CHAMBER CONNECTIONS FEBRUARY 2016
Transcription
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS FEBRUARY 2016
CHAMBER CONNECTIONS FEBRUARY 2016 34th Annual Chairman’s Banquet was a huge success... The John R. Trinkle Center was the setting for the 34th Annual Chairman’s Banquet with Randy Larson as the emcee. The evening was full of surprises, from the wonderful year in review given by outgoing Chairman Michael Cameron to the video antics of incoming Chairman Brian West. The 2016 Board of Directors were inducted followed by the passing of the gavel. In Chairman West’s acceptance speech, he took time to express what so many are feeling regarding the retirement of longtime Executive Director Marion Smith and the departure of Vice President Amy Nizamoff for new career opportunities. He thanked them for the improvements they have made and the healthy condition in which they are leaving the Chamber. He spoke of the exciting addition of two new events the Chamber is actively working on; the Wild Wing Cookoff as well as, an Arts Festival sure to rival those such as the Mainsail Art Festival. (l-r) 2015 Chairman Michael Cameron passes the gavel to 2016 Chairman Brian West Randy Larson inducts the 2016 Board of Directors Of course no Chairman’s Banquet would be complete without a little entertainment provided by some of our directors. This year they truly outdid themselves as they lip synced to their favorite songs. If you missed it, check them out on our Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. In This Issue 34th Annual Chairman’s Banquet highlights Business Spotlight shines on Edward Jones and Melissa Haskins Contact Breakfast sponsored by Stone Ledge Manor Ambassador Awards Luncheon Be sure to attend the February Business After Hours sponsored by FOCUS Magazine 2016 TRUSTEES Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber of Commerce CITY PROPERTIES COMPANY CONSOLIDATED ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS dba RAYBRO ELECTRIC SUPPLIES Dear Members, FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL What a great Chairman’s Banquet we had this past Thursday! For those of you not there, you missed a great dinner, a great program (“changing of the guard”), and an exceptional video starring Michael Cameron, Paul Davis, Gary Pike, Nate Kilton, Edwena Haney, Marty Clay, Frank Cummings and Anna, Charles Harris, Verna McKelvin, and Brian West. We are going to attempt to upload it to You Tube, so everyone can enjoy it. Many thanks to all of our sponsors and to Al Berry, who again showed that he is one fine Film Director! HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES We want to thank Michael for his leadership in 2015 and looking forward to Brian West’s term as Chairman. Per Brian, the Chamber will continue to focus on marketing the benefits of operating and supporting business in Plant City and attracting visitors to our community in order to help support our businesses. He emphasized that the Chamber also exists to help business and individuals understand the deeper meaning and responsibilities of being part of our community. One area that the Chairman wants to focus on is the feasibility of a Chamberrun small business incubator; helping entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth through business support resources and services such as physical space, coaching, common services, and networking connections. It should be an exciting year! We have a busy February and March coming up. Please mark your calendar for Planes, Trains, and Automobiles on February 27th from 10:00- 3:00pm. This is a great family event and showcases our Plant City Airport. We do need some volunteers to help with some parking and our general information booth, so please let us know if you can assist. Following this event, we have our Florida Strawberry Festival and we do appreciate the 65+ volunteers who help man our booth for the eleven day run. This is a great way to promote our community and encourage visitors to come back at other times of the year, not just March. We have much to offer year round! After all this hard work, it will be time to relax with our 3 rd Annual Reverse Raffle held at Keel & Curley Winery. This is the only time that you do NOT want your number pulled out first! Only 100 tickets will be sold and the lucky people at the end will have the opportunity to win $1500 if they go all the way. Call the Chamber to get on the list and we guarantee that you will have a great time. HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS IDEAS & INNOVATIONS, INC. (JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY) JARRETT-SCOTT FORD MOSAIC-PLANT CITY FACILITY SEDITA KILTON & COMPANY SOUTH FLORIDA BAPTIST HOSPITAL SUNSHINE BANK T. CLAYTON JENKINS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY WELLS MEMORIAL & EVENT CENTER Contact Us for the benefits of becoming a Trustee. See you soon! Marion Smith, President Marion Amy Nizamoff, Vice President Joyce Nestor, Office Administrator CONTACT BREAKFAST VENUE REMINDER FEBRUARY 10TH 7:15 AM John R. Trinkle Center 2206 East Cherry Street HHC-Plant City Campus Evelyn Clay, Communications Director Tammy Mitchell, Membership Director Peggy Wilson, Tourist Information Specialist Call (813) 754-3707 for more information 2 Executive Committee Directors Chairman of the Board Brian West Publix Super Market Matt Buzza, Platinum Bank Paul Hackney, Sunshine Bank Chairman-Elect Yvonne Fry Fryed Egg Productions Charles Harris, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Immediate Past Chairman Michael Cameron Cameron Financial Management Larry Jimenez, Jr., Star Distribution Systems. Treasurer Edwena Haney Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens Jim Scott, Jarrett-Scott Ford Clark Smith, Suncoast Credit Union Karen Kerr, South Florida Baptist Hospital Keith Smith, Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis, & Smith, P.A. Vice Chairman-Membership Division Verna McKelvin Wells Memorial & Event Center Nate Kilton, Sedita K ilton Life & Wealth Management, LLC & Sedita Kilton & Company, CPA, P.L. Darcy Stottlemyer, All A Bloom Florist Vice Chairman-Community Program Division Jason Jones Advantage Restoration, Inc Carole Wright, Myers & W right, P.A. James Moody, James Moody III, Attorney at Law Vice Chairman-Economic Impact Division Phil Waldron Waldron Consulting Services Michael Watkins, V & R Insurance Vice Chairman-Community & Governmental Affairs Division Martyn Clay, Ed.D. Hillsborough Community College “Small Business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the brave, the patient, & the persistent. It’s for the overcomer.” Unknown Since 1964 3 4 5 6 7 We extend our sincerest appreciation to these friends of the Chamber for their generosity and donations: JANUARY Contact Breakfast Sponsor STONE LEDGE MANOR Door Prizes courtesy of STONE LEDGE MANOR ALL A BLOOM FLORIST CREATIVE FLOWER DESIGNS BY GLENN PLANT CITY DINING & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE _______________________________________ A very special Thank You goes out to the following businesses for donating gift cards for the Ambassador Award’s luncheon. Your generosity is very appreciated. Chili’s Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant Wasabi Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar Johnson Barbeque Lowe’s Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Walmart Walden Lake Car Wash Duke’s Brewhouse Stephanie Floyd Independent Beauty Consultant Www.MaryKay.com/SFloyd 813-598-2451 8 SYMPLICITY DESIGNS Page 9 Tom Estabrook Sr. Partner US Operations (813) 601-1048 [email protected] UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS INTERNAL MEDICINE ASSOCIATES OF PLANT CITY Yvonne Braver MD, FACP 511 West Alexander Street, Ste 2 Plant City, FL 33563-7116 (813) 659-8960 Fax: (813) 754-3130 [email protected] H & R BLOCK FEBRUARY 4th 11:00 AM Central Florida SCORE (Chamber) FEBRUARY 11th Venus Mulligan - Manager 2216 James L. Redman Parkway Plant City, FL 33563-7107 (813) 754-7521 Fax: (813) 759-3718 [email protected] 11:00 AM Holiday Parade Floats (Chamber) FEBRUARY 23rd 11:00 AM Hakeem Investments, LLLP (Chamber) WISHING WELL BARN Michelle Welch - Owner 4302 Pippin Road Plant City, FL 33567-2646 (813) 478-6554 [email protected] 9 If you have not scheduled a Ribbon Cutting and you are a new business or opened a new location, please contact Tammy Mitchell, Membership Director, at (813) 754-3707 to schedule it today! Holiday Parade Floats 5203 East Broadway Avenue Tampa, FL 33619-2801 Office: (813) 310-6793 Luis A. Macias, Owner [email protected] Www.holidayparadefloats.com Parade Floats Terry Montana/Century 21 Shaw Realty Group Plant City, FL Office: (954) 303-8746 Terry Montana, Real Estate Agent [email protected] Real Estate Dennis Pokorny/Century 21 Shaw Realty Group Plant City, FL Office: (954) 695-1934 Dennis Pokorny, Real Estate Agent [email protected] Real Estate Melissa Snively, School Board District 4 Lithia, FL Office: (813) 272-4052 Melissa Snively, School Board Member [email protected] Www.sdhc.k12.fl.us Elected Official 10 Running a business as a sole owner can be a challenge in itself. Operating one with your loved one can present a whole new set of difficulties. According to The Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute, there are approximately 4 million family-owned businesses in the United States. A husband and wife team is operating more than 1.4 million of those businesses. 3. Separate work life from married life by setting aside time for both. It’s not always easy to hang up your work hat when you walk through the door at home, but you can create a healthy balance. Narus said couples in business together should, “Set up the work week ahead of time and schedule a time every day for personal interaction. If working from home, always have a set work area that you can close off and end your day away from the business.” Since just 44 percent of all businesses make it past the first four years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, running a business with your loved one, can make the odds even more insurmountable. 4. Have a trusted third party that you can go to, to help with disputes. Business partners do not always agree on the direction a business should take – whether they are married or not. It’s always a good idea to enlist a trusted third party adviser who can look at situations objectively and offer sound advice as to what to do. As a certified business consultant, Narus recommends to a majority of his clients, that they seek outside advice in areas they are not familiar with. The same rule applies here. Mark Narus, a certified business consultant with the Florida SBDC at USF, has been down that road as an entrepreneur himself. Narus, who operated a business with a loved one for five years in the music education industry, offers five important tips for those who want to survive a business relationship with a loved one. 1. Set clear rules of operation and understand your spouse’s work style. Communication is key in any business, but it is even more important when you are working with someone you live with as well. Make sure you know what you are getting into – both the pros and cons. This will help to alleviate some stress when starting out. In addition, there are multiple work styles in the work force, and being married does not mean you operate in the same manner. If your spouse is spontaneous in your daily life, chances are, that same operational style will carry over into their work life. Understand, accept and work around each other’s work styles. 5. Seek professional advice. This is a good general rule for most small businesses. Business owners may be very equipped in their particular trade or industry, but that does not necessarily translate into excelling in all areas. When it comes to money matters, tasks an owner is not familiar with, can make or break the business. “I tell new entrepreneurs to form relationships early with four key people,” Narus said. “These key people are an accountant, attorney, bookkeeper, and insurance agent. These four have the professional expertise to help save your business time, money and protect assets.” 2. Play to your different strengths. Just as you each have different work styles, you will have different strengths and weaknesses. Narus said, “Everyone has different strengths. Capitalize on them and your business will grow and flourish.” Divvy out the tasks at work, according to each of your strengths. This will not only make your business efficient, it will allow each of you the freedom to have your own responsibilities within the business. This article is provided by the SBDC-Hillsborough County. To find other resources regarding business practices, please see www.sbdctampabay.com. To schedule one-on-one free consulting with SBDC, call (813) 204-9267. 11 15-19 Years OVER 40 YEARS! GFWC Plant City Junior Women’s Club Madison Park Road Plant City Garden Club Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (44 Years) Publix Super Markets #1212 (41 Years) 10-14 Years American Business Women’s Association Collins Street Junction Antiques & Collectibles, LLC General Adjusting Services, Inc. In The Field-Hillsborough’s Agriculture Magazine Matrix Medical Olde Town Pizzeria Unity in the Community, Inc. WorkComp Partners 5-9 Years AMEC Foster Wheeler Environment & Infrastructure Independence Academy Mango Family Cleaners Stingray Chevrolet 1-4 Years Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center Dan Raulerson, State Representative Dave Logue’s Plumbing, Inc. Duke’s Brewhouse Florida Home Partnership, Inc. Grimes Hardware Center OVER 30 YEARS! Florida Brick & Clay (36 Years) KFC-Phil Mook Enterprises, Inc. (36 Years) Sedita, Kilton & Company, CPA (37 Years) WellMed at Plant Ctiy Family Practice (36 Years) OVER 20 YEARS! American Cancer Society (20 Years) Coronet Industries, Inc. (22 Years) Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library (20 Years) International Paper (20 Years) Tips for Successful Business Networking Networking...linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another. Networking is about being genuine and building trust with others for a mutually beneficial way to grow business. When you pass business or refers others, they will reciprocate in kind. Visit as many networking opportunities as you are able. You never know when you will meet the people who may help build your business. Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are the “go to” person for referrals, people will remember you. A nice “Thank You” note following a meeting leaves a wonderfully professional impression with others as this has become a lost art. Your Chamber believes in “Businesses Building A Better Community!” We are here to help and be YOUR referral service. 12 13 Plant City Entertainment hosted the January Business After Hours event at their theater at 101 North Thomas Street. The attendees were treated to tours of the facility, the history of PCE, wonderful food and great networking. The theater began with one woman and an idea. Clare Mills had been away at college and returned to Plant City to begin her teaching career. While at college she had enjoyed being a part of the theater and dance programs. Due to her love of the arts and the void she felt...Plant City Entertainment was founded. That was over 34 years ago and they are going strong. The all volunteer organization performs several shows per year. “Rex’s Exes” is opening on Friday, January 29th at 8:00 PM. To learn more about PCE , auditions, and show times visit www.pceshows.com. (l-r) Board of Managers: Lou Baird, John Harrer, Shirley Outen, Marsha Passmore, Dodie White , Judy Barta, Paul Hetrick, Victor Hamilton, Kelley Gustafson, and Maurice Cecchini (l-r) Karen Griggsby (GFWC PC Women’s Club), Paul Hetrick (Paul’s Hand Lettering Service), and Tammy Mitchell (Membership Director) (l-r) President Marsha Passmore and 1st Vice President Dodie White welcome attendees to the theater (l-r) Verna McKelvin with Wells Memorial Garden and Event Center and David Frack with Legal Shield enjoy networking Ben Rawnsley, an actor in the production of Rex’s Exes 14 15 The January Ambassador Luncheon is always special. It is the time of year when the Chamber recognizes each Ambassador for their generosity of time, talent, and commitment to their volunteer position. We have an amazing group of people who spend time visiting our members, attending Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours events, and assist during Contact Breakfast, Bike Fest, and banquets. Their teamwork deserves to be admired and appreciated. The Ambassadors each received a Volunteer Appreciation Award for their ongoing efforts. (l-r) Executive Director Marion Smith, Ambassador of the Year Charlie Wells, and Membership Director Tammy Mitchell This is also the time where the Ambassadors and Teams for December and January are announced in addition to, the overall winners for the Ambassador of the Year and Team of the Year awards. Each category is based on number of points earned. Points are given for each event they attend and/or volunteer to work. They are an invaluable part of our Chamber and we thank them for all they do. Thank you to Pat Pogue (Plant City Civitan Club), Chuck Sullivan (Rail Town Building Services), Avery Wheelock (Visi), and Sue Burt for sponsoring the January luncheon. Team #2 were presented with crystal awards by Marion Smith and Tammy Mitchell. (l-r) Jason Jones, Carter Metts, Jim Young, Maribel Lorenzo, Nancy Miller, Karen Griggsby If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, please call Tammy Mitchell, Membership Director, at (813) 754-3707 or email her at [email protected]. 16 December Team of the month - Team #1, Kayla Drawdy-Sherrard, Pat Pogue, Christine Wynne, Chuck Sullivan, Lisa Rhodes, Angela Sessa January Amb Team of the month - Team 2, Donna Cade, Kayla Drawdy-Sherrard, Maribel Lorenzo, Lisa Rhodes, Dean Pfeffer, Carter Metts & Alice Bullard December’s Ambassadors of the Month is Sue Burt! Congratulations and Thank You! January Ambassadors of the Month tied! (l-r) Donna Cade, Kayla Drawdy-Sherrard, Maribel Lorenzo, and Lea Sacco (not pictured) New Ambassadors, Jennifer Richie (l) & Michelle Valdes (r) 17 18 Business Spotlight Edward Jones—Melissa L. Haskins, Financial Advisor Please tell us about your company and what led you to join Edward Jones. Edward Jones serves nearly 7 million investors and we have more offices than any other investment firm in America. We attribute a great deal of our success to our principles and personal, long-term approach to investing. Edward Jones has consistently been ranked among the best companies to work for by FORTUNE Magazine and our employees tend to stay with us for years. Since we're still a privately owned company, Edward Jones has a very personal feel that's almost like family. What drew me to Edward Jones was their personal service, core values, and community involvement. When was Edward Jones founded? The firm was founded in 1922 by Edward D. Jones Sr. After working a rural territory in Missouri and Illinois, Ted Jones, the son of the founder, positioned the company in the increasingly competitive marketplace as a specialist in providing investment advice to individual investors. The Edward Jones philosophy is that service to the individual is of utmost importance. Its more than 13,000 financial advisors provide this personal brand of service by discussing clients’ individual investment needs on a one-on-one basis. Tell us something about yourself and your business we don’t know. I was born and raised in Valrico, FL and started my career with Edward Jones over 3 years ago. Prior to working at Edward Jones I worked for USAA and served the military community. As an Edward Jones advisor, I believe it's important to invest my time to understand what you're working toward before you invest your money. Working closely with you and your CPA, Attorney and other professionals, I can help determine the most appropriate financial strategy for you and your family. I received my B.A. from the University of Tampa and later completed my MBA. I currently hold my Series 7 and series 66 licenses along with Life, Health and LTC. What tips of your trade would you like to share? The best advice I can give is to remember that investing is a long term commitment and that you should always seek professional advice over emotions. What is your favorite quote? “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” What benefits have you seen due to your Chamber membership? In my short time with the chamber I have been able to develop several relationships with other professionals in the community. I have enjoyed the networking opportunities and look forward to more involvement in the years to come. To contact Melissa, please call (813) 759-1491 or visit her at 2501 Thonotosassa Road 19 GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT ~ JASON JONES, Owner Advantage Restoration & Contracting What is unique and/or interesting about your business? Being able to help others in their time of need by restoring their home or business that has been damaged by water, fire or mold - hence our tag line – “When you think you lost everything, we’re here to give it back” How long have you been a Chamber Ambassador? 11 years What do you enjoy most from serving as an Ambassador and why? I enjoy meeting and speaking with all the new business owners and employees and staying connected with the business community throughout Plant City Who is the most influential person in your life and why? I would have to say my Wife – Casey. We work great together as a team balancing our family, business and many community events and organizations that we are involved with. What are your interests and hobbies? Any and all activities that involve my wife, Casey and my 3 children, Noah, Mia and Layla. I also enjoy spending time on the beach, on the golf course and watching University of Kentucky Basketball and Football games. GO WILDCATS!! We Build It Up! 20 Applications are available at the Chamber of Commerce 55 *Screen Enclosures * Carports *Siding & Soffits * Vinyl Windows 21 Chairman Brian West and the Directors for 2016. See pages 24-25 for highlights from the 34th Annual Chairman’s Banquet. Thank you to Lauren Burke and Stone Ledge Manor for sponsoring the January Contact Breakfast. The guest speaker, Chris Ingram, (Political Analyst for Bay News 9) spoke about the impending Presidential election. He discussed the “pros” and “cons” of various candidates and fielded questions regarding the current political climate. Ilene Chavez accepts the Good Egg Award on behalf of the GFWC Jr. Women’s Club as it is presented by 2016 Chairman Brian West. The Contact Breakfast Committee selected a special organization as the Good Egg Award recipient. Chairman Brian West presented the award to Ilene Chavez with the Greater Florida Junior Women’s Club for their “Shoe Project” within our community. Over 700 pairs of shoes are provided to our community school children in need thanks to the efforts of the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club. For more information on the club and their projects, visit www.gfwcplantcityjuniors.com Each Contact Breakfast is an opportunity for networking and January’s event was no different. With 120 members in attendance, business was being passed and relationships were being built. Be sure to mark your calendar and register to attend the February breakfast. Who knows...the contact you need may very well be in attendance! The cashpot remained unclaimed. Since Glenn Nicholson, Ronnie Young, Dr. John Busciglio, Lizzette Sarria, and John Schumacher names were drawn but were unable to attend, the prize for next month will be $100. Just one more reason to reserve your seat today. (l-r) Michael Cameron and Jim Scott won lovely floral arrangements created by All A Bloom (l) and Creative Flower Designs by Glenn (r) MARK YOUR CALENDARS…. February 10 March 16 For the next two months we will hold our Contact Breakfast at the John R. Trinkle Center 2206 East Cherry Street 22 Jon Poppell from Poppell Insurance takes home a door prize! Guest Speaker, Chris Ingram and Sponsor, Lauren Burke New Member, Michelle Welch with Wishing Well Barn is the winner of a month’s advertising courtesy of Plant City Dining & Entertainment Guide. Earl Williams with Ace Realty Advisors goes home a winner Winning a gift card for Bass Pro Shop made Marty Clay’s day! (Hillsborough Community CollegePlant City President) Hillsborough County School Board member, Melissa Snively, takes home a door prize courtesy of Stone Ledge Manor. The 2016 Visitor Guide & Membership Directory are now available for pick up at the Chamber office. This year we included personal interest stories. Be sure to stop in and pick up a few copies for your office or to hand out. 23 Each year, the outgoing Chairman of the Board may elect to honor someone who has made a difference through their hard work, generosity, and dedication to the Chamber. Outgoing Chairman, Michael Cameron selected Nate Kilton, Kelli Huffman, Verna McKelvin, Leon McKelvin, Frank Cummings, and Anna Darrientos are enjoying the evening Behind every good man is an awesome lady! Thank you to Terri Cameron for her support of Michael and the Chamber throughout the past year. Please check out our Facebook page for more highlights and photos of the evening’s events. You may find us on FB at The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. CLICK HERE for a video of the evenings entertainment. 24 This year is bittersweet for the Chamber as our President of 15 years, Marion Smith, will be retiring and Vice President, Amy Nizamoff who has been with the Chamber for 14 years, will be the new Public Relations Manager for Suncoast Community Health Centers. Marion will retire in May...which will come far too soon, and Amy will begin her new position this month. Please stop by on February 11th from 4:30 PM ‘til 6:00 PM to wish her well. Thank you, ladies, for all you have done to make this the GREATEST Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Our lovely seating hostesses, (l-r) Lea Sacco, Kimberly McGinnis, and Pat Pogue. Thank you, ladies, for your help with the Chairman’s Banquet. (l-r) Our wonderful videographer, Al Berry, with Jim Scott and Paul Davis (l-r) CenterState Bank was well represented by Silvia Ball with husband Jerry Ball, and Maribel Lorenzo 25
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