CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
February 2018
In this issue: President’s Message
New Members
Ribbon Cuttings
February
Anniversaries
Involvement
Opportunities
Volunteer
Opportunities
February Calendar
Strawberry Classic
Cruise-In
Best of Plant City
Awards
Lunch & Learn Series
The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce eNewsletter
The Greater Plant City
Chamber of Commerce
106 N. Evers Street
Plant City, FL 33563
813.754.3707
PlantCity.org
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane... It’s Planes, Trains, & Automobiles 2018
On February 24th we will host the annual Planes, Trains, & Automobiles event
at the Plant City Airport. The event was created when now Chairman Jason Jones
was inspired by an old photo of the Strawberry Air Fest. It’s continued to grow
over the years and is now a favorite for many. Over 5,000 visitors come out each
year to enjoy classic
cars, model trains,
airplanes, k9
demonstrations, and fun
for the whole family.
There will be free flights
for children (ages 8-17)
courtesy of EAA Young
Eagles, opportunities for
Cub and Boy Scouts to
earn badges, demonstrations, and displays as far as the eye can see. Opening
ceremonies are at 10:30am and trophies will be awarded at 2:30pm, be sure to
vote for your favorite automobile & plane on display!
When: Saturday, February 24th, 10am-3pm
Where: Plant City Airport (4007 Airport Road, Plant City, FL)
Cost: FREE admission. Parking $5
Photos of past years’ events courtesy of The Plant City Times & Observer + The Plant City Chamber
THANK YOU TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO THE CHAMBER.
Executive Committee: Chairman of the Board Jason Jones Advantage Restoration & Contracting Chair Elect Karen Kerr South Florida Baptist Hospital Immediate Past Chair
Yvonne Fry Fryed Egg Productions Treasurer Carole Wright Myers & Wright, P.A.
VC: Membership Division Courtney Paat State Farm Insurance VC: Community Relations Division Clark Smith Suncoast Credit Union
VC: Community Events Division Alice Bullard OnPoint IT Solutions VC: Governmental Affairs & Economic Impact Division
Marty Clay Hillsborough Community College
Directors: Mike Arndt Minute Man Press
Matt Buzza
Pilot Bank
Irene Castillo
Raulerson Castillo & Company
Kayla Drawdy
Hillsborough Title, Inc.
Ken Gibbs
Jack T. Gibbs, Realtors
Charles Harris
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Larry Jimenez, Jr.
Star Distribution Systems
Jamey Moody
James S. Moody, III
Tom Pollock
Pilot Bank
Remegio Sanchez
Ice Pop Factory
Jim Scott
Jarrett-Scott Ford
Ed Verner
City Properties Company
2018 Trustees THANK YOU TO OUR TRUSTEES FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE CHAMBER AND TO OUR COMMUNITY.
2018 Board of Directors
Members:
The annual Passing of the Gavel was held last Thursday at the Trinkle Center. It was a wonderful evening
filled with laughter, introspection, and celebration. We want to thank Yvonne Fry for her leadership during 2017
and are looking forward to Jason Jones’ term as Chairman during 2018. Jason says that he plans to focus on
three things: economic growth, business education and increased chamber membership value during his year
as Chairman. Part of his plan includes bringing back the Lunch and Learn Series; we held the first of this series
on January 24th and we were very pleased with the turn out. February’s topic will be Social Media & Small
Business lead by member-business Graphite Media. We are excited to see what 2018 will hold with Jason’s
leadership.
We have a very busy February and March ahead of us! The winners of the 2018 Best of Plant City Awards
will be revealed at a Chamber luncheon on February 8th. Please join us in congratulating the top finalists and
the winners in each category. Space is limited so be sure to register soon to save your seat for this exciting
event. The cost for members and their guests is $40, non-members are welcome to attend at the non-member
rate of $50. Register by February 2nd to lock-in a $10 early bird discount. Categories include Hospitality &
Tourism, Small Business, Downtown Enrichment, Economic Development, Community Service, and many more.
We look forward to recognizing those in our community who go above and beyond to make our city the best
place to live, work, and play.
Also in February is Planes, Trains, & Automobiles 2018! We host this event in February each year at the Plant
City Airport, in partnership with Tampa International Airport; and it’s always a good time. There will be free
flights for children, vendors, K9 demonstrations, and fun for the whole family!
And with March of course comes the Florida Strawberry
Festival! We appreciate all of the volunteers who help run the
Chamber booth during the eleven day run and are recruiting
even more for this year. This is a great way to promote our
community and encourage visitors to return year-round. If
you’re interested in becoming a Chamber festival volunteer,
please sign-up here.
Make it a great February!
“BUSINESS BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY” IS MORE THAN A SLOGAN— IT’S A PROMISE.
President’s Message
Christine Miller (President)
PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS
New Members
Saputo Dairy Foods USA December 21, 2017 3304 Sydney Road
Plant City, Florida 33566 http://saputo.com (815) 756-0120
Food Processing / Packaging
TR Network Consulting, LLC
December 28, 2017 1003 S. Alexander Street, Suite 10
Plant City, FL 33563 http://www.trnetworkconsulting.com
(813) 685-9075 Computer Repair & Information
Technology Consulting
Alpha Omega Credit Solutions, LLC
December 29, 2017
104 W. Reynolds St, Ste 5 Plant City , FL 33563 http://www.aocs.info
(866) 481-4441 Credit Solutions
Carr & Associates Consultants December 29, 2017
P. O. Box 1600 Thonotosassa , FL 33592
(813) 927-2590 Business Consultants & Management
Chick-fil-A Lakeland Square December 29, 2017
3800 US Highway 98 N Ste.692 Lakeland, FL FL 33809
http://CFA-LakelandSquare.com (863) 859-4444
Restaurants
Pinch A Penny Pool, Patio, and Spa January 2, 2018
1411 S. Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563
https://pinchapenny.com/stores/plant-city-fl-74
(813) 754-9500 Swimming Pools & Spas - Builders,
Services & Supplies
Centennial Bank January 3, 2018
1907 James L. Redman Parkway Plant City, FL 33563
www.my100bank.com (813) 752-8800
Financial Institutions
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services-State Farmers' Market January 3, 2018
1305 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563
(813) 359-2620 Government
New Beginnings Worship Center COGBF
January 3, 2018
407 S. Knight Street Plant City, FL33563
www.anewstart4u.org
(813) 770-0183 Churches & Religious Organizations
Direct Auto & Life Insurance
January 5, 2018 9539-A East Fowler Avenue
Thonotosassa, FL 33592 www.directgeneral.com
(813) 261-3225 Insurance
PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING TO OUR NEWEST CHAMBER MEMBERS
New Members
Drawdy's Dance School January 8, 2018
108 NE Drane St. Plant City, FL 33563
www.drawdysdanceschool.com (813) 385-2384
Dance Studios / Dance Lessons
All Pro Wildlife, LLC January 9, 2018 P.O. Box 1373
Plant City FL 33563 www.TampaAnimalControl.com
(813) 404-7033
k.e.y Beauty & Esthetics January 9, 2018
104 W. Reynolds Street, #9 Plant City, FL 33563
http://keybeautyandesthetics.com (813) 361-7145
Cosmetics & Skin Care
Norma's Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop
January 9, 2018 120 N. Collins St
Plant City , FL 33563 http://www.normascuban.com
(813) 704-6015 Restaurants
Pipe Pros INC January 9, 2018
702 East Reynolds Street Plant City , FL 33563
(813) 478-7897
The Corner Store January 9, 2018
121 East Reynolds Street Plant City , FL 33563
www.thecornerstore.co (813) 754-0900
Restaurants
Clayton Dermatology Group January 10, 2018
2010 Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City , FL 33563
www.claytonderm.com (813) 752-0757 Medical Services
Complete Air Services LLC January 10, 2018
Plant City , FL 33565
www.completeaire.com (813) 836-0061
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration
The Tooth Caboose January 16, 2018
2005 Thonotosassa Road Plant City , FL 33564
www.BayAreaSmilesFL.com (813) 752-3555
Dentists & Orthodontists
Ribbon Cuttings
Lawrence McClure,
State Representative
Thursday, January 4th
On Thursday, January 4th The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for House District 58 Rep. Lawrence McClure. “State Representative Lawrence McClure looks forward to fostering business growth and job opportunities in the state of Florida. He is committed to listening to the concerns of constituents, providing assistance when needed, and is dedicated to maintaining our conservative values. Rep. McClure will pursue efficiency within state government and get rid of unnecessary regulations that are
burdensome to business owners.”
A PEACE of Plant City
Tuesday, January 9th
On Tuesday, January 9th The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for A Peace of Plant City located at 120 N. Collins Street, Suite 101.Back to her roots, Jayme Harris, Plant City native and USAF veteran, has created A PEACE of Plant City. A PEACE of Plant City will offer an array of boutique style retail offerings, with locally made strawberry themed shirts, hats, jewelry, organic soaps, lip balm and lotions. Veteran made pens and unique gift items. Repurposed, refurbished, and original state antique furniture and household decor.
Direct Auto & Life
Insurance
Friday, January 12th
On Friday, January 12th The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Thonotosassa location of Direct Auto & Life Insurance. "Direct Auto & Life Insurance specializes in providing affordable auto insurance. We proudly offer a member-to-member “affinity” discount to the employees of any company that belongs to the Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
Ribbon Cuttings
Hillsborough County
Farm Bureau
Thursday, January 18th
On Thursday, January 18th The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau at their new location at 305 S. Wheeler Street, Plant City. "Although Hillsborough County Farm Bureau has been in the county for over 75 years, our office has not been in Plant City since the late 50’s and we are thrilled to be back. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is a not-for profit, membership, agriculture education organization. Our mission is to assist the Ag community any way we can. Farm Bureau Insurance is a member benefit for our members. If you’re not a member, consider joining!"
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings:
Norma’s Plant City Cuban Shop
Friday, February 9, 2018
Fazoli’s
Monday, February 12, 2018
Florida United Methodist Children’s
Home Foster Care Services
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Grits & Berries
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Ribbon Cuttings are an excellent way to showcase your business and generate
publicity; they’re posted on our Facebook page, in the Plant City Observer, in FOCUS
Magazine, and in this monthly newsletter Chamber Connections. If you haven’t had a
ribbon cutting, or have recently remodeled or moved, call us to schedule a ribbon cutting
for your business today!
HAVE AN EVENT COMING UP? ADD IT TO THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR!
Community Calendar
ADD AN EVENT TO THE CALENDAR NOW
Ambassador Corner MONTHLY AMBASSADOR MEETING
Our Chamber Ambassadors are the driving force behind member
engagement and outreach. At the January meeting we celebrated
the 2017 all stars & took this fun photo. Who says building your
network can't be fun?!
2017 Chamber Ambassador Team of the Year: Team Two
2017 Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Alice Bullard
Interested in becoming a
Chamber Ambassador?
Click here to find out how.
The 2018 Plant City Magazines have arrived!
Ambassador teams will be distributing these new
directories starting February 1st.
FEBRUARY’S CHAMBER MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Member Anniversaries
30+ Years
Cross Pest Control
Badcock Home Furniture & More
Marjon Specialty Foods, Inc.
20+ Years
Farm Credit of Central Florida, ACA
Trapnell Elementary School
Lee, Tom
City of Plant City
10+ Years
Bealsville, Inc.
Haught Funeral Home, Inc.
United Food Bank & Services of Plant City
State Farm Insurance - Courtney Paat
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Walden Lake Community Association
Keller Williams Realty
Lighthouse Ministries
Strawberry Town Cafe
Reddy Ice
Sysco International Food Group, Inc.
5+ Years
Suncoast Community Health Centers, Inc.
- Plant City Family Care
Enterprise Rent A Car
Malissa Crawford - Coldwell Banker
Residential Real Estate, Inc,
Gospel METS Ministries, Inc.
1-4 Years
University of Florida - Plant City Campus
Direct Auto Insurance
Tint Plus
Sweetgum Environmental
Plant City Dentistry
Outpatient Rehabilitation Services - SFBH
Plant City Dermatology
Mt. Zion Assembly of God
Davis, J. Coleman
T-R Drum LLC
Florida E.N.T. & Allergy
College Hunks Hauling Junk & College
Hunks Moving
N Zone Sports
Iceberg Air Conditioning and Heating
Lighthouse Clipper Coupon
Lynn Galindo Do Terra Essential Oils
Robin F. Fuson PA
Plant City Boxing Gym
U.S. Army Recruiting
The Law Office of Makar, P.A.
VOLUNTEERING IS A GREAT WAY TO GET INVOLVED
Volunteer Opportunities
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
RSVP NOW
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
RSVP NOW
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
REGISTER NOW
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
Register Now
You’ve Voted — Now
discover the winners of
the 2018 Best of Plant
City Awards
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
2017 Chair, Yvonne
Fry, passes the Gavel
to 2018 Chairman of
the Board, Jason
Jones
2018 Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Past Chairmen passing the gavel down
2018 Chairman of the Board, Jason
Jones, and family
THANK YOU TO OUR INVITATION SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR BANQUET SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM SPONSORS
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
THANK YOU TO
OUR SPONSORS
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, GET INVOLVED
Involvement Opportunities
ALL THINGS PLANT CITY DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY
February Calendar
106 North Evers Street Plant City, FL 33563
(813) 754-3707
PlantCity.org
Chamber Calendar
Click here for all events hosted by
the Chamber:
Monthly Networking Lunches
Business After Hours
Ribbon Cuttings
Committee Meetings
Community Calendar
Click here for all events hosted by
organizations in our community:
Fundraisers
Workshops
Award Dinners
Craft Fairs
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