October 2009Vol. XIX, No.10

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

Off andRunning:The 27th classof LeadershipLakeland beginsyear with aretreat.Page 2

Small Businessof the Month:See whoreceived theplaque for thismonthly award.Page 4

After Hours:Magnify CreditUnion hostsAugust BusinessAfter Hours.Page 14-15

insidethis issue

FORUM FOR BUSINESSmonthly

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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

The Education and Government Affairs Committees host the

Chamber’s First Legislative Roundtable

Plan to fill up your tank with a delicious BBQ lunch at this year's CarBQ Chamberfundraiser, November 20, 2009 at Tigertown.

We are now taking lunch orders! To order your CarBQ lunches, please fill outthe flyer inserted in this month's FORUM and fax it to 863/683-7454 or mail it toPO Box 3607, Lakeland, FL 33802-3607. Remember, if you order more than 25lunches, we deliver!

Need more information?Want to help? Call Katie Daughtrey at 688-8551, x241 oremail her at kdaughtrey@lakelandchamber.com

The Education and Government AffairsCommittees recently hosted members of thePolk County Legislation Delegation on thecampus of USF Polytechnic and Polk StateCollege for the Chamber’s first LegislativeRoundtable. The purpose of these meetingswill be to strengthen the lines of communicationbetween the Lakeland Area Chamber ofCommerce and the Polk Delegation. For thefirst meeting the Delegation was asked howwe, the Chamber, can do a better job informingour elected officials of our legislative priorities.We received the following suggestions:

• Meet in early fall with delegation offices tobegin discussing the Chamber’s legislativepriorities.

• Keep communication open throughout theyear; most legislative priorities are notaccomplished in one session.

• Watch the wording of the legislative priority— say what we really want.

• Partner with other chambers in the countyon issues of common interest to betterpromote the priority.

• Increase the number of meetings withdelegation offices and include Chambermembers.

The committees have begun implementingthe suggestions and look forward to workingcloser with our elected officials. Specialthanks to Senator JD Alexander, SenatorPaula Dockery, Representative Seth McKeel,Representative Kelli Stargel and RepresentativeJohn Wood and their staffs for participatingin the meeting.

Work has begun on our 2010 LegislativePriority Statements. If you have an issue youwould like to bring to the attention of theGovernment Affairs or Education Committeesplease contact Katie Daughtrey at:(863) 688-8551, x241, or email her at:kdaughtrey@lakelandchamber.com.

Chamber Members … START YOUR ENGINES

Back by popular demand —The 2009 ANNUAL

CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLEwill take place

Thursday, November 5th atThe CLUB AT EAGLEBROOKE.Who will win the ChampionsCups this year? See the insertinside for more information or

call the Chamber at688-8552, ext. 242 or 223.

Anu SaxenaChairman of the Board

Aaron BatesManaging Editor

Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President

Kingston PartnersDesign

Lakeland AreaChamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly

No.2

The 27th class of Leadership Lakelandhas been selected. Under the leadershipof Art Erickson, Florida LifestyleCommunities, as Chairman, and NancyCattarius,WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZRadio as Chair-Elect, the class hascompleted their orientation and havebeen introduced formally to the

Lakeland Chamber Board of Directorsand the Leadership Lakeland AlumniAssociation at a congratulatory reception.

The class has completed their OpeningRetreat, which consisted of anovernight stay at River Ranch.

Volume Information: October 2009Vol. XIX, No. 10

Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII – Off and Running

Art Erickson, President, Florida LifestyleCommunities, serving as Program Chairman

of Leadership Lakeland XXVII, welcomedthe 200 guests who came to the reception

to learn who was in this year’sclass.

The Leadership Lakeland Class members and the entities they represent are:Rick Abbatiello, Publix Super Markets, Inc.Ramona Blankinship, Ramona L. Blankinship Law FirmTerry Brigman, City of LakelandR. Earl Brown, Freely Forgiven Community ChurchZach Burek, Detroit Tigers, Inc.Sal Campisi, Jr., Regal Honda, Acura, GMC, JeepThomas Conger, Lanier Upshaw, Inc.Xuchitl Coso, Florida Southern CollegeMichael Folsom, Folsom Construction IncorporatedMark Gray, MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit UnionCindy Green, Furr &WegmanArchitects, P.A.Robbin Joachim, Watson Clinic LLPBecky Joyce, Action Professional Recruiters, Inc.Brian Jurbala, Highland Center for OrthopaedicsShannon Lanier, Lakeland Vision, Inc.StephenMadden, Madden

DonnaMcWilliams, My Pet's Animal HospitalDavidMiller, The Latt Maxcy CorporationLisa Oliver, Leadership Lakeland Alumni/Lakeland Bar Association/NAWBOTrista Otto, Saddle Creek CorporationJennifer Rumph, Peterson &Myers, P.A.Randy Stinson, Stinson Carpets, Inc.Suzette Sullivan, Ross Vecchio, PALaura Taylor, Lakeland Economic Development CouncilAshley Troutman, Fields & Company, Inc. dba Allstate Insurance CompanySteve Turbeville, Lighthouse Ministries, Inc.Margie Voyles, Lakeland Regional Medical CenterMichaelWalker, Allen &Company of Florida, Inc.Britt Williams, Polk County Sheriff's OfficeDawnWillis, The LedgerJasonWitty, SouthernWine & Spirits of Florida

31 leaders in the community were announced as Class XXVII of Leadership Lakeland.

If you live in Polk County, chances areyou’ve seen one of Pro-Ad Media’spublications, which can be found inalmost 1,000 locations across PolkCounty. The locally owned company’score business philosophy of providinghigh quality products, distributing themwell and being a company that givesback to the community has been thecornerstone of this local publishing firm.

Starting the company in 1994,WesCravenand JimHolloway shared a common bondof being childhood friends and a commoninterest in an entrepreneurial spirit. Andwhile their prior career experience lay inother areas the two tackled the challengeof starting a company head on “withabsolutely nothing but a single idea,” saysJim. “What we lacked in experience wemade up for with a positive, albeit naiveattitude. We simply believed we coulddo it.”

Over the years the company has grownand adapted its products with changingmarkets and trends. Today, Pro-AdMedia’s publications include two resourceguides – the Apartment Yellow Book andElder Care Guide – and a quarterlywoman’s publication,Woman toWomanMagazine in Polk, as well as WQmagazine (Women’s Quarterly) andWQMagazine.com in Sarasota.According toWes, “The key to ourlongevity has been taking nothing forgranted, working hard and constantlyasking ourselves how we can better meetthe needs of the local community.”

Pro-AdMedia is run a lot like a familybusiness. In fact, the Pro-AdMedia teamincludesWes’s wife, Liz, who has been thego-to person for the company’s flagshippublication, Woman to WomanMagazine. “Our magazine has a little bitof something for every woman,” says Liz.“I think that’s why it has remained the #1read women’s magazine in the area sincewe started it in 2001.” Liz is also a familiarface in the community where she staysinvolved on many levels. “We are proudto be part of such a dynamic communitythat has such a synergistic spirit of givingand support.”

In their continuing effort to constantlyimprove their publications, Pro-AdMedia’s goal is to now create an onlinepresence to match the success they’veachieved in print. Set to launch inOctober, Woman toWomanMagazinewill be introducing a new website with asocial community built just for themagazine readers. “It’s definitely going totake our magazine - and our company - toa whole new level”, says Liz.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Com-merce would like to congratulate Pro-AdMedia as the Small Business of theMonthfor September.

Small Business of the Month Award CommitteeMember, Gary Cleveland (Cleveland &Company, Inc.) (top right) presents the SmallBusiness of the Month Award to Liz Craven(top le), (l-r) Wes Craven and Jim Holloway.

No.4

September winner

Small Business of the Month Award presented

PPrroo--AAdd MMeeddiiaaPO Box 25017Lakeland, FL 33802-5017863/802-5043 Phone863/802-1112 Faxwww.proadmedia.cominfo@proadmedia.com

2009 Board of DirectorsElection ResultsThe Lakeland Area Chamber ofCommerce is pleased to announce thatthe following business leaders wereelected by the Chamber’s 1,900+member businesses to serve on theChamber Board of Directors, effectiveJanuary 1, 2010.

Don Bosko (Beef O’Brady’s FamilySports Pub)Stacy Campbell-Domineck (Polk Works– Workforce Development Board)Patrick Fagan (Fifth Third Bank)Mitchell Harvey (Mitchell’s CoffeeHouse) Alice Hunt (Hunt Construction ofCentral Florida)Mike LaPan (The Lakeland Center)Katrina Lunsford (Wachovia Bank)Joe L. Ruthven (The Ruthvens)Andrea Teves Smith (Peterson &Myers, P.A.)Weymon Snuggs (Citizens Bank & Trust)David Steele (University of SouthFlorida Polytechnic)Walker Wilkerson (The NCT Group,CPAs, LLP)

The tremendous leadership and expertiseof these individuals will be of greatbenefit to the organization in carryingout its mission: The Lakeland AreaChamber of Commerce is the leadingorganization dedicated to creating aclimate where business can prosper.

A special “thank you” to the followingmembers who served on the NominatingCommittee: Chairman Joe L. Ruthven,Immediate Past Chair Tim Campbell,Past Chair Paul Noris, board membersKeith Albritton, Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, and Walker Wilkerson.

2009 Chamber Annual MeetingFind out for yourself ….

SAVE THEDATE!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 5:30 pm • The Lakeland Center

Your invitation will be mailed in December!

September winner New members, board members andChamber Champions were welcomedto Allure Salon & Day Spa for theAugust New Member Reception.Owner Lisa Garcia took time toshare how the Chamber has impactedher businesses over the years, andencouraged everyone to get activeand stay active. In addition to thefabulous spread of healthy breakfastfruits & pastries, Lisa and her staffhad prepared beautiful gift bags foreveryone in attendance that includeda scratch off coupon for retailmerchandise! As the new membersoffered their 30-second commercials,the staff prepared for a drawing andawarded two fabulous pamperingdoor prizes! Thanks again to LisaGarcia and the entire staff atAllure for helping to start ourmorning out the right way!

Allure Salon & Day Spa hostsNew Member Reception

Gretchen Johnson, Northwestern MutualFinancial Network shares her 30 secondcommercial with the group

Lisa Garcia, owner of Allure Salon & DaySpa welcomes new members

No.6

True MD hosts August Business & BreakfastThe Yoga studio at Gold’s Gym made abeautiful setting to introduce the doctorsand staff from True MD. With breakfastcatered by Mimi’s Café, Chambermembers and guests networked andenjoyed a full meal. Dr. Dane Parker,a partner with True MD, presentedattendees with some great insights intothe stresses of running multiple businesses.He gave a great reminder to treat employees with respect and praise andto keep stress in check by focusing onhelping the people around you. Dr.Adam Parker, Dr. Dane Parker’s son andpartner, quickly offered an explanationof the popular Botox treatment. Severalvolunteers sprang from their seats forthe demonstration, but Dr. Adam hadalready chosen one of the True MDstaffers for the job. Several luckyChamber members did walk away withgift certificates for age-fighting andrejuvenating treatments! As guests left,they were offered a tour of the state-of-the-art facility and a gift bag. Thanksto True MD for a beautiful and informative event!

Dr. Adam Parker demonstrates Botox treatmentson True MD Staff member Kristy Wilkes.

Chamber members network before breakfastbegins.

Dr. DaneParker sharesthoughts oncontrollingstress.

No.8

20+ Years Renewals1946 - 63 YearsGentry Morrison Funeral Home Southside1968 - 41 YearsHiggenbotham Auctioneers InternationalLTD., Inc.1969 - 40 YearsC. L. "Jimmy" Lawhon. Real EstateMcDonald Construction Corporation1971 - 38 YearsMeisner Paint & Body, Inc.1972 - 37 YearsWilliams & Williams, Inc.1973 - 36 YearsHamic, Jones, Hamic & Sturwold, P.A., CPA1974 - 35 YearsJohn Goddard Produce1975 - 34 YearsHerndon & Assoc., Insurance, LLCGriffin Pools, Inc.Beasley Speed & Company, P.A.Poor Richard's Print Shop1977 - 32 YearsSaddle Creek CorporationNational MemorialsSam's Sport Shop1978 - 31 YearsZENO Office Solutions1980 - 29 YearsClark, Campbell, Mawhinney and Lancaster, P.A.1984 - 25 YearsInterstate Lanes1985 - 24 YearsKnight Industrial Equipment, Inc.Drummond Company, Inc.1986 - 23 YearsCheatham & Goleno Financial Services, P.A.1988 - 21 YearsLockheed Martin Shared ServicesSouthside Cleaners - Launderers1989 - 20 YearsGirl Scouts of West Central FloridaJack Hall Jr.'s Construction and AluminumCentral Florida Human Services, Inc.

15-Year RenewalsStatewide Building Maintenance, Inc.Lash Auto Sales, Inc.Burnetti, P.A.COGISTICS, Inc.DSM.net

10-Year RenewalsSpace Walk of LakelandCatholic Charities of Central FloridaKonica Minolta Business SystemsMichael's Carpet & VinylCentral Florida Eye Associates/Jay Mulaney, MD

5-Year RenewalsExecutive SuitesBok Tower Gardens

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

AT & T3405 N ML King Blvd Ste 3084Tampa, FL 33607(813) 402-5039www.att.comSelena QuickTelecommunications

AT & T Wireless4310 US Highway 98 NLakeland, FL 33809-3821(863) 853-2050www.att.comKristina HillCellular Phones

AT & T Wireless1384 Town Center DriveLakeland, FL 33803-7953(863) 682-0684Fax: (863) 816-1369www.att.comSteve LoofeCellular Phones

Chalet Suzanne Country Inn & Restaurant3800 Chalet Suzanne DrLake Wales, FL 33859-7060(863) 676-6011(800) 433-6011Fax: (863) 676-1814www.chaletsuzanne.comEric & Dee HinshawRestaurants

Chef T's Garden Grill1525 E. Gary RdLakeland, FL 33801-2229(863) 687-4386www.cheftsgardengrill.comTerry D. DonerRestaurants

Fifth Third ProcessingSolutions LLC4421 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33813-2119(863) 513-1076www.ftpslic.comLinda HarkinsCredit Card Processing

Games2U of Central FloridaLakeland, FL 33811-3141(863) 602-0744Fax: (863) 648-2620www.floridagames2u.comLeonard & Betty FilipkowskiEvent Coordinator

General Nutrition Center1322 Town Center Dr Ste 106Lakeland, FL 33803-7953(863) 686-6762Mona & Ash BaileyHealth Food Store

General Nutrition Center3800 US Highway 98 N Ste 646Lakeland, FL 33809-3868(863) 859-5322Health Food Store

Great Florida Insurance1619 Harden BlvdLakeland, FL 33803-1826(863) 683-8200(877) 683-8301Fax: (863) 683-8300www.lakeland3-greatflorida.comJason DobbsInsurance

Guest Services111 Lake Hollingsworth DrLakeland, FL 33801-5607(863) 680-4187Fax: (863) 688-6323www.flsouthern.edu/cafeKevin AdairCaterers

Ingram Financial Group, Inc.1820 E Edgewood Dr Ste 103Lakeland, FL 33803-3420(863) 937-9235(888) 900-9235Fax: (863) 937-9238www.ingramfinancialgroup.comNick ToadvineFinancial Planning

Jannabelle's Bridal4204 S Florida Ave Ste ALakeland, FL 33813-1669(863) 644-4888Fax: (863) 644-4897Vickie JohansonBridal Wear

Pappy's Grill, a Florida BBQCompany3043 Drane Field Rd #1, Lakeland 338113604 Century Blvd., Ste ELakeland, FL 33811-1376(863) 581-7107Rod HamletRestaurants

Progressive Communications, Inc.44 Lake Morton DrLakeland, FL 33801-5343(863) 937-9223(800) 982-8315Fax: (863) 937-9225www.pcians.comSvea McGordonTelecommunications - Equipment Installation

Sales & Marketing Technologies220 E Central Pkwy Ste 1010Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-3400(407) 682-2222(800) 434-0339Fax: (407) 682-2249www.smtusa.comDavid LarsonWeb Site Design/Development

Stone Center, Inc.2205 E. Edgewood Dr Lakeland, FL 33803-3605PO Box 1115Eaton Park, FL 33840-1115(863) 669-0292Fax: (863) 665-0969David BeckKitchens and Baths

WSI - We Simplify The InternetLakeland, FL 33812-3203(863) 701-7280Fax: (863) 614-0563www.wsimarketing.com/mhecklerMelanie HecklerInternet Marketing

NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 18 new members for August 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 goodcents!” 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!

August was a busy month for EMERGELakeland and it is safe to say that itsmembers definitely made an impact in thecommunity this month!

On August 27th EMERGE Lakelandmembers visited the United Way ofCentral Florida and heard from PastChairman, Ron Clark, and Joan Eby,Director of Development for Alliance forIndependence, one of the 62 UWCFPartner Agencies. Ron Clark encouragedEMERGE members to become involved inthe United Way, the Chamber and or-ganizations for which you have a passion toserve. Joan Eby shared the wonderful thingsbeing done to help their clients and howtheir clients in turn serve our community atlarge. EMERGE Lakeland is a partnershipof the United Way of Central Florida andthe Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.

On August 22nd, members and guests ofEMERGE Lakeland volunteered for aLakeland Habitat for Humanity project.The group lent a helping hand and spentthe morning painting the exterior of aLakeland Habitat home. The participantsenjoyed the sun (it was hot), fellowshipand service. Volunteerism is one mission ofEMERGE. The EMERGE volunteercommittee is dedicated to exposingmembers to needs within the communityand venues to serve others. If you areinterested in serving on the committeeplease visit www.EmergeLakeland.com.

EMERGE members participated in theFirst Friday event in Downtown Lakelandon August 7. Participants “pounded thepavement” to spread the word about goinggreen. Members distributed promotionalmaterials and a few "Go Green" t-shirts.EMERGE is committed to utilizingeco-friendly practices to help protect ourenvironment. Look for more EMERGEgreen initiatives and events coming soon.

EMERGE promotes social interactionamong young professionals, opportunitiesfor philanthropic engagement and careerenrichment.

Visit www.EmergeLakeland.com to learnmore about upcoming events, volunteeropportunities and development and socialoutings. EMERGE Lakeland is now onFacebook and Twitter, too! If you are a cur-rent member, consider getting more in-volved and join a committee. Even moreways to keep up with EMERGE! You canalso click on the EMERGE logo onwww.lakelandchamber.com.

EMERGE Lakeland active in our community

EMERGE Lakeland members at the First Fridayevent in Downtown Lakeland spreading the wordabout Going Green.

EMERGE Lakeland members participating inHabitat for Humanity

No.12

The beginning of the year marks the start of many youth athletic seasons.

Research shows there are numerous benefits of participating in youth

athletics - both physical and mental. The biggest benefit for children,

however, is fun.

Each year, hundreds of people donate their time to coach or volunteer for a

team. Kingston Partners offers our most sincere gratitude on behalf of the children who you so generously

nurture - in body, mind and soul.

We would also like to thank all the people who stop when they spot a team’s

fundraising event – a bake sale or carwash … even when it’s raining.

Your support ensures the continuation of youth athletics in Polk County.

863.967.5487 kingstonpartners.com

a sincere thank you

BUSINESSAND BREAKFAST

$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non-MemberPlease R.S.V.P. by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the event. You may register and pay online by using this link: LakelandChamber.com or by E-mailing: mstevenson@lakelandchamber.com

LAKELAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY1317 GEORGE JENKINS BLVD.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

7:30 A.M. ~ 9:00 A.M.

TOPIC: ECONOMIC FORECAST PROVIDED BY THE LAKELAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

MARK YOURCALENDAR

EVENTS

Tuesday, October 6Catalyst Campaign Victory Celebration,

5:30 p.m., Lake Mirror

Thursday, October 8Business & Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Lakeland Habitat for Humanity,

1373 George Jenkins Blvd

Thursday, October 15Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m.,

Arbor Glen & Two Men and a Truck

SR 33 & I-4

MEETINGS

Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3

Annual Board of Directors Planning Retreat

Florida Southern College

Thursday, October 8Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII,

City Government Day

Wednesday, October 14Government Affairs, 8:00 AM

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland,9:00 AM

Tuesday, October 20EMERGE Lakeland, Steering Committee Meeting, 3:45 PM

Wednesday, October 21Executive Committee Meeting,

4:00 PM

Tuesday, October 27Investment Committee Meeting,

4:00 PM

Wednesday, October 28Board of Directors Meeting, 12:00 PMLakeland Yacht and Country Club,

929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.

AAUUGGUUSSTT TTOOUURRIISSMM IINNQQUUIIRRIIEESSDuring the month of August, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds ofindividuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses andthe Lakeland community.

Walk-in Visitors..................................326Relocation Response Mailings............. 13Relocation Response (Walk In) ........... 35Accommodations...................................2

Winter Accommodations .......................1Visitor Information Mailings .................33Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............122

No. 14

August presented a perfect backdrop forthe Magnify Credit Union Business AfterHours. Showcasing their new identityand new building, President JohnSantarpia and his staff were outstandinghosts. The Magnify Credit Union branchis a carbon-neutral, net zero energybuilding with increased wall and roofinsulation, state-of-the-art insulatedglass, large overhangs and sun shades,

roofing material with a high solar reflectance, double-roof design for passivecooling, high efficiency HVAC systemdesign and equipment, and automaticallydimming fluorescent and compactfluorescent lighting reducing thebuilding’s energy demand 40% belowaverage requirements of similar com-mercial structures.

The branch’s 58 kW roof-mountedphotovoltaic (PV) array are the largestnon-residential system in LakelandElectric’s service area. The system isdesigned to produce 85,717 kWh peryear, roughly 17% more than thebuilding’s estimated energy requirements.Rainwater reuse is also a key integratedcomponent affecting both the buildingand the site. Using the roof as a collector,a cistern system will support both waterclosets and drip irrigation.

The benefits of recycling from start tofinish are exemplified by the newCommunity First Credit Union branch.Collection bins in three locations withinthe branch make recycling convenient for all occupants. In addition to this,many of the interior finish materialswere selected due to their recycled con-tent, such as porcelain floor tile, car-pet, decorative aluminum panels andlaminates. Rubber flooring with shred-ded and cleaned tire rubber, variouscounter top materials utilizing recycledpaper, glass, and aluminum, and corktack walls from recycled wine corkswill visually portray many possiblereuses for recycled materials.

The Business After Hours event was ahuge success, with catering from Fred’sSouthern Kitchen & event assistancefrom Eventrics. The building’s designer,Straughn Trout Architects, LLC &builder, Folsom Construction were also onhand to be a resource for curious members.Congratulations to all those involved formaking Polk County and Lakelandproud!

Members gather for August Business After Hours

Chamber Board Chair-Elect, Joe L. Ruthven pres-ents the plaque of appreciation to Magnify CreditUnion President John Santarpia.

Filling the lobby and into the parking lot, enthusiasticmembers continue to network

Everyone was anxious to see the first net zero energybuilding in Florida

Photos Credit: Jennifer Rago, JenniferElainePhoto.com

No.16

OCTOBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVECheatham & Goleno Financial Services, P.A.Is pleased to announce that Ken FergusonIII, CPA and his staff have joined theirfirms in a merger. The new firm,Cheatham, Goleno, and Ferguson, P.A.,Certified Public Accountants, is locatedat 726 S. Missouri Avenue, Lakeland,FL 33815. Phone (863) 688-0882.

Agnini Family Dental CenterProud to welcome their newest teammember Ashley Agnini, CDT. Ashley,who graduated in May from SouthFlorida Community College hygieneschool, continues the "family" traditionby joining her dentist father, Dr. Mike,her two brothers, Dr. Matt and Dr. Drewand her mom, Donna who is officemanager.

Florida Southern CollegeFSC is one of just 44 “Best Buy Schools”listed in the 2010 edition of the pres-tigious “Fiske Guide to Colleges.” The“Best Buy” list is based on factors suchas stellar academic programs, modesttuition costs, and outstanding quality oflife for students.

Learning Resource Center of PolkCounty, Inc.Announces its newly elected 2009-2010Board of Trustees:Executive Committee: Ken Menefee –President; Stephen Chapman – FirstVice President; Tom Watson – SecondVice President; Joyce Barclay – Secretary;Mike Carter – Treasurer; Curt Wheeler– Immediate Past President; BoardRepresentatives: Michael Folsom,Cathy Kennedy, Matthew Cantrall;Board of Trustees: Alyce Badcock, JonBrock, Yvonne Bunce, Walt Engle,Karen Kovach, Frank Lansford; ExecutiveDirector: Dr. Pamela P. Craven; YouthTrustee: Austen Snodgrass

Achievement AcademyIs pleased to announce that TanishaClayton and Grace Doran have joinedtheir staff. Tanisha is a Paraprofessional-Bartow location and Grace is a Teacher-Lakeland location. And Griselle Undahas been promoted to the position ofTerminal Operator/AdministrativeAssistant.

Broadway Real Estate ServicesHas opened for business! Broadwayowns and manages office properties inthe Lakeland area, with a portfolio oftwelve buildings and over 400,000square feet of prime office space. Theteam includes Patricia Hendler, TomAnderson and Matt Clark.

CPS Investment AdvisorsIs pleased to announce that StephanieStewart has been hired as a Staff Accountant with the firm. Stephaniehas interned with the firm for the pastthree years. She is a recent graduate ofFSC with a degree in Accounting andSports Management.

EnvisorsHas been approved by the FederalDepartment of Environmental Protection(FDEP) agency to conduct petroleumassessment and remediation for State-funded sites in the Florida Departmentof Environmental Protection PreapprovalPetroleum Cleanup Program.

Polk State CollegeThree Polk State College professorshave been named as recipients of thePSC Foundation’s Endowed TeachingChairs for 2009. They are RosalindaCollins, Rebecca Heintz and PennyMorris.

Florida Career InstituteProud to announce Suzanne Heffner, Director of Education was recognized bythe FL Assoc of Post Secondary Collegesand Schools as Educator of the Year for2009 in their annual conference.

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.Is pleased to announce Michael Walker,Chief Financial Officer and VicePresident, has been accepted to theLeadership Lakeland program class ofXXVII.

VR Business Sales/Mergers & AcquisitionsRecently moved offices to 1828 S.Florida Ave, Lakeland 33803.

Henkelman Construction, Inc.Students in Polk County have beenenjoying the 2009/2010 school year inthree new facilities constructed byHenkelman Construction, Inc., FloridaSouthern College’s Blanton NursingBuilding, St. Joseph Academy’s newcampus, and Haines City High School’sFreshman Academy.

Tri-County Human Services, Inc.Pleased to announce Mel Williams, Jr.,manager of the J.A.S.A. (Jail Alternativeto Substance Abuse) Program since2001, was just named Certified Professional of year (2009) by the FloridaCertification Board, for outstandingcontributions to the field of substanceabuse treatment.

Estates at CarpentersIs proud to announce on Thursday, July 9,2009, the Florida Assoc. of Homes andServices for the Aging (FAHSA) recognized Chip Brucker as the Employeeof the Year. Annual Awards honor thosewho embody excellence in leadership,care, and service innovation.

Is proud to announce Rebecca Kees hasjoined the Estates at Carpenters asDirector of Nursing for its skilled nursingand assisted living facilities.

Joy Morse Insurance Agency, IncJessica Moore has joined the Agency asa Sales Associate.

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@LakelandChamber.com

• Continued on Page 19

No.18

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

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

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher and all of the board members andChamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event.

Citizens Bank and Trust1959 E Edgewood Drive, Suite 102

863/686-1346 • www.citizens-bank.com

Magnify Credit Union961 E. State Road 540A

863/644-9104 • www.MagnifyCU.org

Ciao Bella4780 S Florida Avenue

863/701-8101 • www.ciaobellalakeland.com

CW’s Country Café1529 Town Center Drive

863/686-5206 • www.cwscountrycafe.com

Watson Clinic Xpress Care at Lakeland Highlands

2176 E Highway 540A 863/393-9472 • www.watsonclinic.com

Lakeland Montessori School1124 N Lake Parker Avenue

863/413-0003 • www.lakelandmontessori.com

South McKeel Academy2310 E Edgewood Drive

863/510-0044 • www.southmckeel.com

Play It Again Sports Owner Sandy Fortin attended theannual 2009 Summer Conference andTrade Show in Providence, RI on July14-17 with insight on how to enhancethe local franchise.

Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc/Bob ReadPre-Paid Legal Services, Inc has beenrecognized as one of the 100 Bestcompanies in the United States byDeMarche Associates, Inc., one of theleading investment research firms inthe nation.

Mulling Insurance Agency, IncPleased to announce that JanieRunnels has recently joined our staffof professionals as a Personal LinesAgent.

Jameson InnRanked #1 in customer service for thefirst half of 2009 by the Market MetrixHospitality Index (MMHI) among itssegment of hotels.

Baylis & Company, PA Edie Yates, CPA, Tracy Kimbrough,CPA, Tamara Burroughs, CPA, JeanBias, CPA, and Nancy Noe, CPA,recently attended the FICPA Not-for-Profit Organizations Conference inTampa, FL. This seminar focused onthe accounting, auditing and tax requirements specific to not-for-profitorganizations.

Shield Security Systems, IncWe are excited to announce that weare now a Liberty PERS MedicalAuthorized Reseller. These are theimportant pendants worn to contactimmediate assistance in a medicalemergency and we offer them with noupfront fees. Great for seniors andthose with serious medical issues.

Lanier Upshaw, Inc.Proudly announces that Blake Hayden,Rhonda Furno and Janice Griffin haverecently joined the agency. Blake is anEmployee Benefits Consultant,Rhonda is an Employee BenefitsAccount Manager and Janice is aPersonal Lines Account Manager.

On the MoveJOIN US!

It’s finally here! The Catalyst Campaign volunteers will celebratetheir achievements and the dedicationof 12 beautiful, Florida-friendlymaples around the walks of LakeMirror. After a 10-week effort, theChamber is proud to recognize thesuccess of the Catalyst Campaign andclaim victory on behalf of CampaignChair Nancy Cattarius (WONN/WPCV/ WLKF/WWRZ Radio) andVice Chairs Mary McQueen (McQueen Marketing LLC), KathyWallen (The NCT Group CPA’sLLP) and Phil Wegman (Furr &Wegman Architects, PA).

You are cordially invited to join theboard, campaign volunteers, Catalyst

Campaign backers and GrowingGreen supporters for the CatalystCampaign Victory Celebration and“Growing Green” Tree Dedication

CeremonyTuesday, October 6

5:30 p.m.Lake Mirror Promenade

(between Lakeland Electric and Lake Mirror Tower Apartments)

Lakeland

Area Cha

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P.O. B

ox 360

7 • Lakeland, FL 33

802-36

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Return Service

Requested

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Chamber memberYour R.S.V.P. is appreciated! Visit BAH.LakelandChamber.com to register and pay using your credit card or email MStevenson@LakelandChamber.com to register and pay at the door.

ARBOR GLEN & TWO MEN AND A TRUCK4950 DEEP FOREST COURT

STATE RD 33 AT I-4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M.