Posts filed under 'Success Stories'
Posted: January 20, 2010: 1:40 pm
In what may be the biggest announcement of the new century for Winter Haven and Polk County tourism, Merlin Entertainments will announce tomorrow, January 21, they will open their second U.S. Legoland Park here in Winter Haven on the Cypress Gardens property. Merlin operates Legoland California which has been named the #1 Children’s Park in that state for the past six years.
The confirmation is being attributed by area media to an email sent to Polk County Commissioners. The memo mentions several key points:
1. LEGOLAND Florida will be the fifth LEGOLAND attraction worldwide (California, Denmark , England , and Germany ).
2. Merlin is the second largest attraction company in the world, second only to Disney.
3. Merlin’s massive research in the area already indicated that the LEGOLAND brand already has high recognition and a 90% intention to visit by families in their target market.
4. LEGOLAND, CA, is the fastest growing theme park in the U.S., realizing an astounding 6% growth in 2009. The park was also recognized by Amusement Today as the country’s best theme park for children for the sixth consecutive year.
While there will be significant employment at the park during its reconstruction and transformation, the long term vision will see significant employment on an annual basis. This will return Polk and Winter Haven to solid tourism destination status complementing our other tourism venues such as Bok Tower Gardens and Fantasy of Flight.
We enthusiastically welcome Merlin Entertainments and salute the hard work of everyone involved locally in helping to make all the pieces fall into place (pun very much intended)!
We will present further information following tomorrow’s news conference.
Merlin Entertainments is a young and dynamic organization, it currently operates 50-plus attractions and four hotels anually, which welcomes more than 30 million visitors in 12 differrent countries across three continents – Europe, North America and Asia – and employ more than 13,000 staff.
From its headquarters in Poole, Dorset, the Merlin Entertainments Group today operates an international network of attractions, among them many of the world’s best known brand names…Madame Tussauds, The Dungeons, Alton Towers, LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, Gardaland, the London Eye and others.
The Screamscape Blog actually uncovered land transfer documents that led to the discovery of Merlin Entertainments’ purchase of Cypress Gardens. We have added information collected from Google Alerts.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, Parks and Green Space, Success Stories, Tourism
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: December 10, 2009: 9:39 am
Earlier in 2009, the Winter Haven Chamber joined with other Chambers from throughout Polk and approached Polk Public School administration regarding matters of concern from area contractors. Many believed the bidding process needed to give more consideration to businesses based in Polk and ensure that the process was free from favoritism. This blog detailed the immediate positive response from PCSB administrators and a subsequent meeting with Assistant Superintendent for Facilities/Operations Fred Murphy who pledged to work toward a process that was “fair, equitable and transparent.” Meeting December 8 in Bartow, School Board members for Polk Public Schools unanimously approved a “State and Local Proximity” policy that will provide point consideration for architects, contractors and others doing business in and around Polk. The opening text of the policy follows …
STATE AND LOCAL PROXIMITY POINT SYSTEM
As a steward of public funds, the School Board of Polk County, Florida recognizes its obligation and opportunity to participate in and promote the economy of Polk County and the State of Florida, while fostering full and open competition in the acquisition of services related to construction projects. The “Facilities and Operations Professional Services Selection” (hereinafter “FOPSS”) process does not contemplate the award of contracts based solely on cost, and the School Board has determined that it is appropriate to assign certain preferences based on the proximity of contractors, architects, engineers, or other persons or firms (hereinafter “business entities”) to the Polk County School District’ Building Programs. Toward these ends, the School Board has implemented, as a part of the “FOPSS” process, a system for awarding certain evaluation points to business entities, based on proximity to Polk County. Read the full policy here.
The new policy is a great step forward in consideration for Polk companies and the jobs they create. The process was a good example of the School Board, Administration and Polk Chambers working together in the best interests of the Polk business community .
| See other posts filed in: Economic Development, General Announcements, Success Stories
Posted: November 4, 2009: 5:37 pm
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has been notified by the U. S. Chamber that it has been awarded it’s second continuous Four Star Accreditation effective through 2014. The Chamber is among less that 4% of the nation’s 7,000 Chambers of Commerce to earn this recognition. The accreditation process involves a rigorous eight-part examination of such areas as HR policies, financial policies, building and facilities, communications, Web site and electronic communications, government and legislative affairs and more. The application requires more than six months to complete.
The Winter Haven Chamber has been continuously accredited for the past 30 years. The process involves minimum requirements which, if you meet them, earns basic accreditation. Then there are three, four and five star recognitions for Chambers that exceed those basic requirements.
The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring exceptional programs and services to our members. We would like to thank all members who volunteer time, talent and investments to make our many programs successful. We are grateful also for our strong partnership with the City of Winter Haven. Without each of you this Chamber would not have the resources or the talent to reach this level of recognition.
We’re proud to serve you and appreciate your involvement!
| See other posts filed in: Success Stories
Posted: October 23, 2009: 2:25 pm
Chris Hazelwood beamed as she accepted the East Polk Committee of 100 Small Industry Award for 2009. Her company, Lasater Flowers was honored for 400% growth and $250,000 in capital investments in downtown Winter Haven. Chris credits her staff and their commitment to customer service for the growth and success of the 51 year-old enterprise that she and husband, Hap, purchased several years ago.
Lasater’s was similarly honored by the Winter Haven Chamber at their September Annual Meeting. The Chamber then submitted their company profile as a nomination for the East Polk Awards. The ceremonies took place the the Lake Eva Banquet facilities in Haines City. Progress Energy was recognized with East Polk’s Large Industry Award.
| See other posts filed in: Downtown, Success Stories
Posted: October 13, 2009: 7:50 pm
Winter Haven native George Kalogridis has been named President of California’s iconic Disneyland Resort. Kalogridis began his 38-year Disney career in 1971 as a busboy at the Contemporary Resort. He comes to Disneyland after serving as chief operating officer for Disneyland Resort Paris.
Read the complete story and watch video interview here.
Kalogridis is the son of the late Tony and Judy Kalogridis. Tony was a much beloved pharmacist who operated a popular downtown Winter Haven pharmacy for many years. The Chamber is proud to report this outstanding accomplishment about an outstanding former resident.
We wish Mr. Kalogridis continued success.
| See other posts filed in: General Announcements, Success Stories, Tourism
Posted: October 6, 2009: 3:03 pm
Our 2009 Membership Survey produced a variety of interesting information. When we asked you the question, “In terms of receiving Chamber communications, my preferred source is _____________?”
Eighty-three percent of the respondents said their preferred source for communications was e-mail. Fifteen percent preferred printed publications and 15% preferred blog posts. Based upon this response we are going to try sending “Haven View” via this blog. You can access the Fall issue here.
You will find the same high production values you have come to expect — and it is a much more “green” way to distribute this information.
This month you will find information on our 2009 Economic Summit, Industry Award winners and much more. Take a look, download or print the file.
Let us know how this works for you. We will re-evaluate the process for 2010-11.
| See other posts filed in: Chamber Events, General Announcements, Success Stories
Posted: September 29, 2009: 1:02 pm
A Ward Design, a manufacturer of custom cabinetry and furniture based in Winter Haven, has been recognized for outstanding sales growth performance in the 19th Annual WOOD 100 Report. The report, which profiles and ranks 100 fast growing woodworking companies, was published in the September 2008 issue of Wood & Wood Products magazine.
The Winter Haven-based woodworking cabinets and millwork is also featured in the September online issue of Industrial Strength Woodworking as one example of seven companies thriving inspite of the recession. Significant as well, the photo chosen to lead the article was an A Ward installation. The photo and excerpts from the ISW write up follow.
A Ward Design has grown sales of its cabinetry and millwork products through increased service and marketing efforts, including an enhanced Web site and videos.
It’s an achievement these days for woodworking businesses to survive in today’s challenging economy, yet alone thrive. But there are some doing just that.
As part of its ongoing “Survival Guide” series, Wood & Wood Products polled seven woodworking companies from this year’s WOOD 100 whose firms not only grew in 2008, but are projecting increased sales for 2009.
Here is Winter Haven’s “A Ward Design” story …
Banking on Reputation
A Ward Design President Kevin Ward credits a great work ethic and professionalism as keys to the Winter Haven, FL-based custom cabinetry and millwork company’s growing success for 2008 and in 2009.
“I was a general contractor before founding this company, so I understand what the ‘other side’ wants and needs. We have a philosophy that we come to work in professional attire. We try to make a good impression from the first phone call. We answer questions and return calls. Our shop is always clean and neat so that when customers visit — people shopping for high-end products often want to see the place — we make sure we provide the kind of atmosphere they expect,” he says.
Ward says the company goes the extra mile in customer service, including being very proactive. “We are engaged from the first call and try to set up a meeting in a timely fashion. We want people to see that we are interested in working for them and that they matter to us.”
And while many of his competitors charge for design fees, A Ward offers it for free. “I can tell if a potential client is really interested and I don’t charge them to provide a detailed drawing. We try to provide a totally positive experience, from the first call. Once they have a comfort level about you, you pretty much have the job,” Ward says.
- Excerpted from Industrial Strength Woodworking
Congratulations to the staff and management of A Ward Design for their recession busting performance.
| See other posts filed in: Success Stories
Posted: August 20, 2009: 3:17 pm
Winter Haven-based Cross, Fernandez and Riley, LLP, is among ten companies honored and Polk’s Best Places to Work for 2008.
The Best Places to Work Award was developed by Polk Works and WorkForce 2020 in 2003. The honor recognizes companies in Polk who are taking the lead in developing quality workplaces to ensure their competitiveness for a skilled workforce. Each year, the companies that excel in meeting the challenges of the changing workplace with innovation and commitment to their workforce are honored as the Best Places to Work.
Beckert, Price & Rowse merged with Cross, Fernandez & Riley in 2008 after serving as a member of the Winter Haven professional community for more than 28 years. They take great pride in their long, local history and reputation for being progressive in technology and industry practices. Many of their employees have been with BPR now CFR for 20+ years. They strive to provide a healthy work/life balance and make sure to include activities for “fun” during the year. Other perks include family visits for all three offices (Tampa, Orlando and Winter Haven) to area water and amusement parks. They offer a choice of three medical plans and pay 50% toward dependent coverage. (They also offer pet insurance!)
“They strongly believe in work/family balance and provide flex hours, ability to work from home, excellent benefits and educational reimbursement.” – from CFR employee survey with 95% response rate.
Cross, Fernandez and Riley was joined by nine other firms that were honored including: American Compliance Technologies; Ascent Healthcare Solutions; BCI Engineers & Scientists; Bunch & Associates; Clark Environmental; Coca-Cola North America; DSM Technology Consultants; Ferguson Enterprise; Lanier Upshaw (thank you Bill Dorman, Kathryn Koch-O’Malley and Debra Winters for all your efforts on behalf of Winter Haven and the Chamber) and Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida.
Also worthy of mention are 2008-2010 Employers of Distinction including Bright House Networks and Winter Haven Hospital. This recognition was awarded to those companies who were recognized as Best Places to Work for three consecutive years.
Congratulations to all award recipients and a special nod to our friends at Cross, Fernandez and Riley, LLP.
Imagine … pet insurance provided by your employer!
| See other posts filed in: Downtown, Financial Industry, Success Stories
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
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