Nov. 15, 2016

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

JENNIFER HALL, SEMCO Construction

NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Chamber Board’s Nominating Committee met to consider new candidates for the 2017 Chamber Board of Directors. Shannon Medley, Lea Ann Thomas and Sharon Casey are the Board members who rotate off the Board.

I am very happy to announce that Clint Edwards, who has served on the Executive Committee as Vice President of Economic Development/Community Development, has accepted the nomination for next year’s President. A complete list of the nominations are as follows:

Seats Available (retiring members)
  9. Shannon Medley
11. Lea Ann Thomas
 21. Sharon Casey

Nominating Committee Recommendations           
  9. Richard Dreyer of Tindale Oliver
11. Chandra Frederick of BOCC
21. Orathi Northern, Ph.D. of Polk State College

The above slate was presented by the Nominating Committee to the Board as their recommendations for the Board election in December.

Additional names of candidates for Directors can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signatures of at least twenty-five (25) qualified Chamber members. Qualified members are defined as a “main” contact on any business or individual membership in good standing, with only one signature per membership accepted. Such a petition shall be filed with the Nominating Committee within ten (10) days after the notice has been given of the names of those nominated. The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petition(s) shall be final.

Bartow is very fortunate to have outstanding leadership within the business community. I am very pleased with this year’s nominees to your Board of Directors. My year as President is rapidly coming to a close. It is very gratifying to see new, dynamic individuals wanting to serve on the Chamber Board.

 Until next week,
Jennifer Hall

Your Chamber President, 2016

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.

CHAMPIONS CUP

Congratulations to the 2016 Champions Cup Winners! Here they are:
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Bartow Ford
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS:
Pyramid Fasteners
SERVICE/PROFESSIONAL:
Travel Leaders / International Sun Travel
RETAIL BUSINESS:
The Krazy Kricket
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Bartow Ford
NOT FOR PROFIT/ COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY:
Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc.
MAIN STREET BUSINESS:
Sweet Magnolias
EMERGING BUSINESS:
The Krazy Kricket

SPIRIT OF BARTOW AWARD:
Jennifer Hall
Karen Guffey

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE:
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam


Click here to see past winners of this prestigious award.
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

PHOTOS HERE!

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

30 YEARS
Spath Jewelers

25 YEARS
First Baptist Church

20 YEARS
Glenn Broom Insurance Agency, Inc.

5 YEARS
Tammy Albritton
National Write Your Congressman

COMMITTEE OF 100 IS DEC. 9

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

NEW MEMBERS

Hair Salons
The Hair Parlour Styling Studio, LLC
Ms. Tiffany Sackett
130 S. Wilson Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 661-3515

Caterers
All Racked Up BBQ
David & Stephanie Kimbrough
3420 Stoneway Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33812
(863) 670-5325

Advertising Agency
Lakeland Outdoor Advertising
Ms. Kathy Oertel
General Manager
215 E. Bay Street, Suite 7
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 603-0373
lakelandoutdoor.com

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

SUPPORT OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS!

















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

CHAMBER QUARTERLY HAS 40K READERSHIP

 Reserve your space now in the Spring Chamber Quarterly Magazine and hand your business card out to more than 40,000 readers for only $85 per issue. Call Barbara Adamson at 863-533-7125 for more information.

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!

GIVEWELL COMMMUNITY FOUNDATION GIVE CARD

NOVEMBER BUSINESS: GIVEWELL FOUNDATION



Left to right: Lori Martini (Chief Philanthropic Officer), Christy Vreeland (Executive Assistant), Terry W. Simmers (President, CEO), Barbara Adamson (Bartow Chamber), Dave Walter (Communications Specialist), Amy Royal (Chief Financial Officer), Rhonda Todd (Community Engagement Specialist)

November Business of the Month
________________________________________

GiveWELL Community Foundation
Lakeland Office: 1501 South Florida Ave., Lakeland 33803
(863) 683-3131
WH Office: 20 3rd Street SW, Suite 307, Winter Haven 33880
(863) 683-3131

info@GiveCF.org


GiveWell Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties by connecting donors to the needs of the community. We offer individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits an efficient place to invest dollars that grow to do tremendous good.


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

HOMETOWN HEROES EVENT SERVES 250

More than 250 were served at the Veteran's Day Luncheon honoring our local Veterans, on Nov. 11, 2016, 11:00 a.m. A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure was presenting Sponsor. Other sonsors included:General & Admiral Sponsor:
PalletOne, Inc.

Colonel & Captain Sponsors:
American Legion Post #3
Baycare Bartow Regional Medical Center
Mosaic
Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Lieutenant Colonel & Commander Sponsors:
Representative Ben Albritton
ASHLAND
Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc.
Citizens Bank & Trust
D-TECH Business Solutions
Evolve Contracting
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas E. McMicken, MD
Spath Jewelers
Stingray Chevrolet Bartow

Lieutenant Sponsors:
Mike & Susan DeNeve
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Spherion Staffing Services
Tindale Oliver

Contributors:
American Legion Auxilliary

Photographs here.

FUN THURSDAY AT BOSWELL & DUNALP LLP

Join us for a wonderful Christmas celebration at Boswell & Dunlap on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, 5:00 p.m. Mark your calendars today! See you there.

LENNYS GRILLS



The ceremonial red ribbon is cut for the new Lennys Grill and Subs, 485 E. Van Fleet Drive, Bartow, on Wednesday, November 9. Jim Harmer and family welcomed the Chamber with samples of sandwiches and cookies. If you haven't tried Lennys yet, stop by - the food is delicious!

MEMBER MICRONEWS

CHURCH SERVICE CENTER TO CELEBRATE 50th ANNIVERSARY!
    Bartow's Church Service Center is going to have a celebration to mark the 50th year of service to the community. Rusty Music, Executive Director of Church Service Center, and staff are planning an open house to commemorate its 50th year of service to the community of Bartow. The event is Friday, November 18th from 10:00 a.m. to noon. He urgers everyone to stop in and say hi!

BOOST BARTOW / ENSURE HEALTH EVENT
OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERS:

Dear Bartow Community Member,
     Bartow Kiwanis Club has teamed up with VISTE (Volunteers in Service to the Elderly) to collect Boost and Ensure nutritional drinks. Our endeavor is slated as “A Boost for Bartow, to Ensure Health!” These drinks provide essential nutrients for the elderly, and is an item sometimes difficult for the VISTE clients to obtain.
     VISTE currently serves almost 250 residents in the Bartow community by providing a variety of services including supplemental grocery delivery, hot meals, transportation to medical appointments, bathing, and minor home repairs. The mission of VISTE is to enable the frail and elderly to remain safely and independently in their own homes.
      Bartow Kiwanis Club, a well-established charity, is hosting a collection drive from December 2, 2016 to December 16, 2016. We are asking community businesses, churches, and schools throughout Bartow to participate during this timeframe. Within your entity, please ask individuals (employees, members, teachers, & students) to donate just one six-pack of either Boost or Ensure, and bring it to work. It will in turn be collected by the Kiwanis Club and delivered to VISTE by December 16th. Each contribution of approximately $9 in value, will provide a priceless Merry Christmas for the support of our elderly. Our goal is to collect 1,000 packs!
     We hope that you will consider assisting in this effort to help Bartow’s elderly residents. In the spirit of the season, your participation will not only provide physical nourishment for those in need, but will also nourish the joy of giving. We will be touching base with you soon to provide drop off locations and collection sites.
     The Bartow Kiwanis Club thanks you for consideration of this worthwhile cause, and hopes you will be able to help. Please contact Frank Johnson at (863) 899-9220 with any questions. To learn more about VISTE, visit
www.viste.org
Sarah Case, Committee Chair
Bartow Kiwanis Club

read more...

THE HAIR PARLOUR



The Hair Parlour Styling Studio LLC's ribbon-cutting took place on Monday, November 14, at its location downtown, 130 S. Wilson Ave. For more information about the new salon, and to make an appointment, please call owner, Tiffany Sackett at 863-661-3515.

LEADERSHIP BARTOW XVII EDUCATION DAY



Education Day for Leadership Bartow XVII included a trip to the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, Gibbons Street Elementary, Summerlin Academy, Bartow Senior High School, Jean O'Dell Learning Center, Bartow Middle School, Floral Avenue Elementary; and a session with School Board members. Daychairs were Bartow Mayor, Trish Pfeiffer and Deputy Superintendent, John Small. Lunch was provided by Bartow High School Culinary Academy. Thanks to all of our presenters and sponsors. Special thanks to Polk County Schools; and our program sponsors, Mosaic and PalletOne, Inc.

CHAMBER EVENTS

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


NOVEMBER
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 3:45, 4:00 p.m.
BOARD, EXEC COMMITTEE

Thursday, Nov. 17, 5:15 p.m.
LEADERSHIP REUNION
Harmony Haven Event Venue
6320 US 98, South, Bartow

Friday, Nov. 18, 10:00 a.m.-noon
CHURCH SERVICE CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
495 E. Summerlin Ave., Bartow

Friday, Nov. 18: 6:00 p.m.
DOWNTOWN MAGIC ON MAIN
LIGHT UP BARTOW

Thursday, Nov. 24-25
CHAMBER CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7:30 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
Clear Springs Polk State College Advanced Technology Center

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
CHAMBER MIXER: ALL SAINTS ACADEMY
5001 SR 540W, Winter Haven

Wednesday, Dec. 7, noon
AMBASSADORS, DELEGATES CHRISTMAS PARTY

Thursday, Dec. 8, 5:00 p.m.
BOSWELL & DUNLAP FUN THURSDAY
245 S. Central Ave., Bartow

Friday, Dec. 9, 6:00 p.m.
DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE

Thursday, Dec. 15, noon
DIPLOMAT CHRISTMAS PARTY

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 3:45 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
BOARD/EXEC COMMITTEE

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
WATSON CLINIC BARTOW GYNECOLOGY
NEW OFFICE LOCATION AT THE
BAYCARE BARTOW REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Dr. Tarek Garas & Nicole Rule, ARNP-C
2000 Osprey Blvd., Suite 100 
Bartow, FL 33830

Friday, Dec. 23; Monday, Dec. 26
CHAMBER CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS
 

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

B2B BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE DEC. 14



Wednesday, December 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.

DON'T MISS FORTRESS FITNESS FOR NOVEMBER!

This is a great time of exercise for the whole family! Marie Wilmot, local fitness guru, has designed a program for the Chamber to help the community get fit! Find out what types of exercise suit your needs by coming out to Fort Blount Park on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. You can experience a different kind of exercise in each class. It's a blast!

RUDOLPH ROUNDUP

It's Rudolph Round-Up 2016!

We invite you to join Heartland for Children in our 12th Annual Rudolph Round-Up Holiday Toy Drive. With your help, our goal is to help make incredible holiday memories for 1,400 local children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect.

Whether you are a new donor or one who has supported children's holiday wishes previously through Rudolph Round-Up, we need your help to provide for all of the children in need.

Bring new, unwrapped toys to the Bartow Chamber for Polk County children today! Rudolph Roundup is a project of Leadership Bartow XVII.

Newsletter1 - Nov. 15, 2016