I am amazed that this year marks the 5th Anniversary of  a program that started as a way to help businesses get a boost for the summer.

     The Chamber’s summer workshop for kids titled, “Biz Kids,” is a program in which children learn firsthand how a business is run from merchants that operate within the Community Redevelopment Agency boundary. More than 120 kids have already participated.
 
This year, classes run Tuesdays for six weeks in two hour increments from June 14 through July 19. Classes are provided for kids entering second grade through finishing seventh grade. Already, the classes have been filled!
 
Bartow merchants will teach children about their businesses and provide a business-related craft that the child may take home. Children will experience a different business each week and receive a glimpse of the entrepreneurial life – and a tee shirt.
 
Kids may choose from a variety of businesses such as Bartow Art Guild – painting or jewelry making, The Cookie Jar, Leland Family Blessings & Bargains Boutique, Church Service Center, Main Street Comics and Memorabilia, Mosaic Community Café, The Polk County History Center, The Polk County Democrat, Simply Storage, and Tay-cho Art Gallery.
 
We’re very happy that these businesses have stepped up to show kids that anyone can become a business owner.
 
And, because the Summer months are tough on local businesses, participating businesses will receive a Summer “boost,” for the classes of $30 per child, per class. 
 
The inspiration is priceless.

Jennifer Hall
Your Chamber President, 2016

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.)

JUNE

Wednesday, June 1, noon
DELEGATES AND AMBASSADORS LUNCHEON
Urban Oak

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

Wednesday, June 22, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMAT BIRTHDAY PARTY
Happy Birthday, Karen Donhaiser!

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"!

COMING UP!

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.

     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.

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.

Right, City Commissioner and fellow former Boy Scout, Leo Longworth presents Ken Riley with the Gulf Ridge Council Boy Scouts of America Soaring Eagle Award for his accomplishments.  The Scouts honor individuals who make meaningful contributions in time, money, and other support in service the youth and community.


BARTOW DEACONS AND STEWARTS ALLIANCE
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET TO FEATURE
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF GRADY JUDD
     Mentor, mediator, peacemaker, law enforcer, motivator and educator, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is keynote speaker for the Saturday, June 25, 2016 Bartow Deacons and Stewards Alliance Annual Scholarship Banquet. The event will be hald at Carver Recreation Center at 6:00 p.m.
     Individual tickets are $25; table sponsorships are $200. For more information, please contact Carver Young, President of the Deacons and Stewards Alliance, at (863) 533-1207; or banquet chairperson, Tylonda Sanders at (863) 709-5180.


BARTOW ANTIQUE FAIR COMING UP JUNE 11
     Main Street Bartow, Inc.’s next monthly Antique Fair will be on Saturday, June 11, from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. along Main Street in downtown Bartow.
     Booth spaces are $15.00 each during the summer months, and they can be reserved by contacting Irene at 863-646-0644 or the Main Street Bartow office at 863-519-0508. The Antique Fair is held the second Saturday of each month.