april 2009 forum

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April 2009 Vol. XIX, No.4 Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com SBA Awarded: See who received the plaque for this monthly award. Page 4 After Hours: Watson Clinic hosts Business After Hours. Page 14 Business & Breakfast: YMCA hosts February event. Page 15 inside this issue FORUM FOR BUSINESS monthly LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Continued on Page 2 ALSO INSIDE: New Members • Leadership Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move Sun ’n Fun staff and volunteers are ramping up preparations for the 35th annual fly-in, which will be held at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, April 21-26. Since its beginning in 1975, the annual Sun ’n Fun Fly-In brings together people from around the world for a unique aviation experience. At the heart of the event is the more than 450 educational forums, seminars and “hands-on” workshops that cover every aspect of aircraft construction and maintenance. Additional topics are offered through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FastTeam Sun ‘N Fun 2009 Staff and volunteers ramping up preparations for 35 th annual fly-in at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport Continued on Page 3 REMARKABLE REUNION Brigadier General Dan Cherry, USAF (Ret.) and Vietnamese MiG-21 pilot, Nguyen Hong My, will reunite at Sun ’n Fun 2009 for the only the second time since Cherry’s F-4D Phantom shot down My over Hanoi in 1972. Cherry traveled to Vietnam in April 2008 to meet My on national Vietnamese television where their reunion was broadcast throughout Vietnam. Photographer John Fleck traveled with Cherry and chroni- cled this remarkable reunion in his book, “The Unlikely Reunion– Reconciliation in Vietnam.” My and Cherry will both travel to Sun ’n Fun for multiple presenta- tions scheduled for Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25. The 2009 Sun ’n Fun Fly-In will be held April 21-26 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland.

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Page 1: April 2009 Forum

April 2009Vol. XIX, No.4

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

SBA Awarded:See whoreceived theplaque for thismonthly award.Page 4

After Hours:Watson Clinichosts BusinessAfter Hours.Page 14

Business &Breakfast:YMCA hostsFebruary event.Page 15

insidethis issue

FORUM FOR BUSINESSmonthly

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

• Continued on Page 2

ALSO INSIDE: New Members • Leadership Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move

Sun ’n Fun staff and volunteers are ramping uppreparations for the 35th annual fly-in, which will beheld at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland,April 21-26.

Since its beginning in 1975, the annual Sun ’n FunFly-In brings together people from around the world

for a unique aviation experience. At the heart of theevent is the more than 450 educational forums,seminars and “hands-on” workshops that cover everyaspect of aircraft construction and maintenance.Additional topics are offered through the FederalAviation Administration (FAA) FastTeam

Sun ‘N Fun 2009Staff and volunteers ramping up preparations for35th annual fly-in at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport

• Continued on Page 3REMARKABLEREUNION

Brigadier General Dan Cherry,USAF (Ret.) and VietnameseMiG-21 pilot, Nguyen Hong My,will reunite at Sun ’n Fun 2009for the only the second time sinceCherry’s F-4D Phantom shot downMy over Hanoi in 1972. Cherrytraveled to Vietnam in April2008 to meet My on nationalVietnamese television where theirreunion was broadcast throughoutVietnam. Photographer John Flecktraveled with Cherry and chroni-cled this remarkable reunion inhis book, “The Unlikely Reunion–Reconciliation in Vietnam.”

My and Cherry will both travel toSun ’n Fun for multiple presenta-tions scheduled for Thursday,April 23 through Saturday, April25. The 2009 Sun ’n Fun Fly-Inwill be held April 21-26 at LakelandLinder Regional Airport in Lakeland.

Page 2: April 2009 Forum

Cherry was commissioned a 2ndLieutenant in the Air Force in July of1960 and went through pilot trainingin 1964, receiving an F-105 assignmentwith the 49th Tactical Fighter Wingat Spangdalem, Germany. In Decemberof 1966 he volunteered for his firsttour of duty in Southeast Asia andflew 100 missions over North Vietnamduring his first eight months of duty.After returning to the United Statesas an instructor pilot in the F-105, hevolunteered for his 2nd tour of duty inSoutheast Asia in 1972, this timeassigned to fly the F-4D Phantom II.In April 1972, Cherry, flying in aflight of four Phantoms shot down theMiG-21 piloted by Vietnamese fighterpilot, Hong My. Following his secondtour of duty and only MiG “kill”, Cherry went on to a successfulcareer in the U.S. Air Force, reaching the rank of BrigadierGeneral, and leading the USAF Thunderbirds Jet DemonstrationTeam before retiring in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

“It is my hope that our remarkable meeting and reconciliation cansomehow help the many Vietnam Veterans who have had greatdifficulty in bringing closure to their war experiences. Mr. HongMy and I both share the mutual hope that our unusual friendship

can also be an inspiration to our two countries to work towardbetter and friendlier relations through enhanced educational,cultural and business exchanges”, said Cherry of the upcomingreunion with Nguyen Hong My at Sun ’n Fun.

Volume Information: April 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 4

Anu SaxenaChairman of the Board

Aaron BatesManaging Editor

Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President

Kingston PartnersDesign

Lakeland AreaChamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly

No. 2

Remarkable Reunion

The 2009Sun ’n Fun Fly-Inwill be heldApril 21-26 atLakeland LinderRegional Airportin Lakeland, Fla.

Lakeland’s Detroit Tigers andSpring Training promoted at

Welcome Centers

Lakeland partnered with The Detroit Tigers andthe Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bu-reau to help promote Detroit Tiger and FloridaSpring Training! These Detroit Tigers Tee-shirtsare proudly worn by Welcome Center personnelgreeting Florida visitors and recommending takingin a Spring Training game as part of their Floridavacation itinerary! What better way to spend yourvacation than an afternoon of baseball at JokerMarchant Stadium and then finding out what therest of Lakeland and Polk County have to offer!

Page 3: April 2009 Forum

Production Center that operates year–round on the Sun ’n Fun campus. Lastyear, more than 8,000 visitors attended the Sun ’n Fun and FAA sponsoredforums, more than 9,000 participated in Sun ’n Fun’s hands-on workshops, anda record 520 commercial exhibitors showcased the latest in aviation productsand technology.

“We encourage all aviation enthusiasts to start their aviation year here at Sun’n Fun, which is one of the world’s premier aviation events”, said John Burton,Sun ’n Fun President and Fly-In Chairman. “Sun ’n Fun volunteers and staffwork very hard to coordinate the event and to ensure that all participants andguests have the best possible aviation experience”.

The 2009 event would not be complete without the daily air show, starting at3:00 p.m. Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday, and at 2:00 p.m. Friday throughSunday. Sun ’n Fun’s airshow is one of the event’s most visible and popularactivites and features the world’s top aerobatic performers. A popular Sun ’nFun tradition – the Friday night air show will take place at dusk on April 24.The Fly-In also includes a hot air balloon launch on Saturday April 25; andevening programs each night of the event. In addition, approximately 5,000aircraft of every size and shape including showplanes competing for awards willbe on display for all Sun ’n Fun visitors to enjoy throughout the week. Theflightline will remain open to all ticketed visitors, giving pilots, aviationenthusiasts, kids and families a close-up look at all the aircraft onsite, includingmodern military jet-fighters and historicWWII fighter aircraft.

Sun ’n Fun’s annual attendance during the six-day event averagesapproximately 160,000. The economic impact to Lakeland and Polk Countyis estimated at more than $27 million annually based on a University of SouthFlorida economic impact study. Last year (2008), Sun ’n Fun hosted more than1,300 international visitors from 73 countries, including first-time visitors fromTanzania, Botswana, Oman and Singapore. For more information, access Sun’n Fun’s web site: www.sun-n-fun.org.

Sun ‘N Fun TIRED OF OPENING ALL THAT MAIL?

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to help youout with that by sending your future invoices via E-mail. Not onlywill it save you time but you would be helping us “Save the Trees.”

If your company is interested in receiving the E-mail version ofinvoices, please complete the information below and return to:

Lakeland Area Chamber of CommercePO Box 3607Attn: Invoices

Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

YES! I WANT TO RECEIVEINVOICES BY E-MAIL

Company Name:

Billing Contact Name:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

E-mail:

Phone:

Fax:

Page 4: April 2009 Forum

By Steve MaddenPresident of Madden

We are all asking ourselves the same question:“How can my company survive this economy?”You have two choices: one is to decreaseor eliminate your marketing budget andkeep your fingers crossed or two, move fullsteam ahead with a marketing plan andtake full advantage of the opportunity tostrengthen your brand while the competitionis weak.

When you choose to cut marketing, youincrease the likelihood that your productor service will lose relevance with yourtarget audience. You leave the doorwide-open for your competition to enterand chip away at the market share you’veworked so hard to own. Your customersneed to hear from you now more thanever. Maintain your voice within yourcategory so that you don’t give your competitorsa window of opportunity.

Ask yourself these seven questions, andput your marketing plan back on track:1. Do I have an annual marketing plan

that promotes my brand, creates leadsfor all my business units and effectivelyreaches my target audiences?

2. How many times per month am Itouching my customers with brand buildingor sales promotion communications?

3. How closely am I measuring my marketingactivities, better known as ROI (Returnon Investment)?

4. What new opportunities have presentedthemselves in this economy?

5. What value can I communicate to mytarget audience that positions my productor service as the category leader? Valueis not always just about having the lowestprice.

6. How can I allocate my marketingbudget more wisely?

7. Do I have a proactive customer referralplan in place to generate new salesleads?

In this current economic environment, itis imperative that you have the right answerto the above questions. A by-product ofthe slowdown is that businesses are beingmore intentional about their marketingand advertising than ever before. Contraryto many naysayers, there are still motivatedbuyers out there for your product or service.

Your marketing efforts just require morethought and strategy to fully connectwith consumers. Doing the same thingyou have always done won’t cut it anymore.If executed properly, creative marketingstrategies can help you not only survivebut also help you gain market share. Developyour marketing plan today and just beready to make modifications to the strategyas needed.

Madden is a brand identity company specializingin strategic marketing, advertising, creative services,promotional products and branded apparel.

No. 4

What is the secret to surviving this economy?

FOCUS ON MARKETINGOur Apologies

Please accept our apologies!! Pictures ofthe January Business After Hours plaquepresentations incorrectly listed the namesunder the pictures. We regret this error.The correct information is as follows:

Greg White accepts the Plaque of Appreciation forAlpha Appraisal Services, Inc.

Jim Luffman accepts the Plaque of Appreciationfor Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland.

BUSINESSAND BREAKFAST

$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non-MemberPlease 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: [email protected]

CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 • 7:30 TO 9:00 A.M.

THE CLUB AT EAGLEBROOKE1300 EABLEBROOKE BLVD.

Page 5: April 2009 Forum

Wheeler Appraisals does not have an official motto, but in reference tomuch of the property throughout central Florida, it could be “we appraisedthat property one time”.

CurtWheeler and Bill Wheeler, Jr. continue the business begun by theirfather in 1971. Wheeler Appraisals has maintained the same phonenumber, P.O. Box and Chamber membership for the last 38 years! That isstaying power in a business where that history is of great benefit to all oftheir clients. Imagine being able to trace the valuation of a property over a38 year period.

CurtWheeler is anMAI, another added benefit for their customers, andhe concentrates on the commercial properties. Bill handles the residentialproperties, and thus they are a full service appraisal firm which has workedwith some of the same clients for over 35 years. Throughout this period

they have continuedto keep up with thetechnologies of thetime, so today they arefully computerized andcan deliver electronic orhard copies of appraisalswhile still understandingthe value of on site visitsin conjunction with thenow easily availablecollection of data andstatistical models. Theirweb site, wheelerappraisals.com, is an interesting place to visit and givesyou a feel for a company that does serious business but with a sense ofhumor and understanding that the nature of their business is partmathematics and part art.

In addition to their appraisal work, both Curt and Bill are involved withthe community. Curt serves on the board of Learning Resource Centerand is currently the President of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra board.Past board service includes Lakeland Habitat for Humanity and theYMCA. Curt was a member of Leadership Lakeland XIII. He has servedas a volunteer in the Guardian Ad Litem program and as a tutor in theschool system. Bill is the past president of Alliance for Independence andLakeland Evening Sertoma. He participates in School Advisory Councilsand the 6Man Club for Florida Southern College. We are lucky to havetheWheelers in our business community and the community at large.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulateWheeler Appraisals as the Small Business of theMonth for March.

March winner

Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Patricia Hendler (CenturyCommercial Realty, LLC) presents the March Small Business of the Month Award to BillWheeler, Jr. (L) and Curt Wheeler (R), Wheeler & Wheeler, Inc. d/b/a Wheeler Appraisals.

Small Business of the Month Award presented

WWhheeeelleerr && WWhheeeelleerr,, IInncc..d/b/a Wheeler AppraisalsPO Box 2416104 E. Pine StreetLakeland, FL 33806-2416863/688-7994863/688-7995 faxwww.wheelerappraisals.com

Page 6: April 2009 Forum

No. 6

Page 7: April 2009 Forum

EMERGE Lakeland provided its members theopportunity to network with some of Lakeland’sfinest leaders. The Leadership Lakeland AlumniAssociation partnered with EMERGE to offermembers a unique speed networking opportunitywhere members could meet and begin to developrelationships with business leaders. The event wasfast paced and business cards and refreshmentswere flying around The Ledger. EMERGE wouldlike to thank the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association and TheLedger for hosting the event. Social interaction among youngprofessionals is one of the missions of EMERGE.

EMERGE Lakeland’s annual event hosting community leaders will beheld at the Lakeland Yacht & County Club on April 21st. Check outEMERGE’s website for more details.

Applications for the second year of the EMERGEP2P initiative (Peer to Peer Networking) will soonbe available. P2P aims to enrich the professionaldevelopment of Lakeland’s young professionals bypartnering them with existing EMERGE Lakelandmembers. This year’s class has attended programspresented by Lakeland Vision, United Way ofCentral Florida and Lakeland Electric. All newlyengaged young professionals will participate in two

EMERGE Lakeland membership programs in four specifically designedP2P events or activities.

Visit www.emergelakeland.com to learn more about upcoming events,volunteer opportunities and development and social outings. You canalso click on the EMERGE logo on www.lakelandchamber.com.

EMERGE Lakeland Networks

Greg Ruthven (e Ruthvens/Leadership Lakeland Class II) networks with EMERGELakeland Member Patrick Howes (Northwestern Mutual Financial Network).

Over 80 EMERGE Lakeland Members and Leadership Lakeland Alumni speednetworked at e Ledger.

Page 8: April 2009 Forum

No. 8

Evening at the Tiger BBQ

CEO Dave Dombrowski

Pictures by Tom Hagerty/LakelandLocal.com

Jim Leyland

Willie Horton & Friends

Chinese National Baseball Team at Tiger BBQ

Page 9: April 2009 Forum

A group of excited new membersfilled the lobby of the RiversideBank located at 6180 US Highway98, N. Members listened as Chamberstaff gave an overview of events andprograms, with added encouragementto get involved in every aspect possible.Eager to share who they were andwhat services or products theirbusinesses could provide, eachmember presented a 30-secondcommercial. Enthusiasm is contagious,and attitude important especiallynow! What a great way to start offthe 2009 New Member ReceptionSeries! Thanks are due to the entirestaff at Riverside Bank, our PresentingSponsor for the 2009 New MemberReceptions, and host Sponsor forFebruary, for offering such a positiveexperience to get new members offto a great start.

Riverside hostsNew Member Reception

Special thanks to Riverside Bank, the 2009 NewMember Reception Presenting Sponsor andHost Sponsor for February.www.riversidenb.com

Page 10: April 2009 Forum

Access ChurchLakeland, FL 33810-3861(863) 409-2600www.accesslakeland.comJason BurnsChurches/Synagogues

Americom - South Lakeland5698 S Florida Ave.Lakeland, FL 33813-2526(863) 648-1914www.americomfl.netD. J. PearsonCellular Phones

Bubba Ques BBQ2444 US Highway 92 EastLakeland, FL 33801-2671(863) 665-4049Fax: (863) 665-5650www.bubbaquesbbq.comJosh ReevesRestaurants

Capitol Marketing Concepts696 1st Ave N Ste 400Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-3610(727) 290-2342(800) 238-5659www.capitolmarketing.comBrian BellMarketing - Special Promotions

Cartridge & Toner Zone5131 S Florida Ave Lakeland 33813PO Box 6293Lakeland, FL 33807-6293(863) 644-5025Fax: (863) 248-2773www.cartridgeandtonerzone.comWilliam MastersOffice Supplies/Equipment

Creative Gift Consultants106 Laguna CtSanford, FL 32773-5545(863) 581-2705www.creativegiftconsultants.comSomer HuffmanGift Baskets

Dragon Ice Cream Treats1732 W Olive StLakeland, FL 33815-4045(813) 892-5252(863) 686-6628Fax: (813) 286-7428www.dragonicecreamtreats.comHeather MetoyerIce Cream Shoppe

Evangelisto's Home Repair Classes1303 Tom Watson RdLakeland, FL 33801-6745(863) 409-6985Doug EvangelistoHome Improvements

GGM Productions, Inc.Lakeland, FL 33801-5259(863) 698-2160Fax: (863) 687-3749Grant MillerAdvertising

My Health Coach, Inc.Lakeland, FL 33813-1808(863) 370-2727www.healthcoachsandy.comSanford BatesHealth & Wellness

Navesys Medical Transcriptions3730 Cleveland Heights Blvd Ste 2Lakeland, FL 33803-0212(863) 701-7470(866) 794-4158www.navesysmt.comDean RustinTranscription/Medical & Administrative

Patient First Clinic3021 Lakeland Highlands RdLakeland, FL 33803-4339(863) 683-0900Fax: (863) 683-7755www.patientfirstclinic.netMatthew FolderHealth & Wellness

PLANTZ (formerly Plant Manager)(863) 686-2222(866) 752-6899www.plantz.usSteve StanfordPlant Leasing & Maintenance/Interior

TreeTop Software Co., LLCPO Box 2100Lakeland, FL 33806-2100(863) 680-2828www.sweatmonkey.orgScott ForeAssociations

Visiting Nurse Association of Florida, Inc.3806 Manatee Ave WBradenton, FL 34205-1714(772) 286-1844Fax: (772) 286-0738www.vnaflorida.orgSanny PaningbatanHome Health Care

Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge to to “Buy Lakeland. It makes goodcents!” by doing business with these new Chamber members. For the most up-to-date list of members, visit our on-line Preferred Business Directoryat LakelandChamber.com!

NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 15 new members for February 2009

No. 10

Page 11: April 2009 Forum

20+ Year Renewals1921 - 88 YearsPickard & Pickard Inc. REALTORS1944 - 65 YearsWachovia Bank1950 - 59 YearsWONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio1951 - 58 YearsPayne Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.1955 - 54 YearsUniversal Building Specialties1959 - 50 YearsHardy’s Industries, Inc.1965 - 44 YearsPolk Pump & Irrigation Co., Inc.1971 - 38 YearsJuice Bowl Products, Inc.Santa Fe Animal Hospital1972 - 37 YearsCleveland Heights Animal Hospital1973 - 36 YearsImperial Manor M.H. TerraceSouthern Glass Products Company, Inc.1975 - 34 YearsAAA Auto Club South1977 - 32 YearsBCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc.1978 - 31 YearsAnthony’s Health Hut & RestaurantSun ‘n Fun Fly-In, Inc.1981 - 28 YearsTurfcare Unlimited1983 - 26 YearsImperial Florida Sales Co.1984 - 25 YearsPeace River Center1985 - 24 YearsFamily Eye Center South1986 - 23 YearsCypress LakesDale Gardner Jacobs, PA1988 - 21 YearsTri-County Human Services, Inc.First United Methodist Church1989 - 20 YearsEd Ducar, Inc.

15 Year RenewalsFamily Worship Center Churches, Inc.American Red Cross/Polk County ChapterBridges Optical

10 Year RenewalsSav-A-Lot Food StoresGulf Coast Avionics Corp.Lakeland Estates MHC

5 Year RenewalsNatural Resource Planning Services, Inc.Elena’s Cuban CaféDermatology Assoc. of Central Florida, P.A.H & R Block

RENEWALSThe Chamber would like to recognizeand thank the following businesses fortheir long-standing support and loyalty.

Page 12: April 2009 Forum

No. 12

www.keystonechallenge.org863-682-1025

AFFORDABLEHOMEOWNERSHIP

Assistance provided bythe City of Lakeland and

Polk County SHIP Programs.

Keystone Challenge Fundprovides the following services:

• DOWN PAYMENTASSISTANCE

• CLOSING COSTASSISTANCE

• AFFORDABLEMORTGAGEFINANCING

• HOMEBUYEREDUCATION

• MORE INFORMATIONAVAILABLEATwww.keystonechallenge.org

Income limits and other qualifying requirements apply.

Page 13: April 2009 Forum

MARK YOURCALENDAR

EVENTSThursday, April 16

Business and Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.CPS Investment AdvisorsThe Club at Eaglebrooke

Tuesday, April 21EMERGE Lakeland Event, 5:30 p.m.

The Club at Eaglebrooke

Thursday, April 23Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m.

Luau/DowntonOn the Deck of Citizens Bank & Trust

402 S. Kentucky Ave.

MEETINGSWednesday, April 8

Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland, 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, April 9Leadership Lakeland XXVII

Nominations Due

Leadership Lakeland XXVI Human Services Day

Wednesday, April 15 Executive Committee Meeting

4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21 EMERGE Lakeland,

Steering Committee Meeting 3:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 23Board of Directors Meeting,

NoonLakeland Yacht and Country Club929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Tuesday, April 28Investment Committee Meeting,

4:00 p.m.

FFEEBBRRUUAARRYY TTOOUURRIISSMM IINNQQUUIIRRIIEESS

During the month of February, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals,answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community.

Walk-in Visitors..........................................546

Relocation Response Mailings........................7

Relocation Response (Walk In) ....................27

Accommodations...........................................0

Winter Accommodations ...............................1

Visitor Information Mailings .........................54

Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.....................195

Page 14: April 2009 Forum

No. 14

Watson Clinic hosts February’s Business After HoursTo showcase their newest building, Watson Clinic welcomed Chamber members bythe hundreds to the February Business After Hours. The healthcare organization’sBella Vista Building not only houses many existing services, but also introduces amedical spa to their range of expertise. The sleek new building was impressive, as wasthe staff as they gave tours and welcomed members to this great health care facility.Everyone was greeted at the door, and after a short elevator ride to the 3rd floor, saw alarge display of delicious food including a palm tree made of fruit and a beautiful icesculpture. Live music and many gift baskets for door prizes followed an explanation ofwhat the current and future plans for the building would be by long time chambersupporter, Dr. Lou Saco. Thanks to everyone at Watson Clinic’s Bella Vista Buildingfor a first class event!

Dr. Louis Saco, Watson Clinic, LLP, accepts theplaque of appreciation.

ere were an abundance of door prizes to be given away.

A beautiful ice sculpture graced the table of horsd’oeuvres.

Page 15: April 2009 Forum

YMCA of West Central Florida hosts February’s Business & BreakfastThe February Business & Breakfast was hosted by the YMCA of West Central Florida attheir 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd location. Dr. Franklin Schultz, Webster College,gave an engaging presentation on Stress Management. Attendees were treated to adelicious breakfast and a relaxing environment in which to learn about stress management.Dr. Schultz clarified that our goal was not to eliminate stress, but to manage it. He gaveus a four step process for dealing with stress and encouraged us to practice it daily. Thevery serious subject of stress (and the statistics about the damage it does to our bodies)was approached with an excellent balance of humor and relevant, helpful information.

This Business & Breakfast event ushered in a new program for the Lakeland AreaChamber of Commerce. In order to better serve our members, audio from our professionaldevelopment events will be available for download from our Web site and as a Podcastthrough iTunes. Thanks to podcasts, even if you could not attend the February event you canget all the great information for yourself! If you would like to subscribe to this and futurepodcasts, you can search the iTunes store for “Lakeland at:

http://blog.lakelandchamber.com/?feed=podcast.

We are looking forward to your feedback regarding the chamber podcasts. If you haveany questions or comments, please email Matthew Wengerd at: [email protected]

Dr. Franklin Schultz, Webster University, presents program on Stress Management

Pictured above, aer a delicious breakfast, attendees lis-ten to presentation by Dr. Schultz.

Pictured le, Jack English, YMCA Chairman of theBoard and Alice Collins, YMCA President and CEOwelcome everyone.

Page 16: April 2009 Forum

No. 16

APRIL MEMBERS ON THE MOVELakeland Volunteers In Medicine, Inc.Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine is proud topresent LVIM's premier community event, TheLakeland Derby. Presented by Rooms to GoChildren's Fund, The Lakeland Derby capturesthe thrill of a race and the purity of sportsentertainment in a hometown setting. The trueessence of the Derby is the reward of knowingthe proceeds will support Lakeland Volunteersin Medicine, a vital local charity. In honor ofthe city's symbol, the main event will featureten impressive fiberglass swans racing on LakeMirror. The beautiful handcrafted swans, eachwith their own company sponsored jockey, willrace to the finish line as spectators enjoy thesecond annual Lakeland Derby.

A post race V.I.P. dinner will recognize areaphysicians who have contributed their timeand expertise to LVIM's mission. Fireworks willcap off the memorable inaugural event. TheLakeland Derby will be April 25, 2009 from 5 - 9pm at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater. Formedia and press inquiries contact Claudia Jordan at 863/688-5846 EXT. 118.

Henkelman Construction, Inc.Henkelman Construction, Inc. is pleased toannounce the addition of Rob Hennessey totheir Construction Management team. Mr.Hennessey is a graduate of the University ofFlorida and holds a degree in Building Construction. He will work as a Project Engineer.

Douglass Screen PrintersLisa Hickey of Douglass Screen Printers, Inc.attended the National Advisory Council Meeting hosted by the National Association ofWomen Business Owners (NAWBO). Ms.Hickey is the immediate past president ofNAWBO. The meeting was an opportunity forwomen business owners to meet withNAWBO’s leadership and corporate partners tolearn about NAWBO’s strategic plan and focusfor 2009. NAWBO engages key stakeholders inthe women business owned community toshare insight and perspective on women’s entrepreneurships.

Lisa Hickey was recently recognized as theHonorary Chair of the Girl Scouts of WestCentral Florida’s Dessert First Dinner andAuction in Lakeland, Florida. Ms. Hickey actively participated on the Steering Committee for the dinner and her companywas a corporate sponsor. During the auction,Ms. Hickey personally challenged the audienceto pledge funding cases of Girl Scout cookies tobe sent overseas to the military, and fifty-sixcases of Girl Scout cookies were pledged.

ASC geosciences, inc.D.S. “Sax” Saxena, CEO of ASC geosciences,inc. of Lakeland, Florida and a board certifieddiplomate of the National Academy of ForensicEngineers (NAFE), was an invited speaker attheir annual meeting held in Austin, TX. Hislecture was titled “Forensic Engineering Geotechnical Analysis of Florida Sinkholes”.

Baron Realty, Inc.The space on South Florida Avenue that formerly housed Spec’s Music and FYE did not stay empty long according to Cory Petcoff,President of Lakeland based Baron Realty, acommercial brokerage firm that represents thespace. Pet Supermarket, a Boca Raton basedpet supply chain has signed a lease and willbegin renovations as soon as permits are issuedby the City.

Southeastern UniversitySoutheastern University has named TommyBarnett, co-founder of the Los Angeles DreamCenter, author, and mega-church pastor, as itsTransitional Chancellor. The date he will assume this role is yet to be determined. MarkRutland was recently approved as Oral RobertsUniversity’s next president. However, he willremain SEU’s President until July 1.

Page 17: April 2009 Forum

Florida Southern CollegeThe 2008-2009 edition of "Who's WhoAmong Students in American Universities andColleges" will include 26 students from FloridaSouthern College who have been namedamong the nation's outstanding campus leaders.The students were chosen based on theiracademic achievement, service to the community, leadership in extracurricular

activities, and potential for continues success.Students named this year from Florida SouthernCollege are as follows: Robyn B. Baker, JustinD. Bertsch, Timothy D. Brown, Erin E. Conroy,Rachel A. Cook, Christopher W. Corbin,David C. Dill, Margaret M. Drumm, AlexandraGauthier, Elissa A. Graeser, Kelly A. Higgins,Jennifer L. High, Alyssa R. Huebner, Katie J.Jared, Melissa S. Kelly, Kaci E. Kohlhepp,

Whitney S. Lear, James B. Manning, ChristinaM. Martin, Mollie M. McCullough, Allison B.Mitchell, Phyllis A. Morgan, Robyn E. Pinder,Jessica N. Reidling, Tara V. Saco and Martha S.Yates.

The Florida Southern College forensic teamhad their strongest showing of the season todate at the University of West Florida MarksInvitational held in Pensacola, Florida. Eightstudents participated in the competition,walking away with 14 individual wins and athird place team sweepstake award.

Florida Southern College then hosted the 2009Florida Interstate Forensic Association (FIFA)state championship Feb 13-15 and earned fivetop placements in the competition. This is thefirst year that the team has had more than onefinalist. Seven members of the FSC team havequalified this year to compete at the NationalForensic Association Championship in April,which will be held in Springfield, MO. Thisweeklong tournament features competitionamongst more than 100 colleges and universitiesfrom across the nation.

Florida Southern College was named by theCorporation for National and CommunityService to the President’s Higher EducationCommunity Service Honor Roll for the secondyear in a row for exemplary service efforts andservice to America’s communities. The awardrecognizes the college’s leadership in helping tobuild a culture of service and civic engagementon campus.

CPS Investment AdvisorsChas P. Smith, CPA/PFS, president of CPSInvestment Advisors was a guest speaker for theFlorida Public Pension Plan Trustee School inSt. Augustine, FL. His topic was “Basics inStock Investment”.

Lakeland Habitat for HumanityLakeland Habitat for Humanity ExecutiveDirector Claire Twomey was among participantsfrom 1,600 U.S. affiliated organizations that attended Habitat for Humanity International'snational conference held in January 2009. Thetheme of the event was "No Hands but Yours".

Habitat for Humanity of Lakeland held their2008 Volunteer Recognition Dinner andawarded David Adams Volunteer of the Year2008. Joe & Sue Mayo and Murray Harrison received awards for Outstanding Volunteer.

Bank of Central FloridaPaul Noris, President and CEO of the Bank ofCentral Florida announced Akiko LaGesse hasjoined the bank as Vice President/Private Bank-ing Officer. Ms. LaGesse was most recently aPremier Client Manager with Bank of America.

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: [email protected]

• Continued on Page 19

Page 18: April 2009 Forum

No. 18

RIBBON CUTTINGSThe following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of December.

See the photos on our Web site at LaklandChamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial 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.

Florida Blood Services2315 Commerce Point Drive, Ste 140 & 150, Lakeland, 33801

• 863/904-4620

Evans & Hurlburt CPA's, PA5125 S Lakeland Drive, Suite 3, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/701-9717

Rainbow CoachPO Box 3918 Lakeland 33802 • 813/997-6160

Watson Clinic | Bella Vista Building1755 N. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, 33805 • 863/904-4654

Just Joan's Historic Barber Shop1040 Pennsylvania Avenue, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/698-2242

Senior Helpers1625 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/686-7333

Page 19: April 2009 Forum

Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center L.L.P.The American Society for GastrointestinalEndoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinalmedical society, has recognized LakelandSurgical & Diagnostic Center, Lakeland,Florida, as part of its new program specificallydedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy, inall settings where it is practiced in the UnitedStates. Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center’sEndoscopy Unit is one of 56 endoscopy units tobe granted the recognition in 2009.

WellDyneRxThe market expansion of a leader in thepharmacy benefit industry will bring more than100 new jobs to Lakeland in 2009. WellDyneRxopened their world-class pharmacy mail servicefacility on March 5, 2009. The creation of 100new jobs in 2009 is just the beginning of thehiring cycle. WellDyneRx is forecasting to addan additional 578 jobs through the end of 2010.

Polk Community CollegeAll of the recent graduates of Polk CommunityCollege’s Health Information management(HIM) program who took the RegisteredHealth Information Technology (RHIT)credentialing exam passed on their firstattempt. On average, PCC’s HIM graduatesscored 97%. The HIM graduates also scoredabove the national average in 12 of the 14 content domains on the RHIT exam.

Perpetual technology SolutionsThe Learning Center at Perpetual TechnologySolutions (PTS), a leading provider ofcomputer software and professional IT training,is proud to announce it now offers SharePointconsulting for organizations throughout CentralFlorida. Organizations use SharePoint tosimplify compliance efforts and keep businessinformation more secure through a comprehensive set of tools to manage andcontrol electronic content.

Hewlett Packard (HP) has named perpetualTechnology Solutions as a Premier AuthorizedSupport Partner. “The Premier AuthorizedSupport Partner designation is in recognition of your company’s achievement in meetingthe business and operational requirementsthat place you in the top 10 percent of ourAuthorized Support Partners.” Said MichaelTortorici, HP US East Partner Service DeliveryManager.

On the Move• Continued from Page 17

The 22nd Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast was held on January 15 at the LakelandCenter. This sell-out event was hosted by the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce andsponsored by Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. More than 600 Chamber members andguests gathered to hear the highly anticipated economic predictions for 2009 presented byBrian Wesbury and Dr. Tony Villamil. Brain Wesbury is a nationally known economist whocomes to Lakeland annually for this event. Wesbury is the Chief Economist at First TrustAdvisors, L.P. in Chicago, IL. This was the second year that Dr. Villamil presented at theEconomic Forecast Breakfast. He is the Dean for the School of Business of St. ThomasUniversity of Florida and the Principal Advisor, for the Washington Economics Group, Inc.in Coral Gables, FL.

As always, this event was a tremendous success and an exceptional opportunity for Chambermembers to gain insight into the economic forecast for 2009.

22nd Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast

Keith Albritton (Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.), Laura Haw-ley (Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.), Brian Wesbury (ChiefEconomist at First Trust Advisors, L.P.), Kathleen Munson (Lake-land Area Chamber of Commerce), Dr. Tony Villamil (Dean forthe School of Business of St. omas University of Florida and thePrincipal Advisor, for the Washington Economics Group, Inc.),Ralph Allen (Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.).

Page 20: April 2009 Forum

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Gold Sponsors:• Fun Bike Center Motorsports • Focus Magazine • Bernie Little Distributors

Silver Sponsor:• Party People Celebration Co.

Patron Sponsors:• Signs & Specialties, Inc. • Southside Package & Lounge

It’s time for the 10th annual Luau Downtown,a Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

Featuring the 7th annual “King of the Wing” ContestLocal restaurants and caterers compete for the honor of “Best Chicken Wings” in Lakeland.

• Live Entertainment • Beverages • Food Samples from Area Restaurants• Great Place for Networking

Thursday, April 235:30-7:30 pm.

Hosted “On the Deck” of: 402 S. Kentucky Avenue

$10 Chamber Member - $30 Non-Member

Pre-register online at Luau.LakelandChamber.com

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