March 2009Vol. XIX, No.3

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

AnnualMeeting:Author AndyAndrews speaksto Chambermembers.Page 4

Hats Off:Volunteers headout into the coldto deliver info tonew members.Page 10

After Hours:Networking atthe Girls &Boys Club ofLakeland.Page 14

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

State sporting eventsonce again create

slam dunk forLakeland’s Economy!

Each year high school volleyball,wrestling and basketball teamsfrom across the state battle fortheir respective state titles atthe Lakeland Center bringingthousands of fans and supportersto the area with them. Lakelandwas pleased to host once againthe 2009 Florida High SchoolChampionships during Februaryand March.

The 2009 tournament seasonwas no exception making areamerchants the real winners bycreating more than:

throughout Polk County!

insidethis issue

FORUM FOR BUSINESSmonthly

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

$6MILLIONIN SPENDING

DIVERSITY:DON’T HIDE FROM IT,CELEBRATE IT!CommUnity Celebration ‘09Featuring Keynote Speaker:Barrier Breaking CNN Anchor Betty Nguyen

Thursday, March 19, 2009 – 11:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m.The Lakeland Center – Exhibit Hall

Purchase Your Tickets Online!Visit www.LakelandChamber.comAnd click on CommUnity Celebration

Doors open at 11:15 a.m.

Ticket Price: $25.00 - Individual TicketsCorporate Table Sponsor Available: $5001/2 Corporate Table Sponsor: $300

(all tickets include parking)

presenting sponsors:

WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ

supporting sponsor: FOCUS MAGAZINE

Volume Information: March 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 3

Anu SaxenaChairman of the Board

Aaron BatesManaging Editor

Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President

Kingston PartnersDesign

Lakeland AreaChamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly

No.2

What do you call someone who is known for being a next to perfectspouse, parent and grandparent, is considered the consummate,responsible professional in their business, has volunteered andserved their community in so many ways there is not time tomention them all, and is full of so much energy they work on littlesleep in order to accomplish all of the above. You call that personthis year’s Jere Annis Award winner.

This year’s award winner has a long list of talents, enviable personaltraits, and career achievements. The only time this so called “EnergizerBunny” can relax is when they are pulled to the beach for long weekendswith their family. Otherwise, they are getting by on 3 to 4 hours ofsleep a night. They have been known, though, to nod off at work.

This year’s winner could also qualify for animal lover of the yearaward. They’ve been known to sleep on the floor of their closet on anair mattress for two weeks nursing their dying cat. When the circuscame to town they somehow were given responsibility for a tiger cubwhich they kept in their office at work. This person is considered tobe a gourmet cook but due to all the personal, business and communityobligations they have taken on, rarely have time for a home cookedmeal. Christmas gifts have sometimes been hidden in the unusedoven. They are a shrewd shopper who could easily take on a secondcareer as one of those “professional shoppers”. Stretching a dollar isnot a new phenomenon for this person. Interior designing is anothertalent of this person. They have been asked by their business clientsto moonlight in that capacity at their homes. This year’s winner hasmore than once taken on an interior design project for the Parade ofHomes. According to her equally lovely daughter, she is such a shoefan she could make Imelda Marcos look like a first-time shoe shopper.The quote was something like “she could wear a different pair everyday for three years and not wear the same pair twice.”

This year’s Jere Annis Award winner is our own Nancy Cattarius.Nancy has been in the radio businessfor over 30 years and withWONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZRADIO for 26 of those years. She hasrisen to the very important position ofstation manager. Her achievements,recognitions and leadership roles shehas achieved over her career are way toolengthy to mention. What distinguishesNancy, though, and what broughther this award is her communityinvolvement. She is serving as thePresident of the Florida SouthernCollege Alumni Association. She isPast President of our own LeadershipLakeland Alumni and a proud graduateof Class II, Past Advisory Board Chairman of the Imperial SymphonyOrchestra, Past President of the American Cancer Society for theWest Polk Unit, Past Chairman of the Partnership for a Drug FreeFlorida for the Polk County chapter, Past Chairman of the SmallBusiness Awards Committee for the Lakeland Chamber and, finallyhas served or is currently serving on the boards of Florida Southern’sBoard of Trustees, Peace River Center, the SPCA , The LakelandPigfest, Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, Habitat forHumanity Advisory Board, the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’sCommunity Advisory Board, the Lakeland Chamber and theLakeland Chamber Foundation. This is a condensed list of hermuch longer list of efforts. There are many others.

And finally, she is the proud mother of Elisa, and she’s also anequally proud grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. Andthe guy who is there to cheer her on in all that she does is herloving husband, Bob Cattarius.

Congratulations to Nancy Cattarius, the very deserving recipient ofthis year’s Jere Annis Award.

Lakeland retailers were at work well before their shops opened on January12, meeting at Bramble Ridge Golf Course for the inaugural event of theLakeland Chamber’s Retail aCCess program. After indulging in ChefPaulie’s superb omelet bar, attendees were treated to an informative andinspiring presentation from Mary Kay National Sales Director, Bett Vernon.Bett’s 24 years as an entrepreneur provided her insights into creatingcustomer communities and persevering. She likened our current economicsituation to a deep winter storm back home in South Dakota. Even on thedarkest of days, she knew that, early or late, Spring would come. Sheencouraged us to use exceptional customer service to set us apart fromour competition and turn our customers into a sales force. Without undueoptimism, Bett painted a hopeful picture for those willing to put theircustomers’ needs above their own.

Matthew Wengerd spoke on using social media to grow and enhancecustomer communities. Intended to show that the internet can be used todeepen personal interactions with customers instead of substituting for them,the presentation showed how companies can use blogs, Twitter, Facebook,and other social networking applications to enhance their customers’experience. Chef Paulie and Bett even made guest appearances on Twitter!

Many thanks to the Verizon Wireless store at 4120 S. Florida Ave. forproviding the Chamber with internet access for the presentation. You canfind links to the Chamber’s pages on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn atLakelandChamber.com

Chamber holds inauguralRetail aCCess program

LEADERSHIP LAKELAND PRESENTSJERE ANNIS AWARD

Nancy Cattarius

Mary Kay National Sales Director Bett Vernon shares her best practices for keepingcustomers engaged with business.

Matthew Wengerd, LCOC Staff, presents the power of new mediathrough social networking sites like Twitter.com and

Facebook.com and through blogging sites likeWordPress.com.

““OOuurr RReeppuuttaattiioonn iiss BBuuiillddiinngg,,”” is a slogan that describes MilcoConstruction’s successful growth through satisfied customers that provide repeat business and referrals.

George Miller established Milco Construction Inc. in 1962. With abackground in residential building, Mr. Miller made a transition intocommercial construction and steel erection.

More than four decades later Jeff Miller and Janey Miller Futchown and operate Milco Construction. The company specializes in

pre-engineered buildingsystems. They offerclients design to buildservices that allowsthem to control and beresponsible for a projectfrom plans to deliveringthe keys to the owner.Additionally they re-roofand retrofit existingmetal buildings.

Milco’s mission state-ment is to thoroughly understand your building goals and objectives, totransform architectural plans into reality, on time and within budget.And, if possible, in time to allow early occupancy.

Jeff Miller believes that delivering on their mission is responsible forthe high percentage of repeat business they enjoy.

Looking to the future, Milco Construction will deliver commercialconstruction services that build on the firm foundation that Mr.George Miller started almost 50 years ago.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulateMilco Construction, Inc. of Florida as the February Small Business ofthe Month Award winner.

February winnerMMiillccoo CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn,, IInncc.. ooff FFlloorriiddaa4310 Wallace RoadLakeland, FL 33813863/709-0293 Phone863/709-0384 Faxmilcoconst@aol.comwww.milcoconstruction.com

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Don Pickard (Pickard &Pickard Realtors, Inc.) presents the February Small Business of the Month Award toJaney Miller Futch and Jeffrey E. Miller, Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida.

Small Business of the Month Award presented

No.4

The 2008 Chamber Annual Meeting on February 3 wasa huge success! With a theme of “Sailing Above RoughSeas,” 2008 Chairman of the Board Timothy F.Campbell (Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster,P.A.) presided over the evening’s festivities.

We’d like to thank the following sponsors of the 2008Annual Meeting. Without their generous support,this event would not have been possible:

GrayRobinson, P.A. The Ledger

Publix Super Markets, Inc.Southeastern University

Watson Clinic, LLP

1,000 members and guests enjoyed hearing

internationally known speaker and New York

Times best-selling author Andy Andrews as he

presented “Sailing Above Rough Seas: How to

Prosper During an Economic Downturn.” Andy

captured the audience’s attention with humor

and common sense as he shared that “perspective

is more important than anything … the data

defines a recession is merely an economic average,

and does not mean that all companies are

headed for ruin.”

e Scott Linder Small Business of the Year Award was presented toFolsom Construction and Larry and Glenn Folsom, by Martha Linder, widow of Scott Linder, in whose honor the award is named.(l-r) Tim Campbell, Larry Folsom, Martha Linder, and Glenn Folsom.

e George Jenkins Award was presented to John W.

Fitzwater (Community Foundation of Greater

Lakeland ) for his tremendous contributions to the

Chamber and community. Mr. Jenkins’ daughter,

Carol Jenkins Barnett, made the presentation. (l-r):

Carol Barnett, John Fitzwater and Chairman Tim

Campbell.

Outgoing Chairman Tim Campbell (r) officiallypassed the gavel to 2009 Chairman of the Board AnuSaxena (ASC geosciences, inc.) at the conclusion ofthe evening’s festivities.

Singing the National Anthem a cappella were the

ree Tenors of Florida Southern College.

Pictured le, Ihla Sloman (l-r) and NancyCattarius enjoyed visitingduring the reception.Below, the MatthewWengerd Trio providedgreat jazz music duringthe reception and dinner.

2008 CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING

We ask ourselves “why do we do thethings we do”? Let me share with youwhy I joined the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce. As a businessowner and marketing director, I know first handthe importance of networking, educationand productive advertising.

Through the numerousnetworking opportunities the Chamberoffers the sky is the limit to promotemyself and my business. I can takeadvantage of educational opportunitiesnot to mention that the Chamber is always open to what their memberswould like to hear about and alwaysfinding ways to help their members getthe resources they need or desire. Asfor advertising, my advertising gets in the hands of business people in thecommunity who truly believe in supporting the local community and theimportance of doing business with otherChamber members.

Over the years I have joined variousChamber committees, attended as manyevents as I can, am a proud ChamberChampion, mentoring new members, andhave developed great friendships. Myonly challenge being a chamber memberhas been not being able to attend all thevarious networking opportunities that are available to me. That’s not a badchallenge to have!

So ask yourselves “Why should I join the chamber”? You will go on and onwith this one so let’s get on to the realquestion “Why shouldn’t I?” For those ofyou who know me, can you believe that Ihave NO answer for this one? I usuallyhave an answer for everything! LOL.

I encourage everyone to join me at variousChamber events and you’ll quickly learnfor yourself the answer to my question.

Jennifer SmithFlorida Remodeling & Designs, IncJennifer@FLremodeling.com

Why Lakeland makes good cents.

Jennifer Smith

No.6

MARK YOURCALENDAR

EVENTSWednesday, March 4

EMERGE Lakeland Professional Development Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.

PCC Lakeland Campus, 3425 Winter Lake Road – Room 1207,

Lakeland, FL

Monday, March 9Retail aCCess, 8:00 – 9:30 am

Bramble Ridge Golf Course Banquet Room

2505 Bramble Ridge Dr.

Thursday, March 12Schmooze a'Palooza,11:30 a.m.

Brima, 3131 Flightline Dr, Ste. 200Reservations Required

Thursday, March 19CommUnity Celebration,

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The Lakeland Center, Exhibit Hall 701

W. Lime Street

Thursday, March 26Business After Hours 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Office Furniture Depot2440 US Highway 98, N.

MEETINGSWednesday, March 11

Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, March 12Leadership Lakeland XXVI

Area Economy Day

Wednesday, March 18 Executive Committee Meeting

4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25Board of Directors Meeting

NoonLakeland Yacht and Country Club

929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

No.8

ChamberSchmooze

TIRED OF OPENING ALL THAT MAIL?

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commercewould like to help you out with that by sendingyour future invoices via E-mail. Not only willit save you time but you would be helping us“Save the Trees.”

If your company is interested in receiving theE-mail version of invoices, please completethe information below and return to:Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 3607Attn: Invoices

Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

YES! I WANT TO RECEIVE INVOICES BY E-MAIL

Company Name:

Billing Contact Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

E-mail:

Phone:

Fax:

�EMERGE Lakeland kicked-off 2009 with aluncheon hosted by Community Southern Bankon January 22. The speaker was Margaret AnneWheeler, Senior Coordinator of Community Involvementwith Polk County Schools.Ms. Wheeler gave an inspiring presentation onvolunteer opportunitiesin Polk County Schoolsand how we can get involved. “Everyone can make a difference insomeone’s life”, Wheeler stated. Students are inneed of mentors. Mentors are positive, patient,committed and consistent. Become more involvedby visiting www.polk-fl.net. Volunteering is onemission of EMERGE Lakeland.

EMERGE Lakeland promotes social interactionamong young professionals, opportunities for philanthropic engagement and career enrichment. EMERGE thanks Ms. Wheeler andCommunity Southern Bank for a great event.

EMERGE Lakeland’s annual event hostingcommunity leaders will be held at the Lakeland

Yacht & County Club on April 21st. Checkout EMERGE’s website for more details.

If you are interested in getting more involvedin EMERGE, considerserving on a committee.The marketing, technology, volunteer,events and membershipcommittees are alllooking for assistance.

Visit www.emergelakeland.com to learnmore about upcoming events, volunteeropportunities and development and social

outings. You can also click on the EMERGElogo on www.lakelandchamber.com.

In 2009, EMERGE Lakeland will be launchinganother initiative “EMERGE Green.” We willbe working to become more environmentallyfriendly and reduce our carbon footprint onthe planet. It is our desire for this to becomea community-wide effort in the future.

EMERGE kicks off year with luncheon

1A Home Improvement LLCWinter Haven, FL 33880-1024(863) 206-1884www.1Ahomeimprovement.comHenry LindenHome Improvements

Ameriprise Financial5426 Bay Center Dr Ste 200Tampa, FL 33609-3435(863) 398-7797(888) 244-8619Fax: (813) 876-9185www.ameriprise.comJames W. MewbornFinancial Services

CrossFit Lakeland3111 US Highway 98 S Ste 110Lakeland, FL 33803-8318(863) 937-8052www.crossfitlakeland.comMichael & Kim KnaischJason TarantinoHealth & Wellness

IKON Office Solutions5100 W. Lemon St., Ste 250Tampa, FL 33609-1128(813) 261-2000 Ext 4472Fax: (813) 261-2500www.ikon.comKevin KennedyOffice Machines - Sales & Service

Keel & Curley Winery5202 Thonotosassa RdPlant City, FL 33565-5700(813) 752-9100Fax: (813) 752-9199www.keelandcurleywinery.comAmanda DixonWine - RetailerWeddings

Liberty Mutual3666 Harden BlvdLakeland, FL 33803-5968(893) 644-7798(877) 665-7183Fax: (863) 644-7918www.libertymutual.comJeremy Keller Insurance

Madison at Lake Gibson5233 US Highway 98 NLakeland, FL 33809-0548(863) 859-5553Fax: (863) 859-7852Vicky JonesApartments

The Maguires of LakelandLakeland, FL 33801-5520(863) 838-7891www.maguire-consulting.comMichael & Phyllis MaguireBusiness ConsultantsPhotography

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning of Polk CountyLakeland, FL 33809-7608(863) 286-2568Fax: (863) 815-1270www.oxifresh.comDavid EnglundCleaners - Carpet/Upholstery/Drapery

PinnaCall Technologies, LLCLakeland, FL 33813-1331(863) 825-0209Fax: (813) 354-2454www.pinnacalltech.comFred McConnellTelecommunications

Play The Game Golf2425 Harden Blvd #228Lakeland, FL 33803-5955(863) 687-6068(863) 398-1995Chuck CastorGolf Courses

Universal Restoration Services of Florida3810 Drane Field Rd Ste 26Lakeland, FL 33811-1234(863) 430-7290(800) 357-8676Fax: (866) 872-1310www.4universal.comChris AnaniasContractors

Warner University5015 S Florida Ave Ste 210Lakeland, FL 33813-2562(863) 607-9452(800) 497-2972Fax: (863) 638-4967www.warner.eduTimothy DoddEducation

Through their membership in the Chamber,businesses invest in themselves and theircommunity. We urge to to “Buy Lakeland.It makes good cents!” by doing businesswith these new Chamber members. For themost up-to-date list of members, visit ouron-line Preferred Business Directory at LakelandChamber.com!

NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 13new members for January 2009

No.10

HATS OFFTO NEW MEMBERS“Hats Off” to New Members was held January 22at the Howard Johnson Executive Center. About70 volunteers braved the cold weather to help theChamber distribute the new membership materialsfor 2009. Special thanks to Community SouthernBank for delivering all of Bartow, and to FifthThird Bank for delivering all of the left-over deliverycards the day after the event. Five Secret Hatcompanies provided an additional incentive forthose volunteers delivering their information.Dillon Daniels reported excellent results andmany new contacts for his company, Solar Source,while the folks at Lexwan, continued to ask fordelivery cards because of the great results theyhad! Remember this event for next year, it isgreat exposure for you and your company, andreally helps the Chamber. A big thanks to all whohelped and big thank you to all our greatChamber members for a very successful event.

Special thanks to the Secret Hat companies:Image Creations by BillieFred’s Southern KitchenTAB Office SystemsCommunity Southern Bank Florida Career Institute

Billie Porche, Image Creations by Billie, presents Debra Cobb,Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, a Secret Hat containing a$50.00 Gi Certificate.

Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc. welcomes the volunteers.

Sherry Canto of TAB Office Systems admires the Secret Hatshe presented to Jennifer Stewart of Railroad & IndustrialCredit Union.

No.12

RENEWALSThe Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses for their long-standing support and loyalty.

20+ Year Renewals1940 - 69 Years

The Ledger1944 - 65 Years

Nathan's Men's Store1947 - 62 Years

Lanier Upshaw, Inc.1950 - 59 Years

Harrell's, Inc.Phillips Photographers

1951 - 58 YearsPublix Super Markets, Inc.

1952 - 57 YearsJoyner Lumber and Supply Co

1953 - 56 YearsLakeland Memorial GardensCountry Hearth Bakery LakelandGillum-Waddell Plumbing Co., Inc.

1956 - 53 YearsBernie Little Distributors

1960 - 49 YearsHeath Funeral Home

1962 - 47 YearsCannon Sline Industrial, Inc.

1963 - 46 YearsRegal Automotive GroupHolland & Knight LLP

1967 - 42 YearsMcKay EnterprisesSuperior Paving, Inc.Bright House Networks

1969 - 40 YearsJefferson-Allsopp, Inc.

1972 - 37 YearsColonial Bank

1973 - 36 YearsStraughn Trout Architects, LLC

1975 - 34 YearsSonitrol

1979 - 30 YearsHeacock Insurance Group

1980 - 29 YearsSmith Barney

1981 - 28 YearsOverhead Door Co. of Polk County

1982 - 27 YearsTidwell's Urethane Foam Service

1983 - 26 YearsHarley-Davidson/Buell of Lakeland, Inc.

1984 - 25 YearsKeith Hilliard, D.M.D., P.A.Hooters South LakelandAvon Leasing, Inc.Register Construction & Engineering, Inc.

1985 - 24 YearsBrett Blackmon, Inc.

1987 - 22 YearsWinslow Engineering Group, Inc.

1988 - 21 YearsTroiano & Roberts, P.A.Eye ExpressJimbo's Pit Bar-B-QLeMans Apartment Suites

1989 - 20 YearsNewberry's RefrigerationCheatwood Chiropractic Offices, P.A.APG Electric, Inc.

15 Year RenewalsEsquire Salon & Day Spa

10 Year RenewalsHawthorne InnSterling PlaceHampton Inn

5 Year RenewalsThe End Zone Family Sports RestaurantFlanders Electric Motor Service, Inc.Kerry Ingredients & FlavoursRyder Logistics & TransportationLakeside Village a Casto Lifestyle Property

No. 14

Business After Hours held at Boys & Girls Club of LakelandThe January Business After Hours was held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakelandlocated at 950 Pinewood Ave. A collaborative event with Alpha Appraisal Services,this event provided a great example of members working together to make it happen.Celebrating 70 years of service, the Boys and Girls Club opened their doors toenthusiastic Chamber members ready to learn about the club and also to help eachother to promote their businesses. ZOHRA’S Restaurant provided great food whichincluded their famous jumbo lump crab cakes, Romesco shrimp, and other deliciousfare. Door prizes and plaque presentations rounded off the evening. Thanks to thestaff at the Boys and Girls Club and a special thanks to Greg Whiteof Alpha Appraisals for helping the club celebrate their anniversary.

Door Prizes always draw a crowd.

Members enjoy food provided by ZOHRA’S Restaurant.

Bill Luffman accepts the Plaque of Appreciation forthe Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland.

Greg White accepts the Plaque of Appreciation forAlpha Appraisal Services, Inc.

The Chamber’s annual "Cheers for First YearMembers" event was held at Arbor GlenApartments on January 27. On hand were firstyear members, board members, Chamber staffand Chamber Champions to enjoy great foodfrom Presenting Sponsor, Texas Cattle Company.The pool and the outdoor patio glowed withthe creative decorations of Party PeopleCelebration Co. owner Joette Giardina. Attendeescompleted a Human Scavenger Hunt thatprovided an easy way to network and ArborGlen tested everyone’s learning and retention

skills as they visited the model apartments.Guests were quizzed and property managerKathern Cox scored the responses and presentedgift certificates from Publix and Best Buy tothe winners. Even new members got in thegiving mood with additional prizes given byCreate an Image Salon owner Denise Lane,and Dillon Daniels gave away tickets to promotethe Kiwanis Clubs Pancake Breakfast.

The evening came to a close as the “ChamberChampion of the Year” was awarded to Ken

Emmitt, Employ America, Inc. Ken was chosenbecause he actively engaged new members bymaking them comfortable at Chamber eventsand also was able to help them with everydaychallenges in new businesses. ChampionsPresenting Sponsor The NCT Group CPA’s,LLP is proud to support Ken and all of theChampions as they are charged with helpingour new members assimilate into the Chamber.However, beyond their assigned duties, theChamber Champions are an outstanding groupof dedicated members that understand thevalue of the Chamber and work to form thebusiness relationships vital to the growth ofany business.

Special thanks to all of our sponsors formaking the evening a success: Texas CattleCompany, Party People Celebration Co., CenterDoor Productions, JSK Consulting, Inc., TheLaw Office of Andrew M. Reed, Sale InsuranceAgency, Inc., and Signs & Specialties, Inc.

First-year members celebrate benefits of Chamber membership

Members enjoy great food om Presenting Sponsor TexasCattle Company.

Look at the happy faces the Human Scavenger Huntmadenetworking “fun.”

Ken Emmitt of Employ America, Inc is congratulated byWalker Wilkerson, of Chamber Champions presentingsponsor e NCT Group CPA's, LLP, on being named2008 Chamber Champion of the Year.

No.16

MARCH MEMBERS ON THE MOVEFantasy of FlightFlorida’s Aviation Hall of Fame inducted threenew members, including Kermit Weeks, creatorand founder of Fantasy of Flight. Weeks hashad a lifetime affiliation with aviation as anaerobatics and stunt pilot, a restorer of antiqueaircraft and as owner of Fantasy of Flight, anaviation theme park near Polk City.

Southeastern UniversitySoutheastern University’s current president,Mark Rutland, was elected as the new presidentof Oral Roberts University during their Boardof Trustees meeting held in January, 2009.SEU’s Board of Regents will appoint a searchcommittee to begin identifying presidentialcandidates. Rutland will remain SEU’s presidentuntil spring commencement on May 2.

Southeastern University has received a $10million pledge from Hobby Lobby, Inc.scheduled to be paid over the next five yearsin $2 million increments. “As a result of recentvisits to the campus of Southeastern University,we are impressed with the vibrant programs ofChristian higher education and the beautifulfacilities and campus,” Mark Green said in a recent letter to the SEU Board of Trustees.

Lakeland Habitat for HumanityThe Lakeland Habitat for Humanity is proud towelcome the addition of Dr. Horst G. Max asDevelopment Director.

Heacock Insurance GroupHeacock Classic Collector Car Insurance announced its new contract with lead carrier,American Modern Insurance Company. RatedA+ by A.M. Best, American Modern is ownedby Munich Re, one of the world’s largest insurance companies.

Heacock Insurance recently welcomed TinaCunningham to their team of CustomerService Representatives. Cunningham brings 6years of personal lines experience and expertiseto the agency.

Sally Shell was named the 2008 Employee of the Year at Heacock Insurance for her outstanding performance and demonstration ofexemplary attitude.

Shawn McCabe recently delivered an addressto Raymond James’ 2009 class of new financialadvisors in St. Petersburg. McCabe, a FinancialAdvisor with Heacock Insurance’s branch ofRaymond James, presented information onmarketing, prospecting and client retention intumultuous financial times.

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.’s GinnyHoughton has earned The Certified WealthStrategist designation administered by the Cannon Financial Institute. The CWSrecognizes those individuals completing a

thorough study of the issues surrounding effective wealth advising to comprehensivelyaddress clients’ wealth management needs.

Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.Craig B. Hill. Matthew R. Clark and BrianP. Buchert of the law firm of Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.,recently hosted a seminar entitled “Hot

Topics for Homeowners’ Associations” at theLakeland Yacht and Country Club. Theseminar covered topics and issues frequentlyencountered by homeowners’ associations,such as the collection of assessments and theenforcement of restrictive covenants.

ASC geosciences, inc.ASC geosciences, inc. is pleased to announcethe following staff promotions.Christopher C. Basile, P.E. has been promotedto Chief Engineer, Geotechnical Division. Hewill handle geotechnical projects for ASCthroughout the southeastern USA. Mr.Basile has served as Area Manager for thepast four years.

Prashanth Vaddu, E.I. has been promoted toCentral Florida Area Manager. For the past fiveyears, Mr. Vaddu has served as Senior Staff Engineer and has been instrumental inproviding quality services to ASC’s clients in the Tampa Bay area.

ENVISORS – Engineers – Planners – SurveyorsENVISORS welcomes three new professionals

to their Transportation and ConstructionService teams. Mike Enot, P.E. is the new Director of Transportation; SarahLydia Keihlis the new Administrative Assistant fortransportation and Bruce Powell as CEI Testing and Construction Observer.

ENVISORS welcomes two new professional totheir Survey Department. Henry A Kilburn,P.S.M., as Director of Surveying, and SaraDecker is the Administrative Assistant in theSurvey Department.

ENVISORS welcomes three new professionalsto their Design and Administrative Servicesteam. Kristi Ogaz as the new Office Administrator, Rico R. Simmons II has joinedas a CAD designer, and Barbara George joins as Senior Administrative Assistant.

Lanier Upshaw, Inc.Lanier Upshaw proudly announces the additionof Benjamin Krieg as Commercial Lines RiskConsultant and Irma Whidden as EmployeeBenefits Account Executive.

Law Office of Andrew M. ReedLaw Office of Andrew M. Reed is pleased toannounce the addition of Kathleen L. Mank,Esquire as an associate attorney. Her currentpractice areas include commercial/business litigation and corporate law.

Fairfield Inn & SuitesThe brand new Fairfield Inn & Suites locatedoff of County Line Road just south of I-4 ispleased to announce they are now open. Thehotel is an environmentally friendly “Green”facility. The hotel boasts 87 rooms with 25 ofthem being suites featuring separate living andsleeping areas, flat screen HDTV, microwave,and mini-fridge. Also featured are theircomplimentary “Early Eats” breakfast, 24-hour market, business library with complimentary internet access, pool and spa,and an exercise room with state-of-the-art cardio equipment.

CPS Investment AdvisorsChas P. Smith, CPA/PFS, president of CPS Investment Advisors was a guest speaker at theFICPA Estates & Financial Planning conference in Ft. Lauderdale. His topic was“Top 10 Tax Tips for Investors.”

SCORESCORE will conduct a free workshop on “How to Make Your Business Thrive Not JustSurvive” on March 24 at 6:00 P.M. Please call863/619-5783 for reservations.

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 December.

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

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher, CityCommissioner Glenn Higgins and all of the boardmembers and Chamber Champions who truly makethese ceremonies a special event.

Brightway Insurance230 N. Tennessee Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/683-1100www.brightwayinsurance.com/locations/cf-lal

Fairfield Inn & Suites4307 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, 33566 • 813/716-1852

www.marriott.com/tpapc

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry950 Pinewood Ave, Lakeland, 33815 • 863/712-2710

www.bgclakeland.com

Future Builders of America Chapter at TravissCareer Center, Polk County Builders Association

3225 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/665-0844www.pcba.com

Americom-American Communications5698 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/528-1914

www.americomfl.net/lakeland.htm

Ramada Inn4620 Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, 33809 • 863/577-0977

www.ramada.com

Leap Ahead Professional Development, LLC5133 S. Lakeland Dr, Ste 3, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/607-3090

www.LeapAheadToday.com

Florida Blood ServicesThe new Lakeland Community Donor Centerof Florida Blood Services opened in January2009. The new center will provide theconvenience to volunteer blood, platelet andplasma donors in Polk County. In addition,patients who wish to give blood for their ownsurgery or have people donate directly on theirbehalf will be able to do so at this location. TheBlood Center is located in the HeritageBusiness Center at 2315 Commerce PointDrive (formerly A-Z Park Rd.), just east ofBartow Rd./US 98, west of Combee Rd. andnorth of Edgewood Dr.

The Estates at CarpentersThe Estates at Carpenters is proud to announcethat Alex Crawford and Stan Smith havejoined our team as Sales Counselors in theMarketing Department. Alex and Stan bringtheir extensive sales experience and superiorcustomer service skills to the Estates.

Megan Odum, Certified Fitness Trainer, hasjoined the Estates at Carpenters in the newlycreated position of Wellness Coordinator. Inthis role, Megan will offer a variety of programsto the residents and employees of the Estatesand coordinate the overall Wellness Initiativeof the community.

AllianceCare Home HealthAllianceCare Home Health is proud toannounce that Cheryl Cantrall has beenpromoted to the newly created position ofBusiness Office Manager in their Dundee office.

Country Inn & Suites of LakelandAfter months of planning and construction thebeautiful new Country Inn & Suites located at4500 Lakeland Park Drive at exit 33 off of I-4 is now open. This new upscale property offers atruly unique design to Lakeland. Featuringtraditional architecture and a sophisticatedresidential interior design with the brand’siconic plank lobby flooring, lobby fireplace,front porch, a beautiful indoor/outdoorpool, fitness center and business center.The new Country Inn Suites brings an exciting new fresh hotel experience forvisitors coming to Lakeland.

On the Move• Continued from Page 17

Jamie Oliver – the famous UK chef visitedLakeland the last weekend in January to filma true American tradition—BBQ—at ourown Lakeland Pig Fest held at Tigertown! Itwas the final stop on Fresh One Productionstour—for a program titled “Jamie’s AmericanDream.” He visited a selection of Statesthroughout the US and got familiar with thefood local to the area. For the Pig Fest, thecrew flew into Atlanta and then drove in anRV to Lakeland! The program will be broadcaston Channel 4, one of the largest terrestrialTV Channels, later this fall. A book will alsobe released following the shoot.

The group stayed in one of our local hotels,hired a local helicopter company, localproduction talent—and even ate in ourLakeland restaurants—as well as some terrific BBQ at Pig Fest! Special thanks tothe Central Florida Visitor and ConventionBureau, Visit Florida and the Junior Leagueof Greater Lakeland for partnering withand assisting the Lakeland Area Chamberof Commerce Convention and Visitors’Bureau in hosting this exciting program in Lakeland!

Jamie’s American Dream - BBQ at Pig Fest!

JJAANNUUAARRYY TTOOUURRIISSMM IINNQQUUIIRRIIEESS

During the month of January, our Visitor Information Center assistedhundreds of individuals, answeringquestions pertaining to Chambermember businesses and the Lakelandcommunity.

Walk-in Visitors.................................594

Relocation Response Mailings...........6

Relocation Response (Walk In)..........30

Accommodations..............................1

Winter Accommodations ..................1

Visitor Information Mailings ..............67

Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries............207

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 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

OFFICE FURNITURE DEPOT

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M.

2440 US HIGHWAY 98, N. (ACROSS FROM LAKELAND CHRYSLER)

FOOD & BEVERAGES PROVIDED BY:HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE

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