Advertise & Sponsor
Advertising: Contact: Tora Miller, Director of Marketing and Communications
Facebook/blog: No cost associated here, if you have any type of press release you can send it to Tora Miller and she will post it in our blog and then include a link to it that week in the Midweek Memo. If you have something specific on Facebook such as an event that you would like us to share from the Chamber of Commerce page, please email a link to that post to Tora Miller.
E-Newsletters (banner ad): The chamber sends out two weekly e-newsletters, Monday Mark Your Calendar and Wednesday Midweek Memo. We sell banner ad spots in these, 2 ads per email per month so 4 business total can reserve a spot. You get the entire month for $150 (so that is either 4 or 5 times you go out depending on the month). Our e-newsletters have around 4300 subscribers and we have an average open rate of 19-20%. If interested in purchasing one of these banner ads, contact Tora Miller.
Chamber Magazine (Business Guide to Lakeland): The 2019 Chamber Guide is currently completed, more information for advertising in the 2020 magazine will be available at a later date.
Website: If interested in purchasing a running ad on our website, please contact Tora Miller for updated 2019 pricing. These ads vary in price based on location on website.
Sponsorship Opportunities 2019
Held at Chamber business locations, this monthly networking event brings 150-200 investors together to learn more about other investor businesses and how investors can help each other promote their businesses. Opportunities based on availability – as Business After Hours hosts are offered the rights of first-refusal for the following year.
Benefits of Sponsorship:
150+ business people at your location, interacting with your staff
Your company brand associated with one of the most popular and well respected Chamber events
Sponsorship:
Host: $1,500
- Event held at company location
- Special name badge for representative(s) highlighting sponsor designation
- Opportunity to welcome attendees and give 60-second commercial about company
- Opportunity to distribute company material at event
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber
Contact:
Katie McBride | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 236 | kmcbride@lakelandchamber.com
ENGAGE. CONNECT. Mark your calendars to participate as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce presents Hats Off! Every year, Chamber volunteers distribute membership packets to more than 1,400 member businesses. These dedicated volunteers personally visit each member business and provide the Chamber with important feedback from members.
1. VOLUNTEER
Volunteering for Hats Off! offers you a unique opportunity to visit businesses as a Chamber representative while still promoting your company. In one afternoon, each volunteer will deliver up to 20 packets with new membership materials to our valued member-investors. The day begins at 8 a.m. with breakfast and packet pick-up. By 8:30 a.m., you're delivering packets! Return delivery receipts to the Chamber office (35 Lake Morton Dr).
2. BE A "SECRET HAT" COMPANY
Get added recognition for your company as a "Secret Hat" Company. Just let us know that you're interested, and then decorate a hat (any type of hat!) with either $25 cash or $50 in merchandise / gift certificates. When your volunteer arrives, award them the "Secret Hat" and be sure to take a picture or two! "Secret Hat" Companies will be promoted in our weekly e-newsletter.
3. SPONSOR
Reach 1,400+ business owners directly!
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- Have your company marketing materials included in each packet as they are delivered directly to more than 1,400 business owners with important Chamber information
- Align your company with the Chamber and its efforts to connect investors
Sponsorship:
Host & Breakfast Sponsor: (Florida Technical College – Right of First Refusal)
- Company recognized on event signage and event wrap-up
- Opportunity to put promotional items in delivery packets
Contact:
Terry Ottinger | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 231 | tottinger@lakelandchamber.com
Breakfast Seminar Series featuring a "Power Panel" designed to educate our investors and business community on relevant matters and offer practical insight into the questions affecting business today. Friday Forums provide a platform to learn, engage, and network with fellow investors.
Topics include:
- State of the City/State of the County (January/February)
- Diversity (March/April), Healthcare (May/June)
- Education (September/October)
- Nonprofits (November/December).
Benefits of Sponsorship:
An excellent opportunity to showcase your business in front of a targeted audience.
Sponsorship:
Title Sponsors: $1,500 (five available - one for each Forum) or $6,000 (five for the price of four)
- Company featured prominently on all promotional materials and event signage
- 3-5 minute Sponsor's Message opportunity
- Opportunity for CEO or company representative to introduce keynote speaker and/or panel of experts
- Opportunity to place promotional materials on tables
- One (1) reserved table for 8 in preferred location
Contact:
Sarah Breed | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 230 | sbreed@lakelandchamber.com
This initiative is designed to spread awareness about our local nonprofits and highlight at least 12 organizations that are impacting our community in positive ways.
Benefits of Sponsorship:
An excellent opportunity to showcase your business in front of a targeted audience by underwriting marketing promotion and event refreshments.
Sponsorship:
Tour Sponsors: $300 (three available) or $750 (for the entire series)
- Company featured prominently on certain promotional materials
- Recognition in the community as a supporter of nonprofit organizations
Contact:
Sarah Breed | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 230 | sbreed@lakelandchamber.com
Members of the Chamber, SBA and SCORE will host a program three times a year to help prospective new businesses create a successful business plan and prepare for the challenges associated with business ownership. Individuals that complete the course will receive a complimentary six month Chamber membership and SCORE mentor to assist them in their business venture.
Sponsorships available
Please contact Darla Sechrest Pettaway
Contacts:
Darla Sechrest Pettaway | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 228 | dsechrest@lakelandchamber.com
The Annual Meeting celebrates the Chamber’s accomplishments from the previous year and recognizes volunteer leaders who have made the year a success. The George Jenkins Award and the Scott Linder Small Business of the Year Award will be presented. The “Passing of the Gavel” between Chamber Board Chairs is an additional highlight.
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- An excellent opportunity to showcase your business in front of 750 – 1,000 decision makers
- Reserved seating at this sell-out event
Sponsorships:
Title: $10,000 – Exclusive
- Company featured prominently on all promotional materials and event signage
- Opportunity for CEO or company representative to introduce keynote speaker
- Twenty (20) reserved seats in preferred location
Gold: $5,000 – Several Available
- Company featured in promotional materials and event signage
- Company recognized from the podium
- Ten (10) reserved seats in preferred location
Contact:
Barbara Bennett | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 233 | bbennett@lakelandchamber.com
Each year, the Detroit Tigers organization helps boost Lakeland’s economy with an estimated $45 million impact. Through the Chamber’s Convention & Visitor’s Division, the Tigers’ players, families, staff, and fans are all treated to a warm homecoming and thank you each spring. Three-hundred Tigers and their guests attend this event with 900 Lakeland fans.
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- Show your company’s support of one of Lakeland’s biggest economic drivers
- Sponsor recognition to business leaders, tourism industry leaders and the general public
- Title Sponsor’s logo included on the drink mug giveaway!
Sponsorship:
Title: $5,000 – Exclusive (Rodda Construction, Inc. has rights of first refusal)
- Logo on giveaway souvenir mug
- Top billing on all event advertising, promotions and signage
- Ten (10) VIP tickets to the event with early VIP entrance with team
Presenting: $2,000 (multiple available)
- Logo on event advertising, promotion and signage (including banner at event)
- Six (6) VIP tickets to the event with early VIP entrance with team
Grand Slam: $1,000 (multiple available)
- Logo on event signage
- Three (3) VIP tickets to the event with early VIP entrance with team
Home Run: $500 (multiple available)
- Logo on event signage
- One (1) VIP ticket to the event with early VIP entrance with team
Line Drive: $250 (multiple available)
- Logo on event signage
- Early VIP entrance with team
Contact:
Jackie Johnson | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 223 | jackiej@lakelandchamber.com
The Lakeland Chamber recognizes the need for its members to identify high-potential future leaders and provide professional development training designed to cultivate a pool of qualified leaders who are prepared to fill mid-level management roles. Training Topics will include: Introduction to High-performance Leadership, Understanding your Leadership style, Developing Highly-functioning Teams, Managing and Resolving Conflict through Improved Communication, Creating Intelligent Chamber, Managing Workplace Stress, Generational Communication, and Cultivating a Conscious Culture. The series will begin with a 3-hour introduction and orientation, followed by a series of six, 2-hour trainings.
Sponsorship:
Presenting: $5,000
Leadership: $2,500
Management: $1,000
Contact:
Darla Sechrest Pettaway | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 228 | dsechrest@lakelandchamber.com
How would you like to meet and network with talented students attending colleges in Lakeland who are interested in starting their careers in the Lakeland area? The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce has partnered with local universities to host “Suit-Up” to facilitate the networking of students nearing graduation and local employers seeking quality talent. This event is a collaborative initiative of the following:
- Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
- Florida Polytechnic University
- Florida Southern College
- Keiser University | Lakeland
- Polk State College
- Saint Leo University | Lakeland Education Center
- Southeastern University
- Webster University
Sponsorship:
Graduate: $2,500
- Logo placement on “Suit-Up” promotional materials (including social media marketing)
- Booth space during the event with exposure to college students
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers/students at event
- Sponsorship mentions in written or radio advertising
- $100 sponsorship dollars available to donate to Suit-Up participant of choice
Senior: $1,000
- Written name on advertisements (including social media marketing)
- Booth space during the event with exposure to college students
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers/students at event
- Sponsorship mentions in written or radio advertising
- $50 sponsorship dollars available to donate to Suit-Up participant of choice
Junior: $750
- Written name on advertisements (including social media marketing)
- Booth space during the event with exposure to college students
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers/students at event
- $25 sponsorship dollars available to donate to Suit-Up participant of choice
Sophomore: $500
- Written name on advertisements (including social media marketing)
- Booth space during the event with exposure to college students
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers/students at event
- $10 sponsorship dollars available to donate to Suit-Up participant of choice
Freshman: $300
- Written name on advertisements (including social media marketing)
- Booth space during the event with exposure to college students
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers/students at event
Contact:
Sarah Breed | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 230 | sbreed@lakelandchamber.com
Capitol Connection is an event held in collaboration with fellow Polk County chambers that allows our investors the opportunity to visit Tallahassee and speak with our legislative delegation, learn about state government, and provide visibility for our chambers. $500 per person all inclusive.
Sponsorship:
Presenting: $3,000
- Company logo on all Chamber promotional items including a website slider
- Two (2) event seats (includes transportation, accommodations, meetings, and all meals)
- Special recognition at a Tallahassee meeting
- Company logo on event signage
- Company logo on event program "Thank You" page
Participating: $1,500
- Company name on all Chamber promotional items including a website slider
- One (1) event seat (includes transportation, accommodations, meetings, and all meals)
- Special recognition at a Tallahassee meeting
- Company logo on event signage
- Company name on event program "Thank You" page
Contact:
Cory Skeates | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 234 | cskeates@lakelandchamber.com
In a partnership with Citizens Bank and Trust, the annual Luau is a celebration and thank you to our loyal investors. “On the Deck,” Citizens Bank and Trust Downtown promotes a party atmosphere with restaurants providing food samples to keep the 500 attendees happy as they enjoy live music and complimentary beverages. The highlight of this event is the crowning of the “King of the Wings” in two categories, “Judges’ Choice” and “Peoples’ Choice.” Winners display trophies at their location until the next Luau event.
Contact:
Rebecca Fortier | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 229 | rfortier@lakelandchamber.com
SlingShot Polk is collaborating with the United Way of Central Florida to identify and solve the biggest problems in Polk County! Our goal is to take United Way’s three impact areas (Education, Income, and Health) and bring them to the forefront for our young entrepreneurs to solve and further implement at Polk County’s Crystal Lake Elementary, a Community Partnership School. Middle, high school, and college students and entrepreneurs under the age of 30 are invited to enter plans outlining a solution to one of Polk’s biggest problems. First, second, and third place winners in two contest categories will receive thousands of dollars in cash prizes. While SlingShot Polk is administered by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, it is a county-wide initiative.
Sponsorship:
Title: $5,000 (one available)
- Logo placement on SlingShot Polk promotional materials and sponsorship mentions in written or radio advertising
- Opportunity for company representatives to serve as mentors for participants
- $500 sponsorship dollars available to award to SlingShot participant of choice
- Opportunity for display table at event
- Opportunity for one company representative to serve as a judge for event
$2,500
- Logo placement on SlingShot Polk promotional materials
- Opportunity for company representatives to serve as mentors for participants
- $250 sponsorship dollars available to award to SlingShot participant of choice
- Opportunity for display table at event
$1,000
- Written name on SlingShot Polk promotional materials
- Opportunity for company representatives to serve as mentors for participants $100 sponsorship dollars available to award to SlingShot participant of choice
$500
- Written name on SlingShot Polk promotional materials
- Opportunity for company representatives to serve as mentors for participants
$300
- Written name on SlingShot Polk promotional materials
Supporter: $100
- Recognition at SlingShot Polk
Contact:
Sarah Breed | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 230 | sbreed@lakelandchamber.com
The Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast provides investors an opportunity to hear a firsthand "wrap-up" of Florida Legislative session and engage with elected legislators on the outcomes in Tallahassee. As decisions are being made related to economic development, education, healthcare, unemployment compensation, and insurance, this opportunity to meet with Polk's Legislative Delegation becomes increasingly more important each year.
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- Feature your company as one that supports good public policy in front of Polk County’s elected delegation and decision makers
- Reserved seating at this sell-out event
Sponsorship:
Presenting Sponsor: $5,000, Exclusive
- Top billing on event flyer and agenda
- Opportunity for display table near registration
- CEO or company representative recognized at event
- One (1) reserved table for 10 in preferred location
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
Gold Sponsor: $2,500
- Company name listed on the invitation and agenda
- CEO or company representative recognized at event
- Eight (8) tickets to event
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
Silver Sponsor: $1,500
- Company name listed on the invitation and agenda
- Four (4) tickets to event
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
Bronze Sponsor: $500
- Company name listed on the invitation and agenda
- Two (2) ticket to event
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
Contact:
Rebecca Fortier | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 229 | rfortier@lakelandchamber.com
“Building the bench of aspiring business-minded public leaders”
The Public Leadership Institute of Polk County (PLI) is a nonpartisan “pre-campaign” candidate and public leadership school with the mission of identifying and educating local business-minded leaders who are interested in exploring the possibility of one-day seeking public office and using business principles to address public issues. PLI of Polk County is a program of BusinessVoice, the political arm of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.
Sponsorships available
Please contact Cory Skeates
Contact:
Cory Skeates | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 234 | cskeates@lakelandchamber.com
Experience the Israel Adventure
Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? Imagine waking up and looking out from the balcony of your bedroom to see the sun gently touch the Sea of Galilee. Then indulge in a day spa at one of the world famous Dead Sea spa hotels. Finally, get ready to embark upon some of the most intriguing archeological and spiritually impactful sites in the entire world. Take in the Mediterranean Sea, Ein Gedi, Masada, Qumran, the Valley of Elah, Bethlehem, Bethlehem, the Wailing Wall and Temple Mount, Yad Vashem, the Garden of Gethsemane, Tel Dan, Nazareth, Capernaum, and more! Now imagine doing all of this while being guided by fellow Lakelander and owner of The Israel Adventure, Dr. Joe Davis, who is also a theology professor from Southeastern University and a former pastor. He has a Ph.D. and extensive knowledge of Israel and its culture.
Contact:
Sarah Breed | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 230 | sbreed@lakelandchamber.com
Each year, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Detroit Tigers and the City of Lakeland, travel north to support the Detroit Tigers!
Sponsorships available
Please contact Jackie Johnson
Contacts:
Jackie Johnson | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 223 | jackiej@lakelandchamber.com
“Rally the Spirit” is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local college students—whether new or returning students—and welcome them to Lakeland! Our short-term goal is to demonstrate an appreciation for our colleges and students and to showcase our vibrant Downtown Lakeland. Our long-term goal is to retain these students, understanding their talents greatly impact the economic well-being of our community. This event is a collaborative initiative of the following: City of Lakeland, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Southern College, Keiser University | Lakeland, Polk State College, Saint Leo University | Lakeland Education Center, Southeastern University, and Webster University.
Projected Attendance:
2,000+ college students and other members in the community.
Sponsorships:
Senior Sponsor: $1,000
- Logo placement on “Rally the Spirit” Food Truck Rally promotional materials
- Booth space in Downtown Lakeland during the event with exposure to college students
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers at event
- Sponsorship mentions in written or radio advertising
- Ten (10) Food Truck Bucks ($50 value) to be used at event
Junior Sponsor: $750
- Written name on advertisements
- Booth space in Downtown Lakeland during the event with exposure to college students
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers at event
- Seven (7) Food Truck Bucks ($35 value) to be used at event
Sophomore Sponsor: $500
- Written name on advertisements
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers at event
- Five (5) Food Truck Bucks ($25 value) to be used at event
Freshman Sponsor: $300
- Written name on advertisements
Contact:
Sarah Breed | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 230 | sbreed@lakelandchamber.com
The tradition continues! On Saturday, September 21, 2019, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Suncoast Credit Union presents the 2nd Annual SwantoberFest. Celebrate Oktoberfest-style in Munn Park in downtown Lakeland and make time to unwind, meet new friends, learn new customs and sing a few songs. The Lakeland Chamber is proud to announce that Suncoast Credit Union is once again sponsoring Lakeland’s only Oktoberfest-themed celebration! Like a traditional Oktoberfest, our event is held in September and offers sights, sounds, and tastes that are Bavarian-inspired. This community-wide event in Munn Park is free to attend and features a business expo as an opportunity for Chamber members to engage directly with the community in a family-friendly setting. A variety of German food will be available such as weisswurst (white sausage), mini pork shanks, rotisserie chicken, and traditional sides. The Bier Tent will showcase Oktoberfest beers, micro-brews, hard cider, German beer such as Becks, plus other favorites like Stella Artois, and domestic beer like Budweiser and Michelob. A separate tent will have soft beverages available for purchase - bottled water and sodas. Activities include our German-style competitions - the Outrageous Olympiad! Compete in one or all - stein-hoisting, mustache competition, a partner brat toss, and a treasure hunt for the young at heart. Live music rounds out the event, featuring an authentic Oktoberfest band. Visit the Fields Motor Cars Autobahn to see German engineering and design. Let your children jump at 2Infinity Air Track at Kinder Platz on Kentucky - or compete in fun games. Local restaurants, businesses, and organizations will be showcasing and selling their products and services. VIP passes will be available for an extra-special experience!
Sponsorships available beginning at $300, or let us customize a sponsorship to meet your ROI.
Title Sponsor:
Suncoast Credit Union
Contact:
Rebecca Fortier | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 229 | rfortier@lakelandchamber.com
Each year, we fire up the grill to provide a completely portable CarBQ meal guaranteed to delight your taste buds and show your employees how valuable they are to your business! Celebrate your employees by ordering lunches for the entire office, order for clients; or, donate to your favorite organization. Then, just drive on through and get your mouth-watering meal served right up! Free delivery for orders of 25 or more!
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- Show your support of the Chamber and the more than 100,000 Lakeland residents that Chamber investors employ
- Sponsorship recognition in on-site signage, communications, and event materials where appropriate
Sponsorships:
Title: $10,000 (one available)
- Event will be referred to as “The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and (name of company)
- Present the 2018 CarBQ”
- Top billing on all event signage, collateral and lunch box insert, including sponsor’s name and logo
- Company banner displayed at pick-up points (company to provide banner)
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers at event
- Opportunity for company employees to volunteer in company shirts
- One hundred (100) CarBQ lunches delivered to your business
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
- Company recognized in Midweek Memo and Chamber website
Diesel: $5,000 (multiple available)
- Company’s name listed on the event collateral, lunch box insert, and event signage
- Opportunity to provide company promotional items to volunteers at event
- Opportunity for company employees to volunteer in company shirts
- Fifty (50) CarBQ lunches delivered to your business
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
- Company recognized in Midweek Memo and Chamber website
Premium: $2,500 (multiple available)
- Company’s name listed on the event collateral, lunch box insert, and event signage
- Opportunity for company employees to volunteer in company shirts
- Thirty-five (35) CarBQ lunches delivered to your business
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
- Company recognized in Midweek Memo and Chamber website
Super: $1,000 (multiple available)
- Company’s name listed on the event collateral and lunch box insert
- Opportunity for company employees to volunteer in company shirts
- Twenty-five (25) CarBQ lunches delivered to your business
- Company recognized in Midweek Memo and Chamber website
Unleaded: $500 (multiple available)
- Company’s name listed on the event collateral and lunch box insert
- Opportunity for company employees to volunteer in company shirts
- Fifteen (15) CarBQ lunches delivered to your business
- Company recognized in Midweek Memo and Chamber website
Hybrid: $250 (multiple available)
- Ten (10 box lunches) delivered to your business
- Company recognized in Midweek Memo and Chamber website
Contact:
Cory Skeates | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 234 | cskeates@lakelandchamber.com
The Chamber’s annual Golf Scramble offers members time to reconnect, entertain clients, and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. This popular event serves as one of the Chamber’s most important fundraisers, allowing the organization to fulfill its mission goals.
Benefits of Sponsorship:
- Display your support of Lakeland’s growing economy
- Signage on day of event
- Reservations for players in this sell-out event
Sponsorship:
Tournament: $5,000 (one available)
- Top billing on all tournament signage
- Company representative to address attendees at start of day and give 60-second “commercial” about company
- Banner placement at the Clubhouse the day of the event (company to provide banner)
- Opportunity to give away promotional items during event
- One (1) team in the tournament (6-person team)
- Company featured in promotional materials developed by the Chamber for the event
Lunch or Reception: $2,000 (one each available)
- Company’s name listed on tournament signage
- Banner placement at lunch/reception day of event (company to provide banner)
- Opportunity to distribute promotional items
- Two (2) players in the tournament
Golf Cart: $1,000 (one available)
- Sponsor signage at tournament
- Company’s name on all golf carts for tournament
- Opportunity to place promotional items in all golf carts
- One (1) player in the tournament
Hole Hospitality: $1,000 (four available)
- Company’s name listed on tournament signage for reception and program
- Banner placement at the reception day of event (company to provide banner)
- Exclusive sponsorship on one hole (as assigned by the Chamber)
- Opportunity to set up hospitality table on assigned hole
- One (1) player in the tournament
Beverage Cart: $500 (one available)
- Sponsor signage at tournament
- Company’s name on signage on beverage carts
- One (1) entry into the Scramble Reception
Driving Range: $500 (one available)
- Company’s name on signage at the driving range
- One (1) entry into the Scramble Reception
Putting Green: $500
- Company’s name on signage at the putting green
- One (1) entry into the Scramble Reception
Contest: $500 (three available - sponsor provides prize)
- Choose Longest Drive, Closest to Pin or Putting contest
- Company’s name on signage at the designated hole
- One (1) entry into the Scramble Reception
Hole: $100 (multiple available)
- Company’s name on signage at your designated hole
Contact:
Jackie Johnson | (863) 688-8551 Ext. 223 | jackiej@lakelandchamber.com