Jessica James was one of twenty-two Polk State College students hosted by the attendees at the Chamber Foundation’s 8th Annual Economic Summit. Attendees reserve tables of six and two Polk State students join them at their table. Following the breakfast a random drawing was held and Jessica’s name was drawn to win an iPad2 courtesy of the Chamber Summit and Wal-Mart Store #968 on Cypress Gardens Boulevard.

Jessica is in her Junior year at Polk State pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She has two semesters to go! Congratulations and good luck! The 8th Annual Economic Summit was sponsored by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Polk State College.

(L to R) Chamber President Nelson Kirkland, Wal-Mart Store Manager Nathan Owens (presenting iPad2 to) Polk State student Jessica James, and Electronics Department Manager, Robert Barclay

But – even more than an amazing building (built, I will remind you, on-time and on-budget!) – I want you to join us in affirming the incredible mission of Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School.

Yes, LEEDS certification is cool (or, in the winter months, appropriately warm).

But how much cooler is it that this high school owns a 100% graduation rate?!?!

Yes, it’s awesome to talk about the building’s state-of-the-art classrooms and labs.

But how much awesomer (yes, that is an approved word at Polk State) is it to talk about the fact that over 80% of this public high school’s graduates earn honors? Or the fact that close to half of this public high school’s graduates leave with not only a high school diploma – but also a fully accredited associate’s degree? Or the fact that students at this public high school have consistently been among the leaders not just in Polk County but in the entire state in terms of FCAT science scores?

As we like to say around here: “It’s good to be us!”

One of seven classrooms in the new Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School. The building meets "Leadership in Energy and Evnironmental Design" (LEED) certifications standards with several features intended to minimize its environmental impact.

The ceremonies were directed by Polk State Provost Dr. Sharon Miller, and included remarks from Principal Bridgette Fetters and Senior Class President Naomie Laroche. Laroche began her remarks professing “butterflies in her stomach” but gave powerful testimony to her Chain of Lakes High experience. She began her junior year at the school apprehensive as to wether she would be accepted within the college community. Those fears were immediately dispelled as she found that she was treated “as an adult and that my opinions and perspectives were respected. I found my teachers encouraged me to challenge them when I disagreed.” She also noted that “attending the school allows you to complete four years of study in two — graduating with an A.A. or A.S. degree at the same time she receives her high school diploma.” Laroche also drew appreciate laughter from the audience when she noted  that Chain of Lakes students can earn those two years of college in a public high school setting that means “two years of no tuition costs for college.”

We would agree … that is indeed “awesomer!”

Polk State also has a collegiate high school on its Lakeland campus.

Several hundred people attended the dedication filling a tent to overflowing. A large number of students and faculty were on hand as well.

Seat #1: Mayor Pro Tem J. P. Powell faces candidate Debra Ogzewalla.

Seat #2: Commissioner Nat Birdsong faces candidate Macy Butler.

Seat #3: Mayor Jeff Potter faces candidate Peter Chichetto.

Your vote can make a difference in the future of our community.

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.

While they last … the Chamber has “No on Amendment 4″ yard signs and stands in our lobby. Stop by and pick yours up. Limit 1 sign and stand per opponent. We encourage you to display the sign in your neighborhood.

The Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce has taken a position in opposition to this amendment. The proposal would require a voter referendum on all changes to your local comprehensive plan — a tedious burdensome step that would tangle election ballots and pose a serious threat to economic prosperity. In an April survey of Chamber members, 84% of those who responded to our survey were opposed to the measure.

Cost to taxpayers could climb to over $1 billion, group reports

(Orlando, FL – October 6, 2010) A report released yesterday by the non-profit, non-partisan Florida TaxWatch exposes the soaring costs of Amendment 4, a measure that has drawn diverse and nearly-universal opposition from Florida’s leading Editorial Boards, business groups, tea parties, unions, civic organizations and Gubernatorial candidates. The TaxWatch report, which predicts that the costs of Amendment 4 could soar into the billions, can be read here.

“Florida TaxWatch confirms that Amendment 4 is a billion dollar tax hike waiting to happen,” said Mark Wilson, president of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “The worst part is that taxpayers will foot the bill for an amendment that top economists predict will put more than a quarter-of-a-million Floridians out of work. In the midst of a crushing recession, the last thing we need is Amendment 4.”

In addition to the multi-million dollar costs of referenda, TaxWatch uncovered the hidden costs of Amendment 4: Frequent, and seemingly endless, taxpayer-funded litigation. According to TaxWatch, local case studies suggest that Florida taxpayers are likely to face costly litigation resulting from the passage of Amendment 4, which could exceed $1 billion.

…the fiscal impact of Amendment 4 likely totals tens of millions of taxpayer dollars, if not hundreds of millions, at a time when Floridians are experiencing the most severe economic recession and highest levels of unemployment since the Great Depression and can least afford additional government operating expenses. (Florida TaxWatch, October 5, 2010)

“Read the fine print on Amendment 4,” said Ryan Houck, executive director of Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy. “It says ‘expenditures cannot be estimated precisely.’ That’s code for ‘they’re not sure how many millions — or billions — it’s going to cost.’ It doesn’t matter how they say it — taxpayers would be stuck with the bill.”

The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors urges your NO vote on Amendment 4.