Chamber Champions

Chamber Champions are a group of professional volunteers from various local organizations and backgrounds that serve as the relations arm of the Chamber's Membership Department. The main goals of the program are to welcome new Chamber members, make goodwill calls, assist with ribbon cutting ceremonies, and attend Chamber functions throughout the year. Chamber Champions play a key role in the Chamber's mission to engage with and promote our members. 

Staff Liaison: 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
Staff Liaison: Kassia Alamm, Director of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs

Veterans Business Council

The Veterans Business Council exists to empower veteran-owned businesses, expand career and ownership opportunities for veterans, and build a connected, supportive network of veteran professionals. Through advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement, Council members will raise awareness of veteran contributions and promote lasting economic impact. 

Chair: Mason Elmore, Stahl & Associates
​Staff Liaison: Takiyah Dixon, Ph.D.​, Director of Business Resources

Education Committee

In partnership with Lakeland Vision, the Education Committee champions Polk County’s education ecosystem by engaging the business community to be a RESOURCE, ENGAGE, and CELEBRATE across the continuum of learning.
Through strategic business-education partnerships, the committee aims to:

• Identify and address resource gaps for educators, parents, students, and employers that impact readiness and access across early childhood, K-12, and higher education.
• Connect stakeholders to educational partners through clear processes, shared expectations, and purposeful collaboration.
• Promote and amplify success stories that highlight educational innovation, partnership wins, and student outcomes that contribute to a thriving, future-ready workforce.

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

Staff Liaison: Takiyah Dixon, Ph.D., Director of Business Resources

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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Staff Liaison: 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. 
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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
Staff Liaison: Monica DiNicolantonio, Director of Membership

Join the Lakeland Hospitality Alliance

Small Business Council

The Small Business Council offers an opportunity for small business owners to participate in a monthly discussion to learn from each other.  The Council meets on the fourth Thursday every month from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Chamber for a 15-20 minute educational portion followed by a question & answer session. 

Requirements to Participate:
  • Chamber Member
  • Business Owner
  • Fewer than 25 Employees
  • Less than $5 million Gross Annual Sales

Facilitator: Michelle Boley, Boley Insurance / Lakeland Local GEICO Office
Staff Liaison: Monica DiNicolantonio, Director of Membership

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: Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, Southeastern University
Staff Liaison: Takiyah Dixon, Ph.D. Director of Business Resources

Contact Takiyah Dixon

Join a Committee

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