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A Message from our Chairman
 | | Craig Johnson, Chairman |
Where did this year go? I don't know about you, but it seems to me that the years are going by faster and faster each year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly do have a lot to be thankful for.
Now everyone is making a list and checking it twice. Christmas is always a very busy time of the year: Christmas shopping, office parties, holiday parties, etc. and it's very easy to get caught up in all of this. I want to encourage everyone to remember the "Reason for the Season," our Savior's birthday. Slow down and spend time with your loved ones.
This month's activities include the Legends of Motorsports luncheon and race, the Sebring Christmas parade and the Highlands Art League annual wine-tasting event. Our mixer this month is the 16th at Stephanie Sherrie's Salon. Do not forget our Chamber Breakfast on December 9th at Sun'n Lakes. This month's program is sponsored by Alan Jay and is the Christmas presentation of the Sebring High School Show Choir. This is always one the best events of the year.
Have a Great Christmas and New Years!
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From the Desk of Greg
 | | Greg Harris, President |
 Wow, where did November go?
Seems like I was just trick or treating last week!
I hope all had a great Thanksgiving...we are so fortunate to live and work in this great Country!
The Chamber is BACK! We are stronger than ever and we couldn't have done it without the tremendous support of our OUTSTANDING members!
Thanks for your confidence and support and for making this the best job In the world!
As we plan the holiday parties and celebrations, please remember the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate. Take this time to reconnect with old friends or distant family members. Sponsor a family Christmas dinner or a child that may not have much. You'll be amazed at the outcome. I wish you and your family a Joyous Holiday Season!
Greg
November Membership Breakfast
The November Membership Breakfast was sponsored by Highlands Independent Bank and the tradition continues! John Shoop and staff brought the infamous cash jar to do the annual "money grab" which is a seasonal favorite.
All attendees received a ticket and a drawing was held to see who got to grab the cash. Winners were allowed to reach into the jar and grab all the cash they could get in one handful!
Five lucky members are now able to retire!
Thanks to Mr. Shoop, the great folks at Highlands Independent Bank, Sun N lake, Kim Schlosser for the update on Samaritans Touch, our door prize sponsors (LaQuinta Inn & Suites, Griffin's Cleaners, Sun N Lake, Golf Hammock Country Club, Highlands Ridge Golf Club, Highlands Office Supply, Cohan Radio Group, IHOP, and Fast Lane Promotions).
 
Ribbon Cutting at Aldi's
November saw the Grand Opening of the new Aldi's Supermarket.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Chamber Ambassadors
Fan Wells, Grace Plants, Chrisit Burrows, Leila Currence and Wini
Quesenberry.
The opening was met with great anticipation as residents lined up outside for more than 45 minutes. The parking lot was overflowing with
folks trying to get in!
Congratulations Aldi's! We're glad you are here!
November Mixer was Fun!
The Woman's Club of Sebring hosted the November Mixer and fun was had by all! The ladies put on quite a food spread and the liquid flowing from the punch fountain wasn't punch....but it was very tasty!
The Sebring Woman's Club has a long history in Sebring dating back to July 1919. Five months after being established, the Woman's Club opened the Sebring Library. The present day building that is located   across from Veteran's Beach on Lakeview Drive was built in 1961. The building was paid off in 1977. The Sebring Woman's Club would like everyone to know that they also rent their facilities for parties and reunions. For more information, call 863.382.1415.
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'Tis the Season to
Save Energy and Money
It's time again to unpack the decorations, hang the lights and spread a little holiday cheer.
Before your home is sparkling bright, take a moment to evaluate your decorating options. After all, you'll be all the merrier this holiday season if you take an energy-efficient approach to preparing your home for family, friends and festivities.
· Lead the way with LEDs. Light-emitting diode (LED) holiday lights use only a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs. Illuminate your home for less by opting for energy-efficient lighting. By making the switch, you could reduce the amount of electricity used to keep your holiday lights glowing by more than 95 percent.
· Time it right. Don't leave your holiday lights on overnight. Instead, set a timer to turn them on and off in the early evening hours. This will help save energy and money while ensuring you're not lighting up the neighborhood while everyone's asleep.
· Think beyond the bulb. Lights aren't the only way to bring some color to your Christmas tree. Use tinsel and shiny ornaments to make your tree sparkle without using additional energy.
Consider that, according to the Electric Power Research Institute, the average electricity cost to light a holiday tree with LEDs is 13 to 17 cents per holiday season, compared to to $6 to $10 dollars for incandescent lights. Anyone planning planning a large outdoor display could save even more.
If all of the seasonal mini-lights in the United States were replaced with energy-efficient LEDs, the Institute estimates that Americans would save more than $250 million in energy energy costs.
For energy-saving tips you can use during the holiday season and all year long or to sign up for a free Progress Energy Florida Home Energy Check, visit www.SaveTheWatts.com or call 1.877.364.9003.
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| | Call Office Furniture Depot at
866-816-3450 or 863-682-3450 |
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Announcements
Link from the Chamber website to your website! Do you have a web site? Are you linked from the Chamber site to your site? If not follow the simple steps to be linked. Have the designated voting member of your organization send an e-mail to information@sebring.org with the following information: · Your full and correct company name · Your full and correct web site address · Your name and full e-mail address We look forward to putting the name of your company as well all of its attributes in front of the 100,000 people that "hit" our web site each month. It's time!!!!!!! The Chamber is creating a new Welcome Guide. This is our biggest publication and is delivered everywhere. We are starting work in January so reserve some space. Click here! for details . Florida Blood Mobile will be Back at the Chamber Building on December 28, from 11 am to 4:30 pm. Come donate and give the gift of life this Christmas. The Legends of Racing Cars roar into the Downtown Circle on Thursday, December 2nd from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm! You'll be able to see these cars up close and visit with the drivers. There will be music, food and fun! These cars will be brought in by Sheriff Escort and they won't be going slow. Come see Mayor Hensley give the "key to the city" to Bobby Rahal at 12:15 pm. This event kicks off a brand new racing series for Sebring! Sebring International Raceway is extending a special offer to Chamber members to drive around the raceway! Click here! for more information. Donate to the Children's Museum while enjoying a holiday treat. A yummy pumpkin roll can be purchased at the Blue Crab with $1.00 of the proceeds going to the Children's Museum. It is really delicious! For more information, Click here!A Family Planning Seminar will be hosted by Dr. Summer Kahn and Dr. David Guerra on Saturday, December 4, from 9 - 11 am. For more information, Click here!Attorney General Bill McCollum and Florida's Interagency Mortgage Task Force invite you to attend "A Community Forum on The Housing Crisis: Who to Trust and Where to Turn" on Saturday, December 4th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm at the Exhibition Hall, Osceola Heritage Park, 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744. Are you facing foreclosure? Concerned about determining which housing services are legitimate and which are scams? Want to report mortgage fraud or a foreclosure rescue scam? Need more information about mortgage loan modifications? Wondering whether you need housing advice from a lawyer? Click here! for more information about this event. The Kiwanas Club of Sebring is pleased to announce its 2010 Sporting Clays Shoot on December 4 at 8:30 am. Proceeds to benefit Kiwanas sponsored projects and youth programs. For more information Click here! Habitat for Humanity is hosting a 50% OFF all Christmas Decor Sale! (excluding trees). The entire second floor is filled with Christmas Decorations! Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located in Downtown Sebring at 159 S. Commerce Avenue. Their Phone # is 385-7111. Also check out 5th Quarter Pizza & Subs. They're giving 10% back to Habitat for Humanity for the entire week. Another partnering vendor is Chalet Suzanne which is offering a new holiday breakfast menu. A Portion of the proceeds Benefit Highlands County Habitat for Humanity. The Heartland Cultural Alliance in partnership with WFHT 1390 Radio present the inaugural Music & Art Festival at Lakeshore Mall December 3, 4, & 5 from 11 am to 4 pm each day, in a large gallery/music venue near K-mart close to the Alan Jay showroom. 128 pieces of original art will be on exhibit from every art organization in the county and 20 local musical groups will be performing and broadcast live by WFHT Radio. This groundbreaking event is showcase for Highlands County Talent and a fundraiser for HCA. No entrance fee. Opening celebration from 5 to 8 pm Thursday, December 2, wine & snacks, classical guitar music by Kenny Summers. Sponsored by Alan Jay, Griffins Carpet Mart, Highlands Community Church, News-Sun, 1390 WFHT Radio and Uptown Music. For more information Click here!. Highlands Art League is pleased to present The 3rd Annual International Wine-Tasting on Saturday, December 4 from 6:30 - 9:30 pm at the historic Kenilworth Lodge. International wine-tasting paired with regional gourmet food samplings, micro beers and entertainment (cigar samplings available for purchase). Individual tickets are $30 each. Click here! for more information. Highlands County Habitat for Humanity hosts its Spectacular Christmas Light Show every evening beginning November 25th! Don't Miss It! Take Your Children & Grandchildren. Walk or Drive By to View. Beautiful Christmas Lights and Music! Located at 423 Sportsman Avenue (Harder Hall Area). Over 20,000 lights!! Click here! for more information.
The holidays are just around the corner; Why not let Chicanes take care of your holiday party plans so that you can relax? Chicanes can host your holiday function in any of its four private dining rooms, all beautifully decorated for the season that can accommodate parties from 10 to 80 guests. Chicanes can bring the party to you! They have availability for all your catering needs for events of all sizes. Feel free to call (863) 471-9400, or you can email Whitney at WARPASI@INNONTHELAKES.COM for further information on availability and pricing. Let Chicanes throw a party that your guests will be talking about until next Christmas! Verizon is offering Chamber Members a special equipment and service offer. Good until December 10. Click here! for more information. Cade Museum is sponsoring its 2nd Annual Innovation Competition. Click here! for more information. McDonalds is offering Arch Cards and gift certificates for the holidays. Consider the friends and family members on your gift list. For more information Click here! The Kenilworth Lodge invites you to ring in the New Year tropical style. Gary Roland and the Landsharks will be performing all your favorites (Jimmy Buffet, Beach Boys, Bob Marley and more) on New Year's Eve as you enjoy butler-served appetizers, a surf-n-turf buffet, beer and wine (provided by Cusworth Arms), and a great festive atmosphere! The cost is $121 pp that includes accommodations, dinner, show, and 3 drinks; or $92 pp for dinner, show, and 3 drinks. For reservations or information, call Kathy at 800-423-5939.
The Lake Placid Noon Rotary Club invites you to attend its 7th annual Wild Game Dinner on December 4th. This is the primary fund raiser and helps support many charitable organizations in Highlands County, as well as internationally. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, but slots are filling fast. For more information about the event and ticket locations Click here!.
Kegel Bowling Center is pleased to offer Chamber members a 15% discount on any 3-party packages during the holiday season. Click here! for more information.
Residence Inn suggests an Exchange Party. It's time for our Annual Employee Holiday Party and I am hoping our fellow Chamber Members might be able to participate in an exchange program this year and years to come. I would like to trade one night's lodging at a value of $150.00 per company. I will be able to trade at least 3 Gift Certificates. I think this might be a fun idea. If you are interested, please contact me, Bruline Bikar/General Manager, at 863-314-9100. The Sebring Sunrise Rotary Club Proudly Presents its 3rd Annual Charity Cruise Raffle. This is a $2500 value trip for two to any Caribbean destination for any time of the year. Raffle tickets are available for a $10 donation. The winning ticket will be selected live on the Morning Dave Show Lite on 105.7 right after the 7 am news on December 24. To purchase a ticket, you may contact the Sebring Sunrise Rotary Club at 863-414-6339; or go to sebringsunriserotary.comThe Sebring Sunrise Rotary Club is selling Christmas Wreaths this year. The proceeds help fund the over 25 organizations it supports. The wreaths are beautiful and fairly inexpensive. To see the wreaths, Click here! Since this fundraiser was my idea and I have a big mouth, I have bet the entire club that I would out sell them! So, if you want a beautiful wreath....BUY from ME!!!!!!!! Thanks, Greg |
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Welcome New Members!
Welcome to our newest 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! ALDI (Florida), LLC at 2900 New Life Way, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 863.353.4919.
CENTER FOR GREAT APES at Van Symmons Road, Wauchual, FL 33873. Phone: 863.767.8903. Contact: Patti Ragan and Cynthia Pierce
patti@centerforgreatapes.org
CHOICE ENVIRONMENTAL at 5151 Kenilworth, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 863.655.0005. Contact: Jim Wheatley. jwheatlidc@aol.com
ENERGY CONSERVATION CONSULTATION LLC at 25187 Papillian Drive
Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Phone: 239.671.4867. Contact: Julie A. Klien
Juliart4wood@aol.com
Energy Conservation Consultations does residential comprehensive evaluations of energy losses. Consultant advises owner where to make changes to reduce energy use.
GENIUS PROMOS at 703 Lucerne Avenue #205, Lake Worth, FL 33460. Contact: Noelle Younk. nvelle@geniuspromos.com Advertising Specialties/Promotional Marketing, cups, hats, t-shirts, pens, etc. w/company logos.
GIRL SCOUTS OF GULFCOAST FLORIDA at 4780 Cattlemend Road
Sarasota, FL 34233. Phone: 863.446.0571. Contact: Peggy Becerra
peggyb@gscf.org
HIGHLANDS COUNTY QUILT GUILD at P.O. Box 9040, Sebring, FL 33875. Phone: 863.471.0694. Contact: Barbara Black and Karen Doughty
hcquilt2011@gmail.com
The Quilt Guild is a non-profit organization that exist to create, stimulate, maintain, and record an interest in all matters pertaining to the making, collecting and preserving of quilts and to establish and promote educational and philanthropic endeavors through quilting. This is our Guild "Mission Statement"
HIGHLANDS DJ PRODUCTIONS at P.O. Box 505, Lake Placid, FL 33825. Phone: 863.464.1138. Contact: Charles Worley and Jodi Worley
highlands-dj-productions@hotmail.com
Highland's DJ Productions is a DJ duo consisting of 2 of the best disc jockeys that worked the circuit on the east coast of Southern Florida (from West Palm Beach to Miami) for many years. They have over 40 years of DJ experience including FM and AM radio, nightclubs, private parties and major outdoor events. They have a sound system capable of serving your smallest party to the largest corporate outdoor event. The entertainment fits your needs ranging from the more conservative Sweet 16 and retirement parties to the wildest country, dance club, hip hop or rock n roll shows and adult themed entertainment. And yes, with the later, there are dancer poles for the ladies who had always dreamed of "taking the stage." We also have the very popular "top 40" shows where there is a fine blend of all genres of today's hits. With over 70,000 songs in our library and the capability to grab a song instantly off the internet if we don't have it, there will never be a request that is not fulfilled. Simply put Highlands DJ Productions gives you "more bang for your buck" and is sure to make your event, no matter how large or small, an unbelievable success. METLIFE at 1941 Lakeview Drive, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: (407) 393-6628. Contact: William Hillborn, Financial Services Rep. whillborn@metlife.com
My business offers a wide variety of products and services including business succession strategies, estate conservation, income replacement products, life insurance, work site education, group benefits, Roth IRA, pension plans. My clients' needs and goals are my highest priority. I believe in the law of long term relationships, service, integrity and uncompromised purity. MICHAEL L. KIEBER P.A. at 129 S. Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 863.385.5188. Contact: Michael Keiber. keiberlaw@gmail.com Law practice MOUNTAIN TOP ADMINISTRATION, INC at 9247 Bridle Path, Sebring, FL 33875. Phone: 863.471.0228. Contact: Harold O. Connor and Heidi Conner-Colladay. Non-medical remedial care consultants, local digital historians & consultants. SIMPLY SOLD ON EBAY at 330 US Highway 27 N, Unit 1, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 863.235-0190. Contact: Daniel Barber.
simplysoldonebay@gmail.com Is it time to get rid of some of the unwanted items in your home? Now's the time to make some money on stuff that's just sitting around. There are four easy steps: (1) Drop off your item at our store, (2) We professionally photograph and post your item on eBay for 83 million buyers to see, (3) We sell and carefully ship your item and collect payment from the buyer, and (4) We send you a check. It's that easy. We sell everything from antiques, collectibles, apparel, jewelry, cars, vehicle parts, office equipment and more!
THIN & HEALTHY'S TOTAL SOLUTION at 13 Ryant Blvd, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: 863.382.4447. Contact: Dr. Keatley Waldron and Sheri Pickard. dwtotalsolutions@yahoo.com
USANA HEALTH SCIENCES at 3505 Par Road, Sebring, FL 33872. Phone: 863.381.5822. Contact: Shannon Williams. Shanwill89@yahoo.com USANA Health Sciences is one of the world's leading companies in the field of health and nutrition. Founded by Dr. Myron Wentz in 1992, USANA develops and manufactures exceptional nutritional, energy, personal care, and weight management products that are distributed by independent Associates such as myself. USANA produces the highest quality nutritional and personal care products in the world. With a complete balance of nutrients and antioxidants to protect your body and science-based personal care products that replenish and rejuvenate skin and hair. USANA's products will make you feel and look wonderful.
With products that provide better health and a business opportunity that offers security and limitless growth, there's never been a better time to work as an independent USANA business owner. One of my favorite products is the RESET Weight Management Program...The benefits of RESET go beyond weight loss. This program will not only help you shed pounds, but it will assist you in making positive changes to your lifestyle.
Resolve, renew, reinvent with RESET. SENSE' --beautiful science is a complete face and body care collection without added chemical preservatives. With its patented Self-Preserving Technology that combines purifying botanicals in protective liquid crystals, each product stays fresh naturally. Formulated with exclusive Topical Nutrition complexes and Anti Aging Technologies, the products are designed to help revitalize each cell, where healthy skin begins. Skin looks younger and healthier. USANA's vision of true helath extends to all people, especially children, which is why it has formed a partnership with Children's Hunger Fund(CHF). This organization has provided more than $875 million in aid, with more that 99 cents of every dollar going directly to children in need. To date, USANA Associates, employess, and corporate leaders have donated more than $11.1 million in products and financial support.
VILLA LOTELA at 700 E Cornell Street, Avon Park, FL 33825. Phone:
863.873.9670. Contact: Conna Walker. www.villalotela.com connawalker@gmail.com Owns 5 seasonal, corporate, short term or annual, lakefront, completely furnished apartments.
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Calendar of Events
DECEMBER
2 Lunch with Legends - On the circle
(11-2pm)
3 Sebring Christmas Parade -
downtown (7pm)
4 Kiwanis Club of Sebring Sporting Clays
Shoot - Square One Sporting Clays
Club
4 Lawn Mower Races & Christmas for
the Children - 441.2644 (4-9pm) $5
4 3rd Annual International Wine-
Tasting Highlands Art League -
Kenilworth Lodge (6:30-9:30pm)
admission $30
5 Treasures of Christmas - Heartland
Vocalist- SFCC (2 & 4pm) admission
$20
9 Chamber BREAKFAST -Sun N Lake
(6:45am)
10-18
Christmas Village - Flywheelers Park -
285.9121
10 Gallery & Downtown Walk - Historic
Downtown Sebring - (5-8pm)
10&17
The Magic of Christmas Concert -
Heartland Pops - SFCC - (7pm)
admission $8
11 5th Annual Golf Fore Life Fundraising
Tournament - Golf Hammock -
453.0307 admission $55
11 Santa Paws Holiday 5K Run -
Highlands Hammock - 655.1522 -
(8am) Fee $15
11 Tammerlin Christmas Concert -
Highlands Hammock (7pm) admission
$5
4-23
Santa on the Circle w/ carousel of
lights
31 New Year's Golf & Gala - Quality Inn
Conference Center - 385.4500 - RSVP
31 Ring in the New Year - Kenilworth
Lodge - RSVP
For up-to-the-minute, real-time information about upcoming events; or to submit an event, please Click Here.
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More Cost-Cutting Tips from Progress Energy
Treat your holiday guests for less
If your home is the home for family and friends this holiday season, chances are you're looking for ways to keep everyone comfortable and content while sharing in the holiday cheer.
Progress Energy offers a number of suggestions to help the hospitable host control energy costs without taking away from the holiday fun.
The quest to save energy and money this holiday season begins in the kitchen.
An oven costs 33 cents an hour to operate. Save time and money by baking holiday goodies together.
When reheating yesterday's treats, opt for the toaster oven or microwave. A toaster oven costs just 7 cents per hour to operate, and a microwave typically uses about 75 percent less energy than an oven.
Chances are the flurry of excitement within your home will mean more people than usual are heading to the fridge. Minimize the impact of every trip by keeping your refrigerator well stocked. This will lessen the amount of time and energy it takes to cool back down after the door is opened. Better yet, put your guests' drinks on ice to give your fridge a break while allowing yourself room to work in the kitchen.
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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. |
Public Service Message from the Sheriff
Can you believe it's the holiday season already!
As the big shopping seasons begin I would like to encourage everyone to take extra precautions with cash and credit cards. It seems there are more incidents of credit and debit card fraud this year, and unfortunately these charges come back to the merchant in the end.
Please take the time to verify the identity of persons presenting credit cards for purchases, especially when the customer is purchasing gift cards. In an effort to speed up the checkout process when signatures are not required, it is easy to forget to ask for the card. Most customers will appreciate your cashiers requesting photo identification to verify credit card sales and you might even prevent a theft from occurring.
Holiday travel is another challenge. Please give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. A speeding ticket is not what you asked Santa for, and an accident is even worse. Realizing that traffic will be heavier than usual and delays are likely, leave just a bit early and drive carefully. If you're traveling by air, remember to add time for the new increased security measures as well.
Finally, please, please don't drink and drive. Determine a designated driver prior to arriving at the holiday party and that person does not drink at all. Not even one drink! A DUI charge can ruin not only your day but the rest of your life and quite possibly the lives of others. It's just not worth it. Restaurant owners, please encourage your bartenders to be observant of guests that have exceeded their tolerance and do not let these individuals get behind the wheel.
Thank you in advance for your vigilance.
With all of this in mind, we at the Highlands County Sheriff's Office would like to wish all of you a safe, joyous and holy holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy New Year !
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