Earlier today, the House Education Administration Subcommittee passed Florida Chamber-backed HB 1367, sponsored by Representative Erika Booth, which addresses chronic student absenteeism. This important legislation, paired with SB 938 by Senator Stan McClain, helps ensure students are in the classroom, which benefits Florida’s future workforce.

According to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Math Matters: Bridging Gaps for Florida’s Future Workforce report, when more students are chronically absent, it directly leads to a decrease in math achievement. A 10-percentage point increase in chronic absenteeism is associated with a 6.8 percent decrease in math proficiency. Poor student outcomes impact Florida’s future talent pipeline as math skill gaps can be a barrier for students pursuing postsecondary education and career options.

By addressing absenteeism, HB 1367 supports businesses by ensuring the next generation is prepared to meet future workforce demands.

Ensuring Florida’s working families have access to affordable, quality child care is essential to bolstering our workforce and strengthening Florida’s economy. The Florida Chamber Foundation’s policy research report, School Readiness in Florida: How We Can Close the Gaps, examines the case for State Median Income in Child Care Tuition Assistance Eligibility. This change will ensure that more Florida families can access the early childhood education they need.

Read the full report below:

​Key findings on the need to expand Florida’s School Readiness program eligibility:

• Florida’s Working Families Are Struggling to Access Affordable Child Care:
  • Child care costs are the number one reason why working parents in Florida with children under six years old quit their jobs.
  • 281,621 Floridians reported not working in the past year to take care of a child, exacerbating the state’s talent shortage, where only about 90 Floridians are looking for work for every 100 open jobs.
  • Under the current system, Florida’s School Readiness program limits eligibility to families earning up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a family of four, this amounts to an annual income of $46,800. However, this threshold excludes many working families struggling with rising living costs.
• Shifting Eligibility to State Median Income: A Solution for More Families:
  • Shifting eligibility from Federal Poverty Level to State Median Income would ensure families earning slightly above the Federal Poverty Level, but still facing financial challenges, have access to child care assistance.
  • Research shows that child care costs consume 20-30% of household income in Florida, which exceeds the cost of in-state college tuition by nearly $8,400 annually.
  • By setting eligibility at 65% of the State Median Income, 72,000 additional families could qualify for the program, and it is estimated that 15,840 of those families would participate, benefiting 27,500 children in early learning programs.
• Expanding Access to Support Florida’s Future Workforce:
  • Expanding the eligibility for School Readiness aligns with Florida’s broader economic goals by ensuring all children receive the early learning opportunities they need.
  • By shifting to State Median Income as the eligibility threshold, we can provide essential support for families, help reduce childhood poverty, and set Florida’s children on the path to success.

For questions about this report or to learn more about the Florida Chamber Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve early learning outcomes in Florida, contact Makayla Buchanan at [email protected]

​A special thanks to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Business Alliance for Early Learning Advisory Board for driving our mission forward. To support the Florida Chamber Foundation’s ongoing efforts to advance progress towards our Florida 2030 Blueprint goals, please contact Makayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning and Literacy, at [email protected]

​Polk County Public Schools is proud to announce its annual Commitment Day! Each high school will host its own 2025 Commitment Day event to celebrate their graduating seniors who have committed to their future, and they need your help to make this day special.  Commitment Day events will be held at each high school during the last two weeks in April. They will recognize students who plan to attend any college, university, or training program and our students who will join the military or the workforce. 
 
Former First Lady Michelle Obama started celebrating College Signing Day at the White House.  PCPS is thrilled to continue its local tradition by recognizing all seniors committing to their future. Celebrating Polk County seniors' success means more than a party; they know our community is proud of their hard work, invested in their futures, and excited to see what they do next.
 
PCPS would appreciate it if you would donate to a high school of your choice for Commitment Day.  There are 7 high schools in the Lakeland area, and the goal is to provide each school with numerous items for their students. Below are Amazon Wish Lists for the high schools throughout the district.  All items will be shipped directly to the schools—no need for delivery on your part. If you cannot donate through the wish lists and would like to donate other items, please reach out to one of the Community Liaisons in your area.
 
Lakeland & Harrison High School Commitment Day Wish List  (Reba Coil- Liaison  [email protected])
Commitment Day Celebration- April 29th
 
George Jenkins High Commitment Day Wish List   (Reba Coil - Liaison  [email protected])
Commitment Day Celebration - April 30th
 
Lake Gibson High Commitment Day Wish List  (Crystal Davis- Liaison  [email protected])
Commitment Day Celebration - April 24th
 
Kathleen High & Central Florida Aerospace Academy Commitment Day List (Crystal Davis - Liaison [email protected])
Commitment Day Celebration - April 17th
 
Tenoroc High Commitment Day Wish List (Crystal Davis -  Liaison  [email protected])
Commitment Day Celebration- April 23rd
 
PCPS thanks you in advance for your support. Your donation will show all students that they matter and that their community supports them. 

Legislation to expand access to the School Readiness Program has been filed and the Senate bill, SB 1382, will be heard today in the Senate Education PreK - 12 Committee. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Florida’s School Readiness Program, the state’s child care tuition assistance program, meets the needs of working families and supports the state’s long-term economic competitiveness. These bills align with our Chamber's commitment to strengthening Lakeland's workforce by expanding access to quality early learning opportunities.

HB 859 – Enhancing Transparency & Efficiency in School Readiness, and SB 1382 – Expanding Access to School Readiness Programs

HB 859, sponsored by Representative Chase Tramont, and SB 1382, sponsored by Senator Alexis Calatayud, refine eligibility rules, prioritization, and funding distribution within Florida’s School Readiness Program. It ensures a more accurate measure of economic needs and increases efficiency in serving families. The bills require that early learning coalitions actively enroll children from the waiting list, ensuring that more families can have access to critical early learning opportunities that build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

These bills also reinforce the importance of early learning as a workforce issue by expanding access to School Readiness programs for economically disadvantaged households. With early childhood education playing an essential role in developing both cognitive and non-cognitive skills, these bills strengthen Florida’s position as a leader in preparing the next generation of workers while supporting families in need.

HB 859 and SB 1382 will:

• Improve access by shifting eligibility from the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to State Median Income (SMI), better reflecting the financial realities of Florida’s working families.
• Enhance accountability through stronger performance tracking for kindergarten readiness outcomes.
• Increase transparency and efficiency by establishing clearer guidelines for eligibility and funding distribution.

The Lakeland Chamber recognizes that access to high-quality early childhood education is not just an educational priority but also a workforce necessity. A strong early learning system directly impacts our economic future by improving school readiness, reducing future remediation costs, and ensuring a steady pipeline of talent to keep Florida competitive.

In a new policy research report informed by the Florida Business Alliance for Early Learning Project, the Florida Chamber Foundation makes the data-driven case for how a shift to State Median Income as the eligibility measure for School Readiness could be a game-changer for Florida’s workforce and economy. Explore the report on our blog.

​Take the Survey

​Several immigration bills have been filed this year that would require all Florida private employers to use the federal E-Verify system, increase penalties for noncompliance, and include other provisions that could be problematic for Florida businesses. Under current Florida law, employers with more than 25 employees are required to use E-Verify, and employers with less than 25 employees can choose to use the I-9 employment eligibility form or E-Verify. Proponents of the legislation argue these measures are necessary due to the federal government’s prior failure to secure the nation’s borders and that mandatory E-Verify will prevent access to these jobs which are an incentive for someone to be in the United States illegally.

The Florida Chamber is gathering employer feedback to better understand how these proposed changes could impact Florida's business community. With this year’s state proposals under consideration, they are requesting feedback by completing a quick 4-question survey.  Your input will help inform their advocacy efforts and ensure lawmakers consider the real-world effects on employers. 

Take the Survey

UPDATED 3/2/2025:
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"The Treasury Department is announcing today that, with respect to the Corporate Transparency Act, not only will it not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, but it will further not enforce any penalties or fines against U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the forthcoming rule changes take effect either. The Treasury Department will further be issuing a proposed rulemaking that will narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. Treasury takes this step in the interest of supporting hard-working American taxpayers and small businesses and ensuring that the rule is appropriately tailored to advance the public interest."

Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury

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​The Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements are back on.

What happened: A federal court has lifted the injunction that was preventing the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) from enforcing Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the CTA.

Now, after numerous delays pending legal challenges, certain small business now have to file their paperwork starting as early as March, according to an update FinCEN shared:

"For the vast majority of reporting companies, the new deadline to file an initial, updated, and/ or corrected BOI report is now March 21, 2025. FinCEN will provide an update before then of any further modification of this deadline, recognizing that reporting companies may need additional time to comply with their BOI reporting obligations once this update is provided."

What is the CTA?
The CTA was enacted by Congress on January 1, 2021, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.  The CTA included significant reforms to anti-money laundering laws and is intended to help prevent and combat money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption, and tax fraud.  

Under the act, small businesses in the United States were required to file beneficial ownership information reports (BOIR) with the Department of the Treasury by January 1. This deadline was on hold due to federal court rulings.

In February 2025, a bill that would provide a one-year delay for small businesses from having to report their beneficial ownership information under the CTA passed the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate. The U.S. Chamber sent a Key Vote Letter to the House supporting H.R. 736, the Protect Small Business from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025.

Failure to submit the BOIR paperwork puts small business owners at risk of criminal penalties, imprisonment, and fines up to $10,000.

How to Comply
Click here to download the U.S. Chamber's Guide, Complying with the Corporate Transparency Act: A Guide for Small Businesses.

​Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

On behalf of nearly 500 state + local chambers and national associations, including the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber has issued a letter to Congress to amplify the message of the business community and ensure that lawmakers understand the critical importance of making the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.

The letter states:

"To Members of the United States Congress:

The undersigned organizations support extending pro-growth tax policies that have raised workers’ wages, helped families weather inflation, and led to more well-paying jobs. The individual, business, and estate tax provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) have been instrumental in helping achieve these goals and should be made permanent.

As lawmakers contemplate advancing tax reform legislation through budget reconciliation this year, the importance of adopting the appropriate budget baseline cannot be overstated. We believe it is imperative that Congress adopt a current-policy baseline.

Adopting a current-policy baseline would avoid a $4 trillion dollar tax increase on American families and employers by creating a pathway for Congress to make the TCJA permanent. Doing so would provide businesses the certainty and stability they need to make the long-term investments that drive growth, accelerate productivity, and increase prosperity across all segments of the economy.

Adopting a current-policy baseline would give lawmakers a real chance to deliver permanent tax relief for American families and employers and would not increase the deficit relative to current policy.

History shows that thoughtful tax policy can drive economic growth while improving fiscal responsibility. Lawmakers have the tool in hand to do both, and now is the time to use it."

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Stepping into a new chapter of growth, Saunders Real Estate has transitioned away from the SVN franchise to operate as an independent brokerage focused on large-acreage land and commercial real estate across Florida and the Southeastern United States. Led by industry veterans Dean Saunders, Gary Ralston, and Todd Dantzler, and their team of over 100 advisors, the firm is now positioned to further expand its services and targeted regions to support clients in their efforts to maximize their land investments and make strategic real estate decisions.

This strategic shift allows Saunders Real Estate to provide comprehensive brokerage solutions uniquely tailored to landowners and commercial investors throughout major Florida markets such as Central Florida and Tampa along with major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and, soon, North Carolina. Recognized for its focus on agricultural,  conservation, recreation, and development land, the firm is set to leverage its local insights and national connections to guide clients in optimizing property value and strategically navigating land and commercial real estate markets.

“We appreciate our time with SVN and the relationships that were made," said Saunders, Founder and Managing Director of the brokerage firm. "We're excited about this next chapter and the opportunity to further refine our approach to serving clients with more specialized focus and regional agility.”

Saunders Real Estate provides comprehensive real estate solutions across the Southeast, seamlessly integrating land and commercial services to meet the diverse needs of landowners and developers. The firm's expertise encompasses large land transactions, conservation strategies, property valuation, and consulting, while simultaneously offering robust commercial real estate services across retail, office, and industrial asset classes. With a deep understanding of legislative insights and market dynamics, the team helps clients make strategic decisions through specialized property management, land auctions, leasing, and investment sales. This approach enables Saunders Real Estate to deliver tailored solutions that address the complex real estate challenges faced by clients throughout the region.

Saunders Real Estate extends its brokerage services through strategic knowledge-sharing initiatives, including three key conferences and quarterly and annual reports. The Florida Lay of the Land Conference, the largest land-focused event in Florida, brings together industry professionals to analyze regional real estate trends and investment opportunities. The I-4 Corridor Conference explores commercial real estate potential in Central Florida, while the Georgia Lay of the Land Conference provides insights into the state's agricultural and economic landscape. The firm's annual Lay of the Land Report offers comprehensive research on market conditions and trends across the Southeast. These events and publications position Saunders Real Estate as a vital resource for market intelligence and industry expertise.

“With a team of seasoned experts who know our key markets inside and out, this new independent approach gives us the momentum to accelerate the expansion of services and growth into new Southeast U.S. markets,” said Tyler Davis, ALC, President of Saunders Real Estate. “Our expanded presence and specialized focus position Saunders Real Estate to deliver unmatched expertise and value, enabling our clients to achieve their goals in land and commercial real estate faster and more effectively than ever.”

About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers, sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for nearly 30 years. With over 100 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida and Georgia, we specialize in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.

​To reflect our legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions—Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. Our expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused approach.

For more information on Saunders Real Estate, please visit https://www.saundersrealestate.com/

Decades ago, AT&T embarked on a journey — one that has now become a time-honored tradition — of commemorating the profound impact and historical contributions that Black Americans have made to our communities. AT&T has always held the belief that thriving and dynamic communities make for the perfect environments to live, work, and nurture families. This initiative is a testament to that commitment.

In keeping with this enduring tradition, AT&T is delighted to introduce the 32nd edition of our Black History Month Digital Calendar. This interactive chronicle is a symbol of our respect for the distinguished Black leaders who have shaped the world we live in. These exceptional individuals serve as role models for the generations of tomorrow, inspiring them to reach for the stars. Their digital calendar serves not just as a testament to the honorees’ accomplishments, but also as an engaging tool to educate, inspire, and celebrate their legacy.

Among those featured in the 32nd installment is the Lakeland Chamber's very own Vice President, Partnerships and Research, Mr. Phillip Walker.

Phillip Walker was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida where he graduated from Kathleen High School and later obtained his master’s degree from Rollins College. Walker started his career as a police officer, and later went on to build his own Allstate Insurance Agency in Lakeland, serving as owner and agency principal.

In 2010, Walker was elected to serve as Lakeland City Commissioner where he was recognized for his consistent, conservative leadership on the commission until November 2022. He held the line on taxes, cut regulations to encourage high-wage jobs and made sure our streets remain safe.
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Today, Walker remains actively involved as a volunteer leader in several community organizations while serving in his current role as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s Vice President of Partnerships and Research. He serves on the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army, the Board of Directors for Chapters Health System and Christ Community Christian Center and the Board of Trustees for McKeel Academy of Technology.
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Mr. Walker is married to Cappy D. Cooke and they have three children, Janelle, Jaela and Christian Phillip, as well as two other children, Tony and John Eric who are part of the walker family.

Read more about the AT&T Black History Month Calendar on their website: www.attconnects.com/att-proudly-presents-the-32nd-installment-of-the-black-history-month-digital-calendar-a-celebration-of-remarkable-achievements-and-contributions/

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Janice Tedder Jones as the recipient of its 2025 George Jenkins Award. Presented at the Lakeland Chamber’s 2024 Annual Meeting, this prestigious award celebrates an individual who has provided exemplary leadership and long-standing service to the Chamber and community. Other members of the business community were also recognized for their contributions to Lakeland.

2025 George Jenkins Award Recipient: Janice Tedder Jones
The George Jenkins Award, named for the founder of Publix Super Markets, is considered the Lakeland Chamber’s highest honor for an individual. Todd Jones, Executive Chairman of Publix Super Markets, Inc., presented the award to Tedder Jones.

A dedicated leader, Tedder Jones’ generosity has profoundly impacted the Lakeland community. Though her career began with a passion for music, she ultimately followed in her father’s footsteps, earning an accounting degree and joining his firm. Inspired by his advice to find time to give back through community organizations, she immersed herself in service, starting with volunteering at children’s schools before expanding her involvement to organizations such as Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center and Achievement Academy. Through her leadership, these organizations grew significantly, benefiting countless individuals in the community.
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Her devotion to community advancement extends into the Lakeland Chamber, where she began with ceremonial roles before joining the Board of Directors in 2013 and serving as Board Chair in 2017. Even in retirement, she remains an anchor of the Chamber, actively participating in committees, events, and mentoring future leaders and board chairs.

2025 Kathleen Munson Quality of Life Champion: The Ruthvens
The Kathleen Munson Quality of Life Champion Award honors those businesses that are dedicated to making Lakeland a great place to live, work, and play.

The recipient of the 2025 Quality of Life Champion award, The Ruthvens, has been a cornerstone of Lakeland’s business community for nearly 70 years. Founded in 1957 by Joe P. Ruthven, a WWII Navy veteran, the company would inevitably be woven into the fabric of Lakeland and Polk County. Joe P. Ruthven’s vision of providing functional warehouse spaces while cultivating strong relationships with tenants laid the foundation for a company built on integrity and fairness. Now a third-generation family-run business, The Ruthvens continues to shape Lakeland’s landscape while upholding the values and principles established by its founder.
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Their legacy is not just measured in square footage. The Ruthvens demonstrates a dedication to Lakeland by supporting organizations such as the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, United Way of Central Florida, Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center, the Salvation Army, Peace River Center, Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, and First Presbyterian Church, as well as educational institutions, including Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, and Polk State College, and local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. Their contributions, including The Ruthven Family Playground at Bonnet Springs Park, reflect their commitment to enhancing Lakeland’s quality of life. Several members of the Ruthven family have served in leadership roles throughout the community, including two members, Joe P. and Joe L., who both served as board chairs of the Lakeland Chamber’s Board of Directors.

2024 P. Scott Linder Small Business of the Year: Lugo’s Craft Distillery
The Small Business of the Year Award is a prestigious award given to a member business in recognition of their accomplishments and entrepreneurial spirit. The recipient is selected from 12 Small Business of the Month recipients from the year prior.

Lugo’s Craft Distillery, the recipient of the 2024 Scott Linder Small Business of the Year award, is a true family business in every sense. Since opening in Lakeland just five years ago, the Lugo family has fully embraced the community, making guests, partners, and fellow business owners feel like part of the family as well. Every aspect of their operation is shaped by a family member with a passion for quality and commitment to ethical business practices. Their signature spirits include Pitorro, a Puerto Rican spirit traditionally infused with fruit and aged, and Risky Rum, aged in charred American Oak barrels (which has earned a loyal following by the Lakeland Whiskey Society). In addition to their tasting room in Lakeland, you can taste their rum at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, as they proudly serve as the official Rum Partner of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Beyond their craft, Lugo’s works closely with other local businesses to foster collaboration. They host maker markets, infuse their spirits into fine chocolates, and partner with local breweries to create new flavors and cocktails. Their commitment to quality and community has made them a standout in Lakeland’s business scene, offering not just exceptional products but also memorable experiences.

2024 Annual Meeting
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Annual Meeting presented by Suncoast Credit Union brought together business leaders and community advocates to celebrate a successful year of chamber initiatives and usher in a new era of leadership. 2024 Board Chair, Amanda Walls of Peterson & Myers, P.A., led ceremonies as she reflected on the Chamber’s achievements in advocacy, internal excellence, and member-focused initiatives. The event also featured a keynote address from Amy Maguire of the Florida Policy Project (FPP), who shared valuable insights on Florida’s changing demographics and pressing issues in transportation, insurance, and housing affordability.

The evening concluded with the formal passing of the gavel to the Chamber’s 2025 Board Chair, Lori Martini of GiveWell Community Foundation. Surrounded by past chairs, Martini shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead, outlining her priorities and vision for continued business growth. With strong leadership at the helm and a commitment to progress, the Lakeland Chamber looks forward to another year of success.