By Richard A. FiferBone ValleyHistorian

This month, one of the oldest, continually-oper-ating companies in Polk County celebrates its101st anniversary. The Mine &Mill SupplyCompany was incorporated under the nameMulberry Explosives and Supply Company onOctober 28, 1909. It began as a supply companyfor the many sawmills and phosphate miningcompanies in the Mulberry area. Throughsound business practice and outstanding leader-ship, it has grown and adapted. It now provides

industrial supplies to all of Central Florida.

Charles C. Martin and Alexander B. Hull Jr.,seeking a way to capitalize on the boomingphosphate mining business around Mulberry,started the supply company with a capitalizationof only $3,000. They soon built a warehouse insouth Mulberry and began selling dynamite,dynamite caps, nitroglycerin, and blasting pow-der to the phosphate mining companies.

The business was a success, and by 1913, thecompany was a major supplier to both the

October 2010Vol. XX, No. 10

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

BusinessAfter Hours:August eventcreates balance.Page 3

SmallBusiness ofthe Month:Find out whois this month’swinner.Page 5

Going Green:CatalystCampaign oneyear later.Page 4

insidethis issue

FORUM FOR BUSINESSLAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGELakeland •RibbonCuttings •Members on theMove

monthly

See History, Page 2

Bright House NetworksPresents the

20th Annual Lakeland Chamberof Commerce Golf

Tournament

Our famous 6 person Scramblewill be held on Thursday,November 18, 2010At Lone Palm Golf ClubRegistration at 11a.m. —

Shotgun Start at 12:00 Noon!

Please see the insert for moreinformation!

History 101:LLaakkeellaanndd’’ss MMiinnee && MMiillll SSuuppppllyy CCoommppaannyy

First Lakeland Home of the Mine & Mill Supply Co. (author’s photo)

phosphate mining companies and thesawmills surrounding Mulberry. In addi-tion to explosives, the company carriedsmall items, such as blades, belts, chains,ropes, and tools. It also carried largeritems, such as boilers, engines, pumps,and machinery. This growth promptedthe directors to change the company’sname to the “Mine & Mill SupplyCompany” in 1916.

By the early 1920’s, the Mine & MillSupply Company had increased its cus-tomer list to include the citrus groves,packing houses, and canning plants. Thecompany had outgrown the small ware-house in Mulberry, so in 1924, the com-pany moved to new facilities in Lakelandhaving purchased approximately 4.5 acressouth of the Atlantic Coast Line tracks atthe corner of Central Avenue and MainStreet. In addition to large warehouses,the company built a distinctive, large, redbrick building, now known as the JoynerBuilding and currently owned by theJoyner Lumber Company.

The collapse of the Florida Land Boom in 1926 hit the Mine & Mill SupplyCompany especially hard. Sales startedto fall, and debts to the company wentunpaid. These ills were compounded bythe Great Depression that followed.However, the company survived for sev-eral reasons. Management had wisely di-versified into the citrus industry,supplementing the business from thephosphate, mining and lumber industries.The belt-tightening initiated in 1926 car-ried through the 1930’s. Best of all,

the company had good men incharge.

By 1940, businesswas improving,

and the company prospered after WorldWar II. 1946 was noted as the best yearin the company’s history, 1947 was evenbetter, and 1952 better still. The phos-phate mines were expanding, and priceswere going up.

By 1966, the Mine & Mill SupplyCompany had outgrown its facilities onCentral Avenue in Lakeland. In 1967,the company moved to new, modernfacilities at 2500 South Combee Road inLakeland. The 9-acre site, with officesand an 84,000 square-foot warehouse,allowed for ample future expansion. Themove coincided with an initiative by thecompany to diversify its products evenfurther. In addition to the citrus andphosphate industries, it supplied companiesinvolved in fabrication, utilities, light andheavy industry.

At this time, the phosphate industryaccounted for approximately fifty percentof the company’s sales, but this percentagewas decreasing. Phosphate mining wasmoving south, and the phosphate industrywas entering an extended period of over-

production and depressed fertilizerprices. The Mine & Mill

Supply Company’s decision to aggressivelydiversify proved to be a wise move.

In 1972, the Mine & Mill SupplyCompany expanded further by acquiringthe Bert Lowe Supply Company inTampa. The name of the acquisition wasmaintained for the sake of customerrecognition, and it operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mine & MillSupply Company. The Bert Lowe SupplyCompany store in Tampa was closed in2003, and operations were consolidatedinto the company facilities on SouthCombee Road in Lakeland.

Today, as it reaches its 101st birthday, the38-employee company is guided by PresidentR. Wayne Hart and Chairman of theBoard Leon H. Handley. One employee,Glen Dixon, has been with the companysince 1968.

When the Mine & Mill SupplyCompany began operation in 1909, only14% of homes had a bathtub. There wereonly 8,000 automobiles in the country.The average wage was 22 cents per hour.While much has changed over the past101 years, the leadership of the companyhas ensured a successful navigationthrough the changing business environ-ment. Congratulations to the Mine &Mill Supply company – and here’s to 101

more years!

HHiissttoorryy(Continued from Page 1)

Joe L. RuthvenChairman of the Board

Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President

Amy S. WigginsEditor

Kingston PartnersDesign

Lakeland Area Chamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly

Volume Information: October 2010 Vol. XX, No. 10

No.2

New Facility on Combee Road, 1967 (courtesy Mine & Mill Supply Company)

August Business After Hours creates balanceBy Terry OttingerVice President, Membership Development

Magnify Credit Union located at 961 E County Road 540 Ahosted August’s “Eco-Zen” Business After Hours. In theCounty’s first net-zero energy building, the spirit of “Zen” wasall around. Chamber member Shingetsu Sushi Bar & Grillprovided wonderful Japanese food and sushi while memberParty People Celebration Co. created a relaxing atmosphere

with paper lanterns and colorful streamers. Outside, memberscould participate in a Tai Chi demonstration. Of course,Magnify had wonderful door prizes in store, including an icecream party gift certificate & their signature Eco-Zen basket.Magnify Credit Union and staff continues to WOW membersand provide an excellent atmosphere for networking. Thanksto the entire staff for a job well done!

(Photo Credit: Justin Green Photography)

Crowd networks under colorful Zen decoration. Chamber director Corey Miller, Miller Construction Management, Inc.presents the plaque of appreciation to John Santarpia, Magnify Credit Union.

We want YOU…tocome to Politics in thePark dressed in yourversion of Americanpatriotism. Are you aBetsy Ross or an AbeLincoln? What aboutGeorge Washington?Lady Liberty? Let yourimagination be yourguide!

The Politics in the ParkCommittee has partneredwith Southside Cleaners - Launderers topresent this unique and fun opportunity.This year Southside Cleaners - Laundererswill host a costume contest…with a pa-

triotic twist. The most creative costumewins one year or $2,400 of free dry clean-ing from Southside Cleaners - Launderers.Yes, that’s right, ONE YEAR of FREEdry cleaning!

Embrace your creative sideand come dressed as a personor a national symbol; yourcostume can even depict anevent in our nation’s history.The idea is to be creative. Youcan compete as an individualor as a team. Judging runsfrom 6:00 until 7:30 p.m.The winner will beannounced at 7:45 p.m.Contestants must bepresent to win. For more

information, check out our ‘Politics inthe Park’ Facebook page or contactKatie Daughtrey at the Chamber (863)688-8551, Ext. 241.

PPoolliittiiccss iinn tthhee PPaarrkk wwiillll rreewwaarrdd yyoouurr ccrreeaattiivviittyy!!

No.4

Chamber teams up with Workforce Education to highlight Polk’s academiesBy Ashley BarnettAnalyst, Technical Facilitator/MarketingWorkforce Education

The Workforce Education Division ofthe Polk County Public School Districtis pleased to host the WE3 Expo, bring-ing together businesses, K-12 educatorsand post-secondary leaders. On November4, 2010, The Lakeland Center ExhibitHall will be bustling from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. with more than 200 career andtechnical program exhibits representingall Polk County high schools.

Business partners will want to makereservations to attend a special break-fast held in Sikes Hall from 8 – 10 a.m.featuring keynote speaker SteveScruggs of the Lakeland EconomicDevelopment Council. Polk’s acade-mies are a major asset to economicgrowth, and this breakfast will addresstheir current and future impact on eco-nomic development.

There is no cost to attend the day’sevents, but reservations must be madeto secure a place at the Business Breakfastby calling (863) 519-8438.

The Lakeland Area Chamber ofCommerce is a partner in this event,

which aims to provide an opportunityfor business leaders to learn more aboutthe existing 30 career academies housedin our local high schools. Businesses areencouraged to attend to discover howthey can collaborate with the careeracademies. The program provides a twoway street for Polk’s businesses: acade-mies benefit from business expertise andbusinesses benefit by identifying futureinterns and possibly employees whohave been immersed in quality, indus-try-focused curriculum.

The Chamber board of directors, at their2009 Annual Planning Retreat, identified“Education and Talent Development”as one of the Key Strategic Initiatives tobe addressed in 2010. Focusing onadding value to the community by sup-porting existing entities and their ef-forts to educate and train or retrain thelocal workforce, the KSI committee hasbeen diligent in identifying supportersfor Polk’s outstanding academy pro-grams.

Since the inception of Polk CareerAcademies, John Small, Senior Directorof Workforce Education has focused onbuilding academies that not only pro-mote student success, but also leave alasting contribution to the local com-munity workforce. The academy modelis different from the traditional techni-cal school. By personalizing educationopportunities and cultivating relation-ships between education and the busi-ness community, career academies haveproven to not only increase studentachievement, but also are vital in retain-ing the talent pool to help sustain thelocal economy.

Current career academy choices include:aeronautics, agriscience, business, energy,engineering, health, hospitality andtourism, industrial technology, informa-tion technology, public safety, and manu-facturing. Career academies also providea choice in education, allowing studentsto transfer to a program that appeals totheir learning interests, and even allow-ing students to earn college credit whilestill in the K-12 system. There are alsointernship and industry certification op-portunities. For additional information,log on to PolkAcademies.com, and referto the flyer in this edition of the Forumfor Business Monthly.

On October 6, 2009, the Chamber,with the help of the companies to theright, dedicated 12 trees around LakeMirror. As a part of the 2009 CatalystCampaign’s “Growing Green” initia-tive, Florida-friendly maples were in-stalled along the walk-way around theLake. According to Brian Dick, theCity of Lakeland’s Assistant Superin-tendent of Parks and resident “UrbanForestry Guy”, all but one of the treesare flourishing, and the one is mostlikely challenged by unfit soil from thefilling station previously located nearby.Brian even snapped this picture of oneof the Chamber-sponsored trees withjust a hint of fall color showing.

Congratulations again to these sponsorsfor their commitments to Lakeland’spublic green spaces!

• 2010 Chamber Board Chair Joe L. Ruthven

• EMERGE Lakeland• Florida Refuse Service• Folsom Construction• JSK Consulting, Inc.• Lakeland Electric• Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII• The Ledger• Magnify Credit Union• Saddle Creek Corporation• Turner Construction Company

OOnnee yyeeaarr llaatteerr:: Chamber, members support public green spaces

By Patricia HendlerCity of Lakeland

Platinum Bank is a locally owned andoperated commercial bank which hasbeen providing financial products to theLakeland community for more than 12years. They have two locations inLakeland with the main location at 724South Florida Avenue near PalmettoStreet. This is the location where youwill find Ken Ely, President, PolkCounty. He will be to your left immedi-ately upon entering the bank in hiswindowed office. This is surely one ofthe most visible executive offices in allof Lakeland. It is an example of thebank’s philosophy of offering personal-ized service to the small business cus-tomer. In their first 12 years ofoperations Platinum has provided morethan $250 million in loans to the Lakelandcommunity.

In a further example of Platinum’s per-sonal service goal, you will find that aphone call to any of their offices is an-swered by a person, not a mechanizedsystem. When you come in the door,you are greeted by an employee whowill guide you to the proper person toanswer your questions. There are cur-rently 13 employees in Lakeland andaverage employment with the bank hasbeen six years plus. Employees are en-couraged to get involved with localnon-profit organizations as volunteers.Current involvement and support in-cludes Girl Scouts, United Way, Big

Brothers/Big Sisters, Kiwanis, SisterCities, Goodwill, and LeadershipLakeland. Platinum supports many ofthese organizations with sponsorshipsand donations as well.

The community’s involvement in thebusiness is represented by the AdvisoryBoard which includes Buddy Fletcher,Joe P. Ruthven, Dale Jacobs, DonStephens, Bob Harper, Marty Higgenbotham, Jeff Stokes, and TomMoore. Lending decisions are made lo-cally. Platinum Bank is a member ofthe Florida Bankers Association, theLakeland Area Chamber of Commerce,Chairman’s Circle, and LakelandEconomic Development Council. They

enjoy a solid reputation in the Lakelandcommunity and plan to continue theirservice for many years.

The Lakeland Area Chamber ofCommerce congratulates PlatinumBank as the Small Business of theMonth for September.

September Small Business of the Month Award presented

PPllaattiinnuumm BBaannkk724 South Florida AvenueLakeland, FL 33801-5233(863) 616-1234 Phone(863) 327-8795 Faxkely@platinumbank.comwww.platinumbank.com

September Winner

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Patricia Hendler, City of Lakeland, presentthe September Small Business of the Month Award to Kenneth Ely, Platinum Bank. Also present toaccept the award was Lynn Ellen Woods and Donald S. Laing.

CHAMBER MEMBERS… START YOUR ENGINES!The 2010 CarBQ Committee is pleased to announce planning for this year’s event hasbegun. Mark your calendar to fill up your tank with a delicious BBQ lunch at this year’sCarBQ Chamber fundraiser, November 19 at Tigertown.

Need more information? Want to help? Call Katie Daughtrey at (863) 688-8551, Ext.241 or email kdaughtrey@LakelandChamber.com.

No.6

SSAAVVEETTHHEE DDAATTEEChamber Annual MeetingThursday, February 3, 2011

5:30 p.m.The Lakeland Center

The Chamber is excited to announce avery special Keynote Speaker from oneof the Nation’s top companies. Wearen’t telling just yet, but our speaker’scompany is known for …

•Having one of the most faithful customer bases in its industry

•Treating customers like friends and family

•Qualifying a customer service candidate for employment based on attitude, not experience

•Creating a Vice President of Customers position

•Making the job “fun” for employees•Three flying killer whales and the newest member of their family, “Florida One” which debuted in Tampa

You are now free to markyour calendars for a fun

evening… DING!

LLaakkeellaanndd FFaannss TTrraavveell NNoorrtthh wwiitthh tthheeTTiiggeerrss ttoo ssuuppppoorrtt tthheemm iinn TToorroonnttoo!!

Mike & Jill Mitchell, Publix Super Markets, Karen & Joe L. Ruthven, e Ruthvens, and Lonnie Brown,e Ledger

Jill & Mike Mitchell, Publix Super Markets, andMayor Gow Fields, City of Lakeland

Jim Leyland, Detroit Tigers, Carol Barnett and TimCox, Publix Super Markets, Willie Horton, DetroitTigers

Jim Leyland, Detroit Tigers and Joe L. Ruthven,e Ruthvens

Rogers Centre—Blue Jays Home Field In Toronto

Each month, the Chamber enlists thehelp of 20 volunteers to mentor new

and currentmembers withinvolvement inChamberevents and pro-grams. Thisdedicated groupof professionalsis rewarded fortheir effortsthrough apoints system,

and the Champion with the mostpoints is featured in the Forum forBusiness Monthly.

This month, the Chamber staffwould like to recognize Mrs. ShereeSaulter, Community Relations Coordinator with Webster Universityfor her outstanding attention toChamber members and attendance atevents! Sheree is a wonderful asset tothe Chamber and to the Lakelandcommunity!

Sheree Saulter

CHAMBER CHAMPIONFOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS

SHEREE SAULTER

No.8

G WAREHG WAREH

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 using your credit card at LakelandChamber.com or email psmith@LakelandChamber.com to register and pay at the door.

LAKELAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

1317 GEORGE JENKINS BLVD

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 147:30 – 9:00 A.M.

August New Member Reception goes to the dogsBy Terry OttingerVice President, Membership Development

My Pet’s Animal Hospital located at 2225 Drane Field Roadwelcomed new members & Chamber guests for the AugustNew Member Reception. New members listened to Chamberstaff explain opportunities to promote their businesses throughevents, advertising and networking opportunities. Programssuch as Chamber Champions and Leads Groups, along with apresentation from SCORE provided the perfect environmentfor business growth. Dr. Donna McWilliams, Owner of My

Pets, explained how the Chamber had helped her feel at homewhen she moved into the area. The staff at My Pet’s AnimalHospital took great care in making new members feel at easewith an organized venue and delicious refreshments. Thanks toeveryone for a job well done!

TD Bank, the Presenting Sponsor for the series of New MemberReceptions, is integral to the success of new members and thewelcoming atmosphere at these events. Special thanks to TDBank for their continued support of the Chamber and thedevelopment of its membership.

Dr. Donna speaks with Joy Baker of TD Bank, our Presenting Sponsor. Members network immediately aer program.

No.10

The Lakeland Area Chamber ofCommerce is pleased to announce thatthe following business leaders wereelected by the Chamber’s 1,700+ mem-ber businesses to serve on the ChamberBoard of Directors, effective January 1,2011.

• Kurt Elmhorst (Allen & Company of Florida)

• Melinda Harrison (Watson Clinic LLP)• Steve Madden (Madden)• Rev. Dan McBride (Victory Church)• Mike McGee (McGee Tire Stores, Inc.)

• Dr. Sherrie Nickell (Polk County Public Schools)

• Don Pickard (Pickard & Pickard, Inc., REALTORS)

• Sam Sheets (Samuel G. Sheets and Associates, P.A.)

• Kathy Wallen (Baylis & Company P.A., CPAs)

• Phil Wegman (Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.)

• Mark Wilson (Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.)

• Jason Witty (Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida)

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 Alice Hunt(Hunt Construction of Central Florida,Inc.), Immediate Past Chair Anu Saxena(KCI Technologies, Inc.), Past ChairTimothy F. Campbell (Clark, Campbell,Mawhinney & Lancaster, PA), boardmembers Todd Baylis (Cipher Integrations,Inc.), Linda Jezard (Advantage Positioning) and Katrina Lunsford(Wachovia Bank, A division of WellsFargo Bank, N.A.).

2011 Board of Directors ELECTION RESULTS

By Terry OttingerVice President, Membership Development

Business and Breakfast was held at True MD located at 3627South Florida Ave. Marc Wilkes, Lakeland’s own motivationalspeaker and body builder Omega Man, encouraged members tobe fit in mind and body. Several tests of strength proved that

with confidence and determination all things are possible.Following this demonstration Dr. Adam Parker, D.O. explainedbenefits of Botox injections, including control of migraineheadaches. Thanks to the True M.D. staff for a wonderfullysuccessful and always interesting and different Business andBreakfast.

True MD hosts August Business and Breakfast

Omega Man demonstrates strength anddetermination as he tears a phone bookin half.

Dr. Adam Parker demonstrates a Botoxinjection.

No.12

Lakeland hostsprestigious EastCoast ProfessionalShowcaseBy Jackie JohnsonSenior Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau

Some of the BEST college baseball playersacross the Eastern United States demon-strated their potential at the East CoastProfessional Showcase in August at ourown Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland!It was the fourth consecutive year Lakelandwas honored to play host to these tremen-dous players and scouts from every MajorLeague organization and college in thecountry.

The event is designed to evaluate andeducate prospective players and parentshoping to attain their life-long goal ofplaying professional baseball. Annually,between 80 and 110 players from thisevent are selected into the Major LeagueBaseball Draft. In 2010, 98 players realizedthat dream and were selected in the draftwhich included 11 first-round, 7 secondround and 2 third round selections.Manny Machado (3rd), Delino Deshields,Jr. (8th), and Karsten Whitson (9th) wereall top ten picks in the first round.

The event itself brought in morethan $500,000 in economicimpact to Lakeland and PolkCounty, in addition to someterrific public relations exposureon behalf of our community.In fact, this year Bright House Sports Net-work televised one of the exciting gameswhich replayed several times state-wide!Polk County Sports Marketing, TheDetroit Tigers Organization, and TheCity of Lakeland all help sponsor thisimpressive event that just continues toshowcase the sports excitement thatLakeland, Polk County and our own ex-traordinary sports complex, “Tigertown,”offer year round!

Leadership Lakeland Class XXVIII Class Photo

By Carolyn JacksonSenior Vice President, Member Relations

With more than 200 alumni and friendsin attendance at the August OpeningReception, Class XXVIII Chair NancyCattarius (Class II, WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio) introduced themembers of Leadership Lakeland ClassXXVIII.

Congratulations to the following mem-bers:• Jennifer Adams, Bank of Central Florida

• Michael Barnes, Center for Retina and Macular Disease

• Kindle Bowden, City of Lakeland• Richard Cardosi, Watson Clinic, LLP• Sharon Casey, Community Southern Bank

• Jeff Chamberlain, Publix Super Markets

• Denis Cole, Kerry Ingredients & Flavours

• Chris Craig, The Salvation Army, Lakeland

• Elliott Dorsch, Dorsch, Inc. • Kim Elmhorst, Junior League of Greater Lakeland

• Kevin English, The NCT Group CPAs, LLP

• Barbi Feldman, Ross Vecchio, P.A.• Karen Houtz, Community Bank ofFlorida

• Tracy Kimbrough, Baylis & Company PA

• Jeff Kincart, American Compliance Technologies, Inc.

• Karen Kovach, Third Wing Business Strategies, LLC

• Bruce Lyon, Swan Development Advisors, Inc.

• Harold Maready, The Schools of McKeel Academy

• Lori Martini, Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland

• Leticia Miller, Polk Museum of Art• Michael Peeples, Southern Homes of Polk County

• Jason Rodda, Rodda Construction, Inc.• Bart Ross, tmr Agency• Jason Shepard, Heacock Insurance Group

• Jack Strollo, Broadway Real Estate • Mark Talbott, Republic Services• Dale Terrell, Polk County School Board

• Julie Townsend, Downtown Lakeland Partnership, Inc

• April Williams, Integrity Insurance Agency | Word Alive Ministries

• Mark Wilson, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Together, these class members will com-plete a rigorous schedule of monthly day-sessions from October through May. Eachsession features hands-on experiences thatengage class members in all aspects ofLakeland and Polk County’s community.

Leadership Lakeland is an annual pro-gram designed to identify leadership andenhance existing leadership in our com-munity. The program unites leaders fromdiverse backgrounds and perspectives toimprove their ability to lead effectively,offering its members a broad range of ex-periences and insights about the com-munity, its people, its needs and itsservices.

Leadership Lakeland alumni, friends welcome Class XXVIII

Class XXVIII ChairNancy Cattarius,Station Manager,WONN/WPCV/

WLKF/WWRZ Radio

NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 20 new members for August 2010

No.14

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

Cabinets for Less717 N. Florida AvenueLakeland, FL 33801-1703(863) 688-6110Fax: (863) 688-6167www.cabinetsforless.netKurt & Kristi DunbarCabinets/Cabinet Makers

D & T Investor Group, Inc.8234 US Highway 98 NLakeland, FL 33809(863) 853-2200Fax: (863) 248-4046Terry LitterstConsultants

Douglas Collision Center, Inc.7820 US Highway 98 NLakeland, FL 33809-2139(863) 853-4246Fax: (863) 859-9476www.douglascollision.comSean DouglasAutomobile-Paint & Body Work

Dunkin Donuts3110 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33803-4549(863) 701-1900www.dunkindonuts.comKareem MustafaRestaurants

Dunkin Donuts5614 US Hwy 98 NLakeland, FL 33809-3105(863) 853-3005www.dunkindonuts.comKareem MustafaRestaurants

Elena's Cuban Cafe2246 E Edgewood DrLakeland, FL 33803-3643(863) 665-3333Fax: (863) 665-3314Mario DiazRestaurants

First Class Moving Systems, Inc5105 West Clifton StreetTampa, FL 33634-8011(866) 717-MOVE (6683)Fax: (813) 889-3802Will FallonMovers

Gilileo Roofing Service1701 W. Memorial BlvdLakeland, FL 33815-1236(863) 686-4644Fax: (863) 686-7274Gary GilileoRoofing - Contractors/Supply

Joshua's Kitchen2020 Shepherd RdMulberry, FL 33860-8699(863) 701-7230Fax: (863) 701-7259www.joshuaskitchen.comBuerl JankowskiRestaurants

Kanga Marketing, Inc.Lakeland, FL 33801-5820(936) 203-8407www.kangamarketing.comChase SellmeyerMarketing/Advertising

Lake Morton Retirement Home, LLC610 E Lime StLakeland, FL 33801-5444(863) 937-9114Fax: (863) 937-9117Lori GarrardAssisted Living FacilityAlzheimer / Dementia Care

Melissa WoodwardWinter Haven, FL 33880-1041(863) 662-1250Melissa WoodwardInterior Decorators/Designers

H.W. Oldham Funeral Home1537 Kettles AveLakeland, FL 33805-3633(863) 683-2419Harry Oldham, IIIFuneral Homes

Polk County Health Dept Health Promotions & Preparedness1290 Golfview AveBartow, FL 33830-6703(863) 519-7900www.mypolkchd.comColleen ManganAssociations

Principal Financial Group6635-2 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33813-3337(863) 701-7402Fax: (863) 701-7402www.andreadisinsurance.comKim AndreadisFinancial Services

Pro Med Healthcare Services, LLC2518 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33803-3859(863) 669-0440Fax: (863) 669-0408www.promedhs.comBart RichertEmployment - Medical Staffing

Railroad & Industrial FederalCredit Union2315 Drane Field RdLakeland, FL 33811-1324(800) 769-1424Fax: (863) 644-5602www.rifcu.orgTroy HeplerCredit Unions

Railroad & Industrial FederalCredit Union3305 Lakeland Hills BlvdLakeland, FL 33805-1975(863) 956-0659Fax: (863) 687-2318www.rifcu.orgDebbie LottAmy VermeulenCredit Unions

Warehouse Flooring, Inc.1087 Hwy 92 WAuburndale, FL 33823-9585(863) 965-7777Fax: (863) 967-2546www.warehouseflooringfla.comKaryn RichFloor Coverings

Weight Watchers1558 Town Center DrLakeland, FL 33803-7967www.weightwatchers.comMarsha L. KnowlesWeight Loss & Wellness

No.16

MARK YOURCALENDAR

EVENTSSaturday, October 2

B.Y.O.Breakfast: An EMERGE Family Social, 9:00 a.m.

Common Ground Park1000 E Edgewood Dr

Thursday, October 7Politics in the Park

VIP Reception, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.Main Event, 6:00 p.m., Munn Park

Thursday, October 14Business & Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.

Habitat for Humanity1317 George Jenkins Blvd

Thursday, October 21Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m.Alexan at Lakeside Village1555 Village Center Dr

MEETINGSFriday, October 1

& Saturday, October 2Annual Board of Directors

Planning RetreatSoutheastern University

Monday, October 11EMERGE Lakeland Steering

Committee, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, October 13Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland, Inc.,9:00 a.m.

Thursday, October 14Leadership Lakeland Class XXVIII

City Government Day

Wednesday, October 20Executive Committee Meeting,

4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 27Board of Directors Meeting, NoonLakeland Yacht & Country Club929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Thursday, October 28SCORE Business Round Table, 7:30 a.m.

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..................................247Relocation Response Mailings................4Relocation Response (Walk In).............14Accommodations...................................2

Winter Accommodations .......................0Visitor Information Mailings .................12Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............101

By EMERGE Lakeland Marketing Committee

EMERGE Lakeland is proud to congratu-late the 12 participants selected for P2PClass 3: Michelle Crawford, AmericanCompliance Technologies, Inc; CindyDykes, Madden Corporation; LauraHelm, Woodmen of the World; RyanEdrington, Ryan’s Pressure Washing;John Evans, Saunders Real Estate; ErinGeiger, Lighthouse Ministries; Joel Helm,Northwestern Mutual Financial Network;Adam Justice, Polk Museum of Art;Michael Kincart, Clark, Campbell,Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.; ShaunMiller, CPS Group CPA’s, PA; DerekOxford, CPS Group CPA’s, PA; MichaelTucker, Florida Southern College;Bradley Wright, Wall Foss Financial,LLC.

P2P = Peer to Peer Networking and aimsto enrich the professional developmentof Lakeland's young professionals by part-nering them with existing EMERGELakeland members. These 12 individuals

will work with seven existing EMERGELakeland mentors through May 4, 2011.

EMERGE Lakeland members visitedthe Florida Baptist Childrens’ Homesheadquarters in Lakeland on August18. Central Florida Administrator,Eron Green, spoke to the group abouthow children enter and receive servicesfrom the program, how children areplaced in foster and adoptive homesand how members can help as volun-teers. Black & Brew Coffee House &Bistro donated a delicious lunch en-abling all the proceeds from the eventto be donated to the Florida BaptistChildrens’ Homes. After lunch,EMERGER’s were lead on a tour by thekids themselves, touching the hearts ofall in attendance. Children receiving

services range in age from 3 months to18 years of age.

To learn more about upcoming events,volunteer opportunities, professional de-velopment opportunities and social out-ings, visit EmergeLakeland.com. TheEMERGE Lakeland experience is open toyoung professionals (ages 21-42) who arelooking for more than just a job. Activi-ties, networking and programs offer mem-bers an opportunity to give back to theLakeland community, enhance their ca-reers and become an integral part of thefuture of Lakeland business and leader-ship. Membership information is avail-able on the EMERGE Lakeland Web site.

Stay in tune with EMERGE Lakeland byfollowing @EMERGELakeland on Twit-ter or joining the group on Facebook andLinkedIn. Members are also lucky to bereceiving a brand new e-newsletter withinformation on up-coming events andpast experiences. Thanks to Vice ChairCindy Green of Furr & Wegman Archi-tects, P.A. for the design!

Experience EMERGE

Monthly updates for Lakeland’s young professionals

No. 18

At the Parks Recreation Event for P2P, Marc Zimmerman, Polk CountyTourism and Sports Marketing; Bill Tinsley, City of Lakeland Parks &Recreation Director; Michelle Crawford, A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure., and P2P Mentee; Michael Kincart, Clark, Campbell,Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A., and P2P Mentee.

Karen Houtz with Community Bank of Florida and Mary Church withSPCA, Inc. present a donation to Eron Green, Central Florida Administratorwith the Florida Baptist Childrens’ Homes

Common GroundsA taste of local business one cup at time

By Kyle McMahanSouth Florida State Manager

Woodmen of the World Life InsuranceSociety, founded in 1890, is a fraternalbenefit organization committed to caringfor our members like family. Our state of-fice is located in Lakeland off of ClevelandHeights Boulevard and our area office is offof Edgewood Drive.

We offer valued financial solutions thathelp families protect their loved ones, savefor the future, and achieve their goals of fi-nancial security. Products provided in-clude life insurance, annuities, mutualfunds and college savings plans. Througha network of 2,000 lodges nationwide,members of all ages can enjoy family-friendly activities including wide-rangingvolunteer opportunities.

We provide member benefits and programsthat strengthen the bonds of family, friend-ship and fraternity. Other benefits helpmembers in time of need, like assistancefor members’ orphaned children, disasterrelief aid and financial support for mem-bers who are diagnosed with certain ill-nesses. Our patriotic program is one of ourmany service opportunities. We present

American flags to schools, churches, civicorganizations, and other non-profits. Ifyou know of an organization in need of aflag, please contact our state office. Wewould be happy to present them with aflag!

Our community outreach program alsobenefits non-profits in Lakeland by con-tributing financial support and hands-onassistance in various projects. We areproud to be sponsoring Pics on thePromenade, located on the Lake MirrorPromenade in downtown Lakeland, onOctober 8th. We will be hosting a fall fes-tival, as well as selling box dinners, beforethe movie “Hook” is shown. All proceedsfrom the evening will benefit the CentralFlorida Autism Institute, Inc. We wouldlove for everyone to bring their familiesout for food and festivities!

For generations, families have placed theirtrust in Woodmen of the World, a trustthat is bolstered through our strong finan-cial performance. Our Lakeland field rep-resentatives and management team standready to serve our customers and commu-nity. Let us know how we can best serveyou!

20+ Years Renewals1946 - 64 YearsGentry Morrison Funeral Home Southside1969 - 41 YearsMcDonald Construction Corporation1971 - 39 YearsMeisner Paint & Body, Inc.1972 - 38 yearsWilliams & Williams, Inc.1974 - 36 YearsThe NCT Group C.P.A.'s, LLP1975 - 35 YearsGriffin Pools, Inc.Herndon & Assoc. Ins., LLC1977 - 33 YearsNational MemorialsSaddle Creek Corporation1978 - 32 YearsYerton Leasing & Auto Sales, Inc.1981 - 29 YearsCentral Florida Speech & Hearing Center1983 - 27 YearsClark & Daughtrey Medical Group, P.A.1985 - 25 YearsKnight Industrial Equipment, Inc.Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.1986 - 24 YearsCheatham, Goleno & Ferguson, P.A.Fun Bike Center MotorsportsPolk Museum of Art1987 - 23 YearsHarper Realty & Development Co., Inc.Santa Fe Catholic High School1988 - 22 YearsBaskets Instead, Inc.Southside Cleaners - Launderers1989 - 21 YearsJack Hall Jr.'s Construction and Aluminum1990 - 20 YearsMorris Commercial Enterprises, Inc

15-Year RenewalsAll Saints' AcademyArnett Electric & Lighting, Inc.Stanley Insurance Services

10-Year RenewalsAndy Thornal CompanyDarling International, Inc.Suburban Extended Stay Hotel

5-Year RenewalsAll About Blinds, Inc.Children's Home Society of FloridaCOMPUMEND, Inc.Holiday Inn Express Hotel & SuitesPennsylvania Financial GroupThe Welborn Companies

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

State Manager, Kyle McMahan

The Lakeland Chamber’s newest member feature gives your business the opportunity to showcase “aday in the life” of your employees and customers. Each month, one of the door prizes available at theBusiness After Hours event will be a “Common Grounds” Lakeland Chamber mug. One luckybusiness will be drawn to receive a mug and submit a 350 word article about a “taste of daily life”around the office along with a picture of the mug in or around the business.

…

No.20

OCTOBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVECentral Florida SCORECentral Florida SCORE. a volunteer organi-zation that counsels and mentors small busi-nesses, will hold an orientation for allpersons interested in becoming a counselor atthe SCORE offices, 5410 S. Florida Ave,Lakeland on October 13 at 5:30 pm.

Polk State CollegePolk State College has named Jill Hall asDirector of Human Resources. Hall bringsover 20 years of experience as an HR directorto the position. Her expertise includes lead-ing HR teams, creating initiatives and provid-ing multi-location consistency through HRpractices and presence on all sites.

Polk State College’s Mosaic EIA/MillwrightApprentice program has been selected by theNational Council for Continuing Educationand Training (NCCET) for an ExemplaryProgram Award. The program comprises1,112 hours of related instructional theoryand “hands on” lab time over a period of 18to 24 months.

Southern Homes of Polk County, Inc.Inna Markovsky will be moving from ourDinner Lake Shores community in LakeWales to assist our customers in PattersonHeights in Haines City. As a New HomeSpecialist, Inna will continue to help buyersfind, finance, build and enjoy a quality homefrom Southern Homes.

Also, Beverly Clutter will be moving fromour James Towne Place community in Bartowto assist our customers at Country Club Trailsin Winter Haven. As a New Home Specialist,Beverly will continue to help buyers find, fi-nance, build and enjoy a quality home fromSouthern Homes.

Jewels by ParklaneBarb Erickson has recently accepted a posi-tion as a Senior Division Manager withJewels by Park Lane, a 55 year old direct salescompany from the Chicago area. She hasbeen with PartyLite Gifts, Inc. for the past 15years and will continue to support customerswith candles, accessories and gourmet foodproducts.

Polk County Builders AssociationStephanie Hutton, Executive Director, re-cently attended Executive Officer training inSanta Fe, New Mexico, conducted by the National Association of Home Builders.

Also, Anne Hough, Foundation Director, re-cently completed a course in Non ProfitManagement at USF in Tampa.

Southeastern UniversityAlumnus Dr. Edgar R. Lee has returned to hisLakeland alma mater and to a position heheld for six years in the 1980s: Vice Presidentfor Academic Affairs. He succeeds Dr. LyleBowlin, a Finance Professor who has returnedto his “first love” of classroom teaching in theuniversity’s College of Business & Legal Studies.

Play it Again SportsTravis Hoffman, Store Manager, recently at-tended sporting goods franchisor’s annualsummer trade show held July 18-20 in Minneapolis, MN. The trade show featureseducational sessions that analyzed currentmarket trends and highlighted sales strategies.

Watson Clinic LLPIs pleased to welcome Jens C. Carlsen, DO,to our team of urologists. Dr. Carlsen willoffer urology services from our Main Cliniclocation at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard,second floor, in Lakeland. His areas of ex-pertise include urologic oncology (prostate,bladder, kidney and testicular cancers), la-paroscopic surgery and genitourinarytrauma/reconstructive surgery.

American Red Cross Mid-Florida RegionAnnounces Sara Olson as the new ChiefFund Development Officer for the PolkCounty Chapter. Olson will be instrumentalin informing communities of the local, na-tional and international impact of the RedCross. She will also be responsible for secur-ing funding through donations and grants inPolk, Highlands and Osceola counties.

CPS Investment AdvisorsPleased to welcome Tony Corrao as a PortfolioTrader. Most recently, Corraro was with amanufacturing firm analyzing financial state-ments and working on account reconcilia-tions. Tony has a BS in Finance from FloridaState University.

Polk County Health Dept HealthPromotions & PreparednessPleased to welcome Tonya Richardson to thePolk County Health Department TobaccoProgram staff. Tonya recently received herMaster's in Public Health from ArmstrongAtlantic State University. She is the newStudents Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)Coordinator.

Colleen Mangan, Tobacco Program Coordinator, recently co-facilitated the Regional Tobacco Program meeting in OrangeCounty. Jordan B., PRIDE/SWAT Youth re-cently co-facilitated the Region 3 SWATConference in Lakeland. Jordan's knowledgeof tobacco control contributed to the YouthAdvocacy Board's presentation for this training.

OMS Group, Inc.Samantha Hayes, HR Specialist, recentlyearned certification as a Professional inHuman Resources (PHR) through the HRCertification Institute. OMS Group, Inc isan HRO provider that helps clients managehuman resources, payroll, benefits and riskmanagement needs. Samantha has worked inthe Human Resources field for 11 years and isa graduate of Florida A & M University.

Lakeland Surgical & DiagnosticCenter, LLP One of 16 outpatient centers that receivednational recognition as a recipient of the2009/2010 Apex Quality Award. This wasthe second consecutive year for LakelandSurgical & Diagnostic Center’s Main Campusto receive this distinctive award, and the firstyear for their Griffin Road Campus. TheAPEX Quality Award stands for Attributesfor Patient Excellence.

Recently chosen the winner of the ORExcellence Award in the category of infec-tion control. The winner was selected basedon their multifaceted and creative solutionsto issues specific to infection control. Theiraward-winning infection control programwill be featured in the upcoming Octoberissue of the Outpatient Surgery magazine.

Alliance for Independence Pleased to announce the 2010-2011 Board ofDirectors and Officers: Chairman, RonLosch, Retired/Publix; Chair Elect & Chair,Performance Oversight Monitoring Committee, Scott Sloman, The LakelandCenter; Secretary & Chair, External Relationsand Resource Development Committee, BartRoss, TMR Agency; Treasurer & Chair,Audit Committee, David R. Ramos, CPA;Chair, Planning and Program DevelopmentCommittee, Andrew Hernan, Griffin Pools,Inc.; Jennifer L. Adams, Bank of CentralFlorida; Carol N. Asbill, Publix SuperMarkets; John C. Burton, Sun n' Fun, Inc.,Immediate Past Chair; Deborah Heatherley,Publix Super Markets; Timothy Kiley, Peterson & Myers, P.A.; Charles Lake,Retired; Sherrie D. Long, Allen & Company; Philip Mowry, Florida SouthernCollege; Jim Rehberg, J-Reh, Inc.; Sena E.Schirm, SunTrust Bank; Anthony J. Senzamici,Jr., Pioneer Medical Company; Tom Patterson,Saddle Creek Corp.; Anne-Marie Wendel,Lakeland Police Department; William H.Wheeler, Jr., Wheeler & Wheeler, Inc.;Richard Wills, FITniche.

Holiday Inn Lakeland – SouthCarl Stutzman has joined the Holiday InnLakeland South as Sales Manager.He invitesyou to stop by and tour the hotel, meet thestaff and see why Holiday Inn's are GreatHotels Guests Love!

Lanier Upshaw, Inc.Is pleased to announce that Kathryn Koch,Vice President, attended a Personal InsuranceSeminar conducted by Ohio National FinancialServices in Cincinnati, Ohio August 16-19.Training focused on product information,marketing, sales ideas, business planning andbest business practices.

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

The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in themonth of August. See the photos on our

Web site at LakelandChamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial thanks to Mayor Gow Fields, Commissioner Glenn E. Higgins andall the Board Members and Chamber Champions who truly make theseceremonies special events.

No.22

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Allure Salon Day Spa Lakeland, Inc.5668 S Florida Ave • Lakeland, FL 33813-2526(863) 644-8663 • www.AllureSalonDaySpa.com

MJ’s Cuban Cafe635 Robin Road • Lakeland, FL 33803-4840

(863) 644-4400

USA Bearings & Belts3615 Century Blvd, Ste 4A • Lakeland, FL 33811-1396

(863) 248-8499 • www.usabearingsandbelts.com

Lakeland Area Chamber of Com

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$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 psmith@LakelandChamber.com to register and pay at the door.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 215:30 – 7:30 P.M.