August 16, 2016

FROM THE PRESIDENT:

JENNIFER HALL, SEMCO Construction

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES!
Summer is over – Polk County students are back to school this week, there is more traffic on the roads, and our Bartow Chamber business networking opportunities are picking up!
 
The rest of August offers several opportunities to network with other local businesses: 

  • Tuesday, August 16th – Polk Emerging Leaders Awards
  • Thursday, August 18th – Polk Politics Political Rally
  • Monday, August 22nd – Joshua’s Kitchen Anniversary/Ribbon Cutting
  • Tuesday, August 23rd – ENGAGE SERVES program
  • Wednesday, August 24th – Professional Development Academy
  • Tuesday, August 30th – ENGAGE SERVES program
 
You can learn more about each of these events by going to the EVENTS page on the Chamber website, www.bartowchamber.com.
 
Watch out for school buses, pay attention to those school crosswalks, and stay connected with other Bartow businesses by attending these great events!
 

 Until next week,

Jennifer Hall

Your Chamber President, 2016

MEMBER MICRONEWS

 BARTOW IDOL RETURNS TO FRIDAY FEST AUGUST 19
 
Join Main Street Bartow, Inc. for the next monthly Friday Fest on August 19 in downtown Bartow -- with an Entertaining Twist -- BARTOW IDOL! Friday Fest festivities begin at 6:00 PM and conclude at 9:00 PM. Plan to meet your neighbors, family, and friends on Main Street for dinner at a local downtown restaurant as you are entertained by some of Bartow’s top talent, and as you cheer on your favorites. The events will take place along historic Main Street as usual, and there will be family activities, open car cruise in, adult beverages, and lots of opportunity to just enjoy Main Street Bartow. Downtown shops will be open as well. Vendor opportunities are available -- call 863-519-0508. The event is sponsored by the Bartow Rotary Club and TransPhos.
The last audition date for those aspiring to be the 2016-17 BARTOW IDOL is August 17th at 6:00 PM on each date. The audition location will be Hacienda Mexico Restaurante at 195 E. Main Street, Bartow.

read more...

NEW MEMBERS

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

Finkbeiner Photography, Inc.
Ms. Joni Finkbeiner-Tyler
723 S. Missouri Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33815
(863) 687-8986
www.Finkbeinerphotography.com

Attorneys
K. C. Bouchillon
K.C. Bouchillon, P.A.
480 S. Broadway Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-6200
www.saunders-law.com 

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

15 YEARS
Bartow High School Band Boosters

10 YEARS
Summerlin Academy
Linda Clark


5 YEARS
Karen Boswell
Bartow Cycling Events
Healthy Start Coalition of
Hardee, Highlands & Polk Counties

CHAMBER PARTNERSHIP OFFERS STUDENT TEAM PROJECT FOR CHAMBER BUSINESSES

NO COST BUSINESS PLANS AVAILABLE
THROUGH SBDC STUDENT TEAMS PROJECT

Working with Student Teams is a mutually advantageous situation for all parties involved. An FSBDC at USF business client provides the team with financial and other organization details, the Florida SBDC at USF provides value-added service to Bartow Chamber member companies, and the companies get a no-cost business plan as a result. Each project is assigned a Florida SBDC at USF regional consultant to oversee the project. The main interest is to ensure that the chamber member will receive an adequate business plan at the end of the semester.

This program lasts one semester, a total of 16 weeks.  During the semester, the student team will prepare a strategic analysis or marketing plan for the business client.  A written report will be created providing the organization with a professional, fully developed plan for use in guiding and developing the business.
CLICK HERE FOR SBDC WEBPAGE.


ARE YOU QUALIFIED? Read more.

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jennifer Hall, President
    SEMCO Construction
Sharon Casey, Immediate Past President
    Retired Banker
Clint Edwards, President-elect, Vice President
    Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST

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.

SUPPORT OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS!
















WANT YOUR COMPANY
LISTED HERE?
Contact Barbara@bartowchamber.com

REACH 22K HOMES WITH YOUR MESSAGE

 Reserve your space now in the Fall 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.

DIVERSITY LUNCHEON ON THE HORIZON

DIVERSITY LUNCHEON will feature Attorney Willie E. Gary on September 21, 2016, 11:30 a.m. at the Bartow Civic Center. Tickets available now!

JOIN ENGAGE & GET A COOL CUP!



Want this cool cup? It can be yours, simply by joining ENGAGE Young Professionals. Here's the link to learn about ENGAGE and to join. Become the Community Leader you were meant to be, sign up today!

COMMITTEE OF 100 IS SEPT. 9

     The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, September 9,  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 group, contact Chairman Brian Hinton at 863-533-4196.

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

SEE US HERE!

FOR SALE

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: FOUNTAIN PLACE APARTMENTS



WANT TO FIND OUT HOW TO BECOME
THE BUSINESS OF THE MONTH?
Contact Barbara Adamson, Membership Services,
863-533-7125 or email
barbara@bartowchamber.com

 

TOM EDWARDS FUN THURSDAY

The August Fun Thursday was a blast with Tom Edwards Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram as gracious hosts. Members were entered in an exciting drawing and many received hats, shirts, oil changes, etc. Great music was presented by Master DJ Clint Edwards. If you missed it, you missed a wonderful time of networking and food with the Edwards family.

More photos here!

'STUFF THE BUS' DEADLINE IS NEXT WEEK!



Samantha Ray, office manager, Dental Associates of Bartow, Dental Associates' regional manager, Monica Richey, present backpacks and coupons for free dental work at Dental Associates of Bartow to Bartow Chamber executive director Jeff Clark for the Stuff The Bus program this morning. This will allow homeless children to get free dental work at Dr. Ian Fawcett DDS' office. Thanks so much for participating in this worthwhile project of Engage Young Professionals on behalf of the School Board's Hearth Project.

STUFF THE BUS!

The Bartow ENGAGE Chamber Young Professionals' community project is, “Stuff the Bus,” that includes collecting school supply donations for Polk’s students in need. The campaign generally begins mid-July and continues through mid-August - just in time for school. This year, stuff the Bus begins Monday, July 11 and continues through Friday, August 19, 2016.
For more information on ENGAGE, or the Stuff the Bus campaign, call the Chamber at (863) 533-7125, or email ENGAGE CHAIR, KATHRYN BEVILACQUA-ELY HERE.
Bartow has our very own Economic Development Council! How exciting is that?

FUN THURSDAY IS AT BARTOW FORD


RIBBON-CUTTING FOR COUNTY'S NEW PARKING GARAGE

Thanks to Polk County, we have a new parking garage in Bartow. Parking at night and on weekends in Bartow is free. There is a small fee for during the weekday - check it out! In the photo below, County Commissioners and other dignitaries cut the ceremonial red ribbon on August 9th.

POL POLITICS CANDIDATE RALLY

PRESENTING SPONSOR: A-C-T ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE will also be providing FREE POPCORN! Other sponsors include THE SUN NEWSPAPERS, KELLEY BUICK GMC, TOM EDWARDS CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, CenterState Bank, Citizens Bank & Trust and Michell Githens State Farm Insurance. See ya there!

ENGAGE SERVES



Already in the Bartow Chamber Young Professionals and you Want to learn more about serving your community?
ENGAGE SERVES SIGN UP FORM
ENGAGE Serves program will be held each of the following Tuesdays: August 23, 2016; August 30, 2016; September 6, 2016; September 13, 2016; and September 20, 2016; from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure Training Center (1875 W. Main Street [Hwy. 60 West]). Attendance to ALL sessions is mandatory for graduation from the program. Classes are free to ENGAGE members.

GET READY FOR DANCING UNDER THE STARS!

Dancing Under the Stars is set for September 16, 2016 at the Bartow Civic Center. To be featured are a dance and social hour with the sounds of the Big Band Era with The Chris Thomas Band, Dinner and Performance. Be sure to get your sponsorships / tickets early by contacting the Chamber, 533-7125.

About the Chris Thomas Band . . .

The Chris Thomas Band is the most dynamic and versatile band in the entire southeast! Chris Thomas has been described as the best undiscovered talent in the area. He is not only known for his professional vocal talent, but also as an exciting entertainer fashioned in the way of the great performers of years gone by such as Sinatra, Martin, and Davis. Full of soul and power, Chris also performs Motown favorites from artists like Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire and so many more. He performs current hits from artists like Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Justin Timberlake.

A native of Chicago and long-time resident of Jacksonville, Florida, vocalist Chris Thomas has performed with various bands within Florida for the past 14 years. In June of 2014, he formed The Chris Thomas Band, in order to bring the highest level of quality and showmanship to his fans and audiences. A professionally-trained and competitive dancer, he combines dance, vocals and the best musicians in North Florida to deliver an unforgettable performance.

Chris Thomas has the style and swagger of Sinatra, and the performance excitement of James Brown and Bruno Mars. The Chris Thomas Band specializes in the performance of vintage Sinatra, soulful Motown, as well as current popular songs custom arranged for big band by its own band members. The band members are all professionally-trained
musicians from colleges and universities around the U.S., as well as the Army and Navy bands.

B2B BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE SEPT. 14



Wednesday, September 14, 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.

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.

CHAMBER EVENTS

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

ENGAGE STUFF THE BUS
Now through August 19th

AUGUST
Tuesday, Aug. 16, 3:45 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tuesday, Aug 16, 6:00 p.m.
EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
Bartow Civic Center

Thursday, Aug. 18, 5:00 p.m.
POLK POLITICS CANDIDATES RALLY
Bartow Civic Center

Monday, Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m.
JOSHUA'S KITCHEN RIBBON-CUTTING
2020 Shepard Road, Mulberry

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 7:30 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY
Polk State College Clear Springs Campus

Thursday, Friday, September 8, 9
LEADERSHIP BARTOW XVII RETREAT
Circle B Bar Reserve

Thursday, September 8
BARTOW FORD FUN THURSDAY
RSVP! 800-303-4016
Honoring our Public Heroes

Wednesday, September 14, 7:30 a.m.
Business to Business BUSINESS CARD EXCHANGE

Wednesday, September 14, 4:00 p.m.
PIANO ALLEY RIBBON-CUTTING
421 Eagle Ridge Dr., #506, Lake Wales 33859

Friday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
LUNCH AND LEARN WITH DENNIS ROSS
FIPR Conference Room

Friday, September 16, 6:00 p.m.
DANCING UNDER THE STARS
Bartow Civic Center - Tickets at the Chamber.

Saturday, September 17, 8:00 a.m.
TOUR DE TOW Cycling Event
Central Avenue, Downtown

Tuesday, September 20, 3:45 p.m.
BOARD / EXEC MEETING

Wednesday, September 21, 11:45 a.m.
DIVERSITY LUNCHEON
Bartow Civic Center

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

LAKELAND PIANO OPENING SECOND LOCATION

Newsletter1 - August 16, 2016