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.

“Through the TPM Academy, business and workforce leaders gain the tools needed to address workforce challenges and create career pathways for students and workers,” said Jason Tyszko, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “We congratulate the graduates of the TPM Academy and look forward to seeing how these leaders will apply what they’ve learned to strengthen workforce development in their communities.”

“We are proud that Takiyah has completed the TPM Academy and will use this expertise to drive strategic workforce solutions,” said Amy Wiggins, President & CEO of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. “This accomplishment strengthens our ability to support businesses, job seekers, and students by building talent pipelines that align with industry needs.”

TPM Academy graduates join an esteemed network of over 1,000 workforce practitioners across 43 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Canada, Colombia, and Vietnam. This growing community of leaders is dedicated to closing the skills gap and fostering sustainable, industry-driven workforce solutions.

To learn more about Talent Pipeline Management® and the TPM Academy®, visit the U.S. Chamber Foundation website or www.tpmacademy.org/.

At Bank of Central Florida, we believe banking transcends numbers and transactions—it’s an art form. With this vision in mind, we proudly introduce The A.R.T. of Banking, a philosophy centered on Authenticity, Reliability, and Trust. These pillars reflect our commitment to personalized service, innovative solutions, and strong community ties.

Authenticity lies at the heart of our approach. We understand that every client has a unique story, and we aim to build meaningful relationships by valuing each individual as an integral part of our community. You’re never just a number to us; you’re a vital thread in the fabric of Central Florida’s vibrant community.

Reliability is more than a promise—it’s a practice. Our Relationship Managers dedicate themselves to providing personalized support tailored to your needs. Whether it’s guiding you through important financial decisions or ensuring smooth day-to-day banking, we’re here every step of the way. You can count on us to prioritize your goals and deliver solutions that align with your vision.

Trust is the foundation of everything we do. We combine cutting-edge technology with an unwavering commitment to safety and security. This ensures a seamless, reliable banking experience that allows you to focus on what matters most—your dreams and aspirations. With Bank of Central Florida, you can bank confidently, knowing your future is in trusted hands.

Evolving Traditional Banking

Banking has evolved significantly over the years, and so have we. At Bank of Central Florida, we merge timeless values with modern innovation. The A.R.T. of Banking is more than a philosophy; it’s a mindset. We approach every financial solution with creativity, care, and an unwavering focus on our clients’ unique needs. Each interaction and solution is as thoughtfully crafted as a masterpiece.

Our personalized approach ensures that no two experiences are alike. Whether it’s helping a business expand, guiding a family toward financial stability, or navigating complex financial landscapes, we approach each situation as an opportunity to create something extraordinary. This blend of artistry and expertise is what sets us apart.

What Does Your Financial Masterpiece Look Like?

​Your financial journey is as unique as you are. At Bank of Central Florida, we’re here to help you turn your financial vision into a masterpiece. By understanding your goals, challenges, and aspirations, we create tailored banking experiences that align with your needs.

Let us help you bring your vision to life. Connect with us today and discover how The A.R.T. of Banking can support your goals, empower your dreams, and make your financial future a masterpiece.

Memo from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
Today, February 1, President Trump issued three executive orders imposing new tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. Below is a summary of those Executive Orders as well as other relevant information. The Chamber will provide updates as events warrant.

Scope of the Tariffs:
Effective at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, February 4, 2025:
• 10% on oil and gas products and hydroelectric power from Canada
• 25% on all other products from Canada and Mexico
• 10% additional tariffs (on top of existing tariffs) on all products from China
• The tariffs apply to goods that otherwise would have come in under the de minimis exception for shipments valued at less than $800.

Escalation:
• The EOs signal the administration may increase or expand the scope of the tariffs in response to any retaliatory tariffs.

Exemptions / Exemption Process:
• There are no specific exemptions in the initial order.
• There is no exemption process established.

Initial Collection of Duties:
• Estimates vary on how quickly Customs and Border Protection could actually begin collecting the tariffs; however, CBP may well be able to do so on February 4 as ordered.

Tariff Authority:
• The President invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- Note, the text of IEEPA includes no mention of tariffs, and since its enactment in 1977 IEEPA has never been used to impose tariffs.
- Many analysts argue tariff action like this under IEEPA could be subject to a successful legal challenge, and this concern has been voiced within the administration as well.
• The President’s emergency declaration is based on the failure of Canada / Mexico / China to do more to prevent illicit drugs from entering the U.S.

Process for Removing / Modifying the Tariffs:
• Upon the President’s determination that a particular country has taken sufficient action to alleviate the crisis, the tariffs shall be removed.

Retaliation:
• The governments of Canada and Mexico have indicated their intent to retaliate.
• Canadian customs authorities have told the trade community that they are “fully prepared to implement any surtax orders that the Government of Canada may introduce in response to tariffs imposed by the United States” and have the ability do so “on the same day without consultation.”

U.S. Chamber Statement and Action:
The Chamber issued the following statement: “The President is right to focus on major problems like our broken border and the scourge of fentanyl, but the imposition of tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented, won’t solve these problems, and will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains. The Chamber will consult with our members, including main street businesses across the country impacted by this move, to determine next steps to prevent economic harm to Americans. We will continue to work with Congress and the administration on solutions to address the fentanyl and border crisis.” 

The U.S. Chamber is currently conferring with members on next steps and welcome your feedback. Especially helpful is information on how you expect these tariffs and retaliatory tariffs to impact your business, customers, and employees.

Economic Impact:
While the economic impact will unfold in the days and weeks ahead, Canada and Mexico are America’s two largest trading partners by a wide margin. Total trade with the two countries topped $1.8 trillion in 2023, representing about one-third of total U.S. trade.

Canada and Mexico are also the largest and/or second largest trading partners for nearly every state. Canada is the top trading partner of 34 states. Mexico is top trading partner for five states and is the first, second, or third-largest trading partner for more than 30 U.S. states. Therefore, the adverse local impact on American workers, families and communities is widely expected to be extensive.

See how each state benefits from trade, including each state’s top exports and numbers of jobs supported here: MAP

Note: This memo was created for members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce