August 23, 2016

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

JENNIFER HALL, SEMCO Construction

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES!
We are so excited about the events coming up!
On September 8th, we will be honoring our Public Heroes at the Bartow Ford Fun Thursday. They have something very special planned for us, but you must RSVP! Do so, by clicking on the image in this newsletter, or call Barbara at the Chamber, 533-7125.

The ENGAGE Lunch & Learn with Cong. Dennis Ross is coming up Friday, September 16, 2016. Make sure you sign up for this FREE lunch. You don't have to be an ENGAGE member to attend.

And later that evening, DANCING UNDER THE STARS, 6:00 p.m., at the Bartow Civic Center. Wow!! You've got to see this to believe it. National Champion ballroom dancers will put on a show like you've never seen before. Get your tickets now at the Chamber.

The Community Relations Committee's Diversity Luncheon, a joint civic club event, is set for September 21 and features nationally-known attorney, Willie E. Gary. Hope you can make it. Also at this luncheon, the Diversity Award is given out to an individual and an organization that promotes unity. Could it be you or your company? Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at the Chamber.

Coming up in October is a very fun event, The Annual Chamber Golf Scramble, October 14, 2016, with a shotgun start of 1:00 p.m. Sign up your team today!

In October, we gear it up for the Champions Cup Awards at the Bartow Civic Center on October 20. At this event, we're also honoring our Spirit of Bartow Award winners. So, it will be a very full evening. Our guest speaker is Congressman Tom Rooney. We know you won't want to miss this event.
Nominate a business or organization here.
Nominate a Spirit of Bartow award winner here.

There's so much going on at the Chamber. We hope to see you at some or all of these great events. Until next week,
Jennifer Hall

Your Chamber President, 2016

NEW MEMBERS

Photographers
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 

Real Estate
Emerald Realty LLC
Ms. Jimmie Pattey
Broker/Owner
605 S. Floral Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 712-3890
www.emeraldrealtyllc.homesandland.com

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 Winter 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



WANT TO FIND OUT HOW TO BECOME
THE BUSINESS OF THE MONTH?
Contact Barbara Adamson, Membership Services,
863-533-7125 or email
barbara@bartowchamber.com

 

FUN THURSDAY IS AT BARTOW FORD


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

RIBBON-CUTTING FOR JOSHUA'S KITCHEN

Joshua's Kitchen is celebrating its 6th Anniversary; and the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce helped them celebrate with a ceremonial red ribbon-cutting at the restaurant located at 2020 Shepherd Road in Mulberry (in the Publix Shopping Center). For more information about the family-style restaurant, call 701-7230. Below, Shelby Sapulski and her father, Tod, cut the red ribbon on Monday, August 22, 2016.

COMMITTEE OF 100 IS SEPT. 9

     The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, September 9,  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.

MEMBER MICRONEWS

WATSON CLINIC ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER LECTURES, SPECIAL EVENTS
 Watson Clinic is pleased to announce the following upcoming informative lectures and special events. These events are free of charge, but seating is limited. Light refreshments will be provided. Please reserve your spot in advance by using the RSVP as noted below or by visiting www.WatsonClinic.com/Events.

Date: Saturday, September 10 at 9 AM – 11 AM
Speakers: Drs. Luis Franco, Neeharika Makani, Shalini Mulaparthi and Galina Vugman
Topic: Colon & Lung Cancer Screening Seminar for Medical Providers. In this special educational event hosted by The Watson Clinic Foundation, hematologists-oncologists from the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center explore the latest screening protocols for colon and lung cancer. Subjects include screening guidelines, the role genetics play in determining risk levels, and the evaluation and treatment of patients with a hypercoagulable condition. Please note: This event is only intended for physicians and other medical providers in our community, and is not open to the general public.
Location: Watson Clinic Main – 1st Floor Library – 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland
RSVP: 863-802-6220 or online at www.WatsonClinic.com/Events
 
Date: Saturday, September 17 at 10 AM
Speaker: Raam S. Lakhani, MD
Topic: Revive Your Radiance This Fall. Join board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Raam Lakhani as he explores the most popular facial rejuvenation options – from non-surgical cosmetic enhancements such as fillers, BOTOX® and laser resurfacing to more permanent facial plastic procedures, including eyelifts, nose reshaping and the in-office mini facelift.
Location: Watson Clinic Bella Vista Building – 1st Floor Lobby – 1755 N. Florida Ave. in Lakeland
RSVP: 863-904-6218 or online at www.WatsonClinic.com/Events
 
Date: Friday, September 30 from 3 to 5 PM                       
Topic: ‘Quit Smoking Now - No ifs, ands or butts!’
Take the next step to a healthier lifestyle and join us for a special class designed to provide an overview of available options for smokers who want to quit. The class includes information on various types of nicotine replacements, product samples and much more. Endorsed by the American Lung Association, this class is taught by a certified tobacco education specialist and is sponsored by the Watson Clinic Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting community wellness through education, research and service.    
Location: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center - Boardroom, 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland
RSVP: 863-802-6220 or online at www.WatsonClinic.com/Events
 

read more...

GET READY FOR DANCING UNDER THE STARS!

Dancing Under the Stars is set for September 16, 2016 at the Bartow Civic Center. To be featured are a dance and social hour with the sounds of the Big Band Era with The Chris Thomas Band, Dinner and Performance. Be sure to get your sponsorships / tickets early by contacting the Chamber, 533-7125.

About the Chris Thomas Band . . .

The Chris Thomas Band is the most dynamic and versatile band in the entire southeast! Chris Thomas has been described as the best undiscovered talent in the area. He is not only known for his professional vocal talent, but also as an exciting entertainer fashioned in the way of the great performers of years gone by such as Sinatra, Martin, and Davis. Full of soul and power, Chris also performs Motown favorites from artists like Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire and so many more. He performs current hits from artists like Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Justin Timberlake.

A native of Chicago and long-time resident of Jacksonville, Florida, vocalist Chris Thomas has performed with various bands within Florida for the past 14 years. In June of 2014, he formed The Chris Thomas Band, in order to bring the highest level of quality and showmanship to his fans and audiences. A professionally-trained and competitive dancer, he combines dance, vocals and the best musicians in North Florida to deliver an unforgettable performance.

Chris Thomas has the style and swagger of Sinatra, and the performance excitement of James Brown and Bruno Mars. The Chris Thomas Band specializes in the performance of vintage Sinatra, soulful Motown, as well as current popular songs custom arranged for big band by its own band members. The band members are all professionally-trained
musicians from colleges and universities around the U.S., as well as the Army and Navy bands.

B2B BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE SEPT. 14



Wednesday, September 14, 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.)

AUGUST

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

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

SEPTEMBER

Thursday, Friday, September 8, 9
LEADERSHIP BARTOW XVII RETREAT
Circle B Bar Reserve

Thursday, September 8
BARTOW FORD FUN THURSDAY
RSVP! 800-303-4016
Honoring our Public Heroes

Wednesday, September 14, 7:30 a.m.
Business to Business BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Wednesday, September 14, 4:00 p.m.
PIANO ALLEY RIBBON-CUTTING
421 Eagle Ridge Dr., #506, Lake Wales 33859

Friday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
LUNCH AND LEARN WITH DENNIS ROSS
FIPR Conference Room

Friday, September 16, 6:00 p.m.
DANCING UNDER THE STARS
Bartow Civic Center - Tickets at the Chamber.

Saturday, September 17, 8:00 a.m.
TOUR DE TOW Cycling Event
Central Avenue, Downtown

Tuesday, September 20, 3:45 p.m.
BOARD / EXEC MEETING

Wednesday, September 21, 11:45 a.m.
DIVERSITY LUNCHEON
Bartow Civic Center

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

LAKELAND PIANO OPENING SECOND LOCATION

HEARTLAND FOR CHILDREN

Newsletter1 - August 23, 2016