David Petr

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council announced today the hiring of David Petr as Executive Director for the newly-formed organization. Petr most recently served as Director of Marketing for the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance and Visit Lubbock, Lubbock’s Convention and Visitors Bureau in Lubbock, Texas.

“David was clearly the best fit for Winter Haven,” said Ingram Leedy, President of WHEDC. “His experience in recruiting and expanding business through innovative marketing approaches and relationship building will be an incredible asset to our community. His thorough knowledge of Winter Haven and Polk County convinced our board members that he would be a great leader for the organization.”

A graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Illinois, Petr currently oversees the strategic direction and business development of emerging industries in West Texas, an area prospering through the current economic slowdown. Prior to moving to Lubbock, Petr owned and managed a dynamic advertising agency in Austin, Texas, providing strategic direction to clients in a multitude of industries, including working with the Walt Disney Company.

According to Dr. Eileen Holden of Polk State College who chairs the search committee, “David’s proven track record in economic development, combined with his forward-thinking marketing strategies, will build upon the momentum we have experienced in our area in recent months.”

“Winter Haven is poised for greatness, and it’s time the world hears the Winter Haven story,” Petr said. “Despite challenging economic times, there are still a wealth of opportunities to facilitate new economic growth. I’m ready to deliver results with the support of the first-class board of directors already in place.”

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council will specifically target industries such as medical services, software and information technology, and logistics and distribution facilities. General business, agribusiness, and professional services are also on the list. The group, which has offices at the USF Polytechnic Blue Sky East Business Accelerator in Winter Haven, projects an annual budget range of $300,000 to $350,000 and has already begun work on its first projects. Petr will begin on March 1st, and will attend business meetings as needed in the interim.

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.

F

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?

Jeff Potter.

On December 28, 2009 at the dedication of Lake Myrtle Park, I lamented the Jeff my disappointment that almost 10 years earlier I presented the same park concept to the city utilizing some of the property that was sold to CSX. He abruptly brushed me off stating “Winter Haven don’t need $8 an hour jobs”. But when Legoland shows up with hundreds of $8 jobs, he takes a 5 day trip to London, stays in the Westminster Hotel at the cost of $2437.84 to the taxpayers. It was his arrogance that he has developed as a 2 term commissioner that motivated me a commission seat.

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

WINTER HAVEN HOMEOWNER 15 YEARS

28 YEARS EXPERIENCE CONSULTING COMMUNITY NONPROFIT & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

IMPLEMENTED MAJOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN 3 CENTRAL FLORIDA CITIES.

POSITION ON WH BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS.

MEMBER COMMUNITY RELATIONS ADVISORY COUNCIL (CRAC) POLK COUNTY.

SUPPORTS DIVERSITY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND JOBS FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ALREADY LIVE HERE.

ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

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

The removing from office the incumbent commissioners. I feel they have lost touch with the real people and are selling us out to anybody who shows up with money and ideas that seems to enrich them personally and professionally.

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

Apathy. The resident majority did not participate in city matters because the city and the millionaires have established a reputation of picking and choosing among themselves to reap the benefits. Favor is not fair in Winter Haven.

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

I would work as a representative to be inclusive of all the residents who to become stakeholders especially the young adults in Winter Haven.

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

Selling the Chain of Lakes complex to a developer. We have allowed these developers to enter into our city with grandiose ideas that the city will be enriched by the taxes these developments will bring, but as we look over the landscape there a numerous housing developments that sit almost vacant or underutilized causing the city to expend additional resources.

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

I’m not sure. We have a diverse economic system that has several engines that drives our economy. Our educational systems, small business development, hospital and medical and tourism. Tourism appears to have taken a back seat with the closing of Cypress Gardens and the loss of the Cleveland Indians.

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 opportunity or incentive I believe holds the greatest potential to attract businesses is in Sports Marketing. I believe through sports marketing projects and concepts we can control our future destiny and create jobs for the people who already live here. Our Leisure and Recreation I believe holds the best potential for sustaining and maintaining jobs.

CSX is next greatest economic potential I believe will help create the type of paying jobs that will have the most economic impact on the city of Winter Haven. This project is more directly connected to our economic base for the future. While Legoland does offer the potential of hundreds of jobs I do not believe they do not bring the employee benefits necessary to make those jobs sustaining and viable.

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

Our assets are our people and the diversity of our community.

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

By working to bring in and to create employment opportunities for our residents and to continue what is already happening to enhance the quality living in Winter Haven.

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

I some time think qualifications are over emphasize especially in elections. I consider myself a moral person, an advocate for people, intelligent, educated (college degrees), passion, commitment and dedicated to making life better for my children and grandchildren who also lives here. I am a homeowner, taxpayer and registered voter.

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.

Cypress Gardens

Cleveland Indians

Railroad (not CSX)

Integration

Me moving here

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.

"Tico Belle" Operational C-47 WWII "Sky Train" on Display

POLK CITY, Fla. (May 12, 2011) – It has been recreated countless times in books and movies… but on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, the largest military invasion in world history will come to life once again at Fantasy of Flight during part four of the attraction’s Legends & Legacies Symposium Series, “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy.” Guests are invited to relive D-Day through the eyes of some of the few living World War II veterans who fought for their lives in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 as well as through the words of award-winning World War II author and another special “veteran” – an actual Douglas C-47 Skytrain known as “Tico Belle,” that was also instrumental in D-Day.

Throughout the weekend, WWII heroes Richard Ortega, Winter Park, Fla., Clifford Kantz, Orlando and Howard Huebner, Ocala, Fla., and others will share personal stories and recollections of the D-Day invasion and the grueling weeks that followed. Their stories promise to sound hauntingly familiar: Richard Ortega served with Easy Company, which was portrayed in the 2001 HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers and the 1992 book by Stephen Ambrose. Howard Huebner, a paratrooper, fought with Easy Company after members of his company missed their drop zone by several miles and became separated dangerously close to German barracks. His story is portrayed in the film D-Day Down to Earth – Return of the 507th.

Adding to the authentic experience will be another visitor, an actual Douglas C-47 Skytrain — also known as the Tico Belle — that was used to carry CG-4 gliders and the 82nd airborne infantry on D-Day. Tico Belle, one of the few flying “veteran” C-47s, will be visiting from the Valiant Air Command (VAC) Warbird Museum in Titusville, Fla. The World War II veterans and members of the “Legends & Legacies” panel will board Tico Belle for a nostalgic flight Friday afternoon, making for a heart-warming photo opportunity for guests, who will be able to walk through and tour the plane at various times throughout the weekend. A flight for the public may be scheduled if demand warrants (additional fee applies).

“This is an incredible opportunity to hear firsthand about one of the most historically significant battles in world history from the men who were actually there, fighting for their lives,” said Kim Long, General Manager of Fantasy of Flight. “We are expecting a full house at Fantasy of Flight May 13-14 to honor these most respected and decorated WWII veterans including the Tico Belle.”

One of the only attractions in the country to bring together legendary World War II heroes to share their firsthand accounts, Fantasy of Flight is proud to present this newly expanded symposium series which invites WWII aviation heroes and their families to offer a glimpse of what it was like to fly in the heyday of aviation as they protected their country. The series also includes heroes from WWII who served on the ground protecting and supporting the men and women in flight. Each symposium features several open-forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions.

CMS Richard A. Ortega, Winter Park, Fla., is a 30-year veteran of the United States military, with four years in the Army and 26 years in the Air Force. Trained as an infantryman and paratrooper, Ortega landed at Omaha Beach with the first assault wave, Easy Company, 2nd battalion of the 116th infantry regiment of the 29th infantry division. He spent 56 days on the front line, suffering 12 minor wounds before he was seriously wounded and evacuated to Southern England. He spent nine months in the hospital there before being transferred in May 1945 to the Army Air Corps to become a bombardier instructor in a B-29/50.

In July 1950, he served as the lead bombardier on the 1st B-29 mission flown over North Korea. He flew more than 10,000 hours in various roles in 11 types of aircraft, including the C-119, B-17, B-29, KC-97 and KC-135. In his later career, he participated in the development and deployment of the LGM-30 and LGM-118A Peacekeeper ICBM missiles. Ortega’s combat decorations include: two Silver Star medals, four Bronze Star medals with “V” (valor for combat), seven Purple Hearts, and many more. He retired from the United States Air Force on June 30, 1970.

Ortega feels strongly about sharing his message with the public during Fantasy of Flight’s Legends & Legacies symposium, and in particular, with today’s youth. “…We must instill upon the hearts and minds of the American public and our youth the values of citizenship, personal responsibilities, a sense of accomplishment, and enable them to become honorable members in our community for competent and professional service to our nation. In this regard, we must relate to them the story of the sacrifices experiences by the American Military Forces during the Invasion of France who risked their lives to liberate France and the rest of Europe… We must continue to devote our time, talents and treasures to motivate the American public and our youth to seriously support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Major Clifford Kantz , Orlando, retired in 1963 after 20 years in the Air Force. He flew 16 combat missions during World War II, the first of which was on D-Day, when he piloted a C-47 to drop paratroopers over Normandy. He flew one of 27 planes in the 100th TCS or Troop Carrying Squadron, which flew with three other squadrons the morning of D-Day for a total of 90 planes flying in formation. In an article he submitted to his hometown newspaper, The Daily News in Lebanon, Penn., Kantz recalled being blinded by searchlights as the planes neared the beach, and watching as the paratroopers descended from the planes. “Even at this speed, I could see their eyes and they were terrified for a few brief moments as much as I was.” His first combat mission lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes, but Kantz said, “Strangely it seemed much longer and much shorter… Many of my friends never returned that day.” The significance of the event wasn’t lost on the young pilot, who on D-Day was only 20 years old. “I shall never forget the small part that I played in the greatest military operation of any war in history.”

Special Staff Sargeant Howard Huebner, Ocala, Fla., a U.S. Army Paratrooper was just 21 when he jumped out of a plane and into the history books on D-Day. His company, C-company of the 507th , was the last of the paratroopers to jump, and by then, the landscape of their planned drop zone looked drastically different, causing them to become disoriented and jump miles off target. Separated from his company, he fought with the 506th and 501st, securing the French town of Pouppeville and later fighting in one of WWII’s bloodiest battles at La Fiere Causeway, the site depicted in the movie “D-Day Down to Earth – Return of the 507th.”

Recalled Huebner, “We had a little cover for a few feet and then nothing but sure luck and the good Lord with us, but we made it across. It was running and firing. You see your buddies lying there and you can’t help them, but we were trained to kill or be killed and that’s what took us across the causeway; guts and determination.” The casualties suffered in taking the bridge were extremely high. “It cost 500 lives to take a half mile of road,” he recounted. “A very high price to pay.” C-company fought for 33 straight days in Normandy with no reinforcements, rations or supplies. Only 75 of 230 men in Huebner’s company survived. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1946 as a Special Staff Sergeant.

Tico Belle, Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum, Titusville, Fla. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain was called one of the most significant weapons used in World War II by then General Dwight Eisenhower. The military version of the DC-3 commercial airliner, the plane was used to tow gliders, and could carry a military Jeep with a trailer or a 37MM anti-tank gun as well as 28 soldiers in full combat gear. Tico Belle, then known only as tail number 42-100591 (#591) played a vital role in D-Day, carrying Waco (CG-4) gliders containing elements of the 82nd airborne infantry. She continued to see battle at Cherbourg, Arnhem and Bastogne and was used to ferry supplies in the Berlin Airlift. In 1950, she was leased to the Norwegian Air Force, then transferred to the Royal Danish Air Force in 1956, where her duty assignment was to transport the Royal Family of Denmark. In 1982 with over 13,500 flying hours, the Royal Danish Air Force finally retired #591. Members of the Valiant Air Command, with the help of Royal Danish Air Force Pilots, ferried her to the United States. During the latter part of the 80s and the 90s she visited many air shows and toured the nation as a flying museum; educating thousands about her battle heritage and of the legacy of those who sacrificed so much in the service of their country. Along the way she acquired her WWII type nose art and became known far and wide as The Valiant Air Command’s “Tico Belle” after the Titusville/Cocoa airport where she is based.

The “Legends & Legacies Symposium Series” features six topics scheduled for 2011, with remaining symposiums to include “D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy,” May 13-14; “The Pacific War: Power and Pursuit,” June 10-11; and “The Great Escape: Heroes Underground,” Oct. 14-15. All symposiums are included with daily general admission and are free for all Annual Pass holders. Call 863-984-3500 or go to www.fantasyofflight.com for more information. Also on the calendar for 2011 is 5th Annual Roar n’ Soar, November 12-13.

Fantasy of Flight general admission is $28.95 plus tax for adults, $14.95 plus tax for youth (age 6-15) and five and under are free with full paying adult. Group rates are available.

In celebration of National Military Appreciation Month, Fantasy of Flight is pleased to offer complimentary admission to all active-duty, retired and reserve members of the U.S. armed forces throughout the month of May. Guests must present a current military ID to qualify for the free general admission ticket. The offer is not valid with any other offers or discounts.

For more information, visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

*****

Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country’s only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.

Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Located in the lobby of the Verizon building the cafe is locally owned by John and Debbie Tennick. The Plaza offers foods made with the highest quality yet simple all natural ingredients.

They bake their cookies (ginger is a favorite), muffins, cinnamon rolls & sausage rolls each morning. They also serve fresh organic veggie juices! Check out the menu here  REAL FOOD, SIMPLY DELICIOUS

Plaza Cafe is open Monday – Friday from 8a.m.  until 2 p.m. Catering/Delivery is available.

We welcome this great new addition to our ever-growing number of restaurant choices.

BARTOW, Fla. (August 27, 2010) – The Central Florida Development Council is encouraging all small and minority-owned business in Polk County interested in working with the Florida High Speed Rail project to attend a meeting hosted by the Florida Rail Enterprise division of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at The Lakeland Center, 701 West Lime Street in Lakeland.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide small and minority-owned businesses an opportunity to learn about the FDOT’s business enterprise goals and certifications required for working on the $1.25 billion (first phase) rail project which will connect Tampa to Orlando with a stop on Interstate 4 in Polk County.

“The FDOT meeting on September 1 is an excellent opportunity for Polk County businesses to learn how they may participate in this major capital project,” said the CFDC’s Executive Director Tom Patton. “There are literally thousands of jobs and millions of dollars at stake during the planning, engineering and construction phases of the High Speed Rail project. Polk County companies need to be at the table to take advantage of this huge opportunity.”

Patton said any potential contractor, vendor or supplier with an interest in the rail project, regardless of size, should attend the afternoon session at The Lakeland Center.

A meeting to inform the general public about the status of the High Speed Rail will follow the small business meeting at 6:30 pm.

Isemann brings considerable expertise in theme park and attractions marketing and will lead the estimated 20-person marketing team as Director of Sales & Marketing for LEGOLAND Florida. Isemann joins the team of Model Citizens (LEGOLAND Park’s affectionate term for employees) from her role as General Manager of the Daytona 500 Experience Attraction at the Daytona International Speedway. Prior to the Speedway, Isemann was with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in escalating roles over a 12-year period, culminating in her position as the Florida Parks Director of Promotions. Isemann is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and will soon be relocating to Polk County.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of Merlin Entertainments Group on this exciting new venture,” Isemann said. “LEGOLAND has such a tradition of quality entertainment, and I know this will be a successful park when we open next year.”

Joining Isemann as the Manager of Sales is Andrus, a 13-year sales veteran from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment where he was most recently the Senior Manager of National Sales. Andrus’ knowledge and contacts in the sales arena will prove invaluable to the first new theme park to be built in Central Florida in more than 10 years. Andrus graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Communications.

Wallace will be heading the communications efforts for the new park as Public Relations Representative. With more than 10 years of theme park experience, Wallace comes to LEGOLAND Florida directly from the promotions team at SeaWorld & Busch Gardens. Previously, she was a member of the SeaWorld Orlando media relations team that opened Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark and several headlining shows. Wallace graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations.

LEGOLAND Florida will offer more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, including thousands of spectacular LEGO® models. The Florida development will be Merlin Entertainments’ second LEGOLAND Park in North America and will play an important role in the group’s continued growth in the U.S. Providing a full-day, year round theme park experience geared towards families with children between the ages of 2 and 12, LEGOLAND Florida will mirror the successful concept of the four existing LEGOLAND Parks in Denmark, Germany, U.K. and California. However, as with the other four, it will also have its own unique “twist” reflecting its stunning location and adding a Florida flavor.

Winter Haven is excited to host LEGOLAND® Florida and we welcome Kim Isemann,Todd Andrus and Jackie Wallace as they begin to tell the world about the park .

Leadership Winter Haven Class 30 left to right:  Keira Lennox, Class Chair; Lee Hodges, Brian Pearce & Associates: Andrew Rhinehart, Cassidy Organization; Jennifer Montague, Fantasy of Flight; Bridget Fetter, Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School;  Joe Braddy, News Chief;  Jennifer Romberger, Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce; Jae Lynn Akin, State Farm; Clay McKown, Allen and Co.; Sharon Johnson, Citzens Bank and Trust

At right, Chris and Hap Hazelwood. Hap is the 2010 LWH Distinguished Alumni.

In announcing the move to her staff, McKinzie noted that moving her retirement forward would afford her successor the same opportunity that she enjoyed in 2004 by allowing he or she to develop staffing and budget goals for the ensuing year.

To the district employees she said, “This is a very important time of our school-year and we have much left to do.  Each of you has been working diligently and I look forward to continuing to work with you toward raising the level of student achievement. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do for our 92,000 students.”