MEMBER NEWS

WIGGS APPOINTED TO CITIZENS BANK & TRUST BOARD

Greg Littleton, President of Citizens Bank and Trust, is pleased to announce the appointment of Howard Wiggs to the Citizens Bank and Trust Board of Directors. The Board consists of Latimer Wilson (Chairman of the Board), Jinx Wilson-Chaney, Clay Wilson, David M. Touchton, Greg Littleton, Theron Stangry and now Wiggs.

“We look to our board members for the wisdom and capability necessary to guide our bank forward in an ever-changing business environment while maintaining our tradition of sound business decision making,” said Littleton. “I can think of no better addition to this board than Howard Wiggs, whose record of success and community involvement reflects our own.”

Wiggs obtained his BS from Florida Southern College, has graduated from the Florida School of Banking and the School of Bank Marketing at the University of Colorado, as well as having his Master Advertising Specialist Certification. He is the co-owner and President of Bagley Advertising. Prior to owning Bagley Advertising, Mr. Wiggs was a Vice President of Lending and Marketing at Flagship and then SunBank. He is currently the Chair of Lakeland Vision, Florida League of Cities Board Member and on their Executive Committee, a Board member and past President for the Polk Senior Games, Past President and Board member for the Ridge League of Cities, Creator and Producer of the Inside Lakeland Television Program to promote Lakeland and Co-Founder of Lakeland Community Relations Council and the Lakeland Council on Substance Abuse.

Mr. Wiggs is a longtime resident of Polk County with four children and five grandchildren. He and his wife Linda Bagley-Wiggs are actively involved members of the First Methodist Church and Mr. Wiggs currently serves on the Parish Relations Committee.

Citizens Bank and Trust is 460 million in assets and recently opened its 12th office at Schalamar Creek Golf and Country Club in Lakeland. The Bank serves the communities of Lakeland, Frostproof, Lake Wales, Bartow, Dundee, Auburndale, Winter Haven, and Haines City.

THE STANFORD INN & TEA ROOM ACTIVITES LISTED

Get ready for some exciting events at The Stanford Inn & Tea Room. Coming up, (All activities will be at The Stanford Inn unless otherwise shown.):
Bartow’s My Girl Festival
Aug. 26 My Girl shown outdoor Main Street Bartow
Aug. 27 My Girl Scavenger Hunt. Start at 9:30 a.m. Use our film clues to win
Aug. 28 My Girl Look a Like contest, 2:00 p.m. for both adults and children

Sept. 10 Bartow Date Night, 6.30 p.m.
Oct. 8 Bartow Date Night, 6.30 p.m.
Oct. 21 Dinner and investigation with Apollo Paranormal. Exploring the unexplained incidents at The Stanford Inn, 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 29 Halloween party, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Dinner, 2 sittings 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Dinner, 6:00 p.m.

Dates for 2012 are provisional and more
events will be added in the future:
Jan. 7 Classical Jazz 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 21 Great Gatsby Costume Party
Feb. 11 & 14 Valentines Dinner (2 sittings on the 14th: one at 5.30 p.m. and the other at 8:00 p.m.)
Mar. 24 Joey and Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding an inside out experience starting at 6:00 p.m.
For more information, call The Stanford Inn at (863) 533-2393 or visit www.thestanford inn.com.

A-C-T NAMED TOP COMNPANY TO WORK FOR IN FLORIDA

A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure (A-C-T) was recently named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For. The firm also won the designation in 2010, making this its second consecutive award.

One-hundred companies were recognized in small, medium and large company categories. The rankings – the third annual statewide Best Companies list – appear in the August issue of Florida Trend and on FloridaTrend.com.

The Best Companies To Work For in Florida program was created by Florida Trend and Best Companies Group and endorsed by the HR Florida State Council.

“Companies that retain the best employees with strong workplace programs typically stand out from the crowd by offering exceptional customer focus from a friendly, upbeat staff,” says Florida Trend Publisher Andrew Corty. “It’s our pleasure to recognize these great organizations and encourage others to join them in building Florida’s competitive advantage.”

A-C-T is a multi-disciplined engineering and environmental firm headquartered in Bartow, Florida. The company employs personnel across a wide range of disciplines and serves clients nationwide. Since its inception, in 1987, the firm has never had a lay-off. According to Rob Kincart, President of A-C-T, “Our fiscally conservative business model allows us to support and sustain current jobs and employees while also growing the company in a strategic, methodical way. Both are equally important – sustainability and growth. We recognize that our employees have made us what we are today and it’s for that reason we remain committed to creating a positive and nurturing work environment where they can continue to excel.”

To be considered for participation, companies or government entities had to employ at least 15 workers in Florida and be at least a year old. Companies that chose to participate in the Best Companies To Work For in Florida process underwent a two-part survey process. The first part consisted of evaluating each company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. “One strong theme in this month’s Best Companies coverage is how companies keep good employees. We highlight companies that take sophisticated, enlightened approaches to training, communicate the company’s values clearly, and listen to employees as they try to improve the workplace and make the company more productive.” says Mark Howard, executive editor.

For more information, please visit www.FloridaTrend.com.

SETH CLAYTOR JOINS BOSWELL & DUNLAP, LLP

Seth Benton Claytor has joined Boswell & Dunlap, LLP, as an associate attorney.

Claytor graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a B.S.B.A. in Business Finance, and then attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

After graduating from law school in 2009, Claytor was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2010. He continues to pursue an LL.M in Real Property Development Law from the University of Miami.

Claytor was recently appointed Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lake Alfred and concentrates his practice in local government law and real property transactions and litigation.

Boswell & Dunlap, LLP, is located at 245 South Central Avenue in Bartow. For more information, call (863) 533-7117.

PRC'S FACT TEAM CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

Peace River Center’s Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. On July 22, 2011 a celebration was held to honor the 10 year anniversary of Lakeland’s FACT Team at Peace River Center’s Gilmore Annex Building.

The FACT program was started to promote, develop, and support high quality assertive community treatment that improves the lives of people with serious and persistent mental illness to help them live independently and to their full potential.

There are currently 94 clients under the care of the Lakeland FACT Team’s 13 staff members.

For the last 10 years, the program has operated 7 days a week providing services such as life skills, case management, housing assistance, therapy, linkage to medical services, medication management, psychiatric services, and vocational assistance, hospitalization, homelessness, and criminal incarceration for clients served.

ALWAYS BEST CARE OFFERS CHAMBER MEMBERS DISCOUNT

Always Best Care Senior Services is bringing a new kind of health care savings to the members of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce.

Now Chamber members can enjoy savings up to 65% off the retail cost of prescription drugs with the Always Best Care FREE Prescription Discount Card.

It’s a known fact that prescription drug costs are growing. At the same time, millions of Americans do not have medical insurance, and millions more are under-insured.

In addition, seniors face excluded drugs with Medicare. All this adds up to financial strain for many who need help.

To help combat these factors, Always Best Care has launched its Free Prescription Discount Card program.
The free card from ABC is not insurance, but a substantial discount program that can save those with no coverage or restricted coverage up to 65% on prescriptions at over 56,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Perhaps best of all, the Free Prescription Discount Card program is indeed completely free, no personal information is ever asked for or collected, and there is no activation process or waiting period for coverage.
The program is backed by WellDyne, a well-recognized national pharmacy benefits manager.
Consumers may visit www.freeABCrx.com, select “Print Your Free ABC Rx Card Now,” print a card and be ready to save at over 56,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Users only have to use the card at a participating pharmacy to get their discount.
If the user already has insurance, they can use this card to get the lower of the insurance based price or the Free Prescription Discount Card price on prescriptions or medications that may not be covered by their insurance at all.

In addition, one card may be used for all members of the person’s family.
Cards also are available from local Always Best Care offices and Area Representatives.
Michele Manzo-Lembo, Area Representative for Always Best Care – Florida West, said, “We initially launched this program to help our caregivers and clients. When we looked at it, we realized that we could help many more people throughout the country by providing them with the same benefits. Our entire business model is taking care of people. This program is a natural addition to what we do every day.”

Founded in 1996, Always Best Care provides non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care through a nationwide network of more than 135 independently owned and operated franchises.

Always Best care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service.
For more information, call Always Best Care Senior Services at (813) 422-1561.

SUN 'N FUN NAMES LEENHOUTS PRESIDENT

John R. Leenhouts, a 27-year veteran of the United States Navy with a distinguished record of service as a carrier fighter pilot along with an extensive list of community involvement, has been named President of SUN ’n FUN Fly-In, Inc. The announcement was made by SUN ’n FUN Board Chairman William A. Eickhoff after the SUN ’n FUN Board of Directors unanimously approved the selection.

“SUN ’n FUN is very proud to announce that John “Lites” Leenhouts will serve as our next President,” Eickhoff said. “We were all very impressed with his distinguished military career but we were also happy to learn of his involvement with various volunteer-driven organizations as well as his enthusiastic interest in general aviation aircraft and activities. He has been a regular and active participant at virtually every SUN ’n FUN Fly-In over the past 30 years. The only events John has missed are when he was away from the United States on active duty with the Navy. He was the outstanding choice in a highly qualified field of candidates. We are exceedingly pleased to welcome John Leenhouts to the SUN ’n FUN organization.”

Eickhoff said more than 180 candidates applied for the position vacated when former SUN ’n FUN President John Burton accepted the position of President of the Florida Air Museum (FAM). Leenhouts becomes only the third person to lead the professional staff of the organization and its international aviation event during its illustrious 38-year history, following Burton’s 12-year tenure who was in turn preceded by Billy Henderson.
“I’m tremendously excited about this amazing opportunity,” Leenhouts exclaimed. “This is literally a dream come true for me and I look forward to building on past accomplishments as we create pathways for continued growth and success. I hope my past participation at SUN ’n FUN will help expedite my transition to the event and the organization. My wife, Nancy, and I are both anxious to re-locate to Lakeland and become active and integral members of the community. I can’t wait to get started!”

For more information, visit the SUN ‘n FUN website at www.sun-n-fun.org or call (863) 644-2431.


MEMBER NEWS WIGGS APPOINTED TO CITIZENS BANK & TRUST BOARD Greg Littleton, President of Citizens Bank and Trust, is pleased to announce the appointment of Howard Wiggs to the Citizens Bank and Trust Board of Directors. The Board consists of Latimer Wilson (Chairman of the Board), Jinx Wilson-Chaney, Clay Wilson, David M. Touchton, Greg Littleton, Theron Stangry and now Wiggs. “We look to our board members for the wisdom and capability necessary to guide our bank forward in an ever-changing business environment while maintaining our tradition of sound business decision making,” said Littleton. “I can think of no better addition to this board than Howard Wiggs, whose record of success and community involvement reflects our own.” Wiggs obtained his BS from Florida Southern College, has graduated from the Florida School of Banking and the School of Bank Marketing at the University of Colorado, as well as having his Master Advertising Specialist Certification. He is the co-owner and President of Bagley Advertising. Prior to owning Bagley Advertising, Mr. Wiggs was a Vice President of Lending and Marketing at Flagship and then SunBank. He is currently the Chair of Lakeland Vision, Florida League of Cities Board Member and on their Executive Committee, a Board member and past President for the Polk Senior Games, Past President and Board member for the Ridge League of Cities, Creator and Producer of the Inside Lakeland Television Program to promote Lakeland and Co-Founder of Lakeland Community Relations Council and the Lakeland Council on Substance Abuse. Mr. Wiggs is a longtime resident of Polk County with four children and five grandchildren. He and his wife Linda Bagley-Wiggs are actively involved members of the First Methodist Church and Mr. Wiggs currently serves on the Parish Relations Committee. Citizens Bank and Trust is 460 million in assets and recently opened its 12th office at Schalamar Creek Golf and Country Club in Lakeland. The Bank serves the communities of Lakeland, Frostproof, Lake Wales, Bartow, Dundee, Auburndale, Winter Haven, and Haines City. THE STANFORD INN & TEA ROOM ACTIVITES LISTED Get ready for some exciting events at The Stanford Inn & Tea Room. Coming up, (All activities will be at The Stanford Inn unless otherwise shown.): Bartow’s My Girl Festival Aug. 26 My Girl shown outdoor Main Street Bartow Aug. 27 My Girl Scavenger Hunt. Start at 9:30 a.m. Use our film clues to win Aug. 28 My Girl Look a Like contest, 2:00 p.m. for both adults and children Sept. 10 Bartow Date Night, 6.30 p.m. Oct. 8 Bartow Date Night, 6.30 p.m. Oct. 21 Dinner and investigation with Apollo Paranormal. Exploring the unexplained incidents at The Stanford Inn, 6:00 p.m. Oct. 29 Halloween party, 7:00 p.m. Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Dinner, 2 sittings 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Dinner, 6:00 p.m. Dates for 2012 are provisional and more events will be added in the future: Jan. 7 Classical Jazz 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 Great Gatsby Costume Party Feb. 11 & 14 Valentines Dinner (2 sittings on the 14th: one at 5.30 p.m. and the other at 8:00 p.m.) Mar. 24 Joey and Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding an inside out experience starting at 6:00 p.m. For more information, call The Stanford Inn at (863) 533-2393 or visit www.thestanford inn.com. A-C-T NAMED TOP COMNPANY TO WORK FOR IN FLORIDA A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure (A-C-T) was recently named one of Florida’s Best Companies To Work For. The firm also won the designation in 2010, making this its second consecutive award. One-hundred companies were recognized in small, medium and large company categories. The rankings – the third annual statewide Best Companies list – appear in the August issue of Florida Trend and on FloridaTrend.com. The Best Companies To Work For in Florida program was created by Florida Trend and Best Companies Group and endorsed by the HR Florida State Council. “Companies that retain the best employees with strong workplace programs typically stand out from the crowd by offering exceptional customer focus from a friendly, upbeat staff,” says Florida Trend Publisher Andrew Corty. “It’s our pleasure to recognize these great organizations and encourage others to join them in building Florida’s competitive advantage.” A-C-T is a multi-disciplined engineering and environmental firm headquartered in Bartow, Florida. The company employs personnel across a wide range of disciplines and serves clients nationwide. Since its inception, in 1987, the firm has never had a lay-off. According to Rob Kincart, President of A-C-T, “Our fiscally conservative business model allows us to support and sustain current jobs and employees while also growing the company in a strategic, methodical way. Both are equally important – sustainability and growth. We recognize that our employees have made us what we are today and it’s for that reason we remain committed to creating a positive and nurturing work environment where they can continue to excel.” To be considered for participation, companies or government entities had to employ at least 15 workers in Florida and be at least a year old. Companies that chose to participate in the Best Companies To Work For in Florida process underwent a two-part survey process. The first part consisted of evaluating each company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure employee satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. “One strong theme in this month’s Best Companies coverage is how companies keep good employees. We highlight companies that take sophisticated, enlightened approaches to training, communicate the company’s values clearly, and listen to employees as they try to improve the workplace and make the company more productive.” says Mark Howard, executive editor. For more information, please visit www.FloridaTrend.com. SETH CLAYTOR JOINS BOSWELL & DUNLAP, LLP Seth Benton Claytor has joined Boswell & Dunlap, LLP, as an associate attorney. Claytor graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a B.S.B.A. in Business Finance, and then attended the University of Florida Levin College of Law. After graduating from law school in 2009, Claytor was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2010. He continues to pursue an LL.M in Real Property Development Law from the University of Miami. Claytor was recently appointed Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lake Alfred and concentrates his practice in local government law and real property transactions and litigation. Boswell & Dunlap, LLP, is located at 245 South Central Avenue in Bartow. For more information, call (863) 533-7117. PRC'S FACT TEAM CELEBRATES 10 YEARS Peace River Center’s Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. On July 22, 2011 a celebration was held to honor the 10 year anniversary of Lakeland’s FACT Team at Peace River Center’s Gilmore Annex Building. The FACT program was started to promote, develop, and support high quality assertive community treatment that improves the lives of people with serious and persistent mental illness to help them live independently and to their full potential. There are currently 94 clients under the care of the Lakeland FACT Team’s 13 staff members. For the last 10 years, the program has operated 7 days a week providing services such as life skills, case management, housing assistance, therapy, linkage to medical services, medication management, psychiatric services, and vocational assistance, hospitalization, homelessness, and criminal incarceration for clients served. ALWAYS BEST CARE OFFERS CHAMBER MEMBERS DISCOUNT Always Best Care Senior Services is bringing a new kind of health care savings to the members of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce. Now Chamber members can enjoy savings up to 65% off the retail cost of prescription drugs with the Always Best Care FREE Prescription Discount Card. It’s a known fact that prescription drug costs are growing. At the same time, millions of Americans do not have medical insurance, and millions more are under-insured. In addition, seniors face excluded drugs with Medicare. All this adds up to financial strain for many who need help. To help combat these factors, Always Best Care has launched its Free Prescription Discount Card program. The free card from ABC is not insurance, but a substantial discount program that can save those with no coverage or restricted coverage up to 65% on prescriptions at over 56,000 pharmacies nationwide. Perhaps best of all, the Free Prescription Discount Card program is indeed completely free, no personal information is ever asked for or collected, and there is no activation process or waiting period for coverage. The program is backed by WellDyne, a well-recognized national pharmacy benefits manager. Consumers may visit www.freeABCrx.com, select “Print Your Free ABC Rx Card Now,” print a card and be ready to save at over 56,000 pharmacies nationwide. Users only have to use the card at a participating pharmacy to get their discount. If the user already has insurance, they can use this card to get the lower of the insurance based price or the Free Prescription Discount Card price on prescriptions or medications that may not be covered by their insurance at all. In addition, one card may be used for all members of the person’s family. Cards also are available from local Always Best Care offices and Area Representatives. Michele Manzo-Lembo, Area Representative for Always Best Care – Florida West, said, “We initially launched this program to help our caregivers and clients. When we looked at it, we realized that we could help many more people throughout the country by providing them with the same benefits. Our entire business model is taking care of people. This program is a natural addition to what we do every day.” Founded in 1996, Always Best Care provides non-medical in-home care, assisted living placement services and skilled home health care through a nationwide network of more than 135 independently owned and operated franchises. Always Best care combines national strength and standards with local accessibility and personal service. For more information, call Always Best Care Senior Services at (813) 422-1561. SUN 'N FUN NAMES LEENHOUTS PRESIDENT John R. Leenhouts, a 27-year veteran of the United States Navy with a distinguished record of service as a carrier fighter pilot along with an extensive list of community involvement, has been named President of SUN ’n FUN Fly-In, Inc. The announcement was made by SUN ’n FUN Board Chairman William A. Eickhoff after the SUN ’n FUN Board of Directors unanimously approved the selection. “SUN ’n FUN is very proud to announce that John “Lites” Leenhouts will serve as our next President,” Eickhoff said. “We were all very impressed with his distinguished military career but we were also happy to learn of his involvement with various volunteer-driven organizations as well as his enthusiastic interest in general aviation aircraft and activities. He has been a regular and active participant at virtually every SUN ’n FUN Fly-In over the past 30 years. The only events John has missed are when he was away from the United States on active duty with the Navy. He was the outstanding choice in a highly qualified field of candidates. We are exceedingly pleased to welcome John Leenhouts to the SUN ’n FUN organization.” Eickhoff said more than 180 candidates applied for the position vacated when former SUN ’n FUN President John Burton accepted the position of President of the Florida Air Museum (FAM). Leenhouts becomes only the third person to lead the professional staff of the organization and its international aviation event during its illustrious 38-year history, following Burton’s 12-year tenure who was in turn preceded by Billy Henderson. “I’m tremendously excited about this amazing opportunity,” Leenhouts exclaimed. “This is literally a dream come true for me and I look forward to building on past accomplishments as we create pathways for continued growth and success. I hope my past participation at SUN ’n FUN will help expedite my transition to the event and the organization. My wife, Nancy, and I are both anxious to re-locate to Lakeland and become active and integral members of the community. I can’t wait to get started!” For more information, visit the SUN ‘n FUN website at www.sun-n-fun.org or call (863) 644-2431.
Newsletter - August 2011 Business Update Newsletter