First Thing Monday Morning - March 16, 2020



A Message from your Chamber President

Good morning,

The speed at which information and guidelines are changing is rapid. I couldn't help but say to myself last night "this feels like alternate universe." I am sure many of you are having a similar feeling with many questions unanswered. Our job at the Chamber of Commerce is to support you, our business community, in any way possible.  As Floridians we are accustomed to handling weather related crisis, but this is very different. As we are closely monitoring the actions of other states, I think it is important to be realistic about what could happen here. That is why it would be very helpful to me if you would be willing to take this brief survey so that we can be communicating, as necessary, the best information possible to our larger Winter Haven community about your business. As I mentioned on Friday, please do not hesitate to reach out to me on my cell phone at 863-604-0982 or contact Amanda Jo Nicholson, the VP of Member Services on her cell at 863-242-6934. Our office phone number is 863-293-2138. 

We have made the decision to cancel and/or postpone our next three upcoming events. Last night the CDC released a recommendation of postponing events of 50 people or more for the next 8 weeks. In light of this new information we will be addressing our events schedule during that timeframe and will keep you informed as soon as possible.

All my best - 
Katie Worthington Decker 
In this Issue 
New Members
290 Cypress Gardens Blvd - Suite 2
Winter Haven, FL 33880

585 Cypress Gardens Blvd
Winter Haven, FL 33880

220 W Waters Ave
Tampa, FL 33604
On the Blog








Market Your Business

2020 Banker's Cup Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Banker's Cup Citizens of the Year Award, Winter Haven's highest honor.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Banker's Cup Citizens of the Year Award, Winter Haven's highest honor. The awards will be given during the Celebrate Winter Haven event to be held Thursday, September 24, 2020. 
All nominations must be received by April 1, 2020.

Click here to learn more about the Banker's Cup Award and nominate a deserving individual today!
Upcoming Networking Showcases
Canceled: March 19, 2020

April 30, 2020

May 28, 2020

June 25, 2020

July 23, 2020

Interested in hosting a showcase? Contact Amanda Jo!  
Thank you to our Community Investor Level Members 
This Week at the Chamber
Be uplifted with this weeks It's Happenin' In the Haven: Episode 9 -  Now Available.

Episode 9 -  Little Jumbo is a truly uplifting and motivating episode about hard work, the reality of realizing your dreams and finding the "why" in your life's work. We interview Fred Koehler, nationally-recognized children's book author and illustrator, who in an inspiring and funny interview explains how he went from doodling in a coffee shop to being a published author. We also have our next politics segment with a lesson on the electoral college with Polk State College    Government adjunct professor Ed Smith. Thanks go to  All Saints Academy   for lending us Fred for the episode, their Director of Media and Design! 

Chamber Calendar of Events
Cancelled - March Networking Showcase Hosted by:  Citizens Bank & Trust Celebrates 100 Years!

After conversations with out Networking Showcase host, we have decided to cancel the Spring Fling Showcase to be hosted at Citizens Bank & Trust High Pointe Center on Thursday, March 19 in an abundance of caution . If you see Greg Littleton or any of the Citizens staff, please thank them for their continued support of Winter Haven's business community.
Postponed - Endeavor Winter Haven Lunch & Learn at Black Oak Creative
Was scheduled for March 20, New Date TBD,  The Lodge, 332 Ave B SW

Join Endeavor Winter Haven Young Professionals Group at a future date for a Lunch and Learn at Black Oak Creative.  Join us at their beautiful facility to learn how easily accessible tools, available to us all, can generate leads for your business. They will also do an immersive dive into digital content and how best to create it, leverage PR opportunities, best practices to launch products, and more. Stay tuned for a new date! 
Postponed - Speedleads
Was scheduled for April 9 - New Date TBD 

Our Speedleads event is designed to be a fast paced  event to build your network!  With INDUSTRY EXCLUSIVITY you will be the only person in the room from your industry type! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other business leaders in the room and you'll meet each one individually and have time to chat, learn about their business, and promote your business....and figure out how you can do business together!  Spots are filled on a first come first served basis. Contact    [email protected] for more information and to get on the list to be notified about the new date when scheduled.


Exclusive Chamber Member Sneak Preview LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel
Monday, April 13, 2020,  5:30  p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  
One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884

AHOY me mateys! Join fellow Chamber members and their guests for an exclusive sneak preview of the new Pirate Island Hotel. Enjoy a complimentary beverage from the Smuggler's Bar, a food tasting from their family-style Shipwreck Restaurant, pirate entertainment and self-guided tours!

 Also purchase tickets (as a fundraiser for the Chamber) for an opportunity to win and overnight stay at the property for your family! Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Register here! 
29th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
Friday, April 24, 11:00 a.m. ,  Country Club of Winter Haven
4200 Country Club Rd. S

Meet us at the  Country Club of Winter Haven for our 29th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament! Contests, prizes and refreshments will be on hand. Check-in and lunch are at 11 a.m.; the shotgun start is at 12 p.m.; and awards dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

Sponsorships are still available. You can gain additional exposure for your business during the 29th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament by donating a door prize or goodie bag item. We will be glad to pick the items up.

To become a sponsor, donate, register or for general information, contact Karen at (863) 293-2138 or email  [email protected].
Cricket Wireless Winter Haven Ribbon Cutting

Cricket Wireless Winter Haven - 2795 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven, FL 33880

Would you like your future event listed on First Thing?  
Be sure to SUBMIT it to our Community Calendar first!
Visit the Chamber's Community Calendar to see what else is happening around the town! 
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Our Vision:  To advance Commerce and Community 
Our Mission: Serving, Representing and Enhancing Business Growth

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