SCORE ROUNDTABLE IN BARTOW COMING UP
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! FREE to Business Owners and those interested in starting a business, on the second Thursday of each month, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Chamber: The popular SCORE Roundtable for businesses! Join us the 2nd Thursday of every month as we explore various topics of interest to our members. Chamber Business Roundtable is brought to you through the partnership between SCORE, Polk County SBA Center and the Chamber. To register, go to www.bartowchamber.com, or you may click here.
NEXT ROUNDTABLE: Branding
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
BOTTLED WATER & FILTER COOLER SYSTEMS
Water Boy, Inc.
Mr. Scott McLaughlin
1808 Olive St.
Lakeland, FL 33815
(800) 346-6080
website
Join Date:04/01/2015
ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING/ TAX SERVICE
Small Business Accounting
Ms. Sheree Vickers
1135 W. Clinton St.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 712-0894
Join Date:04/13/2015
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hampton Inn Bartow
Ms. Jennifer Welch
205 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Rd.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 535-5007
Join Date: 05/01/2015
SMALL BUSINESS HELP IS ON ITS WAY
SBDC Is Available At
Chamber On June 11
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida, assists existing and emerging businesses in Polk County, through no-cost confidential business consulting, and low-cost training. Consultants can assist entrepreneurs in a variety of business topics, including: marketing, business certification, capital access, market diversification, developing strategic business plans, export services, and web optimization. A consultant will be at the Chamber on June 11, 2015 and available to Chamber Businesses. To schedule an appointment, visit www.bartowchamber.com and follow the links on the home page, or call (863) 678.4182, ext. 227.
CHAMBER EVENTS & MEETINGS
MAY
Thursday, May 28, 5:00 p.m.
Wine and Craft Beer Tasting
A-C-T Environmental
& Infrastructure
1875 W. Main St., Bartow
JUNE
Wednesday, June 3, noon
Ambassadors and
Delegates Luncheon
June 9, June 16, June 30, July 7, 8:30 p.m.
Bartow Retail Academy
DMAR Business Centers
Thursday, June 11, all day
SBDC at Chamber
Friday, June 12, 8:00 a.m.
Committee of 100
1239 E. Main Street, Bartow
Saturday, June 13, 10:00 a.m.
Bluegrass and Gospel
Heritage Festival
Downtown Bartow
June 16-July 21, every Tuesday
Biz Kids Program
Friday, June 19, 5:00 p.m.
Engage Fab Friday,
Location TBA
Friday, June 19, 6:00 p.m.
Juneteenth at Downtown
Bartow featuring
“On The Avenue,”
Historical Presentations
Saturday, June 20, 11:00 a.m.
Juneteenth at
Over the Branch Gateway
Wednesday, June 24, 7:30 a.m.
Professional Development Academy
Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center More June Dates here.
COMMITTEE OF 100
The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, June 12, 2015, 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 FOR A LIST OF MEMBERS
CLASSIFIEDS
$25 per run (up to 35 words), call 533-7125 or email Virginia.
COMMERCIAL RENTAL SPACE perfect for small business client consultation and/or satellite office space in Polk County's county seat. Minutes from the courthouse and county administration buildings. The 40-600 square foot move in ready space is located at 1480 N. Broadway Ave., Suite C in Bartow. Rental rates $450-$650 per month. Interested parties should call (863) 559-3180 or (863) 559-0101.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE Furnished: $2500 square feet; $250,000. 690 E. Davidson Street, Bartow, FL 33830. Former law office in excellent condition, only 6 blocks from the Polk County Courthouse. Large foyer and central work area with multiple high-end filing cabinets, surrounded by 6 private offices and library/conference room, with built-in bookshelves, kitchenette, 2 ceramic tile bathrooms, 1 shower stall, cable, and security system. Corner lot with plenty of off-street parking. Excellent location in County Seat for any enterprise dealing with state and local government. Contact Chuck Bentley at (863) 533-7733 or email Chuck.
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sharon Casey, President
Community Southern Bank
Myrtice Young, Immediate Past President
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Jennifer Hall, President-elect, Vice President
SEMCO Construction
Gail Smith, Treasurer
Community Southern Bank
Emily Spath Clark, Vice President
Spath Jewelers
Clint Edwards, Vice President
Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Rob Clancey, Vice President
Polk State College
Carole McKenzie, Vice President
Polk County Farm Bureau
Shannon Medley, Vice President
Florida Industrial and Phosphate
Research Institute
DIRECTORS
David Carmichael
Boswell & Dunlap, LLP
Lennon Jordan
Madrid Engineering Group
Jeremy M. Katzmann, MD
Watson Clinic
Jeff Kincart
A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure
J.C. Martin
Kelley Buick GMC
Phil Minden
Bartow Regional Medical Center
Callie Neslund
Mosaic
Josh Palmer
Palmer Insurance Agency, Inc.
Freda Ridgway
Mosaic
Carlos Sandoval
Bartow Ford Company
David Sandow
Spherion Staffing
Anita Stasiak
CenterState Bank
Lea Ann Thomas
Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Valerie Tillmon
Citizens Bank & Trust
RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW FOR THE MAGAZINE
 Reserve your space now in the Summer Chamber Quarterly Magazine and hand your business card out to more than 20,000 households for only $85 per issue. Call Barbara Adamson at 863-533-7125 for more information.
TRAVEL WITH THE CHAMBER!
We have two very exciting Chamber trips coming up:
Call Barbara Adamson, 533-7125, for more information! |
FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Oh My Gosh! I will be retiring on July 17th from Community Southern Bank. I don't think that it will sink in for awhile.
After having an awesome career in Banking for 40 years, it is time. I want to thank my bank customers who have been so loyal over the years. Many of you have become friends and I thank you for your friendship. I also need to thank George W. Harris, Jr. and Citrus and Chemical Bank for enabling women to have great careers and helping them break through the glass ceiling.
My 27 years with C&C Bank was wonderful.
I also would like to thank Michael Micallef and Community Southern Bank for giving me yet another incredible 8-1/2 years in the banking world. I have been so blessed to have worked for two great leaders in my lifetime. It has been quite a ride and I thank you. I look forward to my continued involvement in the community, and doing a little traveling - even maybe raising a few chickens!
And, although I'm retiring, I want everyone in our Chamber membership to know I haven't stopped serving you. My plans are to remain very involved in the Chamber, continuing on as your President. I pledge to stay involved with the Bartow Chamber of Commerce; and I urge you to stay involved - whether you are retired or not. It's a good investment.
Community Southern Bank, VP
Chamber President, 2015
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: TERRIE LOBB CATERING
Terrie Lobb (left) of Terrie Lobb Catering along with Chamber Membership Director Barbara Adamson, proudly display the Chamber's Business of the Month banner in Terrie's restaurant and catering business located at 1239 E. Main Street, Bartow. For more information, contact Terrie at (863) 533-6483.
Business of the Month of May is . . .
Terrie Lobb Catering
At Terrie Lobb Catering, Terrie and the staff pride themselves in delivering a wide variety of menu choices, along with the experience and expertise that make every event memorable. Known throughout Polk County, Terrie Lobb Catering specializes in custom menus designed for cocktail receptions, weddings, corporate events and home parties. Terrie and her staff always provide professional services from box lunches to elegant plated dinners. They can even assist with decor and entertainment. The catering company is unsurpassed in paying attention to detail; and the team of culinary professionals are dedicated to making your event an unforgettable one.
MEMBER MICRONEWS
'CELEBRATE SUMMER' DAY ON MAY 30 AT VISITOR CENTER
Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center (formerly known as Polk Outpost 27) will kick off the summer travel season with “Celebrate Summer” Day on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Visitors and residents are invited to come and explore all that Central Florida has to offer in family fun and activities at this FREE, family-friendly event. There will be contests and games, prize giveaways, bounce houses for kids, and booths and displays by LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, Bok Tower Gardens, Gatorland, Medieval Times, Origami Owl Jewelry, the Fruits and Veggie stand, the Polk County Library, the Bloodmobile and the Polk County Fire Department. Lakeland’s MAX 98.3 (WWRZ) radio station will broadcast live from the event and food will be available for purchase from local vendors, including Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and Kona Ice.
Both LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Bok Tower Gardens will feature special “Buy One, Get One Free” offers on tickets purchased during the event and there will be an appearance by a LEGOLAND Florida Resort character and a Medieval Times knight.
Central Florida’s Visitor Information Center, which sells discounted attraction tickets for many Central Florida attractions (including LEGOLAND Florida Resort), is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week and is located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport (along U.S. Highway 27), a half-mile south of I-4 at Exit 55. For more information contact Dennis Budde at 863-420-2586. read more...
ENGAGE FAB FRIDAY COMING UP!
June 19, 2015, 5:00 p.m: Fab Friday for our Chamber Young Professionals is coming up! If you are between the ages of 21 and 42 and are interested in networking with other young professionals, please come to the ENGAGE social, Fab Friday. For information about ENGAGE or if you'd like to sign up as a member, check out the Chamber's website, www.bartowchamber.com. FAB FRIDAY's location is TBA.
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES
30 YEARS
OneBlood
Junior Service League of Bartow
20 YEARS
Systemized Properties, Inc.
15 YEARS
Bruce and Pam Renew
10 YEARS
Bright House Networks Business Solutions
5 YEARS
Lane Construction Corporation
INTO THE JUNGLE OF CONFLICT
Professional Development Academy: 
PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP EVENT
The Power of a Presentation
INTO THE JUNGLE OF CONFLICT
Presented by J. Lenora Bresler, J.D., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, ASC.
Although people tend to avoid conflict, research indicates that conflict can actually be helpful when it is handled correctly, especially when the focus remains on the task at hand rather than interpersonal differences.
Conflict is a lot like the jungle: it is a place of potential danger and consequences, but also a place of discovery and healing. Success in conflict, as in the jungle, depends on preparedness and having the right resources at one’s disposal.
In this fascinating interactive program, participants explore the four default conflict styles and practice approaches that maximize success. In conflict resolution, an individual must adapt his or her approach to the circumstances. Using a collaborative learning approach, participants work through personal conflicts to prepare for confrontational discussions. They master a simple formula for opening a conversation in a way that will not put a recipient on the defensive, and identify aspects that can escalate conflict.
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center/
Polk State Corporate College Auditorium
310 Technology Drive, Bartow, FL
Cost: $39.00 Per Person
SIGN UP HERE. read more...
BLUEGRASS & GOSPEL HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Doors2Change and Main Street Bartow, Inc. event featuring Bluegrass and Gospel Music, with a side order of history will be happening downtown on Saturday, June 13, 2015, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The festival will include live music and entertainment, a children’s carousel, folk art and Steampunk vendors, plant and farmer’s market vendors, and a children’s area with games, paintball design competition and Legoland sculpturing competition. The Lego sculpture will become part of the traveling Art In Public Places program. Mark your calendars for this exciting event today! Free, downtown Bartow. For more information, contact the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, 863-533-7125.
Entertainment:
Sound of Joy
K’Lyn & Her Bluegrass Friends
Mamie’s School of Dance
Psalms 101
Union Academy Bluegrass Band
Strawberry Express Cloggers
Calvary Country Bluegrass Band
Dixie Bluegrass Express
Joey Poley and the Midnight Clogging Express
POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY FOR
POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
Tuesday, August 11, 2015 - 6:00 PM - Bartow Civic Center - 2250 Floral Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
The annual Polk Emerging Leaders Awards will once again be a collaborative event of the three young professional groups in Polk County. Continuing a new era of collaboration and blurring the east/west dividing line, the awards have been established to annually recognize five young professionals between 21- 42 who have made significant contributions and commitment to the Polk County community.
To nominate an individual for the Polk Emerging Leader Awards, simple fill out the form below between April 13 and May 31, 2015. The nominee will be notified of the nomination and asked to complete an application to provide more information. The nominee will be emailed the application but it can also be downloaded here.
WINE & CRAFT BEER TASTING
All Chamber members are invited to A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure's WINE & CRAFT BEER TASTING, coming up Thursday, May 28, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at A-C-T's Bartow location, 1875 West Main Street, Bartow. The event will be held to honor the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Community Corporate Partners!
A-C-T Wine and Craft Beer Tasting
05/28/2015
BIZ KIDS GEARING UP FOR A GREAT SUMMER!
BARTOW RETAIL ACADEMY
BARTOW RETAIL ACADEMY TO TEACH
MARKETING & SALES TACTICS TO BUSINESSES
Polk County business owners are invited to learn new marketing and sales tactics for their small businesses at the Bartow Retail Academy, beginning June 9 at DMAR Business Center, 300 East Summerlin Street, Bartow. The Academy, presented by Main Street Bartow, Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Florida Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida, will include four seminars for just $120.
Businesses in the Bartow CRA District qualify for a scholarship and can register by
calling Main Street Bartow at 863-519-0508 or Greater Bartow Chamber at 863-533-7125.
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION COMING UP
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION COMING UP
Theme: FREEDOM FOREVER
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Want to be a contributor and help Bartow celebrate July 4th?
Bartow's 4th of July Committee's Chair, Frank Rouse, urges everyone to help defray the cost of Bartow's 2015 4th of July Celebration. "Your financial and personal contribution will guarantee a successful 4th of July Celebration. And we want to you be sure to come out and enjoy the festivities. Invite your friends and neighbors to Bartow's July 4th celebration," Rouse said.
The celebration will begin with a patriotic concert from the Bartow Adult Concert Band, at the Bartow Civic Center from 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and seats are first come, first served.
The 4th of July Extravaganza is set from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Mosaic Park. This event features live music, food vendors, games, and much more.
And, at 9:30 p.m., it's time for the big event: the fireworks display.
"The celebration is a reminder that we live in a nation dedicated to freedom, liberty and justice. It is only right and proper that we should honor our "America the Beautiful," as well as our military on July 4th," Rouse noted.
If you would like to contribute, send a check made payable to:
Bartow's Fourth of July Committee
680 E. Main St., Suite 201
Bartow, FL 33830
Checks may also be dropped off at the Chamber |
