On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce joined communities across Florida to participate in All In for Early Learning Day: a statewide initiative powered by The Children’s Movement of Florida, convening parents, educators, business leaders, local officials, and community partners to highlight the importance of high-quality early learning programs for all Florida children.

“The first five years build the foundation for school success, career readiness, and lifelong health,” said Madeleine Thakur, President & CEO of The Children’s Movement of Florida, in a recorded statement. “Early learning strengthens families, supports today’s workforce, and builds tomorrow’s talent pipeline.”

90% of the brain develops before age five, providing a foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health (Center, n.d.). “What children experience during this time shapes everything that comes next—their confidence, their curiosity, their language development, their ability to form relationships, and their readiness for school,” said Sarah Vespa, General Counsel for GMF Steel Group and a Vice Chair of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Early learning also strengthens our community. It helps parents work, supports local employers, and builds the future workforce our businesses will rely on… when communities invest in early learning, they see returns in health, education, workforce stability, and long-term economic growth.”

Strong early learning experiences help children show up to kindergarten ready to learn, confident, curious, and on track. In Polk County, only 38% of students are considered “kindergarten ready” by state standards, falling below the state average of 44% (Florida Department of Education, n.d.). Readiness is currently measured by the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) Star Early Literacy assessment, a 20-minute, 27-question exam administered within the first 30 days of kindergarten for all kindergarten students (Florida Department of Education, 2025). Yet research by the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County uncovered additional definitions of kindergarten readiness: self-readiness, the ability to follow directions, and kindness. “If children walk into the classroom ready to treat each other with care and empathy, everything else becomes teachable,” according to ELC CEO, Dr. Marc Hutek (Reynolds, 2025).

Citations
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (n.d.). Brain architecture. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/key-concept/brain-architecture/

Florida Chamber Foundation & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. (2023). Untapped Potential in FL: How Florida’s childcare crisis is impacting early learning, workforce productivity, and Florida’s economy [Online flipbook]. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.flipsnack.com/flchamber/untapped-potential-in-fl/full-view.html

Florida Department of Education. (2025). 2025–26 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) K–2 fact sheet [PDF]. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.fldoe.org/file/20102/2526FASTK2FS.pdf

Florida Department of Education. (n.d.). Kindergarten Readiness. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-studen0074-assessment/best/k-ready.stml

Reynolds, L. (2025, November 26). Planting seeds of kindness: A new chapter of kindergarten readiness for the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County, FL. Highlights Early Learning. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://earlylearning.highlights.com/blogs/the-confident-classroom/planting-seeds-of-kindness-floridas-elc-polk-county-begins-a-new-chapter-in-kindergarten-readiness?srsltid=AfmBOoo6VxS1Mf1_615SkqL3Xc0eIHt3a5FjR_3l0l_G-OSPSGqbEwF

2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists:
Blair Allen, Public Defender for Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit
Olive Gaye, GenCare Resources
Patricia Uiterwyk, Venue Salon & Spa
 
2025 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Finalists:
Ashley Gibson Barnett, Nicholas and Ashley Barnett Foundation
Kelsey Jaffer, United Way of Central Florida
Christin Strawbridge, Catapult Lakeland

Finalists will be honored and recipients announced at the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon Presented By Orlando Health on October 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Haus 820. The keynote speaker will be Kourtney Sanchez, Chief Impact Officer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For additional information, including past ATHENA Award recipients and event registration, please visit https://www.lakelandchamber.com/athena-awards.html.

Tickets to this year's luncheon are available on our website: ​bit.ly/46b3OWj

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the members of Leadership Lakeland Class XLII (42), a group of passionate local leaders ready to shape the future of Lakeland.
​
Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Class XLII Chair, Will Link, Attorney at Reed Mawhinney & Link, looks forward to the experiences the class will share together.

“Leadership Lakeland Class XLII brings together a sharp group of doers, thinkers, and community builders,” says Link. “It’s already clear they’re not here just to graduate from a program—they’re here to lean in, ask good questions, and find meaningful ways to strengthen our already vibrant city.”

Class XLII will participate in a series of monthly "class days" and leadership development experiences where they will gain valuable insights into Lakeland through hands-on experiences that will empower them as leaders in the Lakeland community. Class XLII includes:

● Kristin Aiken, President & CEO, Achievement Academy
● Kevin Albaum, Shareholder, Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman & Airth, P.A.
● Andrea Anderson, REALTOR®, S&D Real Estate Services
● Erin Avella, Corporate Purchasing - Wine Buyer, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
● Sarah Betzer, FVP / Human Resources Director, Bank of Central Florida
● Michelle Boley, Owner, Boley Insurance GEICO Local Office
● Paige Campbell, Quality & Risk Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
● Gretchen Ceranic, Executive Director, Success by 6, United Way of Central Florida
● Katie Elaine Clements, Owner / Operator, Kid Cafe, LLC
● Angel Davis, President, Junior League of Greater Lakeland
● Jason Davis, Chief Estimator, GMF Steel Group
● Dr. Joseph Demidovich, III, Attending Physician, Lakeland Regional Health
● Brent A. Elliot, Chief Financial Officer, Highland Homes
● Emily Crain Evans, Senior Associate Attorney, GrayRobinson
● Araceli Gauna-Scattolini, Co-Owner / Chief Operating Officer, Atala Counseling
● Rob Hernandez, Deputy City Manager, City of Lakeland
● Drew Howard, Director of Athletics & Dean of Wellness, Florida Southern College
● Tanya Susan Jooste, Learning Operations Manager, Amazon Air – KLAL
● Terrie Lobb, Owner / President, TLC Catering
● Audrey Mason, Director of Operations, Double M Aviation
● Eric Michaels, Marketing and Event Director, Lakeland Downtown Development Authority
● Marilyn Paul, Executive Director, Options for Women Pregnancy Health Clinic, Inc.
● Mark Shapiro, AVP, Residential Lending Officer, Citizens Bank and Trust
● Bruce Duncan Phillips, President, Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware
● Lee Valadez, VP / Area Manager, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
● Dr. Guillermo O. Vasquez, Internal Medicine Physician, Watson Clinic LLP
● Victoria Alexa Wagner, AVP OH & Chief Operating Officer, Orlando Health
● Kelley Christopher Wilson, Financial Advisor, CPS Investment Advisors

Dr. Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, serves as Leadership Lakeland Program Director. The excitement she feels for the incoming class is second to none.

“I’m excited to watch the professional and personal growth of these leaders over the next nine months,” says Dixon. “It’s always inspiring to see a class start out with a little nervous energy, then, by the time graduation approaches, emerge with a bold, vibrant personality of its own. Knowing that some of Lakeland’s greatest leaders are in this group gives me a lot of hope for our community.

Jennifer Adams, SVP | Professional and Community Banking Service Leader at Bank of Central Florida, serves as Class XLII Chair-Elect.

About Leadership Lakeland
Established in 1983 by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Leadership Lakeland does not take public policy positions or advocate any individual viewpoint. 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.

About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce serves as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. Its vision is to be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life.

Dr. Dixon was chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants nationwide. She joins 32 other chamber of commerce executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders from across the country.

The Business Leads Fellowship Program equips business leaders with the knowledge, tools, and network to tackle critical education and workforce challenges in their communities. This specialized Master Class will focus on addressing the growing child care crisis — a barrier to workforce participation and economic growth in many regions.

​The program kicks off with an in-person session in May 2025 in Boise, Idaho, followed by a series of virtual learning sessions. Participants will connect with national experts, study successful community models, and develop strategies to support local child care solutions.

"As a single mother and former educator, I understand firsthand how critical access to affordable, high-quality child care is for working families. This issue isn’t just personal — it’s a workforce issue and an economic issue. I’m honored to represent the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce in this national effort to create real, community-driven solutions that support both our families and our local businesses."

Through this program, Dr. Dixon will help build a national community of practice focused on addressing child care challenges, positioning the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce as a local leader in workforce and family support initiatives.

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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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/.

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. 

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.

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/

​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.