FROM THE PRESIDENT:
JENNIFER HALL, SEMCO Construction 
CHAMPIONS CUP & SPIRIT OF BARTOW
Nominations are open for the 7th Annual Champions Cup Awards. You should have received a “2016 Call for Entries” in the mail. This year, I am excited to announce that we will have 3 types of awards to present:
Business & Industry Awards – this program recognizes and honors businesses/organizations that have championed exemplary best practices, and have had a positive influence on the economic well-being of the Bartow area business community. There are seven different categories for this award, so seven different businesses will be recognized. Additionally, an overall Champions Cup Business of the Year is selected from the seven category winners.
Spirit of Bartow Awards – nominees for this award are individuals or groups that have significantly contributed to the Bartow community and their accomplishments/contributions made a positive impact on the area’s quality of life. These awards previously were held in a separate event; but, we have combined the Spirit of Bartow with Champions Cup this year as it fits with the Chamber’s mission of promoting business and economic development for the benefit of our community.
Hall of Fame Award – nominees for this award have been a Champion of Economic Development for the Bartow community. This person’s contributions throughout the years has assisted in the growth and expansion of the local economy and made a significant impact on the business environment.
You can download the nomination form for CHAMPIONS CUP and HALL OF FAME AWARDS here.
You can download the nomination form for SPIRIT OF BARTOW AWARDS here.
Nomination forms are due to the Chamber by Thursday, October 6, 2016. Remember, you can self-nominate!
Read more about this prestigious event at the link below:
http://www.bartowchamber.com/index.php/greater-bartow-chamber/bartow-chamber-chamber-events/bartow-chamber-champions-cup
Until next week,
Jennifer Hall
Your Chamber President, 2016
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.
CHAMPIONS CUP
CHAMPIONS CUP
COMING UP: OCTOBER 20, 2016
NOMINATE FOR CHAMPIONS CUP AWARD HERE.
GUEST SPEAKER: Congressman Tom Rooney
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!
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!
|
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
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.
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
EMERGING LEADERS CHOSEN
Andy McEntire, Billie Hutto, Greta Dupuy, Clint Edwards, Tiffani Gozdur
EMERGING LEADERS RECIPIENTS
Close to 300 people gathered at the Bartow Civic Center on August 16, to celebrate the 2016 Polk Emerging Leaders Awards recipients. This was the 6th Annual Polk Emerging Leaders Awards; which was once again a collaborative effort of the three established young professional groups in Polk County – Emerge Lakeland, Engage Bartow and the Endeavor Winter Haven. Clint Edwards of Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and a member of ENGAGE Chamber Young Professionals, was selected as Emerging Leader for 2016. Clint is the incoming President of the Board of Director for the Chamber of Commerce, and one of the youngest to ever hold that position in the entire 130-year history of Chamber. CONGRATS, CLINT!
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 – 1 st 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 – 1 st 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...
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.)
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
CHAMBER GOLF SCRAMBLE COMING UP OCT. 14
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! |
