NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
HOSPICE
Vitas Healthcare
Ms. Dora Viltre
6850 New Tampa Hwy., Suite 600
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 583-7100
www.vitas.com
Join date: 08/13/2015
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES
Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc.
Ms. Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts
902 S. Florida Ave., Suite 205
Lakeland, FL 33803
www.blackmonroberts.com
Join date: 08/21/2015
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER
Chamber Diplomat
Ms. Diane Oesterreicher
Join date: 08/20/2015
FINANCIAL PLANNING,
PERSONAL & CORPORATE
DEVELOPMENT TRAiNING
The Lem Group, LLC
Mr. Bernardo Rossello
Davenport, FL 33896
(561) 308-3460
www.thelemgroup.com
Join date: 08/21/2015
INSURANCE AGENCIES
HealthMarkets
Ms. Janice Basham Wright
2298 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 853-8000
www.healthmarkets.com/jbasham
Join date: 08/25/2015
ASSOCIATIONS, CLUBS
& ORGANIZATIONS
Polk Arts Alliance
Ms. Meri Mass
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 804-0494
www.polkarts.org
Join date: 08/25/2015
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Burks Financial Group
Ms. Noreen Talbott
5143 S. Lakeland Dr., Suite 4
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 940-4755
Join date: 08/28/2015
LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE
Garrison Land Management, Inc.
Mr. Joe Garrison
28609 Hwy. 27, N.
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 439-6550
www.garrisonpropertyservices.com
Join date: 09/08/2015
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Garrison Property Services, LLC
Ms. Dollie Boyd
28609 Hwy. 27, N.
Dundee, FL 33838
(863) 439-6550
www.garrisonpropertyservices.com
Join date: 09/08/2015
INSURANCE AGENCIES
LegalShield
Mrs. Kimberly Hooten
189 James Circle
Lake Alfred, FL 33850
(863) 287-6697
www.paulhooten.legalshieldassociate.com
Join date: 09/13/2015
EVENT VENUES
The Williams Centre
Ms. Geri Williams
1150 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 558-0635
Join date: 09/13/2015
SMALL BUSINESS HELP IS ON ITS WAY
SBDC Is Available At
The Chamber On
October 15th
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 October 15, 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.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES IN BARTOW
Looking for a commercially zoned lot, building for rent or to buy for your business? Please check out this site :
You'll get to create an account for free and check out MLS commercial listings for Bartow.
For a downloadable CRA District map, click here, scroll down and look under IMPORTANT LINKS in the right hand column of the Chamber's website.
$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.
FOR RENT: OFFICE SPACE
In Historic Bartow Building.
310 East Main Street, one block from Polk County Courthouse.
2 EXECUTIVE OFFICES
3 STAFF OFFICES
2 shared conference rooms and kitchen. Partially furnished with phone system in place. Reserved indoor parking space. Additional parking on-site.
CALL (863) 224-3503 for more information
2015 CHAMPIONS CUP IS OCTOBER 15TH
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
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 20,000 households for only $85 per issue. Call Barbara Adamson at 863-533-7125 for more information. |
FROM THE PRESIDENT:
I have always been curious about how the CRA in a community operated so I decided to find out how it works in our great city.
A Community Redevelopment Agency is created by the local government. It is responsible for developing and implementing the Community Redevelopment Plan that addresses the needs of a targeted area, including residential and commercial properties.
The original Bartow CRA which was established in April, 1990, was a 30-year plan. Since then, there have been three changes for the expansion of the CRA District. Each time that the district was expanded, time was added to the plan.
The CRA Mission Statement is as follows; The mission of the Bartow CRA is to improve the vitality of the community by eliminating blight through public and private investment.
When you talk to Stephen Cox, Executive Director of the City of Bartow's CRA, you know that you are talking to a man who has vision and knows what he's doing. As Stephen sees it, the job of the CRA is to change the dynamic of the city. By focusing on areas that need improvement and making those improvements, it increases the property values for the whole community. He wants to see our city grow and prosper but not in a "cookie cutter" kind of way. He doesn't want to chase what other towns are doing, and wants to focus on keeping the quaintness and charm of our beautiful city. He would like to help create an environment where investors and developers will want to come into Bartow.
Stephen's vision includes a Bartow that is so desirable that young people will want to stay here and or come here to live after college. He and the CRA Board of Directors want to help Bartow become a city of long-term opportunity and a high standard of living with more shops and restaurants downtown.
There are many people who come to work in Bartow every day. To quote Stephen, "You're already working here, why not live here?"
Why not, indeed?
Until next week,
Sharon Casey
Chamber President, 2015
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: THE VILLAGES AT LAUREL MEADOWS
Left to right, Joey Foley, Erica Drop, Barbara Adamson (Chamber) and Kathryn Bevilacqua-Ely.
Business of the Month for September is . . .
The Villages at Laurel Meadows
Here we grow again! 18 more units currently under construction to be available at the end of the year! Stop by today to see our beautiful, newly constructed townhome community and receive a free gift with any showing through September 30th. The Villages at Laurel Meadows is located at 100 Laurel Circle, Bartow, FL 33830. For more information, call 863-533-7414.
DIVERSITY AWARDS AND LUNCHEON
Diversity Luncheon
To Promote Equality
To reaffirm its commitment to racial and ethnic equality, the City of Bartow’s Community Relations Committee (CRC) will hold a Diversity Luncheon on September 16, 2015, at noon, at the Bartow Civic Center in conjunction with Bartow’s Multicultural Awareness Month in September.
The month is set aside by Bartow’s City Commission to spotlight racial and ethnic equality and justice issues that confront people every day.
read more...
NEW CHAMBER PROGRAM PROMOTES FAMILY FITNESS
FIRST FORTRESS FITNESS LOTS OF FUN!
The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce presents “FORTRESS Fitness,” a new program to promote family fitness began September 12 t Fort Blount Park.
“FORTRESS Fitness is a community-wide outdoor workout program for all fitness levels, all ages, and it’s absolutely free,” said Marie Wilmot, organizer of the new program. Wilmot is a wellness and fitness enthusiast and instructor of Pilates, kickboxing, Zumba and other cardio-fitness programs.
“We hope whole families will join us for a variety of unique group workouts led by professional wellness instructors,” Wilmot added. “FORTRESS Fitness is free and open to all ages, instruction is for all levels.”
Fifteen people attended the first class, representing all ages and fitness levels. Wilmot demonstrated light aerobic exercises to music supplied by Sean Serdynski of SLS Entertainment.
read more...
A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED: HOMETOWN HEROES
BARTOW FORD TAIL GATE PARTY
We really enjoyed the Bartow Ford Business After Hours event, a tailgate party! Attendees were asked to wear the jerseys of favorite sports teams and the room was fans supporting their teams. Here's some photos to enjoy.
MORE PHOTOS HERE.
TRAVEL WITH THE CHAMBER!
We have two very exciting Chamber trips coming up:
NEW YORK CITY HOLIDAY
November 30 - December 4, 2015
(We may still accept reservations, subject to availability)
and
DISCOVER TUSCANY
April 14 - April 23, 2016
Check out this great link!
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?
Call Barbara Adamson, 533-7125, for more information and to secure your seat.
CHAMBER EVENTS
(All meetings are in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.)
SEPTEMBER
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 3:30 p.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 4:00 p.m.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 11:45 a.m.
CRC DIVERSITY LUNCHEON
Bartow Civic Center
Tickets, $10, at the Chamber
Thursday, Friday, Sept. 17, 18
LEADERSHIP XVI SECOND YEAR RETREAT
Clearwater
Monday, Sept. 21, 4:00 p.m.
ANNUAL EVENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
WATSON CLINIC HIGHLANDS OPEN HOUSE
& RIBBON-CUTTING
2300 E. County Road 540A, Lakeland Highlands
Thursday, Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m.
HAMILTON ENGINEERING & SURVEYING, INC. RIBBON-CUTTING
& Grand Opening - Barbecue
310 E. Main Street, Suite 4, Bartow
Saturday, Sept. 26, all day, 11:00 a.m. RC
NICKELODEAN DAY OF PLAY AT NYE JORDAN PARK
with Ribbon-cutting for new tennis courts
Monday, Sept. 28, 4:00 p.m.
BLOOMIN' ARTS EXEC COMMITTEE
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 4:00 p.m.
HOMETOWN HEROES COMMITTEE
OCTOBER
Tuesday, October 6, 11:30 a.m.
ALUMNI SOCIAL PLANNING MEETING
Thursday, October 8, 7:30 a.m.
SCORE ROUNDTABLE
Thursday, October 8
LEADERSHIP BARTOW XVI: ENVIRONMENTAL DAY
Thursday, October 8, 5:15 p.m.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT
SWEET MAGNOLIAS CAFE & GIFT SHOP
125 & 139 S. Central Ave., Bartow
Tuesday, October 13, 4:00 p.m.
HOMETOWN HEROES COMMITTEE
Thursday, October 15, all day
FLORIDA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER Representative Available to All Chamber Business Members. Call to schedule an appointment: (863) 678.4182, ext. 227.
Thursday, October 15, 6:00 p.m.
CHAMPIONS CUP EVENT
Friday, October 16, noon
LUNCH & LEARN: DAVID STEELE
“Embrace the Crazy: Leadership Lessons Learned From Trying the Dumb Stuff”
FPIR, 1855 W. Main St.
Tuesday, October 20, 3:30 p.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, October 20, 4:00 p.m.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday, October 21, 1:00 p.m.
DIPLOMATS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Ortelle, Carolyn, Tommie, Marietta, Sherry and Sally!
Thursday, October 22, 6:00 p.m.
BOOK DISCUSSION, "Letters Across the Divide"
Bartow Public Library
Thursday, October 29, 4:00 p.m.
CRICKETTE CLUB PARADE & CARNIVAL
Saturday, October 31
TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT IN BARTOW
MEMBER MICRONEWS
MAIN STREET EVENTS COMING UP
Bartow’s next monthly Friday Fest will be held on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 - 9:00 P.M., along East Main Street and Central Avenue in downtown Bartow. Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will sponsor the event which will feature a DJ Dance Party with Clint Edwards. There will also be activities for the children, a variety of food from vendors on the street as well as the downtown restaurants, and an open car cruise-in. As an added treat, several of the Mr. Bartow participants will be on hand trying to win the public’s votes in a dunk tank and in a lip sync competition. Friday Fest is held on the third Friday of every month and is hosted by Main Street Bartow, Inc., Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Bartow, the Polk County Democrat, and Kelley Buick GMC. For more information, call 863-519-0508.
COMMUNITY YARD SALE
Bartow’s monthly Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market will be held on Saturday, September 19, along the 300 block of East Main Street in downtown Bartow. Hours are from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM, with set-up beginning at 7:00 AM. Vendors will be charged a $10.00 fee, and no preregistration is necessary. For further information call Irene at 863-646-0644 or the Main Street Bartow office at 863-519-0508. The Uptown Yard Sale & Flea Market is held the third Saturday of each month, and is sponsored by Main Street Bartow, Inc., Bartow’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Bartow. read more...
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES
30 YEARS
City of Bartow
Linda J. May, DDS, FAGD, PA
20 YEARS
Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Adam Putnam
Bartow Bloomin' Arts Festival
Brewer, Sahm & Webb, Inc.
Dudley Putnam, Inc.
Lawrence Plumbing, Inc.
Zona Long Bail Bonds
10 YEARS
Everett Whitehead & Son, Inc.
Harry & Bette Orwig
Simply Storage
US Postal Service
5 YEARS
Bartow Lock & Safe
Cathy E. Parker, E.A.
Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, PA
Gary & Carole McKenzie
Hazel Sellers
Joe & Winnie Hall
Lillycat Design Studio
ServPro of Bartow/Lakeland Highlands
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