Tavares Chamber of Commerce 300 East Main Street Tavares, FL

Tavares Chamber of Commerce
300 East Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
Presorted – STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Mid-Florida, FL
Permit #57120
Dianna Miller with
Ariel's Flowers & Gifts
725 W Main Street,
Suite B, Tavares
Presented with
Tavares Chamber of Commerce
2nd Quarter Business
Beautification Award.
(l to r) Chamber Past
President Jacquelyn
Coval - BankFirst, Ariel's
owner Dianna Miller,
Board Directors Dee
Johns - Directories Ink,
Lou Buigas, Chamber
Board Secretary Deborah
Cahill - Home Instead
Senior Care, Chamber
Director T.J. Fish - Lake
Sumter Metropolitan
Organization, Chamber
Vice President Janet
Noack - United Southern
Bank and Chamber
President Orin Owen Owen Associates.
June Chamber
Business Luncheon
Wednesday, June 25
11:30am to 1:00pm
Sponsor: B. Grassel
Speaker: Dr. Diane Culpepper
Director Lake Tech
Caterer: Pastore's Downtown Pizzeria
Tavares Civic Center
100 E. Caroline Street, Tavares
Please RSVP
June/July 2014
Calendar of Events
Tuesday, June 10
Networking Lunch
J's Pizzeria
528 S. Duncan Drive, Tavares
Noon to 1:00pm - Please RSVP
Wednesday, June 11
Lake County Tourism Expo
Lake Sumter State College
9501 U.S. Highway 441, Leesburg
3 to 7:00pm
Thursday, June 12 - Ribbon Cutting
Cornerstone Hospice
Celebrates 30 Years
2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares
Noon to 6:00pm
Thursday, June 19
Business After Hours - Celebrate
Mission Inn's 50th Anniversary
Mission Inn
10400 CR 48, Howey-in-the-Hills
5:30 - 7:00pm - Please RSVP
Thursday, June 26
Business After Hours
Pediatric Association of Lake County
1765 David Walker Road, Tavares
5:30 - 7:00pm - Please RSVP
Thursday, July 17
Business After Hours
KB Homes Etowah
2907 Etowah Blvd., Tavares
5:30 - 7:00pm - Please RSVP
Wednesday, July 23
July Chamber Business Luncheon
Tavares Civic Center
100 E. Caroline Street, Tavares
11:30am - 1:00pm - Please RSVP
Go to:
www.TavaresChamber.com
or call
352. 343. 2531
TAVARES fired up for Independence
Day Celebration. Large crowds are expected
downtown for the City of Tavares’
traditional Independence Day Celebration. The fun will kick off
in Wooton Park on Friday, July 4th at 3pm. The Tavares
Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring the Kid’s Rides & Activities and has put
together an exciting assortment, including a water slide, an obstacle course, a Castle
bounce house which features a slide, Tigger bounce house, and Bonnie Bell Express
Trackless Train. Tickets are available for purchase on a per attraction basis or buy an allday-pass wristband to experience all fun!
Other activities include the Main Street & Ruby Street Parade at 5pm, live music,
interactive dance party, Splash Park, game truck, Big Red Bus, photo booth, and face
painting. A dazzling firework display over Lake Dora will round out the festivities at 9pm.
The downtown Tavares restaurants and bars will also be open for event goers to
enjoy food, beverages, and additional live entertainment throughout the day and evening.
The Chamber is still looking for volunteers to help assist in the Wooton Park
festivities and has Sponsorship Opportunities available as well. If you are interested in
participating in this fun-filled day in downtown Tavares, contact the Tavares Chamber at
352-343-2531 or go to www.TavaresChamber.com.
Tavares Chamber Members Honored
TAVARES – The Lake County Community
Service Awards recognize companies, groups and
individuals whose dedication to the community and the
local residents has made Lake County a better place
to live. The 2014 awards, presented at an event held
in late April at Lake Receptions, included some of our
very own chamber members.
Receiving the award for Medium Sized Community
Service Business Award was Vinnie Vittoria of Cousin
Vinnie’s Family Sports Restaurant.
Vinnie is well
known for his
big heart and
continued
service to the
community.
He supplies food for many local groups and
fundraisers and he donates business proceeds
from chicken wing challenges to charity.
Cousin Vinnie's has also has been very active
supporting the Tavares Chamber by coordinating
the annual golf tournament fundraiser. Cousin
Vinnie’s won the Chamber Medium Business of the
Year award in 2013.
The Community Service Entrepreneur
Award was presented to Tom Hoffmeister of
Osprey Lodge.
Continue on page 6
Opportunities to do Business with Lake County Government
Lake County’s Business Opportunity Centers (BOC) offer full-service business support to all businesses in Lake County,
regardless of size, industry or business cycle. Whether you are an entrepreneur with the next big idea or a successful business owner
looking to take your company to the next level, the Lake County BOC has a program or service designed to help you achieve your
economic goals.
Lake County Economic Development has partnered with Lake-Sumter State College and the Small Business Development
Center to bring this unique "Entrepreneurial Ecosystem" to Lake County. Training and seminars, one-on-one consulting and a
comprehensive incubator program are offered at each of three (3) Centers conveniently located throughout the County.
Northeast Lake County
Business Opportunity Center
1520 South Bay Street
Eustis, FL 32726
Phone: 352-602-4575
Site Mgr: Nancy Muenzmay
South Lake County
Business Opportunity Center
20763 US Highway 27
Groveland, FL 34736
Phone: 352-429-2581
Site Mgr: Cesar Gomez Northwest
Lake County (Leesburg)
Business Opportunity Center
600 Market Street
Leesburg, FL 34749
Phone: 352-315-1846
Site Mgr: Theresa Davis
A series of business development classes and training seminars are offered monthly and throughout the year to help businesses
achieve economic prosperity.
Certified Business Analysts are available for free, one-on-one consulting to assist
business owners and entrepreneurs with whatever information or resources are needed to help
their business or idea succeed.
Whether you are thinking about starting a new business, expanding an existing one, or
looking for perspective on a new idea, there is a coach at the Lake County Business
Opportunity Center who can help. Lake County has partnered with the Florida SBDC at UCF to
provide no-cost, professional business consulting to all Lake County businesses regardless of
size, industry or business cycle.
For any specific questions related to business consulting, please contact one of our
SBDC Program Assistants, Theresa Davis at 352-315-1846 or Cesar Gomez at 352-429-2581.
The Business Incubator Program gives new and developing businesses a strong start
by providing affordable office space, training, mentoring and other support and educational
services.
Go to http://businessinlakefl.com/businesssupport/businessopportunitycenters
to get more information or click on the "LAKE COUNTY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CENTER'
icon on TavaresChamber.com website to get to the site.
Kasey Hobbs Joins United Southern Bank
TAVARES – United Southern Bank, has named Kasey Hobbs branch manager of its Tavares office.
Hobbs comes to United Southern Bank with more than eight years of retail and managerial experience
working in a local community bank. In her role as branch manager, she will lead the bank’s Tavares-based
team in creating a convenient, personalized banking experience.
“We are very excited to welcome Kasey,” said United Southern Bank President and CEO Greg
Nelson. “She exemplifies our strong community values, and she’s a leader who is committed to meeting the
individual needs of our customers.”
Hobbs is a longtime Lake County resident, having attended both Lake-Sumter State College and
Mount Dora High School. She is a member of the Tavares Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the board of
directors for the Lake Eustis Chamber of Commerce and the Mount Dora Center for the Arts.
United Southern Bank is a community bank that has served Lake County for more than 75 years. For
more information about United Southern Bank, call 589-2121 or go to UnitedSouthernBank.com.
.
Page 2 Tavares Business Journal
Lake County Tourism Expo 2014
Spotlight
The Lake County Economic Development & Tourism
Department invites all Lake County businesses, chambers of
commerce, government agencies and hoteliers that play a part in
the area’s tourism industry to the Lake County Tourism Expo.
The event will give Lake County businesses who work in
the tourism industry an opportunity to learn more about the
Economic Development & Tourism Department; its role in helping
to attract tourists and what the department does to support local
tourism-related businesses.
The event also offers a chance for businesses to
network and learn more about what other attractions and
hoteliers are doing to promote and support area tourism
initiatives.
The event will take place at LakeSumter State College, 9501 U.S. Highway
441, Leesburg on Wednesday, June 11,
2014. There will be a presentation by Lake
County Economic Development & Tourism
Director, Robert Chandler at 2p.m. with Visit
Florida's
Marketing
Solutions
&
Sales
Manager
Brandy
Hastings following at
2:30.
The Expo and Exhibit Hall opens at
3pm and will feature informational booths
from area tourism, supporting businesses
and organizations until 7 p.m. The event is
Free.
Silverline Graphic Design
is Leesburg’s newest design and
print facility. It is quickly gaining the
reputation as the best one-stop
shop to have your specialty items
printed and designed. Owned by
Gary Blakely, a long time Lake
County resident, he brings his
technical experience into a new business. His objective is to help
businesses focus on running their business and we take care of
the rest.
With over 15 years of design and specialty printing
experience, our staff is ready to help you with all of your needs.
We pride ourselves by ensuring you get things Done the Right
Way. From custom up-to-date web design solutions that will get
you to the top of all search engines to marketing catalogs, we
are sure to have the right solution for you. We can satisfy your
print needs from recreational items such as: acrylic prints,
canvas and custom banners or your business items such as
employee handbooks, business proposals, blueprints, and so
much more. We print all of your business needs from business
cards, to brochures, to tablecloths, and more. Our service will be
sure to knock your socks off.
Our number one objective is to make sure that you can
focus on operating your business and we take care of the rest.
Stop in today so that we can show you how to get it Done the
Right Way! We are conveniently located minutes away from
Lake Square Mall and Lake Sumter State College at 10123 US
Hwy 441, Leesburg. For more information call 352-227-1728.
.
Trustee Members
Signature Trustee:
(352) 253-3333
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Exclusive Trustee:
(352) 324-3900
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Premiere Trustee:
Belton Bail Bonds
Fred Belton - (352) 343-7775
Belton Insurance Agency
Tia Belton - (352) 343-6555
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Trustee:
Ameriprise Financial Services
Linda J. Bennett - (352) 742-3331
Plaza Cadillac
Greg Yeager - (352) 787-1323
The Law Offices of Brent C. Miller, PA
Brent Miller - (352) 343-7400
Tavares Business Journal Page 3
Steve Bishop, Executive Director for the Florida Region of USA Volleyball leads the ground breaking ceremony at Hickory Point for the 20
Sand Volleyball Courts set to open the weekend of July 4th.
Henn-House Printing, 205 N. Grove Street, Eustis - Dual Business After Hours with Tavares and Eustis Chambers on April 24, 2014
.
New Tavares Chamber members Bella Toscana Spa, 1699 Mayo Dr., Tavares
- Ribbon Cutting on April 25, 2014.
Page 4 Tavares Business Journal
2014 Dragon Boat T-Shirts Available
Chamber Business Luncheon on May 28, 2014. (Front l to r)
Chamber Board Director Steve Jennelle - BMJ CPA, Board
Secretary Deborah Cahill - Home Instead Senior Care, and Board
Director Beth Ann Gause - Gause & Hargrove, PLLC. (Back l to r)
Lunch Sponsor Robert Buss, Kathleen Morse, Ruth Black and
Winnie Maikranz or Osprey Lodge and Caterer's Karen Trawick
and staff from Simply Catered, Inc.
The Tavares Chamber of
Commerce works with and supports
the Rotary Club of Lake County
Golden Triangle with the Dragon
Boat Festival each year. One of the
Chamber's fundraisers is providing
the event T-Shirts.
If you wish to purchase a
2014 Dragon Boat Festival T-Shirt or
a group of shirts for your staff,
contact us immediately to secure
your sizes.
We have regular shortsleeved T-Shirts and tank tops for
$5.00 or long-sleeved T-Shirts for
$6.00. (We have sizes small,
medium, large and extra large - we may have a few 2X's). Call
the Tavares Chamber at 352-343-2531 to reserve your shirts
now.
Central Florida Lake County Focus
with Ralph Smith
WLBE AM 790
Wednesdays 11 a.m. to Noon
WWW.TavaresChamber.com
Tavares Business Journal Page 5
Lake County Community Service Awards _____________________________
from page 1
Tom has been in our community for over 30 years specializing in land acquisition and development. His latest venture, Osprey Lodge, is
an assisted living and memory care facility which promotes an active and involved lifestyle for its seniors, paying special attention to details that
enhance their quality of life. Osprey Lodge has had a great economic development impact on Tavares and the surrounding communities. Tom
was the recipient of the Tavares Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year for 2013.
Kevin Robson of BusinessMasters.Net was presented the Small Business Community Service award. Kevin has received the Sam Walton
Business Leader Award and Eustis Chamber Small Business Achievement award.
The Tavares Chamber is proud of its members and their contributions and dedication to our community. Please join us in congratulating
them on their accomplishments.
Tavares Chamber a Collection Site for Red for Ed
Red for Ed is a county wide initiative headed by the Lake County Educational Foundation to bring awareness
and action to the growing needs in the Lake County Schools. The district has over 60% of its entire student population
on free and reduced lunch programs and in addition, there are over 2500 homeless students.
The Red for Ed initiative aims to "paint the county" in the color red, in order to raise awareness and
contributions during the summer. The outreach committee has been working with the chambers, non-profits and
neighborhood groups to be collection sites and to help educate the citizens of Lake County that there is a huge need in
our schools , and that by working together as a community, we can meet these needs. Every business in Lake County
is invited to participate. Individuals can also join in!
Carman Cullen-Batt, executive director of the foundation feels that this cohesive effort is exactly what we need. “For years the foundation
has been trying to get the various groups in the community that take on supply and distribution events to work together so that we can meet the
needs and eliminate duplication. We have the ability to identify the students by name and to ensure that they have the tools necessary to facilitate
learning as well as a full belly so that they can learn.” Collected supplies will be distributed at three Back to School Fairs in August and through
Apple-Mart stores where teachers shop for free throughout the year. Food collections will be used to stock the district and individual school food
pantries.
On Thursday, July 31, 2014 Wooton Park in Tavares will turn into a supply collection weigh in site. If you would like to become a collection
site or a volunteer for the program please contact 352-326-1265 or Cullen-battc@lake.k112.fl.us.
July 4th Event
Sponsors for Children’s Activities in Wooton Park
The Annual 4th of July event is coming up and we are excited about keeping this community event a great success. Every year besides the parade,
vendors in the park and fireworks we have the Children’s Activities, (Water Slide, Obstacle Course, Tigger Bounce House, Children's Trackless
Train and Bounce House w/Slide) in Wooton Park. We are looking for sponsors to assist us with the Children’s Activities portion this year.
Sponsor can select from the following marketing opportunities:
 Stars Sponsor $250

Banner displayed on waterfront at the Wooton Park
(3 X 6 banners provided by Sponsor)

Stripes Sponsor $400

Chamber Website
Company Name with link on www.TavaresChamber.com/4th_of_july.html

Rotating Banner on Chamber Website for 3 months
Email .jpg file (4 “ wide X 1” high) provided by Sponsor

Banner displayed on waterfront at the Wooton Park.
(3 X 6 banners provided by Sponsor)
 Celebration Sponsor $600

Chamber Newsletter Sponsor Listing
4th July article will be in Chamber Newsletter with company / logo (sponsor must provide electronic logo) Total distribution = 500
local businesses/members

Chamber Newsletter ¼ page Ad for 3 months
Email .jpg file (3.75 “ wide X 4.75” high) provided by Sponsor

Chamber Website
Company Logo with link on www.TavaresChamber.com/4th_of_july.html

Banner displayed on waterfront at the Wooton Park.
(3 X 6 banners provided by Sponsor)

Rotating Banner on Chamber Website for 3 months
Email .jpg file (4 “ wide X 1” high) provided by Sponsor
SPONSOR COMPANY: ______________________________________ DATE: ________________
CONTACT: ____________________________________ PHONE: __________________________
Card #
Exp Date:
Name on Card:
CV Code:
Billing Zip Code
Please sign and return to Tavares Chamber of Commerce - Fax (352) 343-7565
Page 6 Tavares Business Journal
Welcome New Members
Membership Renewals
Chris Grant, Realtor
Chris Grant
352-238-3516
Ariel's Flowers & Gifts
Dianna Miller
352-343-6600
Hurricane Dockside Grill
Derrick Haggerty
352-508-5137
ERA Tom Grizzard. Inc.
Jean Martin
352-343-5500
Comcast Communications
Jeanie Rutledge
352-516-3281
Lakeside Internal Medicine
Amy Mccroy
352-343-5722
Pastore's Downtown Pizzeria
Steve Pastore
352-508-1111
Commissioner District 1
Tim Sullivan
352-406-4414
Osprey Lodge, LLC
Tom Hofmeister
352-253-5100
Peach Key
Cierra Chappell
352-360-5658
DG Promotions
Mike Welter
352-589-1312
Reunion Bank
Gail Baker
352-508-1030
Pediatric Association of Lake County
Amy McCrory
352-472-0358
Educational Foundation
of Lake County
Carmen Cullen
352-326-1265
Shuffield, Lowman and Wilson, PA
Jason Davis
352-253-2222
Visalus Science Project 10
Robin Kester
407-402-5679
TAVARES CHAMBER
AMBASSADORS
Co-Chair, Deborah Cahill
Home Instead Senior Care
Co-Chair, Cheryl Rumbley
Cornerstone Hospice
Betty Ainslie
Rodan & Fields Dermatologists
Indep. Consultant
Enix & Associates, LLC
David Enix
352-742-0800
First National Bank of Mount Dora
Andrew Kurtz
352-383-2111
Grand Court
Ashley Armstrong
352-343-6464
Hibiscus Estates, LLC
Sandra Brown
352-383-4792
Simply Catered, Inc.
Karen Trawick
321-202-4586
United Southern Bank Residential
Lending
Janet Noack
352-589-4663
Vans Carpet & Upholstery
Cleaning Svc. Inc.
Ernie VanGorder
352-669-1540
Williams, Smith, & Summers, P.A.
Robert Williams
352-343-6655
Debbie Behlmann
Southern Palms RV Resort
2014 Tavares Chamber of Commerce Board
Jennifer Bengtson
Real Estate Savvy
Samantha Burger
Connie Gay
Dreamland Productions
Rachel Graves
Quality Indoor
Environmental Solutions
Lisa Johnson
EZ Nutrition
Sharon Keith
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Linda King
AFLAC
Executive Committee:
Orin Owen ..................... Owen Associates ............................................................... President
Janet Noack .................. United Southern Bank........................................................ Vice President
Kelly Pisciotta ............... Habitat for Humanity .......................................................... Treasurer
Deborah Cahill .............. Home Instead Senior Care ................................................. Secretary
Jacquelyn Coval ........... BankFirst ............................................................................ Past President
Directors:
Debbie Behlmann ......... Southern Palms RV Resort ................................................ Director
Lou Buigas .................... Hoity Toity Mercantile ........................................................ Director
T.J. Fish ......................... Lake~Sumter MPO ............................................................. Director
Beth Ann Gause............ Gause and Hargrove .......................................................... Director
Rick Golab..................... Florida Hospital Waterman ................................................ Director
Heather Graham............ Focus Magazine ................................................................. Director
Steve Jennelle .............. BMJ CPA ............................................................................. Director
Dee Johns ..................... Directories Ink .................................................................... Director
Mary Johnson ............... Grand Rental Station.......................................................... Director
Brent Miller.................... Law Offices of Brent C. Miller............................................ Director
Dr. Joe Morreale ........... The Chiropractic Center .................................................... Director
Cheryl Rumbly .............. Cornerstone Hospice ......................................................... Director
Davis Talmage .............. Pruett-Williams Insurance ................................................. Director
Mary Rhodes
The Mortgage Firm
Judy Stewart
Law Offices of Judy Stewart, PA
Tavares Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily endorse or
support advertising materials distributed through the newsletter.
Tavares Business Journal Page 7