L a k el a nd A r eA C h a m b eR o F C o m m e r ce

Vol. XVIII, No. 10

Visit our Web site at October 2008

www.lakelandchamber.com

INSIDE
EMERGE Hosts Book Review .. . . 4
Small Business Award . . . . . . . . . . 6
You won’t want to miss this premier event!
Catalyst Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sponsorships and player spots are still available!
New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Call 863/688-8551 Ext. 242 for more details or
Leadership Lakeland XXVI . . .11
e-mail amclacklan@lakelandchamber.com
Members on the Move . . . . . .17
Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
 Partnership Between PCPS Career Academies
and PCC’s Corporate College
As the Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) establish Career Academies throughout the county, the strong partnership forged with
Polk Community College has become increasingly apparent. The collaborative efforts will certainly strengthen the workforce in our
community.
The PCC Corporate College has worked with numerous businesses throughout Polk County and has become the single source of
training for many. As companies explore relocating to the market or expanding their current businesses, the Corporate College works
with them at the earliest developmental stages to meet their workforce needs. The relationship between the Polk County School Board
and the PCC Corporate College will prove to be a catalyst that will attract new businesses to the area, entice younger workers to stay
in the community, and keep the community’s workforce skills and knowledge current. Channeling highly skilled employees to Polk
County’s industries is a major goal of this partnership. A great example of this partnership can be seen with the new Central Florida
Aviation and Aerospace Academy offered through Kathleen High School at the Florida Air Museum at Sun ‘n Fun. This initiative is just
one of many that the PCC Corporate College and PCPS are presently working on that is designed to result in a larger aviation industry
sector surrounding the Linder Airport.
An initiative underway with Lakeland Electric represents another example of the partnership between PCC Corporate College and the
PCPS. Lakeland Electric has partnered with both educational entities to prepare to meet the skilled labor demands predicted, as large
numbers of baby boomers leave the workforce over the next five to ten years. The Corporate College’s role is to provide technical skills
upgrades for the incumbent workforce, while the PCPS are building a Power Career Academy at Tenoroc High School to meet the future
employment needs of the company by training and channeling skilled workers from within the community.
The collaborative effort between PCC and the PCPS extends well beyond these two initiatives. PCPS is planning career academies
in Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management that will coincide perfectly with the Corporate College’s manufacturing
training Supply Chain Institute with Winter Haven High School. In addition, PCC has partnered with the PCPS to develop the Bartow
Medical Academy at Bartow High School and the Academy of Legal Studies at George Jenkins High School.
The partnerships between PCC and PCPS benefit our community by creating a pipeline of skilled workers to maintain and expand
     
the local workforce, enabling future economic growth and stability for both individuals and businesses.

Open House Celebration

FOOD / FUN / DRINKS / DOOR PRIZES
OCTOBER 30, 2008 • 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Tour our newly expanded 4,800 sq. ft. facility.
On-site demonstrations by Paul Mitchell® and Dermalogica® representatives.
Visit us online to receive a FREE $20 Gift Card for first-time client visits.
5668 South Florida Avenue • 863.644.8663 • www.AllureBeautySalon.com
Full Service Hair Salon • Manicures & Pedicures • Facials • Massages MM #20937 • Body & Skin Care Treatments • Facial & Full Body Waxing • Special Occasion Packages

2
 
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Volume All meetings are held at the Chamber unless otherwise noted.
Information:
October 1 Entrepreneurial Academy, 5:45 p.m. October 21 EMERGE Lakeland Steering,



October 2008 Committee Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Vol. XVIII, No. 10 October 7 Chairman’s Circle Luncheon, Noon.
Lakeland Yacht and Country Club, October 22 Board of Directors Meeting,
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive. Noon. Lakeland Yacht and
Country Club, 929 Lake
Timothy F. Campbell
October 8 Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m. Hollingsworth Drive.
Chairman of the Board

BusinessVoice, 9:00 a.m. Entrepreneurial Academy,

5:45 p.m.
Entrepreneurial Academy, 5:45 p.m.
Kathleen L. Munson October 23 Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m.
Publisher & President October 9 Leadership Lakeland XXVI, Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic
City Government Day. Center, 1315 North Florida




Avenue.
Business & Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.
Aaron Bates Lakeland Habitat for Humanity, October 28 Investment Committee Meeting,
Managing Editor 1317 George Jenkins Boulevard. 4:00 p.m.

October 15 Executive Committee Meeting, October 29 Entrepreneurial Academy,

4:00 p.m. 5:45 p.m.

Rachel Aycock Entrepreneurial Academy, 5:45 p.m.

Editor
863/669.8775
October 16 Politics in the Park - Free Admission,
Lake Mirror Promenade, 5:30 p.m.


800 South Florida Ave.

683-1111 Lakeland, FL

3
 EMERGE members participated in a book
review by Dr. Larry Ross of Florida Southern
College on August 12. Dr. Ross reviewed “The
Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership
Fable,” by Patrick Lencioni. EMERGE
members listened and asked questions while
eating lunch at the President’s Dining Hall in
the Charles T. Thrift Building on the campus
of Florida Southern College. EMERGE
Lakeland thanks Dr. Ross and Florida Southern
College for a great event. Following the event
EMERGE members delivered leftover food to
the Talbot House in Lakeland.
EMERGE members also participated in
a presentation on branding for downtown
Lakeland. The Lakeland Downtown We guarantee a good night’s sleep at the best possible
Development Authority’s branding consultants
conducted their second meeting to present and price! By listening to you, caring about your needs,
gain community input regarding the branding and helping you select the best possible sleep system
process of downtown Lakeland. Future
branding meetings will be scheduled.
within your budget, we’ll make sure you love your bed too!
Visit www.emergelakeland.com to learn
more about upcoming events, volunteer
opportunities and development and social
outings. You can also click on the EMERGE
logo at www.lakelandchamber.com.

South Lakeland 701-7244

5688 South Florida Ave.
Behind Ale House and Louie Mac’s

Central Lakeland 603-0401

2125 South Florida Ave.
Formerly Cleghorns, beside Starbucks

North Lakeland 815-4688

4220 U.S. 98 North
Next to Circuit City

Winter Haven 299-0511

700 1st St. SW
www.yoursleepcenter.com Citi Centre opposite Macy’s

4
SLEEP CENTER (3) 5.25X8.indd 1 4/9/08 11:57:54 AM
Evening & Weekend Programs
Degree programs for working adults
Pursuing a dream takes real courage. That’s why Southeastern
University has designed programs with your needs in mind. Our
convenient, accelerated, welcoming programs of study are personally
enriching, professionally relevant, and grounded in the Christian worldview.

Undergraduate programs:
Degree programs are offered in the evenings or online.
� B.S. in Criminal Justice (online only) � B.S. in Marketing
� B.S. in Human Services � B.S. in Practical Theology
� B.S. in Management

Graduate programs:
� M.B.A.

� M.Ed. in Educational Leadership For more information or to apply for admission visit
� M.Ed. in Elementary Education (with NBPTS preparation)
www.seuniversity.edu or call 863.667.5018
� M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning (online only)

� M.S. in Professional Counseling

� M.S. in School Counseling

� M.A. in Ministerial Leadership

� Executive M.A. in Ministerial Leadership

1000 Longfellow Blvd. Lakeland, Florida 33801-6034 863.667.5018 toll free 800.500.8760

5
 September Small Business of the Month Award Winner
Classic Controls, Inc.
5095 South Lakeland Drive • P.O. Box 6187
Lakeland, FL 33807-6187
863/644-3642 • www.classiccontrols.com

Classic Controls, Inc. is an

instrumentation, valve, and system
representative, serving industrial
customers in the State of Florida in the
power generation, chemical, phosphate, food, pulp & paper, water,
and wastewater process markets.
In 1991, Classic Controls, Inc. was founded by Ray Anderson,
joined by Shawn Warren and two other employees. A year later
Jim LeVine joined the team. Now in their 18th year of business,
Classic Controls, Inc. has grown into one of the most respected
representative firms in the State of Florida. Shawn and Jim recently
completed their buyout from Ray, but Ray is still an integral part of
the team. Together, Shawn, Jim, Ray and their 18 employees bring
their talents and dedication together to serve their customers.
Classic Controls, Inc. started as a pure sales office, but it
quickly grew to add full service capabilities including instrument
calibration & repair, system integration, and control valve repair.
The owners and staff represent and service the highest quality Shawn Warren and Ray Anderson accept the September Small Business
products that measure such things as flow, pressure, level, of the Month Award from Ginny Houghton (Allen & Company of Florida,
temperature, pH, conductivity, etc. and monitor and control it with Inc.).

&
systems small to large, down to the final
control elements of control valves. When
it comes to controls, they have it covered
for your plant.
BUSINESS BREAKFAST
What’s the company’s key to success?
Its team! “We have been truly blessed
in the quality of each employee that has
Hosted by: Start Your
joined our team and shares our vision
of customer satisfaction” says co-owner
Shawn Warren. That’s certainly not an easy
Business
undertaking- in addition to learning about
each product and service, team members 1317 George Day
Jenkins Boulevard
must support each division equally.
The owners of Classic Controls, Inc. Thursday, October 9
With
live by the phrase, “Do the right thing”.
These simple words offer a solution to
7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Us!
complicated challenges and have been “Lakeland Economic
the foundation of trust for their customers Development Update” Presenting
and principals. Classic Controls, Inc. is Sponsor:
also proud to “do the right thing” by Speaker:
giving back to local communities, schools, Bill Mutz, Chairman of the Board
youth sports and charities. They have Lakeland Economic
been supporters of many charities and Development Council
encourage employees to do the same.
The Lakeland Area Chamber of
Commerce would like to congratulate
Classic Controls, Inc. as the September Please R.S.V.P. by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to
Small Business of the Month award the event to 863/688-8551 Ext 232 or $5 Chamber Member
winner. E-mail: mstevenson@lakelandchamber.com $15 Non-Member

6
 Commercial
Looking for a
Exterior Front Elevation Work & Build Outs

Improving Reception Areas, Conference

commercial Rooms, Restrooms & Break Room Areas

Residential
or residential
Kitchen

Master
& Bath Specialists
Suite Additions

improvement
Garage / Lanai Conversions

Custom Homes

Insurance Restoration

specialist? (Water, Fire, Wind & Mold)

Call Waller Call today!

688-8870
today! ext. 308

Jimmy Waller
jimmywaller@wallergroup.com wallergroup.com

ext. 308
jimmywaller@wallergroup.com

7
 Time to Purchase a New Car!
Chamber members and potential new members enjoyed the outstanding hospitality of Regal
Automotive Group and the Campisi family at our August Business After Hours. Gathering
in the Honda Showroom, nearly 200 guests braved the remnants of Hurricane Fay to network
and meet our newest members. The staff at Regal offered fabulous service, from shuttling
people to the entrance to providing the DJ entertainment. There’s no doubt they entertained
a few new car shoppers as well. Even the food was a big hit - offering many guests the
opportunity to try something new - fried gator tail! Our thanks go out to Sal Campisi, Renee
Campisi and the entire staff at Regal for a fabulous event.

Sal Campisi, Jr. accepts the Plaque of Appreciation

We bring royalty right to your home.

Granite, Marble & Travertine from the great mountains of India
are now a short distance away at Royal Granite & Marble.

Enhance your project with the most beautiful natural stones from around the world.
Despite the rain, members network “shoulder to
. Semi-precious stones Available in a variety of
shoulder”.

. Flooring (Wood, Tiles & Porcelain) sizes, colors & finishes.

. Sinks, Faucets & Vanities
. Solid Wood Cabinets

RM
2109 W. Memorial Blvd.
G& Lakeland, FL 33815
P (863) 688-2525
F (863) 688-2828
RMG
R O YA L
GRANITE & MARBLE
&

located on the NW corner of Wabash Ave & Memorial Blvd, 1/2 mile east of I-4 Members line up to brave tasting the fried gator tail!

8

Bank of Central Florida team members Jennifer
Vaughn and Randy Hollen celebrate their progress
with Bank President Paul Noris at the Campaign
Kickoff.
Showing “pizza prowess” at the Kickoff: Vice Chair
Kathryn Koch-O’Malley and the Colonial Bank team
Barbara Cadiz and Team Captain Nancy Kahrs.

Catalyst Campaign
Celebrates Victory!
On September 16, Catalyst Campaign
Chair Nancy Cattarius (WONN/WPCV/
WLKF/WWRZ Radio) claimed victory
on behalf of 20 corporate teams and the
Chamber of Commerce! As a part of
their grand opening celebration, Leading Wearing their chocolate-making gear, Campaign
Edge Aviation hosted a gala for board Chair Nancy Cattarius (WONN/WPCV/WLKF/
WWRZ Radio) and Team Captain Kathy Wallen (The
members, volunteers and their dedicated NCT Group CPA’s, LLP) show their Campaign pride!
companies. Final results will be available
in the November Forum for Business
Monthly. Take a look back at our
adventures from this summer…
Allen & Company of Florida Team Captain Nick
Stevens with Furr & Wegman Architects, PA team
members Cindy Green & Crystal Lester work on Vice Chair Walker Wilkerson (The NCT Group
their Kickoff Pizza. CPA’s, LLP) carefully constructs his chocolate
peanut butter cups at the Reward Reception.
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ANDGETTHE
SMILESSTARTED

)NTRODUCINGOURNEWSITE
WWW3HOP4HE#ARTCOM
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,+
ACROSSFROM,2-#
9OUR&ULL3ERVICE&LORISTFOR9EARS

9
 The Chamber is Proud to Welcome 18 New Members for August 2008
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 at www.lakelandchamber.com!

AFLAC/Nadine Perez Dutch Ireland Insurance, LLC Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Rounders Transportation & Logistics,
Lakeland, FL 33809-5943 2031 E Edgewood Dr Ste 1 and Northern Florida Inc.
(561) 865-1127 Lakeland 33803 1719 W Kennedy Blvd 2920 Drane Field Rd
Nadine Perez PO Box 699 Tampa, FL 33606-1643 Lakeland, FL 33811-1329
Insurance Eaton Park, FL 33840-0699 (813) 288-2600 (863) 607-9810
(863) 816-5828 Fax: (813) 288-2605 (888) 687-5623
Art In Motion Academy of Dance www.di-ins.com www.wishcentral.org Fax: (863) 687-8035
1037 S Florida Ave Ste 105 Dutch Ireland Kristin See www.rounderstransport.com
Lakeland, FL 33803-1199 Insurance Associations Jeff Cox, Jr.
(863) 248-5888 Construction
www.aimdance.net Fairfield Inn & Suites Papa John’s Pizza
Jennifer Davis 4307 Sterling Commerce Dr 1849 E Memorial Blvd Total Advantage Beverage Group, LLC
Dance Studio Plant City, FL 33566 Lakeland, FL 33801-2226 464 W Pipkin Rd Ste 1
(904) 249-9071 Ext 702 (863) 680-4000 Lakeland, FL 33813-2699
Backyard Adventures IIPC, LLC Fax: (904) 241-7743 Fax: (863) 688-4043 (863) 644-9100
3111 US Highway 98 S Ste 130 www.marriott.com/tpapc www.papajohnsflorida.com Fax: (863) 644-9144
Lakeland, FL 33803-8318 Lisa Dickinson George Cadorette www.xpress-caffe.com
(863) 665-9876 Hotels/Suites Restaurants Gregory G. Smith
Fax: (863) 665-4040 Beverages
www.backyardadventuresfl.com Florida Gate Masters Papa John’s Pizza
Jeremy & Trish Yost 5147 S Lakeland Dr Ste 3 3505 Cleveland Heights Blvd Wiley & Malless, LLC
Entertainment Fun Center Lakeland, FL 33813-2610 Lakeland, FL 33803-4907 306 E Main St Ste 202
(863) 816-5838 (863) 619-7272 Lakeland, FL 33801-5023
Country Inn and Suites Fax: (863) 816-5840 Fax: (863) 619-3750 (863) 688-6880
4500 Lakeland Park Drive Byers Levy www.papajohnsflorida.com Fax: (863) 688-6887
Lakeland, FL 33809 Gate Access/Control Johnie Lewis www.wiley-malless.com
www.countryinns.com/lakelandfl Restaurants James Malless
Sheila Patel Franwell, Inc. Real Estate
Hotels/Suites 2525 Drane Field Rd Ste 9 Papa John’s Pizza
Lakeland, FL 33811-1344 6747 US Highway 98 N
Create an Image Salon & Spa Inc. (863) 583-0228 Lakeland, FL 33809-6226
3500 S Florida Ave Ste 6 (800) 639-1615 (863) 858-9090
Lakeland, FL 33803-4869 Fax: (863) 577-0955 Fax: (863) 858-4829
(863) 701-2887 www.franwell.com www.papajohnsflorida.com
Denise Lane Grady Morrell Ed Dimalanta
Hair Salons Restaurants
Integrity Reporting
3510 S Florida Ave Ste 101 Papa John’s Pizza
Lakeland, FL 33803-4874 2105 E County Road 540 A
(863) 647-2800 Lakeland, FL 33813-3794
Fax: (863) 647-0028 (863) 619-8700
www.integrityreporting.net Fax: (863) 647-2325
Suesanna M. Rice www.papajohnsflorida.com
Court Reporters Justin Rutherford
Restaurants

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

20+ Years Renewals 1977 - 31 Years 15 Years Renewals

Saddle Creek Corporation
1946 - 62 Years National Memorials Jim Williams Fence Company
Gentry Morrison Funeral Home Southside 1978 - 30 Years MaxPak, LLC
1969 - 39 Years Yerton Leasing & Auto Sales, Inc. Ward’s Heating & Air Conditioning
McDonald Construction Corporation 1980 - 28 Years
1970 - 38 Years SCMH Architects, Inc. 10 Years Renewals
Gore’s, Inc. 1982 - 26 Years
1971 - 37 Years Robert L. Valentine, P.A. Law Offices of Colon & Lopez, P.A.
Meisner Paint & Body, Inc. 1985 - 23 Years Baylis & Company, PA, CPA’s
1972 - 36 Years Knight Industrial Equipment, Inc. Talbot House Ministries, Inc.
Williams & Williams, Inc. 1986 - 22 Years Mitchell’s Coffeehouse
1973 - 35 Years Polk Museum of Art Central Sheet Metal & Steel, Inc.
Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A. Cheatham & Goleno Financial Services, P.A.
1974 - 34 Years 1987 - 21 Years
The NCT Group C.P.A.’s, LLP Santa Fe Catholic High School 5 Years Renewals
1975 - 33 Years 1988 - 20 Years
Baskets Instead, Inc. Health Insurance of Florida, Inc.
Florida Baptist Childrens’ Homes, Inc.
Town & Country Termite & Pest Control, Inc. Masseys Painting, Inc.
Poor Richard’s Print Shop
Ken Mullins Insurance
Herndon & Associates, Insurance, LLC

10
 Leadership Lakeland Class
XXVI Selected
The Leadership Lakeland Class XXVI
has been selected. Stacy Campbell-
Domineck, Polk Works, will serve as
chair of this year’s class and Art Erickson,
Florida Lifestyle Communities will serve
as Chair-Elect.

Christopher Asbill, Lanier Upshaw, Inc.

Kandis Baker-Buford,
Polk County Board of County
Commissioners
Sarah Case, JSK Consulting, Inc.
Kay Cochran,
Marriott Vacation Club International
William Crowe, QMI/ITW
Jerome Ferson,
The Ledger Publishing Company
Danita Frier,
Central Florida Speech & Hearing
Center
Dr.Tarek Garas, Watson Clinic LLP
Timothy Harris,
The School Board of Polk County
Ernie Ivey, Polk Community College
Frederick John Koehler, II, Smart Creative
Kelly Lane,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland &
Mulberry
Michael LaPan, The Lakeland Center
Gregory Madden, Madden
Dan McBride, Victory Church
Shawn McDonough, EXIT Realty of Lakeland
Michael Micallef,
Community Southern Bank
Laura Newlin,
Clark, Campbell & Mawhinney, P.A.
Cory Petcoff, Baron Realty, Inc.
James David Robinson,
DSM Technology Consultants
Linda Skillern, Crowe Horwath LLP
Jacquelyn Small, Polk Works
Michael Smith,
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Monti Sommer, AMI Lakeland
Anne Sullivan,
The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP
Tracey Tedder, Florida Southern College
Naomi Tillett, Keith and Schnars, P.A.
Jennifer Vaughn, Bank of Central Florida
11
 August New
Member
Reception
The August New Member Reception was
hosted by Stinson’s Home Design Center,
located at 2315 Commerce Point Dr. Ste. 130.
With nearly 20 new member representatives
in attendance, they were introduced to what
programs and events the Chamber has to
help them build their business. Good food
and lots of networking made the evening a
great success. Everyone enjoyed looking at
October 16  5:30—8 p.m. the new flooring available to homeowners.
Thanks to the Stinson’s and their staff for
their hospitality.
GENERAL ADMISSION IS FREE Riverside Bank is the Presenting Sponsor
for the New Member Reception series.

Meet Local, State and Federal candidates

Discuss Issues  Participate in a Straw Poll
Enjoy live entertainment, food and beverages

Presidential Sponsors
Coca-Cola Enterprises  Colonial Bank  The Ledger
Publix Super Markets, Inc.  WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio

Senatorial Sponsors
Bernie Little Distributors  Lakeland Electric

Straw Poll Sponsor

Folsom Construction, Inc.

Congressional Sponsors
Aiken Office Solutions  CF Industries, Inc. New members listen as opportunities and programs
Clark, Campbell and Mawhinney, PA  The Fearn Partnership, Inc. are presented to them.
Florida Strategic Group, LLC  Lanier Upshaw, Inc.
Party People Celebration Co.  Ross Vecchio, PA  Signs & Specialties, Inc.
Valenti Campbell Trohn Tamayo & Aranda  Verizon

Gubernatorial Sponsors
Badcock Home Furniture & more  Bank of Central Florida  DMA Engineering, Inc.
GLT Total Office  Griffin Pools, Inc.  The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP
Parrish and Parrish CPA's, PA  Rodda Construction, Inc.  Sessums & Sessums, PA
Solar Source  Southside Cleaners - Launderers
Ward’s Heating & Air Conditioning  Watson Clinic LLP

HOSTED BY

Members network with one another.

12
 2009 Board of Directors - Election Results

The Lakeland Area Chamber of HUGH AUTRY

Commerce is pleased to announce Lakeland Regional Medical Center
that the following business leaders TODD BAYLIS
Cipher Integrations, Inc.
were elected by the Chamber’s
SYLVIA BLACKMON-ROBERTS
2,000+ member businesses to serve
Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc.
on the Chamber Board of Directors, GARY CASSARD
effective January 1, 2009. Bright House Networks
The tremendous leadership and DENIS COLE
expertise of these individuals will be Firmenich
of great benefit to the organization SCOTT GARDNER
in carrying out its mission: SunTrust Bank
The Lakeland Area Chamber TERRI GOLENO
of Commerce is the leading Cheatham & Goleno Financial Services, P.A.
TIM JACKSON
organization dedicated to creating a
NuJak Companies
climate where business can prosper. JOE JOSEPH
A special “thank you” to the Royal Granite & Marble LLC
following Committee members: STEVE MOORE
Chair Anu Saxena, Immediate Florida Property & Development
Past Chair Paul Noris, Past Chair BOB MORROW
Maureen Shaw, board members GEICO
Nancy Cattarius, Melinda Harrison, TIM RICE
and Walker Wilkerson. Ward’s Heating & Air Conditioning

13
 Everyone Wants
to Save Money!
The August 14 Business & Breakfast was hosted
by Bridgewater LLC in their beautiful multi-purpose
room at the Lake Club. Members and guests were
eager to hear Jeff Sprague, Lakeland Electric, speak
on “Save Money with Energy Conservation”. Jeff
presented a “heads-up” on new programs planned by
Lakeland Electric to save consumers money. Thanks
to Tracy Brown and the staff of Bridgewater for
hosting the event.
Presenting Sponsor for the 2008 Business &
Breakfast series is Regions Bank. Chamber members network after the presentation.

Brenda Powers from Regions Bank speaks to Chamber

members.

Tracy Brown, Marketing Coordinator for Bridgewater

LLC, welcomes Chamber members.

Jeff Sprague, Lakeland Electric, gives his presentation to

Chamber members.

14
 2008 Chamber
Annual Meeting
Save The Date!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

5:30 pm
The Lakeland Center

Your invitation will be mailed

in December!

August Tourism Inquiries

During the month of August, our Visitor
Information Center assisted hundreds
of individuals, answering questions
pertaining to Chamber member businesses
and the Lakeland community.
Walk-in Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Relocation Response Mailings. . . . . . 12
Relocation Response (Walk-In) . . . . . 22
Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Winter Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Visitor Information Mailings . . . . . . . 41
Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries. . . . . 258
15
 Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce:
863/688-8551
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Kathleen Munson, president
Harbsmeier DeZayas, LLP
Ext. 234 - kmunson@lakelandchamber.com 863.619.7330
Barbara Bennett, executive assistant
Ext. 233 - bbennett@lakelandchamber.com
Specializing in Work-Related Issues For Employers
Sally Chapman, vice president, finance &
operations
Ext. 240 - schapman@lakelandchamber.com
COMMUNICATIONS








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Workers’ Compensation Defense
Aaron Bates, vice president
Ext. 237 - abates@lakelandchamber.com






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Angela McLacklan, administrative assistant






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Ext. 242 - amclacklan@lakelandchamber.com







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1SPWJEJOH
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CONVENTION & VISITORS Bureau
Jackie Johnson, senior vice president
Ext. 223 - jackiej@lakelandchamber.com
Angela McLacklan, administrative assistant Let us come talk to you about your work-related issues and
Ext. 242 - amclacklan@lakelandchamber.com
how we can provide other legal services for your employees.
Patty Smith, visitor information specialist
Ext. 221 - psmith@lakelandchamber.com
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Terry Ottinger, vice president
Ext. 231 - tottinger@lakelandchamber.com
Mary Stevenson, administrative assistant
Ext. 232 - mstevenson@lakelandchamber.com
Nikki Oakley, membership account executive
Ext. 239 - noakley@lakelandchamber.com
Amy Wiggins, membership account executive
Ext. 229 - awiggins@lakelandchamber.com
Matthew Wengerd, membership account
executive
Ext. 236 - mwengerd@lakelandchamber.com
MEMBER RELATIONS
Carolyn Jackson, senior vice president
Ext. 230 - cjackson@lakelandchamber.com
Christine Murphy, administrative assistant
Ext. 228 - cmurphy@lakelandchamber.com
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Ashley Link, vice president
Ext. 241 - alink@lakelandchamber.com
Christine Murphy, administrative assistant
Ext. 228 - cmurphy@lakelandchamber.com
Visit the Lakeland Chamber Web site at:
www.lakelandchamber.com

LAKELAND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL:
863/687-3788
Steve Scruggs, executive director eleven attorneys practicing state-wide
sscruggs@lakelandedc.com
Claudia Tritton, business development
director
ctritton@lakelandedc.com Lakeland | Tampa | Tallahassee
Laura Taylor, assistant director
ltaylor@lakelandedc.com
Visit the LEDC Web site at:
www.lakelandedc.com
HDALaw.com
16
 October Members on the Move
The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits.
Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail membersonthemove@lakelandchamber.com.
Polk Theatre anesthesiologists. Duane C. Baker, MD Waller Construction, Inc.
The historic Polk Theatre announces the will serve all Watson Clinic patients who Brain Waller, of Waller Construction, Inc. in
2008/2009 Board of Trustees. undergo procedures at Lakeland Surgical and Lakeland, Florida has earned the designation
Officers: President, Meri Mass; President Diagnostic Center. Dr. Baker received his of Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) from
Elect, Ira Anderson; Treasurer, Jim Ham III; medical degree from East Tennessee State the National Association of Home Builders
Secretary, Philip D. Wegman, AIA; Immediate University, Quillen-Dishner College of (NAHB) Remodelers Council. Brian Waller
Past President, Dale Dreyer. Medicine, in Johnson City, TN. is one of only 2,000 professional remodelers
nationwide who have attained or are in the
Board of Trustees: Tom Anderson, Nathaly SCORE process of earning the CGR certification.
Arredondo, Calvin Arter, Jr., Cathalain Carter, Central Florida SCORE is looking for
Brian Dockery, Sergui Gherman, Ann Hilliard, volunteers to mentor small businesses. Call Waller Development, Inc.
Ashley Link, Zenapha Milton, Cory Petcoff, 863/619-5783. Waller Development of Lakeland announces
Jennifer Rumph, Donovan Tinsley, Julie the current major redevelopment of the former
Townsend, Cassandra Trohn, Joyce Tubb and Saddle Creek Corporation Stille Real Estate Building located at 1602
Ryan Tucholski. Improving efficiencies and accommodating South Florida Avenue. Waller Development
seasonal fluctuations are two key reasons why has recently redeveloped Waller Plaza (801
December 2008 Celebrates Polk Theater’s Hornell Brewing Company, Inc., national South Florida Ave) and Dixieland CRA 2008
80th Anniversary. marketer of the famous Arizona ® brand iced Award Winning Waller Lofts (1074 South
teas and other beverages, is turning to Saddle Florida Ave).
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Creek Corporation for its logistics needs in
Channa Petrocelli, Business Development the Southeast. ASC geosciences, inc.
Manager for M.E. Wilson Co., Inc. has signed ASC geosciences, inc., through its affiliate in
on as corporate chair of the 2008 Polk Light The Bank of Central Florida New Delhi, India, has been awarded a contract
Night® Walk, for the Central Florida Chapter Paul Noris, President and CEO of the Bank for geotechnical instrumentation services
of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. of Central Florida, announced Gwyndolyn on an integrated gas utilization project in
Light the Night is an annual fundraising Hughes will be the Private Banker for the new Angola on the west-African subcontinent.
event held each fall to raise money for cancer South Lakeland office which will open in early The Angola LNG project, a joint venture of
research and patient services. Participants at 2009. Ms. Hughes was most recently with 5 international energy firms, will ultimately
the walk carry illuminated balloons – white Regions Bank as Assistant Vice President/ tap over 10 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves
for survivors, red for supporters – to honor Assistant Branch manager. from offshore blocks near the city of Soyo in
and commemorate lives touched by blood the Zaire province of Angola.
cancer. In Central Florida, the Polk County Citizens Bank & Trust
Walk will take place on Saturday, October 4th Citizens Bank & Trust is on the move again Allen & Company
at Munn Park in downtown Lakeland. in Lakeland as Polk County’s oldest bank A group of professionals from Allen &
continues its westward expansion. As the Company recently attended a conference
Community Foundation of Greater signature tenant of the 6-story Citizens Bank facilitated by Cannon Financial Institute’s
Lakeland, Inc. & Trust Plaza on Lake Morton, the bank Chief Executive Officer Phil Buchanan, CFP.
The Community Foundation of Greater relocated its Downtown Lakeland office there The conference was part of a comprehensive
Lakeland is pleased to announce that the in September.”The move to an existing high course study to obtain the Certified Wealth
following business and community leaders quality office building enables us to expedite Strategist designation.
have been elected to serve on the Foundations our schedule to offer a full-service banking,
Board of Directors, for the 2008 – 2009 fiscal finance, lending, trust and investments center Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. is pleased
year: Ralph Allen, Lew Belcourt, John Cannon in the downtown area,” said Citizens President to announce that Iradis Vazquez has joined the
III, Brenda Craft, Lynn Fischer Kryger, Sam and CEO Greg Littleton. firm. Iradis comes to Allen & Company from
Hart, A.L. “Judge” Holmes, Martha Linder, Fidelity Investments in Jacksonville, where
Charles McPherson, John Scheck, Sandra Waller Realty, LLC she obtained her Series 7 and 63 securities
Sheets, Ihla Sloman, David Touchton, Jefrey Jimmy Waller, managing Broker, has licenses.
R. Walker, and Terry Worthington. The successfully completed the following, the
tremendous leadership and expertise of these prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Representative Seth McKeel
individuals will be of great benefit to the Member Designation course. The Foundation for Florida’s Future released
organization in carrying out its mission. Florida’s Education Report Card, the inaugural
Talitha Bean, Commercial Property Manager, guide on how well Florida’s legislatures are
Watson Clinic has successfully completed the following keeping the promise of a quality education.
Watson Clinic is pleased to welcome an course, Certified Property Management
additional member to our expert team of Specialist Designation (CPMS). More Members on the Move on Page 18
17
 Ribbon Cuttings
The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of August.
See these photos in full color by visiting our Web site at www.lakelandchamber.com!

Citrus Connection/Lakeland Area Mass Transit Dist. Explorations V Children’s Museum

1212 George Jenkins Boulevard, Lakeland, 33815 109 North Kentucky Avenue, Lakeland, 33801
863/688-7433 Ext. 106 863/687-3869
www.ridecitrus.com www.explorationsv.com

October Members on the Move

Continued from Page 17

Rep. Seth McKeel earned a 106% on his Legislative Report Card

based on his voting record for the 2008 Legislative Session.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland, Inc.

Congratulations to Mitch Weinstein for being honored as Boys &
Girls Clubs of America Board Member of the Year for the State
of Florida.

Lakeland Christian School, Inc.

Julie Rice has been appointed Director of Community Relations
for Lakeland Christian School. She will be primarily responsible
for introducing the school to prospective LCS families.

All Saints’ Academy

My Pet’s Animal Hospital
2225 Drane Field Road, Lakeland, 33801
863/646-3669 • www.floridavet.com
All Saints’ Academy experienced extraordinary growth and
has nearly outgrown the capacity of its infrastructure (pipes,
pumping station, communications, etc.), therefore, the school
is in the midst of completing an important upgrade to ensure its
current services meet the growing needs of the community and
students it serves.

Ribbon Cutting Thank You St. Joseph’s Catholic School

Special thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher and all of the board
members and Chamber Champions who truly make these
ceremonies a special event.
St. Joseph’s Catholic School will celebrate 70 years of Catholic
education on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at The Club at
Eaglebrooke. Tables for 10 are $1,500 each and individual tickets
are $75. For more information, please contact the Development
Office at 863/683-8780.

18
 We keep your message rolling.
Why Bus Advertising?
• Go where your customers are — buses are where people are!
• Reach them where decisions are made. Get them where they
work, shop, eat or play.
• Get the tough-to-reach customer (reaches all age groups).
• Lakeland Area / Polk County Focus
• No clutter. Simple. Direct. More impact!
• Frequency and Reach. Affordable — best cost per thousand,
just pennies a day!
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for your message, so call today!
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 Return Service
US POSTAGE

PERMIT # 31
LAKELAND
PRSRT STD

Requested
FLORIDA
PAID
P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

Hosted by:

Thursday, October 23
5:30 p.m.
1315 N. Florida Avenue

Now you can R.S.V.P. online!

Please visit www.lakelandchamber.com to
register using the Chamber store or call by
5:00 p.m. the day prior to the event to
863/688-8551 Ext 301 or
E-mail mstevenson@lakelandchamber.com
$10 Chamber Member / $30 Non-Member

20