Volunteering
 
I would like to give a big “Thank You” to those that nominated and voted for me in the Spirit of Bartow awards. For a girl whose house is in Lakeland, being named someone who has contributed to the Bartow community in a significant way is a pretty big deal.

When I first came to work for SEMCO Construction, Inc. in Bartow about 20 years ago, I had no clue this was such a wonderful town. To me it was just the County Seat, and where I spent 40 hours a week working. Then I started to get involved in a few Chamber events – just a Fun Thursday here or there. I met a few folks, and found out more about Bartow.

In 2008, I was accepted to Leadership Bartow Class XIII (the BEST class!). This experience really opened my eyes to the amazing businesses, people, and opportunities in this great little town. Being in Leadership definitely kick-started my community service in Bartow. I had served at my church in Lakeland for many years, but I never really understood all the different ways someone could serve throughout their community.

So, after Leadership, I became involved with the Crickette Club (the Annual Parade and Carnival is THIS Thursday, 10/27), and served as President in 2015. I also serve on several Boards – Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Polk State College Foundation, and ACE Mentor of Polk County. And, of course, I am the Chamber President for 2016.

Anyhow, I say all that because, ANYONE can serve their community and be the “Spirit of Bartow.” I encourage you to get involved in SOMETHING.  Whether it be just an hour a month, or several hours a week, YOU can make a difference and contribute to this beautiful community by being willing to serve.

I like to tell people that “I live in Bartow. I only sleep in Lakeland.” That’s because working and serving in this town and being around all the wonderful people here has made me love this place. Again, thank you to everyone who has encouraged me, suggested my name for a committee, and given me the confidence to challenge myself and how I can give back to Bartow.
Have a great week!


 Until next week,
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.

     The next Committee of 100 meeting is set for Friday, December 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.

Hair Salons
The Hair Parlour Styling Studio, LLC
Ms. Tiffany Sackett
130 S. Wilson Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 661-3515

Want to find a retail or service business? Click here.

Carla Meeks serves all of Central Florida, but is proud to call Bartow her home! Left to right: Lenton Meeks; Madison Meeks; Katelyn Meeks; Barbara Adamson, Chamber Members Services Director; Carla Meeks; and Mark Meeks.

October Business of the Month
________________________________________

Carla J. Meeks
Realtor, Web Pro Realty, LLC
863-604-9287
homesbycarla.com

You don’t get to be one of Central Florida’s top Realtors by chance. It takes experience, knowledge and a track record of satisfied clients that help tell your story. With Carla Meeks, you get a seasoned professional who takes a personal approach to helping her clients realize their real estate goals. From the sale of a current home, the purchase of a new home, to REO/foreclosures and short sales, to vacant land sales and purchases, Carla knows her business, and welcomes any questions you might have. However, it’s the personal approach and her passion that makes the difference, and has made Carla one of the area’s top Realtors.

Not just a Realtor... she is your Realtor!
    

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
 

CHAMPIONS CUP
OCTOBER 20, 2016
NOMINATE FOR CHAMPIONS CUP AWARD HERE.
GUEST SPEAKER: Congressman Tom Rooney
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 2016 Champions Cup Winners! Here they are:

Help us honor them! Here's the form to sign them up for the Veteran's Day Luncheon honoring our local Veterans, Nov. 11, 2016, 11:00 a.m. Sponsorships also available. Sponsor this worthwhile event to purchase lunches for our local hometown heroes and a guest. Veterans and Sponsor forms available at the Chamber; or register to sponsor or attend this event here!

Don't miss some of the best chili this side of the Rio Grande! A-C-T's 7th Annual Chili Cookoff is November 4, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Chili Entries FREE! $10 AYCE Chili Lunch. Mark your calendars and we'll see you then! Sponsored by A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure, 1875 W. Main Street, Bartow. 100 percent of collected funds go directly to: UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA. #ACTChili FOR MORE INFO, call Sherry, 533-2000.

Join the Chamber and Road and Trail Bicycles for a lesson on how to keep your bike maintained! This is a quality of life event that is FREE! (If you want to purchase a maintenance toolkit, it's only $10 - a special price to all attending.) Hope to see you there, Fort Blount Park, 5:30 p.m., Oct. 26, 2016 - tomorrow!

ROTARY TOAST OF THE ARTS COMING UP!

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

OCTOBER

Wednesday, October 26, 1:30 p.m.
DIPLOMATS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Happy Birthday to: Ortelle, Carolyn, Tommie, Marietta, Sherry, Sally and Dianne!

Thursday, October 27, 4:00 p.m.
CRICKETTE CLUB PARADE & CARNIVAL

Wednesday, November 2, 9:30 a.m.
RK&K NEW LOCATION RIBBON-CUTTING
Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP
402 S. Kentucky Ave.
Lakeland, FL 33801

FRIDAY, November 4, Noon
A-C-T's CHILI COOKOFF
1875 W. Main Street, Bartow

Wednesday, November 9, 9:30 a.m.
LENNY'S GRILL & SUBS Ribbon-cutting
485 E. Van Fleet Dr., Bartow

Wednesday, November 9
HAPPY BIRTHDAY A-C-T, 30th YEAR!

Thursday, November 10
LEADERSHIP XVII EDUCATION DAY

Friday, November 11, 11:00 a.m.
HOMETOWN HEROES
Bartow Civic Center

Saturday, November 12
HONEY BEE FESTIVAL & FALL CRAFT FAIR

Monday, November 14, 9:30 a.m.
THE HAIR PARLOUR STYLING STUDIO RIBBON-CUTTING
130 S. Wilson Ave., Bartow

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

SIGN UP TO BE A MENTOR AT BHS!

Wednesday, November 9, 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.

BARTOW
WALKING TOUR
Fort Blount Park
Bartow
Friday, October 28
10:00 a.m.
You are invited to join the Polk County History Center, the Polk County Historical Association, the Florida Humanities Council and the City of Bartow for the official launch of the newest tool for enjoying the Polk County Heritage Trail, the Florida Stories Bartow Walking Tour.
Developed through a generous grant from the Florida Humanities Council, the Florida Stories Walking Tour is a free application designed for a smart phone or tablet that takes you on a narrated, self-guided tour of historic sites across the state of Florida. Visitors and residents of Polk County will have the opportunity to explore not only Bartow, but Lake Wales as well. The Lake Wales Walking Tour will be available Oct. 29.
Enjoy music from the Sweet Teas, join us for the ceremonial download and then explore one of the sites a short distance from the park.
Parking is available at the Polk County History Center and in the
Oaks parking lot at the corner of E. Parker St. and S. Central Ave.