Ahh . . . Memorial Day . . . the traditional “beginning of summer” here in Florida. Many have a 3-day weekend and head to the beach, the lake, or some sort of outdoor adventure. And while those events are certainly fun, and the 3-day weekend is well-deserved for all who are able to have next Monday off, let’s not forget the reason we have a Memorial Day in the first place. It is a day to remember those who have died in service of the United States of America.
     The following is an excerpt from www.usmemorialday.org:
Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It is now observed in almost every state on the last Monday in May with Congressional passage of the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 – 363). This helped ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays.
      So, while you are out and about this upcoming 3-day weekend, remember:  Have Fun, Stay Safe, and Remember those who died so you could enjoy our great State of Florida!

Jennifer Hall
Your Chamber President, 2016

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.

Wednesday, June 8, 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.

Want to find a retail or service business? 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:

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

MAY

Tuesday, May 24, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMATS BIRTHDAY PARTY
Happy Birthday to
Dot McCroan
Jane Meadows &
Rhoda Whitten

Wednesday, May 25,7:30 a.m.
Professional Development Series:
MARY OWENS: COACHING
Location Change:
Polk County Safety Center
(Next to Sheriff)
1891 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880

JUNE

Tuesday, June 14, 10:00 a.m.
BIZ KIDS BEGINS
Every Tuesday through July 19

Wednesday, June 15, 9:30 a.m.
LAKELAND PIANO GRAND RE-OPENING
6595 S. Florida Ave., Suite 11, Lakeland

Tuesday, June 21, 3:45 p.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Thursday, June 23, 9:30 a.m.
NEW BEGINNING RIBBON-CUTTING
1255 Gunn Hwy, Bartow
Tri-County Human Services Facility

Thursday, June 30, 9:30 a.m.
MATTRESS FIRM RIBBON-CUTTING
475 E. Van Fleet Dr., Bartow

FOR A LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS LISTED ON OUR WEBSITE, CLICK HERE AND THEN CHOOSE "EVENTS"!

Leadership Bartow Class XVI Graduates 31
Thursday, May 19, at Polk State College Advanced Technology Center, the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce graduated 31 from its Leadership Bartow Program. Class XVI members were presented diplomas after the two-year course was completed. Leadership Bartow chair Shannon Medley left, joins graduates: Brenda Hardman, Polk County School Board; Ken Hall, Polk County Sheriffs Office; Sharon Casey; David Little, Crosswired Electric; JC Martin, Kelley Buick GMC; Frank Canovaca, City of Bartow; Jeff Henry, Polk County Sheriffs Office; Jenny Baker, Watson Clinic; Greg Corbin, Bartow Ford; Sara Cooper, Spath Jewelers; Barbara Adamson, Bartow Chamber; Kathryn Bevilacqua-Ely; Josh Newel, (also MVP winner), A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure; Rusty Music, Church Service Center; Pat Copponex, Mosaic; Sherrie McCollough; Matt Chinault, Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Yulonda Bell, Polk State College; Seth Claytor, Boswell & Dunlap; Valerie Tillmon, Citizens Bank & Trust; Wendy Henderson; Tracy Kimbrough, Bayliss & Co.; Nicole Hendricks, BayCare; Tammy Patrick, Church Service Center; MJ Wilson, Sunbelt Forest Products; Jeff Roslow, Polk County Democrat; Miles Carr, Hearts and Minds Studios; Roxanna Tovrea, City of Bartow; Tanya Tucker, Polk County Board of County Commissioners. Also graduating (not in photo) were Dan McDaniels, City of Bartow and Zeb Duval, Mosaic.

LEADERSHIP BARTOW XVI NOW LEADERSHIP ALUMNI
     Leadership Bartow XVI class members have now joined the elite organization - Bartow Leadership Alumni. What a great time we had at graduation last week!
Already we have 29 signed up for Leadership Bartow Class XVII and the applications are rolling in. It's easy to fill up a class when the program is top notch! Shannon Medley, Leadership Chairman, does a fantastic job in steering the ship. We commend her for assuring the Bartow Chamber Leadership program remains one of the best in the State!
     Class sessions range from a visit to the Central County Jail, climbing the steps to Bartow's sewer plant, and experiencing the affects of schizophrenia with Peace River Center.
     Also, two very important trips are included or optional in the program, a visit to Tallahassee the first year (included) and a three-day tour of Washington, DC, (optional), the end of the second year. The DC trip this year was fabulous!
     We want to remind you that if you haven't sent in your application, now is the time. If you, or another member of your company have not had a chance to participate in this amazing program.

CONGRATULATIONS to OUR NEW LEADERSHIP ALUMNI MEMBERS!

What a great ribbon-cutting last week with the nice folks at JK's Cafe, 211 1st Ave. NW, Mulberry, 33860. If you get a chance stop by and visit with the Sapulski's. It's a family affair, and you'll find nice people and very good food at JK's! For more info, call 425-5080.


 

     Could it really be time for a new Leadership class? The current Leadership Class XVI is graduating May 19, 2016, at Polk State College Advanced Technology Center, so it's true!
     If you are interested in joining the more than 450 individuals who have completed the Leadership Bartow program, acquiring the skills, knowledge and passion necessary to participate fully in the life of our community, read the brochure here; and sign up online today. Leadership Bartow continues to be a vital part of the overall effort to ensure that the pool of talent from which the community can draw its future leaders continues to be renewed.
For an electronic application for Leadership XVII, click here.

Restaurants
City Star Family Restaurant
Mr. Billy Digino
1037 N. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 800-3083
www.citystarbartow.com

FINANCIAL PLANNING
Core Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Ms. Angela Newell
231 N. Kentucky Ave., Suite 217
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 904-4745
www.corewealthadvisorsinc.com

Construction-Contractors
Lake Wales Building Trades Center, Inc.
Mr. Kevin McCollough
107 W. Orange Ave.
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 676-2221

Retail Stores
Mattress Firm
Mr. Chuck White
475 E. Van Fleet Dr.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 519-3530
 
Restaurants
Lenny’s Grill & Subs
Mr. James Harmer
485 E. Van Fleet Dr.
Bartow, FL 33830
www.lennys.com
 

IT'S TIME TO NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER!

Tuesday, August 16,  6:00 PM Bartow Civic Center  2250 Floral Ave Bartow, FL 33830

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE AN EMERGING LEADER.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES: COACHING
5/25 - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Coaching by Mary Owens
May 25, 2016, 7:30 a.m.
NEW LOCATION: Polk County Safety Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880

     This proactive coaching session builds on participants’ communication skills through exploration of the tools used to coach employees. Effective coaching aims to maximize the performance of those associated with an organization (e.g., employees, managers, customers, and suppliers). Workplace coaching enables employees to guide and support one another in working toward—and achieving—top performance. This session helps participants recognize daily opportunities to coach the people they work with and provides participants with the coaching skills they need to bring out the best in everyone. THIS CLASS TAKES PLACE AT THE POLK COUNTY SAFETY CENTER, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33830 (next to Sheriffs Office). At this venue, refreshments will not be served and participants are asked to make sure any beverages brought in with them have covers.

COMING UP!

53rd YOUTH VILLA CLASSIC:
YVC JOINT CIVIC CLUB LUNCH IS MAY 25TH
     The annual Joint Civic Club Lunch to celebrate the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches Youth Villa Golf Classic is set for noon, May 25, 2016, at the Bartow Civic Center. Call Karen Guffey at Gibson & Wirt, 125 E. Main Street, Bartow, FL, 33830, 863-533-3131, for ticket information for the luncheon.
    Your support and participation in the Bartow Youth Villa Classic enables the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches to continue the mission of preventing juvenile delinquency, and developing lawful, productive citizens through a broad range of family-centered services.

Youth Villa Classic Golf Tourney

Bartow Golf Course, Bartow, FL

http://www.cityofbartow.net/index.aspx?page=116