ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING/ TAX SERVICE
Small Business Accounting
Ms. Sheree Vickers
1135 W. Clinton St.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 712-0894
Join Date:04/13/2015

ACCOMMODATIONS
Hampton Inn Bartow
Ms. Jennifer Welch
205 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Rd.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 535-5007
Join Date: 05/01/2015

ELECTRICAL - CONTRACTORS
Aveco, Inc.
Miss Rachel Lawrence
730 Creative Dr., Suite 7
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 225-5912
website
Join Date:05/15/2015

COMMUNITY ACTION & HUMAN SERVICES
Neighbor To Family
Ms. Heather Monteath, MA
1350 E. Main St., Suite A6
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 537-7712
website
Join Date:05/29/2015

SBDC Is Available At
Chamber On June 11
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 June 11, 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.

JUNE
June 16-July 21, every Tuesday
Biz Kids Program
Friday, June 19, noon
ENGAGE Lunch & Learn
FIPR featuring
Dr. Eileen Holden, PSC CEO
Friday, June 19, 6:00 p.m.
Juneteenth at Downtown
Bartow featuring
“On The Avenue,”
Historical Presentations
Saturday, June 20, 11:00 a.m.
Juneteenth at
Over the Branch Gateway
Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 a.m.
Professional Development Academy
Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center
Thursday, June 25, 9:00 a.m.
Neighbor To Family Ribbon-cutting
1350 E. Main St., Suite A6, Bartow

The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, August 14, 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.

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.
 

     I was reading an article written in 2009 by Joanne Steel that seems relevant today. The title is, "Ways You Can Support Your Chamber of Commerce So That They Can Support You." I was so very surprised how many of these things a lot of you are already doing! Here's the list:
1. Become a member of the Chamber, it's money well spent.
2. Encourage other businesses to join.
3. If you're already a member, get on the Board.
4. Volunteer to help with Chamber events.
5. Go to events.
6. Support other Chamber members' businesses and thank them for being part of the Chamber.
7. Network with other Chamber members.
8. Take your business needs to your Chamber and find out if they have services that will help you such as business skills development workshops at reduced costs, etc.
9. Offer your skills and expertise to the Chamber, to help other businesses.
10. Link to your Chamber's website.
11. Link to other Chamber members.
12. Hold a Chamber mixer at your business.
13. Advocate for your Chamber at City Commission meetings.
14. Send a letter to the editor in your local newspaper taking up what your Chamber does for your town.
15. Thank your Chamber board for their service to your town and business community.

When I was reading this article, I kept thinking of all the volunteers who do these things on a regular basis, and I just want to say, "Thank you!" Until next week,
Sharon Casey
Community Southern Bank, VP
Chamber President, 2015

We have two very exciting Chamber trips coming up:
Call Linda Holcomb, 533-7125, for more information!

Kelley Buick GMC Staff, Kyle Davis, Patty Currier and J.C. Martin along with Chamber Membership Director Barbara Adamson (third from left), proudly display the Chamber's Business of the Month banner at the dealership located at 255 W. Van Fleet Drive, Bartow. For more information, call 863-440-5025.

Business of the Month of June is . . .
Kelley Buick GMC
At Kelley Buick GMC, the motto is: "Do whatever it takes to earn your business," and at the dealership the staff would like to show you that they are committed to putting the customer first. You won't find high pressure sales people, just friendly, reliable and knowledgeable staff who will help you find what you're looking for in a used or new car, truck or SUV. The used car section can't be beat, and the  every vehicle is inspected before it goes on the lot to ensure it meets the high standards of the award-winning Bartow dealership, Kelley Buick GMC.
BTW, JC Martin wants you to know, "We would like to offer 5% off on your service bill when you take a Buick test drive." COOL DEAL!

Professional Development Academy:
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP EVENT
INTO THE JUNGLE OF CONFLICT
Presented by J. Lenora Bresler, J.D., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, ASC.

Although people tend to avoid conflict, research indicates that conflict can actually be helpful when it is handled correctly, especially when the focus remains on the task at hand rather than interpersonal differences.

Conflict is a lot like the jungle: it is a place of potential danger and consequences, but also a place of discovery and healing. Success in conflict, as in the jungle, depends on preparedness and having the right resources at one’s disposal.

In this fascinating interactive program, participants explore the four default conflict styles and practice approaches that maximize success. In conflict resolution, an individual must adapt his or her approach to the circumstances. Using a collaborative learning approach, participants work through personal conflicts to prepare for confrontational discussions. They master a simple formula for opening a conversation in a way that will not put a recipient on the defensive, and identify aspects that can escalate conflict.

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center/
Polk State Corporate College Auditorium
310 Technology Drive, Bartow, FL
Cost: $39.00 Per Person

SIGN UP HERE.

Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Doors2Change and Main Street Bartow, Inc. event featured Bluegrass and Gospel Music on Saturday, and it was fun!. Thanks to our Sponsors, Spath Jewelers and Cedar Trail Landfill, and thanks to all the musicians who donated time and talent to make this event a success.

BARTOW RETAIL ACADEMY TO TEACH
MARKETING & SALES TACTICS TO BUSINESSES
      Polk County business owners are invited to learn new marketing and sales tactics for their small businesses at the Bartow Retail Academy, beginning July 21 at DMAR Business Center, 300 East Summerlin Street, Bartow. The Academy, presented by Main Street Bartow, Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida, will include four seminars for just $120. The seminars take place June July 21, 23, 28 & 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
      Businesses in the Bartow CRA District qualify for a scholarship and can register by calling Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508 or Greater Bartow Chamber at 863-533-7125.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION COMING UP
Theme: FREEDOM FOREVER
Saturday, July 4, 2015
     Want to be a contributor and help Bartow celebrate July 4th?
     Bartow's 4th of July Committee's Chair, Frank Rouse, urges everyone to help defray the cost of Bartow's 2015 4th of July Celebration. "Your financial and personal contribution will guarantee a successful 4th of July Celebration. And we want to you be sure to come out and enjoy the festivities. Invite your friends and neighbors to Bartow's July 4th celebration," Rouse said.
     The celebration will begin with a patriotic concert from the Bartow Adult Concert Band, at the Bartow Civic Center from 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and seats are first come, first served.
     The 4th of July Extravaganza is set from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Mosaic Park. This event features live music, food vendors, games, and much more.
     And, at 9:30 p.m., it's time for the big event: the fireworks display.
     "The celebration is a reminder that we live in a nation dedicated to freedom, liberty and justice. It is only right and proper that we should honor our "America the Beautiful," as well as our military on July 4th," Rouse noted.
     If you would like to contribute, send a check made payable to:      Checks may also be dropped off at the Chamber

Main Street Bartow Farmers Market

06/17/2015

Super Summer Show - Ninth Period Magic Show
06/17/2015

14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
06/19/2015- 06/20/2015

Engage Lunch & Learn with Dr. Eileen Holden
06/19/2015

Friday Fest
06/19/2015

Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market
06/20/2015

Professional Develop. Academy: CONFLICT
06/24/2015

Main Street Bartow Farmers Market
06/24/2015

Super Summer Show - Literary Heroes
06/24/2015

Neighbor To Family Ribbon-cutting Ceremony
06/25/2015

Super Summer Show - America's Tall Tale Heroes
07/01/2015

July 4th Celebration
07/04/2015

Bartow's 4th of July Celebration
07/04/2015

Mylasia Rhoden, 17, of Bartow, is one of three interns you’ll be seeing at the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce this Summer.

Mylasia is part of the Professional Opportunities Program for Students (POPS), a program that offers a curriculum of character education, leadership building, networking, debating, college and career exploration; and teaching participating students the importance of “giving back” to the community.

As a student at Bartow Senior High School, Mylasia enjoys extracurricular sports and other activities and is a member of the Lady Jackets Basketball team. She says she has never been afraid to try to do the best she can. She has signed up for AP classes next year; and with her positive attitude, there is no doubt she will do well. After all, her motto is, “Greatness is inevitable.”

Born in Orlando on March 13, 1998 (“on a Friday,” she grinned) Mylasia is the oldest of five children. Mylasia says her mother, Candace, provides stability in her life and encourages her to push herself to do well and to be involved.

She begins her Junior year in the Fall; and said she has yet to decide which college she will attend following graduation. “College for me will be a great opportunity to help me reach my ultimate goals. I know I need to stay focused in my school work and push myself to maintain perfect grades and a positive attitude. I plan to attend school for dentistry and perhaps become an orthodontist.”

“This internship would not only improve my skills and knowledge of the real business world, but also help me to better understand that life is all about choices and hard work that comes along with it. It’s up to me to strive for what I want,” she said.
 

TINDALE OLIVER CHARITY GOLF TOURNEY
TO BENEFIT SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN
Tindale Oliver's first annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held at Summerfield Crossings and Golf Club on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from noon until 5 p.m. For more information, contact Scott Michael, 813-224-8862, Ext. 1245 or
Andrea Sauvageot, 813-224-8862, Ext. 1282