2009 Annual Report – Organization Advancement

Communications | Public Policy | Organization Advancement | Smart Community | Economic Development

Investment Committee
The Investment Committee is comprised of three representatives from the Lakeland Chamber, Chamber Foundation and LEDC who met in 2009 to oversee the combined investment funds of the organizations. In November, the committee reviewed proposals from member investment firms that responded to an RFP to manage the investment fund.  Following review, Allen & Co. was awarded the contract to manage the joint investment assets of the Chamber, LEDC and the Foundation.


Celebrating the Chamber Year
1,000 members and guests celebrated the Chamber’s 2009 accomplishments and the volunteer leaders who made the year a success at the Annual Meeting on February 2. With a theme of “We are the Arts”, guests were treated to an evening showcasing Lakeland’s arts and cultural heritage highlighted by a special performance by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra. Other highlights of the evening included the presentation of the George Jenkins Award to Ralph L. “Buddy” Fletcher (Fletcher Printing Company), and the Scott Linder Small Business of the Year Award to Gulf Coast Avionics. The evening concluded with the “passing of the gavel” from outgoing Chairman Anu Saxena to (ASC geosciences, inc.) to 2010 Chairman of the Board Joe L. Ruthven (The Ruthvens).

Catalyst Logo 2009-Small Web.jpg
Enhancing Our Present, Shaping Our Future
Lead by Nancy Cattarius (WONN/WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio), the Catalyst Campaign was a major success for the Chamber again in 2009. Building on the accomplishments of the 2006-2008 Total Resource Development Campaigns, the Catalyst Campaign has become an integral part of the Chamber’s business plan.

Through a partnership with 40 volunteers from 20 member companies, the Chamber was able to develop new resources by offering a broad base of sponsorship and advertising opportunities to our member businesses.

Furr & Wegman Architects was top producer, while WPCV/WLKF/WWRZ Radio and Lakeland Regional Medical Center rounded out the top three. Volunteers celebrated a victorious campaign with total sales of $226,000 helping the Chamber secure nearly 20% of its 2009 budget.

Hit the Links
The 19th Annual Chamber Scramble occurred in November 2009 with 158 players. With the support of sponsors and committee members, the event was a huge success.

Networking After Hours
The Business After Hours continues to be one of the most effective networking opportunities the Chamber offers! An average of 200 members came together at Twelve Host Member Businesses with an appetite and a handful of business cards to meet and greet other Chamber members and guests. The annual Downtown Luau, held in April, continued to be the largest Business After Hours.

Chamber Champions
Created in 2006 as a membership retention tool, the Chamber Champions program continues to mentor new Chamber members for the first three months of membership. A total of 20 Champions accepted the commitment to call, email and visit Chamber members to help them assimilate into Chamber membership.

Juicing Up!
Juicing Up! Your Small Business provided one program for 2009 offering the opportunity to receive educational information in a hands-on setting. This early morning education series, designed with small business owners in mind, was titled: “Developing Your Marketing Plan”.

Business & Breakfast
The Business & Breakfast program returned in February 2009. Designed as an informational mixer, Business & Breakfast allows for networking before work for those “early birds”. The 2009 series offered bi-monthly meetings with topics including; Loving Your Customer; Social Networking: Economic Updates, and many more. These events are held at Chamber member businesses.

Membership Growth
New members were welcomed to the Chamber at six New Member Receptions in 2009. The orientation sessions provide information on the many resources and benefits available as Chamber members. New Member Receptions provide exposure for the new businesses along with networking opportunities for all who attend.

Cheers! For First Year Members
In 2009, the Chamber held this event to say thank you to our new members.

Schmooze a’ Palooza
The Chamber introduced a networking lunch, Schmooze a’ Palooza, in 2008. Held at local member restaurants, this event provides a maximum of 50 members time to power network, with a 30 second commercial, and a more intimate venue to interact with prospects and potential business partners. Three luncheons were held in 2009.

CarBQ
The Third Annual CarBQ was a huge success. After months of planning and hard work, the “drive-through” event was held on November 20 at Tigertown Hanger 2. Over 50 Chamber member volunteers gathered to assemble 2500 BBQ lunches…in record time this year! Thanks to the direction of our Co-Chairs Dennis Ross (Ross Vecchio) and Kelly Aiken (Aiken Office Solutions) and the support and guidance of our steering committee, we were able to raise $25,000 for Chamber projects.

A special acknowledgment goes to Fred Johnson (Fred’s Southern Kitchen) and Don Barclay (RibCrib) for lending us their culinary expertise. And of course this project is possible through the support of our many sponsors; AT&T, Bright House Networks, Bernie Little Distributors, US Food Service, Ross Vecchio, PA, Badcock Home Furniture & more, Bank of Central Florida, Flagler Development Company, Furr & Wegman, the NCT Group, Bunch & Associates, CJ Pallett Co., DSM.net, MaxPak, McGee Tire, Omnia, Inc., and RTS Packaging.