August 2, 2016

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

JENNIFER HALL, SEMCO Construction

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
After a break for the summer, our Bartow Chamber Professional Development Academy will start again on Wednesday, August 24th, with “Mindful Leadership,” facilitated by Emily Rogers.
 
This seminar explores the intensive mental discipline training of mindful meditation in a context that recognizes the unprecedented challenges, complexities, responsibilities and opportunities facing leaders today. It invites participants to explore the possibility of bringing all of the mind’s capacities into each moment of their lives and work, resulting in enhanced performance, productivity, and overall well-being.
 
As a consultant and coach, Ms. Rogers advises and supports businesses, organizations, and individuals in growing and achieving their full potential in purposeful and balanced ways. Prior to founding her consulting and coaching practice, Ms. Rogers held various executive leadership, consulting, business development, marketing, and training roles. She was president and a senior consultant for IEG (a sponsorship consulting firm), a sponsorship executive at the Florida State Fairgrounds, a public relations representative for the Florida Department of Citrus, and an elementary school teacher.
 
The Professional Development program provides skills for business, organization, and personal growth and improvement through a variety of educational and training opportunities. This year’s program consists of seven sessions and is entitled Seven Paths to Success. Even though we are in the middle of this year’s program, there is still time to earn your Professional Development Academy Certificate. There are (4) sessions left, including Mindful Leadership, Personal Resilience, Finding Work-Life Balance, and Time Management.
 
Pre-registration is required for all classes. The cost for the classes is included in your Chamber membership investment!
 
Learn more about the entire Professional Development series and register for the next session HERE.


 
Jennifer Hall

Your Chamber President, 2016

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

15 YEARS
Bartow High School Band Boosters

10 YEARS
Summerlin Academy
Linda Clark


5 YEARS
Karen Boswell
Bartow Cycling Events
Healthy Start Coalition of
Hardee, Highlands & Polk Counties

CHAMBER PARTNERSHIP OFFERS STUDENT TEAM PROJECT FOR CHAMBER BUSINESSES

NO COST BUSINESS PLANS AVAILABLE
THROUGH SBDC STUDENT TEAMS PROJECT

Working with Student Teams is a mutually advantageous situation for all parties involved. An FSBDC at USF business client provides the team with financial and other organization details, the Florida SBDC at USF provides value-added service to Bartow Chamber member companies, and the companies get a no-cost business plan as a result. Each project is assigned a Florida SBDC at USF regional consultant to oversee the project. The main interest is to ensure that the chamber member will receive an adequate business plan at the end of the semester.

This program lasts one semester, a total of 16 weeks.  During the semester, the student team will prepare a strategic analysis or marketing plan for the business client.  A written report will be created providing the organization with a professional, fully developed plan for use in guiding and developing the business.
CLICK HERE FOR SBDC WEBPAGE.


ARE YOU QUALIFIED? Read more.

2016 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

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.

SUPPORT OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS!
















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

REACH 22K HOMES WITH YOUR MESSAGE

 Reserve your space now in the Fall 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.

DIVERSITY LUNCHEON ON THE HORIZON

DIVERSITY LUNCHEON will feature Attorney Willie E. Gary on September 21, 2016, 11:30 a.m. at the Bartow Civic Center. Tickets available now!

JOIN ENGAGE & GET A COOL CUP!



Want this cool cup? It can be yours, simply by joining ENGAGE Young Professionals. Here's the link to learn about ENGAGE and to join. Become the Community Leader you were meant to be, sign up today!

SEE US HERE!

FOR SALE

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: FOUNTAIN PLACE APARTMENTS

FUSION CHIROPRACTIC RED RIBBON CELEBRATION

FUSION CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
Lots of smiling faces as Dr. Brandi K. Ancrum, Chiropractic Physician, cuts the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce ceremonial red ribbon at her new location of 680 E. Main Street, Suite 101, Bartow. for more information, call Dr. Ancrum at 863-537-7330.

TIME TO 'STUFF THE BUS'


STUFF THE BUS!

The Bartow ENGAGE Chamber Young Professionals' community project is, “Stuff the Bus,” that includes collecting school supply donations for Polk’s students in need. The campaign generally begins mid-July and continues through mid-August - just in time for school. This year, stuff the Bus begins Monday, July 11 and continues through Friday, August 19, 2016.
 
“The number of homeless children and youth in the Polk County School System is growing year after year,” said Dee Dee Wright, Polk County School Board Project Hearth Specialist. “Last year we identified more than 2800 homeless people throughout Polk County,” she said. Homeless children and youth are students who lack a fixed regular and adequate nighttime residence. Families are considered homeless who have “doubled up” at a residence, or are living in substandard housing or hotels. Women with children living in a charity home are also considered homeless by Project Hearth - the Polk County School Board’s services department for homeless students. The average age of a school-aged homeless person is nine years old. It has been estimated that at any given time, there are more than 350 school aged, enrolled homeless children in Polk County.

Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation to homeless school-aged children in Polk County may do so by writing a check to the Polk County Education Foundation and writing “Hearth” in the memo line of the check. Checks may be dropped off at the Bartow Chamber, anytime. Donations will be used to purchase caps and gowns for seniors, pay for school physicals and pay for needed birth certificates.

According to Wright, the items most needed this time of year are school supplies including backpacks, zip binders (Trapper Keepers), paper, 3-prong folders, spiral notebooks and calculators (scientific and graphing). In addition, school uniforms, gift cards for food, medical and dental services are much needed. Although hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, hair brushes and feminine products are always appreciated, the most dire need at this time are the school supplies.

For more information on ENGAGE, or the Stuff the Bus campaign, call the Chamber at (863) 533-7125, or email ENGAGE CHAIR, KATHRYN BEVILACQUA-ELY HERE.
Bartow has our very own Economic Development Council! How exciting is that?

ENGAGE SERVES



Already in the Bartow Chamber Young Professionals and you Want to learn more about serving your community?
ENGAGE SERVES SIGN UP FORM
ENGAGE Serves program will be held each of the following Tuesdays: August 23, 2016; August 30, 2016; September 6, 2016; September 13, 2016; and September 20, 2016; from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure Training Center (1875 W. Main Street [Hwy. 60 West]). Attendance to ALL sessions is mandatory for graduation from the program. Classes are free to ENGAGE members.

B2B BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE AUGUST 10



Wednesday, August 10, 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.

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.

CHAMBER EVENTS

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

ENGAGE STUFF THE BUS
Now through August 19th

AUGUST

Wednesday, Aug. 3, noon
AMBASSADORS & DELEGATES LUNCHEON
at JK's Cafe, 211 NW First Ave., Mulberry

Thursday, Aug 4, 6:00 p.m.
KIWANIS CLUB CRYING TOWEL
Bartow Civic Center, tickets at Chamber, $50

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 1:00 p.m.
POLK COUNTY RIBBON-CUTTING FOR
NEW PARKING GARAGE


Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7:30 a.m.
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
Business Card Exchange

Thursday, Aug. 11, 5:00 p.m.
TOM EDWARDS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FUN THURSDAY
1425 W. Main St., Bartow

Friday, Aug. 12, 8:00 a.m.
COMMITTEE of 100
Health and Wellness Center (Old Hospital)

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 3:45 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tuesday, Aug 16, 6:00 p.m.
EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
Bartow Civic Center

Thursday, Aug. 18, 5:00 p.m.
POLK POLITICS CANDIDATES RALLY
Bartow Civic Center

Monday, Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m.
JOSHUA'S KITCHEN RIBBON-CUTTING
2020 Shepard Road, Mulberry

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 7:30 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
Polk State College Clear Springs Campus
 

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

MEMBER MICRONEWS



 BARTOW IDOL RETURNS TO FRIDAY FEST AUGUST 19
 
Join Main Street Bartow, Inc. for the next monthly Friday Fest on August 19 in downtown Bartow -- with an Entertaining Twist -- BARTOW IDOL! Friday Fest festivities begin at 6:00 PM and conclude at 9:00 PM. Plan to meet your neighbors, family, and friends on Main Street for dinner at a local downtown restaurant as you are entertained by some of Bartow’s top talent, and as you cheer on your favorites. The events will take place along historic Main Street as usual, and there will be family activities, open car cruise in, adult beverages, and lots of opportunity to just enjoy Main Street Bartow. Downtown shops will be open as well. Vendor opportunities are available -- call 863-519-0508. The event is sponsored by the Bartow Rotary Club and TransPhos.
Audition dates for those aspiring to be the 2016-17 BARTOW IDOL are: August 3rd; August 10th; and August 17th at 6:00 PM on each date. The audition location will be Hacienda Mexico Restaurante at 195 E. Main Street, Bartow.

read more...

POL POLITICS CANDIDATE RALLY

PRESENTING SPONSOR: A-C-T ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE will also be providing FREE POPCORN!

NEW MEMBERS

Healthcare-General
Fusion Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center
Dr. Brandi Ancrum
680 E. Main St., Suite 101
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 537-7330
www.chirofusionhealth.com

Finkbeiner Photography, Inc.
Ms. Joni Finkbeiner-Tyler
723 S. Missouri Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 687-8986
www.Finkbeinerphotography.com

Attorneys
K. C. Bouchillon
K.C. Bouchillon, P.A.
480 S. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-6200
www.saunders-law.com 

LENNYS GRILLS & SUBS OPENS IN OCTOBER

It's official - LENNYS GRILLS AND SUBS, BARTOW is opening in October. Jim Harmer invites every one to check out his new facebook page!

Newsletter1 - August 2, 2016