99% of all businesses in the United States are composed of small businesses, and for the past 20 years, small businesses have accounted for roughly 40% of the United States' GDP--equating to trillions of dollars in economic activity.

Shop Small Saturday began in 2010 when American Express launched Small Business Saturday® to encourage people to support local businesses and the communities they anchor, many of whom at the time were hurting during the economic recession. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday, and by 2012 officials in all 50 states began to participate; they have every year since.  Since then, U.S. consumers have spent an estimated $184 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday® alone. What started as a single day of support has now grown into a year-round global movement, inspiring shoppers everywhere to choose small and strengthen their local economies.

When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood by way of paying sales tax. The sales tax money is used to support public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters. 
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Small businesses are deeply engaged in their communities, so, supporting a small business supports your local community. According to the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Index, nearly all small businesses owners agree that community engagement is important for their business—and are actively engaged in giving back in several ways—including hosting or sponsoring community events, donating to local charities, and forming partnerships with other local businesses.  

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs, fuel innovation, and keep our communities strong. By designating a day in their honor, we are reminded that these businesses rely on our patronage during critical consumer shopping seasons as well as year-round.

Read more about Small Business Saturday and its impact on small businesses nationwide from our data & information source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

#BuyLakeland

If your child is sick or injured, you may need to take them to the emergency room. Lakeland Regional Health has a dedicated Children’s Emergency Department, meaning expert care tailored to children is accessible right in our community.

When to Choose the ER for Your Child
“Our job is to help take care of kids,” explains Dr. Charles Eldridge, a pediatric emergency physician at Lakeland Regional Health. “If a parent is worried their child does not seem well, for example, if they are having difficulty breathing, they are dehydrated, or they are not acting like their normal self, those are all reasons to head straight to the Emergency Room.”
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Certain emergent conditions require attention at the Emergency Room. Some of these emergent conditions include issues such as severe breathing problems, head injuries, severe cuts or burns, allergic reactions, dehydration, and severe pain. For families in Polk County, Lakeland Regional Health offers the only dedicated Children’s Emergency Department, with specialized staff and resources just for kids.

Expert Care Designed for Children
At LRH’s George W. Jenkins Children’s Emergency Department, care is provided by physicians, nurses, and staff specifically trained in pediatrics. They are skilled in recognizing and treating conditions unique to children and treating them in ways that prioritize comfort and safety.

“We have a fantastic team of pediatric-trained physicians and nurses, along with child life specialists and pediatric subspecialists,” says Dr. Eldridge. “We’re able to treat everything from minor injuries such as bumps and bruises to more severe injuries such as broken bones, concussions, asthma exacerbations, and pediatric trauma. Families can trust their child is in the right place.”

The environment and approach are designed to make children feel more comfortable to ease their pain and fear. Team members use kid-friendly techniques and equipment, from topical numbing gels for stitches to gentle sedation techniques, to make the experience as calm and pain-free as possible.

Fast and Coordinated Care
According to Dr. Eldridge, LRH’s pediatric emergency team works very quickly and efficiently. “We pride ourselves on being fast but thorough and try to get in to see our patients as quickly as we can,” he says.

If a doctor thinks a child needs to be admitted, a discussion includes the care team and the family. The team also coordinates care with pediatricians and subspecialists in areas such as cardiology, neurology, or pediatric orthopedics, to provide seamless, comprehensive care.

Helping Families Prepare for Emergencies
While emergencies can’t always be prevented, Dr. Eldridge encourages families to always be mindful of bicycle safety, car safety, and water safety. Protections such as helmets, seatbelts, pool fencing, and other safety protocols can go a long way in preventing injuries. He also recommends parents keep a list of their child’s current medical conditions, medications, and allergies. This will help the ER team provide the safest care quickly.

At the heart of the Children’s Emergency Department is a commitment to compassionate, specialized care designed for children.

“We have a dedicated team who love what they do,” says Dr. Eldridge. “They work hard, they care deeply about their patients, and they are committed to helping children.”

Visit the LRH website to learn more about LRH’s emergency services, including the Medical Center Emergency Department, the George W. Jenkins Children’s Emergency Department, the Obstetrics Emergency Department, and the Freestanding Emergency Department.

 This holiday season, we're celebrating the spirit of the season by exploring our member boutiques--some of Lakeland’s most unique shops and retail spaces. The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is proud to host our annual Pink Friday: Boutique Blitz on November 21, 2025.  

Pink Friday is an annual nationwide movement used to support local businesses on the Friday before Thanksgiving. The goal is to encourage shoppers to support small businesses first during the holiday season. In a recent survey of Lakeland Chamber members, only 55% said they intended to shop local this holiday season. We encourage you to expand your horizons and BuyLakeland!

Join us on Pink Friday and shop 'til you drop in one full day of community celebration, relationship building, and refreshments at eight participating local chamber-member boutiques:

• Amelia Page Boutique
• Bungalow Boutique & Gifts
• East of These
• Gaines Jewelers
• Tennessee Jane Boutique 
• The Modern Pearl
• Top Buttons Boutique
• 8.28 Boutique

Shopping locally is extremely important in developing a flourishing community. Economic impacts like supporting local jobs and boosting the local economy, as well as environmental benefits such as reducing your carbon footprint, are just a few of the positives that come from shopping local. 

Pink Friday is inspired by The Shop Small movement—one that supports small, independent businesses and spotlights their valuable contributions to their communities and the economy. The Shop Small movement was developed in participation with Small Business Saturday®, a day founded by American Express in 2010 on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Now a national holiday, Small Business Saturday is dedicated to celebrating small businesses by helping to drive more customers through the doors of retail stores, restaurants, fitness studios, salons — and everything in between. Since its inception, this initiative has generated an estimated $201 billion in reported spending at small businesses across all 50 states.

As we head into the holiday season, let’s come together to celebrate Lakeland’s vibrant small business community and the people who make it thrive. Join the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce in making this year’s Pink Friday: Boutique Blitz a celebration of community, connection, and local pride.

#BuyLakeland

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/48TZDRQ

In today’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, businesses have an opportunity to harness technology for growth and innovation. However, as digital reliance increases, so does the need to proactively address the evolving risks associated with cyber threats. Cyber liability insurance has become an essential part of a modern risk management strategy, offering valuable protection against financial and reputational challenges stemming from cyber incidents. Determining the right amount of coverage helps ensure your business is prepared for unforeseen events and positioned for resilience.

In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that influence coverage needs, what cyber insurance covers, the various types of coverage, cost and limits, and effective risk mitigation strategies to help safeguard your business’s future.

What factors determine how much cyber coverage is needed?
The amount of cyber insurance coverage you need depends on several factors, including:
Business size and industry: Larger businesses and those in high-risk industries, such as finance and healthcare, may require more robust coverage due to the higher potential for data breaches and cyberattacks.
Data sensitivity: If your business handles sensitive customer information, such as personal identification numbers, financial data, or health records, you may need more coverage to better protect against potential cyber incidents.
Regulatory requirements: Some industries have specific regulatory requirements for data protection and cyber insurance that will dictate the amount of coverage your business needs to help avoid penalties.
Risk exposure: Your business’s risk exposure is determined by evaluating your cybersecurity measures, the number of employees with access to sensitive data, and the potential impact of a cyberattack on your operations.
Previous incidents: Higher coverage may be needed if your business has experienced cyber incidents in the past.

What does cyber insurance cover?
Cyber insurance offers businesses vital financial protection in the event of a cyber incident, covering a broad spectrum of expenses that may arise. One key area of coverage is data breach response, which encompasses costs for notifying affected individuals, providing credit monitoring services, and managing public relations efforts to help protect your company’s reputation. Additionally, cyber insurance often includes the coverage of expenses related to legal defense and settlements in the event of lawsuits stemming from the cyber incident. If regulatory bodies impose penalties due to non-compliance with data protection laws, regulatory fines coverage can help offset these expenses. Businesses can also rely on cyber insurance for business interruption compensation for lost income and unexpected costs incurred when cyberattacks disrupt operations. In the event of a cyber extortion scenario, such as a ransomware attack, cyber insurance may cover ransom payments and related expenses. Finally, businesses benefit from coverage for forensic investigations, allowing them to determine the source and scope of the attack and take steps to prevent future incidents. Together, these elements help equip businesses to respond effectively and mitigate the financial impact of cyber threats.

Types of cyber insurance coverage
There are several types of cyber insurance coverage available, including:
First-party coverage: Covers direct losses to your business, such as data breach response, business interruption, and cyber extortion.
Third-party coverage: Covers claims made against your business by third parties, such as customers or vendors, for damages resulting from a cyber incident.
Technology errors and omissions (E&O) coverage: Covers claims arising from errors or omissions in your technology products or services that result in financial loss to your clients.
Network security liability: Covers claims related to the failure of your network security, leading to data breaches or cyberattacks.
Media liability: Covers claims related to copyright infringement, defamation, or other media-related issues arising from your online content.

How much does cyber insurance cost?
The cost of cyber insurance depends on a variety of factors that reflect the unique needs of each business. Business size and industry play a significant role, as larger organizations and those operating in high-risk industries, such as healthcare or finance, typically face higher premiums due to their increased exposure to cyber threats. Another key factor is coverage limits. Choosing higher limits provides added protection but also results in higher premiums. Deductibles are another consideration; opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, though it means you’ll need to cover more out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim and may delay the process for reporting and managing a cyber incident. On the topic of claims, history can impact your costs; businesses with a record of previous claims for cyber incidents may see higher premiums and fewer quotes as they are perceived to carry greater risk. Finally, insurers also consider your risk management practices, rewarding businesses that have implemented strong cybersecurity measures with reduced premiums. By understanding these factors, businesses can make informed decisions about coverage that align with both their budget and risk management goals.

In some cases, you may be able to add cyber coverage to another insurance policy, such as a business owner’s policy or a general liability policy. This can be a cost-effective way to obtain cyber coverage, but it’s essential to review the terms and limits of the added coverage to ensure it meets your needs. You should also ensure that the insurance company has an experienced and specialized claims team.

Common requirements from insurers
To qualify for cyber insurance, businesses are typically required to meet specific criteria that demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and risk mitigation. One key requirement is the implementation of cybersecurity measures, such as multifactor authentication (MFA), managed detection and response (MDR), firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training programs, to help protect against threats and minimize vulnerabilities. Insurers also expect businesses to conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to proactively identify and address potential weaknesses in their systems. Having a documented incident response plan is another essential element, better enabling businesses to respond to cyber incidents more effectively and minimize operational disruptions. Insurers may also require businesses to demonstrate compliance with relevant data protection regulations and industry standards, reflecting their adherence to legal and ethical obligations. These criteria help insurers evaluate risk levels and ensure businesses are taking proactive steps to safeguard against cyber threats.

Conclusion
Cyber insurance provides essential protection against the financial and reputational damage that can be caused by cyber incidents. Work with an experienced insurance advisor to understand how much cyber coverage your business needs, the costs involved, and common insurer requirements, so you can make informed decisions. As cyberattacks continue to become more prevalent and sophisticated in this digital age, it’s critical that your cyber risk mitigation plan keeps up.

This document is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as advice or opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. The content of this document is made available on an “as is” basis, without warranty of any kind. The Baldwin Insurance Group Holdings, LLC (“The Baldwin Group”), its affiliates, and subsidiaries do not guarantee that this information is, or can be relied on for, compliance with any law or regulation, assurance against preventable losses, or freedom from legal liability. This publication is not intended to be legal, underwriting, or any other type of professional advice. The Baldwin Group does not guarantee any particular outcome and makes no commitment to update any information herein or remove any items that are no longer accurate or complete. Furthermore, The Baldwin Group does not assume any liability to any person or organization for loss or damage caused by or resulting from any reliance placed on that content. Persons requiring advice should always consult an independent adviser.

t’s important to make time for your health, but sometimes life’s obligations can get in the way. That’s why Watson Clinic’s team of expert physicians and providers work diligently to be there when you need them the most. By offering flexible and immediate appointment availability, you can enjoy a fulfilling healthcare experience on your schedule.

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine specialist Dr. Guillermo Vasquez and his team - including registered nurse practitioners Emily Beriswill, APRN, Brandi N. Plummer, APRN and Jennifer Potts, APRN - offer expanded appointment availability from their Watson Clinic South offices at 1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd. in south Lakeland, including:

• Weekdays starting at 7 am or earlier
• Extended weekday afternoons until 6 pm
• Saturday morning hours
• Same-day in-person or video appointments for more urgent healthcare concerns

Two members of the team - Dr. Vasquez and Jennifer Potts, APRN – are also fluent in Spanish.
Appointments may be scheduled with Dr. Vasquez and each member of his care team by calling 863-680-7190 or by visiting WatsonClinic.com/Vasquez.

Family Medicine
If Watson Clinic Highlands at 2300 E. County Rd. 540A in south Lakeland is more convenient to your home or place of work, then you can receive same-day or next-day primary care services courtesy of Adilene Alvardo, APRN, a registered nurse practitioner who works alongside board-certified Family Medicine specialist Dr. Brett Widick.

New and existing Watson Clinic patients can schedule their appointment by calling 863-680-7190 or visiting WatsonClinic.com/AAlvarado.
 
Nephrology
Whether you’re seeking treatment or ongoing management for high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and other related disorders, Watson Clinic’s Nephrology department is a trusted leader in kidney care for countless patients. Receiving the expert kidney care you rely on is easier than ever thanks to board-certified Nephrology specialists Dr. Michael Achinger and Dr. Steven Achinger, who have expanded their appointment availability to include select Saturdays from Watson Clinic Main at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 863-680-7190 or visit WatsonClinic.com/Nephrology.
 
Optometry
Watson Clinic’s Optometry department at Watson Clinic Main specializes in routine and diabetic eye exams, as well as the diagnosis and management of common eye disorders, including glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, cataracts and macular degeneration, and eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions.

The department offers timely care, including same-day appointment availability for routine eye care needs.

Call 863-680-7486 or visit WatsonClinic.com/Optometry for more information and to schedule an appointment.
 
Walk-in Care Locations
Watson Clinic’s three walk-in care facilities – Urgent Care Main, Urgent Care South and XpressCare Highlands – offer comprehensive care for minor illnesses and injuries without the need for an appointment. Whether you’re a first-time or established Watson Clinic patient, these facilities offer a convenient option if you can’t wait for a regular appointment with your doctor. Each location is open during expanded hours seven days a week, and features a team of board-certified physicians and expert care team members, as well as on-site radiology and laboratory capabilities for quicker results and more efficient treatments. Watson Clinic’s walk-in care facilities also offer an On My Way feature within the Watson Clinic Patient Portal platform, which allows patients to reserve a time in advance to receive care. 

Watson Clinic Urgent Care Main
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33805
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm

Watson Clinic Urgent Care South
1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd. (behind Oakbridge Centre in south Lakeland)
Lakeland, FL 33803
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm

Watson Clinic XpressCare Highlands
2300 E. County Rd. 540A
Lakeland, FL 33813
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm, Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm
             
For more information on each walk-in care location, visit WatsonClinic.com/WalkIn

Dan Thumberg has become a well-known smiling face, serving up locally crafted and deservingly awarded brews at his premier taproom in Lakeland. His story, shaped by twists, turns, hops and ambition, includes a later-in-life stint at Polk State College, where he received his Associate in Arts degree while developing the preliminary ideas for Swan Brewing – now a staple in the Polk County community.

Thumberg and his business partner Christian Hood opened the doors to their brewery off Lake Wire in 2018. Since then, their team has racked up multiple accolades on Untappd, winning the Brewery Madness 2025 competition and high ratings for varieties like The Bean Blonde Golden Ale and Straight Outta Lakeland IPA. In recognition of its impact, Swan Brewing was also honored as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Month in April 2022.

“I have to give Polk State and the environment at Polk State credit for making Swan Brewing what it is, because it did spark that creativity that I needed,” Thumberg said. “The real planning came right around the time that I was at Polk State…, and it reminded me that there is more to this world than what I was used to.”

He started his college journey after high school at the University of South Florida, but “life got in the way” and led him to the workforce, where opportunities continued to present themselves but often required a degree for career advancement. He worked for Anheuser-Busch, American Express and Apple. It was in his 30s that Thumberg decided it was time to go back to school.

“I was nervous…, I thought I’d be surrounded by 18-year-olds fresh out of high school,” he recalled. “Seeing people my age, balancing work and school, made the transition so much easier.”

With the diversity of people from all walks of life and “an environment with thoughts bouncing around everywhere,” Thumberg was inspired to follow his passions – not only for beer, but also for community.

“It challenged me to understand different people, beliefs and backgrounds, which helped how I approach my business,” said Thumberg, who went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida.

With a growing craft beer scene, he developed the ideas for what would become a community-focused brewery. With nearly 40 years of combined brewing experience among its team, Swan Brewing emphasizes locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavors, resulting in standout beer like the Freedom American Lager, which clinched a Gold Medal at the 2022 Best Florida Beer Competition in the American Style Light Lager category.

Today, Swan Brewing stands as a testament to Thumberg’s vision and drive. Located in the heart of Lakeland, the brewery is more than a place to enjoy craft beer. He is most proud when speaking about the community atmosphere that has developed around the business.

“When I look out at our patio overlooking Lake Wire,… [I] see cellphones on the table and people having conversation. That’s the coolest thing,” he exclaimed.

Thumberg’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in Polk County is to embody the We are Polk motto.

“It starts with community, and it should be about the community,” he said. “That’s why I would recommend Polk State College wholeheartedly to anyone – not only to someone who is looking to find a state college to go to, but looking for any college to go to.”

“Polk State is one of the most affordable educations you can get anywhere in the state of Florida, but [it’s also] a world-class education…, right in your backyard.”

Editor's Note: Dan also currently serves on the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

A more than decade-long push by business groups will pay off next week with the end of a state sales tax on commercial leases.

The tax, widely known as the business rent tax, will go away Oct. 1 after 57 years as part of a wide-ranging tax package that lawmakers passed in June. The change will come as nearly 30 new laws hit the books Oct. 1.

“By Florida eliminating the business rent tax, it’s going to lower the cost of doing business in Florida, which will help lower the cost of living here,” Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson said.

The business rent tax began in 1968, when the state sales-tax rate stood at 4 percent. The rent tax rate increased as the overall sales-tax rate went up in 1984 and 1988, reaching 6 percent.
Over the past decade, with business groups clamoring against the tax, legislators slowly chipped away at the rent tax rate. It has been 2 percent since June 2024, according to a House staff analysis.

The elimination is projected to collectively save businesses nearly $1.15 billion during the current fiscal year, which will run through June 30. That amount is projected to increase to $1.53 billion next fiscal year.

The Chamber of Commerce highlighted the tax as part of its Florida 2030 Blueprint report released nearly a decade ago. The business group said the tax made Florida less competitive with other states, as it generated about $3 billion a year in tax revenue at the time.

​“Now $3 billion a year goes back into local businesses that they can pour back into their people, back into equipment, back into innovation, back into helping their customers,” Wilson said.

Source: Florida Chamber of Commerce
Contact: Carolyn Johnson, Vice President, Government Affairs  |  [email protected] | 850.521.1235

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

On Wednesday, August 27, Watson Clinic hosted a special Topping Off Ceremony on the construction site of their sprawling new medical campus in south Lakeland. The ceremony marks a tradition in the world of construction as it celebrates the placement of the final beam at the highest point of a structure. In this instance, the Clinic proudly celebrated two new structures, which are both scheduled to open in the Summer of 2026.

Located at 4060 Lakeland Highlands Road, Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center is a four-story, 80,000-square-foot facility housing some of the Clinic’s most popular specialties, including Urology, Orthopaedic Surgery, General Surgery, OB/GYN and many others. Patients will also benefit from on-site imaging and laboratory capabilities, and other features designed for operational efficiency and patient comfort. The second new facility, located at 4050 Lakeland Highlands Road, will be named Watson Clinic Surgery Center South. This 30,000-square-foot facility will offer convenient outpatient surgical procedures for patients who don’t require an overnight stay. Both facilities will be steps away from the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, completing a medical campus designed to serve a patient’s every medical need.

Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center and Watson Clinic Surgery Center South will be operated exclusively by Watson Clinic, much like their additional 20 locations across Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties, while the hospital is a joint collaboration between Watson Clinic and Orlando Health.

“This campus delivers flexibility to both our patients and our medical teams,” Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirsbrunner explained from the podium to the attending crowd. “You can schedule your regular doctor’s appointments at the Watson Clinic Parkway Medical Center, outpatient surgical procedures can be performed at our Watson Clinic Surgery Center South facility, and longer inpatient stays can take place at the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.”

Conveniently situated directly off the Polk Parkway, the campus will be easily accessible to patients across every corner of Polk County and beyond.  To keep up-to-date on the campus, stay connected to Watson Clinic’s social media platforms or visit WatsonClinic.com/NewCampus.