Posts filed under 'Chamber Events'
Posted: April 28, 2009: 4:24 pm
The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce extend a cordial invitation to all Chamber members to a special Business Open House at the newly renovated Women’s Club/Museum of Winter Haven History at 660 Pope Avenue this Thursday, April 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
You’ll find delicious culinary samples from five different caterers, piano entertainment and facility tours worth your time. Renovations included bathroom renovations, enhanced lighting, a protective fire sprinkling system, new ceilings and other renovations in keeping with the buildings historic designation on the National Register including an historically accurate repainting of the pink facade. There are new museum displays as well.
The City has developed guidelines for building rental in keeping with the historic contents of the museum. Learn a little history, enjoy some delicious food and tour a beautiful building. RSVP here.
A special Open House for the General Public is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 from 10 am. to 2 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Cultural Arts, General Announcements
Posted: March 30, 2009: 12:33 pm
You never can tell who you might play golf with at the Chamber tournament. Former Buccaneer Derrick Brooks (left) joined Terrance Barber, Alex Santiago, III and Darryl Talley at the March 27 event.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Sports
Posted: January 29, 2009: 4:20 pm
You may not realize your company is a victim of fraud until you lose your company!
RSVP now next week’s First Wednesday Better Business Breakfast “How to Reduce the Chances of Fraud in Your Business”
Presented by: Bob Lynch, CPA, CFE, CVA, Manager – Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support Cross, Fernandez and Riley, CPAs LLP
Here’s what you’ll take away from the C/F/R presentation:
Why Employees (Fraudsters) Steal?
How Employees (Fraudsters) Steal
Statistics on Fraud by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Learn “Red Flags” of Fraud
What you can to reduce the chances of Fraud
Cross, Fernandez and Riley merged with Winter Haven’s Beckert, Price and Rowse, CPAs in August 2008. The combined firm has offices in Orlando, Winter Haven and Tampa. Join us for this timely topic to reduce your chances of losses from fraud in your business. You’ll have a great breakfast and hear timely updates from the City of Winter Haven, Main Street and the Chamber as well.
Join us Wednesday, February 4 at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. RSVP required and due to food guarantees, no shows will be invoiced. Make a date for great professional advice for the cost of breakfast. RSVP here.
First Wednesday Better Business Breakfast Series is presented by Tampa Electric Company, Tinsley Family Concessions and Wachovia.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Education, Main Street Winter Haven
Posted: January 16, 2009: 12:39 pm
RSVP Now for Networking Showcase at McGee Tires (formerly B & W Tires). Plan now to enjoy barbecue and maybe win a door prize as Bob Lanpher and McGee Tire Store hosts the next Networking Showcase on Thursday, January 22. Meet your friends and make new business contacts - 1803 Third Street, SW at the intersection of Cypress Gardens Boulevard and US 17. RSVP here.
Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven: Join your friends and enjoy wonderful food from Winter Haven’s finest restaurants as we honor a special man and woman for their civic contributions at the 2009 Banker’s Cup Taste of Winter Haven “For the Love of Communty.” A sample of the selections you will enjoy include:
Arabella’s Ristorante - Chicken Saltinbocca and Shrimp with Pistachio Creamy Brandy Sauce
Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn - Baby King Crab Thermidor in a Shell, Crispy Duckling with Blackberry Sauce, Bison Tenderloin Bites with Marchant De Vin Sauce
Outback Steakhouse - Seared Ahi Tuna with Soy Dressing and Wasabi Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Chop Salad, Pork Tenderloin Drizzled with Apricot-chili Glaze
Red Lobster - Garlic Shrimp Alfredo over Linguini, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, cool, creamy, Key Lime Pie with Raspberry Sauce
Smokin’ Jim’s BBQ - Ribs, Shredded Pork, Chicken, Baked Beans and Red Velvet Cake
Tam’s Classic Catering - Crostini with Guacamole and Chopped Vegetable, Smoked Salmon with Parmesan Caper Sauce, Chicken Rumaki
Texas Cattle Co - Skillets of Sirloin, Chicken and Mushrooms
Favor - Assorted desserts
This event is sure to sell out. Don’t miss this fabulous evening featuring Winter Haven’s highest civic honor. Purchase tickets here.
RSVP now for February 4 ‘First Wednesday Better Business Breakfast “How to Reduce the Chances of Fraud in Your Business”
Presented by: Bob Lynch, CPA, CFE, CVA, Manager – Forensic Accounting and Litigation Support Cross, Fernandez and Riley, CPAs LLP
Cross, Fernandez and Riley merged with Winter Haven’s Beckert, Price and Rowse, CPAs in August 2008. The combined firm has offices in Orlando, Winter Haven and Tampa. Join us for this timely topic to reduce your chances of losses from fraud in your business. You’ll have a great breakfast and hear timely updates from the City of Winter Haven, Main Street and the Chamber as well.
Here’s what you’ll take away from the C/F/R presentation:
Why Employees (Fraudsters) Steal?
How Employees (Fraudsters) Steal
Statistics on Fraud by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Learn “Red Flags” of Fraud
What you can to reduce the chances of Fraud
Join us Wednesday, February 4 at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members. RSVP required and due to food guarantees, no shows will be invoiced. Make a date for great professional advice for the cost of breakfast. RSVP here.
Winter Haven Young Professionals Group - One-Year Anniversary Party
“I Love the 80’s” - Feb. 20
7 p.m. - 10 p.m. @ Arts Ensemble International
For complete details and ticket purchase, click here.
Click Here For Our Community events calendar.
Downtown Alive “Health & Fitness” - January 16. 5:30 p.m. (Today!)
Ribbon Cutting & Open House - Bond Clinic Women’s Health Center, Jan. 27, 4:30 p.m.
Bok Tower Gardens 80th Anniversary - Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Dining, General Announcements
Posted: January 2, 2009: 9:52 am
Happy New Year! Start 2009 with a Business Breakfast!
Join us Wednesday, January 7 for “Financial Literacy”
New for 2009, the Chamber and PCC Corporate College are proud to introduce a “Business Breakfast” the first Wednesday of every month. The program will feature regular updates from the five minute updates from City of Winter Haven, MainStreet Winter Haven and the Chamber followed by a Best Business Practices presentation.
Program Overview: “One in three American workers are in financial distress; many live payday to payday by raiding their retirement plans to maintain their lifestyle, more companies than you imagine actually lend directly to employees to handle short term “emergencies”.
The take-aways…
- Research and insight on how we got here
- How to recognize the signs
- Doing nothing is certainly an option but not desirable
- It can be fixed but not by any one group alone
- A list of effective options and resources
Join us January 7 in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium for a great breakfast and new perspectives. $10 Chamber members, $20 for non-members. Doors open 7:30 a.m. Program begins at 8. To RSVP, click here.
The First Wednesday Best Business Practices Series is sponsored by Tampa Electric Company, Tinsley Family Concessions and Wachovia.
Oh, and in honor of our new breakfast series “the bacon is on us.” Just click here for your free bacon.
Business on the Balcony - Jan. 13
4 - 6 p.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Start your new year with the power-networking event!
Admission: $10 for Chamber members (Chamber members only) Click here to RSVP.
WHYPG Business Forum “Male & Female Body Language in the Workplace” - Jan. 14
5:30 - 7 p.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
How does body language affect us in the workplace and what are the differences in the ways in which men and women communicate? Being more sensitive to both of these dynamic aspects of communication makes us more effective in the workplace and in our personal relationships among family and friends.
Admission: Free for WHYPG members and $10 for non-WHYPG members, Complete details and RSVP.
The Banker’s Cup awards nomination deadline is Friday, Jan. 16. To nominate an individual for the recognition, address your nomination to “2009 Banker’s Cup Awards Committee,” PO Box 1420, Winter Haven, FL 33882-1420 or deliver to the Chamber.
A couple of future dates to save …
Thursday, January 22 - Networking Showcase at McGee Tire
Thursday, February 3 - 2009 Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven
Thursday, February 26 - Networking Showcase at the New Winter Haven Honda
Wednesday, March 4 - First Wednesday Business Breakfast “Focus on Early Childhood Development”
Saturday, March 14 - Wheels & Keels - Chain of Lakes Auto & Boat Show
Friday, March 27 - 2009 Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
Click here to see upcoming community events.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Main Street Winter Haven
Posted: December 19, 2008: 8:36 am
We want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours the best of the season. But before you settle in to enjoy the fast-approaching holidays, make this reservation. It will be a great way to start 2009! Join Us January 7 for the All New First Wednesday Business Breakfast!
“Financial Literacy” is First Program
New for 2009, the Chamber and PCC Corporate College are proud to introduce a “Business Breakfast” the first Wednesday of every month. The program will feature regular updates from the five minute updates from City of Winter Haven, MainStreet Winter Haven and the Chamber followed by a Best Business Practices presentation.
January’s program will be presented by Rob Sansome of the Financial Literacy Group (pictured at left).
January Program Overview: “One in three American workers are in financial distress; many live payday to payday by raiding their retirement plans to maintain their lifestyle, more companies than youa imagine actually lend directly to employees to handle short term “emergencies”.
In the past employers have confronted personal issues such as drugs and alcohol, but we didn’t address these by giving the affected employee access to more drugs and alcohol. We sent them to or provided information and counseling. Why do we then give the employee who is in financial trouble, most often by their own doing, access to more money and not address the root problem?
The take-aways…
- Research and insight on how we got here
- How to recognize the signs
- Doing nothing is certainly an option but not desirable
- It can be fixed but not by any one group alone
- A list of effective options and resources
Join us January 7 in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium for a great breakfast and new perspectives. $10 Chamber members, $20 for non-members. Doors open 7:30 a.m. Program begins at 8. To RSVP, click here.
The First Wednesday Best Business Practices Series is sponsored by Tampa Electric Company, Tinsley Family Concessions and Wachovia.
Upcoming Chamber events…
First Wednesday Business Breakfast - Jan. 7
7:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Program: Financial Literacy by Bob Sansome
Admission: $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members
Click here to RSVP.
Business on the Balcony - Jan. 13
4 - 6 p.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Start your new year with the power-networking event!
Admission: $10 for Chamber members (Chamber members only)
Click here to RSVP.
Future Dates to Save …
Thursday, January 22 - Networking Showcase at McGee Tire
Thursday, February 3 - Banker’s Cup 2009/Taste of Winter Haven
Thursday, February 26 - Networking Showcase at the New Winter Haven Honda?
Saturday, March 14 - Wheels & Keels Auto & Boat Show
Friday, March 27 - 2009 Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
Click here to see upcoming community events.
Watch video clips of East Polk Christmas events presented by the News Chief ….
Polk Winter Wonderland
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Education
Posted: December 16, 2008: 1:29 pm
Suzanne “Suzie” Moraco has been named the 2008 Leadership Winter Haven Distinguished Alumni. Moraco is a Certified Financial Planner with Morgan Stanley and is also a cofounder and annual planner for the East Polk Economic Summit held each November.
Suzie’s passions include animals and children. She is a native Floridian and involved in many community organizations and is a graduate of Leadership Winter Haven XXIV. She serves as a board member for the Winter Haven Chamber and the Humane Society of Polk County. Moraco is past president of the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven and also on the Advisory Counciil for the Communithy Foundation of Greater Winter Haven.
She was honored at the Leadership Alumni’s annual holiday luncheon. Suzie and husband Sal reside in Winter Haven. She is pictured above right receiving the award from Steve Warner, 2008-09 Leadership Alumni Liaison.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Financial Industry, Success Stories
Posted: November 7, 2008: 11:53 am
Welcome to our twice monthly business blog update. Based on our 2008 member survey, 75% of you prefer electronic correspondence from the Chamber. The first and third Friday of each month we will share late breaking news with you via our blog post.
Chain of Lakes Boat Parade is on for December 6
(Please note that this post was updated as of November 12 to note that we have dropped Lake Cannon from the parade route. The parade will begin in Lake May at 6:30 p.m. It will then proceed into Lake Shipp and run counter-clockwise around that lake. It then returns thru Lake May around the eastern shore and into Lake Howard where is will make a counter-clockwise circuit ending at Old Man Frank’s Restaurant.)
What’s Christmas in Winter Haven without the Boat Parade?! We are happy to announce that lake levels appear to be good enough to “float your boat” on Saturday December 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Lake May.
The parade route will involve lakes Shipp, May, Howard and Cannon (due to current water levels the parade will NOT go into Lake Cannon). It may be necessary to “trim” your outboard motor in one or more locations but the Canal Commission has offered to be on hand to assist boaters where possible. We do not recommend that boats requiring deep draft participate. (It is recommended that your motor have the capability of trimming (lifting the prop upward). We do recommend that you drive the route the weekend before the parade to test your ride.
We will publish further details in mid-November. Deck those hulls!
“What Now Your Honor?”
Best Business Practices: HR and Employment Law November 12
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Best Business Practices luncheon to focus on human resource and employment law Issues. Actual court cases will illustrate challenges for small and large businesses.
Admission (includes lunch) is $10 for Winter Haven Chamber members and $20 for non-members.
Click here to RSVP.
Young Professionals Lunch and Learn November 13
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Winter Haven Young Professionals Group Lunch & Learn “Community Involvement and Volunteerism” Speakers: Terry Worthington, president of the United Way of Central Florida, and several community leaders.
Admission (includes lunch from Tijuana Flats): $10 for WHYPG members and $20 for non-WHYPG members. (No shows will be billed). Click here to RSVP.
November Networking Showcase: Thursday, November 20, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Presented by Platinum Bank and Straughn and Turner Attorneys
1285 First Street South Details and RSVP here
A Couple of Future Dates to Save …
Thursday, February 3 - 2009 Banker’s Cup Awards
Friday, March 27 - 2009 Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament
Weekend Options as detailed at the Chamber’s Online Calendar:
Friday, November 7:
Main Street Winter Haven Wine Taste
Saturday, November 8
Roar and Soar at Fantasy of Flight
Sunset & Symphony at Bok Tower
Sunday, November 9
Roar and Soar at Fantasy of Flight
This Week’s Special Chamber Offer:
“Wine Down at the Sundown” (Look for new options at an old favorite!)
- Wednesdays - 5 to 9 pm
- Samplings of wines from around the world. Have a taste or a whole glass. Samplings of appetizers from Christy’s Sundown. Live relaxing music, not full bands. Come and have a great time, and network with others in the Winter Haven business world.
- $15 for Chamber Members (print and present this ad or show Advantage Card)
- $20.00 dollars non-members
Do you have news for the blog or this bi-weekly update? chamber1@winterhavenfl.com
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Chamber Events, Dining
Posted: August 21, 2008: 8:29 am
The Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, meeting at its recent summer planning retreat, voted unanimous approval to award Marlene Duffy Young posthumous Banker’s Cup recognition. Young, a former Winter Haven Mayor and Polk County Commissioner, died as the result of an automobile accident earlier this year.
The Board, mindful of an 85-year tradition of only accepting nominations for living individuals, was moved to action by the overwhelming outpouring of admiration for Young’s exemplary life well lived. Much of her civic activism was accomplished quietly but passionately and never for personal gain — hallmarks of what Banker’s Cup recognition is based upon.
The special award will be presented to Young’s family at the Chamber’s September 11 Annual Meeting at Lake Ashton Ballroom. In that way the traditional nomination process can remain intact while allowing a very deserving citizen to receive the recognition she never sought but richly deserved.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, General Announcements
Posted: August 18, 2008: 10:31 am
Note 2:00 p.m. August 19: The Winter Haven Chamber offices reopen Wednesday, August 20 for normal business hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Winter Haven Chamber will once again serve as a clearing house for business information as Tropical Storm Fay makes her way through our area. If your business or organization plans to alter business hours or close due to the storm, please post that information as a comment to this blog post. Should special needs arise due to storm related damage, please post those needs here and we will attempt to match needs with resources.
As we learn of emergency assistance numbers or locations, they will be posted comments to this post.
The Polk County Fire Department is offering sandbags at four locations beginning at noon Monday. A maximum of 25 to 30 sandbags will be provided to each household to help prevent flooding.
The fire stations providing sandbags are:
* Golfview, 2902 State Road 60 E. in Lake Wales.
* Jan Phyl, 333 American Spirit Blvd. in Winter Haven.
* Providence, 8936 U.S. 98 N. in North Lakeland.
* Willow Oak, 4210 Willis Road in Mulberry.
The City of Winter Haven has sand available. The sand and bags are in the field area next to the recycle bins across from the Downtown Fire Station located at 3rd Street and Avenue F, NW (next to the Farmers Market location). You are free to fill the bags that you may need in order to prepare your home for the storm.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven
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