Winter Haven, FL June 28, 2010 DocuLex (www.doculex.com), creator of document and content management software, has received industry analyst Buyers Lab’s top 5-Star rating for the company’s flagship offering, DocuLex Archive Studio. To review the Buyers Lab report, visit http://www.doculex.com/releases.htm.
The software helps organizations achieve greater efficiency, comply with regulations such as HIPAA and, most importantly, manage the lifecycle of myriad types of files. Once documents are scanned into the archive, or directly saved there from virtually any application, users can, among other things, search, retrieve, add metadata to and share files – all from a Web browser. Workflow is another part of the system and has been dramatically enhanced from the previous version. Powered by DocuLex’s ‘decision engine,’ organizations can automate the structure of document exchanges so work activities have consistency and are accomplished efficiently and to completion.
The company states that Archive Studio has found a home in many markets including: accounting, legal, manufacturing, healthcare, education and human resources, as well as architectural, engineering and construction environments. Professional Edition – the subject of this report – is suitable for small and medium-size businesses. Small Office Edition is targeted at workgroups and departments, while Enterprise Edition is ideal for larger organizations that desire one content management solution to be used across all departments and/or locations.
Incorporated in 1996, Winter Haven-based DocuLex, an early entry into our growing downtown technology core, creates non-proprietary enterprise content management software. Archive Studio is easy to use, productive electronic document management software for any business environment seeking secure Instant Document Access. See www.doculex.com for program information and demonstrations.
Friday evening the Polk Education Foundation “tripped the light fantastic” as it unveiled a fabulous new scholarship fundraising event entitled Stepping Out for Education. The event featured five well known Polk County business leaders that voluntarily took ten hours of ballroom dancing instruction and then danced themselves into the hearts and wallets of more than 300 guests. (Pictured above left are dancing stars Gail McKinzie, Bonnie Parker and Tracy Porter.) Held at the Lakeland Yacht Club, those attending enjoyed a wonderful dinner as Tampa Electric’s Cindy Price (and PEF Board member) emceed the festivities keeping everyone focused on two priorities – fancy footwork and fundraising. Thousands of dollars were raised to help Polk County graduates pursue their dreams.
Good sports and even better dancers included: Gail McKinzie, superintendent of Polk Public Schools; Bonnie Parker, president of Winter Haven Sun Trust Bank; Jerry Miller, community affairs manager for Progress Energy; Tracy Porter, executive director of the Polk State College Foundation and Tim Harris, a School Board member and a representative of MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. All had accomplished partners to mentor them through the ten weeks of dance instruction and all brought applause from the audience as they performed twists, turns and lifts to waltzes, tangos, quick step and other ballroom standards.
At evening’s end Jerry Miller took the judges’ top honors (Miller scored a perfect 30 in his final dance routine) while Bonnie Parker received the People’s Choice Award and also raised the most money through $1 votes – more than $3,000. (Parker also scored a perfect 30 in her final routine.) In all the five candidates raised more than $7,000 in that voting alone. Sponsor dollars and attendee ticket purchases ensure that those Stepping Out truly “stepped up,” and the Polk Education Foundation was the true winner for what is sure to be a popular new annual event.
All the dancing stars were on their mark, and the judges gave each high marks for technique. We might add that Gail McKinzie does a mean jitterbug, and Tracy Porter’s waltz was spectacular as well. Bonnie Parker’s dress she wore for her “Last Tango in Lakeland” (right) will long be remembered.
Wow, it was truly a special evening. Congratulations to Susan Copeland and everyone at the Polk Education Foundation for a great new evening of fun.
WINTER HAVEN, FL (June 8, 2010): Lasater Flowers & Gifts was recently named a member of Teleflora’s National Account Program, an elite incentive and loyalty program created exclusively for Teleflora’s top member florists in America. Teleflora, the world’s leading flower delivery service offering only hand-arranged and hand-delivered floral arrangements, created the program as a way to thank its member florists for all their support and hard work.
Teleflora member florists qualified for membership in the National Account Program by sending orders with Teleflora, growing their Teleflora eFlorist website order volume, and designing and delivering floral orders from Teleflora and fellow member florists. Members of the Teleflora National Account Program represent the top 5% of Teleflora’s 18,000 florist partners.
Lasater Flowers & Gifts has been a member of the community since 1958 and is located in downtown Winter Haven at 220 West Central Avenue.
Leadership Winter Haven Class 30 held graduation ceremonies last evening at Lake Region Yacht and Country Club. Class Chair Keira Lennox conducted the evening with assistance from Chamber Foundation Chairman Steve Warner. The evening’s festivities were capped with the presentation of the 2010 Leadership Winter Haven Distinguished Alumni Award to Hap Hazelwood, LWH Class 7. Hazelwood was tapped for his extensive civic work within the community including United Way, Boy Scouts, Cancer Society, Chamber and East Polk Committee of 100. He is employed with the 610 Corporation.
Leadership Winter Haven Class 30 left to right: Keira Lennox, Class Chair; Lee Hodges, Brian Pearce & Associates: Andrew Rhinehart, Cassidy Organization; Jennifer Montague, Fantasy of Flight; Bridget Fetter, Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School; Joe Braddy, News Chief; Jennifer Romberger, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce; Jae Lynn Akin, State Farm; Clay McKown, Allen and Co.; Sharon Johnson, Citzens Bank and Trust
At right, Chris and Hap Hazelwood. Hap is the 2010 LWH Distinguished Alumni.
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.
Kathleen Parker, a columnist for The Washington Post who lives in Camden and Washington, D.C., has won a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, it was announced Monday afternoon.
Parker, whose work appears in The Ledger and more than 400 other newspapers, is known for her witty columns on political and moral issues. Parker was one of four Pulitzer recipients at The Post.
In her profile on The Washington Post Writers Group web site, Parker is quoted: “My ambitious goal is to try to inject a little sanity into a world gone barking mad.”
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.
Mrs. William H. (Eunice) Fuller and George Wm. Tinsley, Sr. were honored as Winter Haven’s Woman and Man of the year at ceremonies Thursday evening at Nora Mayo Hall.
Mrs. Fuller, a quiet and diverse philanthropist, is known for her support of a multitude of organizations from childcare and abused women shelters to the arts and theatre. She has been a Winter Haven resident for more than 60 years. “Eunie” as she is affectionately known by her friends, credited her mother and grandmother for teaching her the importance of giving.
The Banker’s Cup was established in 1923 to recognize civic contributions. It is Winter Haven’s highest honor.
George Tinsley and his wife Seretha (2000 Banker’s Cup recipient) operate a array of restaurants (Pengeo, Inc.) including the highly successful KFC on Havendale Boulevard. Tinsley was recognized for his service to youth including troubled students who need a strong mentor. He is also known for helping his employees pursue further education and providing book grants specifically for that purpose. He and wife Seretha have made community service a part of their corporate mission.
More than 250 people enjoyed an elegant evening filled with delicious samples from area restaurants presenting the Taste of Winter Haven. Participating establishments included Arabella’s, Chalet Suzanne Restaurant & Inn, International House of Pancakes, Florida Leadership Training Center, Outback Steakhouse, PenGeo, Inc., Sonny’s BBQ, Sundown & Fred’s Southern Kitchen, Richard’s Fine Coffees and Tanners.
Past recipients gathered for a group photograph. (L to R)Charles McPherson, Vaughn McAshan, Richard Straughn, Ron Morrow, Ann Darby, Gary Schemmer, MD, Judy Cleaves, George Tinsley, Frank Fischer, MD, Eunice Fuller (seated), Ellie Threlkel, Cheryl Beckert (kneeling), Glenda Jones, Scottie Beasley (kneeling), John Stewart, Angeline Davis, Seretha Tinsley, U.J. Johnson and Howard Beckert.
M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m! In just little more than a week you can enjoy an exquisite “Taste of Winter Haven” at the Banker’s Cup Awards banquet Thursday, February 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The black-tie optional affair is anevening of wonderful food and our highest civic award presentations.
Join us at Nora Mayo Hall for an evening to savor and celebrate. Here are menus from some of our fine participating restaurants … come ready to sample!
Arabella’s Bistecca di Manzo – Sliced NY strip in a mushroom brandy sauce.
Penne alla Genovese – Penne pasta sautéed with pesto and shrimp sauce.
Chalet Suzanne Chalet Suzanne’s Curry Chicken & Basmati Rice
Artichoke Dip with Pita chips IHOP Nutella Crepes
Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad
Ahi Tuna
Steak & Chicken from the Barbie
Pengeo, Inc Fiery Wings Grilled
Grilled Chicken Martini
Brownie Bites
Sundown and Fred’s Southern Kitchen Shrimp and grits,
Sundown Bread Pudding w/ Whiskey Sauce.
Skillets of corn casserole
John Jakobsen Managing Director
LEGOLAND Parks – Merlin Entertainments
As Managing Director of Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND Operating Group John is not only responsible for the continued development of the company’s four existing Parks – in Denmark, Germany, UK and California, USA; but also for the identification and planning for new LEGOLAND Parks around the globe, primarily in partnership with local developers and leisure partners. This includes one scheduled to open in Winter Haven in 2011, Malaysia in 2012; and a second in Dubai – although this one is currently on hold which the Middle East recovers from the backlash of the current global economic downturn. Other possible locations, in the US and Far East, are also under discussion.
The video below features highlights from Legoland California.
After an international career spent working with the Danish toy company and its theme park subsidiary, John believes he has found his “dream job”. He was General Manager in California when in 2005 Merlin acquired the four LEGOLAND Parks. He admits this move was a huge shock at the time given the very family nature of the business, and its necessarily close links with the toy company from which it has sprung.
However any concerns were short lived. In Merlin, while a much tougher commercial culture, he has found a company which not only truly understands how to develop and market theme parks, but is also totally committed to building on the unique LEGO franchise. More than that, like LEGO, Merlin’s objective is to provide ‘fun learning’ for generations of children through all its brands.
Over the next 5-10 years he also believes the original LEGO dream of having at least 10 LEGOLAND Parks around the world, may well become a reality under Merlin’s stewardship; and he is proud to have been there from the very beginning……
46 year old John was just 5 when the first LEGOLAND Park opened in Billund near his family farm in Denmark. Some of his strongest memories growing up were of his visits with his family, and every year from the age of 16 he tried to get one of the coveted holiday jobs there – but to no avail. It was not until he completed a Business Degree that his ambitions came true when in…. he secured one of only 2 coveted annual internships at the Park’s famous parent toy company – LEGO. Even then it was not until 1990 that as the most junior member of a team of 5, he was asked to take on the challenge of expanding the LEGOLAND franchise outside of Denmark.
In charge of site development and planning, he first worked on projects in the UK (Windsor opened in 1996); and California where he arrived in his words ‘a somewhat naive 30 year old’ in 1994 to deal with a hostile population bitterly opposed to the project. He won them over with a nail biting 57% local yes vote after spearheading a massive charm offensive! With the US project on track John returned to LEGO in Denmark to develop another new area for the Group – ‘corporate alliances’, the first of which was a link between LEGO and the Star Wars IP, a partnership which still represents one of the company’s most popular toy lines.
In 2002 John took on his first Park management role in Germany where he maintains he really learned the ropes relating to Park construction and commercial development. A year later he moved back to California as General Manager, and he and his team built the Park into the US Best Family Theme Park – an accolade it has won every year for the last 6 years.
His Operating Group role meant another move – this time to Dorset, in the UK, close to Merlin’s Head Office. A ‘country boy’ at heart, he and his family have settled very well into the english countryside and are making the most of the Dorset location. An award winning marathon runner, when not traveling, John and his wife regularly run near their home in the New Forest – in his view the perfect way to relax.
John has 3 children – a 19 year old at University in Denmark and two other teenagers 17 & 14.
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Winter Haven, FL June 28, 2010 DocuLex (www.doculex.com), creator of document and content management software, has received industry analyst Buyers Lab’s top 5-Star rating for the company’s flagship offering, DocuLex Archive Studio. To review the Buyers Lab report, visit http://www.doculex.com/releases.htm.
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
