​The Watson Clinic Foundation is pleased to welcome new members to their Board of Directors who collectively possess many decades of experience in healthcare and community advocacy.

“These additional talents bring fresh and invigorating new perspectives to our mission,” said Watson Clinic Foundation Chairman of the Board William J. Roth, MD, PhD. “Together, they will help us embark on an exciting series of education, research, service and collaboration initiatives that will continue to enhance the health of our community for generations to come.”

Pamela Carter, RN, BSN is a registered nurse who’s enjoyed working in the healthcare field for 40 years. Her career includes over 30 years of employment at Lakeland Regional Health where she served as the Assistant Director of the Emergency Department and in a number of other roles. She is currently working as a registered nurse at Central Florida SurgiCenter in Lakeland.

Ted Copeland has served as the Director of Legal Affairs, Privacy and Compliance at Watson Clinic since 2023. Prior to joining Watson Clinic, he spent more than 30 years in private practice representing physicians and other healthcare providers statewide.

Marsha Corum Vass is a Lakeland community advocate who began consulting the Watson Clinic Foundation in 2024 prior to joining their Board of Directors. She has decades of experience in the consulting field and possesses expertise in strategic planning, team building and implementation.

Other members of the Watson Clinic Foundation Board of Directors include Chairman of the Board William J. Roth, MD, PhD, Secretary & Treasurer Jason Hirsbrunner, BA, MBA, Executive Director Kim Brunson, Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon Pranay Patel, MD, mortgage banker and business leader M. Shane Glor, Watson Clinic Urgent Care specialist Jarett A. Gregory, DO, and Watson Clinic Family Medicine specialist Jason C. Saylor, DO.

​Founded in 1960, the Watson Clinic Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of Watson Clinic. Throughout the years, the Foundation has impacted countless lives through educational outreach, research projects, community screenings, nursing scholarships, and other special programs. More information on the Foundation may be found at WatsonClinic.com/WCF. 

Author: Amy Wiggins
I'm excited to share the results of the 2025 Membership Survey with you!

​Now in our third year, our Annual Survey attempts to take the pulse of both business needs and Chamber performance on key programs and initiatives. Some stats:

• 190 responses received
• 50% identified as owner or decision maker
• 37% employ 50 or more; 21% employ fewer than five (5)

Overall, businesses reported they were growing or maintaining revenues and identified "getting more customers" as most important their businesses' success.

As Florida advances toward becoming a Top 10 global economy by 2030, a major factor in achieving this goal is ensuring Florida’s workforce possesses the essential literacy skills to meet the demands of an evolving job market.

The Florida Chamber Foundation’s report, 2025 State of 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency in Florida, provides a comprehensive look at statewide and county-level data trends, demographic disparities, and the direct link between early learning and workforce outcome. 

This research and the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Business Alliance for Early Learning Project is supported by the Florida Business Alliance for Early Learning Advisory Board and the Florida Chamber Foundation Community Development Partnership Council. ​Read the full report below:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) by both the House and Senate, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark issued a statement praising the legislation’s lasting, pro-growth tax reforms for American businesses and workers, as it heads to the president’s desk. 

Why it matters: The bill will prevent one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history, which would have occurred at the end of 2025 when major portions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) were set to expire. A stable, pro-growth tax code will foster an environment where businesses can invest, innovate, and grow, benefiting workers, families, and the broader economy.

“The final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark accomplishment. We applaud Congressional leaders for coming together to deliver meaningful, long-term tax relief for workers and businesses across the country. By laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and enhancing America’s global competitiveness, this legislation provides businesses the certainty they need to invest long-term—driving productivity and raising wages for workers. 
“We commend the lawmakers who were instrumental in advancing this comprehensive legislation and look forward to its prompt enactment.”

​Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce