Now accepting applications for Leadership Northeast Polk Class X!



Leadership Northeast Polk Class X will begin in January 2020.

The Leadership Northeast Polk program brings together current and emerging leaders from Northeast Polk County, with the charge of developing a network of informed, proactive, talented and resourceful leaders to constantly improve our community’s quality of life.

Leadership participants learn about different sectors of the community (government, private, non-profit); and the issues, challenges, and opportunities that confront its current leaders and the leaders of tomorrow.

The 9-month program immerses participants in activities and discussions to increase their awareness and ability to assess current and future issues that impact or will impact Polk County and the State of Florida.

Click HERE for the program overview with detailed information and requirements for the Leadership Class.

Click HERE for the Application.

Applications are due back to the Chamber by Monday, November 25th.

Visit the Adult Leadership page on the Chamber's website and scroll down to watch a video of the adventures and highlights of Leadership Class IX!

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. 
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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 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
• ​Duke Energy
• ​Murray De Young Educational Foundation
• Pennoni
• State Representative Sam Killebrew
• Teresa Connell - State Farm Insurance 
• Wayne T. Fellows, Inc.

Chamber Member Events:

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

Chamber Luncheon - State of the City Address
11/21/2019

Community "Fall Fest" at Northridge Reserve
11/23/2019

Hope Equine Rescue's Open House
11/23/2019

Glitter, Glisten & Snow!
12/07/2019

Lakeland Magic vs Greensboro Swarm - $10 tickets available!
12/07/2019

Chamber Luncheon - AdventHealth Heart of Florida Update
12/12/2019

Feltrim Sports Village Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting & Winter Street Festival
12/13/2019

Cinema Under the Stars at Florida FFA Leadership Training Center
12/13/2019

Aesthetics by Family Care VIP event
12/13/2019

The 11th Annual Night Time Christmas Parade And 2019 Winterfest
12/14/2019

Breakfast with Santa
12/14/2019

Haines City Christmas Parade
12/20/2019

Chamber Member News:

Chamber Member's Employment Opportunities:   Our Chamber Members have several Employment Opportunities available.  Employment opportunities, additional information and detailed job descriptions are located on the Employment Opportunities page of our website.  Click HERE  for job listings on the employment opportunities page of the Chamber's 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.    

    Associates in Dermatology is urgently looking for a Front Office staff member who is willing to travel between our Davenport (2) days, Poinciana (2) days, and Lake Wales (1) day locations.  Click HERE for the job description.  

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. 

    Polk State wins Florida College System Chancellor’s Best Practice Award for First Year Experience and Guided Pathways - For the second consecutive year, Polk State College received a Chancellor’s Best Practice Award from the Florida College System – this time for its First Year Experience and Guided Pathways programs focused on ensuring students persist on their paths to degrees and careers.  Click HERE for the Press Release.  



    Balmoral Bar & Grill Weekly Specials - Friends Tuesday - Fiesta Bowl & 2 Margaritas - $10.95; Donate an unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots on Tuesday and receive a FREE appetizer.  Senior Fun Wednesday - 20% off for Seniors!  PLUS, GAME OF THE WEEK at 1 PM!  Thirsty Thursday - Happy Hour all day!  ​Live Music on the Patio - Friday Nights 7 -9 pm.  Book your holiday party at Balmoral Bar & Grill.  From small gatherings to larger coroporate events.  Their team will not only host your event but can plan it for you as well!  Call Robb Kenyon, 863-588-3097 or email robb@feltrimresorts.com for more info or to book your event!  

 
   Polk State College Community Connections - Tuesday, November 19th, 5 - 7 p.m., Ridge Community High School, 500 Orchid Drive, Davenport, FL.  Residents of NE Polk County can learn what Polk State College has to offer without leaving their neighborhoods!  Dual enrollment info, apply to college, meet with an advisor, complete the FAFSA.  Attend a financial workshop session - 5:15 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m.  Contact Stephanie Benton for more info - 863-837-5940, sbenton@polk.edu.  Click HERE for the flyer.  
 


    McDonald's Oerther Foods, operator of 24 Restaurants in the Central Florida area, would like to take this opportunity to invite your school to participate in a unique event that will increase your school spirit and generate excitement in the community, while also raising funds for your school’s needs by hosting a McTeacher or McSpirit Night.​  Click HERE for more information.  

   Smarra Cruises English Castles & Palaces Tour - July 23-31, 2020 - With Downton Abbey Filming locations.  Contact Smarra Cruises for more information - (561) 935-4001​





    Elysium Medspa - Newtox Party - Giving Thanks Special Event - Tuesday, November 19th, 4 - 6 p.m. - Jeuveau $9 per unit.  Bring a friend and both receive it for $8 per unit plus get 5 free units.  Receive a FREE $75 Visa Gift Card toward your purchase when you buy 30 units or more.  Don't miss out, RSVP Today!  7932 W Sandlake Rd., Ste. 200, Orlando.  407-335-7759.  Click HERE for the flyer.  

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    Eastside Elementary The Great American Teach In (GATI) will take place on Wednesday, November 21st, 8:20 a.m. -  2:20 p.m. at Eastside Elementary.  If you are interested in sharing all about your career with the students for about 15 - 20 minutes, please fill out the registration for and return it to the school as soon as possible.  Contact Janisse Francisco - janisse.francisco@polk-fl.net or call 863-421-3254.  Click HERE for more information and registration form.  


    Friday, November 22nd is the last day that registered voters in the cities of Lakeland and Winter Haven can submit a request to receive a ballot by mail for the December 3rd Municipal Run-Off Elections.  Voters who received a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the November 5th city election will automatically be mailed a ballot for the Run-Off Election.  Lakeland residents will decide the outcome of the City Commission race for City Commission At-Large Seat 2 between Chad McLeod and Carole Philipson, and in Winter Haven, voters will choose between Tracy Mercer and William Twyford to decide the winner in the race for City Commissioner, Seat 1.  New requests can be made online at PolkElections.com or by calling the Elections Office at 863-534-5888.  Voted ballots may be returned by mail or dropped off to the Supervisor of Elections, but they must be received by 7 pm on Election Day, December 3rd.  All precincts are open from 7 am – 7 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, December 3rd and Florida law requires voters to vote at the precinct they are assigned.  For more information, visit PolkElections.com or call the Elections Office at 863-534-5888.

    Unity in the Community  (UIC) invites all Chamber members and partners to join them for their Thanksgiving Giveaway and Community Dinner on Saturday, November 23, 2019.  On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, UIC will offer the community a free Farmers Market from 8 - 10am where residents can pick fresh vegetables, receive other dry goods, and receive one uncooked turkey per household.  This will be their second annual Thanksgiving  Farmers Market where they hope to give 800 free turkeys to those in need as well as fresh vegetables and other goods for the Thanksgiving holiday.  In addition, they will also offer a hot Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, November 23rd from 12 noon to 2 pm as well.  They offer this meal as a way to help the impoverished to have a Thanksgiving meal with members of the community where any kind of Thanksgiving celebration would not be possible.   Please join them or volunteer at 352-223-3722.​  Click HERE for the flyer and more info.  


    NorthRidge Reserve Community Fall Festival - Saturday, November 23rd, 1637 North Blvd W, Davenport, FL.  12 noon - 3 p.m.  Chance to win a $100 Publix Gift Card, Enjoy an ice cream bar, bounce house, and live entertainment at their first Annual Community Fall Festival.  Call Shannon Wooten, 407-765-8843 or Cindy Wilkinson, 863-605-1445.  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​


    Hope Equine Rescue's Open House - Saturday, November 23rd, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., 3805 High Street, Winter Haven, FL 33881.  Join Hope Equine Rescue for their last open house of the year.  Meet the horses, see the facility, learn about their programs, and talk to their volunteers!


    Donuts and Deals - Maronda Homes Haines Ridge Community, Sunday, November 24th, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., 206 Barrington Drive, Haines City, FL.  Maronda Homes and FBC Mortgage, LLC invite you to join them for complimentary donuts and coffee.  Stop in and see their new model home and get latest pricing information.  Contact Edlesha Tiller for more info - 904-240-5650.  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​Haines Ridge is also a drop-off location for Toys for Tots!

    Glitter, Glisten & Snow! - Saturday, December 7th, 6 - 9 p.m. - Count down with the City of Haines City as they light up thousands of lights and their 31ft Christmas tree at Lake Eva Park. There will be slides, arts & crafts vendors, local children's entertainment, food vendors & more! Guests of honor include: Mr. & Mrs. Claus! This event is FREE and open to the public.

    The Lakeland Magic and the GFWC Four Corner Junior Woman's Club are partnering together to help raise funds benefitting K9s for Cops Polk County!  December, 7th, 7 p.m. the Greensboro Swarm vs the Lakeland Magic at the RP Funding Center, 700 W Lime Street, Lakeland.  For every ticket purchased, half of the proceeds will be donated back to K9s for Cops Polk County.  $10 per ticket.  Corporate packages available.  Click HERE for the flyer and more information.  Contact Javannie Jermyn at jjermyn@lakelandmagic.com or call 863-825-3265 for tickets or info.  ​

    Come Celebrate the Holiday Season with Wellmed and their Patients - Wellmed at Haines City, 2380 North Blvd. W, Suite 1, Davenport, FL 33837​ - Community Room - December 10, 2019 - 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.  Come and Enjoy Refreshments Games, Prizes and Santa!  Yes!!!!  Santa will be there…Help them thank their patients for trusting WellMed HC with their care.  Hope to see you there……  Click HERE for the flyer.  

    The 11th Annual Night Time Christmas Parade And 2019 Winterfest - December 14th, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 PM - Location: Wilson Park, 5 State Street, Davenport, FL 33836.  Parade starts at 6:00 pm at Lewis Mathews Sport Complex.  Looking for food and craft vendors For more information please call (863)419-3300 ext.138 or email: kfussell@mydavenport.org.  The City of Davenport is also seeking entries for the parade that will contribute to a high quality production and will provide an enjoyable family, friendly experience for all spectators. Please take into consideration the following criteria for this year’s Night Time Parade: Winter Wonderland.  Click HERE for the application.  

    You are invited to celebrate the Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening of Feltrim Sports Village - Friday, December 13th, Ribbon Cutting - 3:30 p.m., 204 Macaulay's Cove, Haines City, FL  33844 (within Balmoral Resort Florida).  Tour the brand new, world-class facilities offering field rentals, sports camps and tournaments.   RSVP to the Chamber by Wednesday, December 11th - info@northeastpolkchamber.com or 833-422-3751 or to mina@feltrim.com, 863-353-0011.  Click HERE for the flyer.    After the Ribbon Cutting, stay for the Winter Street Festival at Feltrim Sports Village - 6 - 9 p.m. - Santa is coming!  Face painting, inflatables, games & live music.  Special performance by Studio C, Food & Treats.  Fun for all ages.  FREE admission.  Nominal fee for some activities.  Toys for Tots drop off site.  Click HERE for the flyer.  

    Aesthetics by Family Care VIP Event - Friday, December 13th, 4 - 7 p.m., 2302 North Blvd Suite D, Davenport.  Board Certified physician, anti-aging and beauty expert, Dr. Maria Concepcion will discuss skin care, aging process and what modalities are out in the market that are effective and safe to achieve a younger more refreshed look based on your goals and medical conditions.  Seats are limited on a first come first serve basis.  Hors d'oeuvres will be served.  RSVP via text or call 863-422-1400.  Click HERE for the flyer.  

    Cinema Under the Stars - Florida FFA Leadership Training Center, 5000 Firetower Rd., Haines City.  Friday, December 13th, 6:30 p.m.  Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs for a Christmas movie event.  The movie is FREE and open to the public.  Food & Beverages available for purchase* - Chili, Hot Chocolate, popcorn, softdrinks, snacks, apple cider, smores, coffee - *proceeds will support the FFA Foundation.  Featured Film:  The Christmas Chronicles.  Click HERE for the flyer.  ​


    Back by popular demand! The Christmas Parade in Haines City returns this year on Friday, December 20th at 7PM. Join the City of Haines City for an exciting, family-friendly, holiday themed parade through Haines City. Santa Clause will be there too!  The Christmas Parade application is officially out. If you would like more information on being in the parade please email parksandrec@hainescity.com. They are currently accepting groups, business and non-profit organizations. Space is limited.

    Check out the amazing vacation deals from Smarra Cruises!  Get the best price, promotion, and an additional $100 on board room credit on most sailings on the new Carnival Mardi Gras sailing starting in 2020 from Port Canaveral.  Click the following link to watch a video for Carnival Mardi Gras: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=8g8P5kBMqSs&fbclid= IwAR0WqiXkZOiIIukhYmsNCl8T2YYQ Wgsz8LInSjjFoKnzVm3AnpoFHeQ7qF A  Enter To Win: Enjoy a 3- or 4-Night Royal Caribbean cruise for four aboard the Navigator of the Seas! Visit their newly revamped private island, CocoCay, where you can ride down giant waterslides or just hang out on the beach.  Winner Announcement: Will be made on (or around) January 30th, 2020 after the winner is contacted and the prize is claimed. The winner will be announced on the corporate Facebook pages (Facebook.com/CruiseOne, Facebook.com/ OfficialDreamVacations & Facebook.com/CruisesInc) and on the Business Center.

    Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital offer an array of support groups, screenings and healthy living activities in Polk County each month. Click HERE for a list of events that will be held in November.​