If you got this week's newsletter twice, we're very sorry! Thanks for your patience. : )

  We were very pleased with the welcoming response we received from last week's online newsletter, underscoring that things have changed in the world, as far as how people like to get their news.
Back in the early 70s, an article in Newsweek magazine included the statement that the printed word was dead. And although it seemed at the time a little premature, for the most part, it certainly holds true today.
There will always be a place for those of us who like to curl up with a good book (and not a Kindle); but electronic media is now the norm - especially for the "New Boomers" through the "New Silent" generations.
We have to face facts, it's good for the environment by reducing paper usage. And, in addition, we get news faster.
We recognize that some people may prefer to have a paper copy, and if that is the case, simply print a copy from the online file, or pick up a copy at the Chamber.
We hope that Chamber Weekly will become a part of planning your week. If you have story ideas, or suggestions, please contact Virginia Condello. And, as always, keep in touch with the Chamber’s Facebook page and website. Thank you for your support!

Want to sponsor a table at the annual event, or just buy your ticket? Here's the link to do either!
Visit the Annual Event Registration page today!

Meetings are at the Chamber unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 5:00 p.m.
    Joint Ribbon-cutting with
        Lake Wales Chamber for
        Family Elder Law at
        122 E. Tillman Ave., LW 33853
Thursday, Jan. 15, 8:00 a.m.
      Leadership Bartow XVI
        Polk County Government Day
Friday, Jan. 16, noon
    ENGAGE Lunch & Learn, FIPR
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 3:30 p.m.
    Executive Committee, 3:30 p.m.
    Board of Directors, 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 3:30 p.m.
    CRC meeting, Library, 2nd Floor
Saturday, Jan. 24, 6:00 p.m.
    Chamber Annual Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 29, 10:00 a.m.
    Ribbon-cutting: Homes of Merit
        Bartow Municipal Airport,
            Bldg. 103

WANTED! All you urban cowboys and sassy lasses to saddle up for a barn-riaising hootenanny at the annual Barn Boogie Dinner & Dance - a southern-styled honky-tonk, boot scootin' celebration featuring a lip-smackin' Texas Cattle Company steak dinner and a live DJ. Watch coming weekly newsletters for information on obtaining tickets and sponsorships for this event.

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

60 Years
Dr. Paul E. Coury

15 Years
Steve Hendrix

10 Years
Pickett Engineering, Inc.

A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure is presenting sponsor for the 2015 Chamber Annual Meeting to be held Saturday, January 24, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center. ACT staffers Joe Bennett, Floy Graves, Josh Newell and Sherry Warren, take selfies in "Paris" with Chamber President (behind the mask in the middle), Sharon Casey, to help promote the event. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now.

ENGAGE professional development series: Brian Haas
01/16/15, 11:45 a.m., FIPR Community Room
This free lunch and professional development series of "Success Stories" is for Engage members, ages 21-42; or for those interested in finding out more about Engage. Each Lunch and Learn lasts one hour and includes a nice lunch and a dynamic motivational speaker. (If you want to learn more about Engage, or sign up as a member; go to www.bartowchamber.com for more information.) Presented by MOSAIC and sponsored by ACT Environmental and Infrastructure, Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation Inc., CenterState Bank, Community Southern Bank, SEMCO Construction Inc. and Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Location: Florida Industrial & Phosphate Research Institute, 1855 W. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830

SIGN UP FOR THIS FREE EVENT HERE.

 

HOME MODEL CENTER
Homes of Merit
Byron Stroud
Bartow Municipal Airport, Bldg. 103, Bartow, FL 33830
863-698-2906
Website
Join Date: 12/03/2014

RESTAURANTS
Broadway Diner
Rachel Rayl
1380 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830
863-537-7647
Join Date: 12/31/2014

RETAIL STORES
Kehoe Family Fun Sales, LLC d/b/a Unique Pools Spas Patios
Rodney Kehoe
2326 E. Edgewood Dr., Lakeland, FL 33803
863-940-9826
Website
Join Date: 12/31/2014

 

8 week Weight Loss Challenge starting January 17th thru March 16th. There will be Individual and Team prizes. Entry fee is $60 for gym members and $100 for non members. Cardio classes will be available to non members during the 8 weeks. Must be registered by Jan 17th. Contact Ultimate Fitness Center, Inc., 533-5300 for more information.

Microsoft Office Classes offered at Polk State College
 Microsoft Excel 2013
$159 per student per level
 Level 1: January 21st      8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Level 2: January 28th      8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Level 3: February 4th      8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 All classes held at:
 Advanced Technology Center
Polk State College, Bartow Campus

Governor Rick Scott announced three appointments to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC).  One of those was Robert (Rob) Kincart, President of Bartow-headquartered A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. (A-C-T).  Kincart is the only Polk County representative serving on the SERC.

Today is the last day to sign up for the FREE EVENT! Part of the Boost Your Business Seminar Series brought to you by the Polk County Small Business Assistance Center, SCORE and the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, learn about the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH OPTIONS PROGRAM FOR POLK COUNTY. Deadline to RSVP is January 12, 2015. Here's the link to register for this free event!

Affordable Care Act Panel of Experts:
MELANIE HALL—EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE FAMILY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
CHARLES LONG—LEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, SBA
 

The Community Relations Committee’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the Bartow Community through understanding and appreciating the differences among its people.The committee met last week for breakfast and to spend some time fellowshipping. Front row, left to right, Virginia Condello, Joyce Bentley, Gloria Washington, Joyce Thurman, Sheila Keith. Back row, Clifton Lewis, Pastor Jim Hatch, City Manager George Long, School Board Member Hazel Sellers, Bartow Police Chief Joe Hall, Ken Riley and City Commissioner Leo Longworth.