October 24, 2017
"Taking Care of Business!"

WANT US TO TEXT YOU ABOUT EVENTS?






Free TEXT ME!

Chamber Members:
We are offering a new feature of your membership, absolutely free to you! If you would like to get a text message about upcoming events, call or email Barbara Adamson, Chamber Membership Services Director, today! barbara@bartowchamber.com or 863-533-7125.

DIVERSITY LUNCHEON DECEMBER 5



Mark Your Calendars!
Diversity Luncheon has been moved to Tuesday, December 5, 2017, doors open at Bartow Civic Center at 11:30 a.m. Hope to see you there!

GOLF SCRAMBLE

The October 6 Golf Scramble was a lot of fun. We'd like to thank our Businesses and all the Golfers who helped make it a great success!

Much thanks to these sponsors:


Title Sponsor
Bartow Ford
 
Platinum Sponsor
Evolve Contracting
 
Gold Sponsor
A-C-T
BayCare Bartow Regional Medical Center
Citizens Bank and Trust
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
 
Silver Sponsor
Mosaic
 
Bronze Sponsor
Bartow Economic Development Council
Center State Bank
City of Bartow
Cross Wired Electrical Services
Edward Jones-Shane Nelson
PalletOne
Patel, Greene & Associates, PLLC
Polk Power
President's Team
Spherion Staffing
State Farm – Michell Githens
Sunbelt Forest Products
Thunder Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram
The Villages at Laurel Meadows
True Builders/True Plumbers
Watson Clinic
 
Awards Dinner Giveaway Sponsor
Ashland
 
Water Sponsor
State Farm Insurance - Michell Githens

Prize Contributors
Hampton Inn Bartow - Basket
Mulling Insurance
SEMCO Construction, Inc.
Sonny's BBQ
 
On-Course Food Sponsors
Center State Bank
Citizens Bank & Trust

Mulligan / Ball Sponsor
MidFlorida Credit Union

Tent Sponsors
BayCare Bartow Regional Medical Center
Evolve Contracting
True Builders
The Villages At Laurel Meadows
 
Click here on facebook; or go to the new Chamber website to read about Bartow on the CAPITAL CITY TODAY Newsfeed.

8th Annual Chili Cookoff

A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. is hosting its eighth annual Chili Cook Off to benefit the United Way of Central Florida on Nov. 3rd.  Tickets are only $10 for chili, all the fixin’s, beverages and dessert.
 
For all the chili cooks out there, enter your own chili recipe in one of three categories:  Hot – Light you up!, Mild – for the more sensitive palate, or Imaginative – non traditional (eg. white, chicken, gluten-free, etc.).
 
The chili cook off will be held at A-C-T corporate headquarters, 1875 W. Main St., Bartow, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 3rd.  For entry forms, rules, to pre-purchase lunch tickets, or to make a one-time donation, log on to uwcf.org/chili, call 863-533-2000 ext. 603 or email Chili2@A-C-T.com by 5 p.m. on Oct. 27
 
All proceeds to benefit UWCF.

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.

MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES

15 YEARS
Favilli Family Practice Center

5 YEARS
Streamsong Resort
Net-Man, Inc.
Mary Ann & David Harrell

CHAMBER QUARTERLY HAS 40K READERSHIP

 Reserve your space now in the Fall Chamber Quarterly Magazine and hand your business card out to more than 40,000 readers for only $85 per issue. Call Barbara Adamson at 863-533-7125 for more information.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY II

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO ATTEND! SEATING IS LIMITED.
MEMBER PERK FOR YOU OR YOUR EMPLOYEES:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

 

More . . .

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!

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Clint Edwards, President
Emily Spath Clark, Incoming President
   Spath Jewelers

Jennifer Hall, Immediate Past President
    SEMCO Construction

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LIST

SUPPORT OUR NEWSLETTER SPONSORS!














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

SEE US HERE!

OCT. BUSINESS: CRUISE PLANNERS


Left to right: Chamber Membership Services Director Barbara Adamson; Ruthelise Thompson and Jean Hornbeck

OCTOBER Chamber Business of the Month:

Cruise Planners

Ruthelise Thompson
5015 S. Florida Ave., Suite 404, Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: (863) 644-1014 - (863) 660-6434
rethompson@cruiseplanners.com

Experience what the world has to offer! Ocean and river cruises; all-inclusive resorts and hotels; weddings at sea and at destination; group travel & incentive programs; air, car rental and travel protection; escorted, hosted and independent land programs.
 

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

MOODY LAW FUN THURSDAY

If you missed the Moody Law Fun Thursday, you missed really really good barbecue, classic music from the 60s-70s, and fun trivia questions! Thanks to Mr. Dan Moody and all the staff for a wonderful afternoon.


More Photos Here!

CSC OPEN LETTER

BARTOW CHURCH SERVICE CENTER'S
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE ONGOING
496 East Summerlin Street
Bartow, FL 33830
863-533-5822

The Church Service Center provides emergency services year-round for the needy in Bartow and Bartow school district, in addition to furnishing Holiday food baskets to families.

Due to the major impact to our area from Hurricane Irma, we anticipate the need to be greater this year than ever before.


Please consider conducting a Holiday food drive at your place of business - non perishable food items and canned goods are typically collected through the holiday season and used for filling the holiday baskets or stocking the shelves for future aid.

We will also accept monetary donations. Monetary donations may be matched dollar for dollar if checks are made payable to Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc. The collections can begin now for the holiday season.

 
Call for more information, or for pickup of donations, if needed: Rusty Music, (863) 533-5822, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Thank you for your consideration!
Registration #SC-00167

HOMETOWN HEROES



Are you an area Veteran?

If so, we'd like to get the chance to honor your service to our counry at a luncheon especially for you! Select the link below to sign up online for you and a guest to participate in this great Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 10, 2017, 11:11 a.m. at the Bartow Civic Center.

Would you like to help us honor our Veterans? There's a sign up for sponsors below.
 

VETERANS’ HOMETOWN HEROES

Hometown Heroes honors Bartow area Veterans on Veterans Day. This event is a luncheon that involves the local American Legion organization and is held at the Bartow Civic Center.


Are you a Veteran? You and a guest may register to attend. This event is free to you (first come, first serve – register early).
VETERAN REGISTRATION HERE.
 

Sponsor funds are used to pay for the Veterans and their guests.

BECOME A SPONSOR HERE.

 

 

Projected Attendance: 300

Date: November 10, 2017

Admission Price: $25.00 per ticket (Veterans + guest: FREE)


http://bartowchamber.com/hometown-heroes/

NEW MEMBERS

Auto Dealers – New & Used
JAMES CREWS AUTOMOTIVE, LLC
James Crews
690 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 800-9650

Plumbing
TRUE BUILDERS/TRUE PLUMBERS
Cassandra Fridovich
4000 N. Frontage Rd.
Plant City, FL 33565
(863) 647-1800

Computer Services
AFFORDABLE COMPUTER GEEKS
Mark Stone
410 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(863) 294-4335
website here

Dance Studios
LEGACY DANCE STUDIO LLC

Amanda Cabanas
325 N. Fleetwood Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 698-1440

Retail - Natural Wood Creations
MAJOR WOOD ART PRODUCTIONS
Major P. Gladden
University Park, FL 34201
(941) 360-9324

Employment/Staffing
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS
Mike Carew
1805 US Hwy 98 S.
Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 860-8200
website here
 

LUNCH & LEARN COMING UP: HOWE WALLACE

Howe Wallace On 'Servant Leadership'

Engage/Bartow Chamber Young Professionals presents an up-close and personal chat with one of the area’s most accomplished community leaders. Howe Wallace is the CEO of PalletOne, one of America’s largest  pallet manufacturers. This session will give participants a chance to reflect on new and creative ways to achieve professional leadership goals based on the best practices from one of the area’s most respected business professionals. After a short presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in a round-table format. Don’t miss this great opportunity for professional growth!  

Location:
Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute Community Room
1855 West Main Street, Bartow

Date, Time
Friday, November 17, 2017, 11:45 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.

Cost: Free, Including Lunch!
Pre-registration is required! Register Online here.

CHAMPIONS CUP AND SPIRIT OF BARTOW


CHAMPIONS CUP and SPIRIT OF BARTOW
WINNERS ANNOUNCED


The 2017 Champions Cup and Spirit of Bartow Awards Dinner was held October 17, 2017 with keynote speaker Glenn Waters, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for BayCare Health System.

Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Brian Hinton welcomed the crowd of 225 and provided a history of the Committee of 100 - the economic development arm of the Bartow Chamber. He also spoke about the formation of Bartow's Economic Development Council (BEDC) and introduced its president, Rob Clancey.

Clancey introduced the board of the BEDC and talked about the Stakeholder's Commission - an organization that offers an opportunity for business owners and directors to be part of the BEDC, investing in the economic vitality of Bartow. The goal is to create a safe place to share ideas, learn from the experts and build a stronger business climate. The Stakeholder's Commission will take the place of the Committee of 100, and will consist of 50 leading companies and organizations from the Bartrow market that will be chosen for their leadership roles in the community.

County Commissioner Todd Dantzler, representing the Central Florida Development Council, spoke about the benefits executives from these companies will glean from working closely with the BEDC in an advisory capacity. The Stakeholder's Commission's job is to help shape the economic future of the City, he said.

The BEDC Stakeholder's Commission will include Bartow's leading business advocates and leaders, who will focus on a healthy and sustainable business environment, Phil Minden, Chief Executive Officer for BayCare Bartow Regional Medical Center, and a BEDC board member, agreed with Commissioner Dantzler.

Presenters for the evening were Jeff Kincart of A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure; Phil Minden; and Callie Neslund of Mosaic.

2017 Champions Cup Award Winners:

Professional Business of the Year: PATEL GREENE & ASSOCIATES

Retail Business of the Year: McBROOMS STAMPS & AWARDS

Not-for-profit / Community Action Agency of the Year: BARTOW CHURCH SERVICE CENTER

Community Service Business of the Year: CITIZENS BANK & TRUST

Emerging Business of the Year: CENTER STATE PAINTING


Spirit of Bartow Award Winners:

CITY OF BARTOW: MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORS & LINE STAFF, accepted by City Manager George Long.

BARTOW CITY COMMISSION - PAST & PRESENT, accepted by current City Commissioners, Trish Pfeiffer and Leo Longworth.

HURRICANE IRMA VOLUNTEERS, accepted by City Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer and Fred & Cindy Rhoden.

PHOTOS HERE.

DON'T MISS FORTRESS FITNESS FOR OCT.!

This is a great time of exercise for the whole family! Marie Wilmot, local fitness guru, has designed a program for the Chamber to help the community get fit! Find out what types of exercise suit your needs by coming out to Fort Blount Park on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m., beginning in September, 2017. You can experience a different kind of exercise in each class. It's a blast!
SCHEDULE:

Oct. 14 –  Kelly Epley (HIIT Bodyweight Workout)
Nov. 11 – Darwin Manzueta (Fit Camp and Fit Dance)
Dec. 9 – Marcus Flournoy (FloFitness Circuit Training)
Jan. 13 – Greg, Rick & Krissy (UFC Box & Burn)
Feb. 10 – Tammi Green (Empower Fit Dance)
Mar. 10 – Mariah Andressen-Otten (Yoga)
Apr. 14 – Juanita Pullum (Boot Camp)
May 12 – Jude Dauphin (Uptown Fitness)

CHAMBER EVENTS

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

Thursday, October 26, 4:00 p.m.
Crickette Club Fall Parade & Carnival

Wednesday, November 1, Noon
Ambassadors & Delegates Meeting

Friday, November 3, 11:30 a.m.
A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure
30th Anniversary Celebration and
Chili Cook-Off benefiting United Way of Central Florida
1875 W. Main Street

Wednesday, November 8, 7:30 a.m.
Professional Development Academy:
Mindful Leadership
Polk State College Clear Springs Advanced Technology Center

Friday, November 10, 11:11 a.m.
Hometown Heroes Veteran Day Luncheon
Bartow Civic Center

Thursday, November 16
Health and Human Services Day
Leadership Bartow XVII

Thursday, November 16, 5:00 p.m.
BayCare Bartow Regional Medical Center
Fun Thursday

Friday, November 17, 11:30 a.m.
Lunch and Learn with Howe Wallace
"Servant Leadership"
FIPR Community Room

Friday, November 17, 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY FEST: Magic on Main
Downtown Bartow

UNITY DAY FESTIVAL


UNITY DAY FESTIVAL on December 9, will celebrate our diversity at Mosaic Park Bandshell from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food vendors, music and community fun will be featured. FREE to attend. Hope to see you there!   VENDORS WELCOME, APPLICATION HERE!

If you'd like to join the COMMUNITY CHOIR, contact Jenny Heidtman at the number below:
Jenny Heidtman
Artistic Director
The Orpheum Theatre
335 East Main Street 
Bartow, FL 33830
863-533-6774
GolfTemplate - October 24, 2017