The Chamber's 2019-2020 Youth Leadership began in October! 
 

Student Sponsors enable the Chamber to present a quality leadership experience  at no cost to the students. 
​
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 2019.   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.   Due to multiple closures and cancellations, please check with the host of each event for event status.  

Good Shepherd Hospice Bereavement & Support Group Programs
03/17/2020- 03/19/2020

CANCELLED -Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening for WoodSpring Suites Davenport
03/17/2020

POSTPONED-Chamber Luncheon - State of the County Update
03/19/2020

TO BE RESCHEDULED - Ribbon Cutting for GFS Restaurant
03/20/2020

POSTPONED - Central Florida Health Expo
03/20/2020

GFS Restaurant 1 Year Anniversary Celebration
03/21/2020

"On Golden Pond" presented by the Haines City Community Theatre
03/21/2020- 03/22/2020

HOFCOCC-Operation Inasmuch service project
03/21/2020

Good Shepherd Hospice Bereavement & Support Group Programs
03/23/2020

Feltrim Sports Spring Break Multi-Sport Camp
03/23/2020- 03/27/2020

Good Shepherd Hospice Bereavement & Support Group Programs
03/26/2020

Finally Friday Food Trucks & Entertainment
03/27/2020

A Purse of Her Own presented by the Davenport Historical Society
03/28/2020

Coast Guard Auxiliary Polk County Flotilla 7-77 Safe Boating Class
03/28/2020

ADULT 7V7 FLAG FOOTBALL - BATTLE ON THE RIDGE - Feltrim Sports Village
03/29/2020

Ribbon Cutting & Open House for the WAY Home's new addition!
03/30/2020

Music, Mentors & Sports Flag Football League
04/01/2020- 05/20/2020

Good Shepherd Hospice Bereavement & Support Group Programs
04/03/2020- 04/05/2020

Haines City Fire Department Seminar- In Honor of The Charleston 9
04/03/2020

Piece Of Mind Foundation : Providence 5K FUN RUN !
04/04/2020

City Elections
04/07/2020

City of Davenport's Easter Egg Hunt
04/11/2020

Sunshine Foundation Poker Run
04/18/2020

Business After Hours - Trustco Bank
04/21/2020

Chamber Luncheon - Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
04/23/2020

Effective March 16th - At this time, theLink will not be sent weekly, however, a daily email with important updates from our members and authorities will be sent Monday - Thursday each week.

The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce is following the guidelines of local, state and national authorities and will update event statuses as needed.  All upcoming scheduled events throughout March are postponed until further notice. 

The Chamber office is closed to the public until further notice for the safety & health of our staff and visitors.  Chamber staff is available and can be reached at 863-422-3751 or via email at info@northeastpolkchamber.com for questions or assistance.  

We will get through this and we will be stronger and better for it. We are a resilient community of wonderful people. Take this time of social distancing to recharge, renew and be ready to come back full force. 

We are proud to support the Northeast Polk area and want you to know we are here! 

the Link last updated - 3-16-20 -
Please visit www.northeastpolkchamber.com homepage for the latest updates.  

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!  Quality Cleaners is looking for pressers - experience preferred - Call them at  863-422-1735 for more information.    McDonald's Oerther Foods is hiring at 3 of their Polk County locations.  Visit their WEBSITE to see a list of available positions. For more information, contact Meagan Dry - meagan.dry@oertherfoods.com.  Nesco Resource is looking for a BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - Click HERE for the job description and contact information. ​  Golden Touch Paint And Collision Center is looking for an Auto Body Technician to prep cars for painting.   Call 863-547-6400 for more information.  Click HERE to apply & for more information.  

  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. 

  Information from our Members regarding COVID-19/Coronavirus - In an effort to equip the public with the facts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,  AdventHealth is launching a free phone service for Floridians who have questions about the virus and will provide an opportunity to speak with a nurse as appropriate.  The AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line, 877-VIRUSHQ (1-877-847-8747) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  It will serve as a one stop shop to connect Floridians with resources such as the CDC and the Florida Department of Health.  Please see link for additional information:  https://www.adventhealth.com/business/adventhealth-orlando-media-resources/news/adventhealth-launches-coronavirus-information; The City of Haines City is closely monitoring multiple resource outlets for the safety of residents, visitors & staff.  Click HERE for more information on City events and resources.   SERVPRO has composed some helpful information regarding thoughts about the virus and clean-up methods:  Click HERE to read more.   Polk State College is suspending all instruction including face-to-face, online, and hybrid classes starting Monday, March 16, 2020, until Monday, March 30, 2020, when the College reopens from spring break.   ​Click HERE for more info.   Florida SBDC at USF has suspended all in-person meetings through at least Friday, May 1, as directed by University of South Florida and the Florida SBDC Network, however, they are still OPEN for business! They will continue to provide consulting via video chat (online) using the free Microsoft Teams platform.   ​Visit their  Coronavirus page for the latest information regarding consulting, and disaster loan availability.​  The Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center is open, but the health and safety of their patients and employees is of utmost importance.​  Please remember, if you or your child are sick, please call their office (863-686-3189) to reschedule your appointment.​  Cypresswood Golf & Country Club is consistently committed to providing a safe and clean environment for their golfers, customers and staff. ​  As of now, they will continue to be open and operate business as usual and will send updates via email or their website as news or changes occur.​  floridadisaster.biz is conducting a survey to evaluate business affected by COVID-19.  If your business has been affected, please visit their website and fill out the survey.  The office of Governor DeSantis is working with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), that will use the survey to evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.  The Florida Chamber is conducting a survey on How is the Coronavirus Impacting Florida Employers?  The survey is due today, by 5:00 p.m.  Click HERE to take the survey.  Visit Florida's latest updates - Click HERE. 

Chamber Members:  If your business has an announcement or information you would like us to share regarding the Coronavirus, please email the Chamber at info@northeastpolkchamber.com.  

****For all Chamber and Member events listed, please check with each host prior to attending due to multiple cancellations and closures****

    Six Polk County municipalities will hold elections on April 7th - Polk County’s Municipal Election Day. “Residents in the cities of Bartow, Davenport, Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales and Mulberry will head to the polls on Tuesday, April 7th to cast their ballots,” said Ms. Edwards.  Florida’s Presidential Preference Primary Election March 17th -  The March 17th contest is open only to registered Democrats or registered Republicans wishing to choose their presidential nominee.  Voters can request a mail ballot by calling the Elections Office at (863) 534-5888 or by visiting the Supervisor of Elections website at PolkElections.com. Voted ballots must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 pm on March 17th.  Sample ballots for the March 17th Presidential Preference Primary Election are available online at PolkElections.com. The upcoming election is open to voters registered with the Democratic or Republican parties who will choose their nominee for the presidential election in November.  Early Voting – Eligible voters may vote in advance of the March 17th Presidential Preference Primary Election at nine convenient locations around Polk County.  Eligible voters may look up their polling location for the March 17th Presidential Preference Primay Election at PolkElections.com. The website home page features a “Precinct Lookup” feature for voters to enter their address. Their precinct number and polling location will be displayed, along with directions and a map. Voters may also find their precinct information on their voter information card.  All precincts will be open from 7 am until 7 pm on Election Day, and Florida law requires voters
to vote at the precinct they are assigned.  For more information, call (863) 534-5888.

     Haines City Fire Department Seminar - In Honor of The Charleston 9 - Friday, April 3rd, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lake Eva Event Center, 799 Johns Ave., Haines City - On June 18, 2007, nine firefighters perished in a warehouse fire in Charleston, SC. What was initially dispatched as a trash fire escalated into one of the most scrutinized events in national fire service history. David had the unfortunate experience of being the engineer on the first due engine that day. As he operated on the fireground, he witnessed things that he will never forget.  This seminar will present:   First-hand accounts of that day.  Never before seen video footage with radio traffic.  Initial resistance to the changes following the tragedy.  The heavy toll that this catastrophic event took on David’s life.   The incredible changes that he and the CFD have made.   Dr. Griffin’s scientific research regarding the change process following this event.   Details from the coinciding Best Selling Book, In Honor of The Charleston 9: A Study of Change Following Tragedy.​  Tickets $20 per person.  Get tickets on Eventbrite.  


    Paintball in Haines City - RJ Hinson Sports, 1699 E Hinson Ave., Haines City - At RJHINSONSPORTS.com, they offer family fun deals all year round. This weekend get a couple friends together and come out and play our 3-on-3 game of capture the flag. Couples date nights, company gatherings, birthday partys etc . They  provide the absolute best rates for large parties. Check them out on Groupon now for the best deals!!!  They look forward to seeing you soon!!!!​  Call (407) 764-8816​ for more information.  


     Balmoral Resort Florida Military & First Responders $15 Amenities Day Pass - Pass includes Water Park; Game Room with FREE unlimited play; Poolside Games; Outdoor Sports; 20% off at Balmoral Bar & Grill; Live Entertainment.  Call 866-584-5527 for more info.  Balmoral Resort Florida, 124 Kenny Blvd., Haines City, FL  33844.  Click HERE for the flyer.  



     Balmoral Resort Florida Water Park Party - Party packages for up to 12 kids include pass to pool area, party table, setup and cleanup, free ice cream, all you can play games & more!  Call 863-624-7886 or email amber@feltrim.com to book your party or for more info!  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​




    The TASSEL Program (Children's Incentives/Essentials/Clothes Closet Program) serves hundreds of needy families on a yearly basis -  The TASSEL program uses donations from community partnersto help students throughout Polk County.  Items needed include:  uniforms, clothing, undergarments, school supplies, belts, shoes, socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and Trapper keepers.  Incentives to motivate/encourage students could include:  small toys, hair accessories, trinkets, etc...  Click HERE for the flyer and more info.  The Sunshine Committee of Polk County Public Schools needs your help to prepare packages for homeless graduating seniors.  They are in need of the following donations to fill rolling duffle bags by April 20th:  New twin sheet sets preferably solid colors; Washcloths and Towels; Pocket size first aid kits; Pocket size sewing kits; Small pocket size flashlights with batteries; Ponchos; Laundry detergent (pods only); Food/Restaurant gift cards in low denominations ($5, $10, $15); Monetary donations:  checks payable to Polk County Public Schoos ($125 provides everything including rolling duffle bag).  Donations may be dropped off at the Chamber office or delivered to:  Polk County Schools, Learning Support Division, Sunshine Committee, 1860 E. Gibbons Street, Bartow, FL  33830 - Donations needed by April 20th.  Call 863-535-6488 ext. 416 for more info.  They are also in need of a sponsor for a special luncheon that will be held for the homeless graduating seniors.  Click HERE for the letter and more information.  ​

    Hearth Project Craft Supply Drive - Please donate to the Hearth Project. For the month of March, we will be collecting all things crafts for school-age kids!  Suggested Ideas….safety scissors, glue sticks, crayons, Colored pencils; paints; construction paper; etc...  The Chamber is a drop-off location.  For more information, contact Heart of Florida Chiropractic - 863-422-4575 | 350 S. 10th Street, Haines City, FL 33844.  Click HERE for the flyer and more info!  


    "On Golden Pond" presented by the Haines City Community Theatre -  Final performances Cancelled -  More information can be found on their website, http://www.hainescitytheatre.com and on their Facebook page.   ​

    The Central Florida Health Expo - Friday, March 20th - POSTPONED until further notice.  


    Garden Build Day - March 21st, 8 a.m. - 12 noon - Oakland Legacy Community Garden - Behind the Boys and Girls Club, 704 Ave. C, Haines City.  Bring your love for gardening and help build YOUR Community Garden!  Participants will assist in putting together garden beds, organizing and allocation of materials, and other wonderful activities.  For additional information contact 863-421-5572 ext. 5572 or oaklandlegacygarden@gmail.com.  www.facebook.com/oakland.legacy.3


    Good For the Soul "GFS" Restaurant and Catering will celebrate their 1 year anniversary, March 21, 2020, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., 7710 SR 544 E, Winter Haven - Music, Food & Drink Specials including:  First 10 customer to arrive will receive a free pulled pork sandwich GFS Style!  $1.00 fries; $1.00 draft beer; $1.00 soda; $1.00 ice cream cones.  Door prize drawings including a TV!  Click HERE for the flyer.  


    Feltrim Sports 5-Day Spring Break Multi-Sport Camp - March 23 - 27, 2020, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Feltrim Sports Village, 204 Macaulays Cove, Haines City (inside of Balmoral Resort).  Soccer, Flag Football, Kickball, Capture the Flag and more!  Ages 7 -13.  $40 per child for the week.  Bring a packed lunch.  Register at www.feltrimsports.com.  863-913-1359.  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​




    Music, Mentors & Sports is launching a flag football league this spring at the Feltrim Sports Village in Balmoral.  The league is for kids in grades K-8th and registration is free. The season will run from April 1 - May 20 and games will be on Wednesday evenings. Practices will be on the same day, 1 hour before the game. Parents can register at http://mmasinc.org, there are limited spots available so it will be first come, first serve. They are also looking for coaches and volunteers to help run the league and a few sponsors to help fund the league.​  Click HERE for info to become a sponsor.  


    Piece Of Mind Foundation : Providence 5K FUN RUN!  Saturday, April 4th, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Providence Community Clubhouse, 1518 Clubhouse Blvd., Davenport.  The 5K run is the inaugural fundraising event for Piece of Mind Foundation Inc. Your donations will help to address annual decrements in public education funding and its impact on Teachers and Students alike.  Piecing Together The Education Puzzle! One Student, Teacher & Classroom at a Time!  100% of Donations go towards school supplies, scholarships, and mentoring for the next generation of teachers, social workers, and mental health counselors.  Visit www.pieceofmindfoundation.org for more information.  $20 donation per person.  Register online at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/piece-of-mind-foundation-5k-fun-run-tickets-91373686155  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​


    Sunshine Foundation Poker Run - Saturday, April 18th - Registration at Gary's Gove Lounge, 2995 Cypress Gardens Rd., Winter Haven - 9 -11 a.m.  Registration at Gary’s Grove Lounge 9-11 AM - Breakfast Provided - Kick Stands Up 10:30 AM - Stops Include:  TL’s Old Place, Winter Haven; Krazy Kooters, Bartow; All Star Bar and Grill, Lake Wales; Shady Cove Bar and Grill, Haines City - Last Bike in at Sunshine Dream Village at 3 PM; Group ride from the Dream Village to American Legion Post 8 of Winter Haven - Dinner, 50/50, Music and Chinese Auction at Legion - $15 per hand (rider/driver or passenger), includes dinner - $10 extra hand $7 extra meal plate - COME ONE, COME ALL!  MOTORCYCLES, CARS, AND TRUCKS ALL WELCOME!  Prizes for Best Hand, Runner Up and Worst Hand.  All proceeds will go towards answering the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged, and abused children ages 3-18, whose families cannot fulfill their requests due to financial strain that the child’s illness may cause.  For additional information contact Shelby @ info@sunshinepokerrun.com or call/text 863-662-8529.  www.sunshinepokerrun.com.  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​  Sunshine Foundation's 11th Annual Gala - Saturday, October 10, 2020 - Omni Orlando Resort, 1500 Masters Blvd., Champions Gate, FL - Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available!  Click HERE for the sponsorship form & more information.  ​

   Ambassadors Christian Academy Stallions - 1169 1st Street South, Winter Haven Fl 33880 - Ambassadors Christian Academy is a Christian School striving for excellence and success in all their endeavors. They put emphasis on academic and biblical morality. Honorable character and citizenship are the responsibility of current, as well as future students.  They are hosting Sports Academy events, which will occur throughout the year.  ACA would like to host annual year round fundraisers to sustain funding for their Sports Academy to alleviate parents/guardians of any financial responsibility. Students have a choice of playing basketball, football, and/or baseball.   Funds acquired will be used for uniforms, travel expenses for away games, and fee’s associated with sports camps to enhance the student’s success in the sport of their choice. Their goal is $7,500, and they are hoping that you can help them reach that goal.  Gifts of $1,500 or other amounts from your organization will make you one of their corporate sponsors, you’ll be listed on their website as well as their t-shirts as a sponsor.  Regardless of the amount you choose to give, your company name will be included in their event program and you’ll be included in the press release that they'll publish on their website.  They are accepting cash donations as well as in-kind donations of goods or services.  Please don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Eryk Anglin directly at 863-852-4031 or contact@ACAStallions.com if you have any questions.

    Balmoral Bar & Grill Weekly Specials - Monday Specials - Half off Appetizers & $5 Martinis - Taco Tuesday, $2 Tacos -  $3 Margaritas​ - Wing Wednesday, All YOU CAN EAT WINGS -$14.99; Boneless-$12.99;  Thirsty Thursday - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.  Live DJ Fridays - 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.  Did you know that Feltrim Sports offers Camps and Tournaments for sports including Football and Soccer?  Check out all of our upcoming events at www.feltrimsports.com

    Eastside Elementary needs your help!  They are looking for people interested in sending students S.O.A.R. Cards to their 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students to read before they take their FSA exams.  Nonstudent specific cards with messages of positivity, determination, and support are requested by May 8th.  Send cards to:  Eastside Elementary, Attn: S.O.A.R. Cards, 1820 E Johnson Ave., Haines City, FL  33844 or drop them off in person.  Click HERE for more information.  
 
    Office Space available - 608 Ingraham Ave., Haines City, FL - YOUR NEW OFFICE SPACE - 12 month lease offered at $1000 per month - 450+SF - SPACIOUS OFFICE SUITE - The available unit includes these impressive features and amenities: - Secured building - 2nd floor office suite; - Private restroom; - Common areas with lunch room; - Large foyer; - Access to shared conference room; - Utilties included - For More Information contact Cyndi Jantomaso at 863-422-2525.  ​


    As an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) and Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), Karine Bauer, assists small business owners and individuals with all their tax obligations. ​ As a general rule, all income you receive in the form of money, property, or services is taxable and must be reported on your tax return unless specifically excluded by the law. Even though it feels like everything is taxable, below are a few examples of -  Read more  Click HERE to visit the KBauer website for more information.  

    Feltrim Sports Turf Field Party Packages - Host your child's party at Feltrim Sports brand new Turf Field, 204 Macaulays Cove, Haines City (inside Balmoral Resort Florida) - 12 children included in packages - choose 2 games to play and which package works best for your event.  Contact Steven Perez, 863-588-2664, steven@feltrimsports.com to book your party.  Click HERE for the flyer and more info!​