Category Archives: Success Stories

Congratulations to Winter Haven High School !

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Bob Gernert

On behalf of the Chamber and the Educational Outcomes Taskforce (now evolving into the Public Education Partnership, we want to extend our sincere congratulations to Principal Gina Williams, the WHHS faculty and the student body for their hard work and … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Success Stories | 8 Comments

Dole Foods Acquires Haven Company’s Stock

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Bob Gernert

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Dole Food Company, Inc. (NYSE: DOLE) today announced that it has acquired all of the capital stock of the parent of SunnyRidge Farm, Inc., one of the top fresh blueberry companies in the United States. … Continue reading →

Posted in Agribusiness, Commercial Developments, Financial Industry, Success Stories | 4 Comments

Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School: “Awesomer!”

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Bob Gernert

Formal dedication ceremonies for the new 15,000 sq. ft. Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School were held this morning. Among the remarks shared at the event, Polk State College President Eileen Holden, Ed.D., noted, “We are, of course, very proud … Continue reading →

Posted in Downtown, Political Scene, Success Stories, Technology | 3 Comments

S. Todd Baylis: Polk Emerging Leader

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Bob Gernert

Todd Baylis is a person that was a Silver Garland Award winner in mathematics, Valedictorian of his high school, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida State University — he holds a U. S. Patent for a method of establishing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Stories, Technology, Young Professionals | Leave a comment

Deric Feacher: Emerging Polk Leader

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Bob Gernert

Deric is a native of Winter Haven and attended Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach. While there he received the United States Achievement Academy All American Scholar Award in addition to the National Collegiate Minority Leadership  Award. After graduation he was … Continue reading →

Posted in City of Winter Haven, Success Stories, Young Professionals | Leave a comment

Brandon May: Polk Emerging Leader

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Bob Gernert

Brandon May is most proud of the fact that he became a Chief Financial Officer at the age of 30! When he was younger and in middle school, a career aptitude test had shown he would do well in either … Continue reading →

Posted in Financial Industry, Success Stories, Young Professionals | 1 Comment

Lauren O. Schwenk: Polk Emerging Leader

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Bob Gernert

When Lauren went off to the University of Florida and then the University of Central Florida, she had no intentions of returning to Winter Haven. But after receiving a job in Winter Haven and commuting from Orlando each day, she … Continue reading →

Posted in Real Estate, Success Stories, Uncategorized, Young Professionals | Leave a comment

Tresa Warner: Emerging Polk Leader

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Bob Gernert

  Tresa is a young professional that has far exceeded expectations as an educator and community activist. Her numerous contributions to the community are no secret. In addition to her passion as an educator, over the past 10 years she … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Success Stories, Young Professionals | 2 Comments

Jim Stafford to Headline at Renovated Ritz Theatre

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Bob Gernert

Winter Haven native and nationally known comic-genius and musician Jim Stafford announced today that he will be performing at the newly restored Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven. His first production, “Jim Stafford — Home for Christmas” will run December 15 … Continue reading →

Posted in City of Winter Haven, Cultural Arts, Downtown, General Announcements, Success Stories | 7 Comments

Cross Fernandez & Riley Makes it Three In A Row!

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Bob Gernert

Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP was one of twelve companies honored by Polk Works as Polk’s Best Places to Work during the awards breakfast at The Lakeland Center August 18. The Best Places to Work Award was developed by Polk … Continue reading →

Posted in Best Business Practices, General Announcements, Success Stories | Leave a comment