 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.
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.
2024 Polk Young Professionals Philanthropic Champion Award This award recognizes a young leader who is dedicated to service within Polk County.
Congratulations to all the finalist and award recipients - and thank you for your work to make our community thrive! This week, the Lakeland Chamber joined the Florida Chamber in voicing opposition to the passage of Amendment 3 "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana." The Florida Constitution is meant to protect fundamental rights, establish the framework of government and outline basic principles. The Lakeland Chamber has held a longstanding position opposing any proposed constitutional amendment that could be accomplished by statute or budget. As written, Amendment 3 does not adequately protect the interests of business in the State of Florida. A RESOLUTION OF THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSING AMENDMENT 3 “RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA” The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce joins the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in opposition to the passage of Amendment 3 “Recreational Use of Marijuana.” Constitutional Amendments significantly limit the ability of a transparent and accountable legislative process to craft policy. The Lakeland Chamber has a longstanding position opposing any proposed constitutional amendment that could be accomplished by statute or budget. Enshrining drugs in Florida’s foundational document is dangerous policy. Florida’s reputation as a family-friendly destination for tourism is critical to our state and local economies. As written, Amendment 3 does not include any restrictions on the time, place or manner of use and does not enable communities to regulate or control the location of shops selling marijuana. A June 2024 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City showed that in post-legalization states, per capita state income rose by about 3%, housing prices rose by 6% and population grew by 2%. At the same time, substance use disorders increased by 17%, chronic homelessness increased by 35% and arrests increased by 35%. As the nation’s 3rd largest state and the 16th largest economy in the world, our state’s continued economic success is threatened by Amendment 3. Amendment 3 does not define a relationship to the long-standing Florida Clean Air Act which prohibits most indoor smoking in public places. This intentional omission creates uncertainty about property rights and businesses’ ability to set restrictions on their own properties. As written, Amendment 3 does not adequately protect the interests of business in the State of Florida. ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, this 28th day of August, 2024 Learn more from the Florida Chamber about the impacts of Amendment 3 at https://flbizagainsta3.com/
In today’s competitive business landscape, understanding and meeting customer needs is crucial for success. One of the most valuable tools at your disposal is customer feedback. It provides insights into customer experiences, expectations, and areas for improvement. Here’s why customer feedback is essential and how you can use it effectively to drive your business forward.
Why Customer Feedback Matters 1. Improves Products and Services: Feedback highlights what customers like and dislike about your products or services. This information is useful in making informed improvements and innovations. 2. Enhances Customer Satisfaction: Actively seeking and acting on feedback shows customers that you value their opinions, which can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty. 3. Identifies Areas for Improvement: Constructive criticism helps pinpoint areas where your business might be falling short, allowing you to address issues before they become major problems. 4. Informs Business Strategy: Feedback can provide insights into market trends and customer preferences, helping you refine your business strategy and stay competitive. 5. Boosts Customer Retention: Businesses that listen and respond to their customers are more likely to retain them, as they feel heard and valued. How to Collect Customer Feedback 1. Surveys and Questionnaires: Use tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform to create surveys that can be sent to customers via email or embedded on your website. 2. Social Media: Monitor social media platforms for customer comments and reviews. Engage with your audience by asking questions and encouraging feedback. 3. Customer Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, or industry-specific review sites. Analyze these reviews to gain insights. 4. Feedback Forms: Implement feedback forms on your website or within your product/service interfaces to gather real-time input from users. 5. Direct Interviews: Conduct one-on-one interviews with customers to gain deeper insights into their experiences and expectations. How to Use Customer Feedback Effectively 1. Analyze the Data: Collect and categorize feedback to identify common themes and trends. Use data analytics tools to help visualize and interpret the information. 2. Prioritize Issues: Not all feedback will be equally important. Prioritize issues based on their impact on customer satisfaction and business performance. 3. Implement Changes: Develop action plans to address the feedback. Make improvements to products, services, or customer service processes based on what you’ve learned. 4. Communicate Changes: Inform customers about the changes you’ve made in response to their feedback. This demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to continuous improvement. 5. Follow Up: After implementing changes, follow up with customers to ensure that their concerns have been addressed and gather additional feedback to gauge the effectiveness of your actions. 6. Foster a Feedback Culture: Create an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. Make it easy for customers to share their thoughts and regularly review feedback as part of your business operations. Customer feedback is a powerful tool that can help you understand your customers better, improve your offerings, and enhance overall satisfaction. By actively seeking, analyzing, and acting on feedback, you can drive meaningful improvements in your business and build stronger relationships with your customers. Embrace feedback as a vital component of your growth strategy and see how it can transform your business for the better. 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. Guest Blog Post  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
On August 6, 2024 nearly 300 people gathered in Munn Park to hear from the candidates vying for their votes on August 20. Representatives from presenting Sponsor Orlando Health were joined by local City Garage Motorsports racing team displaying their sponsored car.
The candidates and sponsors were led to the park by the Lakeland High School drumline just as the Straw Poll opened for voters to cast their ballots. Thanks to our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Orlando Health Senatorial Sponsor: Lakeland Electric Gubernatorial Sponsors: Spectrum by Charter Communications, A-C-T- Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc, Gulf Coast Avionics Corporation, State Representative Jennifer Canady, State Representative Josie Tomkow And supporting vendors: Ax-Caliber Axe Venue & Coffee House, MABE Production & Installation, Blankskriptz Filmz, LLC, COhatch, Evolve Entertainment, Premier Parties, LLC, Two Men and a Truck, Jet’s Pizza, Sam’s Club Lakeland Highlands Road Early voting begins August 10, 2024 and the primary will be held August 20, 2024. Several local races will be decided on August 20, and many races are on your ballot regardless of your party affiliation. Visit PolkElections.org to find your sample ballot, early voting locations or your August 20 precinct.
Photo Slideshow from BlankStriptz Filmz.
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