPECIAL BUSINESS

MID

-SIZ

E B

US

INE

SS

AW

AR

D

MID

SIZ

E B

US

INE

SS

Page 2: Dec 2014

2

Matt Buzza, Platinum Bank

Yvonne Fry, Lines of Communication

Charles Harris, Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Bradley Herremans, Suncoast Community Health

Centers Pediatrics

Vickie Houllis, Sunshine State Federal Savings

Larry Jimenez Jr., Star Distribution Systems

Jason Jones, Advantage Contracting, LLC

Clay Keel, Keel & Cur ley Winery

Darcy Stottlemyer, All A Bloom Flor ist

Michael Watkins, V & R Insurance

President’s Message

Board of Directors

Dear Chamber Members, I want to thank the Plant City Pig Jam committee, our wonderful volunteers, and fellow chamber staff, who made this past weekend’s event a HUGE SUCCESS! This was our first year of ex-panding to two days and Friday night exceeded all of our expectations.

For Friday, most of our team competitors vended their food, then at 7:30pm, our very own Plant City Clemons Road Band performed a concert before a large crowd. The public had a great time chatting with the BBQ teams and getting some great cooking tips. On Saturday, the weather wanted to play a bit of havoc with us, but that did not stop anyone from coming. It was nice to see the steady flow of vehicles coming down Gordon Food Service Drive. Between the two days, we estimate that we saw 15,000 or so people come through the gate. Many thanks to all who pur-chased raffle tickets also. One hundred percent of these proceeds go to our Chamber Foundation and they are used for scholarships for our senior students. To date, we have been able to award $83,000 in scholarships over the last ten years.

A big thank you goes to Lemonde Rush and his crew at Gordon Food Service who handled all the parking for us on Saturday. We certainly could not do this event with them—donating their parking area at the plant, plus staffing it for us along with area high school students. There are so many companies that help us put this event on and we cannot thank them enough. Please see page ____ in this newsletter for these businesses.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the Christmas Holiday season. Your chamber staff will start working on our events for next year, so we can bring more people to our community who will hopefully do business with you! Mark your calendar for Saturday, Febru-ary 21st, for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. (We moved it up two months from last year!)

To our chamber staff, Amy, Jane, Evelyn, Joyce and Tammy, I have certainly enjoyed working with you this year and know that 2015 will be even bet-ter. Thanks for all you do.

Merry Christmas!

Marion

Executive Board

Chairman of the Board

Nate Kilton

Sedita Kilton Life & Wealth Management, LLC

Chairman-Elect

Michael Cameron

Cameron Financial

Management

Immediate Past Chairman

Jim Scott

Jarrett-Scott Ford

Treasurer

Brian West

Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Vice Chairman, Economic Development Council

Phil Waldron

Waldron Consulting

Services

Vice Chairman, Community & Governmental

Affairs Division

Keith Smith

Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton,

Davis, & Smith, P.A.

Vice Chairman, Community Programs Division

Edwena Haney

Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Vice Chairman, Membership Division

Janet Kelly

Rita Staffing

CHAMBER STAFF

Marion Smith

President

Amy Nizamoff

Vice President

Jane Gonzalez

Tourist Information Coordinator

Joyce Nestor

Administrative Assistant

Tammy Mitchell

Membership Director

Evelyn Clay

Communications Director

Page 3: Dec 2014

3

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce shall work for its members and be the leading force in pro-moting the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and civic interests of Greater Plant City and East Hills-borough County.

Heysek & Kepes

Radiology & Oncology

303 North Alexander Street

Plant City, FL 33563-4303

Office: (813) 719-7705

Kathryn Kepes, MD

[email protected]

Medical

Murphy Business of Plant City

1315 Oakfield Drive, #1342

Brandon, FL 33509

Office: (813) 681-6800

Dan Gore, Owner

[email protected]

Www.murphybusiness.com

Business Broker

Planet Fitness

1864 James L. Redman Parkway

Plant City, FL 33563-6914

Office: (813) 558-5787

Arthur Nudelman, Owner

[email protected]

Www.planetfitness.com

Fitness Center

RAMM Recycling

705 Hitchcock Street

Plant City, FL 33566-5607

Office: (813) 732-5710

Ben Shane, Director of Operations

[email protected]

Www.rammrecycling.com

Recycling/Rolloff

The Farmer’s Friend

604 Brooker Road

Brandon, FL 33511-6910

David Yates, Owner

Office: (813) 562-6331

https://www.facebook.com/

david.yates.969952?fref=ts

Fence Contractor

TJ Stidham Trucking

2701 Airport Road

Plant City, FL 33563-1129

Office: (813) 752-4675

Lamar Quinn, General Manager

[email protected]

Www.tjstidham.com

Trucking/Transportation Service

2014 Chamber Trustees Thank you for your

commitment to the

Chamber of Commerce!

CITY PROPERTIES

COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED ELECTRI-

CAL DISTRIBUTORS

dba RAYBRO ELECTRIC

SUPPLIES

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY

FESTIVAL

FRED’S SOUTHERN

KITCHEN

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS &

SUITES

HOPEWELL FUNERAL

HOME & MEMORIAL

GARDENS

IDEAS & INNOVATIONS,INC.

(JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY)

JARRETT-SCOTT FORD

MOSAIC-PLANT CITY

FACILITY

SEDITA KILTON &

COMPANY

SOUTH FLORIDA BAPTIST

HOSPITAL

SUNSHINE STATE BANK

WELLS MEMORIAL &

EVENT CENTER

*Screen Enclosures * Carports

*Siding & Soffits * Vinyl Windows

Page 4: Dec 2014

4

21-29 YEARS

Hunters Ridge/Allison-Shelton

Sherwin-Williams Company

Winn-Dixie Supermarkets

15-20 YEARS

Byrd & Barnhill, P.L.

Cork Elementary School

Dover Elementary School

Heysek & Kepes Radiation Oncology

Hillsboro Bank

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

International Paper

Johnson’s Excavation & Services,

Inc.

Lincoln Elementary Magnet School

Oasis Auto Bath

Max F. Rattes, M.D., P.A.

Sensenich Propeller

Sir Speedy Printing

Toastmasters International

Tomlin Middle School

Turkey Creek First Baptist Church

Turkey Creek Middle School

10-14 YEARS

Astin Strawberry Exchange, LLC

Buckeye Self Storage

Renee Corzine-Keller Williams ,

Realty

10-14 YEARS (continued)

Griffin Utilities, Inc.

Ideas & Innovations, Inc.

Matrix Medical

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant

Paragon Development Group

Pinecrest Elementary School

SPCA, Inc.

5-9 YEARS

Anytime Fitness

Gulf Coast Air Systems, Inc.

Linda’s Cleaning

1-4 YEARS

Edward Jones-Luke Carvalho

Fringe Boutique

Highland Packaging Solutions, Inc.

Hinton Farms Produce, Inc.

Krazy Kup, LLC

Lark Photo & Framing, LLC

Planet Beach

Plant City Elks Lodge #1727

Rail Town Building Services

We are so grateful for our loyal members!

Thank you for renewing your membership with the Chamber of Commerce.

Members’ Honor Roll

Over 40 Years

Hillsborough Community College-Plant City

Over 30 Years

Branch’s Ranch, Inc.

Florida Brick & Clay

Parkesdale Farm Market

Tata Tea Extractions, Inc.

WalMart

Congratulations!

Since 1964

Businesses Building A

Better Community

Thank you for choosing to join the Greater

Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Our

goal is to help you succeed by promoting

your businesses. Likewise, there are won-

derful networking opportunities through

the various Chamber events we offer. We

wish you great success!

Page 5: Dec 2014

5

Celebrate the Season—2014

Friday, December 5th

7:00 PM

The major sponsors of this year’s parade are Unity in the Community and Stingray Chevrolet.

Thanks to the help of Unity and Stingray, the Christmas parade promises to be even better than

last year with more floats, marching bands, churches, civic and service organizations, and local

businesses participating.

Plant City’s Hometown Christmas Parade is a family event where our warm community comes

together to celebrate this wonderful time of year.

The parade route starts at Collins Street and Alsobrook Street, travels north on Collins through

downtown, turns right onto Reynolds Street, and will end at the court house.

We look forward to seeing our friends and neighbors out at the parade!

Page 6: Dec 2014

6

The 2014 Business of the Year Awards Banquet was held on Novem-

ber 6th at the John R. Trinkle Center. This is an opportunity for the

Chamber membership to honor and acknowledge those businesses in

our community who excel at not only grow and expansion, but also

their commitment to the community. The businesses nominated were

the best of the best in the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

The nominees for the Growing Business Award were Dykstra Con-

struction, Focus 4 Beauty Career Center, and Matrix Medical. The

nominees for Small Business of the Year were Nick’s Pizzeria & Wings,

Paul’s Hand Lettering Service, and Roney Auto Sales. The nominees

for Mid-Size Business of the Year were Family Bowl, Maryland Fried

Chicken, and Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center. The Large

Business of the Year nominees were Lowe’s, Reddy Ice, and The Hay

Exchange. Each year a special award is given to acknowledge a non-

profit for their contribution to the community and this year Unity in

the Community was the recipient. Congratulations to all our nomi-

nees as they have all participated in not only Chamber activities, but

have become an important part of the Plant City community. Chair-

man-Elect, Michael Cameron (Cameron Financial Management) pre-

sented the awards along with MC Gary Pike (Raybro Electric Supplies).

Matrix Medical Growing Business of the Year

Maryland Fried Chicken Mid-Size Business of the Year

(left to right) Michael Cameron with owners

Rick Lott, Deanna Rollyson, and Billy Keel

(left to right) Michael Cameron, Kim McElveen,

and Hope Mohler

Unity in the Community Special Business of the Year

Paul’s Hand Lettering Service Small Business of the Year

(left to right) Michael Cameron and owner of

Paul’s Hand Lettering Service, Paul Hetrick

(left to right) Michael Cameron presents

award to founder Joyce Jordan Hooke

The Hay Exchange Large Business of the Year

(left to right) Michael Cameron

presents Frank Narvaez,

longest serving employee of

The Hay Exchange, with the

Large Business Award

Page 7: Dec 2014

7

Teri and Michael Cameron

Kerri Miller and Marion Smith Deanna Rollyson

Farrukh Quraishi and Dr. Marty Clay Maribel Lorenzo, Renee Stone, and Nanette Granville

Pat and Darcy Stottlemyer Paul Davis and Kenny Peace Marsha Passmore and Dodie White

Larry Jimenez, Tyger Jimenez, Bradon

Jimenez, Kendell Jimenez, & Josh

Jimenez

55

Vince Aguayo, Peggy Smith, Kevin Chastain, and

Neil Thie all with Linder Industrial Machinery Co.

Page 8: Dec 2014

8

Grand Champion - Hot Wachula’s

It was nearly perfect Chamber of Commerce weather for the first ever, two-

day event held in Plant City. This was the 12th year for Pig Jam which has

grown each year to the point the committee determined it was time to expand

to two days. This proved to be the right direction for the event as attendees

enjoyed the Clemons Road Band concert on Friday night, more vendors, and

a lot of BBQ ribs, chicken, brisquet, and pork. Saturday had plenty of music

throughout the day with Ace Jackson & the Jump Kings, Mark Sprouse, Can-

dy Green Band and Dock Seven entertaining the crowds.Be sure to mark

your calendars for next year’s event scheduled for November 20th and 21st.

The judges had their work cut out for them this year. With 42 Professional

teams and 23 amateur teams, the task was daunting. The Grand Champion

Overall was “Hot Wachulas” headed up by Matt Barber, with second place

overall going to “Chix, Swine, and Bovine BBQ”. The Backyard Overall

Champion was “Pig Timers” from Tampa.

For the first time, a Plant City trophy was given to the top PC team. Hard-

wood BBQ brought it home as the local favorite. Congratulations to all!

For all results, visit http://www.kcbs.us/event/4641/plant-city-pig-jam

2nd Place Professional Chix, Swine, & Bovine BBQ

Plant City’s BBQ team winner-Hardwood BBQ

First Place Backyard Pig Timers

2nd Place Backyard The More You Drink, The Better It Tastes

Page 9: Dec 2014

9

Diamond Resorts International

Marketing, Inc.

Hillsborough Community College -

Plant City

Jarrett-Scott Ford

Pepin Distributing Company

Publix Super Markets

South Florida Baptist Hospital

Star Distribution Systems

Suncoast Credit Union

Sunshine State Bank

Tampa Electric Company

Mild Sponsor

O'Briens Irish Pub & Grill of Plant

City

Plant City Noon Rotary Club

Platinum Bank

Winn Dixie Supermarket

Plain Sponsor

Florida Mortgage Firm

Hillsborough Title, Inc.

MidFlorida Credit Union

Advertising Sponsor

Plant City Times & Observer

Golf Cart Sponsor

I-4 Power

RTV Sponsor

Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor

BBQ Sponsor

Brewington's Towing & Recovery

City of Plant City

FOCUS Magazine

In the Field Agriculture Magazine

Holiday Inn Express Hotel &

Suites

Reddy Ice

Thank you for your

generosity and

commitment!

Thank you to our amazing sponsors and volunteers.

Because of you, this event was a HUGE success!

Sizzling Sponsor

Auto Owners Insurance / Poppell Insurance

Extra Spicy Sponsor

Southside Western & Outdoor Wear

Hot Sponsor

Camping World of Tampa

Florida Strawberry Festival

Metro PCS

Planet Fitness

The Hay Exchange

Parking Sponsor

Gordon Food Service

Cooks Dinner Sponsor

Felton's Meat & Produce

Johnson Barbeque

Regular Sponsor

Allison-Shelton Real Estate Services

Curry Law Group, P.A.

Page 10: Dec 2014

10

Page 11: Dec 2014

11

Thank you to the Cameron Financial Manage-

ment and Myers & Wright, P.A. for hosting

the November Business After Hours. They really

went all out to make this event special!

The amazing food was catered by 911! If you

missed it, you missed quite a treat. But no wor-

ries, attend our breakfast this month and enjoy

their cooking!

Carole Wright and Michael Cameron raffled off a

beautiful basket with all proceeds benefitting the

United Food Bank of Plant City.

The event drew a fabulous crowd of members

who enjoyed networking. Thank you again to

Cameron Financial Management and to Myers &

Wright, P.A. for this truly terrific event!

Michael Cameron, Investment Planner with Cameron

Financial Management and Carole Wright, Partner/

Owner with Myers & Wright, P.A.

To speak with Michael regarding your investment

needs, call (813) 759-8485. For your accounting

needs, contact Carole at (813) 707-8838

Marc Poling from Mango Clean-

ers and Polly Wiggins with Re-

gions Bank

(Left to right) Jennifer Chamber-

lain with FOCUS Magazine and

Darcy Stottlemyer with All A

Bloom Florist

Page 12: Dec 2014

12

Remember, this holiday season to

support your local businesses. Our

hometown businesses are wonderful

at giving back to the community so

let’s show them our appreciation!

Watch for the “Shop Smart, Buy Lo-

cal” decal at the businesses you sup-

port. If they don’t have one, encour-

age them to drop by the Chamber

and pick one up.

Page 13: Dec 2014

13

South Florida Baptist Hospital sponsored the November Contact Breakfast where the new Chief of Police,

Chief Ed Duncan, spoke about Plant City and the efforts his department is implementing to ensure the safety

of the community such as the growth in the police force as well as, their presence in the community.

The Good Egg for November was Jim Freyvogel, the President and CEO of MacDonald Training Center, Inc,

who was recognized for all of his community involvement and ongoing support of the Chamber. Under his

leadership at the MacDonald Training Center, the intellectually, medically, and physically challenged people

have become independent and productive members of society. He believes that we should empower people to

live the lives they choose, not what other people choose for them.

Thank you to Karen Kerr and South Florida Baptist Hospital for sponsoring breakfast and providing a won-

derfully informative program.

The cashpot drawing was $50 which went unclaimed since the members’ names drawn were Glen Nicholson,

Theresa Crosby, Ben Rawnsley, Robert Willaford, and Yvonne Fry but they were not in attendance to claim

their prize. Next month the drawing will be $100! See you on December 10th at the Expo Building.

Good Egg, Jim Freyvogel, and

Nate Kilton left to right)

Members are enticed to enter raffle

for Big Green Egg and shopping

spree

Mark Poppell opens the meeting with

his Pig call...calling all BBQers! Marion Rowe is a winner!

Michael Lopez, Pam Lopez, and

Michelle Sapp give members a taste of

what a $1500 shopping spree can buy!

Connie Coon wins an awesome

travel set from SFBH

Chief Ed Duncan and Karen Kerr, President

of South Florida Baptist Hospital

Janice Cruz is a winner!

Chuck Sullivan is a winner of

a great door prize provided

by SFBH

ht)

Page 14: Dec 2014

14

Page 15: Dec 2014

15

Page 16: Dec 2014

16

We extend our sincerest appreciation to these friends of the Chamber

for their generosity and donations: November Contact Breakfast Sponsor

South Florida Baptist Hospital

November Business After Hours

Cameron Financial Management

&

Myers & Wright, P.A.

Door Prizes

Support your local community and…..

Shop locally!

Creative Flower Designs by Glenn & All A Bloom Florist

Check out the info about the Buy Local

Project on Page 12. Thank you to the

companies who are sponsoring this initiative

to keep local dollars, local!

Think ADVERTISING is too costly?

Check out our rates...

Business Card - $25

Quarter Page - $45

Half Page - $55

Full Page - $70

For $10 additional, we will include a link to your

website. (Included with the full page ad.)

Ad deadline for January newsletter is Wednesday,

December10th

Page 17: Dec 2014

17

$1 DOWN

$10 A MONTH

Page 18: Dec 2014

18

Business Spotlight— Marcia Cedano, Center Manager of the

Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Family Resource Centers The project started in 2001 as the Family Support & Resource Centers and was located at the University Mall and Town ‘N Coun-

try. There are now six Centers throughout Hillsborough County in Brandon, Central Tampa, East County, North Tampa, South

County and Town ‘N Country. In January 2012 the name changed to the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers. In October

of that same year, the East County location opened. The Children’s Board Family Resource Center at East County, is located in

Plant City.

All programs and services are available at no cost. The Children’s Board Family Resource Centers are located throughout Hills-

borough County and offer programs and services emphasizing child development and health and safety. Some of the programs

the Centers offer are: Developmental Play Groups, Developmental Screening, Car Seat Safety Classes, CPR & First Aid Certifica-

tion, Mobile Clinic Services including: Child Well Care, Immunizations, Vision & Hearing Screenings, Support Groups, Healthcare

Enrollment Assistance, Computer Access, Family Counseling, Prenatal Classes, Mobile Dental Services, Information & Referrals,

Mobile Services, and a variety of center- driven activities.

I would like to share that the Centers are designed to help families and communities become happier, healthier and stronger in

a refreshing, home-like environment where caring staff and members offer support, opportunities and new friendships.

The project is funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and administered by the Healthy Start Coalition of Hills-

borough County. Centers are managed by Champions for Children, Children’s Home, Inc. and REACHUP, Inc. The project func-

tions as a collaborative partnership between agencies committed to families in our community.

Being part of the Chamber has been a great benefit for me. I manage the Plant City location, which enables me to network and

engage with Business and Community members on the various services provided for all residents of Hillsborough County.

To contact Marcia Cedano or the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, call (813) 752-8700 or by email at

[email protected]. To learn more about this worthwhile organization, visit www.familysupporthc.org

Photos of the Children’s

Board of Hillsborough

County, Family Resource

Centers

Page 19: Dec 2014

19

Taylor Clark, Financial Representative

Northwestern Mutual

4729 US 98 South, #201

Lakeland, FL 33812-4336

November 11, 2014

Zach Glaros, Owner

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail

2837 South Frontage Road

Plant City, FL 33566

October 30, 2014

Angelica Ibarra, Executive Director

Learn Tampa Bay

504 East Baker Street, #1

Plant City, FL 33563

November 18, 2014

David Bridges, Vice President

Automotive Development Group, Inc.

4701 Reece Road

Plant City, FL 33566

November 6, 2014

December 2nd

Acts360

(2408 Airport Road)

December 11th

H & R Block

(2619 Thonotosassa Road)

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS

December 17th

Planet Fitness

(1864 James L. Redman)

All Ribbon Cuttings

will be held at

11:00 AM

unless otherwise noted

December 9th

Dr. Kelley Borders, D.M.D.

(1708 South Alexander St.)

December 16th

Paddy Wagon Irish Pub

(1852 James L. Redman)

Page 20: Dec 2014

20

Page 21: Dec 2014

21

GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT - Candace Downing, Nurse Liaison with The Health Center of Plant City

What is unique and/or interesting about your business? We are a 180 bed skilled nursing facility with a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 5 star rating. Not only do we provide quality nursing care and top rate, state of the art, Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy, our center boasts many amenities including 30 private suites, 22 in the Rehab Center. All rooms throughout the center have private baths. All rehab baths include private showers. Our 3000 sq ft therapy gym includes a kitchen, bath-room and bedroom set up as you would have at home in order for our rehab patients to train and practice for a safe return home.

How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? I joined the Ambassadors in May 2014 What do you enjoy most about serving as an Ambassador? Meeting new people and learning about local businesses and the history of Plant City. Who is the most influential person in your life? My father, Lawrence Watson DVM. Still active at age 98, he taught me love of family, community and to work hard and enjoy life. What are your interests and hobbies? Aside from family and grandchildren I enjoy golfing, travel and following politics. What is your favorite quote? “Every day may not be a good day but there is something good in every day.”

For more information about The Health Center of Plant City or to speak with Candace, please call her at (813) 752-3611 or email her at [email protected]

Thank you for your commitment to the Plant City Chamber of Commerce!

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce wishes you, your family,

and your employees a very Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year!

Page 22: Dec 2014

22

Page 23: Dec 2014

23

Your Ambassadors met on November 19th for a

“Come Join the Party” inspired luncheon spon-

sored by Verna McKelvin and Wells Memorial and

Event Center. A thank you goes out to Sandee

Systma who donated strawberry cookies from

Parkesdale Farm Market. Paul Davis was the

guest speaker who spoke to the group about the

upcoming Florida Strawberry Festival. Thank you

to Team #3 for putting the themed luncheon to-

gether. The Ambassadors do a fantastic job

attending all Chamber events, greeting attendees,

and assisting wherever needed. Thank you to this

dedicated group of members!

The Ambassadors work very hard representing

the Chamber and earn points for each event or

activity they do. Once a month the points are cal-

culated resulting in the winning Team and Individ-

ual. Thank you all for choosing to serve the Cham-

ber and the community in this way. We greatly

appreciate your efforts! Keep up the good work!

If you would like to join them, call Tammy at

(813) 754-3707 to find out how!

Ambassador of the Month

Alice Bullard with OnPoint IT Solutions

Ambassador Team of the Month~Team #3

Team #3 Ambassadors (from left to right) Jason

Jones, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, Verna McKelvin, Alice

Bullard, Candace Downing, Charlie Wells, and Pat

Pogue were the team earning the most points for the

month of October. Congratulations and Thank You

for your hard work!

Don’t forget to bring your business cards to the Contact Breakfast on December

10th to win the next Business Spotlight Section of the

Chamber Connections newsletter!

Page 24: Dec 2014

24

The Class of 2015 had a fun-filled, information

packed two months as they began their program with

visits to Hillsborough Community College, The Plant

City Times & Observer, the Bruton Memorial Li-

brary, and witnessing News Channel 8-On Your Side

up close and personal.

Law Enforcement was their focus for their second

month with demonstrations by the K-9 unit, using fire hoses at the Fire Department, and hands on experience with

the Jaws of Life. The class is having a great time while learning so much about our community. Be sure you get

on board with Leadership 2016 early as applications are already being accepted.

Photos credited to Alice Bullard, OnPoint IT Solutions