On June 20, members of the Chamber’s board of directors, committees and staff visited New Haven, Connecticut on Lakeland Linder International Airport’s new commercial flight with Avelo Airlines!
While there were plenty of opportunities to try New Haven’s famous apizzza, the group also spent Friday visiting with community leaders and workforce champions. To begin our day, we met with Dave Feinberg and Marcia LaFemina of MATCH Connecticut, a manufacturing training center with community focus. During our visit, Marcia explained how MATCH was envisioned, created and funded to bring technical training and wrap-around support to job seekers who are interested in careers in manufacturing. As a manufacturer herself, Marcia knows firsthand the value of skilled labor, and her innovative vision creates paid training opportunities through contract manufacturing services. From MATCH, we traveled to the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce where we met with President & CEO Garrett Sheehan and Vice President, Economic Development & Workforce Initiatives Anne Benowitz. Garrett and Anne told us how they’re using the Talent Pipeline Management system from the US Chamber Foundation to support the workforce needs in the 15-city region. We also met Jesse Phillips, GNHCC’s Coordinator of Inclusive Growth. Jesse’s role focuses on improving access for BIPOC-owned businesses, including supplier diversity programs. Ginny Kozloski from REX Development was our guide for the balance of the day. First stop… City Hall. Deputy Economic Development Director and Small Business Resource Center Director Cathy Graves shared an overview of the programs and resources the City offers to support entrepreneurs. We were joined by Joe Williams, Community Foundation of Greater New Haven’s Mission Investment Company Director. Joe gave an overview of TCFMIC and shared stories about their investments in underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs. Before we finished at City Hall, University of New Haven’s Director of Economic Development Rob Thompson shared an overview of their newest programs to help connect UNH students to the business community – especially small businesses. Through programs like Helping Hands, community partners and donors help subsidize internships in non-profits and small businesses. Our day wrapped with a tour of the newest bioscience office in New Haven. Part of the “Downtown Crossing” project reclaiming about 10 acres of land over a highway, 101 College Street is already home to several companies including the bioscience co-working space BioLabs. The development includes several public-private partnerships like green space and public art, and provides for a classroom inside BioLabs where high school students will have direct access to bioscience equipment. On Saturday, the group members found plenty to keep them engaged. Some boarded the train and visited family and New York City. Others toured the libraries, museums and art galleries at Yale University. Some even found themselves visiting lighthouses along the coast! Our visit to New Haven was full of great information, interesting places and delicious food – not to mention wonderful friends and colleagues. Traveling with us were:
Finding marketing tactics that don’t break the bank or take all your time can be a difficult task. You need resources that work for you. Here are some 2024 tips and tricks to help elevate your small business:
1. Create quality content
Initiating these 7 tactics into your marketing strategy could create a world of difference. Not only does it create more attention for the brand, but hopefully creates loyal customers to stick by your brand in the process. Start implementing these today to see if this could be the change you need to see! Guest Blog Post ![]() At Lakeland Electric, we understand the valuable role that local organizations play in our community. That's why we are dedicated to supporting non-profits through our Community Giving program. We know that the work you do is incredibly important, which is why we invite you to apply for our grant program. We want to maximize our support and help as many organizations as we can. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about how we can assist your important work in our community. Volunteerism is not just a part of our Community Giving at Lakeland Electric; it's a cornerstone. Our employees often lead by example, donating their time and skills to various causes and projects. These volunteer efforts make a significant difference in the community and foster a culture of service and empathy within our organization. We are proud of our employees' dedication and their commitment to making a positive impact in the community we all call home. Lakeland Electric’s role in is both vital and multifaceted. Through our various initiatives and programs, we provide essential services and contribute to the community's social, educational, and economic well-being. At Lakeland Electric, we're inspired by the incredible power of community and support. If you are a State of Florida-registered non-profit organization serving the public within the Lakeland Electric territory, please consider applying for our Community Giving Grant Program. The selection process is competitive because we at Lakeland Electric want to honor and help those doing the very best for our community. Each year, we receive far more requests for sponsorship than our dollars allow. We will limit the amount of funding each organization grants to $1,000.00. To assist us with our decision-making and ensure we maximize our outreach to the community, we ask that each organization interested in being considered for Community Giving Grant funds prepare and submit an application for review. Community Giving Grant Application The application timeline for the Fiscal Year 2025 Community Giving Grant is as follows:
If you received a grant last fiscal year (October 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024), please complete and return the Update Form when applying for a new grant. Please feel free to email your questions to [email protected] Guest Blog Post Suncoast Credit Union Launches Treasury Management Services
Suncoast is excited to share the recent launch of Treasury Management Solutions, tailored specifically for commercial businesses! This comprehensive suite of products and services is designed for companies seeking efficiency and security in financial operations, as well as opportunities for enhancing liquidity management. Our innovative offering provides the insight, technology and flexibility needed to maximize resources and optimize operations. Suncoast’s full suite of financial products and services are designed with your business growth in mind:
|
Thank you to our top investors35 Lake Morton Dr | Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 688-8551 | [email protected] Copyright 2024 - Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved. Refund Policy Submit a Community Calendar Event |