NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS
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:
 You cannot drive down L B Brown Avenue, formally Second Avenue, without noticing the beautiful Victorian home known as the Historic L. B. Brown House. When you step inside, you are transformed into another era.
Lawrence B. Brown was born during the last decade of slavery on September 12, 1856 in Alachua County, Florida, where his father, Peter, homesteaded. Sometime after the end of slavery in 1865, Lawrence moved to Spring Haven in Volusia County.
In 1881, Lawrence married Elizabeth Washington and acquired property. Self taught, he built homes that he either sold or rented to others. Being very successful, he purchased more property in Bartow where he moved and continued to build homes. He became a very prosperous business man. He was a devout Christian who gave generously to his community.
In 1909, after having been married twice, he married a third time to Anna Belle Granger Burnette. They raised seven children in the beautiful Victorian home.
When Brown passed away in 1941, he left quite a legacy to his children - not just in real estate and money - but also as an example of an incredible spirit. Just think of all that he accomplished after having been born into slavery.
The restoration of this home began in 1999 and took three years to complete. Spearheaded by the Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and may be the only one of its kind in Florida still in existence that was built and owned by a former slave. In 1998, the League of Cities and the Florida Department of State bestowed the honor of "Great Floridian 2000" upon L B Brown.
The plaque reads: "To preserve the L B Brown House for use as a museum to help educate the public about the significant contributions made by African-Americans to Florida's history and to serve as the site to provide a principal forum for outstanding scholars and fun-filled entertainment."
The L B Brown Heritage Festival is held every year on the second weekend of February. It is an incredible event. There are vendors selling their wares, food vendors, entertainment and, of course, the deep rich history of the house; and life and times of L.B. Brown are celebrated.
I love the L B Brown House. I love its architecture and its history. I love what it stands for: Freedom for all. Even in the midst of diversity, a former slave proved that with hard work and determination you can be successful no matter the color of your skin.
I urge all of you, if you have not been to the L B Brown House and the Festival, please go. You won't be sorry! For a guided tour, call 863-534-0101.
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.
C.C. CORBETT DIVERSITY AWARDS
The C.C. Corbett Diversity Awards went to an individual and an organization at the 2015 Diversity Luncheon held last week.
The Church Service Center won as an organization and County Commissioner Melony Bell won the individual award.
Keynote speaker was Ms. Katrina Lunsford, VP, Fifth Third Bank. 
Katrina Lunsford speaks to the crowd of about 250.
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 in September at 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 (the next is on October 10th) 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.
A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED: HOMETOWN HEROES
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
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
SCORE SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer Orientation Breakfast is coming up September 30. If you'd like to be a business mentor, please rsvp today!
EVENT: Volunteer Orientation
DATE: September 30, 9:00 am
LOCATION: Central Florida SCORE
100 S Kentucky Ave, Ste #230
Lakeland, FL 33801
Central Florida SCORE Mentors provide free business mentoring to both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners to help them succeed in starting a business or expanding their business.
Learn more about how you can give back to your business community. Join an elite group of more than 11,000 volunteers across the US. RSVP to Central Florida SCORE, 863 284-5607 or e-mail score122@verizon.net.
MOVIES ON THE LAWN IS A SYFY EVENT!
SYFY Bartow takes over Main Street Bartow’s next Movies on the Lawn on Friday, September 25. “Star Wars Episode 5 – The Empire Strikes Back” will be shown at dark on the northwest corner of Wilson Avenue and Main Street. After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda while Darth Vader endlessly pursues Luke.
Come prepared for trivia games, costume contests, prizes, and much more. There is no charge to attend, and concessions will be available. Those attending are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets and insect repellent. For more information, contact Main Street Bartow, Inc., 863-519-0508. 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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