Posted: August 21, 2010: 1:20 pm
Sunset on Lake Shipp as photographed from the Lulu/Shipp canal on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes – August 18, 2010
Photo by Nick Gernert
3 Comments | See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, Perspective
Posted: June 30, 2010: 2:26 pm
Citing continued transit service in Polk County as a business, employment and economic issue, the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors have unanimously approved a resolution of support urging voters to approve a charter county transportation surtax of one-half percent (1/2 percent) to be considered on our November 2, 2010 ballot. You can read the full text of the resolution here.
The Board discussion noted that our transit system allows our citizens to work, shop, and seek healthcare and other pursuits through transportation that would not otherwise be available. These are the people who take care of our loved ones in clinics and hospitals, serve us in retail stores, scan our groceries, attend our colleges and universities as well as some who, due to physical limitations, have no other transportation available to help meet their needs.
Chamber President, Howard King noted, “Polk’s citizens have acted collectively to fund indigent healthcare needs as well as endangered land preservation. We believe public transit helps our citizens live with dignity and stay gainfully employed — and we believe our voters need to consider this investment a key element in taking care of one another. We urge our citizens to vote for the transit referendum.”
1 Comment | See other posts filed in: Economic Development, Health Care, Perspective, Political Scene, Transportation
Posted: June 10, 2010: 11:55 am
The Florida Chamber of Commerce has released the 2010 Legislative Report Card, an online tool that grades legislators based on their support of pro-job and pro-business issues during the legislative session. Calculated annually based on legislators’ voting records on the issues outlined in the Florida Chamber’s 2010 Florida Business Agenda, the Legislative Report Card also honors legislators from your area for their support on initiatives that will help move the state forward.
The Florida Chamber applauds the following lawmakers for making pro-business decisions and pro-job legislation their top priorities: (Polk Delegation members in bold.)
The following list displays: Legislator’ Name (2010 Grade) Voting Percentage
Sen. J.D. Alexander (A) 100
Sen. Mike Bennett (A) 100
Rep. Rachel Burgin (A ) 100
Rep. Jim Frishe (A) 100
Rep. Rich Glorioso (A) 100
Rep. Denise Grimsley (A) 100
Rep. Doug Holder (A) 100
Rep. Ed Hooper (A) 100
Rep. John Legg (A) 100
Rep. Seth McKeel (A) 100
Rep. Ron Reagan (A) 100
Rep. Robert Schenck (A) 100
Rep. Will Weatherford (A) 100
Rep. John Wood (A) 100
Rep. Kelli Stargel (A) 98
Sen. Victor Crist (A) 96
Rep. Faye Culp (A) 95
Rep. Peter Nehr (A) 95
Rep. Ron Schultz (A) 95
Rep. Thomas Anderson (A) 94
Rep. Bill Galvano (A) 94
Rep. Baxter Troutman (A) 94
This year, 56 percent of the entire Florida Legislature earned an “A” (score of 90-100) on the Legislative Report Card, in comparison to 46 percent last year. In the Florida House, 68 legislators earned an “A,” an increase from 65 last year. The Florida Senate continues to improve significantly, as a record-breaking 21 Senators earned an “A” this year, compared to only nine Senators in 2009 and seven in 2008.
In the coming weeks, the Florida Chamber will also release How They Voted 2010, a detailed publication summarizing the priorities of the Legislative Session and incorporating the 2010 Legislative Report Card.
To view the Florida Chamber’s complete online Legislative Report Card with all legislators’ grades, please visit here. Be sure to thank your legislator for their hard work by using the quick email link on their individual report card!
Add a Comment | See other posts filed in: Perspective, Political Scene
Posted: May 10, 2010: 10:30 am
The Polk County Charter Review Commission will hold a public hearing this Wednesday, May 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Winter Haven City Hall Auditorium. A variety of Charter Amendments are under consideration from adding more County Commission seats to adopting a Code of Ethics for elected officials.
No Charter Amendments have been officially proposed. That process will occur after public input has been gathered. This is an opportunity for Winter Haven area residents to voice their interests and concerns with regard to the Charter Review. Make plans to attend.
You can review amendments under discussion here.
1 Comment | See other posts filed in: General Announcements, Perspective
Posted: April 22, 2010: 3:42 pm
The Chamber conducted a short member survey on April 21 asking the following two questions:
1. Are you aware of the proposed Amendment 4 (sometimes referred to as the Hometown Democracy amendment) that will be on the ballot this fall as an amendment to the Florida Constitution?
Yes – 69% No – 31%
2. If you answered yes to the previous question, and you are aware of the proposed amendment, do you plan to vote for or against this proposal?
For – 16% Against – 84%
Though the survey made no mention of the fact, the Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has taken a position in opposition to this amendment. The proposal would require a voter referendum on all changes to your local comprehensive plan — a tedious burdensome step that would tangle election ballots and pose a serious threat to economic prosperity.
The defeat of the amendment proposal depends on a well-informed electorate aware of its dangerous ramifications. Share this information with your friends, neighbors and employees.
2 Comments | See other posts filed in: Perspective, Political Scene
Posted: April 12, 2010: 4:51 pm
City of Winter Haven and Winter Haven Chamber representatives visited Carlsbad and Legoland California April 8 and 9. The group met with Carlsbad Chamber and City officials on Thursday and enjoyed a five-hour Legoland visit on Friday. Since many local folks aren’t quite sure what to expect … here are a few observations:
Expect a park designed to entertain children two to twelve years old and involve their parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles in that experience.
Expect lush landscaping with photographic sight lines in the best traditions of Dick and Julie Pope.
Expect a gourmet dining experience – no exaggeration here. Traditional burgers and hot dogs are available but add to that such items as gourmet wood fired pizzas, Asian chicken stir fry, spicy shrimp linguini, Carne Asada steak nachos, Cajun salmon, spinach and pear salad and much, much more. You’ll also find child “right-sized” buffet lines.
Expect to become addicted to Granny’s Apple Fries (a Legoland original!) Warm Granny Smith apple fries are dusted with cinnamon and sugar and served with a vanilla cream dipping sauce. (Pictured left)
Expect bright primary colors and millions upon millions of Lego bricks used in sculptures and creations.
Expect a Miniland USA so complete and complex with examples such as the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, The U. S. Capitol, Washington Monument and New York skyline. Our Miniland will have its own unique mix of Lego brick creations, but these were part of just the Miniland USA area of the park, and it alone could take more than a day to explore and appreciate its intricate detail. (Below)
Expect rides that have parents and children participating together. Rides that move on their own – but move faster if you peddle. Rides that involve pulleys that the occupant pulls for elevations. Rides such as the Junior Driving School where kids can get their Legoland Driving License. Expect queue lines for rides that surround a Lego brick play area for kids to keep them occupied while Mom and Dad weave around them.
Expect a dedicated management team laser-focused on their target audience … those two- to twelve-year-old guests that will allow us to particpate with them. You’ll find friendly, engaged employees and a spotless park as well.
Expect a good corporate citizen that works closely with the community and gives back. Legoland is particularly supportive of education.
Expect to say (as we did) “Wow, how perfect that they chose Winter Haven for their Florida Park!”
The City of Winter Haven and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce wish to thank The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, City of Carlsbad and Legoland California for their extraordinary hospitality. Special thanks to Peter Ronchetti, General Manager and Brian Shaw, Director of Finance for their personal tour of the Legoland California facility.
12 Comments | See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Merlin Entertainments, Perspective, Success Stories, Tourism
Posted: March 18, 2010: 1:36 pm
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 15 as the Chamber presents a special breakfast program with new insights as to how and why Disney chose Central Florida.
45 years ago this June, Walt Disney made the landmark decision to build his new Disney World project in Central Florida. A recently published book gives the fullest account yet of this momentous event that forever changed the Central Florida landscape. Entitled, “Project Future: The Inside Story Behind the Creation of Disney World,” the book unearths the fascinating process Walt and his leadership team followed to identify the perfect location for this “Disneyland East” and the clandestine methods they used to secure tens of thousands of acreage on which to build the vacation kingdom.
This multimedia presentation will provide attendees with a unique look at the following:
1. How and why Walt Disney selected Central Florida for his Disneyland East project–code named “Project Future”
2. How Disney and his team used clever and novel strategies to obtain roughly 27,000 acres without the secret getting out
3. How Disney and his team worked with the Florida state legislature to create the unique Reedy Creek Improvement District to govern Project Future
Chad Emerson, a law professor at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. and theme park industry journalist, is the author of Project Future and he’ll present his first Central Florida Chamber of Commerce presentation right here in Winter Haven.
In his two years of research, Chad has been able to weave intriguing details that include involvement in the
project by former OSS (the precursory of the CIA) leaders, the tense negotiations Walt and team encountered with the Busch family in St. Louis and John D. MacArthur the eccentric billionaire in Palm Beach, Fla. along with with details about the business, regulatory, and legal strategies–often novel and always creative–that allowed Disney’s vision to become a reality.
This special “Centennial Spotlight” program will take place in addition to our traditional monthly best business practices series. The author will have the book available for purchase and signing.
Sure to sell out, RSVP now to reserve your seat. Doors open at 7:30 to a full breakfast buffet from Fred’s Southern Kitchen. The one hour program begins at 8 a.m. and is followed by Q&A.
$25 for Chamber members, $35 for non-members. RSVP required and you may do so here.
Add a Comment | See other posts filed in: Chamber Centennial Celebration, Chamber Events, Perspective, Success Stories, Tourism
Posted: February 15, 2010: 10:42 am
The WH Chamber’s Legislative and Government Affairs Committee arms you with the tools you need to keep a close watch on our lawmakers in Tallahassee. The upcoming legislative session is fast approaching, and you’ll want to view the 2010 Legislative Workshop slideshow. It’s packed with tips and tricks for tracking legislation affecting your business – and for making an impact with state policymakers when it counts. You can download the Power Point presentation here.
State Farm Public Affairs Manager Chris Neal speaks to the Legislative and
Gov’t Affairs Committee on January 20.
The committee will meet next on February 17 at 4:00 p.m. here at the Chamber.
Meetings are open to any interested member.
Add a Comment | See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, Perspective, Political Scene
Posted: February 2, 2010: 12:53 pm
The Board of Directors of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has approved the following statement with regard to the proposed location for the high-speed rail station. You can learn more about Florida’s high speed rail plans here.
“The Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce supports the placement of a Polk County station for high-speed rail at the eastern terminus of the Polk Parkway. This site will ensure convenient access for students at USF Polytechnic as well as serve all of Polk County from a more central location. More than 50% of Polk’s population resides east of the Polk Parkway. This location would also better serve as a future connector for intermodal transfer to Legoland Florida opening in 2011.”
In addition, this centralized location would better serve intermodal transfer to the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex and Fantasy of Flight. Once USF Polytechnic is open to full enrollment, Legoland Florida opens to an estimated 1.5 to 2 million visitors and the Lake Myrtle Complex is fully operational, the eastern terminus of the Polk Parkway will be among the county’s busiest intersections.
We invite all Polk communities to join in a dialogue that produces the most convenient access for the greatest number of residents, students and tourists.
Editor’s Note: The East Polk Committee of 100 has also adopted a formal resolution advocating “Location in the central area of Polk County to ensure the stop leverages our economic development initiatives and assures an accessible location that will service the entire County, with emphasis on Polk County’s population and its future growth patterns. Adopted September 2009
1 Comment | See other posts filed in: Perspective, Transportation
Posted: January 19, 2010: 1:06 pm
For the Sixth Year, LEGOLAND® California is Awarded “Best Children’s Park”
For the sixth year in a row, park enthusiasts from around the world have voted LEGOLAND® California as the “Best Children’s Park.” Amusement Today, a monthly trade newspaper, awarded the 128-acre family theme park the esteemed Golden Ticket Award on Sept. 10, 2009.
LEGOLAND California hosted the ceremony for the first time, bringing representatives from all over the country to Carlsbad.
“To be ranked as the best of the best in the amusement industry is a great accomplishment and to be named Best Children’s Park six years in a row really states we’re appealing to families with children ages 2 to 12,” said Peter Ronchetti, General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort . “LEGOLAND California is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and we’ve doubled the amount of rides since we opened in 1999. We’re excited to continually build upon what makes us the best children’s park.“
Introduced in 1998, the Golden Ticket Awards have steadily increased in popularity to become the most sought after award by amusement industry players. The recipients of these awards are chosen from an international poll conducted by industry experts at Amusement Today. Surveys were sent to a cross-section of educated and well-traveled amusement park aficionados.
In honor of its 10th birthday, LEGOLAND California added ten new attractions this year including the adventure slide Dune Raiders, “Bob the Builder™ In 4-D: Bob the Builder and the Roller Coaster” and Xbox Family GameSpace featuring 13 game stations where guests can experience LEGO STAR WARS™ :The Complete Saga and other family-friendly games year-round.
North America’s only SEA LIFE™ Aquarium opened one year ago in August as a separate admission adjacent to LEGOLAND California. Geared specifically to educate children on creatures under the sea, the two-story 36,000 square foot aquarium features 36 displays, more than 200 species and holds more than 250,000 gallons of water.
Merlin Entertainments will reveal its future development plans for the Cypress Gardens property at a news conference this Thursday, January 21. Speculation about those plans has included a Legoland Florida park.
1 Comment | See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Merlin Entertainments, Perspective, Success Stories, Tourism
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