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.
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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/.

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.

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.

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.

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!
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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:

• Amanda L. Walls, Board Chair (Peterson & Myers, PA)
• Lori Martini, Board Chair-elect (GiveWell Community Foundation)
• Par Sahota, Vice Chair of Organizational Integrity (Boring Business Systems)
• Melody Rider, Education Committee (Lakeland Leads)
• Kassia Alamm, EMERGE Lakeland Chair (Straughn Trout Architects)
• Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources
• Amy Wiggins, President & CEO