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

JANUARY
Thursday, January 14
LEADERSHIP SELECT PICKS DAY
"A Medley of Eclectic Leadership Tours"

Thursday, January 14, 5:15 p.m.
SACKETT RANCH FUN THURSDAY
Highland City

Saturday, January 23, 6:00 p.m.
BARTOW CHAMBER ANNUAL EVENT
TOTALLY AWESOME 80S
Bartow Civic Center

Tuesday, January 26, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMAT BIRTHDAY PARTY

Wednesday, January 27
7:30-9:00 a.m.
SCORE FREE KICKOFF BREAKFAST
FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS
(Limit: 35)
Broadway Diner, 1380 N. Broadway
REGISTER HERE.

FOR A LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE, CLICK HERE.
 

CHAMPIONS CUP
Champions Cup was created to recognize and honor businesses and organizations that have championed exemplary best practices, and have had a positive influence on the economic well being of the area's business environment. Congratulations to the 2015 Champions Cup Winners! Here they are:

CATERING
Tam's Catering
Mr. Mahmud Osmani
560 Avenue J, SE
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 398-3976
www.tamscatering.com
Joined Date: December

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS
Brian F. Burns/Ronald Skroback
Joined Date: January

Until next week,
Sharon Casey
Chamber President, 2015  - Jan. 23, 2016

Left to Right: Owners Anna Maria and Bob Baker with Chamber Membership Director Barbara Adamson.

Business of the Month for January:
Harmony Haven Event Venue 6320 US Hwy 98, Bartow, Phone: 863-581-7400 www.harmonyhavenevents.com
Where rustic meets elegance. Conveniently located on US 98 in the Bartow & South Lakeland area, our fully air-conditioned facility offers comfortable seating for 240 guests. A nostalgic vintage rustic charm makes this an ideal setting for Weddings, Receptions, Banquets, Quinceaneras, Special Occasion Parties and more. We feature a private Bride/Ready room, covered and uncovered patios, as well as a completely privately fenced large grassy gazebo area for outdoor events. Owners Anna Maria and Bob Baker invite you to celebrate your next special occasion with Harmony Haven.

     The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, February 12, 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 grouip, contact Chairman Brian Hinton at 863-533-4196.

Click here for a complete listing of Committee of 100 members.

PRESENTING SPONSOR: SEMCO CONSTRUCTION
Let’s go back to the days of metal bands and big hair. Grab some leg warmers, muscle shirts and head bands to wear. Bring on the hairspray, the press-on nails and the blue eyeshadow, and join us for a Totally Awesome 80’s celebration night: a party dedicated to the decade of decadence and over-the-top everything! Remember Dynasty and Dallas? You can even show up in a little red Corvette. Don’t forget your dancing shoes if you feel like getting footloose! If it’s the Bartow Chamber Annual Meeting, you know you’re going to have fun - and you just might win a great prize. Be there, or be square!
Saturday, January 23, 2016 - Bartow Civic Center, 6:00 p.m.
TO REGISTER TO ATTEND OR TO BE A SPONSOR, CLICK HERE.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS and all companies participating in last Friday's JOB FAIR. What a great turnout, and hopefully a lot of people found jobs. More than 700 job seekers turned out for our first job fair! Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Spherion Staffing Services. Here's the list of those who made it possible:

SACKETT RANCH FUN THURSDAY IS JAN. 14TH!
Don't you just love SACKETT RANCH RED BARN? We do! We hope to see all Chamber members at the January Fun Thursday, January 14, 5:15 p.m.

Sackett Ranch Red Barn is a rustic venue for any wedding, birthday party, or any event where you might want a "country," formal or laid-back atmosphere. Tracy and Rick Sackett have invited our entire Chamber membership to attend a great time of networking, fun, food and adult beverages. See you there at 5:15 p.m.!

Chamber members enjoy the benefits of networking through these fun after hours socials.
Event Date: 01-14-16
Event Time: 05:15 PM - 07:00 PM Eastern
Location: Sackett Ranch
4720 Hancock Rd.
Highland City, FL 33812

Bartow Chamber KICKOFF BREAKFAST for Roundtable
January 27, 2016, 7:30-9:00 a.m.
     Not just for Chamber members, this FREE SCORE Roundtable includes a free kickoff breakfast at Broadway Diner. Learn about the exciting Roundtable programs planned for 2016. Also, Business Tune-up Tips will be presented.
     Seating is limited to 35, reservations required. Contact Barbara Adamson, membership services director, at the Bartow Chamber for more information, 533-7125.
     The 2016 Roundtable program of work, is brought to you by the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Polk County Small Business Assistance Center and SCORE; and will explore various topics important to business owners.
      Location: Broadway Diner, 1380 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830
REGISTER HERE.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING AND
GEORGE GAUSE MEMORIAL PARADE
On Martin Luther King Day in Bartow two men are honored when the Bartow Deacons & Stewards Alliance presents the annual King-Gause Parade and celebration.

FORTRESS FITNESS IS SECOND SATURDAY

     The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce presents “FORTRESS Fitness,” a 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, instructor of Pilates, kickboxing, Zumba and other cardio-fitness programs Please mark your calendars for these second Saturdays:

• February 13^th – Darwin Manzueta
• March 12^th – Mariah Andresen-Otten
• April 9^th – John Abad
• May 14^th – Jude Dauphin

For more information, contact: Virginia Condello at the Chamber, (863) 533-7125 or email virginia@bartowchamber.com