Magnify Credit

Small Business After Hours:

inside Off and

See who Union hosts

of the Month:
The 27th class
Running:
this issue
of Leadership received the August Business
Lakeland begins plaque for this After Hours.
year with a monthly award. Page 14-15
retreat. Page 4
Page 2

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

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

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

monthly
The Education and Government Affairs Committees host the
October 2009
Chamber’s First Legislative Roundtable Vol. XIX, No.10

The Education and Government Affairs
Committees recently hosted members of the
Polk County Legislation Delegation on the
campus of USF Polytechnic and Polk State
College for the Chamber’s first Legislative
Roundtable. The purpose of these meetings
will be to strengthen the lines of communication
between the Lakeland Area Chamber of
Commerce and the Polk Delegation. For the
first meeting the Delegation was asked how
we, the Chamber, can do a better job informing
our elected officials of our legislative priorities.
We received the following suggestions:
• Meet in early fall with delegation offices to
begin discussing the Chamber’s legislative
priorities.
• Keep communication open throughout the
year; most legislative priorities are not
accomplished in one session.
• Watch the wording of the legislative priority
— say what we really want.
• Partner with other chambers in the county
on issues of common interest to better
promote the priority.
• Increase the number of meetings with
delegation offices and include Chamber
members.
The committees have begun implementing
the suggestions and look forward to working
closer with our elected officials. Special
thanks to Senator JD Alexander, Senator
Paula Dockery, Representative Seth McKeel,
Representative Kelli Stargel and Representative
John Wood and their staffs for participating
in the meeting.
Work has begun on our 2010 Legislative
Priority Statements. If you have an issue you
would like to bring to the attention of the
Government Affairs or Education Committees
please contact Katie Daughtrey at:
(863) 688-8551, x241, or email her at:
kdaughtrey@lakelandchamber.com. Back by popular demand —

Chamber Members … START YOUR ENGINES

The 2009 ANNUAL
CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE
will take place
Plan to fill up your tank with a delicious BBQ lunch at this year's CarBQ Chamber Thursday, November 5th at
fundraiser, November 20, 2009 at Tigertown. The CLUB AT EAGLEBROOKE.
Who will win the Champions
We are now taking lunch orders! To order your CarBQ lunches, please fill out
the flyer inserted in this month's FORUM and fax it to 863/683-7454 or mail it to Cups this year? See the insert
PO Box 3607, Lakeland, FL 33802-3607. Remember, if you order more than 25 inside for more information or
lunches, we deliver! call the Chamber at
688-8552, ext. 242 or 223.
Need more information? Want to help? Call Katie Daughtrey at 688-8551, x241 or
email her at kdaughtrey@lakelandchamber.com

ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move
Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII – Off and Running
The 27th class of Leadership Lakeland
has been selected. Under the leadership
of Art Erickson, Florida Lifestyle
Communities, as Chairman, and Nancy
Cattarius, WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ
Radio as Chair-Elect, the class has
completed their orientation and have
been introduced formally to the
Lakeland Chamber Board of Directors
and the Leadership Lakeland Alumni
Association at a congratulatory reception.
The class has completed their Opening
Retreat, which consisted of an
overnight stay at River Ranch.

Art Erickson, President, Florida Lifestyle

Communities, serving as Program Chairman
of Leadership Lakeland XXVII, welcomed
the 200 guests who came to the reception
to learn who was in this year’s
class.

Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce
Forum For Business Monthly

Volume Information: October 2009

Vol. XIX, No. 10

Anu Saxena Kathleen L. Munson

Chairman of the Board Publisher & President

Aaron Bates Kingston Partners

Managing Editor Design

No. 2
31 leaders in the community were announced as Class XXVII of Leadership Lakeland.

The Leadership Lakeland Class members and the entities they represent are:
Rick Abbatiello, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Ramona Blankinship, Ramona L. Blankinship Law Firm
Terry Brigman, City of Lakeland
R. Earl Brown, Freely Forgiven Community Church
Zach Burek, Detroit Tigers, Inc.
Sal Campisi, Jr., Regal Honda, Acura, GMC, Jeep
Thomas Conger, Lanier Upshaw, Inc.
Xuchitl Coso, Florida Southern College
Michael Folsom, Folsom Construction Incorporated
Mark Gray, MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union
Cindy Green, Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.
Robbin Joachim, Watson Clinic LLP
Becky Joyce, Action Professional Recruiters, Inc.
Brian Jurbala, Highland Center for Orthopaedics
Shannon Lanier, Lakeland Vision, Inc.
Stephen Madden, Madden
Donna McWilliams, My Pet's Animal Hospital
David Miller, The Latt Maxcy Corporation
Lisa Oliver, Leadership Lakeland Alumni/Lakeland Bar Association/NAWBO
Trista Otto, Saddle Creek Corporation
Jennifer Rumph, Peterson & Myers, P.A.
Randy Stinson, Stinson Carpets, Inc.
Suzette Sullivan, Ross Vecchio, PA
Laura Taylor, Lakeland Economic Development Council
Ashley Troutman, Fields & Company, Inc. dba Allstate Insurance Company
Steve Turbeville, Lighthouse Ministries, Inc.
Margie Voyles, Lakeland Regional Medical Center
Michael Walker, Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.
Britt Williams, Polk County Sheriff's Office
Dawn Willis, The Ledger
Jason Witty, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida

Election Results
2009 Board of Directors
The Lakeland Area Chamber of
Commerce is pleased to announce that
the following business leaders were
elected by the Chamber’s 1,900+
member businesses to serve on the
Chamber Board of Directors, effective
January 1, 2010.
Don Bosko (Beef O’Brady’s Family
Sports Pub)
Stacy Campbell-Domineck (Polk Works
– Workforce Development Board)
Patrick Fagan (Fifth Third Bank)
Mitchell Harvey (Mitchell’s Coffee
House)
Alice Hunt (Hunt Construction of
Central Florida)
Mike LaPan (The Lakeland Center)
Katrina Lunsford (Wachovia Bank)
Joe L. Ruthven (The Ruthvens)
Andrea Teves Smith (Peterson &
Myers, P.A.)
Weymon Snuggs (Citizens Bank & Trust)
David Steele (University of South
Florida Polytechnic)
Walker Wilkerson (The NCT Group,
CPAs, LLP)
The tremendous leadership and expertise
of these individuals will be of great
benefit to the organization in carrying
out its mission: The Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce is the leading
organization dedicated to creating a
climate where business can prosper.
A special “thank you” to the following
members who served on the Nominating
Committee: Chairman Joe L. Ruthven,
Immediate Past Chair Tim Campbell,
Past Chair Paul Noris, board members
Keith Albritton, Sylvia Blackmon-
Roberts, and Walker Wilkerson.
2009 Chamber
Annual Meeting
Find out for yourself ….
SAVE THE
DATE!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
5:30 pm • The Lakeland Center
Your invitation will be mailed in December!
Small Business of the Month Award presented
If you live in Polk County, chances are
you’ve seen one of Pro-Ad Media’s
publications, which can be found in
September winner
Pro-Ad Media
almost 1,000 locations across Polk
PO Box 25017
County. The locally owned company’s
Lakeland, FL 33802-5017
core business philosophy of providing
863/802-5043 Phone
high quality products, distributing them
863/802-1112 Fax
well and being a company that gives
www.proadmedia.com
back to the community has been the
info@proadmedia.com
cornerstone of this local publishing firm.
Starting the company in 1994, Wes Craven
and Jim Holloway shared a common bond
of being childhood friends and a common In their continuing effort to constantly
interest in an entrepreneurial spirit. And improve their publications, Pro-Ad
while their prior career experience lay in Media’s goal is to now create an online
other areas the two tackled the challenge presence to match the success they’ve
of starting a company head on “with achieved in print. Set to launch in
absolutely nothing but a single idea,” says October, Woman to Woman Magazine
Jim. “What we lacked in experience we will be introducing a new website with a
made up for with a positive, albeit naive social community built just for the
attitude. We simply believed we could magazine readers. “It’s definitely going to
do it.” take our magazine - and our company - to
a whole new level”, says Liz.
Over the years the company has grown
and adapted its products with changing The Lakeland Area Chamber of Com-
markets and trends. Today, Pro-Ad merce would like to congratulate Pro-Ad
Media’s publications include two resource Media as the Small Business of the Month
guides – the Apartment Yellow Book and for September.
Elder Care Guide – and a quarterly
woman’s publication, Woman to Woman
Magazine in Polk, as well as WQ
magazine (Women’s Quarterly) and
WQMagazine.com in Sarasota.
According to Wes, “The key to our
longevity has been taking nothing for
granted, working hard and constantly
asking ourselves how we can better meet
the needs of the local community.”
Pro-Ad Media is run a lot like a family
business. In fact, the Pro-Ad Media team
includes Wes’s wife, Liz, who has been the
go-to person for the company’s flagship
publication, Woman to Woman
Magazine. “Our magazine has a little bit
of something for every woman,” says Liz.
“I think that’s why it has remained the #1 Small Business of the Month Award Committee
read women’s magazine in the area since Member, Gary Cleveland (Cleveland &
we started it in 2001.” Liz is also a familiar Company, Inc.) (top right) presents the Small
Business of the Month Award to Liz Craven
face in the community where she stays
(top le), (l-r) Wes Craven and Jim Holloway.
involved on many levels. “We are proud
to be part of such a dynamic community
that has such a synergistic spirit of giving
and support.”
No. 4
New Member Reception
Allure Salon & Day Spa hosts

New members, board members and

Chamber Champions were welcomed
to Allure Salon & Day Spa for the
August New Member Reception.
Owner Lisa Garcia took time to
share how the Chamber has impacted
her businesses over the years, and
encouraged everyone to get active
and stay active. In addition to the
fabulous spread of healthy breakfast
fruits & pastries, Lisa and her staff
had prepared beautiful gift bags for
everyone in attendance that included
a scratch off coupon for retail
merchandise! As the new members
offered their 30-second commercials,
the staff prepared for a drawing and
awarded two fabulous pampering
door prizes! Thanks again to Lisa
Garcia and the entire staff at
Allure for helping to start our
morning out the right way!

Gretchen Johnson, Northwestern Mutual

Financial Network shares her 30 second
commercial with the group

Lisa Garcia, owner of Allure Salon & Day

Spa welcomes new members
True MD hosts August Business & Breakfast
The Yoga studio at Gold’s Gym made a Dr. Dane
beautiful setting to introduce the doctors Parker shares
and staff from True MD. With breakfast thoughts on
catered by Mimi’s Café, Chamber controlling
members and guests networked and stress.
enjoyed a full meal. Dr. Dane Parker,
a partner with True MD, presented
attendees with some great insights into
the stresses of running multiple businesses.
He gave a great reminder to treat
employees with respect and praise and
to keep stress in check by focusing on
helping the people around you. Dr.
Adam Parker, Dr. Dane Parker’s son and
partner, quickly offered an explanation
of the popular Botox treatment. Several
volunteers sprang from their seats for
the demonstration, but Dr. Adam had
already chosen one of the True MD
staffers for the job. Several lucky
Chamber members did walk away with
gift certificates for age-fighting and
rejuvenating treatments! As guests left,
they were offered a tour of the state-of-
the-art facility and a gift bag. Thanks
to True MD for a beautiful and
informative event!

Dr. Adam Parker demonstrates Botox treatments

on True MD Staff member Kristy Wilkes.

Chamber members network before breakfast

begins.

No. 6
No. 8
RENEWALS
The Chamber would like to recognize
and thank the following businesses for
their long-standing support and loyalty.

20+ Years Renewals

1946 - 63 Years
Gentry Morrison Funeral Home Southside
1968 - 41 Years
Higgenbotham Auctioneers International
LTD., Inc.
1969 - 40 Years
C. L. "Jimmy" Lawhon. Real Estate
McDonald Construction Corporation
1971 - 38 Years
Meisner Paint & Body, Inc.
1972 - 37 Years
Williams & Williams, Inc.
1973 - 36 Years
Hamic, Jones, Hamic & Sturwold, P.A., CPA
1974 - 35 Years
John Goddard Produce
1975 - 34 Years
Herndon & Assoc., Insurance, LLC
Griffin Pools, Inc.
Beasley Speed & Company, P.A.
Poor Richard's Print Shop
1977 - 32 Years
Saddle Creek Corporation
National Memorials
Sam's Sport Shop
1978 - 31 Years
ZENO Office Solutions
1980 - 29 Years
Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney and Lancaster, P.A.
1984 - 25 Years
Interstate Lanes
1985 - 24 Years
Knight Industrial Equipment, Inc.
Drummond Company, Inc.
1986 - 23 Years
Cheatham & Goleno Financial Services, P.A.
1988 - 21 Years
Lockheed Martin Shared Services
Southside Cleaners - Launderers
1989 - 20 Years
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
Jack Hall Jr.'s Construction and Aluminum
Central Florida Human Services, Inc.

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

10-Year Renewals
Space Walk of Lakeland
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Konica Minolta Business Systems
Michael's Carpet & Vinyl
Central Florida Eye Associates/Jay Mulaney, MD

5-Year Renewals
Executive Suites
Bok Tower Gardens
NEW MEMBERS
e Chamber is proud to welcome 18 new members for August 2009
Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge you 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 on-line Preferred Business Directory
at LakelandChamber.com!

AT & T
Games2U of Central Florida
3405 N ML King Blvd Ste 3084

Jannabelle's Bridal
Tampa, FL 33607

www.att.com
(813) 402-5039 Lakeland, FL 33811-3141
(863) 602-0744 4204 S Florida Ave Ste A

www.floridagames2u.com
Selena Quick Fax: (863) 648-2620 Lakeland, FL 33813-1669
Telecommunications (863) 644-4888

AT & T Wireless
Leonard & Betty Filipkowski Fax: (863) 644-4897
Event Coordinator Vickie Johanson

General Nutrition Center

4310 US Highway 98 N Bridal Wear

Pappy's Grill, a Florida BBQ

Lakeland, FL 33809-3821

Company
(863) 853-2050 1322 Town Center Dr Ste 106
www.att.com Lakeland, FL 33803-7953
Kristina Hill (863) 686-6762 3043 Drane Field Rd #1, Lakeland 33811
Cellular Phones Mona & Ash Bailey 3604 Century Blvd., Ste E

AT & T Wireless
Health Food Store Lakeland, FL 33811-1376

General Nutrition Center

(863) 581-7107
1384 Town Center Drive Rod Hamlet
Lakeland, FL 33803-7953 3800 US Highway 98 N Ste 646 Restaurants

Progressive Communications, Inc.

(863) 682-0684 Lakeland, FL 33809-3868
Fax: (863) 816-1369 (863) 859-5322
www.att.com Health Food Store 44 Lake Morton Dr

Great Florida Insurance

Steve Loofe Lakeland, FL 33801-5343
Cellular Phones (863) 937-9223

Chalet Suzanne Country Inn

1619 Harden Blvd (800) 982-8315

& Restaurant www.pcians.com

Lakeland, FL 33803-1826 Fax: (863) 937-9225
(863) 683-8200
3800 Chalet Suzanne Dr (877) 683-8301 Svea McGordon

www.lakeland3-greatflorida.com
Lake Wales, FL 33859-7060 Fax: (863) 683-8300 Telecommunications - Equipment
(863) 676-6011 Installation

Sales & Marketing Technologies

(800) 433-6011 Jason Dobbs

www.chaletsuzanne.com
Fax: (863) 676-1814 Insurance

Guest Services
220 E Central Pkwy Ste 1010
Eric & Dee Hinshaw Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-3400
Restaurants 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr (407) 682-2222

Chef T's Garden Grill

Lakeland, FL 33801-5607 (800) 434-0339

www.smtusa.com
(863) 680-4187 Fax: (407) 682-2249

www.flsouthern.edu/cafe
1525 E. Gary Rd Fax: (863) 688-6323
Lakeland, FL 33801-2229 David Larson

www.cheftsgardengrill.com
(863) 687-4386 Kevin Adair Web Site Design/Development

Stone Center, Inc.

Caterers

Ingram Financial Group, Inc.

Terry D. Doner
Restaurants 2205 E. Edgewood Dr

Fifth Third Processing

1820 E Edgewood Dr Ste 103 Lakeland, FL 33803-3605

Solutions LLC
Lakeland, FL 33803-3420 PO Box 1115
(863) 937-9235 Eaton Park, FL 33840-1115
4421 S Florida Ave (888) 900-9235 (863) 669-0292

www.ingramfinancialgroup.com
Lakeland, FL 33813-2119 Fax: (863) 937-9238 Fax: (863) 665-0969

www.ftpslic.com
(863) 513-1076 David Beck
Nick Toadvine Kitchens and Baths

WSI - We Simplify The Internet

Linda Harkins Financial Planning
Credit Card Processing
Lakeland, FL 33812-3203
(863) 701-7280

www.wsimarketing.com/mheckler
Fax: (863) 614-0563

Melanie Heckler
Internet Marketing
No. 10
EMERGE Lakeland active in our community
August was a busy month for EMERGE
Lakeland and it is safe to say that its
members definitely made an impact in the
community this month!
On August 27th EMERGE Lakeland
members visited the United Way of
Central Florida and heard from Past
Chairman, Ron Clark, and Joan Eby, EMERGE Lakeland members at the First Friday EMERGE Lakeland members participating in
Director of Development for Alliance for event in Downtown Lakeland spreading the word Habitat for Humanity
Independence, one of the 62 UWCF about Going Green.
Partner Agencies. Ron Clark encouraged
EMERGE members to become involved in
the United Way, the Chamber and or-
ganizations for which you have a passion to
serve. Joan Eby shared the wonderful things
being done to help their clients and how
their clients in turn serve our community at
large. EMERGE Lakeland is a partnership
of the United Way of Central Florida and
the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.
On August 22nd, members and guests of
EMERGE Lakeland volunteered for a
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity project.
The group lent a helping hand and spent
the morning painting the exterior of a
Lakeland Habitat home. The participants
enjoyed the sun (it was hot), fellowship
and service. Volunteerism is one mission of
EMERGE. The EMERGE volunteer
committee is dedicated to exposing
members to needs within the community
and venues to serve others. If you are
interested in serving on the committee
please visit www.EmergeLakeland.com.
EMERGE members participated in the
First Friday event in Downtown Lakeland
on August 7. Participants “pounded the
pavement” to spread the word about going
green. Members distributed promotional
materials and a few "Go Green" t-shirts.
EMERGE is committed to utilizing
eco-friendly practices to help protect our
environment. Look for more EMERGE
green initiatives and events coming soon.
EMERGE promotes social interaction
among young professionals, opportunities
for philanthropic engagement and career
enrichment.
Visit www.EmergeLakeland.com to learn
more about upcoming events, volunteer
opportunities and development and social
outings. EMERGE Lakeland is now on
Facebook and Twitter, too! If you are a cur-
rent member, consider getting more in-
volved and join a committee. Even more
ways to keep up with EMERGE! You can
also click on the EMERGE logo on
www.lakelandchamber.com.
 BUSINESS
AND BREAKFAST
a sincere thank you

LAKELAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

1317 GEORGE JENKINS BLVD.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
7:30 A.M. ~ 9:00 A.M.
TOPIC: ECONOMIC FORECAST PROVIDED BY
THE LAKELAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The beginning of the year marks
the start of many youth athletic seasons.
Research shows there are numerous
benefits of participating in youth
athletics - both physical and mental.
The biggest benefit for children,
however, is fun.
$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non-Member
Please R.S.V.P. by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the event.
Each year, hundreds of people donate You may register and pay online by using this link:
their time to coach or volunteer for a LakelandChamber.com or by E-mailing: mstevenson@lakelandchamber.com
team. Kingston Partners offers our most
sincere gratitude on behalf of the
children who you so generously
nurture - in body, mind and soul.

We would also like to thank all the

people who stop when they spot a team’s
fundraising event – a bake sale or
carwash … even when it’s raining.
Your support ensures the continuation
of youth athletics in Polk County.

863.967.5487 kingstonpartners.com

No. 12
AUGUST TOURISM INQUIRIES

CALENDAR
During the month of August, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of MARK YOUR
individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and
the Lakeland community.
Walk-in Visitors..................................326 Winter Accommodations .......................1
Relocation Response Mailings............. 13 Visitor Information Mailings .................33 EVENTS
Relocation Response (Walk In) ........... 35 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............122
Accommodations...................................2 Tuesday, October 6
Catalyst Campaign Victory Celebration,
5:30 p.m., Lake Mirror

Thursday, October 8
Business & Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.,
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity,
1373 George Jenkins Blvd

Thursday, October 15
Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m.,
Arbor Glen &
Two Men and a Truck
SR 33 & I-4

MEETINGS
Friday, October 2
and Saturday, October 3
Annual Board of Directors
Planning Retreat
Florida Southern College

Thursday, October 8
Leadership Lakeland Class XXVII,
City Government Day

Wednesday, October 14
Government Affairs, 8:00 AM

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland,

9:00 AM

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

Wednesday, October 21
Executive Committee Meeting,
4:00 PM

Tuesday, October 27
Investment Committee Meeting,
4:00 PM

Wednesday, October 28
Board of Directors Meeting, 12:00 PM
Lakeland Yacht and Country Club,
929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.
Members gather for August Business After Hours
August presented a perfect backdrop for
the Magnify Credit Union Business After
Hours. Showcasing their new identity
and new building, President John
Santarpia and his staff were outstanding
hosts. The Magnify Credit Union branch
is a carbon-neutral, net zero energy
building with increased wall and roof
insulation, state-of-the-art insulated
glass, large overhangs and sun shades,
roofing material with a high solar
reflectance, double-roof design for passive
cooling, high efficiency HVAC system
design and equipment, and automatically
dimming fluorescent and compact
fluorescent lighting reducing the
building’s energy demand 40% below
average requirements of similar com-
mercial structures.
No. 14
The branch’s 58 kW roof-mounted
photovoltaic (PV) array are the largest
non-residential system in Lakeland
Electric’s service area. The system is
designed to produce 85,717 kWh per
year, roughly 17% more than the
building’s estimated energy requirements.
Rainwater reuse is also a key integrated
component affecting both the building
and the site. Using the roof as a collector,
a cistern system will support both water
closets and drip irrigation.
The benefits of recycling from start to
finish are exemplified by the new
Community First Credit Union branch.
Collection bins in three locations within
the branch make recycling convenient
for all occupants. In addition to this,
many of the interior finish materials
were selected due to their recycled con-
tent, such as porcelain floor tile, car-
pet, decorative aluminum panels and
laminates. Rubber flooring with shred-
ded and cleaned tire rubber, various
counter top materials utilizing recycled
paper, glass, and aluminum, and cork
tack walls from recycled wine corks
will visually portray many possible
reuses for recycled materials.
The Business After Hours event was a
huge success, with catering from Fred’s
Southern Kitchen & event assistance
from Eventrics. The building’s designer,
Straughn Trout Architects, LLC &
builder, Folsom Construction were also on
hand to be a resource for curious members.
Congratulations to all those involved for
making Polk County and Lakeland
proud!
Chamber Board Chair-Elect, Joe L. Ruthven pres-
ents the plaque of appreciation to Magnify Credit
Union President John Santarpia.

Filling the lobby and into the parking lot, enthusiastic

members continue to network

Everyone was anxious to see the first net zero energy

building in Florida

Photos Credit: Jennifer Rago, JenniferElainePhoto.com

 OCTOBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Cheatham & Goleno Financial
Services, P.A.
Is pleased to announce that Ken Ferguson
III, CPA and his staff have joined their
firms in a merger. The new firm,
Cheatham, Goleno, and Ferguson, P.A.,
Certified Public Accountants, is located
at 726 S. Missouri Avenue, Lakeland,
FL 33815. Phone (863) 688-0882.
Broadway Real Estate Services
Has opened for business! Broadway
owns and manages office properties in
the Lakeland area, with a portfolio of
twelve buildings and over 400,000
square feet of prime office space. The
team includes Patricia Hendler, Tom
Anderson and Matt Clark.
CPS Investment Advisors
Is pleased to announce that Stephanie
Stewart has been hired as a Staff
Accountant with the firm. Stephanie
has interned with the firm for the past
three years. She is a recent graduate of
FSC with a degree in Accounting and
Sports Management.

Agnini Family Dental Center

Proud to welcome their newest team
member Ashley Agnini, CDT. Ashley,
who graduated in May from South
Florida Community College hygiene
school, continues the "family" tradition
by joining her dentist father, Dr. Mike,
her two brothers, Dr. Matt and Dr. Drew
and her mom, Donna who is office
manager.

Florida Southern College

FSC is one of just 44 “Best Buy Schools”
listed in the 2010 edition of the pres-
tigious “Fiske Guide to Colleges.” The
“Best Buy” list is based on factors such
as stellar academic programs, modest
tuition costs, and outstanding quality of
life for students.

Learning Resource Center of Polk

County, Inc.
Announces its newly elected 2009-2010
Board of Trustees:
Executive Committee: Ken Menefee –
President; Stephen Chapman – First
Vice President; Tom Watson – Second
Vice President; Joyce Barclay – Secretary;
Mike Carter – Treasurer; Curt Wheeler
– Immediate Past President; Board
Representatives: Michael Folsom,
Cathy Kennedy, Matthew Cantrall;
Board of Trustees: Alyce Badcock, Jon
Brock, Yvonne Bunce, Walt Engle,
Karen Kovach, Frank Lansford; Executive
Director: Dr. Pamela P. Craven; Youth
Trustee: Austen Snodgrass

Achievement Academy
Is pleased to announce that Tanisha
Clayton and Grace Doran have joined
their staff. Tanisha is a Paraprofessional-
Bartow location and Grace is a Teacher
-Lakeland location. And Griselle Unda
has been promoted to the position of
Terminal Operator/Administrative
Assistant.

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
Envisors
Has been approved by the Federal
Department of Environmental Protection
(FDEP) agency to conduct petroleum
assessment and remediation for State-
funded sites in the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection Preapproval
Petroleum Cleanup Program.
Polk State College
Three Polk State College professors
have been named as recipients of the
PSC Foundation’s Endowed Teaching
Chairs for 2009. They are Rosalinda
Collins, Rebecca Heintz and Penny
Morris.
Florida Career Institute
Proud to announce Suzanne Heffner,
Director of Education was recognized by
the FL Assoc of Post Secondary Colleges
and Schools as Educator of the Year for
2009 in their annual conference.
Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.
Is pleased to announce Michael Walker,
Chief Financial Officer and Vice
President, has been accepted to the
Leadership Lakeland program class of
XXVII.
VR Business Sales/
Mergers & Acquisitions
Recently moved offices to 1828 S.
Florida Ave, Lakeland 33803.
Henkelman Construction, Inc.
Students in Polk County have been
enjoying the 2009/2010 school year in
three new facilities constructed by
Henkelman Construction, Inc., Florida
Southern College’s Blanton Nursing
Building, St. Joseph Academy’s new
campus, and Haines City High School’s
Freshman Academy.
Tri-County Human Services, Inc.
Pleased to announce Mel Williams, Jr.,
manager of the J.A.S.A. (Jail Alternative
to Substance Abuse) Program since
2001, was just named Certified
Professional of year (2009) by the Florida
Certification Board, for outstanding
contributions to the field of substance
abuse treatment.
Estates at Carpenters
Is proud to announce on Thursday, July 9,
2009, the Florida Assoc. of Homes and
Services for the Aging (FAHSA)
recognized Chip Brucker as the Employee
of the Year. Annual Awards honor those
who embody excellence in leadership,
care, and service innovation.
Is proud to announce Rebecca Kees has
joined the Estates at Carpenters as
Director of Nursing for its skilled nursing
and assisted living facilities.
Joy Morse Insurance Agency, Inc
Jessica Moore has joined the Agency as
a Sales Associate.
• Continued on Page 19
 RIBBON CUTTINGS
The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of August.
See the photos on our Web site at LakelandChamber.com.

Lakeland Montessori School Citizens Bank and Trust

1124 N Lake Parker Avenue 1959 E Edgewood Drive, Suite 102
863/413-0003 • www.lakelandmontessori.com 863/686-1346 • www.citizens-bank.com

South McKeel Academy Magnify Credit Union

2310 E Edgewood Drive 961 E. State Road 540A
863/510-0044 • www.southmckeel.com 863/644-9104 • www.MagnifyCU.org

Watson Clinic Xpress Care Ciao Bella

at Lakeland Highlands 4780 S Florida Avenue
2176 E Highway 540A 863/701-8101 • www.ciaobellalakeland.com
863/393-9472 • www.watsonclinic.com

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU CW’s Country Café

Special thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher and all of the board members and 1529 Town Center Drive
Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event. 863/686-5206 • www.cwscountrycafe.com

No. 18
On the Move
Play It Again Sports
Owner Sandy Fortin attended the
annual 2009 Summer Conference and
Trade Show in Providence, RI on July
14-17 with insight on how to enhance
the local franchise.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc/
Bob Read
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc has been
recognized as one of the 100 Best
companies in the United States by
DeMarche Associates, Inc., one of the
leading investment research firms in
the nation.
Mulling Insurance Agency, Inc
Pleased to announce that Janie
Runnels has recently joined our staff
of professionals as a Personal Lines
Agent.
Jameson Inn
Ranked #1 in customer service for the
first half of 2009 by the Market Metrix
Hospitality Index (MMHI) among its
segment of hotels.
Baylis & Company, PA
Edie Yates, CPA, Tracy Kimbrough,
CPA, Tamara Burroughs, CPA, Jean
Bias, CPA, and Nancy Noe, CPA,
recently attended the FICPA Not-for-
Profit Organizations Conference in
Tampa, FL. This seminar focused on
the accounting, auditing and tax
requirements specific to not-for-profit
organizations.
Shield Security Systems, Inc
We are excited to announce that we
are now a Liberty PERS Medical
Authorized Reseller. These are the
important pendants worn to contact
immediate assistance in a medical
emergency and we offer them with no
upfront fees. Great for seniors and
those with serious medical issues.
Lanier Upshaw, Inc.
Proudly announces that Blake Hayden,
Rhonda Furno and Janice Griffin have
recently joined the agency. Blake is an
Employee Benefits Consultant,
Rhonda is an Employee Benefits
Account Manager and Janice is a
Personal Lines Account Manager.
JOIN US!
It’s finally here! The Catalyst
Campaign volunteers will celebrate
their achievements and the dedication
of 12 beautiful, Florida-friendly
maples around the walks of Lake
Mirror. After a 10-week effort, the
Chamber is proud to recognize the
success of the Catalyst Campaign and
claim victory on behalf of Campaign
Chair Nancy Cattarius (WONN/
WPCV/ WLKF/WWRZ Radio) and
Vice Chairs Mary McQueen
(McQueen Marketing LLC), Kathy
Wallen (The NCT Group CPA’s
LLP) and Phil Wegman (Furr &
Wegman Architects, PA).
You are cordially invited to join the
board, campaign volunteers, Catalyst
Campaign backers and Growing
Green supporters for the Catalyst
Campaign Victory Celebration and
“Growing Green” Tree Dedication
Ceremony
Tuesday, October 6
5:30 p.m.
Lake Mirror Promenade
(between Lakeland Electric and
Lake Mirror Tower Apartments)
 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

ARBOR GLEN & TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

4950 DEEP FOREST COURT
STATE RD 33 AT I-4

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

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-Chamber member

Your R.S.V.P. is appreciated! Visit BAH.LakelandChamber.com to register and pay using your credit card
or email MStevenson@LakelandChamber.com to register and pay at the door.