October Member Spotlight:  Compassionate Hearts United Foundation, Inc. - Haines City, FL - On May 11, 2019, Marielys Camacho-Reyes’s oldest daughter graduated from college. During the commencement speeches that day, Marielys was not only watching her daughter becoming an adult, but she was also listening to one of the most motivational speeches she had ever heard in her life. The guest speaker was an alumni who went on to create her own community magazine. The alumni had no idea what she was doing, but all she knew was that she wanted to run her own magazine and that nothing was going to stop her. Like the speaker, Marielys had always dreamed of starting a newspaper, one published by her own nonprofit organization.​  Read More HERE.  

The Chamber's 2020 Youth Leadership class was set to graduate in May but their graduation will be rescheduled for sometime later this year or early next year.  Keep an eye on your emails!

Student Sponsors enable the Chamber to present a quality leadership experience  at no cost to the students. 
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In return for your generosity, a link to your website will be placed here in the newsletter and on the front page and the leadership page of the Chamber’s website along with recognition of your sponsorship. The link will remain on our website through September 2021.   Call the Chamber at  863-422-3751  to sponsor a student or for more information.  

Thank You to our 2019-2020 Youth Leadership Student Sponsors

• Barbara Heddon - Century 21 Myers Realty
• CenterState Bank
• Citizens Bank
• City of Davenport
• ​Duke Energy
• ​Murray De Young Educational Foundation
• Pennoni
• State Representative Sam Killebrew
• Teresa Connell - State Farm Insurance 

Chamber Member Events:

For additional events, please click HERE for the Chamber's Full Event Calendar page on our website, northeastpolkchamber.com.  Click on the Titles of the events listed below for complete details.   
 

Sonny's 5th Annual National Pulled Pork Day
10/26/2020

City of Haines City's Roundtable 2020
10/27/2020

Paint Night at The Epic Center
10/27/2020

Connecting with Citrus Connection
10/28/2020

Upcoming County Referendum Webinar
10/29/2020

New Horizon Church Free Community Trunk or Treat Experience
10/30/2020

City of Davenport presents Spooky Halloween and Trunk or Treat 
10/31/2020

Saint Leo University Presenting Free Webinar on Nov. 5 to Aid Small Businesses
11/05/2020

Operation Green Light
11/07/2020

2nd Annual Patriot Golf Day Scramble
11/07/2020

Polk County Junior Achievement Invitational
11/07/2020

Ground Breaking for the Tom Fellows Community Center
11/10/2020

Chairman's Circle Chat with the City of Haines City
11/10/2020

Foodie Fun at Home: Holiday Style!
11/10/2020

Haines City's Veterans Day Celebration
11/11/2020

Good Shepherd Hospice Caregiver Support Group Zoom Meetings
11/12/2020

Craft Beer & Wine Tasting
11/12/2020

Classroom to the Sky: STEMinar 2020
11/14/2020

Business After Hours - Piece of Mind Foundation
11/17/2020

Chamber Luncheon - State of the City Address
11/19/2020

Providence Fun Run & Walk
11/21/2020

Haines City Parks & Recreation Holiday Camp
11/23/2020- 11/25/2020

Good Shepherd Hospice Caregiver Support Group Zoom Meetings
11/26/2020

Ground Breaking - Tom Fellows Community Center

Join the City of Davenport and the Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce for the Ground Breaking of the Tom Fellows Community Center!  November 10th, 4 p.m., 207 North Blvd., Davenport, FL.  

RSVP to the Chamber by Monday, November 9th - 863-422-3751 or info@northeastpolkchamber.com

Piece of Mind Foundation to host Business After Hours at Providence Golf Club, 1518 Clubhouse Blvd., Davenport

Tuesday, November 17th

5-7 p.m.


Amazing food - menu includes Jamaican & Italian dishes!  Click HERE for the invitation and more details!

Door prizes, networking & learn about the Piece of Mind Foundation and wonderful work they are doing in the community!

FREE for Chamber Members

RSVP to the Chamber by Friday, November 13th. - 863-422-3751 or info@northeastpolkchamber.com

CHAMBER LUNCHEON NOVEMBER 19TH - 
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Chamber Member News:

Chamber Member's Employment Opportunities:  Additional information and detailed job descriptions are located on the Employment Opportunities page of our website.  The City of Haines City is currently hiring for positions on the linked list: City Job Opportunities.  If you know of anyone interested in a Job Opportunity, please share this list and encourage them to fill out an application on the City of Haines City website: www.hainescity.com! 

    Balmoral Resort Florida is looking for a Payroll/Office Administrator.  Click HERE for the job description/qualifications.  Interested applicants please email shemil@feltrimresorts.com or garrett@feltrim.com.  
  

Chamber Member's Specials, News & Announcements:   Visit the Members Specials, News & Announcements page of our website for special offers, discounts & exciting news from our members. 


    Paint Night at The Epic Center - Tuesday, October 27, 2020, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., 1 Park Place, Haines City, FL 33844 - Join The Epic Center for 2 hours of relaxing and painting a fall scene! If you’re registered for their Adult program, it’s only $10 for supplies. If you’re not registered, it’s $10 for supplies and $15 for the class.  For more information, contact The Epic Center - theepiccenterinfo@gmail.com | 407-460-5012.  See what you'll be PAINTING.



    New Horizon Church Free Community Trunk or Treat Experience - Friday, October 30th, 5:30 - 8 p.m.,  located in the Church parking lot at 400 Orchid Drive (next to Ridge Community High School) in Haines City,Fl.  Any questions please call the church office at 863-422-1290.


    City of Davenport presents Spooky Halloween and Trunk or Treat - Saturday, October 31st - 6 - 9 p.m., Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, 400 East Palm Street, Davenport.  Costume Contest, games & more!  For more info visit www.mydavenport.org or call 863-419-3300 ext. 138.  Click HERE for the flyer.  




    HALLOWEEN PARTY AT BALMORAL - Join Balmoral for their weekend Halloween Party from Thursday, October 29 - Saturday, October 31! There will be live music, pool games, and $100 Cash Prize Costume Contests!  More Info.  


    The USF Muma College of Business School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is offering a free certificate program to help hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for the post-pandemic environment.  The program, consisting of seven classes and called the Post-Crisis Hospitality Management Certificate program, will be held online and comes with a certificate upon completion. The classes are set to run Nov. 2 through Dec. 18. Visit the M3 Center to register and learn more. Click here for the related article. 

    The Balmoral Event Center is happy to announce their official opening and they want to welcome you to join them for a Party Planning + Wedding Expo. This event will feature party and wedding vendors that will help you create the most perfect event. Their preferred photographer, florists, DJ, and many more vendors will be available to discuss their offerings and will work with you to turn your dreams into reality!  Date: Saturday, November 7, 2020;  Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm;  Ticket price: FREE!  RSVP HERE.  


    2nd Annual Patriot Golf Day Scramble - November 7th, Cypresswood Golf & Country Club, 1099 Clubhouse Rd., Winter Haven, FL  33884 - $75 Entry Fee; $65 Cypresswood Card Holder; Each player receives a Folds of Honor Gift Pack, light breakfast, boxed lunch.  Awards given to winning teams.  For payment contact Bob Schade, cypresswoodcc@gmail.com or call 863-324-6174.  Register Today!  Sponsorship Info. 

    Haines City's Veterans Day Celebration - Wednesday, November 11th, 1 p.m., Military Court of Honor, 520 E Main Street, Haines City.  Come Celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of our US Veterans.  Please bring a photo of you loved one in uniform to the ceremony to be displayed on our wll of honor for the month of November.  Nominate your Veteran of the Year.  Application available at City Hall.  More Info.  


    Haines City CRA presents Craft Beer & Wine Tasting - Thursday, November 12th, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Art Alley at Food Truck Marketplace, on 6th Street, Haines City.  Event is Free.  Tasting Bands are $20 per person.  Live Music, Food Trucks, Beer & Wine Tasting.  Volunteers Needed!  Call 863-421-5572 for more info.  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​




    Ribbon Cutting - Janet J. Smith Aquatic Facility - Saturday, November 14th, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Please join the Parks & Recreation Department in the "First Splash" at their new Aquatic Facility.  1900 N 10th Street, Haines City.  Light Refreshments will be available from 11 a.m. - 12 noon.  Swimming will be available from 11 a.m. - 12 noon.  Contact Haines City Parks & Recreation for more info.  863-421-3700.  Click HERE for the flyer.  


    Providence Fun Run & Walk - Saturday, November 21st, 9 a.m., Providence Community Clubhouse, 1512 Clubhouse Blvd., Davenport.  $30 Donation/Person.  100% of Donations benefit the Piece of Mind Foundation: Piecing together the education puzzle!  One Student, Teacher & Classroom at a time.  Register for Onsite or Virtual Run @ pomf5k.eventbrite.com or pieceofmindfoundation.org.  Contact pieceofmindfoundationinc@gmail.com or visit pieceofmindfoundation.org for more info.  Click HERE for the flyer.  

 

    Dennis Adams of Winter Haven Retires from Mahalak Auto Group - Dennis Adams, a resident of Winter Haven has retired as a Transportation Supervisor for the four Central Florida dealerships of the Mahalak Auto Group.  Read more HERE.  


    Eye Specialist of Mid-Florida, P.A. Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their newest location in Lakeland - Lakeland, FL (October 15, 2020), Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration at their newest location at 3350 Harden Boulevard in Lakeland, Florida today. This new location is their 8th location with others in Auburndale, Clermont, Haines City, Lakeland-Highlands, Lake Wales, Sebring, and Winter Haven.  More Info.  


    Check out this awesome announcement from East Area Adult School:  "Congratulations to Polk County Adult Schools and many thanks to GTE Financial and GTE Foundation!!  Thanks to GTE Financial and GTE Foundation, many more students will be able to attend classes. This $10,000 grant will provide funding for the $30 tuition fee for students needing financial assistance!  We are so grateful for their partnership and generosity. This check was presented to the Polk County Adult Schools (PCAS) virtually by Ms. Tania Pratt at the GTE offices in Lakeland."  Press Release

    The Board of Trustees at Saint Leo University decided Friday (October 23) to no longer recognize the United Faculty of Florida Union at Saint Leo University and approved the creation of a new shared governance model.  More Info.  


     Celebrate National Pulled Pork Day with Sonny's.  Feed yourself and hungry kids too.  Celebrate National Pulled Pork Day with a Sonny's Cuban (back for a limited time), Whole Hog, Sweet Carolina or Pulled Pork Sandwich and you can help to provide up to 10 meals to kids in need through No Kids Hungry.   Starting October 12, and every Monday after in October, Sonny's will help No Kids Hungry provide up to 10 meals for kids for every Pulled Pork, Sweet Carolina, Whole Hog or Cuban sandwich sold. ​

    Enrollment for the Spring 2021 Semester at Polk State College will begin on Monday, October 26, with priority registration for students who have completed at least 50 percent of their program requirements. Open enrollment will begin on Monday, November 2. Classes start January 6. Students can check the status of their program requirements and whether they qualify for priority registration on Passport.  More Info.  



    Superintendent Search - Polk County Public Schools and the Florida School Boards Association are conducting a survey to better understand the qualities and qualifications that are needed in the next superintendent of schools.  A community survey is currently open through November 12^th and can be accessed at this link:  Superintendent Search Community Survey  For additional information visit:  polkschoolsfl.com/supersearch


    Operation Green Light – Saturday, November 7^th - During the special initiative, customers with suspended driver licenses have an opportunity to pay overdue court fees, including traffic tickets, while saving up to 40 percent in additional fees. Once the fine is paid in full, customers can proceed with having their driver’s license reinstated.  Click HERE for more info. 
 

      Read the latest Community Coronavirus briefing from AdventHealth - Click HERE for the latest updates.  


    Stop by Balmoral Bar & Grill and experience their outdoor dining with a relaxing pool view or skip the wait and order online.  Munchkin Monday - Every Monday Night family fun from 6-9 PM!  Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree. Twilight pool passes available for $15.  Bingo & Mule Monday: $5 mules; Bingo 1 - 3 p.m.; Taco Tuesday + Trivia every Tuesday;  Trivia 5-8 PM - $2 Tacos | $3 Margaritas;  Wing Wednesday; Thirsty Thursday & The Line Up Every Thursday, 6-9 p.m. with $2 draft beers during event -  Live music hosted by Mickenzie Peisher featuring two local artists!  Click HERE for their September Entertainment Schedule.  Balmoral Resort Florida also reminds everyone that Private Vacation homes are one of the safest travel options and they are designating a number of homes for longer term rentals. Their objective is to provide accommodation to professionals and workers being sent to the area for projects, moving for a job or to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE  for more info or https://www.facebook.com/Feltrimhomeservices/. Click HERE for updates.


    Balmoral Resort Florida - WATER PARK DAY PASSES - Want to come and play, but can’t stay overnight? Balmoral has you covered! You can now purchase passes for the Water Park at Balmoral Bar & Grill. You can even add a cabana rental to your day to truly make your visit feel like a vacation. Between the water park, games arcade, and bar & grill, there is something fun for everyone. Pack a bag with sunscreen and towels, and enjoy a fun-filled day!  Click HERE


     Check out the awesome ways that the Piece of Mind Foundation is helping "One Student, Teacher & Classroom at Time," by donating supplies provided by the Foundation and the generous donations of their sponsors!  Click HERE for more info and to find out how you can help! 


   11th Annual Stepping Out for Education - Polk Education Foundation -  This year, Stepping Out For Education is going VIRTUAL! Same amazing dance competition, MORE FUN!  They're asking everyone in the community to participate in the fun, from solo dancers, TikTok lovers, couples, kids from kindergarten through high school, expert "Cupid Shufflers" and everyone in between.   Shoot a fun dance video, upload it, and when voting begins, share your video with friends, family, and others in the community to earn votes. The fun part? Each vote "costs" $1. Your friends and family will donate any dollar amount to cast their vote(s) to help you win, and all dollars raised go to the Polk Education Foundation!  More Info!  


   Ambassadors Christian Academy is a 501c3 in need of laptops and tablets.  If you are able to help please contact Pastor Eryk Anglin at 863-852-4031.



  Boo Yard Cards for Halloween by All Aired Up - Send your neighbors and friends a Boo Yard Card for a sweet treat for Halloween and then have them pass along the sweet wishes to their neighbors and friends!  Contact Colleen Smith at All Aired Up for pricing and more information at 863-712-2714.  Click HERE for pics.  Ideal for neighborhood groups, sports team friends, church groups and more!


    Central Florida Health Care will be providing drive-up and walk through COVID-19 screening and testing, at no charge, throughout the month of October. For those who qualify*, screening and testing will be from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., while supplies last. Please see calendar for dates and locations for the fourth week of October. Click HERE for a calendar including all dates for the month of October or, you can visit the Resources page on the CFHC website to access the calendar. *based on CDC criteria

    United Way of Central Florida Grant Program for Nonprofits - During the COVID-19 pandemic, Polk County nonprofit organizations are struggling to serve the community. United Way of Central Florida, through direction from the Board of County Commissioners, is providing economic support to local nonprofits with a 501c3 designation that have experienced business interruption due to COVID-19.   More Info and Apply HERE.  
 

    The EPIC Center After School Program - Open for 2020 Registration.  Grades k - 8.  Transportation, Homework Assistance, Library Time, Dance & Circus Classes, Excellent Teachers, Art Classes!  Enroll Today!  Call 863-866-9965, email theepiccenterinfo@gmail.com, www.theepiccenterarts.com.  1 Park Place, Haines City, FL  33844.  Click HERE for the flyer.  


    New Direction Academy, 711 East Main Street, Haines City, FL 33844, (863) 438-7493 -  An accredited private school for grades K–12, students benefit from: Individualized Learning Plans; Outlining Academic Goals; Dedicated Teachers Trained to Teach; Rolling Start Dates Every Semester; Accredited by FDOE and AdvancED; Full Scholarship Opportunities.  New Direction Academy offers a personalized program for students to experience engaging curriculum, a dedicated support team, and a dynamic school community. K-12 Private Academy, students from anywhere in the world leverage K-12's quality curriculum and instruction to receive a great education. They will offer the best of in-person, online mobile classrooms, and will continue to put Students First in every decision they make. They cannot wait to see you!  Visit www.newdirectionacademy.com for more info.  
   

      East Area Adult School - A Polk County Public School serving the adults of Eastern Polk County  - Do you know a student 16 or older who is not enrolled in any other Polk County Public School and is interested in finishing their high school diploma or GED? Or maybe someone who wants to learn English, or improve his or her English skills? East Area Adult School can fill that need.  East Area Adult School offers both morning and evening classes on the main campus in Auburndale, but also at various locations in Eastern Polk County including Haines City, Winter Haven, and Lake Wales. Days and times vary.  East Area Adult School is a Polk County Public School located at 300 E. Bridgers Avenue, Auburndale, Florida. Day classes are offered Monday through Friday and evening classes are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. More Info.     Class Schedule  Farmworker Program

    Haines City Economic Development Council - If you’re eager to get your new operation up and running, choose Haines City, Florida. This is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY, 109.5 acres, divisible industrial land, ready to develop. The Lorenz site is located on Detour Road in Haines City Industrial Park with electric service provided by Duke Energy. The property is 2.0 miles from US Highway 27 (four-lane highway) providing access to Interstate 4, 38 miles from the Orlando International Airport and 67.9 miles from the Tampa International Airport. It also has nearby access at Port Tampa Bay (65 miles) to the west and Port Canaveral (85.7 miles) to the east.  Learn more HERE.  ​    

      The City of Haines City -  ​Visit the City's Facebook page for the latest updates and City Department Phone Numbers.​  Additional Questions? Call 863 421-3600.

    City of Davenport - Visit the City's Facebook page or Website for latest updates.