Office Furniture

After Hours: Community

inside See who
SBA Awarded:

Depot hosts Betty Nguyen

Celebration:
received the
this issue
plaque for this Business After keynote speaker
monthly award. Hours. at annual event.
Page 5 Page 14 Page 4

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents! • visit LakelandChamber.com

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

monthly
MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire by-the-Lake 2009
May 2009
Vol. XIX, No.5

The 38th Annual Celebration of Art & Community

Begun in 1974 as a crafts fair on the lawn of
the Lakeland Public Library, MIDFLORIDA
Mayfaire by-the-Lake has grown into one of
Florida's premier outdoor art festivals. Held on

SPOTLIGHT
Mother's Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is BUSINESS
located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton
in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Mayfaire is one
of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in
Central Florida. Come see why it has such a

WELLDYNE®
• Over 180 artists: With so many to
great reputation!

choose from, you're sure to find one you

love! From jewelers, to clay artists, to painters;
landscapes and wildlife to pure abstraction, EXPANDS TO LAKELAND
• TO EMPLOY 700 PEOPLE •

• Free parking and shuttle service:

any artistic taste will be satisfied.
With WellDyne’s national
Free parking at Florida Southern College on base of business growing so
the corner of Johnson and McDonald. A free large, the decision was made
shuttle will run between the parking lot and to open a second mail order

• MayFerrys: Free shuttles will run

the festival.
around Lake Morton and up to the Museum
• Food and beverage vendors: A wide
during the festival.
variety of great edibles are available for purchase
including smoothies, funnel cakes, shaved ice
• Live entertainment: Local musicians,
and MORE!
dance companies, and VSA arts of Florida
perform on stage on the shady front lawn of
pharmacy. The company
2009 poster art by Chris Boone hired a site selection
consulting firm to assist with
Lakeland Public Library throughout the
the evaluation of locations
• Hands-on Children's Art Tent: Several
weekend.
throughout the Eastern United
FREE art activities are offered every year and States. After a comprehensive
are designed for participation by children of search, Lakeland was chosen
ALL abilities. Volunteers are always needed as the site that will eventually
for this happy area. Call 863-688-7743 ext. employ 700 people.
227 or 863-688-5423 to volunteer.
• Continued on Page 6

ALSO INSIDE: New Members • EMERGE Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move
 Gov. Crist endorses grassroots movement to boost Florida’s economy
We’re excited to announce that on
March 24th, Florida Governor Charlie
Crist joined businesses, chambers and
associations from across the state to
launch Florida’s Backyard Card incentive
program. This program gives Floridians
another good reason to get out and
support their local and state businesses.
The Backyard Card program is a powerful
marketing tool which you can use to
grow your business. Tap the benefits of
widespread promotion of shopping
incentives by a partnership that includes
the Lakeland Area Chamber of
Commerce, statewide business leaders
and the State of Florida. We need your
help now in populating the value offers
on the Web site.
• Consumers across the state will be
urged to get a Florida Backyard Card,
which will be available online and
distributed by Florida Lottery retailers.
• The campaign will be heavily promoted
across the state by the Florida Lottery
as well as print and broadcast media
partners.
• Consumers access the online searchable
database to find the best values in
tourism in the wake of the 9-11 terrorist
attacks. This time, ALL Florida businesses
can benefit from the statewide “spend
at home” campaign.
Get started now by following the three
steps above. If you would like to see a
demonstration of the registration
process, click here to our online webinar
for step-by-step instructions.
For more information about the Backyard
Economics campaign, or to access
downloadable promotional tools to
display in your business, visit
www.BackyardEconomics.com.

To get started:
their backyard.
• The campaign will continue into the
1.Add a value offer for your customers fall. You will be able to use your
by visiting LakelandChamber.com unique user name and password to
and clicking on the Florida Backyard manage your account and change
Card. your special offers at any time.
2. Once reviewed and approved, your
value offer will show up on This campaign is similar to the highly
www.FloridaBackyardCard.com for successful campaign used to drive in-state
people to find and use.
3.Keep updating and posting new
values so you can attract more
business. (You’ll receive a username
and password once your first offer is

How it works:
reviewed.)

• Someone here at the Lakeland Area

Chamber of Commerce will review all
value offers before they appear on
www.FloridaBackyardCard.com.

Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce
Forum For Business Monthly

Volume Information: May 2009, Vol. XIX, No. 5

Anu Saxena Kathleen L. Munson

Chairman of the Board Publisher & President

Aaron Bates Kingston Partners

Managing Editor Design

No. 2
 TIRED OF OPENING ALL THAT MAIL?

CALENDARS
MARK YOUR The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to help you
out with that by sending your future invoices via E-mail. Not only
will it save you time but you would be helping us “Save the Trees.”
If your company is interested in receiving the E-mail version of

The 2009 Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast is right around the

invoices, please complete the information below and return to:
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
corner. Come enjoy breakfast with our Polk County Legisla- PO Box 3607
tive Delegation and discover firsthand how the business com- Attn: Invoices
munity fared during the 2009 Legislative Session. Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 AM

YES! I WANT TO RECEIVE INVOICES BY E-MAIL

First Presbyterian Church Company Name:

175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

$25 Chamber members / $30 non-members Billing Contact Name:

Make your reservations TODAY – seating is limited!

…
Address:

Call 863/688-8551 ext. 302

Or visit WrapUp.LakelandChamber.com City: State: Zip:
to reserve a seat
For additional information see enclosed flyer or contact E-mail:
Katie Daughtrey at 863/688-8551 ext. 241
Phone:

Fax:
 with
Keynote Speaker Betty Nguyen visited
May or Bud dy Fletcher and e Ledger
Publisher, Jerome Ferson.

With Mayor Fletcher looking on, Brian

Britten, the Media Relations Director for
Over 550 people om our community attended the the Detroit Tigers, proudly presented
10th annual CommUnity Celebration. Betty Nguyen with her own personalized,
official Tiger shirt.

Betty Nguyen visited with guests

both before and aer the event.
In this photo, she was visiting
with a fellow Vietnamese, Dien
Duong-Strickland.
Punam Saxena, Punam’s Phuc Vo, an Orthop
edic Surgeon,
Perfections, was one of several at Watson Clinic spe
nt some time
who hosted Betty Nguyen for with Betty Nguyen
discussing the
dinner the night before the event. foundation she has
established to
assist people in her na
tive country
of Viet Nam.

School groups are always encouraged to attend the

CommUnity Celebration. Lincoln Academy was
hosted by ASC geosciences, inc and the 5th grade Javier Marin, Su
class earned the opportunity to hear a nationally nTrust Bank, is
chairman of the the
recognized speaker and experience an adult event. Diversity Busin
Council for 2009 ess
, and served as
emcee for the ev the
ent.

No. 4
Small Business of the Month Award presented
Wilma Taylor has been sewing since
she was a child and always dreamed
of having her own alterations shop.
That dream came to fruition in August
1991 when she rented the red house
on South Florida Court.
Small Business of the Month Committee Member,
Lana Swartzwelder (St. Joseph’s School), presents
Wilma Taylor, Taylor’s Alterations, with the Small
Business of the Month Award for April.
Wilma made all the repairs to her shop
during the day and did the alterations
at night. By the end of the first
month, she had enough customers
that she needed to hire someone to
help her.
The business continued to grow and
she now has three employees. The
shop has maintained the same hours
of business from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00
p.m. since the opening.
At Taylor’s Alterations you can have
your old or new clothes altered a little
or a lot. Many wedding dresses have
been tailored to each bride’s satisfaction
and outfits can be newly sewn from
your design and choice of fabric. Some
customers of Taylor’s have been
bringing their clothes to the shop
since its opening.
Wilma is thankful for her customers
and knows that it is because of them
that her shop has been so successful.
April winner
Taylor’s Alterations
Wilma S. Taylor
4410 South Florida Court
Lakeland, FL 33813
863/646-2439
She always has a smile when you
enter her shop and it is noticeable
that she enjoys her work and her
clients, which she considers friends.
The clothes are ready when her
clients need them and the customer’s
satisfaction is important.
She is a member of National Association
of Women Business Owners and the
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Lakeland Area Chamber of
Commerce would like to congratulate
Taylor’s Alterations as the Small
Business of the Month for April.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
WellDyne chooses Lakeland for second mail order pharmacy location
Why We Chose Lakeland for our Expansion …
WellDyne® has a history of providing
innovative solutions to the healthcare
industry. Over the last twenty years,
WellDyne has built their
business on the principle that
by delivering incredible
service, they will create
relationships which last a
lifetime. The result of this
customer focused strategy has been
continuous growth for the company.
With WellDyne’s national base of business
growing so large, the decision was made to
open a second mail order pharmacy.
WellDyne wanted a second location to
provide additional capacity for growth,
disaster recovery backup and better
geographic balance with their Colorado
operation. The company hired a site
selection consulting firm to assist with
the evaluation of locations throughout
the Eastern United States. After a
comprehensive search, Lakeland was
chosen as the site for the new 62,000
square foot facility that will eventually
employ 700 people.
WellDyne felt that Lakeland was the
perfect place for their business to prosper.
Lakeland is a well planned community
that offers a great combination of small
town hospitality coupled with big city
This is a paid advertisement. If you would like to see your company featured, please
contact Aaron Bates for more information. e-mail: abates@lakelandchamber.com
amenities. This combination
lines up well with WellDyne’s philosophy
of providing incredible service while
leveraging technology and
innovation to provide smarter
solutions. In addition to
Lakeland’s vibrant and
diverse business community,
WellDyne believes the
proposed USF Polytechnic University
will serve as an excellent future source
for highly technical workers. WellDyne
hopes to work with USF Polytechnic
University on joint research and business
ventures that will improve health
through innovation.
“We are a company that knows that our
investment in technology and innovation
gives us the lead in cost containment and
accuracy,” states Damien Lamendola,
President and CEO of WellDyne.
“However, it is our people, and their
commitment to service, that really
distinguishes us from our competitors. We
know that we will find a workforce in
Lakeland that will be the basis for our
continued growth.”
Many factors went into WellDyne’s
decision to expand their business in
Lakeland. First of all, Lakeland offered
WellDyne a business friendly environment
No. 6
with an impressive workforce to help fuel
their growth. Being situated between
Orlando and Tampa provides WellDyne
with easy access to national transportation
services. In addition, the ideal year-round
climate and the appeal of world class
attractions provide the perfect draw for
customer entertainment. WellDyne was
searching for a leading community to be a
partner in the company’s growth. Lakeland
has provided the perfect strategic
relationship for their future.
About WellDyne:
We are leading the way with products
and services to help people live healthier
lives. WellDyne’s companies include:
WellDyneRx®, a full service pharmacy
benefit manager; US Specialty Care®, a
leader in providing expertise in specialty
pharmaceuticals; wellCenters™, onsite
health clinics which promote employee
health and improve employer profitability;
WellMailRx™, a partnership for Phar-
macy Mail Service including Central Fill
capability; and NetCard Systems™,
the advanced technology network
administration leader. WellDyne
operates two regional offices located in
Centennial, Colorado and Lakeland,
Florida. WellDyne’s clients include
Managed Care Organizations, Medicare
and government health plans, self-insured
employers including state and local
governments, third party administrators,
and unions.
No. 8
RENEWALS
The Chamber would like to recognize
and thank the following businesses for
their long-standing support and loyalty.

20+ Years Renewals

1940 - 69 Years
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
JBT Food Tech
1945 - 64 Years
Boring Business Systems
1961 - 48 Years
Century Realty Funds
1962 - 47 Years
Florida Rock Industries, Inc.
1966 - 43 Years
Lakeland Eye Clinic
1967 - 42 Years
YMCA of West Central Florida
1970 - 39 Years
Lohr Enterprises
1974 - 35 Years
GrayRobinson, P.A.
1976 - 33 Years
XYZ Liquor
1977 - 32 Years
Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner
1979 - 30 Years
Lakeland Flying Tigers
Lakeland Association of Realtors
1980 - 29 Years
Miriam South Corporation
Zimmerman Associates, Inc.
1981 - 28 Years
Verplanck Plumbing, Inc.
1982 - 27 Years
Sclafani Williams Court Reporters, Inc.
Hudson Pump & Equipment
Manpower, Inc.
1983 - 26 Years
Lakeland Regional Medical Center
Flower Cart Florist
1984 - 25 Years
Thorpe Heating & Cooling, Inc.
1986 - 23 Years
Grant’s Auto, Inc.
Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated
1987 - 22 Years
Williford Flooring Company, Inc.
The Hooks Group
1988 - 21 Years
Goodwill Superstore
Junior League of Greater Lakeland

15-Year Renewals
DiCesare, Davidson & Barker, P.A.
Gulf Coast Boring and Pipeline, Inc.
Tapatios Restaurante Mexicano, Inc.

10-Year Renewals
WorkComp Solutions, Inc.

5-Year Renewals
Champs Sports Bar & Grille
NEW MEMBERS
e Chamber is proud to welcome 15 new members for March 2009
Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge to to “Buy Lakeland. It makes good
cents!” by doing business with these new Chamber members. For the most up-to-date list of members, visit our on-line Preferred Business Directory
at LakelandChamber.com!

Law Offices of Allen & Abaray, P.A.

5835 US Highway 98 S
Lakeland, FL 33812-4325 Community Bank of Florida
(863) 669-9999 5800 US Highway 98 N
Fax: (863) 669-0699 Lakeland, FL 33809-3110
www.allenandabaray.com (863) 815-4855

Grass Root Organic Restaurant

Tenille Jennings Fax: (863) 815-4884
Attorneys www.communitybankfl.com

AllSolar Service Company, Inc.

Stacy Stokes 1212 S. Florida Ave Bldg 2
Banks Lakeland, FL 33803-2202
1507 Damon Ave. (863) 603-7668
Kissimmee, FL 34744-3465 Community Bank of Florida www.thegrassrootlife.com
(407) 846-7830 3221 S. Florida Ave. Sabrina Aird
Fax: (407) 847-5013 Restaurants
www.allsolarflorida.com
Lakeland, FL 33803-4550

Hang-Ups Custom Window Coverings

(863) 648-9961
Dillon Daniels Fax: (863) 648-9967
Solar Energy Contractor www.communitybankfl.com Lakeland, FL 33809-1523

Barrett Creative
Karen Houtz (863) 393-8269
Banks Fax: (863) 868-7023
6700 S Florida Ave Ste 30 www.hangupscwc.com
Lakeland, FL 33813-3312 Digital Imaging & Consulting, Inc. Richard N. Wintz
(863) 648-2725 2318 Maple Hill Dr Window Treatment Specialist
(866) 907-2111
www.barrettcreative.com Home Sound Solutions
Lakeland, FL 33811-1476
(863) 399-0242
Michael G. Barrett www.dicgroupinc.com Lakeland, FL 33813-2141
Michael Warnock Scott Eaton (863) 248-5770
Graphic Design Computers - Consulting & Networking Fax: (863) 248-3743
www.homesoundsolutions.com
Joseph W. Brown, II, Attorney
Flooring America of Lakeland
& Counselor at Law, P.A.
Tony Calero
5729 S Florida Ave Home Theatre Systems
501 E. Kennedy Blvd Ste 775
Imagine-Net Technology
Lakeland, FL 33813-2529
Tampa, FL 33602-5258 (863) 701-9411
(813) 223-5258 Fax: (863) 701-9511 PO Box 7052
www.FlooringAmericaofLakeland.com
Fax: (813) 223-3909 Lakeland, FL 33807-7052
Joseph W. Brown, II Tim & Barbara Riley (863) 397-5879
Attorneys Floor Coverings www.imagine-net-tech.com
Cartridge Connection
Computers
Gators Dockside - Highland City
Major Nightscapes, Inc.
Lakeland, FL 33810-2624
5147 US Highway 98 S
(863) 859-4408
Lakeland, FL 33812 230 Tara Court
Fax: (863) 937-5185
www.thecartridgeconnection.com
(863) 619-7619 Lakeland, FL 33809-1523
Fax: (863) 619-7629 (863) 255-2670
Dawn Lawson
Jeff Adkins Fax: (863) 859-7620
Office Supplies/Equipment
Restaurants Brian & Jennifer West
Landscape Lighting

No. 10
AFFORDABLE
HOMEOWNERSHIP STRATEGIES
Keystone Challenge Fund
provides the following services:
FOR PROSPERITY
• DOWN PAYMENT WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
ASSISTANCE CITY CENTER
101 W. MAIN STREET, SUITE 150
• CLOSING COST
ASSISTANCE THURSDAY, MAY 14
7:30 - 9:30 AM
• AFFORDABLE
MORTGAGE TOPIC: DEVELOPING YOUR MARKETING PLAN
FINANCING
THIS MONTH, JOIN FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS AT WEBSTER UNIVERSITY
• HOMEBUYER FOR OUR BUSINESS PREP SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP.
COME ENJOY A LIGHT BREAKFAST AND TAKE HOME TOOLS AND TIPS
EDUCATION FOR WRITING AND EXECUTING YOUR MARKETING PLAN IN ANY ECONOMIC SETTING.
SEATING IS LIMITED TO 20, SO REGISTER EARLY BY VISITING
• MORE INFORMATION BUSINESSPREP.LAKELANDCHAMBER.COM!
AVAILABLE AT
www.keystonechallenge.org
Members Only - $15

www.keystonechallenge.org
863-682-1025

Assistance provided by
the City of Lakeland and
Polk County SHIP Programs.
Income limits and other qualifying requirements apply.

No. 12
MARCH TOURISM INQUIRIES

CALENDAR
During the month of March, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of MARK YOUR
individuals, answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the
Lakeland community.
Walk-in Visitors..................................487 Winter Accommodations .................. 2
Relocation Response Mailings ............ 8 Visitor Information Mailings ............... 43 EVENTS
Relocation Response (Walk In) .......... 18 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.............188 Thursday, May 14
Accommodations................................. 3 Business Prep Workshop
7:30 a.m. Webster University,
101 W. Main St, Ste 150

Chairman’s Circle Spring Business

Luncheon
Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Lakeland Yacht & Country Club

Thursday, May 19
Pink Slip Party
5:30 p.m. Natalie's Sports Bar & Grill
3120 S. Florida Ave.

Thursday, May 21
Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast,
7:00 a.m., First Presbyterian Church
175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.

Monday, May 25
Chamber closed in observance of
Memorial Day.

Thursday, May 28
Business After Hours,
5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Lakeland Electric
& Lakeland Flying Tigers,
Joker Marchant Stadium,
2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

MEETINGS
Monday May 4
Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation
Board of Directors Meeting. 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 7
– Leadership Lakeland XXVI –
Communications/Arts
& Culture Day

Wednesday, May 13
Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.
BusinessVoice, 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 14
– Leadership Lakeland XXVI –
Closing Retreat & Graduation
Lakeland Yacht & Country Club
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Wednesday, May 20
Executive Committee Meeting.
4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27
Board of Directors Meeting,
Noon
Lakeland Yacht and Country Club
Office Furniture Depot hosts March’s Business After Hours
The March 26 Business After Hours was held at Office Furniture Depot located
2440 US Highway North. It was a great event featuring food from Harry's
Seafood Bar & Grille, music by the “Music Makers” and an all-star line-up of
door prizes provided by our host. Office Furniture Depot’s employees welcomed
each member at the door and made sure everything was perfect. Members ate,
drank and networked late into the evening. There was a positive attitude as
members chose to think about the good things that were happening in the
business community. Thanks to David Boles and the entire staff for great Door prize winners le to right: Bob Carlton, Balloons & Beyond
door prizes and a great event. (won a beautiful storage cabinet); Melanie Brinton, Ashley Stirling,
Office Furniture Depot; Tom Cancellare, Fairfield Inn & Suites
(won a comfy office chair).

Melanie Brenton accepts Plaque of

Appreciation for Office Furniture Depot

No. 14
Chamber members enjoy Schmooze a’Palooza
On March 12, 50 Chamber members met for
lunch and “power networking” at Brima
(3131 Flightline Drive, Suite 200). The
Chamber’s famous Schmooze a’Palooza
event kicked off it’s 2009 series with plenty
of great food, fabulous contacts and lots of
business cards! When members stood to give
an overview of their businesses, nearly
everyone introduced their company as
“recession-proof”! We are so blessed to be in
a community where our business owners and
employees are positive and energetic!
Chamber board member & Trustee, Patrick
Fagan (Fifth Third Bank) chose to use his 30
second introduction to share a reminder
about the Chamber’s “Buy Lakeland. It
makes good cents!” campaign. He let the
group know about the board’s renewed focus
on the campaign and their commitment to
keep business and dollars in the Lakeland
community.
Join us for our next event on July 9, 2009 at
Mt. Fuji Steakhouse! Seating is limited, so be
sure to register early by visiting:
Schmooze.LakelandChamber.com
e networking didn’t stop - even during the meal!
Bett Vernon, Mary Kay Cosmetics, learns more
about Fairfield Inn & Suites om Shalla Ferguson.
Susie Tart & Debbie Hooks give a 30-second
commercial for their gi shop, e Fancy Frog.
 MAY MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Wallis Murphey
Boyington Architects, Inc.
Steven J. Boyington, AIA recently
became an accredited LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design)
professional. This designation is consistent
with his long interest in sustainable
design in Central Florida. This interest
started back in 1981with his thesis at MIT
on “Energy Strategies for Central Florida”.
Baylis & Company PA
Baylis & Company PA recently provided
two seminars entitled “Complying with
the new Form 990” for 40 clients and
community members. The seminars were
hosted by Edith Yates, CPA, CFP, Tracy
Kimbrough, CPA, Tamara Burroughs,
CPA, Jean Bias, CPA, and Nancy Noe.
Ms. Yates spoke about the current
requirements of Form 990, “Return of
Organization Exempt from Income Tax,”
which has been extensively revised by
the IRS.

Pediatric Therapy Services

Pediatric Therapy Services hosted the first
of 6 parent training sessions for special
needs children on 2-16-09 entitled " What
Parents Can Do". Marcia Postema
Occupational Therapist presented.
Upcoming sessions include: Success at
School, The Sixth Sense, The Listening
Ear, Play Power, and The Climate for
Healing. Sessions are held the last
Tuesday of the Month. Contact Pediatric
Therapy Services for more information.

Douglass Screen Printers

Lisa Kaiser Hickey of Douglass Screen
Printers, Inc was recently recognized as the
Honorary Chair of the Girl Scouts of West
Central Florida’s Dessert First Dinner and
Auction in Lakeland, Florida. Ms. Hickey
actively participated on the Steering
Committee for the dinner and
her company was also a
corporate sponsor.

No. 16
 The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your
announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@LakelandChamber.com
Cipher Integrations, Inc.
Todd Baylis, COO, recently gave a
presentation to the Community
Foundation of Greater Lakeland on
“Computer Security and Helping Protect
Your Clients.” Mr. Baylis addressed basic
computer security principles and threat
prevention, detection and response. He
also spoke about computer security as it
relates to disaster recovery and intellectual
property.
Lunz Prebor Fowler Architects
Heather Pell, an interior designer with the
firm of Lunz Prebor Fowler Architects in
Lakeland, recently passed the National
Council for Interior Design Qualification
(NCIDQ) Examination and earned the
prestigious NCIDQ Certificate. Mrs.
Pell has been appointed to manage the
interiors work for Lunz Prebor Fowler
Architects and LPF Interiors.
Bok Tower Gardens
The bride and groom rooms at Bok Tower
Gardens will be redecorated thanks to
proceeds from the first annual Sweetheart
Tea and Bridge Party at Pinewood Estate
in February. A check for $700 was
presented to Gardens’ president David
Price by Jean Gibson, Ann Stewart,
Sharon Harned and Shirley Hopp,
Gardens’ volunteers who coordinated the
event. Also pictured on the left is Marjola
Burdeshaw, Gardens’ membership and
development manager.
ATTENTION
Clubs &
Organizations
It is time to update our
Lakeland Area Guide to Clubs
& Organizations.
Please contact us no later than
August 31, 2009
To ensure your club or
organization is represented.
Please contact Patty Smith at
863/688-8551 Ext. 221
Or E-mail at
psmith@lakelandchamber.com
 RIBBON CUTTINGS
The following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of December.
See the photos on our Web site at LaklandChamber.com.

Julianne’s Fine Dining

3125 U.S. HWY 98 S, Lakeland, 33803
Joanne List – 863/937-8032

Webster University
101 W. Main Street, Ste 150, Lakeland, 33815
863/286-9347

WellDyneRX
500 Eagles Landing, Lakeland, 33805
863/686-4700

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOU

Special thanks to Mayor Buddy Fletcher, City Commissioner Glenn Higgins and all of the board members and chamber champions who truly
make these ceremonies a special event.

No. 18
Retailers focus on going ‘green’ EMERGE Lakeland
March 9 saw another early morning meeting of Chamber retailers. Goes Green Event
Focusing on Merchandising and Consumer Trends, Barb Erickson
of PartyLite Gifts reminded the attendees to dress for success and
showcase new and exciting products. As the TrendWatching.com
report indicated a continuation of “green” initiatives, AGreenMaid’s
Jennifer Hicks was on hand to offer business owners some insight
into bringing the dollars associated with the trend into our local
stores. Special thanks to Chef Paulie’s Services for an outstanding
omelette and waffle breakfast and to Bramble Ridge for hosting the event.
EMERGE Lakeland members attended
an EMERGE Goes Green social hosted
by Allure Salon and Day Spa. The
event was part of the 2009 EMERGE
Green Initiative. Members had the
opportunity to network, enjoy
refreshments and learn what EMERGE
and its members are doing to go green.
Everyone can make a difference and
there are many simple things we all
can do that take less than a minute
from changing to compact fluorescent
light bulbs to saying “no thanks” to
atm receipts. Look for more Green
initiatives at future events throughout
the year. Social interaction among
young professionals is one of the
missions of EMERGE.

EMERGE members also attended a

Professional Development Breakfast
hosted by Rob Clancey, Director of
Polk Community College’s Corporate
College. Mr. Clancey outlined tips for
a successful career change in his program
titled “Don’t Be Afraid of Reinventing
Yourself….The Grass CAN Be Greener
on the Other Side”. Mr. Clancey
discussed the relevance in today’s society
as many people are choosing or are
being forced to choose career changes.
Thanks to the PCC Lakeland Campus
for being great hosts. Professional
development is one mission of
EMERGE. EMERGE promotes social
interaction among young professionals,
opportunities for philanthropic
engagement and career enrichment.

Visit www.EmergeLakeland.com to
learn more about upcoming events,
volunteer opportunities and development
and social outings. You can also click
on the EMERGE logo on:
www.lakelandchamber.com.
 Return Service
Requested
PERMIT # 31
US POSTAGE
PRSRT STD

LAKELAND
FLORIDA
PAID
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 3607 • Lakeland, FL 33802-3607

LAKELAND ELECTRIC
AND LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS

THURSDAY, MAY 28 • 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M.

JOKER MARCHANT STADIUM
(2301 LAKELAND HILLS BLVD.)

COME FOR NETWORKING, STAY FOR THE GAME.

ALL BUSINESS AFTER HOURS ATTENDEES ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION TO THE EVENING GAME!

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Guests

Please R.S.V.P. by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the event. You may register and pay online by using this link:
LakelandChamber.com or by E-mailing: mstevenson@lakelandchamber.com