The official business community newsletter of Tavares

The official business community newsletter of Tavares
Networking Lunch
Tuesday, March 10
Pichy's Cuban Food
10401 US Hwy 441
Leesburg (at the Mall)
Noon - 1PM
Please RSVP
Business After Hours
Thursday, March 12
E-Z Nutrition 101
101 West Main Street
Downtown Tavares
5:30-7:00PM
Please RSVP
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March 2015
Tavares Chamber Representing our Business Members at the State
Capital
TALLAHASSEE – Lake County dominated the halls
of the Florida House and Senate as business and community leaders filled the state capital to participate in Lake Legislative Days February 17 and 18.
Seven teams were organized during the two-day event to
discuss the issues supported by the businesses of the
Chambers and Lake County Chamber Alliance.
The seven groups and respective discussion topics
were Economic Development led by Lake County Economic
Development and Tourism Director Robert Chandler. The
group spoke to Philip Miller for Senator Latvala, Representatives Ingram, Artiles, Beshears and Detert to support funding
for Lake Sumter State College (LSSC) Science Lab Facility. Tavares Chamber President Janet
They also requested funding to complete the renovation and Noack - United Southern Bank with
expansion of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Lake City of Tavares Mayor Kirby Smith at
Technical College and support legislation that dedicates to Lake Legislative Days.
small businesses state economic development resources emphasizing technical assistance, acContinue on page 6
cess to capital, public infrastructure and urban infill.
Dragon Boat Festival
Wooton Park
Fri-Mar 13 from 5 -9pm
Sat-Mar 14 from 9am-3pm
Business After Hours
Thursday, March 19
Key West Resort on
Lake Dora
123 S. Joanna Ave.
Downtown Tavares
5:30-7:00PM
Please RSVP
Business Luncheon
Wednesday, March 25
Tavares Civic Center
100 East Caroline Street
11:30 -1:00 PM
Please RSVP
TAVARES – This year’s Spring Water Festivals in Wooton Park kicks off with the 13th Annual
Rotary Club of Lake County Golden Triangle Central Florida Dragon Boat Festival on March 13 and 14.
The waterfront park is the venue of events for several weeks.
The Dragon Boat Festival will “awaken the dragon” Friday evening, March 13, signifying the
start of the festival with the Rotary International (RI) President from Taiwan and the City of Tavares
Mayor Kirby Smith. With the RI President, Gary C.K. Huang and Tavares Sister City in Xindian, Taiwan
the festival’s Asian theme will come alive. Complete with Chinese performers, fireworks and vendors;
this event always has a huge turnout.
The Classic Raceboat Association (CRA) is a Florida based organization that was formed to
facilitate the exhibition of classic race boats of all types. This year’s Spring Thunder Regatta will be
March 20 -22. The following weekend hosts the Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival on March 27 - 29.
This is the largest show of its kind, boasting over 250 boats on display.
April 18 will feature Planes, Trains & BBQ in and around Wooton Park. This event includes a
sanctioned BBQ competition, Air shows and train rides on the Cannonball Express.
America’s Seaplane city will have a seaplane fly-in on Saturday, May 2. This event promises to wow the spectators and participants alike.
The Tavares Chamber of Commerce will be teaming up with the Rotary Club of Lake
County Golden Triangle to raise funds at these events and need volunteers to help. Please contact the Tavares Chamber of Commerce (352) 343-2531 to volunteer.
Take Advantage of Marketing Opportunities with the Chamber
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(All prices are per issue - Deadline for all advertising is the 20th of the month prior to and must be provided and delivered by you).
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Central Florida Lake County FOCUS
with Ralph Smith
WLBE AM790 Wednesdays 1:00to 2:00 PM
Insight Credit Union supports local veterans
in Central Florida
Over 1,600 items and hundreds of valentines collected during
17th Annual Valentines for Veterans
Insight Credit Union donated more than 1,600
items and hundreds of handmade valentines to the Orlando VA Medical Center in time for Valentine’s Day.
Each year, Insight members and employees collect
soap, toothpaste, combs, razors, socks, puzzles, books and
other much needed toiletries for veterans. In addition, Insight
partners with local elementary schools to collect hundreds of
Valentine’s Day cards and crafts made by students.
Insight holds this initiative each year to support the
Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Salute to Veteran Patients Program. The purpose of this weeklong program, occurring the week of February 14, is to pay tribute to veterans and
increase community awareness of the VA medical center. This
marks the 17th year Insight has participated in the program and
the seventh year
“Our 17th Annual Valentines for Veterans was a success and we’re so thankful to everyone who participated,” said
Melissa Boyink, ICU marketing director, “Through this initiative,
we are able to give back to our brave veterans and show them
how much we value their service and sacrifices.”
Insight Credit Union is a state-chartered credit union
based in Orlando serving anyone who lives or works in Central
Florida. Insight has 16 locations, over 175 employees and
serves more than 50,000 members in Citrus, Lake, Marion, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties to name a few. A not-forprofit, Insight is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses throughout Central Florida. For more information visit
InsightCreditUnion.com or find the credit union on Facebook or
Twitter.
Tavares Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily endorse or support advertising materials distributed through the newsletter.
Page 2 Tavares Business Journal
Business Spotlight
Dave and Michael
Winterton have been in the
Fire Protection, Low Voltage, and Security business
for many years. After the
sale of their first successful
business, not too much
time passed before they were inspired to create a new
company, Premier Alarm System Solutions. So, with
more than 30 years of experience and dedicated service
between the two of them, there is no one more competent to meet your needs in the low voltage, fire protection,
and security industries than PASS. We are proudly family
-owned and operated, and are expanding at an incredible
rate.
Our dedicated field technicians are a highly experienced and knowledgeable team, and through their
consistency and proven reputation are recognized by
clients for their quality work. All of our technicians will
make every effort, including over-time, to make sure projects are finished accurately and on time. Our office personnel is just as dedicated and even more charming.
Molly, our brilliant account manager, and Chelsee, our
proficient office manager, keep this ever-growing business running efficiently.
PASS can fulfill all your Low Voltage needs. The
types of low voltage systems that we sell and install include voice and data, fiber optics, TV, and sound. We are
well-versed in the healthcare industry, providing sales
and service for nurse call and wandering systems. Our
Security division includes sales and service for CCTV,
access control, and intrusion alarm. The Fire Protection
division consists of sales and service for fire alarms, extinguishers, and hood systems. PASS not only provides
installation and service of these systems, but also provides monitoring and inspection as well.
If you Offer Discount Coupons. . .
They Will Come
On-Line Coupon Program is a member benefit
that you may be unaware of. Your membership with the
Tavares Chamber of Commerce includes participation in
the program. This is another way that your Chamber is promoting your business, but you must provide some information. Chamber staff directs potential customers to its website daily. If you’re not taking advantage of this membership
benefit you are missing potential new customers.
In these tough economic times, people are doing more
coupon clipping. We want to support our community by
offering this service and support the member businesses
that are taking advantage of this free member benefit.
When potential customers browse the
www.TavaresChamber.com web site, they will see Discount Coupon on the menu right below Member Business
Director. This will take them to a listing of all the members
offering coupons. For each member listing it denotes
“CLICK HERE FOR COUPON”, once they find the coupon
they wish to use, they can print it and present it to you at
time of service.
To participate in this program, please email us with
a 25 word or less description of your coupon and an expiration date and we will place it on the website as soon as we
receive it. On-line coupons can only be changed once per
quarter. This is a free service provided to all Tavares
Chamber of Commerce members.
2015 Tavares Chamber of Commerce Board
Executive Committee:
Janet Noack
United Southern Bank
Cheryl Rumbly Cornerstone Hospice
Deborah Cahill Susan Glenn Caddell DDS
Kelly Pisciotta Habitat for Humanity
Orin Owen
Owen Associates
Directors
Debbie Behlmann
Linda J. Bennett
Lou Buigas
Jacquelyn Coval
T.J. Fish
Beth Ann Gause
Rick Golab
Dee Johns
Mary Johnson
Dr. Joe Morreale
Travis Senning
Davis Talmage
Ted Wicks
Ann Yager
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Past President
Southern Palms RV Resort
Ameriprise Financial Services
Hoity Toity Merchantile
Individual Member
Lake~Sumter MPO
Gause and Hargrove
Florida Hospital Waterman
Directories Ink
Grand Rental Station
The Chiropractic Center
ALS Landing
Merrill Insurance Florida
Wicks Engineering Services
Sun Publications/Triangle Newsleader
Tavares Business Journal Page 3
Lake Legislative Days coordinator Kelly Pisciotta Habitat for Humanity with Tavares Chamber
Executive Director Colleen McGinley and Mount Dora
Mayor Cathy Hoechst.
Lake Legislative Days delegation
meets for lunch before heading
back to the capitol for additional
appointments with the Senate and
House. Group leaders present a
summary of their meetings with
representatives and issues they
discussed with each.
Representative Jennifer Sullivan meets with the Health Care Group.
Representative Larry Metz greeted many Lake Legislative Days groups from transportation to Human Services and Local Government.
Page 4
Tavares Business Journal
February Business Luncheon (l to r) Caterer Ramfis Fuarez with Pressed for Time Café, Esmeralda Batiz - Community Health Center,
Zack Ward - Pressed for Time Café, Sponsor Community Health Organization’s John Riordan, Margaret Brennan and Jeff Bowman,
Chamber Board President Janet Noack - United Southern Bank, Speaker Jerry Smith - Lake EMT, Chamber Vice President Cheryl
Rumbly - Cornerstone Hospice and Board Directors T.J. Fish - Lake~Sumter MPO.
National Retailer of the Year Mark’s Floors at 3985 Hwy 19A, Mount Dora host a Business After Hours on February 19, 2015
Tavares Business Journal Page 5
Lake Legislative Days...............................................................................................continued from page 1
The Human Services Group was led by B.E. Thompson from LifeStream Behavioral Center in Leesburg. This groups
priorities included funding for LifeStream Behavioral Center for integrated medical services, Forensic Assertive Community
Treatment Team and a homeless women’s program at Anthony House. They also addressed other Homeless Programs, Elder
Services, the Medicaid Waiver Program, State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) and Children’s Advocacy Centers. The group
met with Senators Hukill and Hays and Senators Garcia and Bean’s aides, Representatives Metz, O'Toole and Hudson.
The Education Group (Post-secondary) led by Lake Sumter State College President Dr. Charles Mojock met with
legislators to request Scholarship funding for Beacon College, Lake Tech Manufacturing facility and for the Science Lab Facility
at LSSC. They had meetings with Senators Stragel, Simmons and Glavano and several Representatives including Fresen and
O'Toole.
The Education Group (K-12) also met with legislators to discuss accountability system that includes assessments
that are valid, fair and reliable. They also presented issues on School Grades, End of Course (EOC) Exams, School Safety,
State Assessments and Funding.
Eustis City Commissioner Michael Holland worked with the Local Government group in presenting Water Quality and
Quantity Issues, Communication Services and Local Business Tax Protection, Funding for Phase II of the South Lake Water
Initiative and Municipal Pension Reform to Representatives O'Toole, Baxley, Bileca and Senators Simpson, Ring and Dean.
The Transportation Group led by County Commissioner Tim Sullivan focused on transportation funding including the
Transportation Disadvantaged Program. They also met with Senators and House Representatives Jennifer Sullivan, Larry Metz
and Marlene O'Toole to discussed funding support of the Wekiva Trail, CR 466 A Phase 3 and the Citrus Grove Road Improvement.
New this year, the Health Care Group led by United Southern Bank's Greg Lewis and Central Florida Health Alliance
representative Don Henderson met with Senators Hays and Bean and Representatives Sullivan, Eisnaugle, Metz and O'Toole.
Discussions included a new source of funding for
Lake County Days is always an invaluable experience and New Vision
the Federal matching funds through the Low Infor Independence is grateful for the opportunity. By attending every
come Pool (LIP) program and Reform of the State
year, we’ve improved our ability to effectively advocate for our agency
Medicaid Program. Information packets were left
and those we serve – to give a voice to our neighbors learning to overthat included opposition to the proposed changes
come vision loss. We’ve learned about “the process” and how best to
in the Certificate of Need law, funding for the Becommunicate our message, as well as made relationships with those
havioral Health System, maintaining state general
legislators that can articulate our community’s needs in the House and
revenue funding for County Health Departments
Senate.
and County Share Cost for Medicaid Services
Chantel Shafer Buck
“Lake Legislative Days was well organPresident/CEO
ized,” remarked the Chamber Alliance President
New Vision for Independence, Inc.
Jim Miller “The trip was not only a great opportunity to lobby our legislators, but also to network with fellow attendees." The Chamber would like to give a special thanks to
Hannah DuShane, Kelly Pisciotta and Mandy Wettstein for scheduling and organizing this annual event.
SAVE THE DATE for the next Lake Legislative Days: November 17 & 18, 2015.
Free Quit Tobacco Classes Beginning March 2015
Lake County – The Florida Department of Health in Lake County (DOHLake) in collaboration with the Central Florida Area Health Education Center
(AHEC) to offer the following free Quit Tobacco Classes:
Weekly on Tuesdays, March 24th to April 28th, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Community Health Center, 225 N. First Street, Leesburg, Florida 34748
There is no fee to enroll in the program which includes the following:
 No charge for materials
 Free Nicotine Replacement (nicotine patch while supplies last)
 Covers all forms of tobacco
 Groups led by trained tobacco cessation specialist
 Quit Smoking Now workbook and incentive items
Registration is required by calling 1-877-252-6094 or to learn more
about the Quit Smoking Now Program. The QSN Program is sponsored by the
Florida AHEC Network and the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida.
TAVARES CHAMBER
Chair, Cheryl Rumbley
Cornerstone Hospice
Betty Ainslie
Rodan & Fields Dermatologists
Independent Consultant
Debbie Behlmann
Southern Palms RV Resort
Alan Holden
Midway Baptist Church
Lisa Johnson
EZ Nutrition
Linda King
AFLAC
Judy Stewart
Law Offices of Judy Stewart
Page 6 Tavares Business Journal
Welcome New Members
Membership Renewals
Integrative Physical Medicine
Cierra Jackson
(352) 561-2361
A Perfect Gesture
Ann Johnson
(352) 406-5820
Habitat for Humanity
Kelly Pisciotta
(352) 267-2118
Out O'Space Storage and
Office Park
Maryanne Atkins
(352) 343-7414
Akers Media Group
Doug Akers
(352) 787-4112
Orin Owen
Owen Associates
(352) 516-3072
American Cancer Society
Allison Chambers
(352) 350-2273
Plaza Cadillac
Gregory Yager
(352) 787-1323
Bee-Saf-Tee Fire Equipment, Inc.
Linda Bomar
(352) 343-2707
Reunion Bank
Gail Baker
(352) 508-1030
Tavares Church of the Nazarene
Joel Tooley
(352) 343-0577
Shananne Cain Florist, Inc.
Shananne Cain
(352) 669-5994
Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Medical Imaging
Rick Golab
(352) 253-3381
Sunnyland Antique & Classic
Boat Society
Terry Fiest
(352) 343-7414
Florida Bail Agents Association
Laurie K. Huebsch
(352) 253-2253
Trustco
Cindy Kilts
(352) 323-8147
Home Instead Senior Care
Mat Gravat
352 323-6100
Waste Management Inc. of Fl
Janie Coleman
(352) 473-5704
Premier Alarm System Solutions
PASS
Michael Winterton
(888) 965-7277
Salon Suites by Underwood
Kesha Underwood
(352) 206-6082
T.N.T Signs and Wraps
Wesley Dennis
(352) 800-8404
Terri's Eustis Flower Shop
Terri Wesenberg
(352) 357-2421
Woodchuck's Firewood Company
Wesley Dennis
(352) 800-8404
Child Advocate Volunteers Sought for Guardian Ad Litem Program
OCALA – The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is currently seeking volunteers
to be a voice for abused, neglected or abandoned children whose cases are in the court
system.
A GAL is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to advocate on behalf of a
child. The GAL becomes familiar with the child’s case and makes recommendations to
help ensure a safe, stable and permanent environment for the child.
“Around 1,400 children in Lake, Sumter, Marion, Hernando and Citrus counties
have been removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment or neglect. GAL volunteers make a profound difference in the lives of these children by helping judges decide
whether a child should be reunited with his or her family, remain in foster care or in the
worst of circumstances, placed for adoption,” said Marcia Hilty, Circuit Director of GAL
Program for 5th Judicial Circuit. “They make sure important services are provided. Simply
put, a GAL volunteer makes sure everyone does what is best for the child.”
Research has shown that when a child whose case is being heard in dependency court is assigned to a GAL volunteer, they spend less time in foster care and do better in school. However, there are more children in the system than volunteers to serve them at this time.
Eligible volunteers must be 21 years of age and older (adults between 19 and 21 years are also eligible to work alongside a certified volunteer GAL), successfully complete the pre-service training program and be cleared of any serious criminal
history via a level II criminal background check. A GAL must complete 30 hours of pre-service training. On average, volunteers
should expect to spend five to 10 hours a month on a case, and most cases last 10 months. The volunteer works as part of a
team including a volunteer supervisor and program attorney.
The next series of GAL volunteer training will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on March 26, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on March 27
and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on March 28 at the Ocala Police Department, 402 S. Pine Ave., Ocala. To become a volunteer, contact
Sarah Jay at 352-274-5231 or [email protected]. For more information, visit www.guardianadlitem.org.
Tavares Business Journal Page 7
Tavares Chamber of Commerce
300 East Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
Health Group meets with Senator Alan Hays at 2015 Lake Legislative Days in Tallahassee.