January 18, 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
Saturday, January 23, 6:00 p.m.
BARTOW CHAMBER ANNUAL EVENT
TOTALLY AWESOME 80S

Bartow Civic Center

Tuesday, January 26, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMAT BIRTHDAY PARTY

Wednesday, January 27
7:30-9:00 a.m.
SCORE FREE KICKOFF BREAKFAST
FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

(Limit: 35)
Broadway Diner, 1380 N. Broadway
REGISTER HERE.

FOR A LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE, CLICK HERE.
 

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

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Brian F. Burns/Ronald Skroback
Joined Date: January

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:

     My, my, my, what a year it has been. I cannot believe that it is already time for me to pass the gavel this Saturday evening. The time sure has flown by and I have many emotions as my time as your Bartow Chamber President comes to an end.
     I am very excited for Jennifer Hall as she takes the reins as your incoming Chamber President, but at the same time I think that I will miss the job.
     I cannot believe that I am even saying that out loud. When I was asked to be the Chamber President initially I said NO. As many of you know, I have a fear of public speaking and just could not imagine getting up to speak in front of all of you at the many events.Thank you, Jeff Clark, for convincing me that I could. Last year at the Annual Event the microphone was shaking in my hand, but I got through it and although I cannot say that I am always completely at ease, I am much more comfortable speaking in public. Again, thank you Jeff Clark. I guess you really can teach an old dog new tricks! Even at my age, I have learned and grown so much in this past year in my role, and I will be forever grateful.
     I always knew that we had a great Chamber of Commerce here in Bartow, but as I became more involved, I became more convinced. With the Leadership of Jeff Clark, our Chamber runs like a fine tuned instrument. It is not an easy task but with the professional team at the Chamber it happens.
     They say that a successful man is only as good as the woman at his side and Jeff has many. Virginia Condello and Barbara Adamson work as a team with Jeff to be the best that our Chamber can be, which is pretty awesome. And then there are the Diplomats who are a group of dedicated volunteers that help make the Chamber run smoothly. I thank you all for a job well done and appreciate each one of you.
     And ... I want to thank you, the Chamber members, who, without your membership there would be no Chamber of Commerce. You are a credit to our community in all that you do to support our City. I also want to thank all of you for your support and words of encouragement during my year as President. I really appreciate it more than you know. I still have one more year as a Board member so you are not quite rid of me yet. Looking forward to seeing you all Saturday night!

Until we meet again,
Sharon Casey
Chamber President, 2015  - Jan. 23, 2016

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.

COMMITTEE OF 100

     The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, February 12, 2016, 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 grouip, contact Chairman Brian Hinton at 863-533-4196.

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

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.

FUN THURSDAY AT SACKETT RANCH

SACKETT RANCH FUN THURSDAY IS JAN. 14TH!
Don't you just love SACKETT RANCH RED BARN? We do! Much thanks to Rick and Tracy Sackett for hosting a marvelous time there last Thursday!

Sackett Ranch Red Barn is a rustic venue for any wedding, birthday party, or any event where you might want a "country," formal or laid-back atmosphere.

SCORE ROUNDTABLE KICKOFF WITH FREE BREAKFAST

Bartow Chamber KICKOFF BREAKFAST for Roundtable
January 27, 2016, 7:30-9:00 a.m.
     Not just for Chamber members, this FREE SCORE Roundtable includes a free kickoff breakfast at Broadway Diner. Learn about the exciting Roundtable programs planned for 2016. Also, Business Tune-up Tips will be presented.
     Seating is limited to 35, reservations required. Contact Barbara Adamson, membership services director, at the Bartow Chamber for more information, 533-7125.
     The 2016 Roundtable program of work, is brought to you by the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Polk County Small Business Assistance Center and SCORE; and will explore various topics important to business owners.
 
     Location: Broadway Diner, 1380 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
REGISTER HERE.

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

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:
  • 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

SEE US HERE!

BARN BOOGIE COMING UP!

Newsletter1 - January 18, 2016