The whole country is mourning the loss of 50 people who were killed in a shooting spree in an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning. At lease another 53 were injured during the massacre. The mass shooting is the most deadly shooting spree in US history. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We, as Americans, must stand together now more than ever.

Jennifer Hall
Your Chamber President, 2016

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

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:

Retail Stores
Mattress Firm
Mr. Chuck White
475 E. Van Fleet Dr.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3530
 
Restaurants
Lenny’s Grill & Subs
Mr. James Harmer
485 E. Van Fleet Dr.
Bartow, FL 33830
www.lennys.com

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.

     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 here; 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.

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

JUNE

Tuesday, June 14, 10:00 a.m.
BIZ KIDS BEGINS
Every Tuesday through July 19

Wednesday, June 15, 9:30 a.m.
LAKELAND PIANO GRAND RE-OPENING
6595 S. Florida Ave., Suite 11, Lakeland

Tuesday, June 21, 3:45 p.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, June 22, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMAT BIRTHDAY PARTY
Happy Birthday, Karen Donhaiser!

Thursday, June 23, 9:30 a.m.
NEW BEGINNING RIBBON-CUTTING
1255 Gunn Hwy, Bartow
Tri-County Human Services Facility



Thursday, June 30, 9:30 a.m.
MATTRESS FIRM RIBBON-CUTTING
475 E. Van Fleet Dr., Bartow

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

Wednesday, July 13, 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.

BARTOW DEACONS AND STEWARDS ALLIANCE
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET TO FEATURE
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF GRADY JUDD
     Mentor, mediator, peacemaker, law enforcer, motivator and educator, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is keynote speaker for the Saturday, June 25, 2016 Bartow Deacons and Stewards Alliance Annual Scholarship Banquet. The event will be hald at Carver Recreation Center at 6:00 p.m.
     Individual tickets are $25; table sponsorships are $200. For more information, please contact Carver Young, President of the Deacons and Stewards Alliance, at (863) 533-1207; or banquet chairperson, Tylonda Sanders at (863) 709-5180.