May 3, 2016

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

JENNIFER HALL, SEMCO Construction

     The Month of May is full of excitement!
     This Thursday, May 5th, is our monthly Business After Hours, hosted by The Villages at Laurel Meadows.
     Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 8th, a day we honor, remember, and show our special love for our mothers. 
     On May 10th, Wendy's is having a great re-grandopening at its Bartow location after extensive remodeling. The ribbon will be cut soon after 9:00 a.m.
     The week of May 8th – 14th is “Just Say No” week, and on Wednesday, May 11th, the committee will host the 26th Annual Parade and Rally, starting downtown and ending at the Bartow High School gymnasium.
     Our esteemed Leadership Bartow Class XVI graduates on Thursday, May 19th.
     Bartow’s young professionals group, ENGAGE, hosts a Lunch-n-Learn with Bill Mutz on Friday, May 20th at A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure.
     Chamber members have another FREE Professional Development opportunity on Wednesday, May 25th, with the “7 Paths to Success” series, with partner Polk State College. This event is going to be held at the Polk County Safety Center, next to the Sheriffs Office on Jim Keene Blvd.
     And, of course, the end of May brings the beginning of “summer” with Memorial Day on May 30th, a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of these great United States. The Youth Villa Classic is held that weekend and is in its 53rd year!
     I hope you all will participate in at least one of these events, and take advantage of the opportunities we have here in Bartow to show our patriotism, support of students, and network with other business professionals. Have a great May!
Jennifer Hall
Your Chamber President, 2016

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

10 YEARS
Southeastern University

5 YEARS
Hope Now

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jennifer Hall, President
    SEMCO Construction
Sharon Casey, Immediate Past President
    Retired Banker
Clint Edwards, President-elect, Vice President
    Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

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:
  • May 14th – Jude Dauphin

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

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.

CHAMBER EVENTS

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

MAY
Wednesday, May 4, noon
AMBASSADORS, DELEGATES LUNCH AT BROADWAY DINER
1380 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow


Thursday, May 5, 5:15 p.m.
THE VILLAGES AT LAUREL MEADOWS FUN THURSDAY
"Cinco de Mayo:
Fiesta Like There's No Manana!"
100 Laurel Circle, Bartow

Tuesday, May 10, 9:00 a.m.
WENDY'S RIBBON-CUTTING
AND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION

1520 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow

Wednesday, May 11, 7:30 a.m.
Business 2 Business
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Wednesday, May 11, 9:30 a.m.
JUST SAY NO PARADE & RALLY
Downtown Bartow. All Main Street business owners asked to come out and support the 5th Graders.

Friday, May 13, 8:00 a.m.
COMMITTEE OF 100
Health and Life Center, 1239 E. Main St.

Tuesday, May 17, 3:45, 4:00 p.m.
BOARD/EXEC MEETINGS

Thursday, May 19, 6:00 p.m.
LEADERSHIP BARTOW XVI GRADUATION
Polk State College Advanced Technology Center

Friday, May 20, noon
ENGAGE LUNCH & LEARN WITH BILL MUTZ: "TIME MANAGEMENT"
A-C-T- Environmental and Infrastructure

Tuesday, May 24, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMATS BIRTHDAY PARTY
Happy Birthday to
Dot McCroan
Jane Meadows &
Rhoda Whitten


Wednesday, May 25,7:30 a.m.
Professional Development Series:
MARY OWENS: COACHING

Location Change:
Polk County Safety Center
(Next to Sheriff)
1891 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880


FOR A LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE, CLICK HERE AND THEN CHOOSE "EVENTS"!

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

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: Spherion Staffing

THE RED LETTER HAS ARRIVED! SAY YES TO JSN




It's that time of years again! JUST SAY NO is coming up May 11, 2016. Wouldn't you like to participate? Hard copy RED LETTERS are available here in the Chamber, or print the one attached here, make your donation and send to CenterState Bank, checks payable to JUST SAY NO, Attention, Anita Stasiak. Thanks for your involvement in this wonderful program to get the JUST SAY NO message to all area 5th graders.

NEW MEMBERS

Event Supplies
Fitted Fancy Chair Covers & Photo Chocolate Favors
Ms. Ivy Patrick
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 845-5451
(321) 682-8825
www.fittedfancychaircovers.com

Restaurants
Wendy’s
Mr. Martin Phillips
1520 N. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 853-8838

Restaurants
City Star Family Restaurant
Billy Digino
1037 N. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 800-3083
www.citystarbartow.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING
Core Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Angela Newell
231 N. Kentucky Ave., Suite 217
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 904-4745
www.corewealthadvisorsinc.com

B2B BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE APR. 13!



Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Boardroom
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
MORNING BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Plenty of coffee and fellowship with your fellow member business owners. Bring lots of business cards and give everyone two - one for them and one for a friend. Hope to see you there! NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY.

COMMITTEE OF 100

     The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, May 13, 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 group, contact Chairman Brian Hinton at 863-533-4196.
Click here for a complete listing of Committee of 100 members.

HELLO BARTOW! MEMBERS PARTICIPATE FOR FREE



ROI ALERT TO ALL MEMBERS!

We've established a new perk to your membership. Now, as a member of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, you may include a promotional item for your business in the HELLO BARTOW! welcome baskets for new residents. PARTICIPATION IS FREE OF CHARGE! If you are interested, contact Barbara Adamson, Membership Director, (863) 533-7125, or reply to this email.

EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS



IT'S TIME TO NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER!
Tuesday, August 16,  6:00 PM
Bartow Civic Center 
2250 Floral Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
 
     The annual Polk Emerging Leaders Awards will once again be a collaborative event of the three young professional groups in Polk County. Continuing a new era of collaboration and blurring the east/west dividing line, the awards have been established to annually recognize five young professionals between 21- 42 who have made significant contributions and commitment to the Polk County community. 
     Thank you to the Bartow, Lakeland and Winter Haven Chamber's for supporting this collaborative event amongst their three young professionals groups: ENGAGE, EMERGE & ENDEAVOR
CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER.

APPLICATIONS READY FOR LEADERSHIP XVII

Could it really be time for a new Leadership class? The current Leadership Class XVI is graduating May 19, 2016, at Polk State College Advanced Technology Center, so it's true!

If you are interested in joining the more than 450 individuals who have completed the Leadership Bartow program, acquiring the skills, knowledge and passion necessary to participate fully in the life of our community, read the brochure below; and sign up online today. Leadership Bartow continues to be a vital part of the overall effort to ensure that the pool of talent from which the community can draw its future leaders continues to be renewed.
For an electronic application for Leadership XVII, click here.

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES: COACHING

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES: COACHING
5/25 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Coaching by Mary Owens
May 25, 2016, 7:30 a.m.
NEW LOCATION: Polk County Safety Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880


This proactive coaching session builds on participants’ communication skills through exploration of the tools used to coach employees. Effective coaching aims to maximize the performance of those associated with an organization (e.g., employees, managers, customers, and suppliers). Workplace coaching enables employees to guide and support one another in working toward—and achieving—top performance. This session helps participants recognize daily opportunities to coach the people they work with and provides participants with the coaching skills they need to bring out the best in everyone. THIS CLASS TAKES PLACE AT THE POLK COUNTY SAFETY CENTER, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33830 (next to Sheriffs Office). At this venue, refreshments will not be served and participants are asked to make sure any beverages brought in with them have covers.

MEMBER MICRONEWS

53rd YOUTH VILLA CLASSIC:
YOUTH VILLA CLASSIC JOINT CIVIC CLUB LUNCH IS MAY 25TH

     The annual Joint Civic Club Lunch to celebrate the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches Youth Villa Golf Classic is set for noon, May 25, 2016, at the Bartow Civic Center. Call Karen Guffey at Gibson & Wirt, 125 E. Main Street, Bartow, FL, 33830, 863-533-3131, for ticket information for the luncheon.

   The Youth Villa, originally known as the Girls Villa, was founded in 1970. Through the leadership of the Sunshine State Women's Chamber of Commerce, Florida's Sheriffs were urged to create a sister program to the Boys Ranch. The idea was to provide the same structure, opportunities and guidance for troubled girls from around the state.

    A location was soon found at the Peace River Park in Polk County. Through the joint efforts of the City of Bartow and Polk County Commissioners, and with the approval of the Mobil Corporation, the Youth Ranches was granted a 99 year lease for the land at $1 per year. In April 1971, construction began on the second residential child care facility of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

    The first girls moved to the campus in 1972. With continued improvements, the Youth Villa has grown to include additional cottages, pastures for horseback riding, a barn, activity building, administration building, chapel and boat dock. Today, the Youth Villa campus has the capacity to serve 46 troubled youngsters. These youth are given the opportunity to become productive, law abiding members of the community.

    Thousands of youth and their families have received help from the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches since 1957. Thanks to the generosity and support of so many of our friends, we are able to continue to meet the growing needs of the children today.

    The Florida Sheriff's Youth Villa Classic is a major fund-raiser for the Youth Villa. Proceeds generated from this event built, furnished, and continue to maintain Peace River cottage. The Youth Villa is very proud and grateful for all the support that has made it possible to provide quality residential care, youth and family counseling, educational and vocational training, and recreational activities.

    Your support and participation in the Bartow Youth Villa Classic enables the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches to continue the mission of preventing juvenile delinquency, and developing lawful, productive citizens through a broad range of family-centered services.

Youth Villa Classic

Bartow Golf Course, Bartow, FL

Friday, May 27, 2016 - Monday, May 30, 2016

http://www.cityofbartow.net/index.aspx?page=116

Start: Friday, May 27, 2016 @ 8:59 AM

End: Monday, May 30, 2016 @ 6:00 PM

Bartow Golf Course, Bartow, FL
190 Idlewood Avenue Bartow, FL

Fees: $175.00

Registration Closing Date: Monday, May 16, 2016 @ 5:00 PM PST


read more...

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.

SEE US HERE!

Newsletter1 - May 3, 2016