​Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to
Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, September 20, Takiyah Dixon, Director of the Lakeland
Chamber of Commerce, graduated from the ninth cohort of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Foundation’s premier business leadership program, the Business Leads Fellowship Program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of Commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.

“I am honored to have been a part of the Business Leads Fellowship Program. This experience
has equipped me with invaluable insights and tools to address our community's education and workforce challenges. My research on community schooling models and years of experience in workforce education have made this program a perfect fit. As a doctoral candidate in education, I am excited to leverage this recognition and my current participation in the Leadership Lakeland Program to continue advocating for effective education & workforce development. I am committed to using this expertise to create a meaningful impact and drive economic growth in our community.”

“We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and
local chamber partners,” says Caitlin Codella Low, Vice President of Policy and Programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.”
 
Following a competitive application and selection process, Takiyah Dixon was selected along
with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and
association leaders to participate in the ninth cohort of this program. The six-month program,
consisting of in-person and virtual meetings, covers the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development.

Upon graduation, Business Leads Fellows join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s
a dedicated network of over 360 chambers of commerce and statewide associations nationwide that regularly engage in education and workforce initiatives.
  
For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website.

Absent congressional action, American families, workers, and businesses will be hit with the largest tax increase in American history at the end of next year.

“While the impact of a massive tax increase on individual Americans is clear, it is critical for policymakers to understand that the expiration of many pro-growth business tax reforms from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) also will dramatically increase costs for families and customers, harm main street businesses, reduce take-home pay for workers, and result in the loss of innovation and American jobs,” said Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Pro-growth tax policy doesn’t just grow the overall U.S. economy; it raises wages for American workers and improves standards of living. Maintaining and improving pro-growth tax policy ensures that the U.S. remains globally competitive, retaining and attracting businesses, jobs, investment, and innovation here at home.”

This letter is the latest effort in the Chamber’s comprehensive education and advocacy blitz in support of maintaining a pro-growth tax code that builds a robust economy that benefits all Americans.
  
This summer, the Chamber put forth the Growth and Opportunity Imperative for America, a series of policy recommendations that will help the United States reach a goal of 3% annual real economic growth.  The Chamber also unveiled a new resource for policymakers and candidates detailing how a pro-growth tax code benefits American workers, businesses, and the economy. 
Recent polling from the Chamber shows a majority (80%) of voters are concerned that increasing taxes would result in higher prices and 93% believe American families and businesses are already paying enough in taxes. 

​Small businesses say that a competitive tax code means local economies grow and prosper, while workers across the country benefit from higher paychecks and more job opportunities. 

Last week I had the privelege to attend the Polk Young Professionals Awards, an event coordinated by EMERGE Lakeland, ENDEAVOR Winter Haven and ENGAGE Bartow.

From open nominations, each group identified one finalist in three award categories: Emerging Leader, Legacy Builder and Philanthropic Champion.
EMERGE Lakeland's finalists were:
Emerging Leader: Kaleigh Avian (MIDFLORIDA Credit Union)
Legacy Builder: Erin Avella (Publix Super Markets, Inc.)
Philanthropic Champion: Cherish Welch (MIDFLORIDA Credit Union)

2024 Polk Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award
This award recognizes a young professional who has dedicated time and expertise to make a positive impact on the community through professional development and service to others.

• Individual age 21-30
• Demonstrated progressive leadership responsibility in profession/career
• Demonstrated progressive leadership responsibility in volunteer organization(s)
• Clearly exemplifies excellence, creativity, and initiative

2024 Recipient: Savannah Winstanley (City of Winter Haven)

Polk Emerging Leaders Legacy Builder Award
This award recognizes a young professional who has dedicated time and expertise to make a positive impact on the community and now demonstrates attention to building up the next generations of emerging leaders.

• Individual age 31-42
• Demonstrated progressive leadership responsibility in profession/career
  Demonstrated progressive leadership responsibility in volunteer organization(s)
• Clearly exemplifies excellence, creativity, and initiative
• Clearly serves as a role model for future leaders both personally and professionally

2024 Recipient Erin Avella (Publix Super Markets, Inc.)

2024 Polk Young Professionals Philanthropic Champion Award
This award recognizes a young leader who is dedicated to service within Polk County.

• Individual age 21-42
• Demonstrated dedication of time and expertise to volunteering and philanthropy
• Demonstrated positive impact on volunteer organization(s)
• Clearly exemplifies excellence, creativity, and initiative

2024 Recipient Cherish Welch (MIDFLORIDA Credit Union)

Congratulations to all the finalist and award recipients - and thank you for your work to make our community thrive!

​Following a rigorous application process, the Lakeland Chamber Foundation announces finalists and honorees for the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Awards, recognizing professional excellence, service to community and leadership development.
 
Founded more than 30 years ago, ATHENA International has honored more than 7,000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries. The Lakeland Chamber Foundation is a licensed ATHENA Award Community.
 
The 2024 ATHENA Awards Finalists demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their businesses or professions; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.

2024 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists:
Michelle Ledford, MADE LKLD
Teresa Martinez, Polk State College
Tracey Tedder, Florida Southern College
 
2024 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Finalists:
Kassia Alamm, EMERGE Lakeland & Straughn Trout Architects
Rachael Savinon, CPS Investment Advisors
Emily Shiver, New Life Veterinary Hospital
 
The 2024 ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award Recipient, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, will be honored for their organizational culture that encourages women employees to achieve the full leadership potential.
 
Finalists will be honored, and recipients will be announced at the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Awards Program on September 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Haus 820. Keynote Speaker Vera Jones, a former sportscaster and basketball analyst, will share her story of resilience and inspiration in the face of her son’s diagnoses with blindness.
 
For additional information, including past ATHENA Award recipients and event registration, please visit https://www.lakelandchamber.com/athena-awards.html.

With more than 100 Leadership Lakeland Alumni and friends in attendance at Thursday’s Opening Reception at Springhill Inn & Suites, Class XLI Chair, Palemeschia “Pal” Powell (Class XXIX, Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum at Florida Southern College) introduced the 30 members of Leadership Lakeland Class XLI. Will Link (Class XXXI, Reed Mawhinney and Link.) will be serving as Chair-Elect.
 
“My Leadership Lakeland experience was so meaningful, and I’m still connected to many of the organizations and people I encountered during my year,” said Pal Powell. “I’m proud to continue those traditions with a new class of leaders.”
 
Congratulations to the class members:
Tayler Baldick, Director of Community Engagement & Human Resources, Stuart's Plumbing
Chanel Dedes Bellotto, President, Skate World
Diana Braswell, Partner | Physician Laboratory Director | Dermatopathologist, Watson Clinic
Kylia L. Carswell, Director of Family Engagement, Polk County Public Schools
Coady Cheek, VP Professional Relationship Manager, Bank of Central Florida
Katie Worthington Decker, Senior Vice President, Lakeland Economic Development Council
John Demming, Director of Safety, Security & Emergency Management, Lakeland Regional Health
Takiyah Nicole Dixon, Director, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
John F. Doran, Executive Director, Publix Super Markets Charities
Christopher Heath Frederick, Director of Public Works, City of Lakeland
Cindy Glover, Editor, LkldNow
Chris Hammond, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Allen & Company
Eric J. Jackson, Financial Advisor, CPS Investment Advisors
Matt Keen, Associate Attorney, Peterson & Myers, P.A.
Cheryl Lee Kimball, Police Captain, Lakeland Police Department
Guy Eber LaLonde, III, Owner, Lakeland Moonwalk/Under One Tent Events
Ashley Loute, Vice President of Assets, Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County
Lindsey Martin, Assurance Manager, CliftonLarsonAllen
Arden Mitchell, Director of Admissions, Florida Southern College
Nathaniel Pearson, Dean and Professor, Southeastern University
Ryan C. Rogers, SVPII/Regional Manager, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Landon Joseph Schneider, Associate Attorney, Reed Mawhinney & Link
Jacob Michael Schner, Sales and Leasing, The Ruthvens
Brandon Silk, Commercial Insurance Advisor, Brown & Brown
Mary Terry, Director of Operations, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
Haley Lynn Tonge, Trust & Wealth Advisor, Citizens Bank & Trust
William M. Wainwright, Director of Housing, Parker Street Ministries
Kelsey Elmhorst Wesche, Marketing & Project Coordinator, Rodda Construction
Heather Willis, Major Account Executive, Boring Business Systems
T.J. Wright, Chief Operating Officer, YMCA of West Central Florida
 
Together, these class members will complete a rigorous schedule of monthly day sessions from October through May. Each session features hands-on experiences that engage class members in all aspects of Lakeland and Polk County.
 
Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. The program unites leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to improve their ability to lead effectively, offering its members a broad range of experiences and insights about the community, its people, its needs, and its services.

Among the many routine healthcare screenings that patients are encouraged to prioritize, there’s one that is too often overlooked: the annual eye exam.

“Eye exams are essential for the screening of potential vision-threatening diseases” says Dr. Elizabeth George, a board-certified Optometry specialist at Watson Clinic Main in Lakeland. “During a routine exam, we assess the structures of the eye, screen for eye diseases, check eye muscle function, and even evaluate peripheral vision. If we notice a change in your vision, we can also provide prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.”
Here are three common conditions that can be recognized and diagnosed during a routine eye exam:
Cataracts – Although considered a normal change with aging, cataracts often cause significant visual difficulties as they progress. Cataracts are characterized by the natural lens in the eye becoming cloudy. The progression of cataracts is slow & gradual, and a dilated eye exam can detect the presence of the condition early. Minimally invasive surgery can be performed to replace the clouded lens of the eye. This is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the United States and boasts a remarkable 95% rate of effectiveness.

Dry Eye Syndrome – The surface of the eye is a complex and sensitive system. When that system becomes imbalanced, dry eye syndrome can occur. There’s a lot of different factors that can contribute to dry eye, but one of the major culprits is prolonged screen time on computers and mobile devices. “We don’t blink as often when we’re focusing on a screen, which can cause the surface of the eye to get irritated and dry over time,” Dr. George explains. “It is essential to take frequent breaks from screen time, which allows the focusing system of the eye to reset.”

Glaucoma – Millions of Americans have glaucoma, but nearly half of them may not realize it.  That’s because glaucoma usually does not result in noticeable symptoms until substantial vision loss occurs. Glaucoma occurs when high eye pressure impacts the optic nerve and causes damage over time. When detected early, the progression of glaucoma may be slowed or prevented with prescription eye drops. 

Watson Clinic’s skilled Optometrists provide comprehensive eye exams, vision tests, and much more for patients 5 years and older. The department can also offer swift referrals to Watson Clinic’s Ophthalmology department when surgical intervention is needed. To schedule an appointment with any member of Watson Clinic’s Optometry department, call 863-680-7486.
To learn more from Dr. George on the importance of eye exams and the common conditions they can detect, tune in to episode 2 of the Watson Clinic Health Talk podcast by visiting WatsonClinic.com/Podcast.

In our rapidly changing world, effective leadership hinges on a commitment to lifelong learning. Staying curious allows us to better understand and connect with the varied experiences, views, and perspectives of others. As we prepare for the 2024 ATHENA Awards on September 10, let's explore the power of "Learning Constantly" and its impact on fostering conscious, inclusive, and compassionate leadership.

Core Attributes of Lifelong Learning
- Ongoing Development: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge, regardless of your current level of achievement.
- Practical Experience and Insight: Gain understanding through real-life experiences and self-guided learning.
- Active Listening: Draw lessons from both positive and negative role models. Effective leaders seek out opportunities for growth and knowledge.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning for Conscious, Inclusive, and Compassionate Leadership
Lifelong learning plays a crucial role in developing conscious, inclusive, and compassionate leadership. By continuously seeking knowledge, leaders deepen their understanding of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, promoting a more inclusive environment. Staying informed about new trends and adapting strategies allows leaders to meet the evolving needs of their teams and organizations with flexibility. Empathy and compassion are fostered by learning about the experiences of others, enabling leaders to guide with greater sensitivity and understanding. Exposure to fresh ideas fuels innovation and creativity, helping leaders devise effective solutions to challenges. Enhanced communication is achieved by recognizing and adapting to different communication styles, which helps in conveying messages clearly and building stronger relationships. Lifelong learning encourages self-awareness and personal growth, making leaders more reflective and exemplary in their conduct. By valuing continuous improvement and development, leaders cultivate a learning culture within their organizations. Staying updated on ethical standards and practices ensures fair and just decision-making, while implementing inclusive policies and practices makes everyone feel valued and included. Finally, equipping oneself with the tools to navigate challenges and setbacks builds resilience, inspiring the entire team to persevere and thrive.

Learning transcends the facts; it involves gaining wisdom. Wisdom is understanding how facts connect to form a cohesive worldview, finding the truth in misinformation, and having the moral courage to act accordingly. In today’s interconnected world, having a global perspective is crucial. Understanding events beyond our immediate environment requires unbiased judgment, a wide perspective, and reflective thinking. Wisdom is a lifelong pursuit, achieved through continuous learning.

Celebrate with Us at the 2024 ATHENA Awards
By embracing lifelong learning, you cultivate the abilities to be a conscious, inclusive, and compassionate leader, capable of driving positive change and fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace. Join us at the 2024 ATHENA Awards on September 10 to celebrate leaders who exemplify these principles and inspire us all to continue learning and growing. Together, let's honor the journey toward wisdom and inclusive leadership.

https://www.lakelandchamber.com/athena-awards.html