Commenting on the school’s improvement to a “B”, Taskforce Chairman Doug Lockwood commented, “Principal Gina Williams, her staff, teachers and students at WHHS deserve a congratulatory round of applause for WHHS’s dramatic improvement from a D to a B school. As a community, we must make every effort to improve all our public schools with the goal that each of them excel in every way. We still have a lot of work ahead of us to create the best education possible that all of our kids need and deserve. But what a great start for the Blue Devils of Winter Haven High!”

According to reports, Principal Williams first announced the news to the school via the public address system … shortly after ordering a celebratory cake!”

Go Big Blue!

David A. DeLorenzo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dole Food Company, stated: “We are very pleased with our acquisition of SunnyRidge Farm and welcome their management team, employees and growers into the Dole family. Their premium blueberry and blackberry operations are an excellent strategic complement to our existing fresh and frozen berry operations, both of which have previously focused on strawberries. Blueberries and blackberries are some of the fastest growing items in the produce category and also amongst the most nutritious fruits. The SunnyRidge acquisition lets us advance our commitment to providing the consumer with an ever growing array of healthful, nutritious fruits and vegetables.”

Keith D. Mixon, President of SunnyRidge Farm, Inc., stated: “We at SunnyRidge Farm, including the Mixon family, are proud and delighted to be joining one of the world’s great food companies. We share Dole’s passion for improving consumer health and nutrition, and look forward to building the business further, within the Dole family of companies.”

Dole, with 2010 net revenues of $6.9 billion, is the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, and is the leading producer of organic bananas.

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.

S. Todd Baylis

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 secure e-mail link.

If you ask about his greatest professional achievement, he’ll point to Qgiv — a software that is an online donation platform for non-profits, faith-based and political organizations that allows them to take donations, event registrations and recurring gifts. As one of the founders and current president, he takes great pride in what they have been able to accomplish in a few short years. National clients include Kiwanis International Foundation and the AKC Canine Health Foundation located in 46 states. In his words, “I’m privileged to work with an exceptional team of young professionals at Qgiv who have been able to execute and build such a successful and thriving company.”

Among the attributes that have enabled him to advance professionally is his ability to attract and retain great team members for his companies. He also prides his decision-making ability and points to a favorite quote from George S. Patton that he lives by:

“A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”

When it comes to being involved in his community he walks the walk. And while he’s been involved in multiple organizations over the past few years, he is particularly proud that he led Campfire USA’s Sunshine Council as President of their Board. Elected in 2007 — challenging economic times — he immediately faced a 10% funding cut. Despite the hard choices and decisions they faced, he fostered a culture of strategic thinking within the Board and organization — changes that are still a part of the organization today.

His other community involvement includes serving on the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Emerge lakeland Steering Committee member, Vistage member, United Way of Central Florida Board of Directors, Lakeland Vision Steering Committee Member, Lakeland Rotary Club and the Habitat for Humanity Capital Campaign Committee. He is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland Class XXV and was recognized by The Ledger as one of 20 Young Professionals to Watch Under the Age of 40.

Among the many people he admires he includes Carolyn Jackson with the Lakeland Chamber through her help and guidance with Emerge Lakeland Young Professionals Group as well as her personal commitment to help young professionals outside her normal Chamber duties.

We’re proud to honor S. Todd Baylis President of both Qgiv, Inc. and Cipher Integrations, Inc. — Lakeland-based technology companies.

Deric C. Feacher

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 employed by the Florida Democratic party and later worked as Community Relations Coordinator for Keiser College in Daytona Beach.

After eight years in Daytona he returned to Winter haven as Director of the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center. Soon he became the city’s first director of public information and his career has continued to evolve through a variety of municipal responsibilities to his present role as Assistant to the City Manager/Director of Support Services.

Having the ability to serve as a senior level administrator in his home town is among his proudest professional achievements. His work with the city has helped him to grow as an administrator  gaining experience in budgeting, financial management, personnel administration and policy implementation.

His strengths are team building, community relations, strategic planning and policy formation.

As an emerging leader he feels his greatest accomplishment outside of his profession was being selected as the first non-legionnaire to be Director of Florida’s premier youth leadership program, Boys State.

His other community involvement includes the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, graduate of Leadership Winter Haven, Board member of Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Focus on Leadership Advisory Committee, Polk Vision Executive Committee, Polk State College Corporate College Board of Advisors, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the NAACP, United Way of Central Florida Board and now as Board Chairman of the New Beginnings High School.

When thinking of those who have made and impact on young professionals in Polk County he points to George and Seretha Tinsley who, in his words, “have transformed the very fabric of this city through their work with young people.”

Congratulations Deric C. Feacher, 2011 Polk Emerging Professional Award recipient

Brandon May

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 finance or healthcare. And though his mother urged him to become a doctor, he chose a concentration in finance. By the time he was finishing his undergraduate work, he decided the role of “hospital administrator,” particularly the role of Chief Financial Officer was his career goal. Soon a recruiter contacted him to interview for a controller position with Health Management Associates — part of a two-year training program to become a CFO. He gladly accepted. He served exactly one year as controller and was asked to step in as CFO.

Among the attributes he feels have allowed him to advance professionally are his integrity, fairness, dedication and assertiveness. In his words, “If a leader cannot be trusted, he cannot be followed. If a leader can impress the importance of a task on his followers – that is half the battle. Communicating clear expectations is a necessary piece of effective leadership. And finally, a fair leader is one that will earn the trust and dedication of his followers.

When asked to describe his greatest accomplishment/achievement outside his profession he points to the fact that he is the first person in his family to graduate from college — made possible by athletic scholarships he earned. He notes that without those scholarships his dream of higher education would have been difficult to impossible to attain. He was also very proud that as a student athlete, he was chosen to represent his university in the Big 12 Conference SAAC.

His community involvement includes participating in Relay for Life, American Heart Walk, Angel Tree/Toys for Tots, United Way donor and loaned executive and the Bartow Chamber’s Young Professionals “Stuff the Bus” supply drive. He is a member of the Bartow, Lakeland and Winter Haven Chambers of Commerce in addition to numerous health care professional organizations.

Again in his words, “I have found a home here in Polk County.As a former resident of Lakeland and now Bartow, I have a vested interest in the economic success of my industry and more significantly, the economic success of this region that I have grown to love and now call home.

I believe that an increased focus on my involvement in local chambers will help to unlock my capacity as a leader in the community. I want to be a part of a networked group of leaders who understand the aspects of our region and share a common commitment to support vital and sustainable economic growth.”

We are proud to recognize Brandon May who is Chief Financial Officer for Bartow Regional Medical Center.

Lauren O. Schwenk

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 realized how much she missed the sense of community here that she found lacking in Orlando.

In her words, “I am most proud of our very first land purchase by my own company in 2009. I had begun work in land development in 2004. I knew at that time I had found a career that I was passionate about and something I wanted to be a part of throughout my life.” The real estate market came to a screeching halt in 2007 and that is when she made the leap of faith and along with her partners founded their company. Again, in her words, “Today, [our partnership] has grown to 45 rental properties, 156 finished buildable lots and 290 acres of developable land and we have expanded into other areas of real estate management — but that very first land deal that we closed was something I will always be proud of.”

Since returning, her passion for the community has encouraged her involvement in a variety of events, organizations, committees and fundraisers. Among her activities she has worked the 100 Holes of Golf charity event that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Stroke Center at Winter Haven Hospital. She notes, “Seeing personally how every dollar can affect a person in need is incredibly motivating.”

She is also involved in Wine for Wisdom — the signature event in support of the Polk State College Foundation. She points to Dr. Eileen Holden as a true inspiration. She wrote, “To see how someone can make a difference in one life. Time and time again, I hear stories of how Polk State students are the first in their family to ever attend college — while at the same time working and raising children. This is just one example of the leadership and dedication that so many young Polk County professionals have and having a leader like Dr. Holden foster their personal growth and success is truly amazing.”

Looking to the future she notes, “I now believe that my generation has some of the greatest opportunities that this area has ever seen. From Legoland and CSX to USF Polytechnic to Polk State College, our area is building the groundwork for a strong community built on education and job growth.

“Make a decision, good or bad, but make it and learn from it without letting an opportunity pass by” these are words we can all live by, but they are especially meaningful to this Polk Emerging Leader Award recipient. They are the words of her mentor, Albert Cassidy.

We salute this amazing young professional, Lauren O. Schwenk, partner with Oakley, Rhinehart and Cassidy.

Tresa Warner

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 has served as President of the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation (the national non-profit organization dedicated to the identification, treatment and cure of urea cycle disorders). She has also teamed with foundations and organizations such as the National Health Reform, Urea Cycle Disorder Consortium, family support and fundraising to support that foundation’s cause.

In addition she raised $14,000 for a student with Burkitts Lymphoma, $10,000 for a student needing a prosthetic leg, and provided 19 families and 69 children with holiday gifts.

As an instructor, nothing is more important to her than education. She is 100 percent dedicated to the development and empowerment of the students’ education and is involved in organizations such as iMAG, DECA and the new Winter Haven Public Education Partnership (all focused on furthering education for students).

When asked if there was an individual that she feels has made an impact on the growth and development of young professionals in the Polk County community, she answered, “Seretha Tinsley is a role model for all professionals in Polk County to aspire to. In the short time that I have know Mrs. Tinsley, she has inspired me to dig deeper, look harder and dream bigger for the youth of our community.”

As for her own greatest accomplishment, her response is swift, “Work with NUCDF to change the course of my daughter’s life and the lives all patients affected by Urea Cycle Disorders.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida Southern and a Master of Business from Webber International University. She is the Marketing Education Instructor at the iMAG Academy at Lake Region High School.

We honor Tresa Warner, 2011 Polk Emerging Leader.

Ann and Jim Stafford at Ritz announcement

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 through December 18, 2011.

Stafford also announced that he will bring his show to the Ritz from February 2 through March 17, 2012. Shows will be Thursdays at 3 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Naturally, Stafford will call his show “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”  Sharing the stage with Stafford will be his two children, 18 year-old Shea and 14 year-old G.G. who are both accomplished pianists and performers. Complete show schedules and tickets are available at JimStaffordFlorida.com and by calling 1-800-677-8533.

Welcome home Jim!

This is C/F/R’s third time receiving this honor in Polk County. “C/F/R is proud to make the list again this year. It’s a credit to our enthusiastic and dedicated team” said Howard Beckert, partner of the Winter Haven office. A panel of judges decides after employees return surveys on workplace satisfaction. Awards are chosen for the small, medium, large and mega categories.

C/F/R is opening their second office in Polk County later this month. It is located at 114 North Tennessee Ave – Suite 2A in Lakeland. C/F/R also has offices in Orlando and Tampa.