Chamber Champions

Each year, Chamber members are selected as volunteer Chamber Champions. Each month, the members gather to discuss strategies to welcome new members, engage current members and identify needs within the community of members.

Point of contact: Monica DiNicolantonio, Director of Membership

Contact Monica DiNicolantonio

Advocacy Committee

The Advocacy Committee promotes policies conducive to a strong business climate, plans programs and briefings on public policy, updates and interprets the local and legislative agendas, and recommends policy positions to the Chamber’s Board of Directors. 

Strategic Goal:
Actively represent the interests of our business community through local, state, and federal advocacy

Chair: Brandon Silk, Brown & Brown

Employers' Committee on Early Learning

Information coming soon.

Education Committee

In partnership with Lakeland Vision, the Education Committee's efforts RESOURCE, ENGAGE, and CELEBRATE Polk County's educational institutions through business engagement and public awareness.
Strategies include:

• Identify current resource gaps (for educators, parents, business owners, community members, etc.)
• Connect stakeholders to education partners with clear goals, expectations, and processes
• Promote "good news" stories of educational success, partnership milestones, etc.

​Join us on the second Tuesday of every month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Chamber.

Chair: Leon Battle, One More Child

Event Committees

Lend your expertise to one of the Chamber's signature events! From Annual Meeting to Golf Scramble, event committees are a great way to meet fellow members, learn new skills and have fun!
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Point of Contact: Nichole G. Martinez, Coordinator of Events 

Contact Nichole Martinez

Small Business Award Committee

This committee meets to select a small business to be recognized monthly that exemplifies outstanding business characteristics and entrepreneurial spirit. One of the 12 monthly winners is selected by the committee to be recognized at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting as the Scott Linder Small Business of the Year.  

Chair: Beatrice Dela Pena, GEICO

Lakeland Hospitality Alliance 
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The Lakeland Hospitality Alliance unites hospitality and tourism related businesses to highlight and strengthen their impacts on the development of Lakeland’s economy. 
Strategies include: 

• Education and Networking for hospitality professionals 
• Collaboration that strengthen the expansion and progress of the local economy 
• Advocacy and Promotion of the industry’s contributions to community and economic development 

​President: John Loute, Springhill Suites
Point of contact: Monica DiNicolantonio, Director of Membership

Join the Lakeland Hospitality Alliance

Small Business Council

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that we will be partnering with SCORE Central Florida for our 2025 Small Business Council Meetings.  The Small Business Council offers an opportunity for small business owners to participate in a monthly discussion to learn from each other.  Melissa Wing, a SCORE Mentor, facilitates the meetings.

Join us on the fourth Thursday every month from 3:30 to 5:30 at the Chamber for a 15-20 minute educational portion, that will be followed by a question & answer session. 

Hosted by: Central Florida SCORE Mentors
Requirements to Participate:
• Chamber Member
• Business Owner
• Fewer than 25 Employees
• Less than $5 million Gross Annual Sales

Small Business Council Application

Women's Business Council

The Women's Business Council was established to cultivate a community in Lakeland, Florida, where women in business are united by a shared purpose: to excel, uplift, and leave a lasting impact. Through mentorship, collaborative networking, and targeted skill enhancement, this council aims to empower women to navigate the business world confidently. By fostering a culture of resilience, innovation, and positive change, this council seeks to create a legacy of influential women who drive economic growth, inspire progress, and lead with purpose in the Lakeland community.

Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chamber.

Chair: Nicole Bradham, HOTMOD Influencer Agency
Co-Chair: Adriana Eraso, COHATCH Lakeland
Point of Contact: Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources

Contact Takiyah Dixon

Committee Application

Are you or anyone in your organization looking to get more involved with the Chamber initiatives, events, programs or advocacy efforts? If so, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is accepting applicants for each of our key strategic initiatives. Our Chamber plays a vital role in the revitalization of our community. Through committee involvement, you can drive change in areas like education, government, business and quality of life.

​Committees often facilitate programs that recognize community achievements, promote leadership and draw attention to the positive aspects of living and working in the City of Lakeland. By selecting a committee, you can match your passion and interests in service to our community. Membership is open to all Chamber member firms and their employees. Add value to your Chamber membership and sign up for a committee today!

Committee Application