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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.
In today's rapidly evolving job market, matching the right talent with the right opportunities is more critical than ever. With this in mind, I am thrilled to announce that I recently received certification for skills-based hiring through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). This certification has equipped me with the tools and insights needed to address talent pipeline challenges and support employers in refining their hiring practices.
About ACCE The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is a professional association dedicated to enhancing the skills and knowledge of individuals working in the Chamber of Commerce sector. ACCE provides a platform for members to collaborate, share best practices, and access resources that foster economic growth and community development. Their commitment to professional development and workforce solutions aligns perfectly with the needs of today's dynamic job market. For more information about ACCE, visit their website. About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce in Lakeland, Florida, is a pivotal organization committed to fostering economic development and supporting local businesses. One of their key focus areas is workforce development and talent pipeline enhancement. By partnering with local employers, educational institutions, and community organizations, the Lakeland Chamber is dedicated to creating a robust and skilled workforce that meets the needs of various industries. Their initiatives aim to ensure businesses in Lakeland have access to the talent they need to thrive and grow. Skills-Based Hiring: A New Approach to Workforce Development The training I underwent focused on a comprehensive approach to skills-based hiring. It emphasized the importance of understanding employers' talent pipeline challenges, starting with crafting detailed and precise skills-based job descriptions. This method ensures that job postings attract candidates with the exact skill sets needed for specific roles, leading to more efficient and effective hiring processes. One key takeaway from the training was the necessity of conducting thorough research, both state-wide and within individual companies. This research helps to accurately assess the actual number of employees needed and the specific skills required, dispelling common misconceptions such as the blanket statement, "I need to hire 100 employees!" Practical Application and Benefits I found the training process incredibly rewarding, as it gave me the skills to engage in potentially difficult conversations with employers and hiring managers. In most cases, skill-based hiring will be a new concept and contrary to traditional hiring practices that have taken place over the last 20 + years. Shifting mindsets towards skills-based practices can be challenging but ensuring that the right talent is identified and hired is crucial. With this certification, I can now consult with employers at various stages of their skills-based hiring journey. Whether initiating the conversation about the benefits of skills-based practices or providing step-by-step tools to implement these practices, I can offer tailored support to address their specific talent pipeline needs. By adopting skills-based systems and practices, employers can focus on the talent required for their unique needs, leading to a more capable workforce. This approach benefits individual companies and contributes to our community's economic health and competitiveness. The skills-based hiring certification from ACCE represents a significant step forward in my ability to support employers in refining their hiring practices. As we navigate the complexities of the modern job market, adopting skills-based practices will be essential for building a resilient and adaptable workforce. I look forward to leveraging this certification to contribute to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce's ongoing efforts to drive positive change in our local economy. Visit the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce's website for more information on workforce development and talent pipeline initiatives. Written by: Takiyah Dixon Networking is a cornerstone of business success, and as a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, you have a wealth of opportunities at your fingertips. These tips and tricks will help you make the most of your membership and build valuable connections.
In today's competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs and business owners are constantly searching for ways to gain an edge. While innovative marketing strategies and cutting-edge technologies often take center stage, there is one powerful resource that’s been an asset for hundreds of years: the local Chamber of Commerce. Far from just a networking group, the Chamber of Commerce offers a plethora of benefits that can significantly enhance your business's growth and stability. In this blog post, we'll explore the many advantages of joining the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, and help current members make the most of their membership.
As a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, opportunities are available that allow you to access a multitude of perks and benefits. You are encouraged to take advantage of the discounts and promotions that can help you save on daily expenses, manage operations more efficiently, and keep your business on track for continued growth and success. In addition to your specific Membership Plan Benefits, Lakeland Chamber Membership also includes:
LKLD Haven magazine extends a warm welcome to our community. To help promote your business or service, LKLD Haven magazine is offering a complimentary 1/4 page ad in our monthly publication. We will collaborate with you to design your ad, which will be featured once in LKLD Haven within three months of your new membership. New Members also receive two months of the Small Business Advertising Package on the Boss Hogg Radio Network. By advertising locally on Boss Hogg Radio, you can reach both local residents and visitors, potentially increasing foot traffic and sales at your location. The Chamber’s partnership with Teladoc® provides you and your team with access to comprehensive, high-quality virtual care, including telehealth, dermatology, behavioral health care, back care, and expert medical services via phone, video, or app. Plans are available for employees, part-time team members, and even gig or 1099 workers, with no group health insurance required. Members of the Lakeland Chamber have access to significant discounts through the free Staples Chamber Discount Program. This gives members 20% off most in-store Print & Marketing services and 10% off many in-store regularly priced items. In conclusion, becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce offers myriad invaluable benefits that can propel your business forward. From networking opportunities and exclusive discounts to access to essential resources and community support, each advantage is tailored to enhance your growth and success. Join us today and unlock the full potential of your business within our vibrant Chamber community. Together, we can achieve greatness and build a thriving future for all. Hello! I'm thrilled to introduce myself to everyone! My name is Savannah Hand and I am serving the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce as the Digital Content Strategist Intern. I’m about to embark on my senior year at Florida Southern College where I am studying Communications and Marketing. This final year promises to be an exciting journey, and I can't wait to dive into all the experiences it will bring. A bit about me: I am from the Nashville, Tennessee area. Growing up in such a dynamic place has fueled my passion for connecting with people and exploring the diverse stories they have to share. This passion naturally led me to pursue a career in communications and marketing. As I step into this senior year, I’m most excited about meeting new people and building new connections. College has been an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally, and I'm eager to see what this last year has in store. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing experiences, insights, and adventures with all of you! Warm regards, Savannah Hand  Florida’s latest 3rd and 8th-grade reading scores were recently released, reflecting progress toward the Florida Chamber of Commerce Florida 2030-related education goals.
According to TheFloridaScorecard.org, in Polk County, 3rd-grade reading scores increased by 7 percentage points to 52%, while 8th-grade reading scores rose 3 percentage points to 42%. Math scores were also released, showing a slight increase in 3rd-grade math proficiency to 52%, while 8th-grade math proficiency remained unchanged.
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:
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