CELEBRATING THE
4th OF JULY
Bartow has been celebrating the 4th of July ever since I can remember. I love it that our town is so patriotic as to have an independent committee that puts together the "Fireworks Extravaganza," including live music, kids activities, Adult Band Concert, etc. Thanks to you, July 4th Committee and your fearless leaders, Mr. 4th of July, Frank Rouse!

Did you know that one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence thought July 2nd would be the date that everyone would celebrate it? It was the date when independence from England was voted on and passed. John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, that July 2 would be a date that would go down in history! And, reportedly, although asked many times to be a speaker or take part in a July 4th celebration, he would refuse in protest, saying the day to celebrate was two days earlier.

Well, July 2 didn't catch on. But, we are proud that our forefathers had the vision to prepare and sign the Declaration of Independence. And, actually, any day we celebrate such a great event would be as sweet (like the rose, as they say), here's to July 4, in Bartow, at Mosaic Park. See you there!

Jennifer Hall

Your Chamber President, 2016

Oh! PS!! Did you know that Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 - the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence?

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:

New Beginning Transition Center
Robert Rihn, Chief Executive Officer for Tri-County Human Services cuts the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce Ceremonial red ribbon during the celebration of NEW BEGINNING Transitional Center on Gunn Hwy. in Bartow last Thursday morning.




City Star Restaurant
Mike Bikht, manager, and Billy Digino, owner, cut the ceremonial red ribbon for the grand opening of City Star Family Restaurant on Friday, June 24, 2016, located at 1037 N. Broadway Avenue (the old Denny's). Owner and staff served Chamber members breakfast following the ceremony.

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

Community Action/Human Services
Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County, Inc.
Ms. Julie Farish, Executive Director
3550 Recker Hwy.
Winter Haven, FL. 33880
863-292-2256
www.habitateastpolk.org
 
Healthcare-General
Fusion Chiropractic Health & Wellness Center
Dr. Brandi Ancrum
680 E. Main St., Suite 101
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 537-7330
www.chirofusionhealth.com

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.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: JUNE 30, 2016!
    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.

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

JUNE

BIZ KIDS CONTINUES THRU JULY 19


Friday, June 24, 9:30 a.m.
CITY STAR FAMILY RESTAURANT
1037 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow
Tuesday, June 28, 6:00 p.m.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE DEDICATION
525 S. Carpenter Ave., Bartow

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

JULY

Monday, July 11
ENGAGE STUFF THE BUS
Now through August 19th

Friday, July 15, noon
ENGAGE LUNCH & LEARN
FIPR Boardroom

Tuesday, July 19, 3:45 p.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Wednesday, July 20, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMAT BIRTHDAY PARTY
Happy Birthday, Karen Donhaiser, Issie Jencowski!

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

Wednesday, July 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.

WATSON CLINIC ANNOUNCES JUNE PEER AWARD WINNER
Watson Clinic recognizes one outstanding employee every month as part of their Program for Employee Excellence and Recognition (PEER) award. The PEER Award is given to a Clinic employee who best exemplifies the patient-focused customer service standards that Watson Clinic strives to excel at every day. The following employee was recognized for the most recent month:
 
Richard Currey - June
Richard Currey, a security guard at our Cancer & Research Center, was named the June recipient of Watson Clinic’s PEER award.  Richard has been with the Clinic for 13 years, and is beloved for his consistent smile, professionalism, compassion, and helpful attitude. Patients ask for him when he is not there, and he makes a great first impression for our Cancer Center.

As PEER Award winner, Richard received a plaque, dinner at a local restaurant, a reserved parking spot and a free service from Watson Clinic's Bella Vista Spa to acknowledge his contributions to the organization.

Don't forget to celebrate with Bartow during the 2016 Fourth of July Celebration!

The theme this year is, "By the Dawn's Early Light."

The fun begins at 2:30 p.m. with a free patriotic concert by the Bartow Aduylt Concert Band at the Bartow Civic Center. Seating is first come, first served, so get there early.
Then, walk on over to Mosaic Park, for a great afternoon of live music.

At 4:00 p.m. "To the Colors," by American Legion Post 3, will kickoff a great afternoon of entertainment featuring "Escalade," with Chris Manning (variety music and singing); Silver Spur Cloggers; Tom Mizelle and Kim King (Harmonica and singing); Bartow Police Department K-9 Demonsrations; and Eli Mosley (Country Music)

And, at 8:00 a.m. a "Moment of Reflection with a tribute (Eli Mosley) to The Fallen and Taps," will be played.

Next, at 8:15, The Reflectsons will offer Gospel Music until the Fireworks Extravaganza by the City of Bartow and the Fourth of July Committee followed by the "National Anthem," by Pam Renew.

On the ground, various vendors will be set up to provide food and drink. Also offered will be "Choo-Choo Charley" train rides, face painting and other fun events.

Please bring your lawn chairs, blankets, (bug spray?) and your patriotism.