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, Engagement Manager
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
Vice Chair: William Roll, Kimley-Horn & Associates Point of contact: Jon Miller, Director of Public Affairs
The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee works to educate, lead and influence businesses on creating diverse workforces, inclusive workplaces and equitable opportunities that help all communities thrive. Strategies include:
Engage CEOs and Chamber board of directors as well as companies to increase knowledge, awareness and influence to develop the community mindset on DEI best practices
Identify opportunities to improve supplier diversity metrics and small business vendor competitiveness
Drive internal Chamber diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.
Vice Chair: Sylvia Blackmon Roberts, Southeastern University Point of contact: Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources
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.
Co-chair (Lakeland Vision): Sallie Brisbane Stone, The Well Co-chair (Lakeland Chamber): Leon Battle, One More Child Point of contact: Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources
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! Point of Contact: Shannon Powers, Director of Leadership Programs & Events
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.
Vice Chair: Patrick Phillips, Lakeland Regional Health Point of contact: Chaq Cozart, Director of Communications
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: Chaq Cozart, Director of Communications - ccozart@lakelandchamber.com
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that we will be partnering with SCORE Central Florida for our 2023 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, will be facilitating the meetings, along with Co-facilitator/SCORE mentor, Donna Kay Dinkins.
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: SCORE Mentors, Melissa Wing and Donna Kay Dinkins Requirements to Participate: • Chamber Member • Business Owner • Fewer than 25 Employees • Less than $5 million Gross Annual Sales
The Women's Business Council is comprised of a dedicated group of driven women entrepreneurs and professionals. Together, this diverse network of professionals are creating a dynamic group to foster collaboration, mentorship, and mutual success. We are proud to bring the first Women's Business Council to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and help facilitate success, growth and a network amongst women in business.
For information on joining, please Contact Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources at Tdixon@lakelandchamber.com or (863) 688-8551 Ext. 228
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!
