lakeland chamber sept 2009 forum

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September 2009 Vol. XIX, No.9 Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com Small Business of the Month: See who received the plaque for this monthly award. Page 3 Giving back: Commissioner and local business join forces to raise money for school supplies. Page 14 After Hours: Members support members at July event. Page 4 inside this issue FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • Renewals • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move Catalyst volunteers exceed kickoff goal Chamber Members… start your engines!! The 2009 Car BQ Committee is pleased to announce planning for this year’s event has begun. Plan to fill up your tank with a delicious BBQ lunch at this year’s Car BQ Chamber fundraiser, November 20, 2009 at Tigertown. Need more information? Want to help? Call Katie Daughtrey at 688-8551, x241 or email her at: kdaughtrey@ lakelandchamber.com On July 23, Catalyst Volunteers & Chamber board members celebrated the official kickoff of the Catalyst Campaign! With $105,953 in total sales, teams came together to eat, drink & congratulate the Campaign’s top producers to date. In celebration of our “Growing Green” theme, the Grass Root Organic Restaurant was on hand to share some VBLTs (Vegetarian BLT’s) and beautiful vegan, raw appetizers. Spencer & Sabrina even shared their newest addition, Ollie with the group. In addition, Tina & Tim from Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro (863-683-5267) provided delicious brownies, pastries & treats to satisfy the sweet tooth of everyone in attendance. Continued on Page 2 sponsors: Gold Campaign Backer Campaign Growth Partner Campaign Training Sponsor Campaign Kickoff Partners

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Page 1: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

September 2009Vol. XIX, No.9

Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com

Small Businessof the Month:See whoreceived theplaque for thismonthly award.Page 3

Giving back:Commissionerand localbusiness joinforces to raisemoney forschool supplies.Page 14

After Hours:Members supportmembers at Julyevent.Page 4

insidethis issue

FORUM FOR BUSINESSmonthly

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • Renewals • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move

Catalyst volunteersexceed kickoff goal

Chamber Members…start your engines!!The 2009 Car BQ Committeeis pleased to announceplanning for this year’sevent has begun. Plan to fillup your tank with a deliciousBBQ lunch at this year’sCar BQ Chamber fundraiser,November 20, 2009 atTigertown.

Need more information?Want to help? Call KatieDaughtrey at 688-8551, x241or email her at: [email protected]

On July 23, Catalyst Volunteers & Chamberboard members celebrated the official kickoffof the Catalyst Campaign! With $105,953in total sales, teams came together to eat,drink & congratulate the Campaign’s topproducers to date.

In celebration of our “Growing Green” theme,the Grass Root Organic Restaurant was onhand to share some VBLTs (Vegetarian BLT’s)

and beautiful vegan, raw appetizers. Spencer& Sabrina even shared their newest addition,Ollie with the group.

In addition, Tina & Tim from Fresco’s Bakery& Bistro (863-683-5267) provided deliciousbrownies, pastries & treats to satisfy thesweet tooth of everyone in attendance.

• Continued on Page 2

sponsors:

Gold Campaign BackerCampaign Growth Partner

Campaign Training SponsorCampaign Kickoff Partners

Page 2: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

Anu SaxenaChairman of the Board

Aaron BatesManaging Editor

Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President

Kingston PartnersDesign

Lakeland AreaChamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly

No.2

Catalyst volunteers exceed goal

STRATEGIESFOR PROSPERITY

WEBSTER UNIVERSITYCITY CENTER

101 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 150

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 107:30 - 9:30 AM

TOPIC: THE ECONOMIC “BIG PICTURE”SPEAKER: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL ADVISOR ARTHUR MCKEE,

MCKEE INVESTMENT PLANNING

JOIN FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS AT WEBSTER UNIVERSITY FOR OURBUSINESSPREP WORKSHOP. COME ENJOY A LIGHT BREAKFAST AND LEARN THEFINANCIAL TRUTHS’ THAT TRANSCEND ANY ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT AND GET

THE ECONOMIC "BIG PICTURE" THAT IS NOT REPORTED IN THE NEWS. YOU'LL ALSOHAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS. REGISTER EARLY BY VISITING

BUSINESSPREP.LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM!

Seating is limited and reservations are required. $15 Chamber Members Only.Visit the Chamber Store at: lakelandchamber.com to use your credit card oremail [email protected] to pay with cash or check at the door.

“Growing Green” Supporting Sponsor,Warren Tree & Landscape sharedinformation on how their company (theoriginal green) was helping businesses andhomeowners continue to preserve theenvironment. One suggestion, withenergy costs on the rise, a well-placed treecan reduce heating and cooling costs, andadd to the beauty of your property.Campaign Chair Nancy Cattarius(WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio)recognized Vice Chair PhilWegman (Furr&WegmanArchitects, PA) as the topproducer to date with $22,000 in totalsales! Sarah Case (JSK Consulting, Inc.)was recognized as the top Rookie producerto date with $2,000 on the board!

What’s next for the Campaign? Joinvolunteers, board members & supporterson October 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the LakeMirror Promenade (near the LakelandElectric Building) for the Campaign’sVictory Celebration and dedication of 12Florida-friendly FlameMaples. Sponsor-ships and advertising are still available;please visit Catalyst.LakelandChamber.comfor additional information and contactinformation for Catalyst volunteers.

• Continued from Page 1

Board member Alice Hunt, Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc., Board Chair Anu Saxena,ASC geosciences, inc., and Catalyst Vice Chair Mary McQueen, tmr Agency, Inc., discuss theprogress of the Campaign.

Volume Information: September 2009,Vol. XIX, No. 9

Volunteers cheer as Campaign Chair Nancy Cattarius, WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radioshares that the kickoff goal has been surpassed.

Page 3: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

Twenty three years ago, Joy Morse was theActing Director of Nursing for SevenCritical Care Units at the University ofTexas in Galveston. In 1986, she movedfrom Texas to Florida and had the courageand foresight to take a different careerpath and on September 1, 1987, she

opened the doors of Joy Morse InsuranceAgency, Inc. as a State FarmAgent.With a full team of licensed associatesand a combined experience of over 50years, Joy’s office helps their customerswith over 90 insurance and financialproducts. In April, 2008, Joy and her

associates moved into their newlytransformed building at 5727 USHighway 98 South in Lakeland.

The JoyMorse Insurance Agency strivesto offer exceptional customer service in awarm hometown atmosphere. Joy and herteam of licensed associates care aboutevery client and work diligently toconnect the dots to make insurance andfinancial services easy for every clientto understand. Joy is proud of heraccomplishments of succeeding in a maledominated field, building a profitable

August winner

Small Business of the Month Award presented

JJooyy MMoorrsseeJoy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc.5727 US Highway 98 SouthLakeland, FL 33812-4108863/647-2915 Phone863/648-0719 [email protected]

Joy Morse, Joy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc. accepts the August Small Business of the MonthAward from committee member, Gary Cleveland, Cleveland & Company, Inc. Also pictured (L-R) Stephanie Vazquez, Cathy Schneider and Patricia Welsh. • Continued on Page 5

Page 4: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

No.4

Members Support Members at July Business After HoursFrom the moment that members walkedinto the Clubhouse, they knew that thiswas a first-class event. The setting atLakeland’s newest luxury apartmenthomes was enhanced with balloondécor from Party People Celebration Coas guests began their evening by walkingdown the red carpet. Alexan at LakesideVillage was showcased by all the staff,but Rod Harris, Senior PropertyManager, made sure that everyone was

welcome. With help from Creative GiftConsultants owner Somer Huffman,Rod and his team created a relaxingand festive atmosphere around the pool– perfect for Chamber members to samplecatering by Chef Paulie Culinary Servicesowner Paul Tippin and locally producedwines from Vintner’s Cellar CustomWinery served by owner Jeff Johnson.Finally, everyone enjoyed the smoothsounds of the Matthew Wengerd Trio

from underneath one of the shadypergolas. And, we couldn’t leave outon site sound provided by Center DoorProductions and owner Ken Williams.

Thanks to Alexan at Lakeside Villagefor providing a beautiful setting, andfor the reminder to “Buy Lakeland”and partner with Chamber members.

is group is all smiles as they network and learn more about each others busi-nesses.

There were lots of groups networking.

Rod Harris, Senior Property Manager at Alexan at Lakeside Village, ac-cepts the Plaque of Appreciation.

Page 5: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

insurance agency, having manyloyal clients, and having anawesome group of associates towork with.

Joy is presently a Board member ofthe Imperial Associates of Insurance and Financial Advisorsand Vice President of Programs forABWA Hollingsworth Chapter.Joy offers her help in the commu-nity through organizations that sheis a member of in addition tovolunteering at Philip O’BrienElementary School. When Joy isnot busy finding new customers orhelping on-board clients, she canbe found cheering for her sons,Ryan and Jake, as they play baseballfor Lakeland City Baseball andRawlings AAU Teams.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like tocongratulate Joy Morse InsuranceAgency, Inc. as the Small Businessof the Month for August.

SBA August• Continued from Page 3

Page 6: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

No.6

On July 9, 50 members joined the chefs atMt. Fuji Steakhouse & Sushi Buffet forpower networking the Chamber way!Before the meal, attendees spent timemeeting and greeting each other andlearning more about how their businessescould partner to continue to sustainLakeland’s economy. Businesses fromevery industry were available to sharemore about how they could supportfellow members and how they could besupported.

Schmooze a’Palooza is just one way thatthe Chamber continues to communicatethe “Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents.”Campaign. All those in attendance werehelpful in reminding business ownersto patronize fellow Chamber membersfor commercial needs as well as residential.And, on the positive side of things,not one member mentioned the“down economy”!

Schmooze a’Palooza continues to be asuccessful event for those that attend. Besure to mark your calendars for theNovember 12 event to be held at FloridaSouthern College!

Chamber Champion Bryan Mau, CPS InvestmentAdvisors, shares his 30-second commercial withthe group.

Bill Masters, Cartridge & Toner Zone, ChamberTrustee Member Sandy Serletic, Citizens Bank& Trust, and Chamber Champion DillonDaniels, All Solar, catch up on business.

Members gather for July’s Schmooze a’ Palooza

Nearly 50 Chamber members network at the JulySchmooze a’Palooza event.

Page 7: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum
Page 8: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

No.8

Page 9: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

20+ Years Renewals1965 - 44 YearsBelk #355

1975 - 34 YearsBent's Cycling & Fitness

1978 - 31 YearsThe Philpot Law Group, P.A.Stanley Properties

1979 - 30 YearsMIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union

1980 - 29 YearsAmerican General Finance, Inc.Wallis Murphey Boyington Architects, Inc.

1984 25 YearsW. A. Magarino, MD, PA

1985 - 24 YearsMicro Path Laboratories, Inc.

1986 - 23 YearsGreg's Hallmark Shoppe

1988 - 21 YearsDrug Prevention Resource Center, Inc.Lifestyle Family FitnessLakeland Seafood, Inc.

1989 - 20 YearsAllied Scrap Processors, Inc

15-Year RenewalsRE/MAX Paramount Properties

10-Year RenewalsStephen D. Herman, CPAGulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.MDM Services, Inc.

5-Year RenewalsCreative Refinishing, Inc.Go Chamber Power FLMcKeel Elementary AcademyGator Ford & Gator Lincoln MercuryParrish & Parrish CPA’s, P.A.

RENEWALSThe Chamber would like to recognizeand thank the following businesses fortheir long-standing support and loyalty.

Page 10: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

Access Fitness5291 US Highway 98 SLakeland, FL 33812(863) 937-8028Fax: (813) 464-8056www.accessfitnesslakeland.comScott HillsHealth Clubs

Broadway Real Estate Services500 S Florida Ave Ste 420Lakeland, FL 33801-5267(863) 683-3425Fax: (863) 683-3425www.resbroadway.comMatthew ClarkReal Estate-Commercial/Industrial

Church of the Resurrection3855 S. Florida Ave.Lakeland, FL 33813-1109(863) 646-3556Fax: (863) 644-8697www.churchoftheres.netJoe D'OrsaneoChurches/Synagogues

CJ Pallet Co., Inc.3850 Old Tampa HwyLakeland, FL 33811-1108(863) 688-4042(800) 227-2253Fax: (863) 802-8722Brian PearlmanWooden Pallets

Cookie Jar Bakeshop305 E Main StBartow, FL 33830-4716(863) 519-3333Fax: (863) 519-3403www.cookiejarbakeshop.comMaura GalbraithBakers

Creative Sign Designs12801 Commodity PlaceTampa, FL 33626-3104(813) 818-7100(800) 804-4809Fax: (813) 749-2311www.creativesigndesigns.comJamie HardenSigns

Crimsafe North America LL3020 Reynolds Rd Ste 1 - 3 Lakeland, FLPO Box 2440Eaton Park, FL 33840-2440(863) 510-1088(866) 740-3888Fax: (863) 665-0485www.crimsafe.comPeter BoumaManufacturers

DC's Sports Bar1015 S Florida Ave Lakeland 33803-1117PO Box 8856Lakeland, FL 33805-8856(863) 682-2300www.dcssportsbar.comJoy M. BrowneLounges

Fields Motorcars209 S. Lake Parker Ave.Lakeland, FL 33801-5741(863) 688-8111Gary GordonAutomobile - Dealers - New

First Help Urgent Care Clinic1801 Crystal Lake DrLakeland, FL 33801-5979(863) 299-8485Fax: (407) 386-3342www.uc-walkin.comTommy L. Louisville, M.D.Clinics

Hicks Advertising Group10012 N Dale Mabry Hwy Ste 213Tampa, FL 33618-4425(813) 908-7722Fax: (813) 908-7708Bob HicksAdvertising

Lakeland Montessori School1124 N Lake Parker AveLakeland, FL 33805-4725(863) 413-0003Fax: (863) 413-0006www.lakelandmontessori.comJosie ZinningerSchools - Charter

The Latt Maxcy Corporation21299 US Highway 27Lake Wales, FL 33859-6851(863) 679-6700Hood CraddockReal Estate

Magnify Credit Union/Bartow1790 N Broadway AveBartow, FL 33830-3103(863) 582-7300Fax: (863) 582-7303www.magnifycu.orgKelli IngleCredit Unions

Magnify Credit Union/Lakeland961 E County Road 540 ALakeland, FL 33813-6800(863) 644-9104Fax: (863) 644-9326www.magnifycu.orgDave FisherCredit Unions

Magnify Credit Union/Traviss3225 Winter Lake RdLakeland, FL 33803-9709(863) 666-2025Fax: (863) 666-2021www.magnifycu.orgYesenia WeaverCredit Unions

Magnify Credit Union/Winter Haven3501 Cypress Gardens RdWinter Haven, FL 33884-2459(863) 618-1000Fax: (863) 618-1003www.magnifycu.orgMelissa TicsonCredit Unions

Miller, Crosby & Miller, P.A.2323 S. Florida Ave.PO Box 8169Lakeland, FL 33802-8169(863) 688-7038Fax: (863) 688-2619www.mcmpalaw.comSozon C. VatikiotisAttorneys

NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 24 new members for July 2009

No.10

Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge you to 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!

Page 11: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

Oglesby & Company Auctioneers215 E Main StBartow, FL 33830-4632(863) 533-7900Fax: (863) 533-7911www.oglesbyauctioneers.comSue HelmsAuctioneers

QB & Associates of Florida, Inc.704 N Combee Rd 33801-3056PO Box 24732Lakeland, FL 33802-4732(863) 665-3221Fax: (863) 665-3229Sheryl McKinleyGeneral Contractors

SendOutCards5220 Lakeland Highlands RdLakeland, FL 33813-3214(863) 370-8545Jan CoachmanDirect Mail

Sendoutcards.com11919 Backland PathPolk City, FL 33868-2604(863) 397-7531www.sendoutcards.com\74866Leah StineDirect Mail

Tijuana Flats4796 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33813-2121www.tijuanaflats.comBrandy BlackwellRestaurants

USA Computer Technologies, Inc.3930 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33813-1114(863) 648-4443Fax: (863) 644-1652www.usacns.comArthur AlvarezComputers - Sales & Service

Page 12: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

No.12

Page 13: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

MARK YOURCALENDAR

EVENTS

September 9EMERGE Lakeland

Book Review by Larry Ross and David Steele,

Florida Southern College, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

September 10BusinessPrep Workshop

Webster University, 101 W. Main St.7:30 – 9:30 AM

September 16Leadership Lakeland Alumni

Association, State of the Schools,Lakeland Yacht & Country Club

September 17Business After Hours

Fun Bike Center Motorsports, 1845 E. Memorial Blvd.

5:30 – 7:30 PM

MEETINGS

September 9Government Affairs, 8:00 AM

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland9:00 AM

September 15 EMERGE Lakeland Steering Committee Meeting, 3:45 PM

September 16Executive Committee Meeting

4:00 PM

JJUULLYY TTOOUURRIISSMM IINNQQUUIIRRIIEESSDuring the month of July, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and theLakeland community.

Walk-in Visitors..................................324Relocation Response Mailings ......... 11Relocation Response (Walk In) ........ 34Accommodations...................................1

Winter Accommodations .......................0Visitor Information Mailings .................33Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............156

Page 14: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

No. 14

Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill teams up with CommissionerLocal City Commissioner Justin Trollerand restaurant entrepreneurs KennyBaldwin and Natalie Oldenkamp ofNatalie’s Sports Bar & Grill have joinedforces to raise money for school suppliesbenefitting the students of 10 area elementary and middle schools. The ideasurfaced when Kenny’s daughter wasassigned a school project that ultimatelycost the family over $100.

Kenny was shocked and couldn’t imaginethat every family in his daughter’s schoolwould be capable of affording such anexpense. He expressed these concerns toCommissioner Troller one night at therestaurant, and the idea took off. Natalie’swould hire Justin as a server, and Justinwould donate his wages and tips to thecause. The group is in the process offorming a 501(c)3 and looking formatching donations from local businesses.Commissioner Troller’s goal was to raise$1,500 by August 24th and we are happyto report that he surpassed his goal!Congratulations!

Giving back is nothing new to Commis-sioner Troller. He promised during his2007 campaign that he would donate hiscommission earnings to charity- and hehas kept his promise, donating $12,000 tovarious Lakeland charities in 2008!

Commissioner Troller has returned to hisday job teaching History at Lakeland HighSchool and coaching the Dreadnaughtwrestling team. But you can still help!!Call for delivery or drop by Natalie’s for

lunch, dinner, or even happy hour, andask for Kenny. He is more than happyto accept a donation!

Natalie’s is located at 3120 SouthFlorida Avenue and has recently starteddinner deliveries to the south Lakelandarea. For more information on howyou can help, call Kenny Baldwin at863-644-6000.

The Lakeland Area Chamber ofCommerce would like to give a bigthumbs up to Commissioner JustinTroller and the crew at Natalie’s forcontinuing to go above and beyond fortheir community.

Page 15: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

LEDC wraps up second annual YLakeland Summer Leadership Program

The Lakeland Economic Development Council is pleased to announce that the following 40 participantsfrom 27 companies have completed the 2nd Annual YLakeland Summer Leadership Program:

• Morgan Andrews, Lockheed Martin Corporation

• Ashley Barnett, Polk County School Board

• Brett Blondell, Rodda Construction

• Amber Cook, Lakeland Regional Medical Center

• Kaley Cooper, City of Lakeland

• Hilary Crenshaw, Boring Business Systems

• Travis Dimming, DSM.net

• Tia Donathan, Watson Clinic

• Jacob Driggers, Crowe Horwath

• Alexis Echeverria, Polk Works

• Kevin Estroff, Lakeland Regional Medical Center

• Laura Fannin, Marriott Vacation Club International

• Rodney Gadd, JSK Consulting

• Matt Green, Crowe Horwath

• Michael Hanlin, Lockheed Martin Corporation

• Craig Harwick, Lockheed Martin Corporation

• Justin Heacock, Heacock Insurance

• Rennie Heath, Bright House Networks

• Matthew Jones, GrayRobinson, P.A.

• Michael Kincart, Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.

• Alex Koskey, Peterson & Myers, P.A.

• Sarah Malone, City of Lakeland

• Karlo Martinez, Southern Wine and Spirits

• Shawn McCole, Rita Staffing

• LaurieAnn McDonald, Polk Works

• Matthew McGowan, Watson Clinic

• Patrick Mize, City of Lakeland

• Sean Morris, City of Lakeland

• Carlos Parra, Polk State College

• Stacy Pfannenstiel, WellDyneRx

• Lauren Saunders, Saunders Real Estate

• Omar Sebti, Lockheed Martin Corporation

• Ryan Scully, Crowe Horwath

• Anna Shirokova, Saddle Creek Corporation

• Brendan Smith, Qgiv.com

• David Stark, City of Lakeland

• Melvin Thompson, Polk State College

• Alana Trimmier, Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation

• Kimber Wiggs, Bagley Advertising Idea Pros

• Ryan Zika, Peterson & Myers, P.A.

Beginning in the Summer of 2008, YLakeland launched an8-week (June-July) Summer Leadership Program (SLP) forinterns and new hires. The program was started under theLakeland Economic Development Council’s High-SkillHigh-Wage initiative. The LEDC staff facilitated the pilotprogram which included 45 participants from 17 local com-panies. The main goal of the program was to connect CollegeStudents/Young Professionals to Lakeland and to eachother in an effort to attract and retain talent.

The 2009 YLakeland Summer Leadership Program was lead byLEDC intern Savannah Eaves, a junior at Wheaton College inWheaton, Illinois and a 2007 graduate of Lakeland ChristianSchool. The 2009 SLP Program Chair was Antwan Key,Communications Specialist at the City of Lakeland and a memberof the inaugural YLakeland Summer Leadership Program Class I.

For more information on the Lakeland Economic DevelopmentCouncil or our YLakeland program, please contact Laura Taylor at863-687-3788 or [email protected].

Page 16: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

No.16

AUGUST MEMBERS ON THE MOVEQgiv, Inc. Todd Baylis and Brendan Smith ofQgiv, Inc. recently attended the 46thAnnual Association of FundraisingProfessionals Conference in New Orleans. This was a great opportunityto showcase Qgiv in front of thousandsof non-profit and tax-exempt organizationsfrom across the US.

Cipher IntegrationsTodd Baylis of Cipher Integrations isproud to announce the recent acquisitionof the Microsoft Small Business SpecialistCertification. In order to qualify as anSBS, Cipher had to show a provencompetency in marketing, selling,planning, and building network solutionsfor all small businesses.

ASC geosciences, inc.Pleased to announce that MuraliBommareddy has joined their staff asSenior Staff Engineer.

Watson Clinic LLP, SouthProud to announce the addition ofdermatologists Catherine B. Marcum,MD to their expert team of physicians.

Ross Vecchio, PACharles A. Flint II has joined the firmas an associate attorney, specializing inworkers' compensation defense.

The Mahoney Group, Inc.Pleased to announce Anna Coco joiningThe Mahoney Group, Inc. as a Com-mercial Sales Associate.

OMS Group, Inc.Betty Leslie recently joined OMS, aleading benefits and payroll firm, as theBenefits Manager.

PSCThe Polk State College Alumni Association has donated $20,000 toPSC Foundation. The monies will beused to endow a scholarship for deservingPolk State College students.

Alliance for IndependencePleased to welcome Sherrie D. Longdirector of Marketing at Allen andCompany and Anne-Marie Wendel toits Board of Directors.

Fantasy of FlightKermit Weeks will once again participatein the World’s Greatest AviationCelebration -“2009 EAA AirVentureOshkosh” – For more information visitwww.airventure.org.

Watson ClinicPleased to welcome Alexander H. Le,MD to their expert team of radiologists.Dr. Le will practice from our MainClinic location at 1600 Lakeland HillsBlvd.

Page 17: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

The Salvation ArmyCaptain's Stanley & Deborah Colbertare the new Corps Officers for TheSalvation Army serving Western PolkCounty. They are transferring fromGreensville, S.C. They have beenSalvation Army officers for 10 years.

Furr & Wegman Architects, PAAnnounces – Crystal Lester, LEEP APbecame a Licensed Architect in the Stateof Florida on July 8, 2009. Her mostrecent GREEN project is the design andconstruction of a new office building forKyra InfoTech, currently being constructed by Olivera Construction.

Swan Development Advisors, Inc.Pleased to announce Rachel Booth aSenior Town Planner and ProjectManager. Through her education, timeas a community volunteer, and in herprofessional work, she has dedicatedherself to her passion for work in urbanredevelopment and affordable housing.Also, pleased to announce Stefanie vonPaleske-Bush a Senior Planner withover 18 years of planning and projectcoordinator experience. Stephanieprovides public sector services includingpreparation of Comprehensive PlanAmendments, annexations, zone changes,impact assessment statements, andplanned unit development applications.

Douglass Screen Printers, Inc.Lisa Kaiser Hickey recently attendedthe Women’s Business ConferenceChicago 2009 hosted by the NationalAssociation of Women Business Ownersin Chicago, Illinois June 24-26. Conference graphics were provided byDouglass Screen Printers, a bronzesponsor of the event.

Pediatric Therapy Service, Inc.Proud to announce that ChristineKangas and Dana Herrington havebeen awarded their Certificate ofClinical Competency. Christine andDana joined PTS in June 2008 as aSpeech Language Pathologist with aspecialty in working with the pediatric population.

Senior HelpersJorge Giraldo, MBA, owner of SeniorHelpers has received his designation asa Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) fromthe Society of Certified Senior Advi-sors. Becoming a CSA provides Jorgewith advanced training on the Health,Social and Financial well being to assistseniors and their families.

MIDFLORIDA Real Estate Sales, LLCPleased to officially welcome several ex-perienced realtors: Alfredo Perez,Christopher Clark, Elizabeth Kreticos,Hayacinth Baxter, Leslie Askew andLisa Brown.

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: [email protected]

Page 18: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

No.18

RIBBON CUTTINGSThe following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of July.

See the photos on our Web site at LakelandChamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher, City Commissioner Jim Verplanck, City Commissioner Howard Wiggs and all of the board members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event.

Hooters North3400 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809-3803

863/859-7772 • www.hooters.com

Tijuana Flats4796 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813-2121

863/937-9155 • www.tijuanaflats.com

Alexan at Lakeside Village1555 Village Center Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803-2802863/499-0004 • www.alexanatlakesidevillage.com

Red Elephant Pizza and Grill5216 S Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33813-2516863/937-9141 • www.redelephantpizza.com

CORRECTION: The incorrect website address was published in the AugustForum under the ribbon cutting photo for Agnini Family Dental. The correctaddress is www.agninidental.com.

Page 19: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

SAVE THEDATE

Bright House Networks presents the

19th Annual Chamber Scramble

Thursday, November 5th, 2009.

Look for the flyer in the OctoberFORUM FOR BUSINESS or online atwww.lakelandchamber.com. Spon-

sorships available…[email protected] or

863.688-8551, ext. 223.

Page 20: Lakeland Chamber Sept 2009 Forum

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$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Chamber memberYour RSVP is appreciated! Visit BAH.LakelandChamber.com to use your credit card or email [email protected] to pay with cash or check at the door.

FUN BIKE CENTER MOTORSPORTS1845 E. MEMORIAL BLVD.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M.