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