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Texas Cattle Company hosts

New Member Reception


The November New Member Reception was hosted by Texas Cattle
Company, 735 E. Main St. Approximately 30 new members and staff
enjoyed outstanding hors d’oeuvres and networking. Chamber staff
introduced the new members to chamber programs and services available
to help them promote and build their business. Each new member present
had the opportunity to give a 30-second “commercial” about their business.
Thanks to Grant, Deidre and the entire staff of Texas Cattle Company
for their hospitality in making the evening a great success.

Riverside Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2008 New Member
Class of 2008 Reception Series.
Entrepreneurial Academy Grads

Eighteen class members of the Entrepreneurial Academy graduated on


Nov. 12, 2008, at Mitchell’s Coffeehouse. Maggie Lazarre was
the wonderful keynote speaker. In addition to thanking Maggie,
we have many other business leaders to show appreciation to
who taught the various classes:
• Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts – Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc.
• Hal Bolter – Florida Fluid System Technologies
• Doretha Brooks – Small Business Development Center, CFDC
• Becky Bywater – NAWBO
• Spike Bywater – SCORE
• Nancy Cattarius – WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio
• Kevin Chambers – InfoMed Technologies
• Liz Craven – ProAd Media
• Claretha Conner – SunTrust Bank New members, staff and guests network during the November New Member Reception.
• Mayor Buddy Fletcher - City of Lakeland
• Drew Gillan - Bright House Networks
• Ray Gunder – Gunder’s Auto Center, Inc.
• Mitch Harvey – Mitchell’s Coffeehouse
• Gaynelle Henderson – Bright House Networks
• Linda Jezard – Advantage Positioning
• Roy Lawson – Software Development Services, LLC
• Tori Lehman – Consultant
• Steve Madden – Madden
• Carolynne Mather – Kids World Enrichment Center
• Suzanne Merritt – Benson’s Canine Cookies
• Jeff Miles – OMS Insurance
• Terry Ottinger – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
• Larry Ross – Florida Southern College
• Greg Sanoba – Sanoba & Sanoba, P.A.
• Bill Scisciani – Lanier Upshaw, Inc.
• Art Rowbotham – WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio
• Amy Wiggins – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
• Troy Yount – SunTrust Bank
• Jimmy Waller – Waller Construction, Inc.
New members enjoyed the opportunity to continue to
Congratulations Fall 2008 Entrepreneurial Academy Graduates! We would like to network aer the presentations were made.
thank our sponsors for their continuing support of the Entrepreneurial Academy:
Bright House Networks, Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation, Inc. and
WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio. Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
Forum For Business Monthly
Volume Information: January 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 1
Pictured (seated): Patty Nievas
Pictured first row le to right: Judy ompson, Bryan Dunn, Lisa Garcia, Ann
McKee, Shaun Gursky, and Dave omas. Anu Saxena Kathleen L. Munson
Pictured back row le to right: Ilner Mesidor, Sherry Allen, Justin Harris, Jennell Chairman of the Board Publisher & President

Aaron Bates Kingston Partners


Wallace, Blake McQueen, and Rob Rice.

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.

Claussen’s Fine Furniture is a member of the National Home Furnishings


Association, a retail affiliate of the Interior Design Society and Jim has
served on the board of the Florida Furniture Dealers Association.
Claussen’s often facilitates donations and deliveries of customer’s
old furniture to thrift stores and local charities. The company supports
various local charities and family members are involved in area
service clubs and churches.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate


Lana Swartzwelder, principal, St. Joseph Catholic School and Small Business Award
Committee Member, presents the December Small Business of the Month Award to Claussen’s Fine Furniture as the December Small Business of the
Jim and Mark Claussen, Claussen’s Fine Furniture. Month award winner.

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

If you would like to learn more about


how to support the Foundation’s efforts,
please contact Barbara Bennett at
the Chamber, 688-8551, ext. 233.

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

information. e-mail: abates@lakelandchamber.com


company featured, please contact Aaron Bates for more

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.

FBS mascot Phillip A. Pint recruits donors with the


GEICO Gecko during their blood drive December.

Please join our Lifesaving Team! Call


Buzz Wells at 863/450-9733 or Penny
Bennett at 863/450-9734 for details on
how to sponsor a blood drive. Thank you
for your civic support in helping to provide
the blood supply that protects all of us and
FBS Vice President J.B. Gaskins practices what he preaches by

www.polkbloodbank.org
donating platelets for patients in need. our loved ones when they need it most.

No. 6
POTENTIAL
INCREASE YOUR

Increase Your Business Potential in


the New Year!

Each year, the Chamber offers its


members the outstanding opportunity to
meet and greet up to 20 businesses!

On Jan. 22, Howard Johnson Executive


Center will host Hats Off to Chamber
Members. Join us for breakfast at 8:00
a.m. before jetting off around Lakeland to
deliver the 2009 Membership Materials to
up to 20 companies… it’s a perfect way to
meet local business owners and provide
assistance to the Chamber at the same
time! Make sure you reserve your spot as
a “Volunteer” or as a “Secret Hat
Company”- there are a limited number
of spaces available!

Look for the volunteer sign-up form at


LakelandChamber.com
or call Mary Stevenson at
863/688-8551 Ext. 232
for more details!

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.

EMERGE also announced its


Executive and Committee Chairs
for 2009.

• Chair – Punam Saxena,


Punam’s Perfections
• Vice Chair – Kathy Wallen,
The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P
• Treasurer – Rachel Hollis,
Dunson-Hollis Consulting, LLC
• Secretary – Jennifer Nicholson,
ASC geosciences, inc.
• Marketing Chair – Cory Peace,
AlphaGraphics
• Events Chair – Adam Spafford,
Madden
• Volunteer Chair – Jennifer Roberts,
Mote Marine Laboratory
• Membership Chair – April Mullins,
Bank of Central Florida
• Technology Chair – Todd Baylis,
Cipher Integrations, Inc.

EMERGE promotes social interaction


among young professionals,
opportunities for philanthropic
engagement and career enrichment.
To get more involved in EMERGE
please contact the members listed
above.

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!

Adecco Lakeland Women’s Show


740 S Florida Ave 931 E. Palmetto St.
Lakeland, FL 33801-5210 Lakeland, FL 33801-5583
(863) 683-5000 (863) 712-3278
Fax: (863) 682-5219 www.lakelandwoman.com
www.adeccousa.com Lori Powell
Mickey Miller Marketing - Special Promotions
Samaritan Care Hospice
Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill
Employment Contractors
1300 N Semoran Blvd Ste 210
Mark E. Clements, P.A. 3120 S Florida Ave. Orlando, FL 32807-3567
310 E Main St Lakeland, FL 33803-4549 (407) 514-1300
Lakeland, FL 33801-5047 (863) 644-6000 (205) 970-8888
(863) 687-2287 Natalie Oldenkamp Fax: (205) 968-8199
Fax: (863) 682-7385 Restaurants www.samaritancarehospice.com

Palace Pizza Restaurant Inc.


Mark E. Clements Gina Becker
Attorneys John Cline
5235 US Highway 98 S Hospice Health Services
Cozy Oaks Restaurant Lakeland, FL 33812-4291
1201 E Orange St (863) 709-8683 T3 Communications
Lakeland, FL 33801-5762 Fax: (863) 709-8695 199 Avenue B NW Ste 400
(863) 802-8121 www.palacepizza.net Winter Haven, FL 33881-4546
Fax: (863) 802-5482 Michael Esposito (877) 333-8126
Rick Smerkers Restaurants (239) 333-0000
Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.
Restaurants Fax: (239) 333-0001
www.t3com.com
First National Merchant Solutions 5720 S Florida Ave Loren Rosenthal
Lakeland, FL 33812-4162 Lakeland, FL 33813-2528 Telecommunications
(863) 393-5457 (863) 619-5919
Jay Engle Fax: (863) 648-2459 U.S. Security Associates, Inc.
Credit Card Processing www.palacepizza.net 3710 DMG Dr
Giordano Lanuto Lakeland, FL 33811-1043
Home Inventory Specialists of Restaurants (863) 682-2023
Central Florida LLC
Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.
Fax: (863) 686-5886
Lakeland, FL 33810-5565 www.ussecurityassociates.com
(813) 625-1457 6120 US Highway 98 N Jack Dove
www.inventoryforyourhome.com Lakeland, FL 33809-3276 Security Services/Systems
Jo Sommers (863) 853-1316
Home Inventory Fax: (863) 859-2581 West Coast Transportation
www.palacepizza.net 37 Presque Isle Drive
Home Solution Title, Inc. Giordano Lanuto, Patricia Schiano Moriello Port Charlotte, FL 33954-2311
4404 S Florida Ave Ste 9 Restaurants (941) 391-5664
Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.
Lakeland, FL 33813-2124 (877) 550-5526
(863) 816-5866 Fax: (941) 391-5667
105 E Main St.
Fax: (863) 816-5869 Sorell Gourege
Bartow, FL 33830-4630
Dan Whitmore Francisque Paulemon
(863) 533-9300
Title Companies Limousine Service
Fax: (863) 533-9500
Hudson Holiday Cabinet Co. ZOHRA’s Restaurant
www.palacepizza.net
Salvatore Esposito
3120 Reynolds Rd 101 Lake Wire Dr.
Restaurants
Lakeland, FL 33803-7323 Lakeland, FL 33815-1549
Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.
(863) 668-9370 (863) 687-6114
Fax: (863) 668-9372 Fax: (863) 687-8698
2054 Shepherd Rd
Timothy J. Jackson www.zohrasrestaurant.com
Mulberry, FL 33860-8699
Cabinets/Cabinet Makers Sara Rodriguez
(863) 709-0002
Restaurants
Fax: (863) 647-3564
www.palacepizza.net
Giovanni Schiano
Restaurants

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

Leadership Lakeland XXVI


Mid Year Retreat

Monday, January 12
Retail aCCess,
8:00 a.m., 2505 Bramble Ridge Drive

Wednesday, January 14
Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland,


9:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 15
Economic Forecast Breakfast,
7:00 a.m, The Lakeland Center

Business After Hours, Boys & Girls


Clubs/Alpha Appraisal Services,
5:30 p.m., 950 Pinewood Avenue

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

EMEGE Lakeland Meeting,


Community Southern Bank
11:30 a.m.

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.

Join us at our next event


on March 12 at Brima - Register now
at LakelandChamber.com!

e final Schmooze a’Palooza of 2008 was held at


GrillSmith.

GrillSmith at Lakeside Village provided the


perfect venue for the group attending the Chamber’s
Schmooze a’Palooza.

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.

Pictured above, members power network.

Pictured below, Doug Smaus, Commercial


Design Services, accepts the Plaque of Appreciation
during the November Business Aer Hours.

Pictured above, Doug Smaus, Commercial Design Services,


welcomes chamber members as they arrive.

Pictured below, the magician works his wonders on


Bob Ettensohn, Allstate Insurance Company.
DECEMBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Grasslands Golf & Country Club Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. Services group, as key team members accept new
Golf Digest magazine has released its top 50 clubs in Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. (PTS) is proud to opportunities within.
the nation with the best players. Grasslands Golf & announce that Katie Oneal has been awarded her
Country Club was named 16th on the list and the Certificate of Clinical Competency. Katie joined PTS After 16 years of dedicated service, Mr. Ted Smith,
only club in Florida in the top twenty. Grasslands is this year as a speech and language pathologist with a PG, CPG, has transitioned to a full Associate
home to six touring professionals including players specialty in working with the pediatric population Geologist. He will serve as a key technical resource
from the PGA, LPGA and the Senior PGA tours. with language/communication delays. and advisor while maintain his expert position in the
Grasslands was originally designed by Jerry Pate and sinkhole and geological hazards industry. Mr. James
Bob Cupp and is an 18-hole 72-par course. BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. Funderburk, PG will assume the role of Director of
BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. is pleased to Insurance Services. He will lead the team in fire,
Alliance for Independence announce the forward progression of its Insurance structural, and subsidence investigations.
Alliance for Independence is pleased to announce
the 2008-2009 Board of Directors and Officers
elected at their annual meeting in August 2008:
Chairman, John C. Burton, Sun n’ Fun, Inc.; Chair
Elect/Chair Planning and Program Development
Committee, Ron Losch, Retired; Co-Chair External
Relations/Resource Development Committee,
Bart Ross, Tinsley McQueen + Ross; Secretary/
Co-Chair External Relations/Resource Development
Committee, Andrew M. Hernan, Griffin Pools, Inc.;
Treasurer/Audit Committee, David R. Ramos,
CPA; Chair Performance Oversight Monitoring
Committee, Scott Sloman, The Lakeland Center;
Jennifer L. Adams, Bank of Central Florida; Carol N.
Asbill, Publix Super Markets; Yolanda M. Collins,
Marriott Vacation Club, Inc.; Deborah Heatherly,
Publix Super Markets; Charles Lake, Retired; Jim
Rehberg, J-Reh, Inc.; Sena E. Schirm, SunTrust
Bank; Anthony J. Senzamici, Jr., Pioneer Medical
Company; Tom Patterson, Saddle Creek Corp.;
William H. Wheeler, Jr., Wheeler & Wheeler, Inc.;
Richard Wills, FITniche.

Shirley Balogh, President/CEO of Alliance


for Independence was elected to the Board of
Directors of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation
Facilities for the 2008-2010 terms at their annual
meeting in Orlando.

Alliance for Independence is pleased to welcome


Yolanda Collins to its Board of Directors. Yolanda is a
Director for Marriott Vacation Club. She is a licensed
title agent and is an active member of the Education
and Enlightenment Group (EEG). Yolanda’s focus will
be on Strategic Planning and Program Development.

Florida Presbyterian Homes


William “Buzz” Hall, RN, BSN, has joined Florida
Presbyterian Homes as Director of Nursing. Hall has
20 years experience in Staff Management positions in
healthcare facilities.

Kay Henry, RN, BSN, will be moving from Director


of Nursing to a newly created position of Community
Resource Nurse. This position will help manage
the care needs of the Florida Presbyterian Homes
independent residents and help coordinate the
wellness initiative.

FL Southern College Nursing Program students have


been at FL Presbyterian Homes for their practicum
(period of work for practical experience). Twenty-four
students are being introduced to basic nursing
knowledge and skills. Florida Presbyterian has
appreciated the opportunity to share with these
students our philosophy regarding family centered
care and welcome them to the “homes with a heart”.

Watson Clinic LLP


Watson Clinic is pleased to announce the arrival of
Juan A. Baez, MD, to our team of hospitalists. Dr.
Baez is board-certified in internal medicine. He
received his medical degree from the Universidad
Iberoamericana in Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic.

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.

Patty Frankenberger, previously with Publix Super


Markets has been named as the new Division Director.

Moody Law, P.A.


Local attorney Daniel D. Moody was presented with
the Commander Owners Group Choice Award for
the best Commander 114B/115 Aircraft at the groups
2008 Annual Fly-in, Fredericksburg, Texas. In a
statement Mr. Moody said, “I am amazed how the
ownership of a personal aircraft has allowed me to
better serve my clients around the country”.

Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney


& Lancaster, P.A.
The law firm of Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney &
Lancaster, P.A. with offices in Lakeland and Brandon
is pleased to announce the addition of attorneys O.
Reginald “Reggie” Osenton and Natasha S. W. Rieger
to its Brandon office which is located in The Greater
Brandon Chamber of Commerce building at 330
Pauls Drive.

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.

Fifth Third Bank


Fifth Third Bank is pleased to announce Martin
“Marty” Wilkey has assumed the position of Assistant
Vice President. Mr. Wilkey will be responsible and
accountable for directing and administering a
financial center with generally more than $30 million
in core deposits and generating less than $700,000 in
net profit. He is also in charge of ensuring that the
Scott Lake financial center provides the public with
banking services, credit decisions, and service for
consumer and commercial loans.

Fifth Third Bank would like to welcome Carrie


McCoy to their staff of professionals. In the position
of retail personal banker she will be in charge of
providing superior customer service, making outside
calls to establish new business and maintaining
existing business.

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.

Create An Image Salon & Spa Inc.


3500 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/701-2887
www.createanimagesalon.com

Ideal Image
801 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/904-2500
www.idealimage.com

GTE Federal Credit Union


5320 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, 33809 • 863/680-2323
www.gtefcu.org

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.

No. 18
No. 19
Return Service
Requested
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LAKELAND, INC.


& ALPHA APPRAISAL SERVICES, INC.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 • 5:30 P.M.

950 PINEWOOD AVENUE


(JAMES J. MUSSO UNIT)
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

$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

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