January 4, 2016

OUR SPONSOR THIS WEEK:

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

20 YEARS
Bartow Middle School
Craig A. Munday, PA


15 YEARS
Friends of the Bartow Public Library

10 YEARS
Carolyn Gorman
C. Young Citrus, Inc.

 

CHAMBER EVENTS

(All meetings are in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.)

JANUARY
Friday, January 8, 8:00 a.m.
COMMITTEE OF 100 WITH DAVID STEELE
Health and Life Center

Friday, January 8, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
BARTOW CHAMBER JOB FAIR
Bartow Civic Center

Thursday, January 14, 5:15 p.m.
SACKETT RANCH FUN THURSDAY
Highland City

Saturday, January 23, 6:00 p.m.
BARTOW CHAMBER ANNUAL EVENT
TOTALLY AWESOME 80S

Bartow Civic Center

CHAMPIONS CUP

CHAMPIONS CUP
Champions Cup was created to recognize and honor businesses and organizations that have championed exemplary best practices, and have had a positive influence on the economic well being of the area's business environment. Congratulations to the 2015 Champions Cup Winners! Here they are:
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS:
Tindale Oliver
SERVICE/PROFESSIONAL:
Bartow Regional Medical Center
RETAIL BUSINESS:
Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure
NOT FOR PROFIT/ COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY:
Bartow Rotary Club
MAIN STREET BUSINESS:
Travel Leaders / International Sun Travel
EMERGING BUSINESS:
Broadway Diner

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE:
Don Wilson


Click here to see past winners of this prestigious award.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

CATERING
Tam's Catering
Mr. Mahmud Osmani
560 Avenue J, SE
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 398-3976
www.tamscatering.com
Joined Date: December

SUPPORT YOUR ADVERTISERS














WANT YOUR COMPANY
LISTED HERE?
Contact Barbara@bartowchamber.com

REACH 22K HOMES WITH YOUR MESSAGE

 Reserve your space now in the Spring Chamber Quarterly Magazine and hand your business card out to more than 22,000 households for only $85 per issue. Call Barbara Adamson at 863-533-7125 for more information.

New Article

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

     As 2015 came to a close, I found myself reflecting on our lives here in Bartow. I think that it has been a wonderful year for our fair city.
     Our town seems to be thriving. We have had several retail stores and restaurants open and the Hampton Inn has added a gem to our city. In addition, it looks like the Cigar Factory renovation could become a reality and renovation has begun on the Orpheum Theatre. It will be quite the venue when completed. The Polk County Historical Museum continues to bring us wonderful exhibits and I think we are so very lucky to have the Museum here in Bartow, the County Seat. The county is getting a much needed parking garage and the car wash is open again! Yes, life is good in Bartow.
     The staff at the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Bartow have worked hard to bring us incredible events that have been well attended. I think that this brings us closer as a community. These events give us the opportunity to get to know each other better. 2016 is sure to be chock full of wonderful events as well that you won't want to miss. Be sure to check out the Chamber Newsletter for upcoming events and, of course, it is posted on Facebook.
     I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season. I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year filled with many, many Blessings.

Until next week,
Sharon Casey
Chamber President, 2015  - Jan. 23, 2016

COMMITTEE OF 100

     The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, January 8, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. Guest speaker is David Steele, Department of Citrus.
      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 grouip, contact Chairman Brian Hinton at 863-533-4196.

Click here for a complete listing of Committee of 100 members.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: HARMONY HAVEN


Left to Right: Owners Anna Maria and Bob Baker with Chamber Membership Director Barbara Adamson.


Business of the Month for January:
Harmony Haven Event Venue 6320 US Hwy 98, Bartow, Phone: 863-581-7400 www.harmonyhavenevents.com
Where rustic meets elegance. Conveniently located on US 98 in the Bartow & South Lakeland area, our fully air-conditioned facility offers comfortable seating for 240 guests. A nostalgic vintage rustic charm makes this an ideal setting for Weddings, Receptions, Banquets, Quinceaneras, Special Occasion Parties and more. We feature a private Bride/Ready room, covered and uncovered patios, as well as a completely privately fenced large grassy gazebo area for outdoor events. Owners Anna Maria and Bob Baker invite you to celebrate your next special occasion with Harmony Haven.

ANNUAL EVENT 2016: TOTALLY AWESOME 80s!

PRESENTING SPONSOR: SEMCO CONSTRUCTION
Let’s go back to the days of metal bands and big hair. Grab some leg warmers, muscle shirts and head bands to wear. Bring on the hairspray, the press-on nails and the blue eyeshadow, and join us for a Totally Awesome 80’s celebration night: a party dedicated to the decade of decadence and over-the-top everything! Remember Dynasty and Dallas? You can even show up in a little red Corvette. Don’t forget your dancing shoes if you feel like getting footloose! If it’s the Bartow Chamber Annual Meeting, you know you’re going to have fun - and you just might win a great prize. Be there, or be square!
Saturday, January 23, 2016 - Bartow Civic Center, 6:00 p.m.
TO REGISTER TO ATTEND OR TO BE A SPONSOR, CLICK HERE.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!


FREE CAREER EVENT - ARE YOU LOOKING FOR QUALITY EMPLOYEES? Your search could end here. The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce is holding a job fair, giving quality job seekers access to more than 30 employers throughout the Polk County area. Want to participate as an employer? Contact Barbara Adamson, 863-533-7125 or email: barbara@bartowchamber.com for more information. Presenting Sponsor: Spherion Staffing Services
BARTOW CHAMBER JOB FAIR
Friday, January 8, 2016, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bartow Civic Center, 2250 South Floral Ave.

MEMBER MICRONEWS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING AND
GEORGE GAUSE MEMORIAL PARADE

On Martin Luther King Day in Bartow two men are honored when the Bartow Deacons & Stewards Alliance presents the annual King-Gause Parade and celebration.

read more...

FORTRESS FITNESS PROMOTES FAMILY FITNESS

FORTRESS FITNESS IS SECOND SATURDAY

     The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce presents “FORTRESS Fitness,” a program to promote family fitness began in September at Fort Blount Park.
      “FORTRESS Fitness is a community-wide outdoor workout program for all fitness levels, all ages, and it’s absolutely free,” said Marie Wilmot, organizer of the new program. Wilmot is a wellness and fitness enthusiast, instructor of Pilates, kickboxing, Zumba and other cardio-fitness programs Please mark your calendars for these second Saturdays:
  • January 9th – Greg, Rick & Krissy
  • February 13th – Darwin Manzueta
  • March 12th – Mariah Andresen-Otten
  • April 9th – John Abad
  • May 14th – Jude Dauphin

For more information, contact: Virginia Condello at the Chamber, (863) 533-7125 or email virginia@bartowchamber.com

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sharon Casey, President
    Retired Banker
Myrtice Young, Immediate Past President
    Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Jennifer Hall, President-elect, Vice President
    SEMCO Construction

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST

SEE US HERE!

Newsletter1 - January 4, 2016