It's hard to believe, but on Wednesday, May 5, 2015, we'll be celebrating 25 years of the Community-based public education effort, JUST SAY NO to drugs. If you'd like to donate to help fund this program, send your check payable to "JUST SAY NO" to CenterState Bank, ATTN: Anita Stasiak, 1375 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830. Thank you for your consideration to help support this struggle against drugs!

HAIR SALONS
Oasis Salon and Day Spa
Ms. Christal Hall
565 W. Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 450-7945
website
Join Date: 03/09/2015
Ribbon-cutting:
April 15, 9:30 a.m.

MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS
The Orpheum Theatre and Academy of Performing Arts
Ms. Jenny Heidtman
Bartow, FL 33830
(718) 408-0653
website
Join Date: 03/12/2015

INSURANCE AGENCIES
LegalShield
Mr. Clive Harding
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 324-1058
website
Join Date: 03/13/2015

ASSNS, CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Mid-Florida SHRM
Ms. Andrea Prather
(863) 640-2459
website
Join Date: 03/30/2015

BOTTLED WATER & FILTER COOLER SYSTEMS
Water Boy, Inc.
Mr. Scott McLaughlin
1808 Olive St.
Lakeland, FL 33815
(800) 346-6080
website
Join Date:04/01/2015

Meetings are at the Chamber unless listed otherwise.

APRIL
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 a.m.
    SCORE Roundtable
Thursday, April 9, 5:15 p.m.
    Bartow Community Healthcare
       Foundation
    1239 E. Main St., Bartow
    Fun Thursday featuring
    Peace River Center
    Terrie Lobb Catering
    Good Shepherd Hospice
    Heartland For Children
Friday, April 10, 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start
    Chamber Golf Scramble at
       Golf Course
Wednesday, April 15, 9:30 a.m.
    Oasis Salon & Day Spa
        Ribbon-cutting
    565 W. Main St., Bartow
Thursday, April 16
    Leadership Bartow XVI
    Polk County Sheriff Day
Friday, April 17, noon
    ENGAGE Chamber Young Professionals
    Lunch & Learn
    FIPR, 1855 W. Main St., Bartow
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
    Professional Development
         Academy
    Sherran Spurlock
        Small Business Development
    Polk State College Clear Springs
    Advanced Technology Center
    310 Technology Dr., Bartow

The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, April 10, 2015, at 8:00 a.m. Committee of 100 meetings are held at the Health and Life Center (old Hospital), 1239 E. Main Street. If you are interested in becoming a member of this prestigious group, contact Chairman Brian Hinton at (863) 533-4196.

Event Date: April 10, 2015, Bartow Golf Course. Sponsorships available! Call Linda Holcomb for more information, 863-533-7125.

Click here to read the Spring Business Quarterly Magazine!

Want to find a retail or service business? Click here.

$25 per run (up to 35 words), call 533-7125 or email Virginia.

COMMERCIAL RENTAL SPACE perfect for small business client consultation and/or satellite office space in Polk County's county seat. Minutes from the courthouse and county administration buildings. The 40-600 square foot move in ready space is located at 1480 N. Broadway Ave., Suite C in Bartow. Rental rates $450-$650 per month. Interested parties should call (863) 559-3180 or (863) 559-0101.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE Furnished: $2500 square feet; $250,000. 690 E. Davidson Street, Bartow, FL 33830. Former law office in excellent condition, only 6 blocks from the Polk County Courthouse. Large foyer and central work area with multiple high-end filing cabinets, surrounded by 6 private offices and library/conference room, with built-in bookshelves, kitchenette, 2 ceramic tile bathrooms, 1 shower stall, cable, and security system. Corner lot with plenty of off-street parking. Excellent location in County Seat for any enterprise dealing with state and local government. Contact Chuck Bentley at (863) 533-7733 or email Chuck.
 

  Wow! I can't believe a quarter of the year is already gone. I was told when I took office that the time would go by fast, and it's absolutely true!

I'm so proud to be the Chamber President this year. This organization works hard to improve our area's business climate, and thereby enhances the quality of life for our citizens. I encourage each one of you to become familiar with those businesses who are Chamber members - they have a vested interest in strengthening our area.

When we spend money with Chamber businesses, we are pumping money directly back into our local economy. This helps create and maintain local jobs as well as making sure our non profits and service organizations are better supported through our tax dollars.

When we shop, dine out and seek entertainment in and around our hometown, we underscore that our homes, hearths and hearts are here. We have a vested interest in the character and unique flavor of Bartow and the surrounding areas.

So, when you are thinking to buy, ask this question of the vendor, "Are you a Bartow Chamber member?"

Until next week,
Sharon Casey
Community Southern Bank, VP
Chamber President, 2015

Thursday, April 9, 2015
5:15 p.m.

Please join your Chamber friends and
business associates for
Food, Fun, Fellowship and Networking
at the
Bartow Community
Healthcare Foundation, Inc.
Heath & Life Center (old Hospital)
1239 E. Main Street
RSVP: 533-7125

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! FREE to Business Owners and those interested in starting a business, beginning Thursday, April 9th and continuing with the second Thursday of each month, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Chamber: The popular SCORE Roundtable has come to Bartow! Join us the 2nd Thursday of every month as we explore various topics of interest to our members. On April 9th, the topic is: 3 THINGS TO MAKE YOUR CUSTOMER REMEMBER YOU! Create a customer base that remembers you and becomes loyal, repeat customers that you can count on. Watch for sign up information on facebook, also.
Chamber Business Roundtable is brought to you through the partnership between SCORE, Polk County SBA Center and the Chamber. To register, go to www.bartowchamber.com, or you may click here.
 

Polk State Corporate College, Bartow Chamber
Partner for Professional Development Academy
 
Polk State College and the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce are partnering to create a series of seminars and classes for local professionals.
 
The Greater Bartow Chamber Professional Development Academy's next workshop is at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at the Polk State Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center, 310 Technology Drive in Bartow.
 
The initial installment of the Academy, “Business Development and Marketing Tips for Small Businesses,” will be presented by Sherran Spurlock, a Consultant and Business Development Trainer. Cost is $39 per person.

Click here to sign up today!

RELAY FOR LIFE IS APRIL 17-18
     Hundreds of cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and teams of walkers from
schools, companies, places of worship, and more will come together for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Bartow and Lake Wales is April 17th – April 18th, 6 pm to 7 am. Opening ceremony and a celebratory cancer survivors lap will happen at 6 pm followed by our survivor and caregiver reception.
     A touching Luminaria Ceremony, where candles are lit in honor and memory of
locals who have battled cancer, will happen at 9 pm.
     WHERE: Bartow High School Stadium – 1270 W. Broadway St. Bartow, FL 33830

OPERATION GREEN LIGHT
     Operation Green Light is a one-time opportunity to pay overdue traffic and criminal fines that have been sent to an outside collection agency without paying the collection fee (a savings of up to 40 percent). Once the fine is paid in full, customers can also have their driver’s license reinstated on-site, if applicable. Operation Green Light takes place on Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

 

MAY15, 2015: Fab Friday for our Chamber Young Professionals is coming up! If you are between the ages of 21 and 42 and are interested in networking with other young professionals, please come to the ENGAGE social, Fab Friday. For information about ENGAGE or if you'd like to sign up as a member, check out the Chamber's website, www.bartowchamber.com. FAB FRIDAY location TBA.

Florida SBDC Is Available At
Bartow Chamber On Apr. 9
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida, assists existing and emerging businesses in Polk County, through no-cost confidential business consulting, and low-cost training. Consultants can assist entrepreneurs in a variety of business topics, including: marketing, business certification, capital access, market diversification, developing strategic business plans, export services, and web optimization. A consultant will be at the Chamber on April 9, 2015 and available to Chamber Businesses. To schedule an appointment, visit www.bartowchamber.com and follow the links on the home page, or call (863) 678.4182, ext. 227.

Fun Thursday -Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation (Chamber Members Only)

04/09/2015

SCORE Bartow Chamber Roundtable for Businesses
04/09/2015

Chamber Golf Scramble
04/10/2015

Dirt Days
04/11/2015

Downtown Bartow Antique Fair
04/11/2015

National Library Week
04/13/2015- 04/18/2015

Ribbon-cutting-Oasis Salon and Day Spa
04/15/2015

Bartow Book Discussion
04/15/2015

Rise & Shine Walk for Kids
04/18/2015

Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market
04/18/2015

Good Ol' Days Festival
04/18/2015

Judd Jog, Benefiting the United Way
04/18/2015

Earth Day
04/19/2015

41st Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In &Expo
04/21/2015- 04/26/2015

State of the City Luncheon
04/22/2015

Bartow Earth Day At the Library
04/22/2015

UWCF Tocqueville Celebration
04/23/2015

Movies on the Lawn
04/24/2015

Bartow Adult Concert Band February Concert
04/26/2015

Professional Development Academy:Business Development & Tips
04/29/2015

Main Street Bartow Farmers Market
04/29/2015