August 2009Vol. XIX, No.8

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

Small Businessof the Month:See whoreceived theplaque for thismonthly award.Page 5

New MemberReception:New Chambermembers arehighlighted atthis bimonthlyevent.Page 7

After Hours:Fantasy of Flighthosts monthlyevent.Page 15

insidethis issue

FORUM FOR BUSINESSmonthly

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

• Continued on Page 2

ALSO INSIDE: Upcoming Events • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move

Five years ago, your Chamber andUnited Way joined forces to create anorganization that would engage youngprofessionals (YPs) in our community.

The premise was simple— if you can integratethese YPs into thecommunity (whether byprofessional development,philanthropic awareness,networking, contributingto the growth anddevelopment of thecommunity, or politicalawareness), then thelikelihood of them stayingand participating in

local events and organizations in Lakeland ishigher. This, in turn, has become our mission.And EMERGE Lakeland has worked tirelesslyto achieve these goals.

It has been a pleasure to watch EMERGELakeland, our local young professionals’organization, grow from a seemingly simplesocial, networking group to an organizationthat is 151 members strong, working hard on

all levels to be the catalyst to create futureleaders of this great city. Our Steering Committeeis comprised of five subcommittees that worktogether to make our efforts fruitful. Our Officersand Subcommittee Chairs are:

•Vice Chair: Kathy Wallen,e NCT Group C.P.A.'s, LLP

•Treasurer: Rachel Hollis,Dunson-Hollis Consulting, LLC

•Secretary: Jennifer Nicholson,ALL STAR Bleachers, Inc.

•Events: Adam Spafford,Stock and Option Trader

•Marketing: Ashley Hall,Alliance for Independence

•Membership: April Mullins,Bank of Central Florida

•Technology: Todd Baylis,Cipher Integrations, Inc. and Qgiv

•Volunteer: Craig Hill,Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney, & Lancaster, PA

WORKING TIRELESSLY TOACHIEVE ITS GOALS

Punam V. SaxenaChairEMERGE Lakeland

Chamber Members…start your engines!!The 2009 Car BQ Committeeis pleased to announceplanning for this year’sevent has begun. Plan to fillup your tank with a deliciousBBQ lunch at this year’sCar BQ Chamber fundraiser,November 20, 2009 atTigertown.

Need more information?Want to help? Call KatieDaughtrey at 688-8551, x241or email her at: kdaughtrey@lakelandchamber.com

Volume Information: August 2009, Vol. XIX, No. 8

Anu SaxenaChairman of the Board

Aaron BatesManaging Editor

Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President

Kingston PartnersDesign

Lakeland AreaChamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly

No.2

EMERGE Lakeland • Continued from Page 1

These committees provide input andperspective to keep EMERGE on thecutting edge while also respecting thefoundation and history of Lakeland.

EMERGE Lakeland provides at least12 monthly events that focus on ourmission at venues that support thecity, such as the Polk Museum of Art,Sun ‘n Fun Museum, and local colleges.Last year, we introduced Peer 2 PeerNetworking (P2P), a mentoring program,which seeks to involve and educateYPs who are new hires or newly relocatedabout our community by pairing themwith an existing EMERGE member.This program showcases, in-depth,four pressing issues that face our YPs:volunteerism, local government, politicsand public education. We are launchingour second year of our popular programin September.

This year, we have focused on becominga green organization. We know we arenot alone in this endeavor, but we dofeel we must be the vehicle to educatenot only our membership but also ourcommunity. There is minimal paperdistributed at events or meetings. Allcorrespondence is electronic and any‘handouts’ are projected onto theprojector screen. Recycling bins arealso placed at each event for drink

cans and bottles. Our SteeringCommittee meetings are

held with the lights off (only in thesummer months, of course!). We aremaking small, manageable changesthat can be easily implemented intoevery day life. Try it, and you can bea part of the change!

EMERGE Lakeland also is planning aHabitat for Humanity project in August.Here’s your chance to roll up yoursleeves and make a difference in thecommunity we live and work.

There will also be an EMERGE programat the United Way of Central Floridain late August. EMERGE memberswill be Pounding the Pavement ofdowntown Lakeland for “First Friday”in August. Look for the “green”EMERGE t-shirts and ask how youcan get one. In September join us fora book review by Dr. Larry Ross of FloridaSouthern College. Back by populardemand will be Aprons in October.Visit www.EmergeLakeland.com formore details.

Finally EMERGE Lakeland is excitedto announce the second annual P2PProgram. P2P = Peer to Peer Networkingand aims to enrich the professionaldevelopment of Lakeland's young

professionals by partnering them

with existing EMERGE Lakelandmembers. The Program year will beAugust 1, 2009 - May 15, 2010. Allnewly engaged young professionalswill participate in two Emerge Lakelandmembership programs in four specificallydesigned P2P events or activities.Please visitwww.EmergeLakeland.com/p2p/for more information.

I am very proud of the growth andenergy behind EMERGE Lakeland. Itis just beginning to spread its wingsand fly. Once soaring, the sky is trulythe limit.

Punam V. SaxenaChair EMERGE Lakelandwww.emergelakeland.com

This year, we have focused on becoming a green organization.We know we are not alone in this endeavor, but we do feelwe must be the vehicle to educate not only our membershipbut also our community.[ ]

POUND THEPAVEMENT

First Friday, Downtown,August 7

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Now is the perfect time to start planningyour 2010 marketing budgets… andthere’s no better resource than theChamber of Commerce! Now throughOctober 2, your company can plan forinvolvement in Chamber publications,programs and events. To find out moreabout sharing your brand through theseopportunities, visit:Catalyst.LakelandChamber.com or contactAmy Wiggins at 863/688-8551 Ext. 229 orawiggins@lakelandchamber.com.

Events & Programs• Annual Meeting• Business & Breakfast• Business After Hours• Business After Hours –

Luau Downtown• CarBQ – Portable BBQ Lunch• Chamber Champions• Chamber Scramble• Cheers! For First Year Members –

Member Picnic & Table Top TradeShow

• CommUnity Celebration – PolkCounty’s Premier Diversity Event

• Entrepreneurial Academy – Fall 2010• Hats Off! To Chamber Members – 2010

Membership Materials Delivery Event

• Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast• New Member Receptions• North With The Tigers – Summer 2010• Politics in the Park• 64th Annual Tiger BBQ• Trustees Membership

Publications• 2010 Buyer’s Guide & Membership

Directory• 2010 Forum for Business Monthly-

in full color!• Relocation Package• 2010 Web site Advertising

Build your brand through the Chamber!Catalyst Campaign offers marketing and advertising opportunities for companies of all sizes!

SHOW YOURSUPPORT

Now through October 2, yourcompany can plan for involvementin Chamber publications, programsand events. For more information:Catalyst.LakelandChamber.com[ ]

No.4

On Monday, August 24 BusinessVoice,Inc. will unveil its new web site.During the month of AugustBusinessVoice members will beinterviewing candidates for Lakeland’supcoming Commission and Mayoral races.The committee will formally announce itscandidate endorsements on the 24th viathe web site.

In an effort to provide as much infor-mation about each of the candidatesvying for a seat on the Commission,BusinessVoice will publish each candidate’sanswers to the candidate questionnaire.BusinessVoice encourages all Chambermembers to log onto BusinessVoiceInc.comto familiarize yourself with each can-

didate’s positions.

BusinessVoice, Inc. is a committee ofcontinuous existence created in 2000 asan organization to support pro-businesscandidates and to promote issues

which impact the business community.BusinessVoice works to ensure theelection of business-minded candidatesto state and local office and serves asan endorsement board for those individualswho personify what the businesscommunity stands for. BusinessVoice

is a volunteer, non-partisan politicalaction group with membership opento all Chamber-member businesses.

BusinessVoice was created to helpmember companies succeed in supportingand passing legislation compatiblewith achieving the goals of business.Membership provides a unique opportunityfor individuals to have a direct impacton the outcome of elections.

Want to learn more? Get involved? Logon to BusinessVoiceInc.com or call KatieDaughtrey at 863/688-8551, x241.

BusinessVoice to Unveil New Web site August 24

BusinessVoiceInc.com[ ]

Rick Garcia’s love of aviation beganat South Miami Senior High Schoolwhen he entered the George T. BakerAviation School program that wasoffered at Miami International Airport.He learned so much about the aviationindustry, upon graduating high schoolhe entered the United States AirForce, studying avionics spendingfour years at MacDill in Tampa.

During his third year in the Air Forcehe got a job at Vandenberg Airport inTampa, and managed an avionicscompany for a couple of years. In1984 he borrowed $10,000 from hisfather and started his business, GulfCoast Avionics out of a bedroom inhis home in Tampa. He purchasedsome inventory and ran ads in Trade-A-Plane, the aviation bible, and hasadvertised in that magazine for the entire25 years he has been in business. Hequickly outgrew the bedroom andfound a location by Tampa InternationalAirport. Six months later he hired apart-time secretary, who is his officemanager/controller today and graduallybegan building his team.

In 1998, Hillsborough County AviationAuthority bought his property to expandTIA. In looking for another locationfor his business he found that the costof doing business would be less inLakeland and he was on the board ofSun ‘n Fun. The Lakeland EconomicDevelopment Council was very goodin helping him to relocate to Lakeland.Today Gulf Coast Avionics, locatedat 3650 Drane Field Road, at theLakeland Linder Regional Airport,has 23 full time employees, and is aworldwide distributor of aircraftelectronics, flight instruments andpilot supplies. They also do installationsand service in corporate and privateaircraft.

Remembering the training that sethim up in his career at the aviationschool at Miami International, Rickwanted to do a similar type schoolhere in Lakeland. In February of2007 Rick and John Small, PolkCounty School Board’s senior directorof workforce education, decided toexplore the possibility of an aerospaceacademy in Polk County. The CentralFlorida Aerospace Academy was

established and opened in 2008. It isa joint effort with Kathleen HighSchool, Polk State College, TravissCareer Center, USF Polytechnic, Sun‘n Fun Fly In and Gulf Coast Avionics.The Academy recently received a$1.4 million grant from NASA.

The halls of Gulf Coast Avionics arelined with awards the company hasreceived from trade organizations,manufacturers and from our community.In addition to his leadership role atGulf Coast Avionics, Rick has foundtime to be very involved in ourcommunity. He helped establish theHispanic Diversity Council, now apart of the Diversity Council of theLakeland Area Chamber of Commerce,and was awarded the prestigiousSpirit of Diversity Award in 2005.

Rick serves or has served on theboards of the Lakeland Area Chamberof Commerce, Polk Museum of Art,Sun ‘n Fun Fly In, Central FloridaAerospace Academy, Polk State CollegeBoard of Trustees and Foundationboard, National Aviation SafetyFoundation, West Area Adult SchoolAdvisory Board, Polk State CollegeWorkforce Education Council andPolk Vision Executive Committee.Rick is a graduate of LeadershipLakeland and Leadership Polk. Rickis a multi engine instrument ratedpilot and loves to fly his plane.

The Lakeland Area Chamber ofCommerce would like to congratulateGulf Coast Avionics as the SmallBusiness of the Month for July.

July winner

Small Business of the Month Award presented

GGuullff CCooaasstt AAvviioonniiccss CCoorrppoorraattiioonnRick J. Garcia, PresidentLakeland Linder Regional Airport3650 Drane Field RoadLakeland, FL 33811863/709-9714 x125863/709-1022www.GCA.aero

Lisa and Rick Garcia, Gulf Coast Avionics Corporation, accept the July Small Business of the Month Awardom committee member Nancy Cattarius (WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio).

]

No.6

By displaying the "Buy Lakeland" logoin your business, you are helping theChamber share the message that localbusinesses need our support! Did youknow that on average, 53 cents ofevery dollar spent locally returns to thecommunity through taxes and payroll?Shop online or out of town, and thatnumber becomes zero! For a quickreference on the quality products andservices offered by Chamber members,visit our Web site at: www.lakelandchamber.com and clickon the “Preferred Business Directory”on the home page.

Remember, by doing business inLakeland, you’re:

• Protecting the jobs of family, friends and fellow Chamber members.

• Directing dollars to local schools, roads and parks.

• Helping sustain the long-standing economic growth and quality of life in our community.

Special thanks to our partners at BrightHouse Networks for producing several“Buy Lakeland” commercials promotingthe benefits of doing business locally.Watch for the commercials airing onBright House cable channels over thenext few months.

If you need a “Buy Lakeland” windowcling to display, just e-mail: mstevenson@lakelandchamber.comand we’ll get one to you! The Chamberhas also produced “Buy Lakeland”business cards for members to leavewhen patronizing local businesses.Stop by the Chamber if you’d like asupply of these cards to share.

By supporting our local businesses, weall win!

Chamber members enjoy New Member ReceptionThe new member reception for June was heldat Savannah Court located at 6550 N. SocrumLoop Rd. Their beautiful facility was the perfectsetting for a cup of hot coffee and a snack offresh fruit. As new members and ChamberChampions met in the front lobby, they werefaced with a creatively landscaped brick courtyardcomplete with an area for lounging in the sun.

After everyone had a moment to network,Chamber staff gave a brief overview of chamberevents and programs. Kim Busse, of PresentingSponsor Riverside Bank, gave a primer onsharing your 30-second commercial, and newmembers followed suit.

Following everyone’s commercials, SavannahCourt’s Executive Director, Becky Pate andResident Relations Coordinator, Dawn Bibbydrew a name for a loaded summer beach bagwhich went to new member PortraitEFX bySamuel K. Hamilton Photography. Thanks toSavannah Court for such a warm receptionand thanks to Riverside Bank for their continuedsupport and dedication to the importance ofNew Member Receptions.

Pictured above: Newchamber memberslisten as Chamberstaff gave a briefoverview of chamberevents and programs

Pictured le, BeckyPate, SavannahCourt Executive Director, welcomesmembers and staff.

No.8

20+ Years Renewals1953 - 56 YearsAllen & Company of Florida, Inc.

1959 -50 YearsThe Ruthvens

1973 - 36 YearsGene Engle, REALTORFurr & Wegman Architects, P.A.

1977 - 32 YearsAce Air Conditioning & Electric

1978 - 31 YearsSleep Center

1980 - 29 YearsReed Appraisal Company

1981 - 28 YearsCentral Florida Speech & Hearing Center

1982 - 27 YearsPerpetual Technology Solutions

1983 - 26 YearsEmeritus at Lakeland

1984 - 25 YearsThom Downs Antiques, Inc.Lakeside Pediatrics/Northside & Southside

1986 - 23 YearsVogel Bros. Building Co.

1987 - 22 YearsHarper Realty & Development Co., Inc.

1988 - 21 YearsCleveland & Company, Inc.

1989 - 20 YearsAlliance for Independence formerlyPCAHCAlbe Stamp & Engraving

15-Year RenewalsSunshine Interiors of Lakeland, Inc.Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland, Inc.

10-Year RenewalsAzalea Park Retirement CommunityArt's TransmissionsPetals, The Flower Shoppe, Inc.

5-Year RenewalsSorensen Moving & Storage

LLC/Coleman AmericanPicture Perfect Frame Shops, Inc.The Foundation of

Southeastern University

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

AAMCO Transmissions1301 W Memorial BlvdLakeland, FL 33815-1228(863) 683-7511Fax: (863) 683-3943www.aamcoplantcity.comIan & Lorna DanielAutomobile/Truck - Repair

All About Graphics, Inc.1330 Ham’s Farm RdLakeland, FL 33565-7482(813) 478-9336Fax: (813) 704-4870www.allaboutgraphicsinc.comJose BocanegraSigns

Bernie’s Body Shop1829 E Gary RdLakeland, FL 33801-2235(863) 683-2954Fax: (863) 683-2835Paul & Tiffany HawksAutomobile/Truck - Repair

Charles R. Wilson General Appraisal530 Brooks CourtPolk City, FL 33868-9271(863) 326-2414Charlie WilsonAppraisers - Real Estate

Circle of Trust Ministries, Inc.4733 San Antonio DrLakeland, FL 33813-2083(863) 644-4879Fax: (866) 228-2371www.circleoftrustministriesinc.orgFranklin E. ShoemakerNot for Profit Ministry - Private

CW’s Country Cafe1529 Town Center DrLakeland, FL 33803-7968(863) 686-5206www.cwscountrycafe.comCarol JohnsonNancy NilesTrent SchofieldRestaurants

Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro132 S. Kentucky AveLakeland, FL 33801-5002(863) 683-5267Fax: (863) 683-5617Tim & Tina CalhoonRestaurants

GTECH Printing Corp.4100 Frontage Rd S Ste 400Lakeland, FL 33815--324(863) 248-1400(888) 882-7027Fax: (863) 248-1452www.gtech.comMike KozdrasPrinting

King’s Court GownsBartow, FL 33830-8617(863) 667-8456www.kingscourtgowns.comGwendolyn BlessingDee Dee JonesFormal Wear

Middleton Pest Control, Inc.3705 US Highway 98, S., Units 3 & 4Lakeland, FL 33813-4269(863) 802-3764Fax: (863) 668-8899www.middletonpest.comWillie DaviPest Control

NetCadPro, LLC1536 Commercial Park Dr Ste 7Lakeland, FL 33801-6566(863) 937-9137Fax: (863) 937-9138www.netcadpro.comShane ChristmasComputers - Consulting & Networking

Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.304 E. Pine StLakeland, FL 33801-4969(863) 686-5393(866) 971-0686Fax: (863) 686-5637www.opco.comSandra PlumbFinancial Services

Pipo’s Cafe115 S Kentucky AveLakeland, FL 33801-5001(863) 686-7476Fax: (863) 682-7476www.pipos.comWayne HarrisonRestaurants

Qgiv53 Lake Morton Dr Ste 110Lakeland, FL 33801-5334(863) 686-0110www.qgiv.comTodd BaylisCredit Card Processing

SafeguardTampa, FL 33607-5846(800) 763-5454Fax: (877) 706-9796www.safeguardservice.comAndy GauchAdvertising - Specialties

Smart Health Inc.5706 Manchester Dr WLakeland, FL 33810-6229(863) 937-5111Roger TunksInsurance

Turner Construction Company800 N Magnolia Ave Ste 500Orlando, FL 32803-3200(407) 210-2500Fax: (407) 210-2550www.turnerconstruction.comLance GassertConstruction

Western & Southern Life5349 Great Oak DriveLakeland, FL 33815-3113(863) 683-7806 Ext 115(800) 365-7806Fax: (863) 683-7807www.wslife.comFelipe DacalosInsurance

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

NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 18 new members for June 2009

No.10

The June EMERGE event was one ofHealth & Wellness.Guest speakers fromLifestyle Family Fitness,Tim Tunnecliffe, andKelly Andrews, AssistantDean of Wellness at FloridaSouthern College, taught EMERGEmembers how to exercise their bodies and

cleanse their minds. This fantastic eventtook place at CommunitySouthern Bank during thelunchtime hour, givingmembers and non membersalike the opportunity to chatwith each other about what

they are doing to keep their mind, bodyand spirit in a healthy state.

EMERGE Lakeland focuses on health and wellness

Guest speakers om Lifestyle Family Fitness,Tim Tunnecliffe, and Kelly Andrews, AssistantDean of Wellness at Florida Southern College,taught EMERGE members how to exercise theirbodies and cleanse their minds.

No.12

www.polkhousing.com

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: mstevenson@lakelandchamber.com

TRUE MD3627 S. FLORIDA AVE.

(NEXT TO GOLD’S GYM)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13

7:30 A.M. ~ 9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER: DR. DANE PARKERTOPIC: STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

MARK YOURCALENDAR

EVENTS

Friday, August 7EMERGE Lakeland

“Pound the Pavement” First Friday,Downtown, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Thursday, August 13Business & Breakfast, 7:30 AM True MD, 3627 S. Florida Ave.

Thursday, August 20Business After Hours,

5:30-7:30, Magnify Credit Union, 961 E. County Road 540 A

MEETINGS

Wednesday, August 12BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland,

9:00 AM

Thursday, August 13 Joint Government Affairs & Education

KSI Meeting, 8:30 – 10:30 AMUSF Polytechnic/PSC

3433 Winter Lake Road

Leadership Lakeland XXVII Orientation 2:00 PM

Leadership Lakeland XXVII Opening Reception, 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Lakeland Yacht & Country Club

Tuesday, August 18 EMERGE Lakeland Steering

Committee Meeting, 3:45 PM

Wednesday, August 19Executive Committee Meeting.

4:00 PM

Wednesday, August 26Board of Directors Meeting. Noon.Lakeland Yacht and Country Club.

929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.

JJUUNNEE TTOOUURRIISSMM IINNQQUUIIRRIIEESSDuring the month of June, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and theLakeland community.

Walk-in Visitors..................................362Relocation Response Mailings............. 13Relocation Response (Walk In) ........... 20Accommodations...................................1

Winter Accommodations .......................1Visitor Information Mailings ................28Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............163

No. 14

Camp Fire hosts June’s Business and BreakfastCamp Fire USA Sunshine Councilhosted the Business and Breakfast onJune 11. Chamber members andguests joined Camp Fire’s board andteen leadership for lessons in becominga moose. After a spectacular breakfastincluding camp donuts, attendeeswere guided through a series ofteam-building exercises, includingone that required team membersto communicate silently for threeminutes. Who knew that a roomfull of Chamber members couldbe so quiet?

In addition to communicationsexercises, the Camp Fire leadershipshared ideas for ice breakers and goal

setting games. Chamber memberswere glad to learn the Camp Fireteens were available to lead theseactivities in their workplaces andcivic groups. Special thanks toCamp Fire board president, StanleyHawthorne and Executive DirectorHolly Lane for hosting such aunique event!

Chamber members listen as Camp Fire leadership shared ideasfor ice breakers and goal setting games.

ATTENTIONClubs &

Organizations

It is time to update ourLakeland Area Guide to Clubs

& Organizations.

Please contact us no later thanAugust 31, 2009

To ensure your club ororganization is represented.

Please contact Patty Smith at863/688-8551 Ext. 221

Or E-mail at psmith@lakelandchamber.com

Chamber members work quietly on theirteam-building exercises.

Fantasy of Flight hosts June’s Business After HoursChamber members and guests took tothe road at Fantasy of Flight, locatedjust outside Polk City, hosted the JuneBusiness After Hours. Those dedicatedmembers that braved the rain and sometraffic issues, were rewarded with atremendous venue, with hands on activities, and delicious food.

Members were greeted at the entrance

with beverages and a period costumedtour guide that welcomed and facilitatedthe experiential exhibit that beginswith a night parachute jump. Memberstried their hand at hang gliding, aircraftand balloon simulators among all thevintage and model planes.

Mildred’s Florals, Panache Event Special-ists, and Party People Celebration Co. all

assisted with the wonderful decorations.

Fantasy of Flight employees are very proudof their company, and made everyone feelwelcome and comfortable. Be sure to visitthe Chamber’s “member to memberdiscounts” page for a special offer on facility rentals from Fantasy of Flight!Thanks to everyone for a memorableevent!

Chamber members network in the Officer's Club, one of many rooms avail-able for events at Fantasy of Flight.

Kathryn Koch-O'Malley, Lanier Upshaw, Nick Dorsch and ElliottDorsch, Fun Bike Center Motorsports, and Virginia Dorsch enjoyingthe event.

Christine Stevens and Jennifer Montague, Fantasy of Flight, accept thePlaque of Appreciation.

No.16

AUGUST MEMBERS ON THE MOVE Chastain-Skillman, Inc.Dr. Jim Chastain, PE, MPH, Presidentof Chastain-Skillman, Inc., has beeninvited to join the Scientific ReviewPanel (SRP) that examines and editsentries into the National Library ofMedicine’s Hazardous Substances DataBank (HSDB). He was selected in partbecause he has advanced degrees inboth Environmental Engineering andPublic Health as well as over 35 years ofexperience in professional practice.

Southern HomesProud to announce that Virginia Edwards was awarded the sales person of the month for May 2009.

Alliance for IndependenceJoan Eby, Director of Development ofAFI was honored as Rotarian of theYear for the Lakeland South Rotary Club.

The Terrace HotelReceived their Palm 1 designation onJune 17, 2009 from Florida Departmentof Environmental Protection, certifyingthem as a green hotel.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Saunders Real Estate, LLCCBC Saunders Real Estate recognized asTop Commercial Real Estate Firm inthe USA by the CoStar Group. Earnedthe “CoStar 2008 Power Broker Award.”

Fantasy of FlightGeneral Manger Kim Long was awardedthe “Florida Attractions AssociationOutstanding Member for 2009.” Mslong was also named to a new boardposition, Vice Chairman, which willlead to her being Chairman of theBoard in two years.

CPS Investment AdvisorsPleased to announce that Peter C.Golotko, CPA/PFS, MBA, Partner andBryan G. Mau, Regional Director ofRetirement Plan Services now host acall in talk show called, “Table Talk” onchannel 1430 AM on Sat. from 9-10 amwith Peter Maris and Robby Sampsonwith Loan Finders.

Central Florida Speech & Hearing CenterPleased to welcome new audiologist, Dr.Sophia Houze-Escobar as a permanentmember to their team.

L. Gay Ratcliff, Charmaine Hanley,Gissel Marmol, Julissa Taveras andDebbie Taylor attended the FLASHA(Florida Association of Speech-LanguagePathologists and Audiologists) Conven-tion held in Marco Island on May 21-24,2009. CFSHC is always on the cuttingedge of current technology and trends.

ENVISORS – Engineers – Planners – SurveyorsSteven L. Elias, PE, Principal and Engineering Vice President of EnvisorsEngineers, Planners & Surveyors inWinter Haven has been awarded theWinter Haven Rotary Club’s 2009 Rotarian of the Year award.

David H. Wulff, Architect, Inc.David Wulff, Architect, Inc. Is proud toannounce that David Wulff, AIA, LEEDAP and Andrew Young, AAIA, LEEDAP have successfully passed the LEEDAccreditation Professional examination.

Lunz Prebor Fowler ArchitectsOne of the ten companies recognized byThe Tampa Bay Chapter of the AmericanInstitute of Architects for excellence indesign with a Merit Award for the designof the Polk County Nature DiscoveryCenter.

The Red Elephant Pizza and GrillAnnounces its grand opening at 5216 SFlorida Ave offering guests fun and greattasting food in an upbeat atmospherethat encourages everyone to rechargeand reconnect.

Baylis & Company PA Edie Yates, CPA, Tracy Kimbrough,CPA, and Lita McHugh, CPA, recentlyattended the Student Financial AidAudit Seminar in Orlando, FL. Thisseminar focused on the current regulationsfor student financial aid programs, aswell as the admin istration and management of these programs.

Home Solution Title, Inc Announces their New MarketingManager, Susan C. Lynn.

ServiceMaster Commercial ServicesIs pleased to announce the achievementof the GS-42 Certification by GreenSeal for their cleaning services, by usingthe proprietary and patent-pendingCapture and Removal Cleaning® system,a highly effective environmentally-friendlycleaning system which reduces toxinsand improves indoor air quality.

Douglass Screen Printers Inc.Good Works LLC, an investment companywholly owned by Lisa and MichaelHickey recently purchased their currentlocation at 2710 New Tampa Highway.Simultaneously, Good Works purchasesthe adjoining property located at 2690New Tampa highway which develop-ment plans are underway

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland & MulberryKeri White and Mike Taylor have beentrained by Childbuilders in the ParentsUnder Construction curriculum. Theprogram focuses on teaching skills andknowledge to our children that will helpthem grow into successfully well-roundedadults.

• Continued on Page 19

No.18

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

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

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher, City Commissioner Jim Verplanck and all of the board members and Chamber Champions who truly make these ceremonies a special event.

Digital Imaging and Consulting, Inc.863/399-0242 • www.dicgroupinc.com

Agnini Family Dental1805 Lakeland Hills Boulevard

863/682-1500 • www.agninifamily.com

The V.I. Pet Resort3927 Progress Drive, Suite 108863/619-9000 • www.vipet.net

TARA Industrial packaging Corp.Tim Whitham, President of TARA ispleased to announce that the companyhas relocated to 3714 DMG Drive,Lakeland, FL 33811 effective July 8.

Fantasy of FlightFounder and Creator Kermit Weeks re-ceived a Bronze IPPY Award in the 13thAnnual Independent Publisher BookAwards for his recently first publishedchildren’s book, “All of Life is aSchool”.

Southeastern UniversityTickets are on sale for SoutheasternUniversity’s 2010 National LeadershipForum scheduled for March 10-12,2010. The keynote speakers for thefourth annual conference are formerPresident George W. Bush and formerFirst Lady Laura Bush.

Grills Plus MoreMoved its Showroom to 2175 E. Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803(formerly Freight Sales). In addition,they are proud to announce that GreenMountain Grills has named them astheir new SE Regional Distributor.

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE• Continued from Page 17

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcementseach month as space permits. Please mail your

announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@LakelandChamber.com[ ]

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