Posts filed under 'Perspective'
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.
| 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.
| 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
| 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.
| See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Merlin Entertainments, Perspective, Success Stories, Tourism
Posted: November 18, 2009: 8:34 am
Winter Haven Chamber’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee hosts Polk County lawmaker – by Justin Glover
WINTER HAVEN—Outgoing State Representative Baxter G. Troutman (left) recently provided an in-depth preview of his final legislative session, saying Florida’s economy remains “front and center” for lawmakers as they convene in Tallahassee.
Rep. Troutman spoke to members of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee. The Legislative and Public Policy Committee was formed by the Winter Haven Chamber to address the public policy concerns of local businesses at city, county and state levels.
At the meeting, Troutman said he expected lawmakers would be forced to trim another $1-3 billion off of an already scaled-back state budget. Unlike other issues addressed by the legislature which sometimes have limited impacts, the state’s budget is one in which, “we’re all affected,” according to Troutman.
Troutman, who is term-limited in 2010, serves as Chairman of the powerful House General Government Policy Committee and has represented Polk County since 2002. Look for his committee to be involved in several important debates next session, including another high priority for lawmakers and businesses: energy policy. Troutman said he believes the Legislature will pass a sweeping energy package aimed at finding more sustainable energy sources. At the same time, Troutman said he’ll make sure the final bill doesn’t overburden small businesses with huge costs for compliance.
“We’ll keep the ratepayer in mind,” Troutman said.
Property insurance reform will also demand attention in Tallahassee, and Troutman expects to again support a measure giving consumers more choices in insuring their homes and businesses. Earlier this year, the Legislature passed HB 1171 to allow property insurance consumers to choose whether to pay a higher premium for private coverage or opt for coverage through state-run Citizens Property Insurance. The bill was vetoed by Gov. Crist.
Of the measure, Troutman said, “If the consumer wants to pay, why should government get in the way?”
Polk County residents could also see the debate over commuter rail resurrected. Troutman said it’s possible House and Senate leaders will call for a Special Session in December to deal with public transportation and the long-debated issue of expanded gambling on Florida’s Seminole reservations.
Complete our legislative issues survey now at this link (survey closes at 3 p.m. today).
The Chamber’s next Government and Legislative Affairs Committee meeting is today, Wednesday, November 18 at 4 p.m. in the Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium. Sam Killebrew will present an overview of the status and challenge in addressing the Hometown Democracy amendment. The Committee will also review the results of a Chamber member legislative issues survey. Chamber members are invited to attend.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, City of Winter Haven, Perspective, Political Scene
Posted: October 7, 2009: 12:03 pm
Winter Haven City Manager David Greene spoke to a capacity Chamber breakfast audience this morning outlining the current state of the community. The presentation was an overall comparison of Winter Haven 2000 vs. Winter Haven 2009 and the statistics were impressive. Winter Haven’s current financial position is strong in spite of current economic challenges.
Here are some interesting Winter Haven comparisons of 2000 vs. 2009:
2000 2009*
Population: 26,487 34, 464
City Size: 23 sq. mi. 39.7 sq. mi.
# of Employees 488 475
Millage rate/$1,000 6.325 5.79
Taxable Property Value $814 mil $1.9 billion
Ad Valorem Tax Collections $4.9 mil $12.5 mil
General Fund Balance $3.8 mil $9.5 mil
Gen Fund Avail Reserve $1.7 mil $7.9 mil
Self Insure Healthcare Fund ($.5 mil) $3 mil (est.)
State and Federal Grants $1.3 mil $7 mil
Invested Cash $39.4 mil $65 mil
Library Borrower Cards 18,257 40,015
The 2009-10 City budget includes Police protection $9.4 million, Fire protection $6.2 million and Quality of Life/Leisure Services $5.2 million.
Greene noted that the city has no interest in growing to compete with Lakeland in size. He complimented the neighboring city for their success and vision. He stated that Winter Haven’s plans have been to grow within our general area and protect that which makes us unique and distinct. When asked what his “dream list” for the future among the projects he listed:
- continuing necessary infrastructure and capital improvments
- a firm commitment to support the USF Polytechnic Business Accelerator and expanding
downtown technology core
- extension of the Chain of Lakes Trail southward along Third Street, SW.
- a beautifully landscaped “Roundabout” at the intersection of Third St./Magnolia
Avenue/Avenue B, SW providing a newly renovated gateway to downtown
- construction of Trailhead Park adjacent to the Garden Center and Chain of Lakes Trail
- renovations and improvements to Inman Park at the City’s Northern gateway
Test Your Knowledge:
List the top property owners of taxable value in Winter Haven. (Answers at bottom of this post)
David Greene has served as City Manager since July of 2001. He brings more than 31 years of experience to the job. As he looks to the future considering the current economic environment he predicts it will be 2012 before area municipalities see an improved economic picture.
Perhaps one breakfast attendee summed it up best when they commented, “Great to know our city is in such great shape during such a difficult time.”
* 2009 figures are unaudited at this time
(Top taxable value property owners in the City of Winter Haven: Wal Mart – $50 million taxable value; Carlton Arms Apartments – $36 million taxable value; State Farm Insurance Company – $29 million taxable value; Hansen Pipe – $16.3 million taxable value; Lake Ashton II – $15.7 million taxable value)
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Perspective
Posted: September 23, 2009: 4:13 pm
Cypress Gardens will shutter the gate at the close of business today (Wednesday, September 23, 2009). That’s 73 years after a young, energetic entrepreneur named Dick Pope and his wife, Julie, opened their beloved gardens on January 2, 1936. Eventually Cypress Gardens was the #1 roadside attraction in Florida until Disney opened in 1971. (Pictured at left Mr. and Mrs. Pope with son Dick Jr. and daughter Adrienne. circa 1936)
Current owners Brian Philpot and Rob Harper of Land South have owned the park for the past two years. What is apparent is that as it is currently configured, the park is not viable. For that reason the owners have decided to close the park while negotiations continue with several potential buyers.
It’s a sad day for Florida history and even sadder for the many people who hold special memories of working, skiing and playing at America’s Tropical Wonderland. More than 50 million people visited the Gardens throughout its existence. Today’s announcement follows a six year roller coaster ride for the park after closing in April 2003 and being rescued by the State of Florida, Kent Buescher and Polk County in 2004 only to be pounded by triple hurricanes the same year. The park enjoyed a brief renaissance opening in December 2004 but never fully overcame the devastation and costs associated with hurricanes Charley, Jeanne and Frances.
It is difficult to predict what the next chapter may hold for the venerable site. The state purchased development rights off of 120 acres which includes most of the land surrounding the original Botanical Gardens and ski show area. The citizens of Polk County own the original 30 acres of the park including all of the lake frontage on both Lake Summit and Lake Eloise.
Statement from Land South:
From the earliest moment that our firm purchased Cypress Gardens and Splash Island Waterpark, our highest priority has always been to maintain the park’s beauty and protect its proud traditions as a mainstay of the State’s history and natural treasures. It is with these ideals in mind that we must announce that the park will be closed for business as of Wednesday, September 23, 2009.
During the last two years, Land South Adventures, LLC, has explored numerous management frameworks and exhausted every possible approach to keep the park running in its traditional form. Now, we are in the process of negotiating with several potential purchasers and lessees for all or part of the property, and do not feel it is fair to our employees, the guests, or the public to continue operations heading into the fall with the future of the property in flux. We are optimistic that the outcome will be in the best interests of both the park and the residents of Polk County and the State of Florida.
| See other posts filed in: Cypress Gardens, Parks and Green Space, Perspective, Tourism
Posted: August 5, 2009: 1:43 pm
The Chamber hosted a City Commission Candidate Breakfast Forum this morning (August 5, 2009). The breakfast was organized by the Chamber’s Government and Legislative Affairs Committee. The candidates were asked a series of questions relevant to the business community including transportation priorities, economic development opportunities, public transit funding, city responsibility to the Chain of Lakes and their opinion of the Hometown Democracy amendment (requiring all future comprehensive plan amendments to be put forth in voter referendums) expected to be on the 2010 state ballot.
Candidates for Seat 4 (Mayor Yvonne Brooks and Jamie Beckett) both pointed to the economic development potential of the Winter Haven Municipal Airport along the US 92 corridor. Beckett noted his view that runway length would not support increased use by corporate jets. Beckett felt the city’s responsibility with regard to the Chain of Lakes required cooperation with the various agencies from the canal commission to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Brooks pointed to the number of lakes preservation goals outlined in the “Our Future By Design” visioning document that the city has accomplished including the urban lakefront design guidelines. Their most divergent views were expressed regarding the Hometown Democracy amendment with Brooks favoring continuing the current regulatory process and Beckett supporting the amendment. (Ed. Note: While candidate Beckett originally stated that he felt comprehensive plan changes should be left to voters, he has since clarified his position and opposes the Hometown Democracy amendment. His clarification is noted in the first comment below. – BG 8/13/09)
Candidates for Seat 5 (Commissioner Mike Easterling, Steven Hunnicutt and Bob Jardine) were in general agreement on most issues. Easterling expressed his continued commitment to the community visioning plan and Hunnicutt and Jardine both agreed it was an important guide for decisions. Jardine noted his interest in representing the needs of sight and physically impaired including his work to secure audible crossing signals for key city intersections. All Seat 4 candidates favor retaining the current regulatory system for changes in comprehensive plans and opposed the Hometown Democracy amendment.
Candidates for Commission Seat 4:
Mayor Yvonne Brooks
Jamie Beckett
Candidates for Seat 5:
Commissioner Mike Easterling
Steven Hunnicutt
Bob Jardine
The Chamber collected candidate information including background, city strengths and challenges, revitalization, top priorities and more. A comparison of that information is available at this link.
The city election will take place Tuesday, September 8, 2009.
| See other posts filed in: Chain of Lakes, City of Winter Haven, Economic Development, Perspective, Political Scene, Transportation
Posted: July 15, 2009: 1:12 pm
It may be a tough economy and budgets are certainly stretched thin but in the course
of routine surveillance, Fitch Ratings affirms the “A+” ratings on the city’s $22.7 million public improvement refunding revenue bonds and $7.5 million sales tax revenue bonds, series 2002. The rating outlook is stable.
The “A+” ratings reflect solid debt service coverage by each issues’s respective pledged revenues with no additional leveraging plans.
Fitch also notes, “The city’s financial position remains healthy despite the challenges posed by the recession. The general fund’s fiscal 2008 unreserved fund balance totaled $6.7 million, a high of 20.4% of total spending … well above the city’s formal 10% target. You can get a copy of the firm’s report here: fitch-ratings
Congratulations to our City Commission, Adminsitration, management team and employee workforce.
From the company Web site: Fitch Ratings is a global rating agency committed to providing the world’s credit markets with independent and prospective credit opinions, research, and data. With 50 offices worldwide, Fitch Ratings’ global expertise, built on a foundation of local market experience, spans across capital markets in over 150 countries. Fitch Ratings is widely recognized by investors, issuers, and bankers for its credible, transparent, and timely coverage.
Fitch Ratings is headquartered in New York and London and is part of the Fitch Group. In addition to Fitch Ratings, the Fitch Group also includes Fitch Solutions, a distribution channel for Fitch Ratings products and a provider of data, analytics, and related services. The Fitch Group also includes Algorithmics, a world leading provider of enterprise risk management solutions. The Fitch Group is a majority-owned subsidiary of Fimalac, S.A., headquartered in Paris, France.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Financial Industry, Perspective, Success Stories
Posted: June 25, 2009: 9:02 am
GOAL:
A Polk County School Board Process for Selecting Contractors
that is “Fair, Equitable and Transparent”
A “white paper summary” of a June 15 Meeting between Polk County Chamber of Commerce representatives and Assistant Superintendent for Facilities/Operations, Fred Murphy.
Over the past 90 days a number of Polk County’s Chamber executives and their
volunteer leaders have been approached by local contractors who felt the process used for selecting contractors to manage major construction projects of the Polk County Public School System was flawed and unfair. There exists a strong feeling that dollars spent for Polk Schools should be spent with those businesses that are legitimately based in Polk County. There also exists a strong desire to ensure the process is free of favoritism.
Following discussions that initially took place between Lakeland, Bartow and Winter Haven Chamber executives, a decision was made to request a meeting with Polk Public Schools Administration. Immediately upon inquiry Superintendent Gail McKinzie offered to arrange such a meeting with Assistant Superintendent for Facilities/Operations, Fred Murphy. (Murphy was tapped to resolve contractor selection and favoritism issues in November 2008 following the initiation of an FBI investigation into alleged wrong doing by district staff.)
On Monday, June 15, Mr. Murphy met with representatives from the Bartow, Davenport, Haines City, Lakeland, Mulberry and Winter Haven Chambers of Commerce. The two-hour meeting was framed by a thorough review of where Polk Public Schools are in their efforts to create a Contractor Selection Process that is “fair, equitable and transparent.”
Mr. Murphy spoke for the majority of the two-hours allocated and displayed a sincere commitment to creating a selection process that may not always make every one happy but a process that will truly be “fair, equitable and transparent.” The phrase is repeated here again to underscore Murphy’s repetitive statement of commitment.
He provided detailed information regarding the policy which is currently in its final draft stages. More importantly Mr. Murphy addressed two important points:
a.) Within the new policy (under development), the mere offer of a gift by a contractor to a School Board representative will cost a contractor any future right to do business with the School Board. There has not been a “gift policy” in place and specifications are being drafted to prohibit gifts of more than $50 in value.
b.) The new selection process will include a “local recognition of proximity” policy that will provide a legally defensible edge for Polk County-based contractors.
Chamber representatives present felt that positive steps were being taken to develop a process for contractor selection that was indeed “fair, equitable and transparent.” Those Chambers present have since conferred and expressed confidence that Fred Murphy’s goals for the Contractor Selection Process will be a significant step forward and hold the potential to restore contractor confidence and respect.
The new policy is expected to be presented to the School Board for consideration by August. When the policy is finalized we will present the document in its entirety.
The commitment of all Chambers involved is to bring positive change to this contractor procurement process. Mr. Murphy displays a sincere grasp of the challenge and the commitment to make such positive change.
We encourage your comments on this important “buy local” issue.
| See other posts filed in: Economic Development, Education, General Announcements, Perspective
Previous Posts
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.
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.
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
