Watson Clinic

After Hours: Business &

inside See who
SBA Awarded:

hosts Business YMCA hosts

Breakfast:
received the
this issue
plaque for this After Hours. February event.
monthly award. Page 14 Page 15
Page 4

FORUM FOR BUSINESS

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

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

monthly
April 2009
Sun ‘N Fun 2009 Vol. XIX, No.4

Staff and volunteers ramping up preparations for

35th annual fly-in at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport
Sun ’n Fun staff and volunteers are ramping up
preparations for the 35th annual fly-in, which will be
held at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland,
April 21-26.
for a unique aviation experience. At the heart of the
event is the more than 450 educational forums,
seminars and “hands-on” workshops that cover every
aspect of aircraft construction and maintenance.

REMARKABLE
Additional topics are offered through the Federal

REUNION
Since its beginning in 1975, the annual Sun ’n Fun Aviation Administration (FAA) FastTeam
• Continued on Page 3
Fly-In brings together people from around the world

Brigadier General Dan Cherry,

USAF (Ret.) and Vietnamese
MiG-21 pilot, Nguyen Hong My,
will reunite at Sun ’n Fun 2009
for the only the second time since
Cherry’s F-4D Phantom shot down
My over Hanoi in 1972. Cherry
traveled to Vietnam in April
2008 to meet My on national
Vietnamese television where their
reunion was broadcast throughout
Vietnam. Photographer John Fleck
traveled with Cherry and chroni-
cled this remarkable reunion in
his book, “The Unlikely Reunion–
Reconciliation in Vietnam.”

My and Cherry will both travel to

Sun ’n Fun for multiple presenta-
tions scheduled for Thursday,
April 23 through Saturday, April
25. The 2009 Sun ’n Fun Fly-In
will be held April 21-26 at Lakeland
Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland.
• Continued on Page 2

ALSO INSIDE: New Members • Leadership Lakeland • Ribbon Cuttings • Members on the Move
 Remarkable Reunion
Cherry was commissioned a 2nd
Lieutenant in the Air Force in July of
1960 and went through pilot training
in 1964, receiving an F-105 assignment
with the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing
at Spangdalem, Germany. In December
of 1966 he volunteered for his first
tour of duty in Southeast Asia and
flew 100 missions over North Vietnam
The 2009
during his first eight months of duty.
After returning to the United States Sun ’n Fun Fly-In
as an instructor pilot in the F-105, he will be held
volunteered for his 2nd tour of duty in
Southeast Asia in 1972, this time April 21-26 at
assigned to fly the F-4D Phantom II. Lakeland Linder
In April 1972, Cherry, flying in a
flight of four Phantoms shot down the Regional Airport
MiG-21 piloted by Vietnamese fighter in Lakeland, Fla.
pilot, Hong My. Following his second
tour of duty and only MiG “kill”, Cherry went on to a successful
career in the U.S. Air Force, reaching the rank of Brigadier
General, and leading the USAF Thunderbirds Jet Demonstration
Team before retiring in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
can also be an inspiration to our two countries to work toward
“It is my hope that our remarkable meeting and reconciliation can better and friendlier relations through enhanced educational,
somehow help the many Vietnam Veterans who have had great cultural and business exchanges”, said Cherry of the upcoming
difficulty in bringing closure to their war experiences. Mr. Hong reunion with Nguyen Hong My at Sun ’n Fun.
My and I both share the mutual hope that our unusual friendship

Lakeland’s Detroit Tigers and

Spring Training promoted at
Welcome Centers
Lakeland partnered with The Detroit Tigers and
the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bu-
reau to help promote Detroit Tiger and Florida
Spring Training! These Detroit Tigers Tee-shirts
are proudly worn by Welcome Center personnel
greeting Florida visitors and recommending taking
in a Spring Training game as part of their Florida
vacation itinerary! What better way to spend your
vacation than an afternoon of baseball at Joker
Marchant Stadium and then finding out what the
rest of Lakeland and Polk County have to offer!

Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce
Forum For Business Monthly

Volume Information: April 2009 ,Vol. XIX, No. 4

Anu Saxena Kathleen L. Munson

Chairman of the Board Publisher & President

Aaron Bates Kingston Partners

Managing Editor Design

No. 2
Sun ‘N Fun TIRED OF OPENING ALL THAT MAIL?
Production Center that operates year–round on the Sun ’n Fun campus. Last The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to help you
year, more than 8,000 visitors attended the Sun ’n Fun and FAA sponsored out with that by sending your future invoices via E-mail. Not only
forums, more than 9,000 participated in Sun ’n Fun’s hands-on workshops, and will it save you time but you would be helping us “Save the Trees.”
a record 520 commercial exhibitors showcased the latest in aviation products
and technology. If your company is interested in receiving the E-mail version of
invoices, please complete the information below and return to:
“We encourage all aviation enthusiasts to start their aviation year here at Sun Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce
’n Fun, which is one of the world’s premier aviation events”, said John Burton, PO Box 3607
Sun ’n Fun President and Fly-In Chairman. “Sun ’n Fun volunteers and staff Attn: Invoices
work very hard to coordinate the event and to ensure that all participants and Lakeland, FL 33802-3607
guests have the best possible aviation experience”.
YES! I WANT TO RECEIVE
The 2009 event would not be complete without the daily air show, starting at INVOICES BY E-MAIL
3:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and at 2:00 p.m. Friday through
Sunday. Sun ’n Fun’s airshow is one of the event’s most visible and popular Company Name:
activites and features the world’s top aerobatic performers. A popular Sun ’n
Fun tradition – the Friday night air show will take place at dusk on April 24.
The Fly-In also includes a hot air balloon launch on Saturday April 25; and Billing Contact Name:
evening programs each night of the event. In addition, approximately 5,000
aircraft of every size and shape including showplanes competing for awards will
be on display for all Sun ’n Fun visitors to enjoy throughout the week. The
flightline will remain open to all ticketed visitors, giving pilots, aviation Address:
enthusiasts, kids and families a close-up look at all the aircraft onsite, including
modern military jet-fighters and historic WWII fighter aircraft.
City:
Sun ’n Fun’s annual attendance during the six-day event averages
approximately 160,000. The economic impact to Lakeland and Polk County State: Zip:
is estimated at more than $27 million annually based on a University of South
Florida economic impact study. Last year (2008), Sun ’n Fun hosted more than E-mail:
1,300 international visitors from 73 countries, including first-time visitors from
Phone:
Tanzania, Botswana, Oman and Singapore. For more information, access Sun
’n Fun’s web site: www.sun-n-fun.org. Fax:
What is the secret to surviving this economy? Our Apologies
FOCUS ON MARKETING Please accept our apologies!! Pictures of
the January Business After Hours plaque

By Steve Madden
presentations incorrectly listed the names
under the pictures. We regret this error.
President of Madden The correct information is as follows:
We are all asking ourselves the same question:
“How can my company survive this economy?”
You have two choices: one is to decrease
or eliminate your marketing budget and
keep your fingers crossed or two, move full
steam ahead with a marketing plan and
take full advantage of the opportunity to
strengthen your brand while the competition
is weak.
Your marketing efforts just require more
When you choose to cut marketing, you thought and strategy to fully connect Jim Luffman accepts the Plaque of Appreciation
increase the likelihood that your product with consumers. Doing the same thing for Boys & Girls Clubs of Lakeland.
or service will lose relevance with your you have always done won’t cut it anymore.
target audience. You leave the door If executed properly, creative marketing
wide-open for your competition to enter strategies can help you not only survive
and chip away at the market share you’ve but also help you gain market share. Develop
worked so hard to own. Your customers your marketing plan today and just be
need to hear from you now more than ready to make modifications to the strategy
ever. Maintain your voice within your as needed.
category so that you don’t give your competitors
a window of opportunity.
Madden is a brand identity company specializing
Ask yourself these seven questions, and in strategic marketing, advertising, creative services,
put your marketing plan back on track: promotional products and branded apparel. Greg White accepts the Plaque of Appreciation for
1. Do I have an annual marketing plan Alpha Appraisal Services, Inc.
that promotes my brand, creates leads
for all my business units and effectively
reaches my target audiences?

BUSINESS
2. How many times per month am I
touching my customers with brand building
or sales promotion communications?
3. How closely am I measuring my marketing
activities, better known as ROI (Return
on Investment)?
4. What new opportunities have presented
themselves in this economy?
5. What value can I communicate to my
target audience that positions my product
AND BREAKFAST
or service as the category leader? Value
is not always just about having the lowest CPS INVESTMENT ADVISORS
price.
6. How can I allocate my marketing THURSDAY, APRIL 16 • 7:30 TO 9:00 A.M.
budget more wisely?
7. Do I have a proactive customer referral THE CLUB AT EAGLEBROOKE
plan in place to generate new sales 1300 EABLEBROOKE BLVD.
leads?

In this current economic environment, it

is imperative that you have the right answer
to the above questions. A by-product of
the slowdown is that businesses are being
more intentional about their marketing
and advertising than ever before. Contrary
to many naysayers, there are still motivated
buyers out there for your product or service.

$5 Chamber Member ~ $15 Non-Member

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

No. 4
Small Business of the Month Award presented
Wheeler Appraisals does not have an official motto, but in reference to they have continued
much of the property throughout central Florida, it could be “we appraised to keep up with the
March winner
Wheeler & Wheeler, Inc.
that property one time”. technologies of the

d/b/a Wheeler Appraisals

time, so today they are
Curt Wheeler and Bill Wheeler, Jr. continue the business begun by their fully computerized and
PO Box 2416
father in 1971. Wheeler Appraisals has maintained the same phone can deliver electronic or
104 E. Pine Street
number, P.O. Box and Chamber membership for the last 38 years! That is hard copies of appraisals
Lakeland, FL 33806-2416
staying power in a business where that history is of great benefit to all of while still understanding
863/688-7994
their clients. Imagine being able to trace the valuation of a property over a the value of on site visits
863/688-7995 fax
38 year period. in conjunction with the
Curt Wheeler is an MAI, another added benefit for their customers, and now easily available www.wheelerappraisals.com
he concentrates on the commercial properties. Bill handles the residential collection of data and
properties, and thus they are a full service appraisal firm which has worked statistical models. Their
with some of the same clients for over 35 years. Throughout this period web site, wheelerappraisals.com, is an interesting place to visit and gives
you a feel for a company that does serious business but with a sense of
humor and understanding that the nature of their business is part
mathematics and part art.
In addition to their appraisal work, both Curt and Bill are involved with
the community. Curt serves on the board of Learning Resource Center
and is currently the President of the Imperial Symphony Orchestra board.
Past board service includes Lakeland Habitat for Humanity and the
YMCA. Curt was a member of Leadership Lakeland XIII. He has served
as a volunteer in the Guardian Ad Litem program and as a tutor in the
school system. Bill is the past president of Alliance for Independence and
Lakeland Evening Sertoma. He participates in School Advisory Councils
and the 6 Man Club for Florida Southern College. We are lucky to have
the Wheelers in our business community and the community at large.
Small Business of the Month Award Committee Member, Patricia Hendler (Century
Commercial Realty, LLC) presents the March Small Business of the Month Award to Bill The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate
Wheeler, Jr. (L) and Curt Wheeler (R), Wheeler & Wheeler, Inc. d/b/a Wheeler Appraisals. Wheeler Appraisals as the Small Business of the Month for March.
No. 6
EMERGE Lakeland Networks
EMERGE Lakeland provided its members the
opportunity to network with some of Lakeland’s
finest leaders. The Leadership Lakeland Alumni
Association partnered with EMERGE to offer
members a unique speed networking opportunity
where members could meet and begin to develop
relationships with business leaders. The event was
fast paced and business cards and refreshments
were flying around The Ledger. EMERGE would
like to thank the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association and The
Ledger for hosting the event. Social interaction among young
professionals is one of the missions of EMERGE.
EMERGE Lakeland’s annual event hosting community leaders will be
held at the Lakeland Yacht & County Club on April 21st. Check out
EMERGE’s website for more details.
Greg Ruthven (e Ruthvens/Leadership Lakeland Class II) networks with EMERGE
Lakeland Member Patrick Howes (Northwestern Mutual Financial Network).
Applications for the second year of the EMERGE
P2P initiative (Peer to Peer Networking) will soon
be available. P2P aims to enrich the professional
development of Lakeland’s young professionals by
partnering them with existing EMERGE Lakeland
members. This year’s class has attended programs
presented by Lakeland Vision, United Way of
Central Florida and Lakeland Electric. All newly
engaged young professionals will participate in two
EMERGE Lakeland membership programs in four specifically designed
P2P events or activities.
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.
Over 80 EMERGE Lakeland Members and Leadership Lakeland Alumni speed
networked at e Ledger.
 Evening at the Tiger BBQ

Jim Leyland

Willie Horton & Friends

CEO Dave Dombrowski

Chinese National Baseball Team at Tiger BBQ
Pictures by Tom Hagerty/LakelandLocal.com

No. 8
 Riverside hosts
New Member
Reception
A group of excited new members
filled the lobby of the Riverside
Bank located at 6180 US Highway
98, N. Members listened as Chamber
staff gave an overview of events and
programs, with added encouragement
to get involved in every aspect possible.
Eager to share who they were and
what services or products their
businesses could provide, each
member presented a 30-second
commercial. Enthusiasm is contagious,
and attitude important especially
now! What a great way to start off
the 2009 New Member Reception
Series! Thanks are due to the entire
staff at Riverside Bank, our Presenting
Sponsor for the 2009 New Member
Receptions, and host Sponsor for
February, for offering such a positive
experience to get new members off
to a great start.

Special thanks to Riverside Bank, the 2009 New

Member Reception Presenting Sponsor and
Host Sponsor for February.
www.riversidenb.com
NEW MEMBERS
e Chamber is proud to welcome 15 new members for February 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!

Access Church

Creative Gift Consultants

Lakeland, FL 33810-3861
(863) 409-2600
www.accesslakeland.com 106 Laguna Ct
Jason Burns Sanford, FL 32773-5545
Churches/Synagogues (863) 581-2705
www.creativegiftconsultants.com
Americom - South Lakeland Somer Huffman Patient First Clinic
5698 S Florida Ave. Gift Baskets 3021 Lakeland Highlands Rd
Lakeland, FL 33803-4339
Dragon Ice Cream Treats
Lakeland, FL 33813-2526
(863) 648-1914 (863) 683-0900
www.americomfl.net 1732 W Olive St Fax: (863) 683-7755
D. J. Pearson Lakeland, FL 33815-4045 www.patientfirstclinic.net
Cellular Phones (813) 892-5252 Matthew Folder
(863) 686-6628 Health & Wellness
Bubba Ques BBQ
PLANTZ (formerly Plant Manager)
Fax: (813) 286-7428
2444 US Highway 92 East www.dragonicecreamtreats.com
Lakeland, FL 33801-2671 Heather Metoyer (863) 686-2222
(863) 665-4049 Ice Cream Shoppe (866) 752-6899
www.plantz.us
Evangelisto's Home Repair Classes
Fax: (863) 665-5650
www.bubbaquesbbq.com Steve Stanford
Josh Reeves 1303 Tom Watson Rd Plant Leasing & Maintenance/Interior

TreeTop Software Co., LLC

Restaurants Lakeland, FL 33801-6745
(863) 409-6985
Capitol Marketing Concepts Doug Evangelisto PO Box 2100
696 1st Ave N Ste 400 Home Improvements Lakeland, FL 33806-2100
(863) 680-2828
GGM Productions, Inc.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-3610
(727) 290-2342 www.sweatmonkey.org
(800) 238-5659 Lakeland, FL 33801-5259 Scott Fore
www.capitolmarketing.com (863) 698-2160 Associations

Visiting Nurse Association of Florida, Inc.

Brian Bell Fax: (863) 687-3749
Marketing - Special Promotions Grant Miller
Advertising 3806 Manatee Ave W
Cartridge & Toner Zone Bradenton, FL 34205-1714
5131 S Florida Ave Lakeland 33813 My Health Coach, Inc. (772) 286-1844
PO Box 6293 Lakeland, FL 33813-1808 Fax: (772) 286-0738
Lakeland, FL 33807-6293 (863) 370-2727 www.vnaflorida.org
(863) 644-5025 www.healthcoachsandy.com Sanny Paningbatan
Fax: (863) 248-2773 Sanford Bates Home Health Care
www.cartridgeandtonerzone.com Health & Wellness
William Masters
Office Supplies/Equipment Navesys Medical Transcriptions
3730 Cleveland Heights Blvd Ste 2
Lakeland, FL 33803-0212
(863) 701-7470
(866) 794-4158
www.navesysmt.com
Dean Rustin
Transcription/Medical & Administrative

No. 10
RENEWALS
The Chamber would like to recognize
and thank the following businesses for
their long-standing support and loyalty.

20+ Year Renewals

1921 - 88 Years
Pickard & Pickard Inc. REALTORS
1944 - 65 Years
Wachovia Bank
1950 - 59 Years
WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio
1951 - 58 Years
Payne Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.
1955 - 54 Years
Universal Building Specialties
1959 - 50 Years
Hardy’s Industries, Inc.
1965 - 44 Years
Polk Pump & Irrigation Co., Inc.
1971 - 38 Years
Juice Bowl Products, Inc.
Santa Fe Animal Hospital
1972 - 37 Years
Cleveland Heights Animal Hospital
1973 - 36 Years
Imperial Manor M.H. Terrace
Southern Glass Products Company, Inc.
1975 - 34 Years
AAA Auto Club South
1977 - 32 Years
BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc.
1978 - 31 Years
Anthony’s Health Hut & Restaurant
Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In, Inc.
1981 - 28 Years
Turfcare Unlimited
1983 - 26 Years
Imperial Florida Sales Co.
1984 - 25 Years
Peace River Center
1985 - 24 Years
Family Eye Center South
1986 - 23 Years
Cypress Lakes
Dale Gardner Jacobs, PA
1988 - 21 Years
Tri-County Human Services, Inc.
First United Methodist Church
1989 - 20 Years
Ed Ducar, Inc.

15 Year Renewals
Family Worship Center Churches, Inc.
American Red Cross/Polk County Chapter
Bridges Optical

10 Year Renewals
Sav-A-Lot Food Stores
Gulf Coast Avionics Corp.
Lakeland Estates MHC

5 Year Renewals
Natural Resource Planning Services, Inc.
Elena’s Cuban Café
Dermatology Assoc. of Central Florida, P.A.
H & R Block
AFFORDABLE
HOMEOWNERSHIP

Keystone Challenge Fund

provides the following services:

• DOWN PAYMENT
ASSISTANCE

• CLOSING COST
ASSISTANCE
• AFFORDABLE
MORTGAGE
FINANCING

• HOMEBUYER
EDUCATION
• MORE INFORMATION
AVAILABLE AT
www.keystonechallenge.org

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
FEBRUARY TOURISM INQUIRIES

CALENDAR
During the month of February, our Visitor Information Center assisted hundreds of individuals,
MARK YOUR
answering questions pertaining to Chamber member businesses and the Lakeland community.

Walk-in Visitors..........................................546 Winter Accommodations ...............................1

Relocation Response Mailings........................7 Visitor Information Mailings .........................54

EVENTS
Relocation Response (Walk In) ....................27 Visitor Center E-mail Inquiries.....................195
Accommodations...........................................0
Thursday, April 16
Business and Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.
CPS Investment Advisors
The Club at Eaglebrooke

Tuesday, April 21
EMERGE Lakeland Event, 5:30 p.m.
The Club at Eaglebrooke

Thursday, April 23
Business After Hours, 5:30 p.m.
Luau/Downton
On the Deck of Citizens Bank & Trust
402 S. Kentucky Ave.

MEETINGS
Wednesday, April 8
Government Affairs, 8:00 a.m.
BusinessVoice of Greater Lakeland,
9:00 a.m.

Thursday, April 9
Leadership Lakeland XXVII
Nominations Due

Leadership Lakeland XXVI

Human Services Day

Wednesday, April 15
Executive Committee Meeting
4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21
EMERGE Lakeland,
Steering Committee Meeting
3:45 p.m.

Thursday, April 23
Board of Directors Meeting,
Noon
Lakeland Yacht and Country Club
929 Lake Hollingsworth Drive

Tuesday, April 28
Investment Committee Meeting,
4:00 p.m.
Watson Clinic hosts February’s Business After Hours
To showcase their newest building, Watson Clinic welcomed Chamber members by
the hundreds to the February Business After Hours. The healthcare organization’s
Bella Vista Building not only houses many existing services, but also introduces a
medical spa to their range of expertise. The sleek new building was impressive, as was
the staff as they gave tours and welcomed members to this great health care facility.
Everyone was greeted at the door, and after a short elevator ride to the 3rd floor, saw a
large display of delicious food including a palm tree made of fruit and a beautiful ice
sculpture. Live music and many gift baskets for door prizes followed an explanation of
what the current and future plans for the building would be by long time chamber
supporter, Dr. Lou Saco. Thanks to everyone at Watson Clinic’s Bella Vista Building
for a first class event! ere were an abundance of door prizes to be given away.

A beautiful ice sculpture graced the table of hors

d’oeuvres.

Dr. Louis Saco, Watson Clinic, LLP, accepts the

plaque of appreciation.

No. 14
February’s Business & Breakfast
YMCA of West Central Florida hosts
The February Business & Breakfast was hosted by the YMCA of West Central Florida at
their 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd location. Dr. Franklin Schultz, Webster College,
gave an engaging presentation on Stress Management. Attendees were treated to a
delicious breakfast and a relaxing environment in which to learn about stress management.
Dr. Schultz clarified that our goal was not to eliminate stress, but to manage it. He gave
us a four step process for dealing with stress and encouraged us to practice it daily. The
very serious subject of stress (and the statistics about the damage it does to our bodies)
was approached with an excellent balance of humor and relevant, helpful information.

This Business & Breakfast event ushered in a new program for the Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce. In order to better serve our members, audio from our professional
development events will be available for download from our Web site and as a Podcast
through iTunes. Thanks to podcasts, even if you could not attend the February event you can
get all the great information for yourself! If you would like to subscribe to this and future
podcasts, you can search the iTunes store for “Lakeland at:
http://blog.lakelandchamber.com/?feed=podcast.

We are looking forward to your feedback regarding the chamber podcasts. If you have
any questions or comments, please email Matthew Wengerd at:
mwengerd@lakelandchamber.com

Pictured above, aer a delicious breakfast, attendees lis-

ten to presentation by Dr. Schultz.

Pictured le, Jack English, YMCA Chairman of the

Board and Alice Collins, YMCA President and CEO
welcome everyone.

Dr. Franklin Schultz, Webster University, presents program on Stress Management

 APRIL MEMBERS ON THE MOVE
Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine, Inc. Baron Realty, Inc. Southeastern University
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine is proud to The space on South Florida Avenue that Southeastern University has named Tommy
present LVIM's premier community event, The formerly housed Spec’s Music and FYE did Barnett, co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream
Lakeland Derby. Presented by Rooms to Go not stay empty long according to Cory Petcoff, Center, author, and mega-church pastor, as its
Children's Fund, The Lakeland Derby captures President of Lakeland based Baron Realty, a Transitional Chancellor. The date he will
the thrill of a race and the purity of sports commercial brokerage firm that represents the assume this role is yet to be determined. Mark
entertainment in a hometown setting. The true space. Pet Supermarket, a Boca Raton based Rutland was recently approved as Oral Roberts
essence of the Derby is the reward of knowing pet supply chain has signed a lease and will University’s next president. However, he will
the proceeds will support Lakeland Volunteers begin renovations as soon as permits are issued remain SEU’s President until July 1.
in Medicine, a vital local charity. In honor of by the City.
the city's symbol, the main event will feature
ten impressive fiberglass swans racing on Lake
Mirror. The beautiful handcrafted swans, each
with their own company sponsored jockey, will
race to the finish line as spectators enjoy the
second annual Lakeland Derby.

A post race V.I.P. dinner will recognize area

physicians who have contributed their time
and expertise to LVIM's mission. Fireworks will
cap off the memorable inaugural event. The
Lakeland Derby will be April 25, 2009 from
5 - 9pm at the Lake Mirror Amphitheater. For
media and press inquiries contact Claudia
Jordan at 863/688-5846 EXT. 118.

Henkelman Construction, Inc.

Henkelman Construction, Inc. is pleased to
announce the addition of Rob Hennessey to
their Construction Management team. Mr.
Hennessey is a graduate of the University of
Florida and holds a degree in Building
Construction. He will work as a Project Engineer.

Douglass Screen Printers

Lisa Hickey of Douglass Screen Printers, Inc.
attended the National Advisory Council
Meeting hosted by the National Association of
Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Ms.
Hickey is the immediate past president of
NAWBO. The meeting was an opportunity for
women business owners to meet with
NAWBO’s leadership and corporate partners to
learn about NAWBO’s strategic plan and focus
for 2009. NAWBO engages key stakeholders in
the women business owned community to
share insight and perspective on women’s
entrepreneurships.

Lisa Hickey 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 a corporate sponsor. During the auction,
Ms. Hickey personally challenged the audience
to pledge funding cases of Girl Scout cookies to
be sent overseas to the military, and fifty-six
cases of Girl Scout cookies were pledged.

ASC geosciences, inc.

D.S. “Sax” Saxena, CEO of ASC geosciences,
inc. of Lakeland, Florida and a board certified
diplomate of the National Academy of Forensic
Engineers (NAFE), was an invited speaker at
their annual meeting held in Austin, TX. His
lecture was titled “Forensic Engineering
Geotechnical Analysis of Florida Sinkholes”.
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
Florida Southern College
The 2008-2009 edition of "Who's Who
Among Students in American Universities and
Colleges" will include 26 students from Florida
Southern College who have been named
among the nation's outstanding campus leaders.
The students were chosen based on their
academic achievement, service to the
community, leadership in extracurricular
activities, and potential for continues success.
Students named this year from Florida Southern
College are as follows: Robyn B. Baker, Justin
D. Bertsch, Timothy D. Brown, Erin E. Conroy,
Rachel A. Cook, Christopher W. Corbin,
David C. Dill, Margaret M. Drumm, Alexandra
Gauthier, Elissa A. Graeser, Kelly A. Higgins,
Jennifer L. High, Alyssa R. Huebner, Katie J.
Jared, Melissa S. Kelly, Kaci E. Kohlhepp,
Whitney S. Lear, James B. Manning, Christina
M. Martin, Mollie M. McCullough, Allison B.
Mitchell, Phyllis A. Morgan, Robyn E. Pinder,
Jessica N. Reidling, Tara V. Saco and Martha S.
Yates.
The Florida Southern College forensic team
had their strongest showing of the season to
date at the University of West Florida Marks
Invitational held in Pensacola, Florida. Eight
students participated in the competition,
walking away with 14 individual wins and a
third place team sweepstake award.
Florida Southern College then hosted the 2009
Florida Interstate Forensic Association (FIFA)
state championship Feb 13-15 and earned five
top placements in the competition. This is the
first year that the team has had more than one
finalist. Seven members of the FSC team have
qualified this year to compete at the National
Forensic Association Championship in April,
which will be held in Springfield, MO. This
weeklong tournament features competition
amongst more than 100 colleges and universities
from across the nation.
Florida Southern College was named by the
Corporation for National and Community
Service to the President’s Higher Education
Community Service Honor Roll for the second
year in a row for exemplary service efforts and
service to America’s communities. The award
recognizes the college’s leadership in helping to
build a culture of service and civic engagement
on campus.
CPS Investment Advisors
Chas P. Smith, CPA/PFS, president of CPS
Investment Advisors was a guest speaker for the
Florida Public Pension Plan Trustee School in
St. Augustine, FL. His topic was “Basics in
Stock Investment”.
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity
Lakeland Habitat for Humanity Executive
Director Claire Twomey was among participants
from 1,600 U.S. affiliated organizations that
attended Habitat for Humanity International's
national conference held in January 2009. The
theme of the event was "No Hands but Yours".
Habitat for Humanity of Lakeland held their
2008 Volunteer Recognition Dinner and
awarded David Adams Volunteer of the Year
2008. Joe & Sue Mayo and Murray Harrison
received awards for Outstanding Volunteer.
Bank of Central Florida
Paul Noris, President and CEO of the Bank of
Central Florida announced Akiko LaGesse has
joined the bank as Vice President/Private Bank-
ing Officer. Ms. LaGesse was most recently a
Premier Client Manager with Bank of America.
• Continued on Page 19
 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.

Watson Clinic | Bella Vista Building

1755 N. Florida Avenue, Lakeland, 33805 • 863/904-4654
Florida Blood Services
2315 Commerce Point Drive, Ste 140 & 150, Lakeland, 33801
• 863/904-4620

Just Joan's Historic Barber Shop

1040 Pennsylvania Avenue, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/698-2242
Evans & Hurlburt CPA's, PA
5125 S Lakeland Drive, Suite 3, Lakeland, 33813 • 863/701-9717

Senior Helpers Rainbow Coach

1625 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland, 33803 • 863/686-7333 PO Box 3918 Lakeland 33802 • 813/997-6160

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
22nd Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast
The 22nd Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast was held on January 15 at the Lakeland
Center. This sell-out event was hosted by the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce and
sponsored by Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. More than 600 Chamber members and
guests gathered to hear the highly anticipated economic predictions for 2009 presented by
Brian Wesbury and Dr. Tony Villamil. Brain Wesbury is a nationally known economist who
comes to Lakeland annually for this event. Wesbury is the Chief Economist at First Trust
Advisors, L.P. in Chicago, IL. This was the second year that Dr. Villamil presented at the
Economic Forecast Breakfast. He is the Dean for the School of Business of St. Thomas
University of Florida and the Principal Advisor, for the Washington Economics Group, Inc.
in Coral Gables, FL.

As always, this event was a tremendous success and an exceptional opportunity for Chamber
members to gain insight into the economic forecast for 2009.

Keith Albritton (Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.), Laura Haw-

ley (Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.), Brian Wesbury (Chief
Economist at First Trust Advisors, L.P.), Kathleen Munson (Lake-
land Area Chamber of Commerce), Dr. Tony Villamil (Dean for
the School of Business of St. omas University of Florida and the
Principal Advisor, for the Washington Economics Group, Inc.),
Ralph Allen (Allen & Company of Florida, Inc.).

On the Move
• Continued from Page 17

Lakeland Surgical Perpetual technology Solutions

& Diagnostic Center L.L.P.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal
Endoscopy (ASGE), a leading gastrointestinal
medical society, has recognized Lakeland
Surgical & Diagnostic Center, Lakeland,
Florida, as part of its new program specifically
dedicated to promoting quality in endoscopy, in
all settings where it is practiced in the United
States. Lakeland Surgical & Diagnostic Center’s
Endoscopy Unit is one of 56 endoscopy units to
be granted the recognition in 2009.
WellDyneRx
The market expansion of a leader in the
pharmacy benefit industry will bring more than
100 new jobs to Lakeland in 2009. WellDyneRx
opened their world-class pharmacy mail service
facility on March 5, 2009. The creation of 100
new jobs in 2009 is just the beginning of the
hiring cycle. WellDyneRx is forecasting to add
an additional 578 jobs through the end of 2010.
The Learning Center at Perpetual Technology
Solutions (PTS), a leading provider of
computer software and professional IT training,
is proud to announce it now offers SharePoint
consulting for organizations throughout Central
Florida. Organizations use SharePoint to
simplify compliance efforts and keep business
information more secure through a
comprehensive set of tools to manage and
control electronic content.
Hewlett Packard (HP) has named perpetual
Technology Solutions as a Premier Authorized
Support Partner. “The Premier Authorized
Support Partner designation is in recognition
of your company’s achievement in meeting
the business and operational requirements
that place you in the top 10 percent of our
Authorized Support Partners.” Said Michael
Tortorici, HP US East Partner Service Delivery
Manager.

Polk Community College

All of the recent graduates of Polk Community
College’s Health Information management
(HIM) program who took the Registered
Health Information Technology (RHIT)
credentialing exam passed on their first
attempt. On average, PCC’s HIM graduates
scored 97%. The HIM graduates also scored
above the national average in 12 of the 14
content domains on the RHIT exam.
 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

DRy cLEan ThE HuLa skiRT anD TunE ThE ukuLELE.

It’s time for the 10th annual Luau Downtown,
a Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

Featuring the 7th annual “King of the Wing” Contest

Local restaurants and caterers compete for the honor of “Best Chicken Wings” in Lakeland.
• Live Entertainment • Beverages • Food Samples from Area Restaurants
• Great Place for Networking

Thursday, April 23
5:30-7:30 pm.
Hosted “On the Deck” of: 402 S. Kentucky Avenue

Gold Sponsors: Silver Sponsor: Patron Sponsors:

• Fun Bike Center Motorsports • Party People Celebration Co. • Signs & Specialties, Inc.
• Focus Magazine • Southside Package & Lounge
• Bernie Little Distributors

$10 Chamber Member - $30 Non-Member

Pre-register online at Luau.LakelandChamber.com