Class of 2008Entrepreneurial Academy Grads

Eighteen class members of the Entrepreneurial Academy graduated onNov. 12, 2008, at Mitchell’s Coffeehouse. Maggie Lazarre wasthe wonderful keynote speaker. In addition to thanking Maggie,we have many other business leaders to show appreciation towho taught the various classes:

• Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts – Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc.•Hal Bolter – Florida Fluid System Technologies•Doretha Brooks – Small Business Development Center, CFDC•Becky Bywater – NAWBO• Spike Bywater – SCORE•Nancy Cattarius –WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio•Kevin Chambers – InfoMed Technologies• Liz Craven – ProAdMedia•Claretha Conner – SunTrust Bank•Mayor Buddy Fletcher - City of Lakeland•Drew Gillan - Bright House Networks•Ray Gunder – Gunder’s Auto Center, Inc.•Mitch Harvey –Mitchell’s Coffeehouse•Gaynelle Henderson – Bright House Networks• Linda Jezard – Advantage Positioning•Roy Lawson – Software Development Services, LLC• Tori Lehman – Consultant• Steve Madden –Madden•Carolynne Mather – KidsWorld Enrichment Center• Suzanne Merritt – Benson’s Canine Cookies• Jeff Miles – OMS Insurance• Terry Ottinger – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce• Larry Ross – Florida Southern College•Greg Sanoba – Sanoba & Sanoba, P.A.•Bill Scisciani – Lanier Upshaw, Inc.•Art Rowbotham –WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio•Amy Wiggins – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce• Troy Yount – SunTrust Bank• Jimmy Waller –Waller Construction, Inc.

Congratulations Fall 2008 Entrepreneurial Academy Graduates! We would like tothank our sponsors for their continuing support of the Entrepreneurial Academy:Bright House Networks, Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation, Inc. andWONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio.Pictured (seated): Patty Nievas

Pictured first row le to right: Judy ompson, Bryan Dunn, Lisa Garcia, AnnMcKee, Shaun Gursky, and Dave omas.

Pictured back row le to right: Ilner Mesidor, Sherry Allen, Justin Harris, JennellWallace, Blake McQueen, and Rob Rice.

Not pictured: Ashley Bray, Don Davis, John McGee, Kevin McGee, and Scott Wilson.

Volume Information: January 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 1

Anu SaxenaChairman of the Board

Aaron BatesManaging Editor

Kathleen L. MunsonPublisher & President

Kingston PartnersDesign

Lakeland Area Chamber of CommerceForum For Business Monthly

The November New Member Reception was hosted by Texas CattleCompany, 735 E. Main St. Approximately 30 new members and staffenjoyed outstanding hors d’oeuvres and networking. Chamber staffintroduced the new members to chamber programs and services availableto help them promote and build their business. Each new member presenthad the opportunity to give a 30-second “commercial” about their business.Thanks to Grant, Deidre and the entire staff of Texas Cattle Companyfor their hospitality in making the evening a great success.

Riverside Bank is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2008 New MemberReception Series.

Texas Cattle Company hostsNew Member Reception

New members, staff and guests network during the November New Member Reception.

New members enjoyed the opportunity to continue tonetwork aer the presentations were made.

No.2

Claussen’s Fine Furniture began when brothers Jim and Byron Claussenbought an existing furniture business, Haven Furniture, in WinterHaven, in 1975. Jim had experience running a small business andByron had the furniture knowledge, having been a furnituredepartment manager for Montgomery Ward. Byron stayed withMontgomery Ward that first year before joining his brother inmanagement. As a result, Jim approached things from the customer’spoint of view. “I simply asked myself, what would I expect if I werethe customer in this situation?” That customer focused attitudeformed the basis for the company’s success and steady growth.

That growth allowed Jim’s sons: Jim Jr., Mark, and Joe to join the businessafter graduating from college. It also resulted in a second location inLakeland, which opened in 1991. At 45,000 square feet, it is almostthree times the size of the Winter Haven location.

“We like to boast thatwe’re the store withthe most choices andthe largest selection,even if there are somestores in the area witha little more squarefootage,” explains JimJr. “We encouragecustomers to specialorder the perfect fabricor piece for their room,unlike some of ourchain store competitors. Customers love that they can choose fromover 1,000 fabrics or browse through manufacturer’s catalogs to findthe perfect piece.” Personal service and customer satisfaction is apriority for the Claussen brothers.

Claussen’s Fine Furniture is a member of the National Home FurnishingsAssociation, a retail affiliate of the Interior Design Society and Jim hasserved on the board of the Florida Furniture Dealers Association.Claussen’s often facilitates donations and deliveries of customer’sold furniture to thrift stores and local charities. The company supportsvarious local charities and family members are involved in areaservice clubs and churches.

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulateClaussen’s Fine Furniture as the December Small Business of theMonth award winner.

December winnerCCllaauusssseenn’’ss FFiinnee FFuurrnniittuurree4715 South Florida AvenueLakeland, FL 33813-2126863/647-1000863/648-1900 Faxinfo@claussensfurniture.comwww.claussensfurniture.com

Lana Swartzwelder, principal, St. Joseph Catholic School and Small Business AwardCommittee Member, presents the December Small Business of the Month Award toJim and Mark Claussen, Claussen’s Fine Furniture.

Small Business of the Month Award presented

No.3

Special thanks to the following member businessesand individuals who have contributed to theFoundation for the period 10/1/07 – 9/30/08.Their tax-deductible contribution will supportthe Foundation’s mission to improve Lakeland’s

quality of life. If you are interested in contributingand being added to the list below, simply markthe Foundation box on your annual ChamberInvestment renewal form next time it comes inthe mail.

One of the greatest assets this Chamberhas in serving the diverse needs ofour community is the Lakeland AreaChamber Foundation. Founded in1973 as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profitorganization, the Foundation servesto support needed community andeducation initiatives. Regretfully,the economic downturn has impactedthe Foundation’s investment fundand its ability to disburse grantfunding in 2009.

Board of DirectorsThe following officers and directorswill lead the Foundation in 2009:

Officers:• Timothy F. Campbell, Foundation

Chairman and Immediate Past Chair (Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.)

�•Anu Saxena, Chamber Chairman of the Board (ASC geosciences, inc.)

�•Joe L. Ruthven, Chamber Chair-elect (The Ruthvens)

�•Walker Wilkerson, Treasurer (The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP)

�•Kathleen Munson, President�•Andrea Teves Smith, General

Counsel (Peterson & Myers, P.A.)

Directors:�•Janet Fansler (Lakeland Regional

Medical Center)�•Dr. Jay Mulaney (Central Florida

Eye Associates)�•Maureen Shaw (Flower Cart Florist)�•Gary Tarr, Treasurer

(Pepperidge Farm, Inc.)�•David Touchton

(The NCT Group CPA’s, LLP)

Chamber Foundation serves community’s diverse needs

Advantage Home Health Services, Inc.Allen & Company Fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland

AlphaGraphicsBrett Blackmon, Inc.Brickyard Div of Custom Coatings & Design, Inc.Buckner Commercial PropertiesCanco General ContractorsCentral Florida Eye Associates/Jay Mulaney, M.D.Century 21 A.H. Realty, Inc.Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.COGISTICS, INC.CompAge, Inc.Compression Therapy ConceptsCrown Printing, Inc.Dixie Signs, Inc.Larry DurrenceEmployee Insurance Benefits of Florida, Inc.The Fabric WarehouseFlorida Lifestyle Communities, Inc.Flower Cart of Central Florida, Inc.Gene Engle Real Estate, Inc.Gillum-Waddell Plumbing, Inc.

Griffin Pools, Inc.The Hair ShantyHampton Inn of LakelandHerndon & Associates Insurance, LLCHunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.Institute of Spanish Communication, Inc.Kerry Ingredients & FlavoursLake Morton Bed & BreakfastCharles LakeThe LedgerLilly, O’Toole & Brown, LLPLoftin Real Estate, Inc.Miller Construction Management, Inc.Oh’s Boutique “Soul Train Stop”Premier Appraisal & Consulting ServicesQuality Petroleum CorporationSeaboard DistributionSilvermoon Drive-In TheatreSoutheastern Paper GroupStallings Crop Insurance Corp.Tapatio’s Restaurante Mexicano, Inc.W.A. Magarino, M.D., P.A.

GIVE YOURSUPPORTIf you would like to learn more abouthow to support the Foundation’s efforts,please contact Barbara Bennett atthe Chamber, 688-8551, ext. 233.

No.4

We’re Florida Blood Services, the exclusiveprovider of blood components to more than 37area hospitals, including Lakeland RegionalMedical Center. Since 1942we’ve been stewards of theblood supply in this part ofthe state, serving many ofthe most critically ill patients,young and old. WhenLakeland Regional wantedthe latest technologies and advanced resourcesin the blood industry, they called on us. Nowwe are calling on you.

Lakeland Regional Medical Center hostsmonthly employee blood drives with FloridaBlood Services (FBS). With local usage of over19,000 donations annually, there is a vitalneed to support the State’s 5th largest hospitaland trauma center. Therefore, we are askingyour organization to be a vital communityhealthcare partner, along with GEICO,Lockheed-Martin, First United Methodist,Church of the Resurrection, Ardella Baptist, andUSF/PCC among others, who are now sponsoringregular blood drives with FBS. Your support will help to save the lives of patients locally, aswell as veterans, ill newborns, cancer patients

and others from Polk County who continue toreceive care, as they have for over 60 years, atother Tampa Bay area hospitals serviced by

FBS and our vital volunteerblood donors. The blood isnot for us after all, it is foryour family, friends andneighbors.

If you are already a blooddonor, the credits you earned from anywhere inthe country are good at Florida Blood Services.FBS wants to recognize your past as well ascurrent donations. Please let us know yourlifetime achievements!

In addition to honoring your credits, FBS has aBlood Donor Benefit Program that will provideup to $5,000 coverage for any non-insured,unreimbursed blood processing fees, in theevent you need blood. Subsequent donationscan also cover family members and evenprovide annual coverage for someone whocannot donate blood. Our Blood DonorBenefit Program also has a benefit for organizations that sponsor regular blooddrives. Please ask your FBS Community Relations Representative for details.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTFlorida Blood Services calling on community to participate in blood drives

January is National Blood Donor Monthand Dunkin’ Donuts encourages you to“Give a Pint-Get a Pound!” All Januaryblood donors will receive a coupon fora FREE pound of coffee from Dunkin’Donuts, plus you’ll enjoy a travel mugand a wellness check-up, including acholesterol screening. Please call 1-800-68 BLOOD (25663) for an appointment or stop by your newLakeland Community Donor Center at2315 Commerce Point Drive. We areNorth of Edgewood and South ofCombee Rd. You can also click onwww.polkbloodbank.org for locations ofmobile drives near you.

Please join our Lifesaving Team! CallBuzz Wells at 863/450-9733 or PennyBennett at 863/450-9734 for details onhow to sponsor a blood drive. Thank youfor your civic support in helping to providethe blood supply that protects all of us andour loved ones when they need it most.

www.polkbloodbank.org

FBS mascot Phillip A. Pint recruits donors with theGEICO Gecko during their blood drive December.

FBS Vice President J.B. Gaskins practices what he preaches by donating platelets for patients in need.

No.6

This is a paid advertisement. If you would like to see yourcompany featured, please contact Aaron Bates for more information. e-mail: abates@lakelandchamber.com

With local usage of over 19,000 donations annually, there is a vital need to support the State’s 5th largest hospital and trauma center.

No.8

INCREASE YOURPOTENTIAL

Increase Your Business Potential inthe New Year!

Each year, the Chamber offers itsmembers the outstanding opportunity tomeet and greet up to 20 businesses!

On Jan. 22, Howard Johnson ExecutiveCenter will host Hats Off to ChamberMembers. Join us for breakfast at 8:00a.m. before jetting off around Lakeland todeliver the 2009 Membership Materials toup to 20 companies… it’s a perfect way tomeet local business owners and provideassistance to the Chamber at the sametime! Make sure you reserve your spot as a “Volunteer” or as a “Secret HatCompany”- there are a limited numberof spaces available!

Look for the volunteer sign-up form atLakelandChamber.comor call Mary Stevenson at863/688-8551 Ext. 232

for more details!

HATSOFF

EMERGE Lakeland members attended the organization’s annualmeeting on December 9 at theHilton Garden Inn. At the luncheon,members were provided an economicoutlook and commercial developmentupdate for Lakeland in 2009 by BillMutz, President and Co-owner ofLakeland Automall and Chair of theLakeland Economic DevelopmentCouncil. The presentation was veryinformative and provided insightinto the opportunities and challengesahead of us.

EMERGE also announced its Executive and Committee Chairsfor 2009.

• Chair – Punam Saxena, Punam’s Perfections

• Vice Chair – Kathy Wallen, The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P

• Treasurer – Rachel Hollis, Dunson-Hollis Consulting, LLC

• Secretary – Jennifer Nicholson, ASC geosciences, inc.

• Marketing Chair – Cory Peace, AlphaGraphics

• Events Chair – Adam Spafford, Madden

• Volunteer Chair – Jennifer Roberts, Mote Marine Laboratory

• Membership Chair – April Mullins, Bank of Central Florida

• Technology Chair – Todd Baylis, Cipher Integrations, Inc.

EMERGE promotes social interactionamong young professionals, opportunities for philanthropic engagement and career enrichment.To get more involved in EMERGEplease contact the members listedabove.

Visit www.emergelakeland.com tolearn more about upcoming events,volunteer opportunities and development and social outings.You can also click on the EMERGElogo on LakelandChamber.com.

Adecco740 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33801-5210(863) 683-5000Fax: (863) 682-5219www.adeccousa.comMickey MillerEmployment Contractors

Mark E. Clements, P.A.310 E Main StLakeland, FL 33801-5047(863) 687-2287Fax: (863) 682-7385Mark E. ClementsAttorneys

Cozy Oaks Restaurant1201 E Orange StLakeland, FL 33801-5762(863) 802-8121Fax: (863) 802-5482Rick SmerkersRestaurants

First National Merchant SolutionsLakeland, FL 33812-4162(863) 393-5457Jay EngleCredit Card Processing

Home Inventory Specialists of Central Florida LLCLakeland, FL 33810-5565(813) 625-1457www.inventoryforyourhome.comJo SommersHome Inventory

Home Solution Title, Inc.4404 S Florida Ave Ste 9Lakeland, FL 33813-2124(863) 816-5866Fax: (863) 816-5869Dan WhitmoreTitle Companies

Hudson Holiday Cabinet Co.3120 Reynolds RdLakeland, FL 33803-7323(863) 668-9370Fax: (863) 668-9372Timothy J. JacksonCabinets/Cabinet Makers

Lakeland Women’s Show931 E. Palmetto St.Lakeland, FL 33801-5583(863) 712-3278www.lakelandwoman.comLori PowellMarketing - Special Promotions

Natalie’s Sports Bar & Grill3120 S Florida Ave.Lakeland, FL 33803-4549(863) 644-6000Natalie OldenkampRestaurants

Palace Pizza Restaurant Inc.5235 US Highway 98 SLakeland, FL 33812-4291(863) 709-8683Fax: (863) 709-8695www.palacepizza.netMichael EspositoRestaurants

Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.5720 S Florida AveLakeland, FL 33813-2528(863) 619-5919Fax: (863) 648-2459www.palacepizza.netGiordano LanutoRestaurants

Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.6120 US Highway 98 NLakeland, FL 33809-3276(863) 853-1316Fax: (863) 859-2581www.palacepizza.netGiordano Lanuto, Patricia Schiano MorielloRestaurants

Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.105 E Main St.Bartow, FL 33830-4630(863) 533-9300Fax: (863) 533-9500www.palacepizza.netSalvatore EspositoRestaurants

Palace Pizza Restaurant, Inc.2054 Shepherd RdMulberry, FL 33860-8699(863) 709-0002Fax: (863) 647-3564www.palacepizza.netGiovanni SchianoRestaurants

Samaritan Care Hospice1300 N Semoran Blvd Ste 210Orlando, FL 32807-3567(407) 514-1300(205) 970-8888Fax: (205) 968-8199www.samaritancarehospice.comGina BeckerJohn ClineHospice Health Services

T3 Communications199 Avenue B NW Ste 400Winter Haven, FL 33881-4546(877) 333-8126(239) 333-0000Fax: (239) 333-0001www.t3com.comLoren RosenthalTelecommunications

U.S. Security Associates, Inc.3710 DMG DrLakeland, FL 33811-1043(863) 682-2023Fax: (863) 686-5886www.ussecurityassociates.comJack DoveSecurity Services/Systems

West Coast Transportation37 Presque Isle DrivePort Charlotte, FL 33954-2311(941) 391-5664(877) 550-5526Fax: (941) 391-5667Sorell GouregeFrancisque PaulemonLimousine Service

ZOHRA’s Restaurant101 Lake Wire Dr.Lakeland, FL 33815-1549(863) 687-6114Fax: (863) 687-8698www.zohrasrestaurant.comSara RodriguezRestaurants

Through their membership in the Chamber, businesses invest in themselves and their community. We urge to to “Buy Lakeland. It makes goodcents!” by doing business with these new Chamber members. For the most up-to-date list of members, visit our on-line Preferred Business Directoryat LakelandChamber.com!

NEW MEMBERSe Chamber is proud to welcome 19 new members for November 2008

No.10

20+ Year Renewals1945 - 63 YearsGrenson, Inc.

1950 - 58 YearsARAMARK

1968 - 40 YearsCrichlow Data Sciences, Inc.

1969 - 39 YearsHighview Apartments

1971 - 37 YearsImport Auto Parts

1973 - 35 YearsLakeland Center for Oral Surgery & Implantology

1974 - 34 YearsB & B Auto Body Works, Inc

1975 - 33 YearsDr. Alan P. Fisher, OptometristJohn H. Galberry, D.D.S., P.A.

1976 - 32 YearsThe Nissen Group LLC

1978 - 30 YearsHarrison Center for Visual & Performing Arts

1981 - 27 YearsLakeland Animal Nutrition

1982 - 26 YearsLevimar & Co., Inc.MARCOBAY Construction, Inc.

1984 - 24 YearsPAI Pension Services, Inc.

1985 - 23 YearsQuality Petroleum Corp.Innovative Ink

1986 - 22 YearsPre-Paid Legal Services, Inc./Bob ReadThe Freedom Center Lakeland, Inc.

1988 - 20 YearsMilco Construction, Inc. of FloridaWinston Elementary SchoolFlorida Central Credit Union

15 Year RenewalsGLT Total OfficeRelax InnSouthside Package & Lounge

10 Year RenewalsSpherionTraviss Career CenterStorage & Handling EquipmentAdvoCare

5 Year RenewalsConey Funeral HomeCentral Florida Orthopaedic Surgery Assoc., P.L.Chastain-Skillman, Inc.Conner Construction & Aluminum ServicesGenie Publishing ServicesMusser & Richards, L.L.C.Taylor Rental Center

RENEWALSThe Chamber would like to recognizeand thank the following businesses fortheir long-standing support and loyalty.

The Communications KSI Committee of the Chamber Board is excited to roll out the newdesign of the Forum for Business Monthlly. The committee worked extensively this year tomove the Chamber forward.

The first decisive issue, everyone jumped on board with, was to steer away from the two-color orblack and white theme for advertisements and open up the Forum to full-color advertising. Thesolidification of the Chamber “brand” was also needed to make this publication unique. TheCommunication Division staff worked extensively on this element. The end result is what youare holding in your hands today.

After the final selection of our design team — Rex Wilson, CEO/President, and Michelle Jerla,Art Director, of Kingston Partners — the Chamber moved at a fast pace, collaborating on thevarious elements that would be incorporated with the new design.

The Chamber is proud of the final product and of all who worked very hard on the production ofthis issue but we would like to hear from you on what you think. While we can say how much welove the format it will be our members who let us know whether this makes the grade or fallsshort. Please email your comments to amclacklan@lakelandchamber.com. Your comments will behighlighted in the next issue of the Forum.

FORUM GETS REDESIGNED FOR 2009NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK

No.12

No.13

MARK YOURCALENDAR

Thursday, January 1Chamber Closed in observance of

New Year’s Day

Thursday, January 8Leadership Lakeland XXVI

Education Day

Leadership Lakeland XXVI Mid Year Retreat

Monday, January 12Retail aCCess,

8:00 a.m., 2505 Bramble Ridge Drive

Wednesday, January 14Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.

BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland,9:00 a.m.

Thursday, January 15Economic Forecast Breakfast, 7:00 a.m, The Lakeland Center

Business After Hours, Boys & GirlsClubs/Alpha Appraisal Services, 5:30 p.m., 950 Pinewood Avenue

Monday, January 19 Chamber closed in observance of

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

Tuesday, January 20 EMERGE Lakeland Steering

Committee Meeting, 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, January 21Executive Committee Meeting,

4:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 22Hats Off To New Members,

8:00 a.m., Howard Johnson ExecutiveCenter, 939 W. Robson Street

EMEGE Lakeland Meeting, Community Southern Bank

11:30 a.m.

Thursday, January 29 Board of Directors Meeting,

Noon,Lakeland Yacht and Country Club,

929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

No. 14

Schmooze a’PaloozaChamber members gather at GrillSmith for final Schmooze of 2008On November 13, 50 Chamber membersgathered at GrillSmith for the third andfinal Schmooze a’Palooza of 2008. With30 companies represented, it was easy to make new connections and build business relationships. Linsdey Crowley,General Manager of GrillSmith, offeredthanks to attendees for making hisrestaurant the most successful in theGrillSmith family.

Join us at our next event on March 12 at Brima - Register now

at LakelandChamber.com!

Monica Campbell (GirlScouts of West CentralFlorida), Amber Adams(Riverside Bank), Toni Jones(Girl Scouts of West CentralFlorida) & Kim Busse(Riverside Bank) take timeout for a photograph.

e final Schmooze a’Palooza of 2008 was held atGrillSmith.

GrillSmith at Lakeside Village provided theperfect venue for the group attending the Chamber’sSchmooze a’Palooza.

Commercial Design Services hosts Business After HoursThe November Business After Hours was hosted byCommercial Design Services, 4343 Frontage Road N.Chamber attendees enjoyed being entertained allevening by piano music, a fortune teller, a magician, cari-cature drawings, massage chairs, and an abundance offood. There were lots of business conversations asmembers networked the room and exchanged businesscards. Thanks to Commercial Design Services andtheir entire staff for an enjoyable evening.

Pictured above, members power network.

Pictured below, Doug Smaus, Commercial Design Services, accepts the Plaque of Appreciationduring the November Business Aer Hours.

Pictured above, Doug Smaus, Commercial Design Services,welcomes chamber members as they arrive.

Pictured below, the magician works his wonders on Bob Ettensohn, Allstate Insurance Company.

No.16

DECEMBER MEMBERS ON THE MOVEGrasslands Golf & Country ClubGolf Digest magazine has released its top 50 clubs inthe nation with the best players. Grasslands Golf &Country Club was named 16th on the list and theonly club in Florida in the top twenty. Grasslands ishome to six touring professionals including playersfrom the PGA, LPGA and the Senior PGA tours.Grasslands was originally designed by Jerry Pate andBob Cupp and is an 18-hole 72-par course.

Alliance for IndependenceAlliance for Independence is pleased to announcethe 2008-2009 Board of Directors and Officerselected at their annual meeting in August 2008:Chairman, John C. Burton, Sun n’ Fun, Inc.; ChairElect/Chair Planning and Program DevelopmentCommittee, Ron Losch, Retired; Co-Chair ExternalRelations/Resource Development Committee,Bart Ross, Tinsley McQueen + Ross; Secretary/Co-Chair External Relations/Resource DevelopmentCommittee, Andrew M. Hernan, Griffin Pools, Inc.;Treasurer/Audit Committee, David R. Ramos,CPA; Chair Performance Oversight MonitoringCommittee, Scott Sloman, The Lakeland Center;Jennifer L. Adams, Bank of Central Florida; Carol N.Asbill, Publix Super Markets; Yolanda M. Collins,Marriott Vacation Club, Inc.; Deborah Heatherly,Publix Super Markets; Charles Lake, Retired; JimRehberg, J-Reh, Inc.; Sena E. Schirm, SunTrustBank; Anthony J. Senzamici, Jr., Pioneer MedicalCompany; Tom Patterson, Saddle Creek Corp.;William H. Wheeler, Jr., Wheeler & Wheeler, Inc.;Richard Wills, FITniche.

Shirley Balogh, President/CEO of Alliance for Independence was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of RehabilitationFacilities for the 2008-2010 terms at their annualmeeting in Orlando.

Alliance for Independence is pleased to welcomeYolanda Collins to its Board of Directors. Yolanda is aDirector for Marriott Vacation Club. She is a licensedtitle agent and is an active member of the Educationand Enlightenment Group (EEG). Yolanda’s focus willbe on Strategic Planning and Program Development.

Florida Presbyterian HomesWilliam “Buzz” Hall, RN, BSN, has joined FloridaPresbyterian Homes as Director of Nursing. Hall has20 years experience in Staff Management positions inhealthcare facilities.

Kay Henry, RN, BSN, will be moving from Directorof Nursing to a newly created position of CommunityResource Nurse. This position will help managethe care needs of the Florida Presbyterian Homesindependent residents and help coordinate thewellness initiative.

FL Southern College Nursing Program students havebeen at FL Presbyterian Homes for their practicum(period of work for practical experience). Twenty-fourstudents are being introduced to basic nursingknowledge and skills. Florida Presbyterian has appreciated the opportunity to share with these students our philosophy regarding family centeredcare and welcome them to the “homes with a heart”.

Watson Clinic LLPWatson Clinic is pleased to announce the arrival ofJuan A. Baez, MD, to our team of hospitalists. Dr.Baez is board-certified in internal medicine. Hereceived his medical degree from the UniversidadIberoamericana in Santo Domingo, DominicanRepublic.

Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc.Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. (PTS) is proud toannounce that Katie Oneal has been awarded herCertificate of Clinical Competency. Katie joined PTSthis year as a speech and language pathologist with aspecialty in working with the pediatric populationwith language/communication delays.

BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc.BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. is pleased to announce the forward progression of its Insurance

Services group, as key team members accept new opportunities within.

After 16 years of dedicated service, Mr. Ted Smith,PG, CPG, has transitioned to a full AssociateGeologist. He will serve as a key technical resourceand advisor while maintain his expert position in thesinkhole and geological hazards industry. Mr. JamesFunderburk, PG will assume the role of Director ofInsurance Services. He will lead the team in fire,structural, and subsidence investigations.

Evans & Hurlburt, CPA’s, P.A.Evans & Hurlburt CPAs are now in their new location. The new address is 5125 S. Lakeland Drive,Suite 3, Lakeland, FL 33813.

Perpetual Technology SolutionsPerpetual Technology Solutions is pleased to announce Xan Morphew has accepted a new positionas Purchasing and Inventory Team Lead. Joining ourteam in 2006, Xan continues to provide ongoingsupport throughout our organization.

Perpetual Technology Solutions is pleased towelcome Jim Stewart to their service department.Jim brings over 30 years of experience in theIT industry.

Certified Foundations, Inc.Melaney Jason has joined our team of professional at Certified Foundations, Inc. as the MarketingRepresentative. Melaney brings over 25 years of marketing and sales experience to CFI.

Edward Jones InvestmentsAlberto Bonfil with Edward Jones Investments was a Guest Speaker at the “Doing Business with theSpanish Community” Summit in Lakeland. Thetopic was “Hispanics and Investments”.

Habitat for Humanity of LakelandHabitat for Humanity of Lakeland has been awardeda SILVER – LEED for Homes Green Certification bythe U.S. Green Building Council. LEED homescomplete a verification process to endure a home energy rating (HERS) and onsite inspection for thebuilding of energy efficient and green homes.

March of DimesThe March of Dimes, West Central Division,announces Pat Hatcher, Division Director, will retirein January of 2009 after 19 years of service.

Patty Frankenberger, previously with Publix SuperMarkets has been named as the new Division Director.

Moody Law, P.A.Local attorney Daniel D. Moody was presented withthe Commander Owners Group Choice Award forthe best Commander 114B/115 Aircraft at the groups2008 Annual Fly-in, Fredericksburg, Texas. In astatement Mr. Moody said, “I am amazed how theownership of a personal aircraft has allowed me tobetter serve my clients around the country”.

Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.The law firm of Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney &Lancaster, P.A. with offices in Lakeland and Brandonis pleased to announce the addition of attorneys O.Reginald “Reggie” Osenton and Natasha S. W. Riegerto its Brandon office which is located in The GreaterBrandon Chamber of Commerce building at 330Pauls Drive.

FITniche, Inc.FITniche, a Lakeland-based running and activelifestyle store, was recognized as one of the four bestrunning stores in America by the running industry'strade organization and two leading trade andconsumer publications. The award was presented atthe awards ceremony held at The Running Event inDallas, TX, in November. FITniche is the youngeststore and is from the smallest trade area to ever earnits way into the final four stores considered for Storeof the Year.

Fifth Third BankFifth Third Bank is pleased to announce Martin“Marty” Wilkey has assumed the position of AssistantVice President. Mr. Wilkey will be responsible andaccountable for directing and administering a financial center with generally more than $30 millionin core deposits and generating less than $700,000 innet profit. He is also in charge of ensuring that theScott Lake financial center provides the public withbanking services, credit decisions, and service forconsumer and commercial loans.

Fifth Third Bank would like to welcome CarrieMcCoy to their staff of professionals. In the positionof retail personal banker she will be in charge ofproviding superior customer service, making outsidecalls to establish new business and maintainingexisting business.

No.17

The Lakeland Chamber prints business announcements each month as space permits. Please mail your announcements to the Chamber or e-mail: membersonthemove@lakelandchamber.com

No.18

RIBBON CUTTINGSThe following companies recently celebrated their ribbon cuttings in the month of November.

See the photos on our Web site at LaklandChamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING THANK YOUSpecial 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.

Create An Image Salon & Spa Inc.3500 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/701-2887www.createanimagesalon.com

Ideal Image801 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/904-2500www.idealimage.com

GTE Federal Credit Union5320 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, 33809 • 863/680-2323www.gtefcu.org

No.19

Create An Image Salon & Spa Inc.3500 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/701-2887www.createanimagesalon.com

Ideal Image801 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33801 • 863/904-2500www.idealimage.com

GTE Federal Credit Union5320 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, 33809 • 863/680-2323www.gtefcu.org

$10 Chamber Member ~ $30 Non-MemberPlease 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

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LAKELAND, INC. & ALPHA APPRAISAL SERVICES, INC.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 • 5:30 P.M.

950 PINEWOOD AVENUE (JAMES J. MUSSO UNIT)

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

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