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Riverside Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2008 New Member
Class of 2008 Reception Series.
Entrepreneurial Academy Grads
Not pictured: Ashley Bray, Don Davis, John McGee, Kevin McGee, and Scott Wilson. Managing Editor Design
No. 2
Small Business of the Month Award presented
Claussen’s Fine Furniture began when brothers Jim and Byron Claussen “We like to boast that
bought an existing furniture business, Haven Furniture, in Winter
Haven, in 1975. Jim had experience running a small business and
we’re the store with
the most choices and December winner
Byron had the furniture knowledge, having been a furniture the largest selection, Claussen’s Fine Furniture
4715 South Florida Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33813-2126
department manager for Montgomery Ward. Byron stayed with even if there are some
863/647-1000
Montgomery Ward that first year before joining his brother in stores in the area with
863/648-1900 Fax
management. As a result, Jim approached things from the customer’s a little more square
info@claussensfurniture.com
point of view. “I simply asked myself, what would I expect if I were footage,” explains Jim
www.claussensfurniture.com
the customer in this situation?” That customer focused attitude Jr. “We encourage
formed the basis for the company’s success and steady growth. customers to special
order the perfect fabric
That growth allowed Jim’s sons: Jim Jr., Mark, and Joe to join the business or piece for their room,
after graduating from college. It also resulted in a second location in unlike some of our
Lakeland, which opened in 1991. At 45,000 square feet, it is almost chain store competitors. Customers love that they can choose from
three times the size of the Winter Haven location. over 1,000 fabrics or browse through manufacturer’s catalogs to find
the perfect piece.” Personal service and customer satisfaction is a
priority for the Claussen brothers.
No. 3
Chamber Foundation serves community’s diverse needs
One of the greatest assets this Chamber Special thanks to the following member businesses quality of life. If you are interested in contributing
has in serving the diverse needs of and individuals who have contributed to the and being added to the list below, simply mark
our community is the Lakeland Area Foundation for the period 10/1/07 – 9/30/08. the Foundation box on your annual Chamber
Chamber Foundation. Founded in Their tax-deductible contribution will support Investment renewal form next time it comes in
1973 as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit the Foundation’s mission to improve Lakeland’s the mail.
organization, the Foundation serves
to support needed community and Advantage Home Health Services, Inc. Griffin Pools, Inc.
education initiatives. Regretfully, Allen & Company Fund within the The Hair Shanty
the economic downturn has impacted Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland Hampton Inn of Lakeland
the Foundation’s investment fund AlphaGraphics Herndon & Associates Insurance, LLC
and its ability to disburse grant Brett Blackmon, Inc. Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.
funding in 2009. Brickyard Div of Custom Coatings & Design, Inc. Institute of Spanish Communication, Inc.
Buckner Commercial Properties Kerry Ingredients & Flavours
Canco General Contractors Lake Morton Bed & Breakfast
Central Florida Eye Associates/Jay Mulaney, M.D. Charles Lake
Century 21 A.H. Realty, Inc. The Ledger
Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. Lilly, O’Toole & Brown, LLP
COGISTICS, INC. Loftin Real Estate, Inc.
Board of Directors
CompAge, Inc. Miller Construction Management, Inc.
Compression Therapy Concepts Oh’s Boutique “Soul Train Stop”
Crown Printing, Inc. Premier Appraisal & Consulting Services
The following officers and directors Dixie Signs, Inc. Quality Petroleum Corporation
will lead the Foundation in 2009: Larry Durrence Seaboard Distribution
Officers:
Employee Insurance Benefits of Florida, Inc. Silvermoon Drive-In Theatre
The Fabric Warehouse Southeastern Paper Group
• Timothy F. Campbell, Foundation Florida Lifestyle Communities, Inc. Stallings Crop Insurance Corp.
Chairman and Immediate Past Chair Flower Cart of Central Florida, Inc. Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano, Inc.
(Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Gene Engle Real Estate, Inc. W.A. Magarino, M.D., P.A.
Lancaster, P.A.) Gillum-Waddell Plumbing, Inc.
•Anu Saxena, Chamber Chairman
of the Board (ASC geosciences, inc.)
•Joe L. Ruthven, Chamber
Chair-elect (The Ruthvens)
•Walker Wilkerson, Treasurer
(The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP)
•Kathleen Munson, President
•Andrea Teves Smith, General
Counsel (Peterson & Myers, P.A.)
Directors:
•Janet Fansler (Lakeland Regional
Medical Center)
•Dr. Jay Mulaney (Central Florida
Eye Associates)
•Maureen Shaw (Flower Cart Florist)
•Gary Tarr, Treasurer
(Pepperidge Farm, Inc.)
•David Touchton
(The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP)
SUPPORT
GIVE YOUR
No. 4
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Florida Blood Services calling on community to participate in blood drives
With local usage of over 19,000 donations annually, there is a vital need
to support the State’s 5th largest hospital and trauma center.
This is a paid advertisement. If you would like to see your
We’re Florida Blood Services, the exclusive and others from Polk County who continue to
provider of blood components to more than 37 receive care, as they have for over 60 years, at
area hospitals, including Lakeland Regional other Tampa Bay area hospitals serviced by
Medical Center. Since 1942 FBS and our vital volunteer
we’ve been stewards of the blood donors. The blood is
blood supply in this part of not for us after all, it is for
the state, serving many of your family, friends and
the most critically ill patients, neighbors.
young and old. When
Lakeland Regional wanted If you are already a blood
the latest technologies and advanced resources donor, the credits you earned from anywhere in
in the blood industry, they called on us. Now the country are good at Florida Blood Services.
we are calling on you. FBS wants to recognize your past as well as January is National Blood Donor Month
current donations. Please let us know your and Dunkin’ Donuts encourages you to
Lakeland Regional Medical Center hosts lifetime achievements! “Give a Pint-Get a Pound!” All January
monthly employee blood drives with Florida blood donors will receive a coupon for
Blood Services (FBS). With local usage of over In addition to honoring your credits, FBS has a a FREE pound of coffee from Dunkin’
19,000 donations annually, there is a vital Blood Donor Benefit Program that will provide Donuts, plus you’ll enjoy a travel mug
need to support the State’s 5th largest hospital up to $5,000 coverage for any non-insured, and a wellness check-up, including a
and trauma center. Therefore, we are asking unreimbursed blood processing fees, in the cholesterol screening. Please call
your organization to be a vital community event you need blood. Subsequent donations 1-800-68 BLOOD (25663) for an
healthcare partner, along with GEICO, can also cover family members and even appointment or stop by your new
Lockheed-Martin, First United Methodist, provide annual coverage for someone who Lakeland Community Donor Center at
Church of the Resurrection, Ardella Baptist, and cannot donate blood. Our Blood Donor 2315 Commerce Point Drive. We are
USF/PCC among others, who are now sponsoring Benefit Program also has a benefit for North of Edgewood and South of
regular blood drives with FBS. Your support organizations that sponsor regular blood Combee Rd. You can also click on
will help to save the lives of patients locally, as drives. Please ask your FBS Community www.polkbloodbank.org for locations of
well as veterans, ill newborns, cancer patients Relations Representative for details. mobile drives near you.
www.polkbloodbank.org
donating platelets for patients in need. our loved ones when they need it most.
No. 6
POTENTIAL
INCREASE YOUR
OFF
HATS
No. 8
EMERGE Lakeland members
attended the organization’s annual
meeting on December 9 at the
Hilton Garden Inn. At the luncheon,
members were provided an economic
outlook and commercial development
update for Lakeland in 2009 by Bill
Mutz, President and Co-owner of
Lakeland Automall and Chair of the
Lakeland Economic Development
Council. The presentation was very
informative and provided insight
into the opportunities and challenges
ahead of us.
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 on LakelandChamber.com.
NEW MEMBERS
e Chamber is proud to welcome 19 new members for November 2008
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 on-line Preferred Business Directory
at LakelandChamber.com!
No. 10
FORUM GETS REDESIGNED FOR 2009 RENEWALS
The Chamber would like to recognize
and thank the following businesses for
their long-standing support and loyalty.
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK 20+ Year Renewals
1945 - 63 Years
The Communications KSI Committee of the Chamber Board is excited to roll out the new
design of the Forum for Business Monthlly. The committee worked extensively this year to
Grenson, Inc.
1950 - 58 Years
move the Chamber forward.
The first decisive issue, everyone jumped on board with, was to steer away from the two-color or ARAMARK
black and white theme for advertisements and open up the Forum to full-color advertising. The 1968 - 40 Years
solidification of the Chamber “brand” was also needed to make this publication unique. The Crichlow Data Sciences, Inc.
Communication Division staff worked extensively on this element. The end result is what you 1969 - 39 Years
are holding in your hands today. Highview Apartments
1971 - 37 Years
After the final selection of our design team — Rex Wilson, CEO/President, and Michelle Jerla, Import Auto Parts
Art Director, of Kingston Partners — the Chamber moved at a fast pace, collaborating on the 1973 - 35 Years
various elements that would be incorporated with the new design. Lakeland Center for Oral Surgery
& Implantology
The Chamber is proud of the final product and of all who worked very hard on the production of 1974 - 34 Years
this issue but we would like to hear from you on what you think. While we can say how much we B & B Auto Body Works, Inc
1975 - 33 Years
love the format it will be our members who let us know whether this makes the grade or falls
short. Please email your comments to amclacklan@lakelandchamber.com. Your comments will be Dr. Alan P. Fisher, Optometrist
highlighted in the next issue of the Forum. John H. Galberry, D.D.S., P.A.
1976 - 32 Years
The Nissen Group LLC
1978 - 30 Years
Harrison Center for Visual
& Performing Arts
1981 - 27 Years
Lakeland Animal Nutrition
1982 - 26 Years
Levimar & Co., Inc.
MARCOBAY Construction, Inc.
1984 - 24 Years
PAI Pension Services, Inc.
1985 - 23 Years
Quality Petroleum Corp.
Innovative Ink
1986 - 22 Years
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc./Bob Read
The Freedom Center Lakeland, Inc.
1988 - 20 Years
Milco Construction, Inc. of Florida
Winston Elementary School
Florida Central Credit Union
15 Year Renewals
GLT Total Office
Relax Inn
Southside Package & Lounge
10 Year Renewals
Spherion
Traviss Career Center
Storage & Handling Equipment
AdvoCare
5 Year Renewals
Coney Funeral Home
Central Florida Orthopaedic Surgery Assoc., P.L.
Chastain-Skillman, Inc.
Conner Construction & Aluminum Services
Genie Publishing Services
Musser & Richards, L.L.C.
Taylor Rental Center
No. 12
CALENDAR
MARK YOUR
Thursday, January 1
Chamber Closed in observance of
New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 8
Leadership Lakeland XXVI
Education Day
Monday, January 12
Retail aCCess,
8:00 a.m., 2505 Bramble Ridge Drive
Wednesday, January 14
Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 15
Economic Forecast Breakfast,
7:00 a.m, The Lakeland Center
Monday, January 19
Chamber closed in observance of
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
Tuesday, January 20
EMERGE Lakeland Steering
Committee Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, January 21
Executive Committee Meeting,
4:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 22
Hats Off To New Members,
8:00 a.m., Howard Johnson Executive
Center, 939 W. Robson Street
Thursday, January 29
Board of Directors Meeting,
Noon,
Lakeland Yacht and Country Club,
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive
No. 13
Schmooze a’Palooza
Chamber members gather at GrillSmith for final Schmooze of 2008
On November 13, 50 Chamber members
gathered at GrillSmith for the third and Monica Campbell (Girl
final Schmooze a’Palooza of 2008. With Scouts of West Central
30 companies represented, it was easy Florida), Amber Adams
to make new connections and build (Riverside Bank), Toni Jones
(Girl Scouts of West Central
business relationships. Linsdey Crowley,
Florida) & Kim Busse
General Manager of GrillSmith, offered (Riverside Bank) take time
thanks to attendees for making his out for a photograph.
restaurant the most successful in the
GrillSmith family.
No. 14
Commercial Design Services hosts Business After Hours
The November Business After Hours was hosted by
Commercial Design Services, 4343 Frontage Road N.
Chamber attendees enjoyed being entertained all
evening by piano music, a fortune teller, a magician, cari-
cature drawings, massage chairs, and an abundance of
food. There were lots of business conversations as
members networked the room and exchanged business
cards. Thanks to Commercial Design Services and
their entire staff for an enjoyable evening.
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
Evans & Hurlburt, CPA’s, P.A. Perpetual Technology Solutions is pleased to Edward Jones Investments
Evans & Hurlburt CPAs are now in their new welcome Jim Stewart to their service department. Alberto Bonfil with Edward Jones Investments was
location. The new address is 5125 S. Lakeland Drive, Jim brings over 30 years of experience in the a Guest Speaker at the “Doing Business with the
Suite 3, Lakeland, FL 33813. IT industry. Spanish Community” Summit in Lakeland. The
topic was “Hispanics and Investments”.
Perpetual Technology Solutions Certified Foundations, Inc.
Perpetual Technology Solutions is pleased to Melaney Jason has joined our team of professional Habitat for Humanity of Lakeland
announce Xan Morphew has accepted a new position at Certified Foundations, Inc. as the Marketing Habitat for Humanity of Lakeland has been awarded
as Purchasing and Inventory Team Lead. Joining our Representative. Melaney brings over 25 years of a SILVER – LEED for Homes Green Certification by
team in 2006, Xan continues to provide ongoing marketing and sales experience to CFI. the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED homes
support throughout our organization. complete a verification process to endure a home
energy rating (HERS) and onsite inspection for the
building of energy efficient and green homes.
March of Dimes
The March of Dimes, West Central Division,
announces Pat Hatcher, Division Director, will retire
in January of 2009 after 19 years of service.
FITniche, Inc.
FITniche, a Lakeland-based running and active
lifestyle store, was recognized as one of the four best
running stores in America by the running industry's
trade organization and two leading trade and
consumer publications. The award was presented at
the awards ceremony held at The Running Event in
Dallas, TX, in November. FITniche is the youngest
store and is from the smallest trade area to ever earn
its way into the final four stores considered for Store
of the Year.
No. 17
RIBBON CUTTINGS
The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of November.
See the photos on our Web site at LaklandChamber.com.
Ideal Image
801 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/904-2500
www.idealimage.com
No. 18
No. 19
Return Service
Requested
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607