FROM THE PRESIDENT:
JENNIFER HALL, SEMCO Construction  I am now proud to announce the formation of the Bartow Economic Development Council.
The Council, made up of community leaders representing ten major stakeholders in Bartow, attended an inaugural meeting of the Bartow Economic Development Council, Inc. (BEDC) on March 29 at Bartow City Hall.
The new non-profit corporation will function as an collaborative body dedicated to the economic development of the greater Bartow area.
The new entity began as an initiative presented to the Bartow City Commission in early 2012 that was the result of a project by the Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100. It envisioned establishment of an economic development body, and the development of an economic development plan focused specifically on Bartow.
VOLUNTEER AWARDED
Donna Delf Wins County Award
Our chamber Diplomat, Donna Delf, recently was named one of 20 volunteers recognized as outstanding Polk County Retired and Senior Program (RSVP) members at Polk County's 22nd annual Volunteer Appreciation celebration on March 12th. We're very proud of Donna and appreciate all she does for the Chamber!
CHAMPIONS CUP
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:
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS:
Tindale Oliver
SERVICE/PROFESSIONAL:
Bartow Regional Medical Center
RETAIL BUSINESS:
Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
COMMUNITY SERVICE:
A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure
NOT FOR PROFIT/ COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY:
Bartow Rotary Club
MAIN STREET BUSINESS:
Travel Leaders / International Sun Travel
EMERGING BUSINESS:
Broadway Diner
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE:
Don Wilson
Click here to see past winners of this prestigious award.
CHAMBER EVENTS
(All meetings are in the Chamber Boardroom unless otherwise noted.)
APRIL
Wednesday, April 6, noon
AMBASSADORS AT PERKINS FOR LUNCH
Wednesday, April 13, 7:30 a.m.
Business 2 Business
BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Wednesday, April 13, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMATS' BIRTHDAY PARTY
Happy Birthday Jo Robertson and Fred Egli!
Thursday, April 14
BARTOW COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE
FOUNDATION FUN THURSDAY
(At the Old Hospital)
Life and Wellness Center
Tuesday, April 19
BOARD/EXEC MEETINGS
Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
Polk State College Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, April 27, 28, 29
LEADERSHIP BARTOW XVI
TRAVELS TO WASHINGTON DC
FOR A LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE, CLICK HERE AND THEN CHOOSE "EVENTS"!
NEW MEMBERS
Engineers/Surveyors/Planners
Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP (RK&K)
Ms. Kimberly Warren
101 W. Main St., Suite 240
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 682-4081
www.rkk.com
Employment/Staffing Services
AARP Foundation
Ms. Sandra Swanson
1959 E. Edgewood Dr., #101
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 499-1290
Restaurants
Urban Oak
Mr. Tom Bos
135 E. Main Street
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 537-7205
Event Supplies
Fitted Fancy Chair Covers & Photo Chocolate Favors
Ms. Ivy Patrick
Auburndale, FL 33823
(863) 845-5451
(321) 682-8825
www.fittedfancychaircovers.com
SUPPORT OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS!
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THE RED LETTER HAS ARRIVED! SAY YES TO JSN
It's that time of years again! JUST SAY NO is coming up May 11, 2016. Wouldn't you like to participate? Hard copy RED LETTERS are available here in the Chamber, or print the one attached here, make your donation and send to CenterState Bank, checks payable to JUST SAY NO, Attention, Anita Stasiak. Thanks for your involvement in this wonderful program to get the JUST SAY NO message to all area 5th graders.
B2B BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE APR. 13!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 7:30 a.m., Chamber Boardroom
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
MORNING BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE
Plenty of coffee and fellowship with your fellow member business owners. Bring lots of business cards and give everyone two - one for them and one for a friend. Hope to see you there! NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: CRUISE PLANNERS
Left to Right: Jean Hornbeck and Ruthelise Anderson of Cruise Planners; and Barbara Adamson, Chamber Membership Director.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL, 2016:
Cruise Planners Ruthelise Anderson
5015 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: 863-644-1014 - 844-722-6342
reanderson@cruiseplanners.com
Experience what the world has to offer! Ocean and river cruises; all-inclusive resorts and hotels; weddings at sea and at destination; group travel & incentive programs; air, car rental and travel protection; escorted, hosted and independent land programs.
Two incredible Wine Themed River Cruises with AmaWaterways.
An AmaWaterways Wine Cruise is a fantastic way to add a unique, epicurean dimension to itineraries on legendary rivers such as the Danube and the Rhine. Enjoy sightseeing in grand capitals and charming villages and shared on specially designed excursions through the rich and renowned Europe’s wine regions.
Join Ruthelise A. Cruise Planners for an exceptional experience, whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply indulge in a sip here and there. Join a group!
Romantic Danube (Vilshofen to Budapest)
AmaViola – 11.03.16 – 7-night cruise
Enchanting Rhine (Basel to Amsterdam)
AmaSonata – 08.05.17 – 7-night cruise
Call them today to reserve your stateroom and secure your promotion! Space is limited. Subject to availability. License FST # ST39068 / CST#2034468-50
BARTOW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEMBERS
Bartow Economic Development Council, Inc. members: Brian Hinton, Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc.; Ken Riley, Eastside Positive Action Committee; Dawn Decaminada, Polk County Board of County Commissioners; James F. Clements, Bartow City Commission; Philip Minden, BayCare Bartow Regional Medical Center; Rob Clancey, Polk State College; Laura Simpson, Main Street Bartow; Doug Conner, Clear Springs Land Company; Drew Crawford, Boswell & Dunlap, LLP; and Jeff Clark, Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce.
The new entity began as an initiative presented to the Bartow City Commission in early 2012 that was the result of a project by the Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100. It envisioned establishment of an economic development body, and the development of an economic development plan focused specifically on Bartow.
COMMITTEE OF 100
The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, April 8, 2016, at 8:00 a.m. Bartow City Planner, Bob Wiegers, is guest speaker.
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 here for a complete listing of Committee of 100 members.
HELLO BARTOW! MEMBERS PARTICIPATE FOR FREE
ROI ALERT TO ALL MEMBERS!
We've established a new perk to your membership. Now, as a member of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, you may include a promotional item for your business in the HELLO BARTOW! welcome baskets for new residents. PARTICIPATION IS FREE OF CHARGE! If you are interested, contact Barbara Adamson, Membership Director, (863) 533-7125, or reply to this email.
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES
50 YEARS
Peterson Cleaners
35 YEARS
Frost Van den Boom, PA
10 YEARS
Julie Clark
5 YEARS
Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing
MEMBER MICRONEWS
POLK STATE COLLEGE CAREER FAIR
Polk State College would like to personally invite you as a vendor to its annual Career Fair. This event will be held outside in the Student Mall on April 14, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Your company will have the opportunity to advertise any vacancies or internship opportunities to our students and alumni. Tables and chairs will be provided and there are no fees for your participation. If you would like to join us please email pmjones@polk.edu and state how many people will be attending.
Event Location
Polk State College
3425 Winter Lake Rd.
Lakeland, FL 33803 read more...
FORTRESS FITNESS PROMOTES FAMILY FITNESS
 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:
- April 9th – John Abad
- May 14th – Jude Dauphin
For more information, contact: Virginia Condello at the Chamber, (863) 533-7125 or email virginia@bartowchamber.com
REACH 22K HOMES WITH YOUR MESSAGE
 Reserve your space now in the Spring Chamber Quarterly Magazine and hand your business card out to more than 22,000 households for only $85 per issue. Call Barbara Adamson at 863-533-7125 for more information.
VOTE IN THE NEXT ELECTION, APRIL 5th
ALL PRECINCTS WILL VOTE AT THE BARTOW CIVIC CENTER - 2250 S. FLORAL AVENUE.
Voters will elect one City Commissioner for Seat No. 3 (North District)
IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES
Regular Election - April 5, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Run-Off Election (if needed) - to be announced.
Registering to Vote
City residents who are not registered to vote, but would like to participate in the April 5th City Elections, have until March 9th to submit their completed voter registration form to the Elections Office in Bartow. To register to vote on-line, Click here. For information to register to vote go to voter registration information. Applications are available at Polk County Supervisor of Elections, Bartow City Hall, post offices and libraries.
Registered voters are reminded to update the elections office with any name or address changes prior to Election Day. To change your voter information on-line, Click here. Absentee Ballots
Can’t make it to the polls? To request an absentee ballot, please contact the Polk County Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888 or visit polkelections.com.
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