Volunteers head Networking at

Hats Off: After Hours:

inside Annual

Author Andy out into the cold the Girls &

Meeting:
this issue
Andrews speaks to deliver info to Boys Club of
to Chamber new members. Lakeland.
members. Page 10 Page 14
Page 4

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

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

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

monthly
March 2009
DIVERSITY: Vol. XIX, No.3

DON’T HIDE FROM IT,

CELEBRATE IT!
CommUnity Celebration ‘09
Featuring Keynote Speaker:
Barrier Breaking CNN Anchor Betty Nguyen State sporting events

slam dunk for

once again create

Lakeland’s Economy!
Each year high school volleyball,
wrestling and basketball teams
from across the state battle for
their respective state titles at
the Lakeland Center bringing
thousands of fans and supporters
Thursday, March 19, 2009 – 11:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m.
to the area with them. Lakeland
The Lakeland Center – Exhibit Hall was pleased to host once again
the 2009 Florida High School

Visit www.LakelandChamber.com
Purchase Your Tickets Online!
Championships during February
and March.
And click on CommUnity Celebration
The 2009 tournament season
Doors open at 11:15 a.m. was no exception making area

Ticket Price: $25.00 - Individual Tickets

merchants the real winners by

Corporate Table Sponsor Available: $500

creating more than:

1/2 Corporate Table Sponsor: $300 $6MILLION

(all tickets include parking)
IN SPENDING
presenting sponsors: throughout Polk County!

WONN/ WPCV/ WLKF/ WWRZ

supporting sponsor: FOCUS MAGAZINE

ALSO INSIDE: New Members • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move
LEADERSHIP LAKELAND PRESENTS
Chamber holds inaugural
JERE ANNIS AWARD
What do you call someone who is known for being a next to perfect Retail aCCess program
spouse, parent and grandparent, is considered the consummate, Lakeland retailers were at work well before their shops opened on January
responsible professional in their business, has volunteered and 12, meeting at Bramble Ridge Golf Course for the inaugural event of the
served their community in so many ways there is not time to Lakeland Chamber’s Retail aCCess program. After indulging in Chef
mention them all, and is full of so much energy they work on little
Paulie’s superb omelet bar, attendees were treated to an informative and
sleep in order to accomplish all of the above. You call that person
inspiring presentation from Mary Kay National Sales Director, Bett Vernon.
this year’s Jere Annis Award winner.
Bett’s 24 years as an entrepreneur provided her insights into creating
This year’s award winner has a long list of talents, enviable personal customer communities and persevering. She likened our current economic
traits, and career achievements. The only time this so called “Energizer situation to a deep winter storm back home in South Dakota. Even on the
Bunny” can relax is when they are pulled to the beach for long weekends darkest of days, she knew that, early or late, Spring would come. She
with their family. Otherwise, they are getting by on 3 to 4 hours of encouraged us to use exceptional customer service to set us apart from
sleep a night. They have been known, though, to nod off at work. our competition and turn our customers into a sales force. Without undue
This year’s winner could also qualify for animal lover of the year optimism, Bett painted a hopeful picture for those willing to put their
award. They’ve been known to sleep on the floor of their closet on an customers’ needs above their own.
air mattress for two weeks nursing their dying cat. When the circus
came to town they somehow were given responsibility for a tiger cub Matthew Wengerd spoke on using social media to grow and enhance
which they kept in their office at work. This person is considered to customer communities. Intended to show that the internet can be used to
be a gourmet cook but due to all the personal, business and community deepen personal interactions with customers instead of substituting for them,
obligations they have taken on, rarely have time for a home cooked the presentation showed how companies can use blogs, Twitter, Facebook,
meal. Christmas gifts have sometimes been hidden in the unused
and other social networking applications to enhance their customers’
oven. They are a shrewd shopper who could easily take on a second
experience. Chef Paulie and Bett even made guest appearances on Twitter!
career as one of those “professional shoppers”. Stretching a dollar is
not a new phenomenon for this person. Interior designing is another
talent of this person. They have been asked by their business clients Many thanks to the Verizon Wireless store at 4120 S. Florida Ave. for
to moonlight in that capacity at their homes. This year’s winner has providing the Chamber with internet access for the presentation. You can
more than once taken on an interior design project for the Parade of find links to the Chamber’s pages on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn at
Homes. According to her equally lovely daughter, she is such a shoe LakelandChamber.com
fan she could make Imelda Marcos look like a first-time shoe shopper.
The quote was something like “she could wear a different pair every
day 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 business
for over 30 years and with
WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ
RADIO for 26 of those years. She has
risen to the very important position of
station manager. Her achievements,
recognitions and leadership roles she Mary Kay National Sales Director Bett Vernon shares her best practices for keeping
has achieved over her career are way too customers engaged with business.
lengthy to mention. What distinguishes
Nancy, though, and what brought
her this award is her community
involvement. She is serving as the
President of the Florida Southern
College Alumni Association. She is
Past President of our own Leadership Nancy Cattarius
Lakeland Alumni and a proud graduate
of Class II, Past Advisory Board Chairman of the Imperial Symphony
Orchestra, Past President of the American Cancer Society for the
West Polk Unit, Past Chairman of the Partnership for a Drug Free Matthew Wengerd, LCOC Staff, presents the power of new media
Florida for the Polk County chapter, Past Chairman of the Small through social networking sites like Twitter.com and
Business Awards Committee for the Lakeland Chamber and, finally Facebook.com and through blogging sites like
has served or is currently serving on the boards of Florida Southern’s WordPress.com.
Board of Trustees, Peace River Center, the SPCA , The Lakeland
Pigfest, Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, Habitat for Lakeland Area
Humanity Advisory Board, the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s Chamber of Commerce
Community Advisory Board, the Lakeland Chamber and the Forum For Business Monthly
Lakeland Chamber Foundation. This is a condensed list of her
much longer list of efforts. There are many others. Volume Information: March 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 3

And finally, she is the proud mother of Elisa, and she’s also an Anu Saxena Kathleen L. Munson
equally proud grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren. And Chairman of the Board Publisher & President

Aaron Bates Kingston Partners

the guy who is there to cheer her on in all that she does is her
loving husband, Bob Cattarius.
Managing Editor Design
Congratulations to Nancy Cattarius, the very deserving recipient of
this year’s Jere Annis Award.
No. 2
Small Business of the Month Award presented
“O u r R e p ut a t io n is Bu i l di n g ,” is a slogan that describes Milco pre-engineered building
Construction’s successful growth through satisfied customers that
provide repeat business and referrals.
systems. They offer
clients design to build February winner
services that allows Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida
4310 Wallace Road
Lakeland, FL 33813
George Miller established Milco Construction Inc. in 1962. With a them to control and be

863/709-0293 Phone
background in residential building, Mr. Miller made a transition into responsible for a project

863/709-0384 Fax
commercial construction and steel erection. from plans to delivering

milcoconst@aol.com
the keys to the owner.

www.milcoconstruction.com
More than four decades later Jeff Miller and Janey Miller Futch Additionally they re-roof
own and operate Milco Construction. The company specializes in and retrofit existing
metal buildings.

Milco’s mission state-

ment is to thoroughly understand your building goals and objectives, to
transform 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 for

the high percentage of repeat business they enjoy.

Looking to the future, Milco Construction will deliver commercial

construction 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 congratulate

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Don Pickard (Pickard & Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida as the February Small Business of
Pickard Realtors, Inc.) presents the February Small Business of the Month Award to the Month Award winner.
Janey Miller Futch and Jeffrey E. Miller, Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida.
 2008 CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING

The 2008 Chamber Annual Meeting on February 3 was

a huge success! With a theme of “Sailing Above Rough
Seas,” 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 2008
Annual 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

yed hearing
1,000 members and guests enjo
New York
internationally known speaker and
rews as he
Times best-selling author Andy And
Seas: How to
presented “Sailing Above Rough
nturn.” Andy
Prosper During an Economic Dow
red the audi ence’s attention with humor
captu
“perspective
and common sense as he shared that e Scott Linder Small Busines
s of the Year Award was presente
rtan t than anyt hing … the data
is more impo Folsom Construction and Lar d to
omic average, ry and Glenn Folsom, by Mar
defines a recession is merely an econ Linder, widow of Scott Linder,
in whose honor the award is
tha
panies are
and does not mean that all com (l-r) Tim Campbell, Larry Fols
om, Martha Linder, and Glen
named.
headed for ruin.” n Folsom.

Outgoing Chairma
n Tim Campbell (r)
passed the gavel to 20 officially
09
Saxena (ASC geoscie Chairman of the Board Anu
nces, inc.) at the con
the evening’s festivities clusion of
presented to John W. .
e George Jenkins Award was
on of Greater
Fitzwater (Community Foundati
land ) for his trem endous contributions to the
Lake
r and comm unit y. Mr. Jenkins’ daughter, Pictured le, Ihla
Chambe
ins Barn ett, mad e the presentation. (l-r): Sloman (l-r) and Nancy
Carol Jenk irman Tim Cattarius enjoyed visiting
John Fitzw ater and Cha
Carol Barnett, during the reception.
Campbell. Below, the Matthew
Wengerd Trio provided
great jazz music during
the reception and dinner.

were the
m a cappella
ational Anthe
Singing the N Florida Southern College.
of
ree Tenors

No. 4
Why Lakeland
makes good cents.
We ask ourselves “why do we do the
things we do”? Let me share with you
why I joined the Lakeland
Area Chamber of
Commerce. As a business
owner and marketing
director, I know first hand
the importance of
networking, education
and productive advertising.
Jennifer Smith
Through the numerous
networking opportunities the Chamber
offers the sky is the limit to promote
myself and my business. I can take
advantage of educational opportunities
not to mention that the Chamber is
always open to what their members
would like to hear about and always
finding ways to help their members get
the resources they need or desire. As
for advertising, my advertising gets in
the hands of business people in the
community who truly believe in
supporting the local community and the
importance of doing business with other
Chamber members.

Over the years I have joined various

Chamber committees, attended as many
events as I can, am a proud Chamber
Champion, mentoring new members, and
have developed great friendships. My
only challenge being a chamber member
has been not being able to attend all the
various networking opportunities that
are available to me. That’s not a bad
challenge to have!

So ask yourselves “Why should I join

the chamber”? You will go on and on
with this one so let’s get on to the real
question “Why shouldn’t I?” For those of
you who know me, can you believe that I
have NO answer for this one? I usually
have an answer for everything! LOL.

I encourage everyone to join me at various

Chamber events and you’ll quickly learn
for yourself the answer to my question.

Jennifer Smith
Florida Remodeling & Designs, Inc
Jennifer@FLremodeling.com
No. 6
CALENDAR
MARK YOUR

EVENTS
Wednesday, March 4
EMERGE Lakeland Professional
Development Breakfast, 8:00 a.m.
PCC Lakeland Campus,
3425 Winter Lake Road – Room 1207,
Lakeland, FL

Monday, March 9
Retail aCCess, 8:00 – 9:30 am
Bramble Ridge Golf Course
Banquet Room
2505 Bramble Ridge Dr.

Thursday, March 12
Schmooze a'Palooza,11:30 a.m.
Brima, 3131 Flightline Dr, Ste. 200
Reservations Required

Thursday, March 19
CommUnity Celebration,
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.,
The Lakeland Center, Exhibit Hall 701
W. Lime Street

Thursday, March 26
Business After Hours 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Office Furniture Depot
2440 US Highway 98, N.

MEETINGS
Wednesday, March 11
Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.
BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland
9:00 a.m.

Thursday, March 12
Leadership Lakeland XXVI
Area Economy Day

Wednesday, March 18
Executive Committee Meeting
4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25
Board of Directors Meeting
Noon
Lakeland Yacht and Country Club
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
 TIRED OF OPENING
ALL THAT MAIL?
The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
EMERGE kicks off year with luncheon
would like to help you out with that by sending EMERGE Lakeland kicked-off 2009 with a Yacht & County Club on April 21st. Check
your future invoices via E-mail. Not only will
luncheon hosted by Community Southern Bank out EMERGE’s website for more details.
it save you time but you would be helping us
“Save the Trees.” on January 22. The speaker was Margaret Anne
Wheeler, Senior If you are interested in getting more involved
If your company is interested in receiving the Coordinator of in EMERGE, consider
E-mail version of invoices, please complete
Community Involvement serving on a committee.
the information below and return to:
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
with Polk County Schools. The marketing,
PO Box 3607 Ms. Wheeler gave an technology, volunteer,
Attn: Invoices inspiring presentation on events and membership
Lakeland, FL 33802-3607 volunteer opportunities committees are all
in Polk County Schools looking for assistance.
YES! I WANT TO RECEIVE
and how we can get
INVOICES BY E-MAIL
Company Name:
Chamber
involved. “Everyone can make a difference in
someone’s life”, Wheeler stated. Students are in
Visit www.emergelakeland.com to learn
more about upcoming events, volunteer
need of mentors. Mentors are positive, patient, opportunities and development and social

Billing Contact Name:

Schmooze
committed and consistent. Become more involved
by visiting www.polk-fl.net. Volunteering is one
mission of EMERGE Lakeland.
Address: EMERGE Lakeland promotes social interaction
among young professionals, opportunities for
philanthropic engagement and career
City: enrichment. EMERGE thanks Ms. Wheeler and
State: Zip: Community Southern Bank for a great event.
outings. You can also click on the EMERGE
logo on www.lakelandchamber.com.
In 2009, EMERGE Lakeland will be launching
another initiative “EMERGE Green.” We will
be working to become more environmentally
friendly and reduce our carbon footprint on
the planet. It is our desire for this to become
a community-wide effort in the future.

E-mail: EMERGE Lakeland’s annual event hosting

Phone: community leaders will be held at the Lakeland
Fax:

No. 8
HATS OFF NEW MEMBERS
TO NEW MEMBERS e Chamber is proud to welcome 13
“Hats Off” to New Members was held January 22
at the Howard Johnson Executive Center. About new members for January 2009
70 volunteers braved the cold weather to help the
Chamber distribute the new membership materials
1A Home Improvement LLC
for 2009. Special thanks to Community Southern
Bank for delivering all of Bartow, and to Fifth
Third Bank for delivering all of the left-over delivery Winter Haven, FL 33880-1024
cards the day after the event. Five Secret Hat (863) 206-1884
companies provided an additional incentive for www.1Ahomeimprovement.com
Henry Linden
those volunteers delivering their information.
Home Improvements
Dillon Daniels reported excellent results and
Ameriprise Financial
many new contacts for his company, Solar Source,
while the folks at Lexwan, continued to ask for
5426 Bay Center Dr Ste 200
delivery cards because of the great results they Tampa, FL 33609-3435
had! Remember this event for next year, it is (863) 398-7797
great exposure for you and your company, and (888) 244-8619
really helps the Chamber. A big thanks to all who Fax: (813) 876-9185
helped and big thank you to all our great www.ameriprise.com
Chamber members for a very successful event. James W. Mewborn
Financial Services
Special thanks to the Secret Hat companies: CrossFit Lakeland
Image Creations by Billie 3111 US Highway 98 S Ste 110
Fred’s Southern Kitchen Lakeland, FL 33803-8318
TAB Office Systems (863) 937-8052
Community Southern Bank www.crossfitlakeland.com
Florida Career Institute Michael & Kim Knaisch
Jason Tarantino
Health & Wellness
IKON Office Solutions
5100 W. Lemon St., Ste 250
Tampa, FL 33609-1128
(813) 261-2000 Ext 4472
Fax: (813) 261-2500
www.ikon.com
Kevin Kennedy
Office Machines - Sales & Service
Keel & Curley Winery
Billie Porche, Image Creations by Billie, presents Debra Cobb,
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, a Secret Hat containing a
$50.00 Gi Certificate. 5202 Thonotosassa Rd
Plant City, FL 33565-5700
(813) 752-9100
Fax: (813) 752-9199
www.keelandcurleywinery.com
Amanda Dixon
Wine - Retailer
Weddings
Liberty Mutual
3666 Harden Blvd
Anu Saxena, ASC geosciences, inc. welcomes the volunteers.
Lakeland, FL 33803-5968
(893) 644-7798
(877) 665-7183
Fax: (863) 644-7918
www.libertymutual.com
Insurance
Jeremy Keller
Madison at Lake Gibson
5233 US Highway 98 N
Lakeland, FL 33809-0548
(863) 859-5553
Fax: (863) 859-7852
Sherry Canto of TAB Office Systems admires the Secret Hat Vicky Jones
she presented to Jennifer Stewart of Railroad & Industrial Apartments
Credit Union.
No. 10
The Maguires of Lakeland
Lakeland, FL 33801-5520
(863) 838-7891
www.maguire-consulting.com
Michael & Phyllis Maguire
Business Consultants
Photography
Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning
of Polk County
Lakeland, FL 33809-7608
(863) 286-2568
Fax: (863) 815-1270
www.oxifresh.com
David Englund
Cleaners - Carpet/Upholstery/Drapery
PinnaCall Technologies, LLC
Lakeland, FL 33813-1331
(863) 825-0209
Fax: (813) 354-2454
www.pinnacalltech.com
Fred McConnell
Telecommunications
Play The Game Golf
2425 Harden Blvd #228
Lakeland, FL 33803-5955
(863) 687-6068
(863) 398-1995
Chuck Castor
Golf Courses
Universal Restoration
Services of Florida
3810 Drane Field Rd Ste 26
Lakeland, FL 33811-1234
(863) 430-7290
(800) 357-8676
Fax: (866) 872-1310
www.4universal.com
Chris Ananias
Contractors
Warner University
5015 S Florida Ave Ste 210
Lakeland, FL 33813-2562
(863) 607-9452
(800) 497-2972
Fax: (863) 638-4967
www.warner.edu
Timothy Dodd
Education
Through their membership in the Chamber,
businesses invest in themselves and their
community. We urge to to “Buy Lakeland.
It makes good cents!” by doing business
with these new Chamber members. For the
most up-to-date list of members, visit our
LakelandChamber.com!
on-line Preferred Business Directory at
No. 12
 RENEWALS
The Chamber would like to recognize and thank the following businesses for their long-standing support and loyalty.

20+ Year Renewals 1967 - 42 Years

1940 - 69 Years McKay Enterprises
The Ledger Superior Paving, Inc. 1987 - 22 Years
1944 - 65 Years Bright House Networks Winslow Engineering Group, Inc.
Nathan's Men's Store 1969 - 40 Years 1988 - 21 Years
1947 - 62 Years Jefferson-Allsopp, Inc. Troiano & Roberts, P.A.
Lanier Upshaw, Inc. 1972 - 37 Years Eye Express
1950 - 59 Years Colonial Bank Jimbo's Pit Bar-B-Q
1973 - 36 Years LeMans Apartment Suites
1989 - 20 Years
Harrell's, Inc.
Straughn Trout Architects, LLC
1975 - 34 Years
Phillips Photographers
1951 - 58 Years Newberry's Refrigeration
Sonitrol Cheatwood Chiropractic Offices, P.A.
1979 - 30 Years
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
1952 - 57 Years APG Electric, Inc.
Heacock Insurance Group
1980 - 29 Years
Joyner Lumber and Supply Co
1953 - 56 Years 15 Year Renewals
Smith Barney Esquire Salon & Day Spa
1981 - 28 Years
Lakeland Memorial Gardens
Country Hearth Bakery Lakeland
Overhead Door Co. of Polk County 10 Year Renewals
1982 - 27 Years
Gillum-Waddell Plumbing Co., Inc.
1956 - 53 Years Hawthorne Inn
Tidwell's Urethane Foam Service Sterling Place
1983 - 26 Years
Bernie Little Distributors
1960 - 49 Years Hampton Inn
Harley-Davidson/Buell of Lakeland, Inc.
1984 - 25 Years
Heath Funeral Home
1962 - 47 Years 5 Year Renewals
Cannon Sline Industrial, Inc. Keith Hilliard, D.M.D., P.A. The End Zone Family Sports Restaurant
1963 - 46 Years Hooters South Lakeland Flanders Electric Motor Service, Inc.
Regal Automotive Group Avon Leasing, Inc. Kerry Ingredients & Flavours
Register Construction & Engineering, Inc. Ryder Logistics & Transportation
1985 - 24 Years
Holland & Knight LLP
Lakeside Village a Casto Lifestyle Property
Brett Blackmon, Inc.
Business After Hours held at Boys & Girls Club of Lakeland
The January Business After Hours was held at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland
located 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 to
enthusiastic Chamber members ready to learn about the club and also to help each
other to promote their businesses. ZOHRA’S Restaurant provided great food which
included their famous jumbo lump crab cakes, Romesco shrimp, and other delicious
fare. Door prizes and plaque presentations rounded off the evening. Thanks to the
staff at the Boys and Girls Club and a special thanks to Greg White
of Alpha Appraisals for helping the club celebrate their anniversary.
Members enjoy food provided by ZOHRA’S Restaurant.

Bill Luffman accepts the Plaque of Appreciation for

the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lakeland.

Greg White accepts the Plaque of Appreciation for

Alpha Appraisal Services, Inc.

Door Prizes always draw a crowd.

No. 14
First-year members celebrate benefits of Chamber membership
The Chamber’s annual "Cheers for First Year
Members" event was held at Arbor Glen
Apartments on January 27. On hand were first
year members, board members, Chamber staff
and Chamber Champions to enjoy great food
from Presenting Sponsor, Texas Cattle Company.
The pool and the outdoor patio glowed with
the creative decorations of Party People
Celebration Co. owner Joette Giardina. Attendees
completed a Human Scavenger Hunt that
provided an easy way to network and Arbor
Glen tested everyone’s learning and retention
skills as they visited the model apartments.
Guests were quizzed and property manager
Kathern Cox scored the responses and presented
gift certificates from Publix and Best Buy to
the winners. Even new members got in the
giving mood with additional prizes given by
Create an Image Salon owner Denise Lane,
and Dillon Daniels gave away tickets to promote
the Kiwanis Clubs Pancake Breakfast.
The evening came to a close as the “Chamber
Champion of the Year” was awarded to Ken
Emmitt, Employ America, Inc. Ken was chosen
because he actively engaged new members by
making them comfortable at Chamber events
and also was able to help them with everyday
challenges in new businesses. Champions
Presenting Sponsor The NCT Group CPA’s,
LLP is proud to support Ken and all of the
Champions as they are charged with helping
our new members assimilate into the Chamber.
However, beyond their assigned duties, the
Chamber Champions are an outstanding group
of dedicated members that understand the
value of the Chamber and work to form the
business relationships vital to the growth of
any business.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors for
making the evening a success: Texas Cattle
Company, Party People Celebration Co., Center
Door Productions, JSK Consulting, Inc., The
Law Office of Andrew M. Reed, Sale Insurance
Agency, Inc., and Signs & Specialties, Inc.
Members enjoy great food om Presenting Sponsor Texas
Cattle Company.
Look at the happy faces the Human Scavenger Hunt
madenetworking “fun.”
Ken Emmitt of Employ America, Inc is congratulated by
Walker Wilkerson, of Chamber Champions presenting
sponsor e NCT Group CPA's, LLP, on being named
2008 Chamber Champion of the Year.
 MARCH MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Fantasy of Flight thorough study of the issues surrounding Topics for Homeowners’ Associations” at the
Florida’s Aviation Hall of Fame inducted three effective wealth advising to comprehensively Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. The
new members, including Kermit Weeks, creator address clients’ wealth management needs. seminar covered topics and issues frequently
and founder of Fantasy of Flight. Weeks has encountered by homeowners’ associations,
had a lifetime affiliation with aviation as an Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney such as the collection of assessments and the
aerobatics and stunt pilot, a restorer of antique & Lancaster, P.A. enforcement of restrictive covenants.
aircraft and as owner of Fantasy of Flight, an Craig B. Hill. Matthew R. Clark and Brian
aviation theme park near Polk City. P. Buchert of the law firm of Clark,
Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.,
Southeastern University recently hosted a seminar entitled “Hot
Southeastern University’s current president,
Mark Rutland, was elected as the new president
of Oral Roberts University during their Board
of Trustees meeting held in January, 2009.
SEU’s Board of Regents will appoint a search
committee to begin identifying presidential
candidates. Rutland will remain SEU’s president
until spring commencement on May 2.

Southeastern University has received a $10

million pledge from Hobby Lobby, Inc.
scheduled to be paid over the next five years
in $2 million increments. “As a result of recent
visits to the campus of Southeastern University,
we are impressed with the vibrant programs of
Christian higher education and the beautiful
facilities and campus,” Mark Green said in a
recent letter to the SEU Board of Trustees.

Lakeland Habitat for Humanity

The Lakeland Habitat for Humanity is proud to
welcome the addition of Dr. Horst G. Max as
Development Director.

Heacock Insurance Group

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

Heacock Insurance recently welcomed Tina

Cunningham to their team of Customer
Service Representatives. Cunningham brings 6
years of personal lines experience and expertise
to the agency.

Sally Shell was named the 2008 Employee

of the Year at Heacock Insurance for her
outstanding performance and demonstration of
exemplary attitude.

Shawn McCabe recently delivered an address

to Raymond James’ 2009 class of new financial
advisors in St. Petersburg. McCabe, a Financial
Advisor with Heacock Insurance’s branch of
Raymond James, presented information on
marketing, prospecting and client retention in
tumultuous financial times.

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.’s Ginny
Houghton has earned The Certified Wealth
Strategist designation administered by
the Cannon Financial Institute. The CWS
recognizes those individuals completing a

No. 16
 The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your
announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@LakelandChamber.com
ASC geosciences, inc.
ASC geosciences, inc. is pleased to announce
the following staff promotions.
Christopher C. Basile, P.E. has been promoted
to Chief Engineer, Geotechnical Division. He
will handle geotechnical projects for ASC
throughout the southeastern USA. Mr.
Basile has served as Area Manager for the
past four years.
Prashanth Vaddu, E.I. has been promoted to
Central Florida Area Manager. For the past five
years, Mr. Vaddu has served as Senior Staff
Engineer and has been instrumental in
providing quality services to ASC’s clients
in the Tampa Bay area.
ENVISORS – Engineers –
Planners – Surveyors
ENVISORS welcomes three new professionals
to their Transportation and Construction
Service teams. Mike Enot, P.E. is the new
Director of Transportation; SarahLydia Keihl
is the new Administrative Assistant for
transportation and Bruce Powell as CEI
Testing and Construction Observer.
ENVISORS welcomes two new professional to
their Survey Department. Henry A Kilburn,
P.S.M., as Director of Surveying, and Sara
Decker is the Administrative Assistant in the
Survey Department.
ENVISORS welcomes three new professionals
to their Design and Administrative Services
team. Kristi Ogaz as the new Office
Administrator, Rico R. Simmons II has joined
as a CAD designer, and Barbara George joins
as Senior Administrative Assistant.
Lanier Upshaw, Inc.
Lanier Upshaw proudly announces the addition
of Benjamin Krieg as Commercial Lines Risk
Consultant and Irma Whidden as Employee
Benefits Account Executive.
Law Office of Andrew M. Reed
Law Office of Andrew M. Reed is pleased to
announce the addition of Kathleen L. Mank,
Esquire as an associate attorney. Her current
practice areas include commercial/business
litigation and corporate law.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
The brand new Fairfield Inn & Suites located
off of County Line Road just south of I-4 is
pleased to announce they are now open. The
hotel is an environmentally friendly “Green”
facility. The hotel boasts 87 rooms with 25 of
them being suites featuring separate living and
sleeping areas, flat screen HDTV, microwave,
and mini-fridge. Also featured are their
complimentary “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 Advisors
Chas P. Smith, CPA/PFS, president of CPS
Investment Advisors was a guest speaker at the
FICPA Estates & Financial Planning
conference in Ft. Lauderdale. His topic was
“Top 10 Tax Tips for Investors.”
SCORE
SCORE will conduct a free workshop on
“How to Make Your Business Thrive Not Just
Survive” on March 24 at 6:00 P.M. Please call
863/619-5783 for reservations.
• Continued on Page 19
 RIBBON CUTTINGS
The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of December.
See the photos on our Web site at LaklandChamber.com.

Americom-American Communications
5698 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/528-1914
Brightway Insurance
230 N. Tennessee Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/683-1100
www.americomfl.net/lakeland.htm www.brightwayinsurance.com/locations/cf-lal

Ramada Inn
4620 Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, 33809 • 863/577-0977
Fairfield Inn & Suites
4307 Sterling Commerce Dr, Plant City, 33566 • 813/716-1852
www.ramada.com
www.marriott.com/tpapc

Leap Ahead Professional Development, LLC Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & Mulberry
5133 S. Lakeland Dr, Ste 3, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/607-3090 950 Pinewood Ave, Lakeland, 33815 • 863/712-2710
www.LeapAheadToday.com www.bgclakeland.com

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU

Special thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher, City
Commissioner Glenn Higgins and all of the board
members and Chamber Champions who truly make
these ceremonies a special event.

Future Builders of America Chapter at Traviss

Career Center, Polk County Builders Association
3225 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/665-0844
www.pcba.com

No. 18
Jamie’s American Dream - BBQ at Pig Fest!
Jamie Oliver – the famous UK chef visited
Lakeland the last weekend in January to film
a true American tradition—BBQ—at our
own Lakeland Pig Fest held at Tigertown! It
was the final stop on Fresh One Productions
tour—for a program titled “Jamie’s American
Dream.” He visited a selection of States
throughout the US and got familiar with the
food local to the area. For the Pig Fest, the
crew flew into Atlanta and then drove in an
RV to Lakeland! The program will be broadcast
on Channel 4, one of the largest terrestrial
TV Channels, later this fall. A book will also
be released following the shoot.
On the Move
• Continued from Page 17
Florida Blood Services
The new Lakeland Community Donor Center
of Florida Blood Services opened in January
2009. The new center will provide the
convenience to volunteer blood, platelet and
plasma donors in Polk County. In addition,
patients who wish to give blood for their own
surgery or have people donate directly on their
behalf will be able to do so at this location. The
Blood Center is located in the Heritage
Business Center at 2315 Commerce Point
Drive (formerly A-Z Park Rd.), just east of
Bartow Rd./US 98, west of Combee Rd. and
north of Edgewood Dr.
The Estates at Carpenters
The Estates at Carpenters is proud to announce
that Alex Crawford and Stan Smith have
joined our team as Sales Counselors in the
Marketing Department. Alex and Stan bring
their extensive sales experience and superior
customer service skills to the Estates.
Megan Odum, Certified Fitness Trainer, has
joined the Estates at Carpenters in the newly
created position of Wellness Coordinator. In
this role, Megan will offer a variety of programs
to the residents and employees of the Estates
and coordinate the overall Wellness Initiative
of the community.
AllianceCare Home Health
AllianceCare Home Health is proud to
announce that Cheryl Cantrall has been
promoted to the newly created position of
Business Office Manager in their Dundee office.
The group stayed in one of our local hotels,
hired a local helicopter company, local
production talent—and even ate in our
Lakeland restaurants—as well as some
terrific BBQ at Pig Fest! Special thanks to
the Central Florida Visitor and Convention
Bureau, Visit Florida and the Junior League
of Greater Lakeland for partnering with
and assisting the Lakeland Area Chamber
of Commerce Convention and Visitors’
Bureau in hosting this exciting program
in Lakeland!
Country Inn & Suites of Lakeland
After months of planning and construction the
beautiful new Country Inn & Suites located at
4500 Lakeland Park Drive at exit 33 off of I-4
is now open. This new upscale property offers a
truly unique design to Lakeland. Featuring
traditional architecture and a sophisticated
residential interior design with the brand’s
iconic plank lobby flooring, lobby fireplace,
front porch, a beautiful indoor/outdoor
pool, fitness center and business center.
The new Country Inn Suites brings an
exciting new fresh hotel experience for
visitors coming to Lakeland.
JANUARY TOURISM INQUIRIES
During the month of January, our
Visitor Information Center assisted
hundreds of individuals, answering
questions pertaining to Chamber
member businesses and the Lakeland
community.
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
 Return Service
Requested
PERMIT # 31
US POSTAGE
PRSRT STD

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

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

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Member

Please 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