The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 15th annual Small Business Saturday, happening this year on Saturday, November 30. Join us as we rally our community to celebrate and support the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.
Shop Small is a movement that supports small, independent businesses and spotlights their valuable contributions to their communities and the economy. The Shop Small movement was inspired by the widespread participation in 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. In 2023, over three-quarters of Small Business Saturday shoppers visited stores in person, underscoring the enduring importance of local shopping. This year, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to embrace the future and continue making an impact by supporting our neighborhood businesses.. Here’s how you can get involved:
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve as a Neighborhood Champion for this year’s event, uniting businesses and consumers in a shared celebration of community. Together, we can help sustain and grow the vital contributions small businesses make to our economy and way of life. For more information, contact the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce at 863-688-8551. Bank of Central Florida and Heartland for Children: A Partnership that Empowers Community Care11/8/2024
Guest Blog Post At Bank of Central Florida, we take pride in supporting local organizations that have a positive and lasting impact on our communities. One such organization is Heartland for Children, a vital community-based care agency serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties. Through our partnership, we have provided the financial tools and personalized support Heartland for Children needs to carry out their mission of helping foster children and families, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands.
Heartland for Children: A Pillar of Support in Foster Care Heartland for Children manages the foster care system for over 2,100 children across three counties, ensuring that children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment receive the care they need. From case management to adoptions, independent living, and service development, Heartland for Children plays an essential role in safeguarding these children’s futures. However, this work cannot be done alone. The organization depends on the support of foster parents, volunteers, and local businesses to provide care for these vulnerable children. The COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges, including a shortage of foster families. Today, there’s an urgent need for more families willing to open their hearts and homes, with a current gap of about 80 foster families needed to meet community demand. For those considering fostering, Coady Cheek, Relationship Manager at Bank of Central Florida, wisely notes, “There will rarely be the ‘perfect time.’ Jump right in and know you will be encouraged. The support and training we received from Heartland for Children and their staff was extremely valuable. Fostering and understanding the importance of providing care to those in need will have everlasting impacts. All children deserve the opportunity to be loved and cared for!” His engagement goes beyond a professional level; he has actively worked with Heartland to foster a deeper understanding of the needs of children in the system. Financial Tools that Empower Community Care Bank of Central Florida is proud to be a partner in Heartland for Children’s efforts. As a community bank, we understand the importance of providing not only financial services but also personalized support that meets the unique needs of organizations like Heartland. Through this collaboration, we’ve offered them the financial tools they need to succeed in their mission. Our partnership includes managing their development account, where donations for key events such as their annual Rudolph Roundup Toy Drive are collected and processed. Heartland for Children’s Rudolph Roundup Toy Drive is one of their most important initiatives, providing holiday gifts for over 1,500 foster children each year. As the season approaches, we ensure that their banking needs are met, whether it’s through our secure online banking services, debit cards for purchasing gifts, or increasing purchase limits to accommodate large-scale shopping efforts. The Rudolph Roundup Toy Drive is a monumental task, and our team at Bank of Central Florida, including Coady, is always ready to step in when needed. Whether it’s helping to troubleshoot technical issues with their check scanner, ensuring smooth transactions during the holiday shopping season, or offering prompt support whenever it’s required, we’re committed to making their operations as seamless as possible. A Personalized Banking Experience At Bank of Central Florida, we believe that fostering strong relationships with our clients means going beyond the traditional banking experience. Our partnership with Heartland for Children is a testament to the power of personalized service. When Heartland needed support during the pandemic to secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, our team moved quickly to guide them through the process, helping secure essential funding to keep their programs running. Additionally, we provide quick responses to ensure Heartland for Children can focus on what matters most—caring for children and families. Whether it’s resolving day-to-day banking issues or increasing transaction limits during high-demand periods like the holiday season, our team is always ready to lend a hand. Looking Ahead to the 2024 Rudolph Roundup Toy Drive As we move into the 2024 holiday season, Heartland for Children is gearing up for another successful Rudolph Roundup Toy Drive, bringing joy to hundreds of foster children and ensuring they have a bright and happy holiday. Bank of Central Florida is proud to continue supporting this initiative by providing the financial tools and resources needed to make it a success. At Bank of Central Florida, we are more than just a bank—we are a community partner. Our relationship with Heartland for Children exemplifies how personalized service and financial support can empower organizations to make a real difference. As we continue this partnership, we are committed to supporting Heartland’s mission to create safer, brighter futures for children and families across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties. This holiday season, we invite you to join us in making the 2024 Rudolph Roundup Toy Drive a success. Together, we can spread hope and joy to foster children, ensuring they feel the warmth and love of a caring community. Contact [email protected] to learn more and become a Rudolph Champion this year! Member FDIC | Schedule a Discovery Meeting Takiyah Dixon Graduates from the U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program9/27/2024
Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to
Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, September 20, Takiyah Dixon, Director of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, graduated from the ninth cohort of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s premier business leadership program, the Business Leads Fellowship Program. The Business Leads Fellowship Program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of Commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges. “I am honored to have been a part of the Business Leads Fellowship Program. This experience has equipped me with invaluable insights and tools to address our community's education and workforce challenges. My research on community schooling models and years of experience in workforce education have made this program a perfect fit. As a doctoral candidate in education, I am excited to leverage this recognition and my current participation in the Leadership Lakeland Program to continue advocating for effective education & workforce development. I am committed to using this expertise to create a meaningful impact and drive economic growth in our community.” “We created the Business Leads Fellowship Program in response to the needs of our state and local chamber partners,” says Caitlin Codella Low, Vice President of Policy and Programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “They, better than anyone, see the critical link between education and economic development, and we are glad to be able to support them as they take on this critical leadership role in their community.” Following a competitive application and selection process, Takiyah Dixon was selected along with 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders to participate in the ninth cohort of this program. The six-month program, consisting of in-person and virtual meetings, covers the entire talent pipeline, including early childhood education, K-12, postsecondary education, and workforce development. Upon graduation, Business Leads Fellows join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s a dedicated network of over 360 chambers of commerce and statewide associations nationwide that regularly engage in education and workforce initiatives. For more information on the Business Leads Fellowship Program, visit the program’s website. Celebrating Excellence: The 2024 ATHENA Awards Recognize Outstanding Women Leaders in Lakeland9/16/2024
Lakeland, FL – September 13, 2024 – The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly hosted the 2024 ATHENA Awards today, an event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the exceptional women leading and inspiring Lakeland’s business community. Held at Haus820, this prestigious event spotlighted individuals and organizations that exemplify leadership, innovation, and community service.
The day began with a warm welcome from Lauren Ralston Smith, 2024 Committee Chair for the ATHENA Awards. Lauren emphasized the importance of celebrating the remarkable contributions of Lakeland’s professional women, highlighting how their efforts enhance the community. The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Gold Sponsor Orlando Health, Silver Sponsors Bank of Central Florida, Boring Business Systems, Lakeland Regional Health, and Pols State College, along with Small Business Sponsors such as A Women's Choice Inc., Clifton Larson Allen, and Mazda Lakeland, among others. The support of these sponsors was acknowledged with heartfelt appreciation from Smith. Guests enjoyed a delectable lunch prepared by Chef Tina Calhoon of Fresco's Southern Kitchen & Bar. Chef Tina, a culinary innovator and local dining icon, shared insights about her journey and the inspiration behind her dishes. The event’s highlight was the keynote address delivered by Vera Jones, a renowned motivational speaker and author known for her impactful presentations and viral Goalcast video “Trust Your Vision.” Vera's speech captivated the audience with its inspiring message and humor, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the event. Among the notable presentations, the 2024 ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award was presented to Marriott Vacations Worldwide. This award recognized the company’s commitment to fostering a culture that empowers women and supports leadership development within the community. Yolanda Williams and Cameron Klause accepted the award on behalf of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award honored Rachael Savinon of CPS Investment Advisors for her exemplary leadership and professional growth and community service. The prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award was awarded to Michelle Ledford, President & Principal of MADE. Michelle's outstanding achievements in branding and marketing, alongside her mentorship and community service, were celebrated with the highest honor of the afternoon. The event concluded by expressing gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who made the 2024 ATHENA Awards successful. The event showcased Lakeland's business community's exceptional talent and leadership and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements. About ATHENA International: ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization dedicated to supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders worldwide. Since its beginning in 1982, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program has honored over 7,000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries. About The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce: The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and promoting the growth and success of the local business community through various initiatives and events, including the ATHENA Awards. For more information about the ATHENA Awards and future events, please visit the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce website ! View more event photos at BlankScriptzFilmz.com.
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. A guest blog post. Life’s little bumps and mishaps are often unavoidable. An unexpected bout of the flu, an injury during a game of football with friends, or an episode of dehydration from spending time in the scorching Florida sun are just a few of the scenarios where you could find yourself needing immediate medical care.
Thankfully, Watson Clinic’s three walk-in care facilities – Urgent Care Main , Urgent Care South, and XpressCare Highlands – are open extended hours seven days a week to serve the needs of patients who can’t wait for a regularly scheduled appointment with their physician and want to avoid the high costs and hassles of a traditional emergency room visit. You just walk right in and get the care you need without having to schedule an appointment. “This is not the typical urgent care you find throughout the country,” says Jarett Gregory, DO, a board-certified specialist at the Watson Clinic Urgent Care South location. “Watson Clinic has shown a serious commitment to staying ahead of the curve in providing quickly accessible on-demand services of the highest quality.” Unlike many other facilities of its kind, Watson Clinic’s walk-in care locations feature a staff of board-certified physicians who are always physically present. These specialists have extensive backgrounds in fields like family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. Their efforts are complimented by an extended team of highly trained medical providers. On-site laboratories and radiology units are also tremendously beneficial to patients. Testing and imaging can be performed during a single visit, which results in greater convenience, efficiency, and accuracy. “This is how you do Urgent Care medicine,” Dr. Gregory explains. Conditions that can be addressed at each location for patients ages 2 and up include:
To learn more from Dr. Gregory, tune in to episode 5 of the Watson Clinic Health Talk Podcast. Watson Clinic Urgent Care Main 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. – West Entrance Lakeland, FL 33805 Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm Watson Clinic Urgent Care South 1033 N. Parkway Frontage Rd. Lakeland, FL 33803 Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm Watson Clinic XpressCare Highlands 2300 E. County Rd. 540A Lakeland, FL 33813 Monday – Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm Last week I had the privelege to attend the Polk Young Professionals Awards, an event coordinated by EMERGE Lakeland, ENDEAVOR Winter Haven and ENGAGE Bartow.
From open nominations, each group identified one finalist in three award categories: Emerging Leader, Legacy Builder and Philanthropic Champion. EMERGE Lakeland's finalists were: Emerging Leader: Kaleigh Avian (MIDFLORIDA Credit Union) Legacy Builder: Erin Avella (Publix Super Markets, Inc.) Philanthropic Champion: Cherish Welch (MIDFLORIDA Credit Union) 2024 Polk Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award This award recognizes a young professional who has dedicated time and expertise to make a positive impact on the community through professional development and service to others.
Polk Emerging Leaders Legacy Builder Award This award recognizes a young professional who has dedicated time and expertise to make a positive impact on the community and now demonstrates attention to building up the next generations of emerging leaders.
2024 Polk Young Professionals Philanthropic Champion Award This award recognizes a young leader who is dedicated to service within Polk County.
Congratulations to all the finalist and award recipients - and thank you for your work to make our community thrive! This week, the Lakeland Chamber joined the Florida Chamber in voicing opposition to the passage of Amendment 3 "Adult Personal Use of Marijuana." The Florida Constitution is meant to protect fundamental rights, establish the framework of government and outline basic principles. The Lakeland Chamber has held a longstanding position opposing any proposed constitutional amendment that could be accomplished by statute or budget. As written, Amendment 3 does not adequately protect the interests of business in the State of Florida. A RESOLUTION OF THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSING AMENDMENT 3 “RECREATIONAL USE OF MARIJUANA” The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce joins the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association in opposition to the passage of Amendment 3 “Recreational Use of Marijuana.” Constitutional Amendments significantly limit the ability of a transparent and accountable legislative process to craft policy. The Lakeland Chamber has a longstanding position opposing any proposed constitutional amendment that could be accomplished by statute or budget. Enshrining drugs in Florida’s foundational document is dangerous policy. Florida’s reputation as a family-friendly destination for tourism is critical to our state and local economies. As written, Amendment 3 does not include any restrictions on the time, place or manner of use and does not enable communities to regulate or control the location of shops selling marijuana. A June 2024 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City showed that in post-legalization states, per capita state income rose by about 3%, housing prices rose by 6% and population grew by 2%. At the same time, substance use disorders increased by 17%, chronic homelessness increased by 35% and arrests increased by 35%. As the nation’s 3rd largest state and the 16th largest economy in the world, our state’s continued economic success is threatened by Amendment 3. Amendment 3 does not define a relationship to the long-standing Florida Clean Air Act which prohibits most indoor smoking in public places. This intentional omission creates uncertainty about property rights and businesses’ ability to set restrictions on their own properties. As written, Amendment 3 does not adequately protect the interests of business in the State of Florida. ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, this 28th day of August, 2024 Learn more from the Florida Chamber about the impacts of Amendment 3 at https://flbizagainsta3.com/
In today’s competitive business landscape, understanding and meeting customer needs is crucial for success. One of the most valuable tools at your disposal is customer feedback. It provides insights into customer experiences, expectations, and areas for improvement. Here’s why customer feedback is essential and how you can use it effectively to drive your business forward.
Why Customer Feedback Matters 1. Improves Products and Services: Feedback highlights what customers like and dislike about your products or services. This information is useful in making informed improvements and innovations. 2. Enhances Customer Satisfaction: Actively seeking and acting on feedback shows customers that you value their opinions, which can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty. 3. Identifies Areas for Improvement: Constructive criticism helps pinpoint areas where your business might be falling short, allowing you to address issues before they become major problems. 4. Informs Business Strategy: Feedback can provide insights into market trends and customer preferences, helping you refine your business strategy and stay competitive. 5. Boosts Customer Retention: Businesses that listen and respond to their customers are more likely to retain them, as they feel heard and valued. How to Collect Customer Feedback 1. Surveys and Questionnaires: Use tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Typeform to create surveys that can be sent to customers via email or embedded on your website. 2. Social Media: Monitor social media platforms for customer comments and reviews. Engage with your audience by asking questions and encouraging feedback. 3. Customer Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, or industry-specific review sites. Analyze these reviews to gain insights. 4. Feedback Forms: Implement feedback forms on your website or within your product/service interfaces to gather real-time input from users. 5. Direct Interviews: Conduct one-on-one interviews with customers to gain deeper insights into their experiences and expectations. How to Use Customer Feedback Effectively 1. Analyze the Data: Collect and categorize feedback to identify common themes and trends. Use data analytics tools to help visualize and interpret the information. 2. Prioritize Issues: Not all feedback will be equally important. Prioritize issues based on their impact on customer satisfaction and business performance. 3. Implement Changes: Develop action plans to address the feedback. Make improvements to products, services, or customer service processes based on what you’ve learned. 4. Communicate Changes: Inform customers about the changes you’ve made in response to their feedback. This demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to continuous improvement. 5. Follow Up: After implementing changes, follow up with customers to ensure that their concerns have been addressed and gather additional feedback to gauge the effectiveness of your actions. 6. Foster a Feedback Culture: Create an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. Make it easy for customers to share their thoughts and regularly review feedback as part of your business operations. Customer feedback is a powerful tool that can help you understand your customers better, improve your offerings, and enhance overall satisfaction. By actively seeking, analyzing, and acting on feedback, you can drive meaningful improvements in your business and build stronger relationships with your customers. Embrace feedback as a vital component of your growth strategy and see how it can transform your business for the better. Following a rigorous application process, the Lakeland Chamber Foundation announces finalists and honorees for the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Awards, recognizing professional excellence, service to community and leadership development. Founded more than 30 years ago, ATHENA International has honored more than 7,000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries. The Lakeland Chamber Foundation is a licensed ATHENA Award Community. The 2024 ATHENA Awards Finalists demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their businesses or professions; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential. 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists:
Michelle Ledford, MADE LKLD Teresa Martinez, Polk State College Tracey Tedder, Florida Southern College 2024 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Finalists: Kassia Alamm, EMERGE Lakeland & Straughn Trout Architects Rachael Savinon, CPS Investment Advisors Emily Shiver, New Life Veterinary Hospital The 2024 ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award Recipient, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, will be honored for their organizational culture that encourages women employees to achieve the full leadership potential. Finalists will be honored, and recipients will be announced at the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Awards Program on September 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Haus 820. Keynote Speaker Vera Jones, a former sportscaster and basketball analyst, will share her story of resilience and inspiration in the face of her son’s diagnoses with blindness. For additional information, including past ATHENA Award recipients and event registration, please visit https://www.lakelandchamber.com/athena-awards.html. |
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