*Arabellas Ristorante
-Pollo Saltimbocca
Boneless breast of chicken topped with prosciutto and fresh sage in a light white wine cream sauce
-Penne Aurora
Penne pasta sautéed with ham and peas in a vodka cream sauce

*Bob Evans Restaurant
-Mini portions of apple cider stuffed pork chops/chicken
-Fresh broccoli with cheddar cheese
-Dinner rolls

*Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn
-Prime rib
-Yorkshire pudding

*Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining
-Pork tenderloin medallions
-Nutty rice
-Peanut butter bites

*Fred’s Southern Kitchen
-Pulled pork
-Corn pudding

*KC’s Big Dipper
-Tiramisu frozen custard
-Red Velvet Cake frozen custard

*Olive Garden
-Baked ziti
-Chicken scampi

*Red Lobster
-Oak-grilled peppercorn sirloin topped with shrimp hollandaise
-Over a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes
-Cheddar bar biscuits

Richard’s Fine Coffees
- A self-serve selection

*Spring Haven Catering
-Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin filets
-Assorted dark chocolate mousse filled dessert cups

*Tapping The Vine
-Mettler Old Vine Zinfandel
-LaPlaya Carmenere
-Jam Jar (Sweet Shiraz)
-Alex Elman Torrontes
-Tapping The Vine Specialty Sangria
-Eel River Organic California Blonde Ale
-Eel River Organic Porter
-Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese Riesling

*Terrie Lobb Catering
-Black bean soup shots topped with onion salsa and sour cream
-Mini cuban sandwiches

*The Seasoned Stone
-Signature Antipasto
Our Signature Vegetarian Curry or Mediterranean Chicken served inside a mini homemade shell

Join your friends for an evening of fine dining samples from many of the best restaurants in our area. Then celebrate as we honor both a man and woman for making Winter Haven a better place to live.

To purchase tickets, click here, (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover accepted online.)

Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn

- Prime rib
- Yorkshire pudding

Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining

- Pork tenderloin
- Nutty rice
- Peanut butter bites

Fred’s Southern Kitchen

- Pulled pork
- Corn pudding

KC’s Big Dipper

-Red Velvet Cake frozen custard
-Tiramisu frozen custard

Olive Garden

- Baked ziti
- Chicken scampi

Red Lobster

- Oak-grilled peppercorn sirloin topped with shrimp hollandaise over a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Cheddar bar biscuits

Richard’s Fine Coffee’s 

- A self-serve selection

  Tapping The Vine Wine Shop

- Mettler Old Vine Zinfandel
- LaPlaya Carmenere
- Jam Jar (Sweet Shiraz)
- Alex Elman Torrontes
- Tapping The Vine Specialty Sangria
- Eel River Organic California Blonde Ale
- Eel River Organic Porter
- Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Sp
atlese Riesling

Terrie Lobb Catering

- Black bean soup shots topped with onion salsa and sour cream
- Mini cuban sandwiches

Menus from Arabella’s Ristorante, Bob Evans and The Seasoned Stone forthcoming.

Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven is Winter Haven’s most delectable culinary event and this 89th Awards Banquet will honor two Winter Haven individuals with our highest civic honor. Nominations are being accepted until Monday, January 23 at 4 p.m. Complete details here.

The evening is presented by Winter Haven’s finest financial institutions. Don’t miss this memorable black-tie optional event. Complete information and ticket purchase details is available here. 

Chamber President Nelson Kirkland has called upon interested organizations or individuals to present nominees for the 2012 Bankers Cup Awards. Traditionally, both a man and a woman from the community are recognized. Criteria for the award are as follows:

• To honor persons dedicated to making Winter Haven better for their having lived here.

• Consider the range of activities and the involvement of the person you nominate and their positive impact on our community.

• Neither age nor occupation should be a factor. Every living resident of Winter Haven of exemplary character, is a potential candidate.

• Social standing is not relevant; respect and integrity are.

• Traditionally an award is voted by the Selection Committee for both a woman and a man, if worthy candidates are presented.

• Activities should be considered only if they were truly for the community good. For example, work done for one’s personal hobby would be given less importance than work volunteered to serve the needs of others.

• It is not a popularity contest. The number of letters received is never a deciding factor; one sincere, well-documented letter may be enough.

• It is appropriate to honor person for freely-given service over a period of years.

• The question is, “Who has made the most positive impact on making the Winter Haven area a better place to live?”

There are no forms to be completed. Groups or individuals are invited to send nomination letters to Bankers Cup Selection Committee, c/o Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 1420, Winter Haven, FL 33882-1420. Deadline for 2012 Nominations is Monday, January 23.

DECK THOSE HULLS!

Marine Supply of Winter Haven is sponsoring the prizes for the best boat decorations:

First Place – $100
Second Place – $50
Third Place – $25

Watch for further details but for now make plans to join all the fun December 3! Remember, you’ll need a boat.

There is no fee or registration but you must follow all boating safety regulations for lighting, floatation and other details. Boats assemble in Lake May beginning at 6 p.m. The parade embarks with Santa in the lead. We do ask not to have other “Santa’s” in the parade as it confuses the children.

What motivates you to seek or retain this Commission seat?

A: Winter Haven is currently on the brink of its next great economic expansion. Our community has opportunities in the near future that will make previous changes pale in comparison. We need steady hands in City Government now more than ever. I feel that I am able to provide that steady hand.

What unique qualities do you or will you bring to the City Commission.

A: I have proven that I am able to work with different political factions to get things done. Also, I have worked to bring the City and Schools together for the benefit of both. I can relate to and understand the needs of all of the citizens of Winter Haven.

What do you believe is Winter Haven’s greatest opportunity at the moment.

A: Because of the economic growth multiplier effect provided by the CSX project, Legoland, and USF/Polytechnic, Winter Haven can take advantage of these projects to climb out of the economic trough faster than the state as a whole.

What in your opinion is the greatest challenge currently facing Winter Haven.

A: Because tax revenues lag development, the City may need to make investments in infrastructure before the tax revenue starts to flow from the development.

How would you address the challenge you listed in the previous question.

A: Because of good financial planning, the city is in good shape to bond the money if we need to. Earlier this month we refinanced some existing bonds that will save our taxpayers some $650,000 in interest payments.

Name one thing the City has done in the last 5 years that you would do differently.

A: Move the City Commission election day to the day after Labor Day.

From your perspective, what industry segments drive Winter Haven’s economy.

A: The medical, education and financial industries are probably the greatest contributors currently. I see communications, tourism, construction and distribution increasing in the next few years.

There are a number of potential economic incentives designed to attract new businesses and jobs. Which incentives do you believe hold the greatest potential for Winter Haven?

A: Incentives that lower the cost threshold of a business relocating or expanding such as waiving or reducing building permit fees, business license fees, financing of impact fees over a multi-year period could make it easier for businesses to cost-justify their decision.

In your estimation, what is our city’s greatest single asset?

A: Our single greatest is the people that live here.

What would you do to protect and enhance the asset you listed in the previous question?

A:We need to provide opportunities for all of our children to grow and thrive in this community. This means quality schools, economic opportunity for parents, safe neighborhoods and great quality parks, recreational activities and a strong arts community for them to grow up in

What makes you better qualified to serve the citizens of Winter Haven than your opponent?

A: I have spent many years working for the citizens of Winter Haven. Prior to my four year term on the Commission, I served the citizens of Winter Haven as a past Chairman of the City Code Enforcement board, the City Housing Committee, and the City Planning Commission. In the community I have been a member and Past President of Winter Haven Youth Soccer Association, a Past President of the Winter Haven High School Band Boosters, and a member of the advisory committee for Ridge Technical Center in Winter Haven. I know and represent all of the citizens of Winter Haven.

Winter Haven is currently celebrating its Centennial year. From your perspective, list five important moments in the city’s history that occurred here in the past 100 years.

A: The Chain of Lakes Canals were dug, George Jenkins founds Publix, Dick and Julie Pope found Cypress Gardens, Polk Junior College located in Winter Haven, Legoland buys Cypress Gardens property.

The Chamber will present a City Commission Candidate Forum Breakfast Wednesday, August 31 beginning at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber Auditorium. Cost is $15. Click here to RSVP.

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What motivates you to seek or retain this Commission seat?

I have been concerned about the direction the City is heading and many people I talk to are concerned as well.  So I decided to try to do something rather than to just complain.  Many people feel that the City is not responding to their requests or suggestions and they don’t understand why things are being done the way they are.  The City should be more open and should be more responsive and respectful to its citizens.  City policies need to be reasonable and should make common sense.

What unique qualities do you or will you bring to the City Commission.

I am a long time resident with an extended family (4 generations) living in Winter Haven so I feel passionately about maintaining and improving the health and vitality of this City.  I bring a unique background in marketing, management, real estate and business management that this City needs as it prepares for the future.  I will also bring a willingness and ability to listen to the citizens and to work for them and with them.

What do you believe is Winter Haven’s greatest opportunity at the moment?

Winter Havens has a number of great opportunities including Legoland, CSX and the continued development around the Air Port.  However, we also have a beautiful downtown area, a budding four year college and great neighborhoods.  These are our strengths and holds great opportunities for our City.  It is important for us to support the good things we already have and not let them go downhill while we rush to support new projects.

What in your opinion is the greatest challenge currently facing Winter Haven?

Our greatest challenge will be in effectively managing the opportunities we have and the growth they will bring while still supporting what already exists.  Given the current state of the current economy this will not be easy.

How would you address the challenge you listed in the previous question.

The greater Winter Haven area has a large number of empty store fronts and a large number of vacant commercial building sites.  We need to be realistic in our assessment of where growth is most likely and how fast it will occur.  We need to make sure new development projects will not just relocate business from one part of the City to another.  If we make our City a good place for us to live in, it will be a good place for others to visit.

Name one thing the City has done in the last 5 years that you would do differently.

The City could have handled the The Landings project much better.  It should have been more open about the project and it should have marketed its plans and ideas better.  I would not have voted to give the Buyer the ability to force the sale of the roughly 5 acres that includes the Orange Dome before the due diligence was completed and all the negotiations were finalized.  Once the prime piece of commercial property on The Landings site is gone we have lost all our leverage in negotiations.

From your perspective, what industry segments drive Winter Haven’s economy?

Winter Haven is a small city and much of our growth is driven by our closeness to Tampa, Orlando and the I-4 corridor.  Tourism will be enhanced with the opening of Legoland.  Our location in the middle of the state is one of the main reasons for the Wall-Mart distribution center and the CSX terminal.  All these are positives and they will help to push our economy, but it is the businesses that provide services and support to the people that live here that are the heart and soul of our economy.   As with any small city the health of the small business community is directly related to the health of the city.

There are a number of potential economic incentives designed to attract new businesses and jobs.   Which incentives do you believe hold the greatest potential for Winter Haven?

Winter Haven needs to use every technique to at our disposal to promote a prosperous and vibrant community.  This support needs to be reasonable and fiscally responsible.  Potential incentives include tax and business licenses/fee abatements, grants and loans, and infrastructure reimbursements.  Different techniques need to be applied to different areas and projects.  For example, tax and business licenses/fee abatements may be best for the downtown area and infrastructure reimbursements may be a better fit for newly developing areas.

In your estimation, what is our city’s greatest single asset?

Our single greatest asset are our people and the City we have already built.  It was people like the Pope family with Cypress Gardens or George Jenkins and the first Publix store.  It is people like this who made a difference and have helped to define this area.  People move here and our children choose to stay here because we are a strong, vibrant small community.  This is a strength we should build on.  When we think ahead we should always keep in mind what is in the best interest of the people, while at the same time remembering and building on our past.

What would you do to protect and enhance the asset you listed in the previous question?

Continue a strong support of the downtown business area.  Work to support and improve area schools including Polk State College.  Make sure the City structure and budget are fiscally responsible.  This is especially important given the current reduction in revenues.  Make sure new growth is supported in a reasonable manor and makes sense for the entire City.

What makes you better qualified to serve the citizens of Winter Haven than your opponent?

My background in marketing, management, real estate and business management and business ownership are some one of my strengths.  Other strengths include my enthusiasm for this City and my compassion for the people who live and work in Winter Haven.

Winter Haven is currently celebrating its Centennial year. From your perspective, list five important moments in the city’s history that occurred here in the past 100 years.

Creation of the Chain of Lakes that defined the character of the city for a century

Creation Cypress Gardens the first amusement park in the USA

Citrus Festival, Orange Dome and the rise of the Citrus Industry

Opening of the first Publix store and the start of a major retail chain

State Farm Regional Office

Formation of Polk State College with a four year program

First all green Fire Department in the USA

The Chamber will present a City Commission Candidate Forum Breakfast Wednesday, August 31 beginning at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber Auditorium. Cost is $15. Click here to RSVP.

What motivates you to seek or retain this Commission seat?

I am excited about the burst of growth and synergism at this time in the city of Winter Haven, and being a part of our community’s Vision Plan of 10 years ago. As a native son, I have vested interest in Winter Haven’s viability: it’s my hometown. It’s where I was born and raised – where my sense of civic duty was instilled and nurtured. It’s where I’ve watched the streets and buildings and families and opportunities evolve, right along with me. So, it’s more than just a pleasure for me to serve my community – I’m motivated by my sense of responsibility to do so.

What unique qualities do you or will you bring to the City Commission?

I bring to the City Commission my positive momentum and expertise: I also bring reliable reasoning abilities and valuable interpersonal skills.

What do you believe is Winter Haven’s greatest opportunity at the moment?

Forward-thinking Economic Development through the implementation of our city’s Strategic Recommendations and Action Plan.

What in your opinion is the greatest challenge currently facing Winter Haven?

The inadequate supply of quality jobs

How would you address the challenge you listed in the previous question?

To financially support establishing a new Economic Development Corporation and to capitalize on opportunities to bring new high-wage jobs to our downtown district by continuing to promote the growth of technical, medical, and educational opportunities to our citizens.

Name one thing the City has done in the last 5 years that you would do differently

I would change the date of the municipal elections.

From your perspective, what industry segments drive Winter Haven’s economy.

Medical, Education and growing Technology

There are a number of potential economic incentives designed to attract new businesses and jobs. Which incentives do you believe hold the greatest potential for Winter Haven?

It is my belief that businesses associated with the CSX Project will benefit most from the establishment of a Federal Trade Zone. On the other hand, businesses which will likely locate downtown for the fiber connectivity, will benefit from the recently approved Downtown Incentive Fund, which will provide rebates on power and utilities costs.

In your estimation, what is our city’s greatest single asset?

Our geographic location and the persons who reside here, work here, play and raise their families here

What would you do to protect and enhance the asset you listed in the previous question?

Responsible “Smart” Growth; continued partnering with the Canal Commission to strategically focus on navigable canals, lake levels, and increased open access to the lakes with continued work on water quality. Also increase our bike paths, sidewalks and parks.

What makes you better qualified to serve the citizens of Winter Haven than your opponent?

Relevant educational background: (B.S. Degree/Mathematics; Masters Degree/Business Administration; Graduate, Leadership Winter Haven XXII)

Relevant and Exemplary Work History: (Educator; Business Owner; Management/27 years – Coca Cola Company; Executive Director/11 years, Florence Villa CDC)

Volunteerism: Girls, Inc.; United Way of Central Florida; Winter Haven Visioning; Polk County Readiness Coalition; Polk County Transportation Planning Organization; Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Committee; Board of Tustees, First Missionary Baptist Church

Solid work ethic

Productive experience as Winter Haven Commissioner; Mayor Pro-Tem, and Mayor, and related professional development opportunities

PROVEN TRACK RECORD of successful outcomes in my PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS as well as in my PERSONAL LIFE

Ability to work well with others and contribute meaningfully to the team

Deep Roots in Our Community/ Native Son

DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of others

Winter Haven is currently celebrating its Centennial year. From your perspective, list five important moments in the city’s history that occurred here in the past 100 years.

Incorporation of the City

Incorporation of the Board of Trade/Chamber of Commerce

Election of the First Black City Commissioner/Mayor, Lemuel Geathers and Election of First Black Female Commissioner/Mayor, Ann Darby

Dick Pope’s Establishing of Cypress Gardens

Purchase of The Garden Grove Utility System

The Chamber will present a City Commission Candidate Forum Breakfast Wednesday, August 31 beginning at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber Auditorium. Cost is $15. Click here to RSVP.

What motivates you to seek or retain this Commission seat?

The motivation to retain my seat comes from the continued support of the people of Winter Haven along with the successes in bringing CSX along with Legoland and the opportunity to bring more quality jobs.

What unique qualities do you or will you bring to the City Commission.

Being able to connect with the diverse population that makes our city great.

What do you believe is Winter Haven’s greatest opportunity at the moment.

Greatest opportunity at this moment for Winter Haven is the emergence of our ‘High-Tech’ Downtown.

What in your opinion is the greatest challenge currently facing Winter Haven.

The greatest challenge that is currently facing Winter Haven is keeping the movement for our world class education system front and center. Our city has to be there for education if we are to build on the tremendous opportunities that are right in front of us.

How would you address the challenge you listed in question 5.

With the challenges that are outlined in the Chamber’s Education Task Force Report there are also the means to effectively bring solutions to our schools. As our leaders in our community are asked to step up I am confident that our city will be on the road to a World Class education system.

Name one thing the City has done in the last 5 years that you would do differently.

I would have laid fiber-optic throughout downtown when we were revitalizing the downtown area”Main Street”.

From your perspective, what industry segments drive Winter Haven’s economy.

Industry Segments is so appropriate as we have a table approach instead of a 3 legged stool. With Tourism,Technology,Medical and Logistics being our drivers we find ourselves uniquely positioned for a diverse workforce unlike any other community of our size and stature.

There are a number of potential economic incentives designed to attract new businesses and jobs. Which incentives do you believe hold the greatest potential for Winter Haven?

The recently passed incentive for existing and new business for a  rebate on electric consumption jumps out along with our pursuing the Enterprise Zone and Foreign DutyFree designation with the opportunity for a brownfield field designation for job and tax breaks.

In your estimation, what is our city’s greatest single asset?

Our “Chain Of Lakes’.

What would you do to protect and enhance the asset you listed in question 9?

We are committed to finding partners who will analyze and recommend a course of action that will reverse the quality issues within our distressed lakes. Our staff has prepared our water sustainability plan that offers our community specific actions to be taken to start this tremendous undertaking. We are currently asking Swiftmud for permission to construct a series of filtration ponds to pump 4 million gals of reuse water back into the  acquifier on a daily basis. This would stabilze and allow the lakes to retain the rainfall which will raise levels allowing canal passage.

What makes you better qualified to serve the citizens of Winter Haven than your opponent?

My record the past term reflects the success that our city has in bringing jobs and stability to city government. The openness with which we go about government business alone makes me the better qualified person to represent our citizens. Let us move forward not backward.

Winter Haven is currently celebrating its Centennial year. From your perspective, list five important moments in the city’s history that occurred here in the past 100 years.

In no order  I make my selections of the 5 most important moments in Winter Haven’s history from my perspective  Canal Commission creating our system of canals. Cypress Gardens,which enough can not be said for this jewel established by Julie and Dick Pope. The first Publix  envisioned by and built by George Jenkins, creation of the Winter Haven Hospital and finally the connection to Florida LambdaRail.

The Chamber will present a City Commission Candidate Forum Breakfast Wednesday, August 31 beginning at 7:30 a.m. in the Chamber Auditorium. Cost is $15. Click here to RSVP.

Three seats on the Winter Haven City Commission are up for election this year.

Seat 1:  Mayor Pro Tem J. P. Powell is being challenged by Debra Ogzewalla

Seat 2:  Commissioner Nathaniel Birdsong is being challenged by Macy V. Butler

Seat 3:  Mayor Jeff Potter is being challenged by Peter M. Chichetto

The election will take place on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Join us at what is certain to be an informative discussion.

We are also gathering questions for the candidates. The best and/or most frequently asked questions will be compiled and sent to the candidates in advance. Their answers will be published on this blog prior to the breakfast. Send your questions through the link below NO LATER THAN THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 AT 4 P.M.

City Commission Candidates Forum Breakfast:

Wednesday, August 31
7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Second Floor Coleman Auditorium
Seating is limited.

Breakfast Catering by Fred’s Southern Kitchen:
$15 per person. Register here.

To send your question, click here.

Be sure to share this link with your employees!

We thank our friends at LEGOLAND Florida for this special offer! Winter Haven is proud to serve as host city to the park!