Isemann brings considerable expertise in theme park and attractions marketing and will lead the estimated 20-person marketing team as Director of Sales & Marketing for LEGOLAND Florida. Isemann joins the team of Model Citizens (LEGOLAND Park’s affectionate term for employees) from her role as General Manager of the Daytona 500 Experience Attraction at the Daytona International Speedway. Prior to the Speedway, Isemann was with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in escalating roles over a 12-year period, culminating in her position as the Florida Parks Director of Promotions. Isemann is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and will soon be relocating to Polk County.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of Merlin Entertainments Group on this exciting new venture,” Isemann said. “LEGOLAND has such a tradition of quality entertainment, and I know this will be a successful park when we open next year.”

Joining Isemann as the Manager of Sales is Andrus, a 13-year sales veteran from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment where he was most recently the Senior Manager of National Sales. Andrus’ knowledge and contacts in the sales arena will prove invaluable to the first new theme park to be built in Central Florida in more than 10 years. Andrus graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Communications.

Wallace will be heading the communications efforts for the new park as Public Relations Representative. With more than 10 years of theme park experience, Wallace comes to LEGOLAND Florida directly from the promotions team at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens. Previously, she was a member of the SeaWorld Orlando media relations team that opened Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark and several headlining shows. Wallace graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations.

LEGOLAND Florida will offer more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, including thousands of spectacular LEGO® models. The Florida development will be Merlin Entertainments’ second LEGOLAND Park in North America and will play an important role in the group’s continued growth in the U.S. Providing a full-day, year round theme park experience geared towards families with children between the ages of 2 and 12, LEGOLAND Florida will mirror the successful concept of the four existing LEGOLAND Parks in Denmark, Germany, U.K. and California. However, as with the other four, it will also have its own unique “twist” reflecting its stunning location and adding a Florida flavor.

Winter Haven is excited to host LEGOLAND® Florida and we welcome Kim Isemann,Todd Andrus and Jackie Wallace as they begin to tell the world about the park .

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.

In announcing the move to her staff, McKinzie noted that moving her retirement forward would afford her successor the same opportunity that she enjoyed in 2004 by allowing he or she to develop staffing and budget goals for the ensuing year.

To the district employees she said, “This is a very important time of our school-year and we have much left to do.  Each of you has been working diligently and I look forward to continuing to work with you toward raising the level of student achievement. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for our 92,000 students.”

Marine Supply, The Boating Center moved it’s Sales Office to 1491 3rd Street S.W. (U. S. 17 location across from the former Cypress Lincoln Mercury Dealership). The new location offers a much larger area to display more customer consignment boats. Future plans are to open a tackle store at this location as well. Currently the site will be used to display new and preowned boats and engines.

• More than 100 Cars and Boats on display
• Exhibitors include auto restoration experts, vehicle wraps, dock contruction and marine storage
• Live Music Noon – 5 p.m.
• Moonwalks for the kids
• Food booth from Winter Haven High Business Students
• Door prizes and more

Participating dealers include: Cypress Water Sports; Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Winter Haven; Hill Nissan; Jarrett Ford Lincoln/Mercury of Winter Haven; Marine Supply – The Boating Center; Regal Acura; and Winter Haven Honda.  Exhibits from Precision Collision, Real Skinz and Larry Gohn Dock Construction/Chain of Lakes Marine Storage.

On site financing from Mid-Florida Credit Union.

Presenting Sponsors:

There will be door prizes, great fun and good deals on a fabulous selection of automobiles and boats. Join us March 14 fro 9 am. to 7 p.m. in Downtown’s Central Park for “Wheels & Keels: The Chain of Lakes Auto and Boat Show.”

Organized by the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Chamber events:
Business Women’s Luncheon Forum – March 12
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Speaker: Dr. Eva Salamon?
Topic: “Women’s Heath Care – Present and Future”
$25 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members
Pay for the event here. 

WHYPG Luncheon – March 18?
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Speaker: Nick Gernert, web development director for cnp_studio
Topic: “Social Media”
$10 for WHYPG members and Chamber members
$20 for non-WHYPG members and non-Chamber members
RSVP here.

Chamber Calendar 
Mark Your Calendar:
Business on the Balcony – March 19
March Networking Showcase @Lake Howard Heights – March 26
Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament – March 27

Community Events link
Champagne & Shamrocks – March 13
Wheels and Keels: The Chain of Lakes Auto and Boat Show – March 14
Central Park Art Festival – March 21 and 22

We have received a number of inquiries regarding subcontracting and vendor opportunities related to the Evansville Western/CSX project.

The Chamber has learned that the design-build team for the Winter Haven inter modal rail terminal, TransDevelopment Group of Atlanta and Kearney Construction of Tampa, will host a “job fair” for potential subcontractors and vendors on May 20, 2009.  The exact location of the job fair will be announced at a later date (and will be posted here as well).

A more formal announcement will be forthcoming, but in the meantime any Chamber members that may be interested in bidding for work related to the Winter Haven ILC should save the May 20th date.

Photograph upper left: BNSF Rail Terminal, Alliance Gateway, Dallas/Ft.Worth, Texas

Boat Parade Route, Details and Best Viewing Locations:

 Parade Details:

Parade assembles in Lake May between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6 near the Marine Supply of Winter Haven

Parade departs at 6:30 p.m. and heads to Lake Shipp (Lead order is WHPD boat, Santa’s Sleigh, and Chamber boat.)

Best Boat Decorations will be judged as the parade returns to Lake May past the Winter Haven Nautical Club Dock (judges on that dock) (Boaters must display poster board with cell phone #) Prizes sponsored by Marine Supply of Winter Haven.

Key viewing locations  

Lake Shipp:
Lake Shipp Park
Harborside Restaurant
Roe Park

Lake May
Lions Park
Chain of Lakes Marine Storage
Winter Haven Nautical Club
Dockside Restaurant

Lake Howard:
City Dock at base of Central Avenue
McDock area at base of Pope Avenue
City Dock on West side of Lake
Old Man Frank’s Restaurant

More Options including Havendale Chrismas Parade and Carols in the Park this weekend!

Havendale Christmas Parade Dec. 5, 7 pm. starting Spring Haven Retirement
Holiday Boat Parade Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. starting Lake May
Carols in the Park Dec. 6 and 7

Click here to see more community calendar listings.

Chamber upcoming events…

Winter Haven Young Professionals Group Holiday Party Dec. 9
5:30 p.m. @ Garden Ballroom & Banquet Facilities
Celebrate the holiday season! Great food, desserts and door prizes.
Admission (includes hors d’oeuvres, dessert bar and 1 drink ticket): $20 for WHYPG members and $25 for non-WHYPG members.
Cilic here to buy tickets. http://winterhavenfl.com/calendars/539-WHYPG-Holiday-Party/details

Business Women’s Luncheon Forum Dec. 11
11:30 a.m. @ Chamber’s Coleman Auditorium
Seretha Tinsley, Tinsley Family Concessions, will speak “What’s in a Name? What’s Your Brand?”
Admission: $25 for Chamber members and $40 for non-members.
Click here to more information and tickets. http://winterhavenfl.com/calendars/533-Business-Women-s-Luncheon-Forum-featuring-Seretha-Tinsley/details

November Networking Showcase: Thursday, Dec. 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Presented by CenterState Bank and Morgan Stanley, Winter Haven branch
1101 First St. South in Winter Haven Details and RSVP here. http://winterhavenfl.com/calendars/521-Holiday-Networking-Showcase-hosted-by-CenterState-Bank-and-Morgan-Stanley-Winter-Haven-Branch/details

A Couple of Future Dates to Save …
Wednesday, January 7 – First Wednesday Business Breakfast
Tuesday, January 13 – Business on the Balcony – Speed Networking
Thursday, February 3 – Banker’s Cup 2009/Taste of Winter Haven
Friday, March 27 – 2009 Chamber Challenge Golf Tournament

What’s coming up… http://winterhavenfl.com/calendars/community_calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 9
Holiday Concert at PCC

Thursday, Dec. 18
Snow Central in downtown Winter Haven

Remember to Shop Your Local Merchants. The holiday season can make or break many small businesses. Shop Local … the job you save may be yours.

THE WORDS FOR THE SEASON ARE “SHOP LOCAL”

We all know this is a tough economy and many businesses are facing the Holiday Season with uncertainty as Americans tighten their belt. We can all do our community a big favor by spending our dollars locally. You’ll find every gift imaginable from special shops to fine restaurants and retailers. This Christmas, stuff your stockings at home!  The job you save may be your own.