Special items of interest:  Who is the Ambassador of the month...see page 8  Where is BAH this month? See Page 14  Highlights from the 2015 New Teacher Coffee on Page 16-17

Chamber Connections ~ September 2015 Salute to Agriculture 2015 presented by Farm Credit of Central Florida

 Highlights from Eggs N’ Issues See pages 22-23

Inside this issue: President’s Message

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Calendar

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New Members

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Anniversaries

5

Business After Hours 12 New Teacher Coffee

16-17

Ribbon Cuttings

20

Thank You Corner

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(l-r) Bill Glesson (The Hay Exchange), Michael Lopez (Southside Western & Outdoor Wear), Judi Whitson (Hillsborough County Schools), Hugh Gramling, and Karen & Ken Grimmer.

The Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds was the setting for the 2015 Salute to Agriculture awards breakfast on Wednesday, August 12th By Emily Topper on August 12, 2015 sponsored by Farm Credit of Central 0Florida. Over 220 community leaders and business owners were in attendance for the annual event. Farm Credit always goes above and beyond to make this event special for the award winners, their families, and the community. (Please see pages10 & 11 for more photos of the event.) Congratulations to the Award winners. Thank you for your contribution to the Agriculture industry in our community.

Mark your calendar for

The 13th Anniversary of BikeFest On October 3rd…

Hugh Gramling – Agriculturist of the Year Michael Lopez – Young Agriculturist of the Year The Hay Exchange – Agri-Business of the Year Judi Whitson – Ag Educator of the Year William K. and Karen Grimmer – Supporter of Youth in Agriculture

President’s Message

Dear Chamber Members, Now that most family vacations are over and school is back in session, it is time to start that last quarter of the year. I have heard from many of you that the end of the year is your busiest time and that is also true for your Chamber organization! Before we start on what’s coming ahead, I want to thank Clark Smith, Suncoast Credit Union, and his WONDERFUL committee (see pages16-17) for making this year’s New Teacher Coffee another highly successful event. We had 214 teachers go through the “goody bag” line and it was overwhelming to see all the businesses that supported the teachers with their donations of items and their time. We want to see that our new teachers start off on the right foot knowing that they have our support in their efforts to educate our children and future leaders. I believe the point was made!

CHAMBER STAFF President Marion Smith Vice President Amy Nizamoff Office Administrator Joyce Nestor Communications Director Evelyn Clay Membership Director Tammy Mitchell Tourist Information Specialist Peggy Wilson

I do want to thank our tireless Strawberry Classic Car committee for being diligent over the summer trying to hold a car show with the unpredictable weather. Benny Lubrano and his committee showed up to hold the event but had to cancel all three- June, July, and August. Hopefully, we will be able to have them the rest of the year. Many thanks to the Plant City Bike Fest committee for planning our 13th Anniversary show which will be, Saturday, October 3rd. April Lubrano, Frank Trunzo, and Chamber staff have Bryan Marino coming with his motorcycle stunt show performing along with Speed Painter, Dale Henry, who will donate his painted picture that evening during at a live auction at the show. Other activities are being planned as well. In September, our Leadership Plant City Class of 2016 will begin their nine month program experiencing all that the city and county offer their residents and businesses. This program started with its first class in 1983 and continues to revolve with the changing times. One of the new enhancements this year is an over-night Retreat, where team building exercises will be emphasized so classmates get to know themselves and each other better. Again, many thanks to Brian West, Lizzette Sarria, Janet DoVale, Jodi Stevens, and Joyce Nestor (Chamber staff) for working on this over the summer. It is going to be a great class.

So, next month, we will begin reporting on Plant City Pig Jam and everything going on for October! If you would like to jump on board and get involved, this is a great way to build relationships while helping out your Chamber with an event. Call me with any questions as we would love to have you.

Marion Executive Board Chairman of the Board Michael Cameron Cameron Financial Management Chairman-Elect Brian West Publix Super Markets, Inc. Immediate Past Chairman Nate Kilton Sedita Kilton Life & Wealth Management, LLC.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce shall work for its members and be the leading force in promoting the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and civic interests of Greater Plant City and East Hillsborough County.

Treasurer Michael Watkins V & R Insurance Vice Chairman Membership Division Edwena Haney Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens Vice Chairman Community Program Division Verna McKelvin Wells Memorial & Event Center Vice Chairman Economic Development Division Phil Waldron Waldron Consulting Services Vice Chairman Community & Governmental Affairs Division Yvonne Fry Lines of Communication 2

Board of Directors Matt Buzza Platinum Bank

Martyn Clay, Ed.D. Hillsborough Community College Paul Hackney Sunshine Bank Charles Harris Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Bradley Herremans Suncoast Community Health Centers Pediatrics Larry Jimenez, Jr. Star Distribution Systems. Jason Jones Advantage Restoration, Inc. Karen Kerr South Florida Baptist Hospital Kenneth Parker, Florida Strawberry Growers Association Jim Scott Jarrett-Scott Ford Keith Smith Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis, & Smith, P.A.

Darcy Stottlemyer All A Bloom Florist Carole Wright, Myers & Wright, P.A.

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2015 Chamber Trustees Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber of Commerce

CITY PROPERTIES COMPANY

Chamber Connections ~ September 2015 Crown Information Management 707 Ave K S.W. Winter Haven, FL 33880-3866 Mailing Address: PO Box 971 Winter Haven, FL 33882-0971 Office: (800) 979-9545 Brian Copic, Sales Director [email protected] Www.crowninformationmanagement.cpm Document Shredding & Storage

CONSOLIDATED ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS dba RAYBRO ELECTRIC Eric Seidel for Hillsborough County SUPPLIES FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES 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

Clerk of the Circuit Court 501 East Kennedy Boulevard Suite #1900 Tampa, FL 33602-5238 Office: (813) 230-4947 [email protected] Www.ericseidelforclerk.com Political Officer & Candidates

Firehouse Subs 107-2 West Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563-7155 Office: (813) 704-4884 John York, Franchise Owner [email protected] Www.firehousesubs.com Restaurant Krystal Company 2709 James L Redman Parkway Plant City, FL 33566-9415 Office: (813) 754-4100 Brittany Watson, General Manager [email protected] Restaurant

SUNSHINE BANK WELLS MEMORIAL & EVENT CENTER

Since 1964 4

Mikkeal Music Company Physical Address: 214 West Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563-7156 Mailing Address: 2302 Maki Road, Unit 65 Plant City, FL 33563-7123 Office: (813) 754-5269 Michael Wilson, Owner [email protected] Www.mikkealmusic.com Music Instruction, Sales, Rentals & Repairs, Dance Studios & Dance Lessons Obsessive Compulsive Detailing Plant City, FL Office: (813) 365-4427 Mike Dynarski, Owner [email protected] Www.autoocd.com Auto Cleaning/Detailing Southern Graphic Designs, Inc. Physical Address: 105 West Badcock Boulevard Mulberry, FL 33860-2401 Mailing Address: PO Box 6111 Lakeland, FL 33807-6111 Office: (863) 943-4363 Juan Bocanegra, President [email protected] Www.southerngraphics4u.com Signs & Banners TriNet 3505 East Frontage Road, Suite 145 Tampa, FL 33607-1748 Office: (941) 744-3002 Megan Burkett, Professional Employer Consultant [email protected] Www.trinet.com

15-19 Years Durant High School Hillsborough County Schools-Plant City Area VI

OVER 30 YEARS! DUKES CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CLINIC, PA (30 YEARS)

10-14 Years Aparicio-Levy Technical Center Esther D. Burney Elementary School Catering By The Family Hillsborough Title, Inc. ITEX Trade Exchange, Inc. LidWorks Lines of Communication Motivation Coaching, Inc. Myers Cleaners Steven L. Sparkman, P.A.

5-9 Years

TEO KULYK, MD (35 YEARS) PAUL’S HAND LETTERING SERVICE (32 YEARS) OVER 20 YEARS!

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COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE, INC. (29 YEARS)

Advantage Academy of Hillsborough Gordon Food Service Music Showcase Plant City Foursquare Church State Farm Insurance—Tony Lee Suncoast Community Health Centers Pediatrics

FAMILY BOWL (21 YEARS) PLANT CITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL (27 YEARS)

1-4 Years Central Florida Speech & Hearing Center Direct Auto Insurance Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins Inspire! Quilting & Sewing Knights Inn MidFlorida Credit Union OnPoint IT Solutions Rabo Agrifinance Self Expressions Boutique Shiloh Baptist Association-Plant City Community Ministries Signworks Custom Signs & Graphics Jeannie Soos, Licensed Massage Therapist Southside Western & Outdoor Wear The Computer Force, Inc. AWCoffee.Com *Screen Enclosures * Carports *Siding & Soffits * Vinyl Windows

Check out our upcoming BIKEFEST ...see Page 13!

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Bealls Outlet Billy Harbick, Store Manager [email protected]

Elite Staffing Partners, Inc. (previously Horizons HRs) Tracy Blevins [email protected]

Boy Scouts of America-Gulf Ridge Council Jeff Rock [email protected]

Florida Insurance Center Johnny Reed, Chief Operations Officer [email protected]

Brandon Hospital Regina Pointer [email protected]

H & R Block Sheila Bates, Area General Manager [email protected]

Brandon Chamber of Commerce Christine Michaels, Executive Director (813) 689-1221

Institute for Corporate & Continuing Education Shauntay Ocasio, Personal Enrichment Coordinator [email protected]

BrightHouse Valerie Cutrer [email protected]

JSA Medical Group Frank Perez, Marketing Representative (727) 209-1891 [email protected]

Bruton Memorial Library Tonda Morris, Director [email protected]

Kauffman Tire Kevin Guzman, Store Manager [email protected]

Cartridge & Toner William Masters, Representative [email protected]

Knights Inn Eddie Garmo, General Manager [email protected]

Catering by the Family Sandra Thiebe, Executive Sales Consultant [email protected]

Lifecycles Technology New phone number: (813) 756-5833

Comfort Inn of Plant City (previously Best Western) Charles Gongloff, General Manager [email protected] Www.choicehotels.com/fl103

Lifepath Hospice Pam Ruesch, Director of Public Relations [email protected]

Lowes Home Improvement Michael Holman, Store Manager (813) 659-4040 x4800

Continucare Evelyn Aguasvivas, Marketing Representative [email protected]

Maycom Communications (813) 754-7799

Edward Jones Melissa Keyes, Investment Representative [email protected]

Miller Electric Company 111 Kelsey Lane, Suite D Tampa, FL 33619-4357

Direct Auto Insurance Cindy Hartwig, Regional Sales & Marketing (770) 710-4700

Milner Technologies, Inc Theresa Lott, Main Representative [email protected] (863) 738-9148 6

Oracle Home Health Lori Franks, Administrator [email protected] Plantation at Walden Lake (previously Hunter’s Ridge) Www.plantationatwaldenlake.com REMAX 316 North Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563-4304

Safety Training & Consulting Steve Gibbs, Sales (863) 581-9271 SBDC of Hillsborough County Dottie Minnick (813) 204-9267 [email protected] Www.sbdctampabay.com/Hillsborough Simply Events Andrew Cecere, Owner/Event Coordinator Physical Address: 12360 66th Street North Largo, FL 33773-3434 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7468 Clearwater, FL 33758 Sunshine Bank Michelle Kounalong, Marketing Director [email protected] SunTrust Bank Jenny Wells, Branch Manager (813) 359-5640

Trini Delights (formerly More 4 Less) Kathleen Busby-Thomas, owner (813) 481-2877 Www.thomacox.organogold.com [email protected] WalMart Pedro Ramos, Store Manager [email protected]

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The Ambassadors are learning about the United Food Bank of Plant City

Charlie Wells, Carole Wright and Christine Miller

New Ambassador

New Ambassador

Lisa Rhodes with Keller Williams Realty

Kayla Drawdy-Sherrard with Hillsborough Title Christine Miller is passionately explaining all the United Food Bank offers to our citizens

What is unique and/or interesting about your business? I am a very hands-on accountant. I like helping people with even the smallest issue. How long have you been a chamber Ambassador? 2 years What do you enjoy most from serving as an Ambassador and why? Getting to see all the new businesses in Plant City, I really believe in BUY LOCAL, so I like to know where I can help out with my spending in our community. Who is the most influential person in your life and why? I would probably have to say my mother. She always taught me to “go for it” no matter what “IT “was. She is a very strong Christian lady and taught me strong morals and independence in life. What are your interests and hobbies? I am very involved in the United Food Bank, Plant City Arts Council, my church and the Chamber. Also, I love to travel!! What is your favorite quote? I will have to say it is a Bible verse and one I have to live by to get through each day: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Thank you, Carole, for your service and commitment to the Chamber and our community! 8

Ambassador of the Month—July Team Karen Griggsby and Nancy Miller (not pictured)

Ambassador of the Month—August Lea Sacco

Ambassador Team for August TEAM 2

Ambassador Team for July TEAM 3

(l-r) Karen Crumley, Verna McKelvin, Charlie Wells, Carole Wright, Christine Miller, and Alice Bullard

(l-r) Lea Sacco, Candice Dowdy, Maribel Lorenzo, Karen Griggsby, and Donna Cade

Your Ambassadors met on August 27th for a wonderful luncheon sponsored by CenterState Bank. Thank you to Maribel Lorenzo and Donna Cade! Each meeting is organized by a team who selects a theme. This month Team #3 led the luncheon with thankful hearts for Christine Miller (Executive Director of the United Food Bank) who was the guest speaker. The Ambassadors collected food donations for the Food Bank. Christine talked about the many families they served over the summer, how many children and how many pounds of food they hand out. She also informed the group of their many additional services they offer to the community. The United Food Bank of Plant City has partners within the community that help with the overall wellbeing of our families in need. This time of year the United Food Bank of Plant City is in desperate need with the holidays approaching.

For information on how you may help, visit www.ufbpc.org or call (813) 764-0625

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The Chamber Board of Directors and Staff extend their sincere Congratulations to the 2015 Award Winners! Agriculture Educator of the Year Young Agriculturists of the Year Agri-Business of the Year Agriculturist of the Year Supporters of Youth in Agriculture

Judi Whitson Michael C. Lopez The Hay Exchange Hugh M. Gramling William K. & Karen J. Grimmer

Thank you to Farm Credit of Central Florida and Debbie Simpson for sponsoring this annual event honoring the agriculture industry in our community. Plant City is known not only for our fabulous strawberries, but also for bees/honey, blueberries, citrus, dairy, forestry, goats, hay, poultry and much more. Agriculture also impacts the local economy as it supports businesses such as banking, real estate, transportation and packaging, just to name a few. This year Farm Credit selected their slate of winners from many worthy candidates. Our community is blessed to be rich in not only wonderfully productive land but people who choose to remain in the community and build their farms and ranches in this way. Thank you to our farming and ranching community for their contribution to the Plant City area. We greatly appreciate you!

Agri-Business of the Year The Hay Exchange, Bill Glisson

Agriculture Educator of the Year Judi Whitson

Agriculturist of the Year Hugh Gramling

(l-r) Bill Glisson (The Hay Exchange), Michael Lopez (Southside Western & Outdoor Wear), Judi Whitson (Hillsborough County Schools), Hugh Gramling, and Karen & Ken Grimmer.

Young Agriculturist of the Year Michael Lopez

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Craig Register, Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer with Farm Credit of Central Florida, ACA welcomes attendees.

Supporters of Youth in Agriculture The Invocation was given by Savannah Vida, Hills County FFA Federation President, the Pledge of Allegiance was given by Adrian Dyer, Area V State FFA Vice President

Salute to Agriculture sponsor….Farm Credit of Central Florida family! (l-r) Cheyenne Lopez, Tim Lopez, Pam Lopez, Michael Lopez, Brittany Lopez

Jenny Wells with SunTrust Bank is a winner!

Carol Walker with Plant City Community Chorale

Brian Pinson takes home a door prize courtesy of Farm Credit

Jim Leheup with SFBH walks away a winner! JACKPOT ROLLS OVER…. Webster Carson, Natasha McDowell, Uma Lekhram, Ben Yocom, Jr., and April Way-Senner names were called however, we did not have a winner. September’s drawing will be $350. Remember, you can’t win if you don’t attend so make your reservation NOW!

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Thank you to Stone Ledge Manor for a terrific Business After Hours on Thursday, August13th. Over 50 people attended the networking event. Stone Ledge Manor really understands the difficulties that families can face in finding just the right place to care for the elderly loved one that's so special in your life. Stone Ledge Manor is so much more than just a place to live, it's a place where your loved one can thrive and experience the freedom of assisted living. The staff works hard everyday to create a special place that not only provides the finest care available but provides an opportunity to be a part of a life-giving community where every day is filled with laughter, activities, good friendships and a sense of belonging. Stone Ledge Manor is an assisted living facility and memory care unit conveniently located to: Thonotosassa, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Plant City, Seffner, Dover, Valrico, Brandon, Lakeland, Temple Terrace, Wesley Chapel and New Tampa. For more information, visit www.stoneledgemanor.com.

Mackensi Beers, Rachel Williams & Taylor Clark doing a little networking.

A great crowd was in attendance for the open house and networking event.

(l-r) Jessica McCloud and Raven Wunder (l-r) Merari Gonzalez, Crystal Arjona, Sue Garcia, & Brittanie Juarbe

(l-r) Alex Gleason (cook), Doug Erskine (Head Chef), Jorge Morales (Volunteer), & Denny Soto (cook)

(l-r) Leon McKelvin, Verna McKelvin, Veronica Prostko, Lea Sacco, and Ben Rawnsley

Veronica Prostko is one lucky winner!

Leon McKelvin shows off his wonderful door prize courtesy of Stone Ledge Manor.

Be sure to mark your calendar for the September 18th BAH sponsored by The Bing House.

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The 2016 Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Guide is in the works. This comprehensive guide celebrates Plant City...the great places to visit, where to eat, and the fun things to do, in addition to our exceptional lifestyle, education, healthcare and business opportunities. It is a tried and true marketing tour de force. Advertise in a publication that people trust. Your company’s message will find the eager eyes of visitors, newcomers and Chamber members who seek out community minded companies like yours. Increase your company’s both reach and market penetration via print, web and mobile. You will find ad prices designed to fit small, medium and large marketing budgets.

Heron Publishing Account Executive Lisa Callea will be in town to meet with you and go over the details. Be one of the first to reserve your spot. Contact Lisa Callea via her Mobile Phone 352-428-9275 or [email protected]

Don’t miss out on being in THE GO-TO BOOK for Plant City

South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation, established in 1995, provides philanthropic support to South Florida Baptist Hospital through contributions and community events. Foundation funds ensure that our local health care facility continues to fulfill the medical needs of Plant City and surrounding communities. Your gift will support the new construction of a state-of-the-art 17-bed critical care center to open in 2016.

Diamonds & Denim 2015 Committee Kim McElveen, Chair Marsha Passmore & Debi Peacock, Vice Chairs Kathy Baskin Carmen Brownlee Frank Cummings Jean Ann Davenport David Galloway Lisa Galloway Sylvia Knox Gail Lyons Cynthia Morselli

When Thursday, September 24th Time 6:30 PM ‘til 9:30 PM

Brett Mueller Glenda Raulerson Bruce Rodwell Margaret Rodwell Rhett Rollyson Tina Siles Phil Waldron Faye Wetherington Lori Yarbrough

Where Florida Strawberry Festival® Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center 2508 Oak Avenue

For additional information regarding tickets and sponsorship, please contact the SFBH Foundation at (813) 757-8478 15

Larry & D Marti

On August 20th, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, along with many generous sponsors, and the New Teacher Coffee Committee, chaired by Clark Smith (Suncoast Credit Union) welcomed educators new to the community. This year the Expo Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival® hosted 221 new teachers from 26 schools. The Strawberry Crest High School JROTC Color Guard led the Presentation of Colors, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Among community leaders on hand to meet and greet the teachers were: Representative Jake Raburn, Mr. Jerry Jackson, Mr. Jeff

Best Elementary School is Robinson Elementary with Principal Alicia Wilkerson

This event requires the assistance of many volunteers...Thank you all for your service and commitment to this worthy event!

10 teacher win $10

Eakins, and many local VIPs. Over 300 people attended this year’s event.

Guests enjoyed an outstanding buffet breakfast catered by South Florida Baptist Hospital 911 Catering/John Belcher, and every new teacher left the Expo Building with a goodie bag filled to the brim courtesy of many sponsors and volunteers. Ten lucky new teachers also walked away with $100 each due to the generosity of Larry and Diane Martin. Larry is a retired area school director. We wish our educators all the best for the new school year!

Best Overall Award winners Wilson Elementary School Principal Gina Becker

Tomlin Middle School won Best Secondary School Principal Traci Durrance

Best Overall Principal Gina Becker 16

All A Bloom Florist Anytime Fitness Bailey Elementary BB&T Black’s Insurance & Financial Services Brandon Regional Hospital Bright House Networks Wendy Brown Brown’s Jewelers Brown’s Trophies Bruton Memorial Library Caring Concepts, Inc. Carrabba’s Italian Grill CenterState Bank Charter School Associates Children’s Board of Hillsborough County Chris Welbon Karate Clubs Renee Corzine-Keller Williams Realty Creative Flower Designs by Glenn Cruise Planners Dart Container Dental Associates at Walden Woods Desco Printing Dinosaur World, Inc. Dukes Chiropractic Health Clinic, P.A. Dunkin Donuts Epsilon Beta Zeta Chapter Eye Express Family Bowl Finest Nails Florida State Fair

H

Diane in

State Representative Jake Raburn

00 each!

Florida Strawberry Festival® FOCUS Magazine Fred’s Southern Kitchen GFS Marketplace GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Plant City Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce H & R Block Hardee’s Hay Exchange Harrell’s Nursery Haught Funeral Home, Inc. Hillsborough Community College - Plant City Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Hillsborough Title, Inc. Hope Lutheran Church Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens In The Field - Hillsborough’s Agriculture Mag. J & G Jewelers Kaleidoscope Educational Services Kiwanis Club of Plant City Knowledgepoint Learn TampaBay Mango Family Cleaners Mario Camacho Foods Larry & Diane Martin Melissa Polo for Circuit Court Judge Michaels Arts & Crafts MidFlorida Credit Union Minuteman Press Mosaic Plant City Facility Myers & Wright, P.A.

Museum of Science & Industry Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe Oasis Auto Bath O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill of Plant City Octopus Car Wash OfficeDepot Olde Town Pizza PAR Interiors Planet Fitness Plant City Animal Hospital Plant City Courier / Tampa Tribune Plant City Family YMCA. Plant City Times & Observer Plant City Photo Archives & History Center Plant City Tire & Auto Service, Inc. Plantation at Walden Lake Platinum Bank Poppell Insurance, Inc. Product Consultants Unlimited Publix Super Markets State Representative-Jake Raburn RaceTrac Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union Max F. Rattis MD, PA Raulerson, Westlake, Castillo & Co. PA Santa Sweets, Inc. Scentsy Select Physical Therapy - Plant City Smokin’ Aces BBQ Jeannie Soos South Florida Baptist Hospital

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South Florida Baptist Hospital Wound Care Southwest Florida Water Management District State Farm Insurance - Tony Lee Stone Ledge Manor Sun n Fun Suncoast Community Health Centers Suncoast Credit Union Sunshine State Federal Savings Natalie Sweet-Keller Williams Realty Tampa Bay Rays The Cottage The East Hillsborough Historical Society Timberlane Pet Hospital Toufayan Bakery of Plant City, Inc. Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center WalMart Vision Center Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Wells Memorial & Event Center Wendy’s Winn Dixie Woodbridge Apartment Homes Presentation of Colors by: Strawberry Crest High School Army JROTC New Teacher Coffee Committee Clark Smith (Chairman) Barbara Cadiz, Sharlotte Henderson, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, Maribel Lorenzo, Joyce Nestor, Amy Nizamoff, Marsha Passmore, Don Phillips, Dorinda Rountree, Marion Smith, Darcy Stottlemyer, Peggy Wilson & Derek Yates

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Focus 4 Beauty provided 167 Free haircuts for the children of Plant City plus a number of their parents but predominately this was an event for the children of Plant City. The cosmetology school continue to seek out any opportunities to work with the community of Plant City and to offer their services and the services of their students to help others....Senior Facilities ..Churches ...Children’s Homes...Anyway and Anywhere they can. This is the first event of this kind that has been held by the school here in Plant City. Focus 4 Beauty has assisted with other events and they plan for this event to just get bigger and bigger! Way to go!

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Pa

ge

Chamber Connections ~ September 2015

Dr. Michael Sip, Dentist Dental Wellness of Florida 1702 Walden Village Court Plant City, FL 33566 August 6, 2015

Denny Kendall, Executive Sales Gemini Technologies, Inc. 706 North Evers Street Plant City, FL 33563 August 17, 2015

To succeed… You need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you. – Tony Dorsett

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS

SEPTEMBER 9TH Crown Information Management 11:00 AM (Chamber of Commerce)

Mike Dynarski, Owner Obsessive Compulsive Detailing Plant City, FL 33563 August 18, 2015

SEPTEMBER 14TH Curves 11:00 AM (1822 James L. Redman Parkway) SEPTEMBER 15TH TriNet 11:00 AM (Chamber of Commerce)

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The Board of Directors, Staff, and the New Teacher Committee wish to say THANK YOU to Clark Smith, Regional Vice President of Suncoast Credit Union for chairing this wonderful event on behalf of the Chamber and Hillsborough County Schools. We would also like to recognize and thank the New Teacher Coffee Committee for their hard work on this annual event that kick starts the new school year for our educators. Committee members are: Clark Smith (Chairman), Barbara Cadiz, Sharlotte Henderson, Rev. Dean Pfeffer, Maribel Lorenzo, Joyce Nestor, Amy Nizamoff, Marsha Passmore, Don Phillips, Dorinda Rountree, Marion Smith, Darcy Stottlemyer, Peggy Wilson & Derek Yates, Thank you also, to our Little Miss Plant City and her Court.

(l-r) Grace Pagliaro, Hailey Pippin, Raylynn Thompson, Brenna Sturgis & Alyssa Stahl

We extend our sincerest appreciation to these friends of the Chamber for their generosity and donations: August “Salute to Agriculture” Contact Breakfast Farm Credit of Central Florida August Business After Hours Stone Ledge Manor

Thank you to Don Walden for his many years serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee on behalf of the City of Plant City. Congratulations!

Door Prizes

JOE SEDITA...2016 STRONG LEADER! Congratulations to Joe Sedita for his selection as the YMCA’s Strong Leader of the Year. Joe was honored on August 25th for his Leadership, Service, Commitment to his church, family, YMCA, Boy Scouts, and countless other community organizations. Thank you, Joe, and Congratulations!

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(l-r) Representatives Dan Raulerson and Ross Spano listen as Representative Jake Raburn updates attendees.

(l-r) Rep. Ross Spano, Rep. Dan Raule Rep. Jake Raburn, and

The 2016 Eggs n’ Issues Legislative Breakfast sponsored by Bright House, Mosaic-Plant City Facility, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Farm Credit of Central Florida, Fryed Egg Productions, Hopewell Funeral Home and Gardens, and Jarrett-Scott Ford, was held on Tuesday, August 25th. In attendance were Senator Tom Lee and Representatives Jake Raburn, Ross Spano, and Dan Raulerson. Our legislators updated the membership on what has recently transpired in Tallahassee during the special session. The legislature was working on a new district map for the state of Florida, however that issue is now in the hands of the Florida Supreme Court as a decision had not been made by the end of the special session. In other news, the legislators were happy to announce that the state has now over $3 billion in reserve funds as they prepare the state for any potential disasters. They have also been working on new anti-human trafficking laws which would place sex traffickers on the state sexual predator lists. Visit www.myflorida.gov to learn more about the legislative sessions. Your legislators may be reached by calling:

Senator Tom Lee Rep. Jake Raburn Rep. Dan Raulerson Rep. Ross Spano

813-653-7061 or 850-487-5024 813-653-7097 or 850-717-5057 813-757-9110 or 850-717-5058 813-744-6256 or 850-717-5059

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Senator Tom Lee discusses healt

erson, Chairman Michael Cameron, d Senator Tom Lee

We had a great turnout to hear what our Tallahassee legislators have been working on...from budget issues to redistricting maps.

Florida State Representative Dan Raulerson takes audience questions

thcare as a priority in our state

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Business of the Year Awards Banquet Save the Date Thursday, November 5th 6:00 PM ‘til 9:00 PM John R. Trinkle Center 2015 EDC AWARD NOMINEES Small Business (1-4 employees) Anytime Fitness Mastercraft Memorials Product Consultants Unlimited V & R Insurance Mid Size Business (5-20 employees) Broke & Poor Surplus, Inc. of Plant City Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens T. Clayton Jenkins Construction Company, Inc. Strong Tower Insurance, Inc. Large Business (21+ employees) Griffin Utilities, Inc. Highland Packaging Solutions, Inc. Star Distribution Systems Stone Ledge Manor **Invitations will be mailed later this month**

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