2011 Business Plan

BUSINESS PLAN2011VISION STATEMENT: The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce will be the

premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakelandʼs economic growth and enhancement of quality of life - creating Floridaʼs community of choice.

MISSION STATEMENT: The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading organization dedicated to creating a climate where business can prosper.

2011 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com

Chairmanʼs Message:Alice Hunt

I’m pleased to present to you the Chamber’s 2011 Business Plan, outlining the key initiatives we will be addressing in what promises to be an exciting year of new opportunities for our member businesses in the greater Lakeland community.

The landscape of Florida’s politics will change under new leadership on many levels. USF Polytechnic will break ground and LEGOLAND Florida is scheduled to open this fall. Economically we continue to face challenges and guide our businesses through a “new normal” of uncertainty, tight budgets and transparency. This Chamber’s Board of Directors and Staff are united, committed and passionate about moving forward with one mission: to create a climate where our businesses can prosper.

Please take a minute to view the Business Plan, and take advantage of the many programs and services to grow your business in 2011. Working together, we’ll continue to make Lakeland a great place to live, work and play!

Sincerely,

Alice Hunt,2011 Chairman of the Board

®

Strategic Plan“Building Tomorrow...Today”

The initiatives outlined in this Business Plan will move the Chamber’s Strategic Plan forward and allow this Chamber to carry out its Vision and Mission to our members and community.

In 2011, the strategic plan will focus on the following key strategic issues:

•Communications •Member Value •Public Policy •Quality of Life •Talent Development & Education

Chamber Core Values

The Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce is guided in pursuit of its Mission and Vision by the following commonly held values:

Advocacy – supporting business, political and economic development beneficial to our members and to our community;

Community – committed to creating and maintain-ing a rich sense of community and an unrivaled quality of life; Connectivity – communicating information and op-portunities to our members, public policy leaders, and the residents of the greater Lakeland community;

Inclusion –sustaining a diverse membership by welcoming all interested parties to become involved, treating all members equally, and encouraging a variety of thoughts and viewpoints;

Integrity – demonstrating the strength, accountabil-ity, and fiscal responsibility that warrant the trust of our members, elected officials, and the community;

Leadership – fostering a spirit of collaboration, recognizing the worth of community leadership, and nurturing the development of future leaders;

Service – focused on delivering service excellence to our members.

CONTACT

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

35 LAKE MORTON DRIVE LAKELAND, FL 33813

(863) 688-8551

[email protected]

COMMUNICATIONS• Create an effective Communications Plan that promotes Chamber value. • Achieve awareness of Chamber member needs and their level of satisfaction with Chamber programming and communiqués.

LakelandChamber.com • Market site to the community-at-large as the premier resource for community information and to Chamber members as vehicle to enhance their business. • Continue the E - Newsletter for members of-fering timely information both Chamber related and business focused. • Drive Chamber communications to the site creating the business community’s site of choice.

Blog.LakelandChamber.com• Continue public engagement with the Chamber blog as a news source for Chamber happenings and member promotions, strengthening member value and community recognition of Chamber brand.

Buy Lakeland. It makes good cents!• Focus on rejuvenating the “Buy Lakeland” brand, strengthening the impact and reach of the message to support Lakeland’s economy.• Create community awareness of cam-paign and the positive results of seeking goods and services locally. • Magnify use and interaction of campaign with Chamber member businesses.

Forum for Business Monthly• Debut a redesigned Forum for Business Monthly• Strengthen content of newsletter toward cur-rent business and community issues and improve member feature content.

Annual Publications• Produce 2010 Annual Report• 2011 Business Plan• 2012 Quality of Life Publications & Buyer’s Guide

Ribbon Cuttings• Continue ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and grand opening celebrations offering expo-sure & value to memberships.

MEMBER VALUE

21st Annual Chamber Scramble• Develop 21st Annual Chamber Scramble as first-class golf tournament with networking op-portunities for members.

65th Annual Tiger Bar B Que• This annual event is designed to welcome the Detroit Tigers back to Lakeland and communi-cate to the community the enormous economic impact and public relations benefits of having a major league team spring training in our area. It additionally helps promote the benefits of The Lakeland Flying Tigers operating in Lakeland all year long. The 65th will be especially memorable as the kick-off of the 75th Anniver-sary of Spring Training in Lakeland.

Annual Meeting • The Annual Meeting on February 3 celebrates the Chamber’s 2010 accomplishments and recog-nizes volunteer leaders who have made the year a success

Business & Breakfast• Six programs are planned at sponsor member businesses. These morning events will feature speakers on relevant business topics and provide a great opportunity for members to network and promote their business.

Business After Hours• Continue to coordinate one of the most effec-tive networking opportunities the Chamber of-fers for members to meet monthly at a Sponsor member business.

Business Round Table• Sponsored by SCORE, this monthly forum provides a platform for business topics and interaction from business owners. Problems and solutions are discussed and evaluated; hands on experience about actual business situations provide useful and up to date information for participants.

CarBQ• Celebrate your employees while supporting the Chamber in the 5th Annual CarBQ. More than 2,000 barbeque lunches served last year! This is a great opportunity for Chamber members to volunteer for a fun filled event. Pre-order tickets and drive through Tigertown to pick up your completely portable CarBQ lunch on the day of the event.

Chamber Champions• Now in its 5th year, volunteers help inform and assimilate new members into the Chamber and engage existing members. Provides valuable feedback on member needs and experiences.

Hats Off!• On January 25, Chamber volunteers will deliver the 2011 mem-bership packets to more than 1,700 member businesses. Pack-ets include the 2011 Lakeland Guide & Buyer’s Guide, Chamber membership window decal and other important information.

Finance• A finance committee comprised of member financial advisors will meet regularly to ensure the Chamber has the proper resources to carry out its strategic plan and objectives.

Investment Committee• The Investment Committee is comprised of three representatives from each of the following organizations: the Lakeland Chamber, Chamber Foundation and LEDC. The commit-tee meets quarterly to oversee the investment funds of the organizations.

Leads Groups • Held Tuesdays and Wednesdays, provide a source for business leads for members and new members for the Chamber. Working together enhances chances for success.

New Member Receptions• Continue to provide six events to welcome new members with an informal orientation and over-view of programs offered by the Chamber.

2011 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com

LAKELAND AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

North With The Tigers• Continuing event organized to further demon-strate Chamber business and City support for the Detroit Tigers economic benefit to theLakeland community in their hometown of Detroit or on the road with the team.

Schmooze aʼPalooza• Held four times a year, the Schmooze a’Palooza event offers members the opportunity to meet up to 20 business contacts over lunch. The Chamber’s version of power networking allows participants to share their 30-second com-mercials with a group of 50.

Travel Affinity Program• In 2011, the Chamber will partner with a travel affinity company to provide an amazing trip to experience the wonders of China. The trip will be all inclusive 9 day tour which will include roundtrip international airfare, 4 and 5 star hotel accommodations and 3 meals each day. Addi-tionally, there will be deluxe bus tours and fluent English speaking tour guides.

PUBLIC POLICYGovernment Affairs Committee• Lobby a pro-commerce priority agenda during the 2011 Legislative Session.• Recommend the Chamber take action on im-portant and timely governmental issues.• Monitor all levels of government and report activity to Chamber members.• Represent the business community and interests of Chamber members at government meetings and have a presence at all levels of government.• Increase lobbying efforts via the establishment of a grassroots database of member’s interests and concerns.

24th Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast• Partner with Allen & Company to provide a forum for Chamber members to hear first-hand the economic predictions for 2011. Scheduled for January 13.

BusinessVoice, Inc. & BusinessVoice for Effective GovernmentCreated in 2000 as the political arm of theLakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, this political action group (CCE & PC) provides education for members and sup-ports pro-business candidates and issues.• Support policy compatible with achieving the goals of the busi-ness community.• Endorse pro-business candidates for elective office at local and state levels.• Take positions on local and state issues as they may arise.

Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast• Provide Chamber members the opportunity to hear from the Polk County Delegation as to how the business community fared during the 2011 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

QUALITY OF LIFEConvention/Tourism Marketing• Develop a marketing plan for Lakeland and Polk County as an ideal convention, meeting and tourist destination. Focus: increase sales of overnight accommodations, generate tax revenues and enhance tourism and economic climate.• Develop more web-based marketing initiatives and continue to develop resource information for the Chambers Visitor Center.• Position Lakeland’s Convention & VisitorsBureau within Polk County and the state of Florida to generate higher visibility, extend mar-keting dollars and penetrate target markets. • Establish a full-service convention/visitors bureau to assist meeting/convention attendees increasing overnight stays.• Maintain active roles with existing industry partners such as Visit Florida, the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau, The Lakeland Center, Polk County Sports Marketing and Outpost 27 to increase visitor stays in the Greater Lakeland area and promote Lakeland’s arts and cultural heritage.• Partner with the Detroit Tigers and theLakeland Flying Tigers to enhance and continue the long-standing relationships between the Tiger organization and the Lakeland business community. Implement events associated with this endeavor such as The Tiger BBQ and

North-with-the-Tigers.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION• Initially defined as a Key Strategic Issue in 2010, continue to select facilitative goals for education and talent development that directly benefit Lakeland Chamber members.

Diversity• Continue to host the premier diversity event in the county, the CommUnity Celebration, where more than 700 people will gather to celebrate the differences among us that make our community rich.

EMERGE Lakeland • Continue to provide administrative duties for an organization for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 42 in which they can build relationships, develop profession-ally, become politically aware, philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Lakeland. This collaboration between theLakeland Chamber and the United Way ofCentral Florida was established in December, 2003.

Leadership Lakeland XXVIII and XXIX• Continue a 28 year old tradition in excellence. The 30 class members will experience the com-munity through educational presentations, tours, immersion experiences, demonstrations, and in-depth interviews. The year-long curriculum covers key components of the community while building esprit de corps among the class mem-bers.

Leadership Polk• Continue to serve on the Polk Vision commit-tee to provide a county wide leadership program.

2011 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com

2011 BUSINESS PLAN

2011 Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Plan | LakelandChamber.com

2011 Board of DirectorsHugh Autry, Lakeland Regional Medical CenterTodd Baylis, Cipher Integrations, Inc.Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, Blackmon Roberts Group, Inc.Don Bosko, Beef OʼBradyʼs Family Sports BarStacy Campbell-Domineck, Polk Works/Region 17Gary Cassard, Bright House NetworksDenis Cole, Kerry Ingredients and FlavoursKurt Elmhorst, Allen & Company of FloridaMayor Gow Fields, City of LakelandTerri Goleno, Cheatham, Goleno & Ferguson, P.A.Mitch Harvey, Mitchellʼs CoffeehouseJoe Joseph, Royal Granite & Marble LLCMike LaPan, The Lakeland CenterKatrina Lunsford, Wachovia Bank A Wells Fargo Com-panySteve Madden, MaddenRev. Dan McBride, Victory ChurchMike McGee, McGee Auto Service and TiresCorey Miller, Miller Construction Management, Inc.Bob Morrow, GEICODr. Sherrie Nickell, Polk County Public SchoolsDon Pickard, Pickard & Pickard, Inc. REALTORSTim Rice, Wardʼs Heating & Air ConditioningSteve Scruggs, Lakeland Economic Development CouncilSam Sheets, Samuel G. Sheets and Associates, P.A.Andrea Teves Smith, Peterson & Myers, P.A.David Steele, USF PolytechnicDoug Thomas, City of LakelandKathy Wallen, Baylis & Company P.A., CPAsPhil Wegman, Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.Jason Witty, Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida

CHAMBER FOUNDATION:Chairman: Joe L. RuthvenThe RuthvensChairman of the Board: Alice HuntHunt Construction of Central FloridaChairman-elect: Walker WilkersonThe NCT Group CPAʼs, L.L.P.Treasurer: Weymon SnuggsCitizens Bank & TrustPresident: Kathleen L. MunsonGeneral Counsel: Timothy F. Campbell Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.Directors:Hugh AutryLakeland Regional Medical CenterSylvia Blackmon-RobertsBlackmon Roberts Group, Inc.Terri GolenoCheatham, Goleno & Ferguson, P.A.Maureen ShawFlower Cart FloristGary Tarr

One of the greatest assets the Chamber has in serving the diverse needs of our Lakeland community is the Lakeland Area Chamber Foundation. The Foundation was formed in 1973 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization through the efforts of several Chamber leaders. The Foundation’s mission is to raise additional funds to support needed community and education

efforts.

The Chairman’s Circle was founded in the fall of 2003 to provide a unique busi-ness forum for senior level executives to meet with one another, build relationships and participate in strategic marketing and member-

ship events to enhance their own business and the overall Lakeland business community. Through the leadership and support of the following members of the Chairman’s Circle, this Chamber has the resources to better assist our members with special focus on our small business members.

•Allen & Company of Florida - Ralph Allen•BB&T - Robert Loftin•Boring Business Systems - A. Dean Boring •Bright House Networks - Gary Cassard•CenterState Bank - Dale Dreyer•City of Lakeland - Mayor Gow Fields•Clark & Daughtrey Medical Group, P.A. - Kamal Haider, M.D.•Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A. - Timothy F. Campbell•CPS Investment Advisors - Chas P. Smith•Crowe Horwath, LLP – L. Ira Anderson•Drummond Company, Inc. - Leonard Mass•Florida Lifestyle Communities - Art Erickson•Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A. - Mike Furr•GEICO - George Rogers•GrayRobinson, P.A. - Mark Miller•Heacock Insurance Group - Ford Heacock•Lakeland Regional Medical Center - Dr. Elaine C. Thompson •Lanier Upshaw, Inc. – C. Scott Franklin•McGee Auto Service and Tires - Mike McGee•Pepperidge Farm, Inc. - Gary Panter•Peterson & Myers, P.A. - Bob Puterbaugh•Polk State College - Dr. Eileen Holden•Platinum Bank - Ken Ely•Publix Super Markets, Inc. - Clayton Hollis•Quality Petroleum Corporation - Ralph Weeks•SunTrust Bank - Jim Chaffin•The NCT Group CPAʼs, L.L.P. - Michael Carter•The Ruthvens - Joe P. Ruthven•Wachovia A Wells Fargo Company - Katrina Lunsford•Watson Clinic, LLP - Dr. Lou Saco•WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio - Art Rowbotham

The Trustee Membership program debuted in 2009 as an elite level of mem-bership. Recognition and bundled benefits provide

Trustee members the opportunities to estsablish contacts with top-level professionals and to realize a greater return on membership investment.•Citizens Bank and Trust•Community Southern Bank•Florida Refuse Service•Florida Southern College•Fredʼs Southern Kitchen•Kerry Ingredients & Flavours•Skanska USA Building, Inc.

2011

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Chairman of the BoardAlice Hunt

Hunt Construction of Central Florida, Inc.

Chair electWalker Wilkerson

The NCT Group CPA’s, L.L.P.

Immediate Past ChairmanJoe L. Ruthven

The Ruthvens

TreasurerWeymon Snuggs

Citizens Bank & Trust

Chairman, Lakeland Economic Development

CouncilJeff Chamberlain

Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Vice Chair,CommunicationsTim Jackson

NuJak Companies

Vice Chair, Member ValuePatrick FaganFifth Third Bank

Vice Chair, Public PolicyMark E. Wilson

Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc.

Vice Chair, Quality of LifeMelinda HarrisonWatson Clinic, LLP

Vice Chair, Talent Development and

EducationSteve Moore

Florida Property & Development

General CounselTimothy F. Campbell

Clark, Campbell, Mawhinney & Lancaster, P.A.

Kathleen L. MunsonPresident