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Chairman's Message
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Craig Johnson, Chairman |
I hope everyone got to enjoy the July 4th Fireworks. It looked like the rain was going to win the day, but Greg and crew came through with and outstanding display of fireworks. Thanks to all of those that contributed financially to make this event possible. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that attended and gave so generously at this years Chamber Scholarship Luncheon. It was really exciting to see that in these tough economic times people were able to give almost $6,000.00, making this one of the most successful scholarship luncheons ever. By-the-way, did I mention how proud I was of my son Dusty Johnson, who spoke about what it meant to him when he won this scholarship back in 2000. Our kids and community owe a great big THANK YOU to Alan Jay Wildstein for his matching contributions each year. We will not be having a lunch meeting in August, but don't forget the Tri-Chamber Mixer on August 19th at the Four Points Sheraton. Have a great August. D. Craig Johnson |
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From the Desk of Greg
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Greg Harris, President |
What a great July! It started on the 1st with the Avon Park Annual Banquet. As our Chamber members know how to do, we kicked up our feet and had lots of fun and laughter. There were
great door-prizes and terrific food! Dave and Michelle did a Super Job!
The July fireworks that almost weren't--were! In fact, they turned out really well. What a sight to behold as we paid tribute to our great country and those who serve it so well.
The 17th Annual Alan Jay Automotive Network/ Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Luncheon was a huge success. (See the story below).
This month, we lost a Giant of a man...Harold Owen. Many knew him and were touched by his life. We will miss him.
My wife and I had the pleasure of entering (Okay...and winning; we're just a little competitive!) the inaugural Amazing Race for the Children's Museum. It was a lot of fun! (See the story below.)
Who says the summers are slow? Next up for August is the second Chamber Blood Drive on the 10th, the Tri-Chamber Mixer at Four Points on the 19th, and preparation is under way for the third annual Chamber 5k on October 2nd.
I appreciate the great friends, the BEST members and the wonderful job you allow me to have!
See you soon,
Greg |
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Scholarship Luncheon a Huge Success
Thank you, thank you, thank you! What an amazing turnout and display of support. The 17th Annual Alan Jay Automotive Network/Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Luncheon was a HUGE success!
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Nadine and Thelma.
Always ready to help |
We had over 100 in attendance at the July 8th event, for which Cowboy's provided and served an AWESOME lunch.
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More than 100 people attended
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Now the drum roll please!
You generously gave over $5500 which Alan Jay Wildstein immediately matched!
The 10 former Student of the Month winners (Erin Lamp, Abigail Bone, Emily Jowers, Shane Eshelman, Amanda McMahon, Miguel Santana, Joshua Acevedo, John Eva, Aerial Nombre and Cole Waters) were previously interviewed.
Don Elwell did an outstanding job introducing the students and each received a $250 gift card.
The scholarship recipients, Aerial Nombre and Josh Acevedo, each received a $3,000 Scholarship!
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Aerial Nombre receives her scholarship check |
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Josh Acevedo receives his scholarship check |
Big thanks to Dusty Johnson, guest speaker and former scholarship winner, for telling his story. It was inspirational and demonstrates what a tremendous impact this support has on the recipients.
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Alan Jay poses with Laurie Miller of HRMC |
This event would not be possible without the support of the Alan Jay Automotive Network, our generous supporters, the school administrators and, of course, our hard-working students! Thanks for making this event one of our BEST yet! Once again, this great community has come to the aid of our youth with an outpouring of support, and for that, we at the Chamber are very GRATEFUL!!!!!! |
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Announcements
Blood Drive. We did such a GREAT job last time the Blood mobile wants to come back! August 10th 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM at the Chamber
Mark your calendars! Chamber Members are the Bomb!!!!!
We are Seeking Someone to Serve the Sebring Chamber of Commerce as the Junior Achievement Middle School Team Leader in Sebring.
Job Responsibilities: The Middle School JA Team Leader will assist the Sebring Chamber and Junior Achievement in the following ways:
- Recruit classroom volunteers interested in teaching the Economic for Success program to middle school students
- Communicate and schedule JA classes with the middle school teachers
- Coordinate volunteer trainings with JA staff and arrange the JA material pick up or drop off with returning volunteers
Complete JA form listing JA volunteers with the classroom schedule
Contact: Lily Romine, the Executive Director for Junior Achievement of Highlands County. She will be happy to discuss the JA Team Leader position with anyone interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity. Please call her at the JA office in Lakeland at (863) 603-0254.
Now Taking Orders for Chamber Ambassadors' Cookbook. Check out our story below, but don't delay in placing your order! Call the Chamber at 385-8448 to order yours today.
The August luncheon is canceled due to lack of a sponsor.
Tri-Chamber Mixer. Come join us for this mixer on Thursday, August 19th at the Four Points Sheraton
3rd Annual Chamber 5k will be on October 2nd at the State Park. Click here for an entry form. And, if you are interested in sponsoring this event...give me a call!
The July Fireworks Show. The Chamber, regrettably, will no longer be able to put on the July Firework Show. With substantial budget cuts by the city and impending cuts by the county, the funding is no longer available. If any civic group or organization would like to take over this event I will gladly share all the details!
If you're not involved in the Chamber...you should be! It's FUN! Call me and I'll let you know how to get involved.
I appreciate all that you do! Sebring Chamber Members are the BEST! |
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New Home for Women to Provide Hope and Refuge
543 Magnolia Street |
In just a few short months, the house that sits at 543 Magnolia Street in Downtown Sebring will have completed its transformation from a shoddy, broken house to a finished, polished home with a huge purpose. Sort of like the residents it will house, it will be a haven for ten special women who will enter it broken and addicted and will work to emerge recovered and whole.
The project is called A Safe Place, and is the brainchild of John and Eileen Sala, founders of Little Lambs Inc, a non-profit organization in Sebring that specializes in outreach ministry. Since its origination in 1998, Little Lambs has been working primarily with prison inmates to bring biblical teachings, words of encouragement, and training designed to help them reconstruct their lives to ones that are productive and Christ-centered. Its mission statement is "To teach men and women, especially those in penal institutions the disciplines of Christ centered living, promoting their ability to be law-abiding and productive citizens."
Visitors enter through the administrative office |
A Safe Place is the latest in Little Lamb's ministry efforts. John and Eileen conceived of the idea several years ago after realizing that many of the prisoners with whom they worked had no place to go after prison life to continue their recovery process.
"It was terrible. They would ask where they could go and I didn't know where to tell them," says Eileen.
The home is designed to provide such a place for ten women in the community that suffer from various addictions. The ten women selected to reside in the home will be required to withdraw themselves from their environments and families, as well as their addictive substances, and commit to twelve months of biblical teaching, AA and co-dependency recovery meetings, counseling, training, and Bible ministry. Additionally, each woman will undergo regular drug-testing and be monitored by a house-mother.
Once the women have successfully completed the twelve month program, they will be encouraged to return to their homes with their new set of coping skills. Ten new women will then enter the home.
Eileen Sala and Helen Bingenheimer discuss plans for the 3 bedroom/4 bath house | Eileen says that a large group of women with whom she works are poly-addicted, that is they suffer from several addictions at one time.
"We see a lot of women who abuse alcohol and lead very promiscuous lifestyles. Those two addictions are often interwoven for many women. We will also be helping those who are drug-addicted."
The Sala's effort has been a labor of love. A former inmate himself, John Sala experienced many of the hardships that often accompany prison life: loneliness, discouragement, self-doubt, and regret. His last incarceration was in Avon Park which is where he experienced the tremendous spiritual transformation that gave him a new lease on life. After his release, he decided to dedicate his life to helping those who still struggled with prison life, addictions, and/or destructive lifestyles.
Today Little Lambs Inc. extends its outreach to 793 adult and juvenile prisons and jails throughout America. It is mostly volunteer-run with volunteers posting more than 10,000 hours a year. In addition to free workshops, their ministry includes marriage, family and parenting classes; inmate counseling; Bible teaching; evangelistic services; gospel music concerts; Spanish outreach; and discipleship training.
Eileen anticipates that the home will be ready for occupancy by September of this year. The home still needs a bit of work and the Sala's are seeking monetary and volunteer assistance necessary to complete the reconstructive process of the home. Specifically, they are seeking those who might be able to assist with trim-work, electrical work, landscaping, and plumbing.
Little Lambs still needs support for such things as landscaping | "We would like to thank those that have already reached out and helped us," says Helen Bingenheimer, Public Relations Specialist. "These include: Sherwin Williams, Ace Hardware, Sallys Beauty Supply, The Bulb Bin, Musselman's Appliances, Fergusons, Triangle Hardware, Alan Jay Auto Network, Bagwell Lumber, Kenilworth Lodge, Palmer Electric/Ace Hardware, Zenos Pizza, Milano Tile, Usher Furniture Gallery, Bible Fellowship Church, and Sebring Cabinets. If you would like to assist Little Lambs Inc. in this effort, please call Helen Bingenheimer, Public Relations Specialist, at 863-449-1985. |
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Hot Happenings at The Children's Museum
New Panoz Show Car
The Children's Museum of the Highlands is delighted to announce that they will be receiving a Panoz Show Car from the Sebring International Raceway. This beautiful red open cockpit car actually raced in several races in years past. Children will be able to climb in the car, fasten the harness, and pretend to drive the racetrack.
"This has been something I have wanted to have for the children for 20 years," states Linda Crowder, the Director of the Museum. "It will be a wonderful addition to our other exhibit areas."
Interactive Components to be added to Fire Tower
Children will soon be able to experience interactive components to the Fire Tower |
Also in the works for the Museum - new interactive components to the very popular Fire Tower. The Division of Forestry built this tower several years ago and they have continued to maintain the exhibit and are now looking at ways of improving what is offered in the area.
Amazing Race Truly Amazing
The Amazing Race, held July 17, was a thrill for all. Each team had to navigate its way through a series of challenges that resulted in the winning team receiving IPADS. We found out that, not only do we have a strong Chamber president in Greg, he and his wife are also strong competitors. Despite never having constructed a jigsaw puzzle before encountering one of our challenges, Greg along with his wife succeeded in taking first place. Thank you to all those that participated and provided much needed funds for the Museum.
The Amazing Race Winners! Greg Harris and his wife, Janet | The Children's Museum of the Highlands opened in December of 1990 in a small rented building. After the first year, funds were raised to purchase the current location. In 2005, the Museum built an addition to the building to house their popular Discovery Camp. The Children's Museum is also a field trip destination for schools from five counties in Central Florida. The Museum is a non-profit 501-C3 corporation with a mission of providing entertaining, educational opportunities for children ages 2 - 12. It is an ideal location for families to play and learn in a wide variety of different exhibits. Visitors will want to spend hours roaming the building and playing in the various areas. Museum hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 10 - 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, closed on Sunday and Monday. Through a donation from Wachovia/Wells Fargo, the Museum is open free to the public on the second Friday evening of each month from 5 - 8 pm in conjunction with the Sebring Downtown Gallery Walk. Admission to the Museum is $3.00 per person for children and adults. Corporate sponsorships of exhibit areas are available beginning at a $1,000 donation level. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted and can be mailed to the Museum at 219 North Ridgewood Drive, Sebring Florida 33870. For more information call the Museum at 385-5437 or check out the website at www.childrensmuseumhighlands.com. |
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Welcome to our New Members!
Welcome to July's new members of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce. Be sure to visit their establishments, welcome them, and give them a taste of our great Sebring hospitality! EXTRAORDINAIRE HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING at 4049 Hedge Ave, Sebring, FL 363875. Phone: 314.0444. Contact: Kandy Sheldone. Extraordinaire2010@hotmail.com Michael & Kandy Sheldon moved to Sebring five years ago and are as amazed today as they were five years ago at how friendly everyone in this community is. Going into business had always been a passion that has now come to fruition. The Sheldons are in the Air Conditioning business and are accepting new customers. No job is too large or too small for this ambitious duo. Call them today. FLORIDA LIVING REALTY at 2031 US HWY 27 South, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 658.1737. Contact: Terri Futch. terri@flrealty.us FOOT AND ANKLE ASSOCIATES at 3255 S. Highlands Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 385.5525. Contact: Timothy Chan, MD. timchan12@yahoo.com
"Prompt, Courteous, Expert Care" describes Dr. Timothy Chan with Foot and Ankle Associates. We welcome Dr. Chan to Highlands County and the many services he provides that includes: repair of broken legs and ankles, leg and ankle foot pain, reconstructive surgery, acquired and congenital deformity of the lower extremities, conservative treatment and maintenance of chronic conditions of the lower extremity below the knee, regular checkups for Diabetic Foot care and those with Peripheral Arterial disease. Foot and Ankle Associates answers patients' questions and concerns and offer a treatment that is tailored to suit each individuals need. Call today for your appointment. GEORGE PALERMO ARCHITECT INC. at 7301 Merchant Crt, Suite A Sarasota, FL 34240. Phone: 941.365.7777. Contact: George Palermo, President. georgepalermo@gmail.com The firm of George Palermo Architect, Inc. was formed in 1976 and incorporated in 1978. Since its inception, this full service firm has provided comprehensive architectural, space planning and interior design services to its clients. Our broad range of experience allows us to assist in the review of financial and market conditions. From initial feasibility and suite acquisition, planning and programming, to schematic design, design development and construction documents, to bidding and administration of construction contract, George Palermo Architect, Inc. provides outstanding quality and detailed accuracy that has become the firm's trademark. We have experience in church, offices, shopping centers, restaurants, manufacturing and industrial facilities, warehousing, medical and government projects with over 3,000 projects in Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Sarasota and Manatee counties. In response to today's economic climate, we are helping general contractors secure construction projects by providing architectural services without an up-front commitment from contractor or client.
HEARTLAND WOMEN'S HEALTH at 37 Ryant Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 402.7555. Contact: Rachel Cooper-Mercado MD heartlandwomenshealth@yahoo.com
Dr Rachel Cooper Mercado, board certified obstetrician/gynecologist announces the opening of her new practice, Heartland Woman's Health. Rachel has been practicing in Highlands County for 9 years and will be joined by Amanda Lucero, ARNP. They will begin seeing patients at their new office location on July 26, 2010. The new office is located in the West Shore Plaza across from beautiful Lake Jackson, between Lakeshore Mall and Hammock Rd. A full range of women's health services will be offered including minimally invasive surgery, pregnancy and high risk obstetrics, infertility, menopause management, bioidentical hormones, incontinence, breast diagnosis and weight management. We are rounding out our practice with consultant, Anna Edgar, BSN/IBCLC, will be providing services at the office. Dr Cooper provides outpatient and inpatient services at Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center and will begin providing services at Highlands Regional Medical Center in the fall. Dr Cooper and Amanda Lucero will be accepting new patients and most forms of insurance. HIGHLANDS VILLAGE I & II at 3000 Villa Rd, Sebring, FL 33870 Phone: 385.1242. Contact: Kenneth P. Shaw. mmorgan@aamci.com Highlands Village Apartments are located off of Lakeview Dr. and are currently leasing one and two bedroom affordable apartments in Sebring. The starting amount for a monthly rental is $371.00/month. These single story buildings have on site laundry and are close to shopping and dining. The Affordable housing is available for the elderly, 62 years of age or older and disabled persons regardless of age only, due to government regulations. OLIVE GARDEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT at 1696 US HWY 27 North Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 314.0350. Contact: Michael Hayman. Mike73ORL@yahoo.com
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE at 921 US HWY 27 North Sebring, FL 33870. Phone : 385.4329. Contact: Robbie Robinson. Obs2011@outback.com Outback Steakhouse is a casual dining restaurant that offers a variety of homemade items on the menu. We strive for the perfect experience each and every time we serve you. We are a partner to the community and appreciate each and every customer that walks through the door. Serious food is our priority, come in tonight experience our awesome service and value for your dollar in a relaxed environment.
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Public Service Message from the Sheriff
Can you believe it's August already and the summer is once again flying by! Before we know it, our winter residents will be coming
back and homeowners groups will be in full swing.
Did you get all your summer projects completed? If you're like us in the Sheriff's Office, we plan to do so many things when our speaking schedule slows down and before we have time to get started, the season is here again. Nevertheless we have made some significant
strides this summer.
Neighborhood Watch groups continue to pop up all over the county. CPS Nell Hays reports a total of 79 Neighborhood Watch groups in Highlands County of which 9 groups are in the process of attaining
Active status. In addition, there are five other areas that have indicated interest but have not yet had their first of the three meetings required for Active status. If you would like to be involved in Neighborhood Watch, please call CPS Hays at 385-0024. She will be able to tell you if your neighborhood already has a group and who the
Chairperson is, or how to get one started!
Also August brings on the beginning of the school year once again. Please be aware that traffic will increase as administrators and teachers take to the roads beginning on August 12th and students return on August 23rd. Please make note of school zones and the speed limits through these areas. The number one priority is the
safety of our young people so please stay within posted limits especially in these areas.
We continue to see a significant number of vehicle burglaries in residential communities. The majority of the vehicles targeted are not locked. Examples of items stolen include Ipods, GPS units, personal
identification and credit cards, CD players and cash. PLEASE remove
these items from vehicles and lock the car whenever you park especially in your own driveway. These crimes are preventable - I
only ask that you do your part and LOCK THAT CAR!
Thank you!
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Calendar of Events
For additional information visit www.sebring.org AUGUST
2 Cowboy's Bike Night
6 Heartland YP Networking Luncheon
9 H C Homeowners Assoc.
9 Candidate Forum
11 Heartland Horses Camp
11 Lunch Club Wednesday
13 Downtown Gallery Walk
14 Lake Placid Morning Market
14 Saturday Night Cruise
16 Cowboys Bike night
18 H C Interagency
19 Sebring Chamber Tri- Mixer Chateau Élan
24 Primary Election
27-29 Caladium Festival
28 Tanglewood Show
SEPTEMBER
3 Heartland YP Lunch
4 Temptations Revue 4 Seasons
8 Lunch Club Wednesday
9 Chamber Lunch
10 Downtown Gallery Walk
11 LP Saturday Morning Market
16 Chamber Mixer
16 Heartland YP Mixer
17/19 Sebring Thunder
18 Golf Tournament
19 2009 Love Bug Jubilee
23 Chamber Mixer
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Please keep in your thoughts & prayers
The families of  Jeff Carlson and Scott Noethlich, as they tend to the loss of a wonderful mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend...Julie.
The family of Harold Owen, as they grieve the loss of this well-respected and beloved man. |
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Something New is Brewing at Coffee News
Something New is Brewing at Coffee News!
Coffee News of Florida celebrated its 4th birthday in June and, as Mary Basso, Coffee News publisher, states, "Each year we have tried to brew something new for our readers and/or for the restaurants who so graciously have agreed to provide Coffee News for their patrons. This year is no exception."
Indeed, Coffee News is a staple for most of us. We're in a waiting room, and we can't help but reach out and grab the enticing publication. Okay, most of us want to find that evasive little man who is craftily situated in some obscure place within publication's text or images. If you don't know what I mean, grab a Coffee News and start looking!
Can you find the Coffee News Guy? |
Basso is referring to her newest venture, Meals & Deals.... an internet based advertising medium for restaurants and/or recreational venues. "To see our Meals & Deals, let your fingers do the walking by going to the Highlands County Restaurant Guide at: www.HighlandsCountyRestaurants.com.
While you are there, check out all
of the restaurants who carry Coffee News including their menus. Click on the Meals & Deals button on the top right corner, and you will see the establishments who are currently advertising. Make sure to view all pages to get the entire group. You can also subscribe (see the top tabs) to receive an email notice each time a new Meal or Deal is added."
"Think about how easy it can be to find a lunch deal, something to pick up for dinner, check out a new place to go out for a meal, or take the family out for some fun!" says Basso.
Yes, we have moved into a new age and Coffee News wants to help show Highlands County residents a easier way to shop local, support our fellow businesses, and keep everyone smiling with each new edition of Coffee News!
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Chamber Ambassadors Cook it up with New Book
We worked hard and got 500 lip-smacking recipes, beautiful photos, and a bio of our community, to complte the Chamber's latest creation, a comprehensive and delightful new cookbook.
The cookbook is a first time adventure for the ambassadors who offered their assistance as a donation to the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce.
So many people played a part in this venture. Thank you to all.
We are now in the selling mode. For all of you that participated by submitting a recipe, and for those of you who can't wait to try out all of the wonderful new meals, we actually have tickets to sell now.
The books are $15.00 each. We expect to receive them in August early enough to stock-up for Christmas gifts.
Don't delay. Call 385.8448 for additional information.
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Webber Places
Top Spots at FBLA-PBL
Having made strong showings at the state competition, three Webber International University students placed in the top ten at the FBLA-PBL National Leadership Conference held in Nashville July 9th through July 12.
These competitions test student knowledge in a total of 53 specialized business subjects through examinations, projects, presentations and other competitions.
More than 2,000 of the nation's top business students made the trip to the national competitions, having earned their way there through successes at district, regional, and state competitions.
Three Webber students, Joshua Natonio, Andrew Zwaans and Kristine Karopchinsky, earned national recognition for their business knowledge and skills. Natonio earned first in the nation in the Sport Management and Marketing Competition; and Zwaans earned the third place award for Economic Analysis and Decision-Making competition.
The team of Zwaans and Karopchinsky came home with the 6th place trophy for their efforts in the Financial Services exam and case presentation.
Finally, Karopchinsky earned the ninth place award in Justice Administration.
While Webber has fewer than 1,000 students, PBL does not have "divisions," meaning that these wins were made in the face of competition from much, much larger schools from around the nation.
Said the University's Academic Dean Dr. Charles Shieh, "We are very proud of these students, as well as everyone in the university who played a part in their education."
University President Dr. H. Keith Wade said "how we can provide a world class business education which makes our graduates stand out quite literally permeates our every thought at Webber. So when our students go out and show what they are truly capable of, it is both very gratifying and very humbling. We couldn't be prouder."
Dr. Jeanette Eberle, Professor of Finance, is Webber's long time PBL Faculty Advisor. This is the third consecutive year that Webber students placed in the top ten in the national competitions.
Princeton Review has listed Webber as a Best Southeastern College, and Webber is listed in the US News and World Report's America's Best Colleges. The SACS and IACBE accredited not-for-profit independent university offers degrees exclusively in the areas of business at the associate's and bachelor's levels (Accounting, Computer Information Systems Management, Corporate Communications, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Management, Marketing, Pre-Law, Security Management, and Sport Management) and at the master's level (MBA, MBA with an emphasis in Accounting, MBA with an emphasis in Security Management, and MBA with an emphasis in Sport Management) in traditional day, accelerated night and weekend, and on-line formats.
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This is Your Newsletter
We encourage all Chamber members to participate in this newsletter by submitting articles, press releases, upcoming events, and announcements.
If you have an idea for an article or would like to communicate news about your organization, please call Jennifer Mattison at 863-202-6558.
Anyone interested in advertising, should call the Chamber at 385-8448. |
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