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A Message from Our Chairman
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Nicholas Schommer
Chairman |
Dear Chamber Members: Happy post Easter and the 12 Hours of Sebring. I hope everyone had a pleasant Easter. After the busy month of March the month of April has been relatively quiet. We had a nice tri-chamber mixer at SFCC to view the new theater. It is big city quality, and the food that the SFCC culinary students prepared was spectacular! We also had a nice monthly luncheon at Bella Vista. Even though it is almost to Avon Park a good turnout was had. Thanks to Nick, the owner of Bella Vista, and his staff for putting on a good lunch. If you came to the luncheon you go tot meet our new CEO, Kristie Sottile-Ogg. If you didn't, come out to the next luncheon to meet her, or stop by the Chamber office to say hello to her. Now that Kristie is on board full time and has had a chance to somewhat get into a normal operation procedure I'm looking forward to a more sedate/normal schedule of chamber business, and I'm sure she is too, and I'm sure the Board of Directors is as well. I hope to see you at the next chamber luncheon. Nick |
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From the Desk of Kristie
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Kristie Sottile-Ogg
President/CEO |
Well Hello Chamber Members!
Where to even begin with my first letter as the new captain of this ship! This past month has been a whirlwind of activity and transition to say the least! However, I am loving every minute of it! I am settling in to my new role and my sincere hope is to continue in the progressive direction that the Chamber has been on over the past couple of years.
I've enjoyed the opportunities I have already had to meet some of you and I look forward to meeting more of you in the coming months. Already in the short time that I've been in the saddle I have been blown away by the support from this great community! I know I have hit all of you (repeatedly!) already with many requests for support for various events, and you have all been so gracious in your responses to my appeals. The ability of the chamber to continue to exist and provide for the community would not be possible without the support bestowed upon us by all of you wonderful individuals. I am proud to be a part of this Highlands County community and so should you!
As we get into a new groove here at the Chamber know that we are in business to see YOUR BUSINESS grow and flourish! Our mission is to serve the best interests of you, our members! If you have comments, questions or suggestions on how we can better serve you please share them with us. Our goal is to work collectively together towards a better community!
I am truly honored for the opportunity to serve you as your President, and I hope to take the Chamber into a future filled with success and improvement. Our exiting fearless leader alluded to the fact that this is the best job in the world, and after stepping into his shoes...I couldn't agree more! Thank you for making my job so enjoyable and I look forward to what WE will be able to do in the future for this community!
Until we chat again,
Kristie
Monthly Luncheon
Our April Luncheon was held at the Bella Vista Restaurant on Thursday, April 14th. Nick and staff did an outstanding job accommodating the over 55 that attended. The five lunch selections were suburb, the set ups were awesome and the staff was very attentive!
We were fortunate to have Representative Ben Albritton's legislative secretary, Kathy Whaley and Congressman Tom Rooney's aid Sherry McCorkle join us!
Members got to meet new Chamber CEO Kristie Sottile-Ogg for the first time as she explained her excitement about the opportunity.
Sponsor Janice Roberts, marketing director of the Palms of Sebring told of all the great features that The Palms offers including the world class talents of Chef Mac!
Thanks to all of the door prize sponsors, the Chamber Ambassadors, the Bell Vista and especially The Palms of Sebring for making this an awesome event!
Monthly Mixer
The April Tri-chamber mixer was held at the SFCC Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April the 7th.
The Culinary School put out an AWESOME spread of appetizers, dips, desserts and delights. Chef Tim and his crew "out did themselves again!"
Members were treated to tours of the new auditorium and given schedules of upcoming events.
Check out this wonderful center for outstanding performances!
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Save the Date!!
18th Annual
Alan Jay Automotive Network
and
The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce
Scholarship Awards
and
Recognition Banquet
Alan Jay Wildstein, as part of the Alan Jay Automotive Network, and the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce their Annual Scholarship Awards and Recognition Banquet as it embarks on its 18th year.
It is that time of year again when we recognize the outstanding senior students of this great community. Throughout the school year the Chamber recognizes commendable students in their senior year of high school here in Sebring. These students were chosen by their school's respective administrations as students of the month during the past school year. They are all then eligible for a college scholarship supported by the generosity of the Alan Jay Automotive Network and the local area businesses that are part of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce.
The banquet is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 2011 at the Island View Restaurant at Sun n' Lake of Sebring. The luncheon will recognize all 2010-2011 Sebring Chamber Students of the Month and the scholarship winner will be announced at the end of the program.
The 2010-2011 Scholarship candidates are:
· Matthew Arnold
· Jamie Cox
· Javier Cruz
· Derek Drummond
· Reginald Fergerson
· Lydia Ford
· Lauren Harvey
· Brittany Jackson
· Jessica Todd
· Lauren Welborn
A delicious hot lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. complimentarily thanks to the sponsorship by David E. Willey, DMD and Allison Willey with Nextage-Floridian Living Realty. The program will follow the meal and begin at 12:00 p.m.
We are delighted to see this scholarship continue to its 18th year, and to be able to say that is it one of the county's largest privately awarded scholarships! We want to show these seniors just how much this community is behind them as the luncheon will offer an opportunity for the community to pledge their contributions to add to the scholarship fund helping these students realize their aspirations for the future.
Please RSVP to the Chamber by calling 385-8448, to allow for adequate preparation for the event.
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Call Office Furniture Depot at
866-816-3450 or 863-682-3450
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Announcements
Mixer and Luncheon days have changed!
We don't want you to miss out on any of the festivities here at the chamber, so you need to know of a minor change in the schedule of things to come. In the future all of our mixers and luncheons will be occurring at a different time and date than in the past. Be sure and note in your calendars the change we've made to the schedule. In the future this will be the schedule of events during the month:
- Mixers will be the 2nd TUESDAY of the month
- Luncheons will be the 4th TUESDAY of the month
Due to the fact that this is a recent adjustment, there are a few mixer and luncheon occurrences already scheduled throughout the rest of this year that will not follow this new schedule. We will be sure and keep you informed of the dates and times of all of these events. Continue to watch your emails for notifications and reminders of when our next fantastic chamber event will occur! We want you to get the most of our your membership and this includes our monthly gatherings.
I am thrilled to say that the schedule or events through the end of the year is almost completely booked! There is only one luncheon left for sponsorship in June, so if you'd like to showcase your business at our next luncheon contact us soon!
Update your contact information with us!
To make sure that your are getting all you deserve as an esteemed member of the Sebring Chamber we are asking that you update your contact information. You can call or email us with your contact information to make sure we have the right contact person, phone number, address, etc. This will ensure that we can continue to notify you of all the wonderful things going on at the chamber, but it also provides us with the necessary information the public needs to patron your business! Don't delay, call 385-8448 or email information@sebring.org to update your information.
Are you utilizing the Chamber website? Well you should!
One of the most underutilized assets of being a chamber member is your access to the chamber website. It is here that you as business members can post events, post job opportunities, let the community know of hot deals you are offering, pull reports to see how many people have accessed your website via the chamber website, and tell others about your company. If you haven't' been using the chamber website to aid your business it's time to change that! Set up an appointment with us and we will give you a tutorial on using the website to get the most out of this chamber benefit. We can walk you through the different aspects of the website over the phone or in person in as little as 30 minutes. Call today to schedule your informational session!
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 to Showcase your Business or Service.....Ad sales for The Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce 2011-2012 Community Profile & Membership Directory are now underway.
Advertising in this "Commemorative 100th Anniversary Edition" has great advantages. Village Profile representatives, Mary & Neil Walker are now in the area and will be contacting you soon. For more information, please give Mary & Neil a call at the Chamber 385-8448.
Join Chris McCormack at the Heartland Triathlon
June 18 & 19. Events begin at 7:30 am. Free daily activities include: a race clinic hosted by Macca, a pasta dinner hosted by the Olive Garden, a keynote presentation by Macca, post-race BBQ, and more! Don't miss this great event. Click here!
for more details.
Habitat for Humanity is hosting an opportunity for the public to learn about its mission.
Participants are invited to tour homes, meet the resident families, and see homes under current construction. It's a great way to learn more about this fantastic organization and find out how to get involved. For more information, Click here!
Check out the Heartland Young Professionals Heartland YP is a premier organization cultivating the existence of young leaders in the community. This upstanding organization is geared towards promoting and advancing the professional and social development of the young professionals within out community. Click here! for more information or to join.
Faith Child Development Center Ministry of Faith Lutheran Church announces Summer Session enrollment for its preschool and daycare programs.
The hours of operation are from 7:15 am - 5:30 pm. Programs begin June 13 - August 19. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided. Fall Session term is from August 22, 2011- June 8, 2012. VPK and School Readiness Subsides through the Early Learning Coalition are accepted. Call 385-3232 for more information. Faith Child Development Center seeks to provide a faith-based loving environment for children to grow physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually.
APHS Project Graduation 2011 is hosting a Benefit Golf Tournament At River Greens Golf Course on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 8:30 AM. For an application and more information Click here!
Stop Smoking for the New Year!
Free Smoking Cessation classes are available. Click here! for more details.
The American Red Cross Announces it 2011 Schedule for Health and Safety Courses.
For their schedule Click here! |
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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!
M.C.'s Painting, Inc.
Contact: Gregory Carr, Owner
Address: 4321.5 US Hwy 27 N., Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: 863-385-4379
Email:mcspainting-863@yahoo.com
M.C.'s Painting specializes in residential painting, commercial painting, drywall, wall paper hanging, texture and remodeling. Check them out for all of your painting needs!
Priceless Memories
Contact: Sharon Green, Owner
Address: 2020 Alan Street, Sebring, FL 33875
Phone: 863-314-3935
Email: mypricelessmemories@hotmail.com
Priceless Memories is dedicated to helping you organize and preserve all your photos into albums that you can enjoy, give as gifts, or pass on to your loved ones. They offer classes, scrapbook events such as crop parties and retreats. And, if you feel you just don't have the time or creativity, we can help with that as well.You bring your pictures and we'll custom make your memory books. Whatever your picture needs are, they are here to help you!
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Calendar of Events
MAY
19 Bethany Choir will be at New Life Lutheran Church @ 7pm.
21 Highlands Hammock State Park - Music in the Park - 7pm - 9pm, Contact: 863-386-6094
21 Car Show @ Home Depot - 3rd Saturday of the month - 5pm - 8pm, Contact: Tim 863-414-5413
21 The Dirty Dozen Fun Mud Run @ Sebring Int'l Raceway - 10am, Contact: Lisa 655-1442
21 Florida Lawnracing, Avon Park - 3pm
27 Highlands Museum of the Arts: Student Art Show - 5pm - 6:30pm, Contact: 863-385-6682
28 Haiti Bible Mission 5K Walk/Run @ Highlands State Park - 8am. Entry fee is $20 before 5/22/11 and $25 thereafter. Contact Tim Baker @ 863-381-0701 or Chet Brojek @ 863-385-4736.
JUNE
1-19 Highlands Little Theater's "Little Women", Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Tickets $20. Contact: 863-382-2525
4 Avon Park Air Force Range Fish & Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Program's Fishing Derby. Registration begins at 7am. Contact: 863-452-4254
10 Gallery and Downtown Walk - 2nd Friday night of the month - 5pm - 8pm, 863-446-3874
11 Saturday Night Cruise Car Show - 2nd Saturday of the month 5pm - 8pm, Bud @ 863-471-1900
18 Car Show @ Home Depot - 3rd Saturday of the month - 5pm - 8pm, Contact: Tim 863-414-5413
24 Hotel California "A Salute to the Eagles" - SFCC 7:30pm- $25-$35 - 863-784-7178
25 The Amazing Race for the Children's Museum - Contact: Linda Crowder 863-385-5437
JULY
8 Gallery and Downtown Walk - 2nd Friday night of the month - 5pm - 8pm, 863-446-3874
9 Lake Placid Farmers Market - 2nd Saturday of the month - 8am - 1pm, 863-465-4331
9 Saturday Night Cruise Car Show - 2nd Saturday of the month 5pm - 8pm, Bud @ 863-471-1900
16 Car Show @ Home Depot - 3rd Saturday of the month - 5pm - 8pm, Contact: Tim 863-414-5413
AUGUST
12 Gallery and Downtown Walk - 2nd Friday night of the month - 5pm - 8pm, 863-446-3874
13 Lake Placid Farmers Market - 2nd Saturday of the month - 8am - 1pm, 863-465-4331
13 Saturday Night Cruise Car Show - 2nd Saturday of the month 5pm - 8pm, Bud @ 863-471-1900
20 Car Show @ Home Depot - 3rd Saturday of the month - 5pm - 8pm, Contact: Tim 863-414-5413
21 21st Annual Caladium Festival - Contact: Lake Placid Chamber 863-465-4331
SEPTEMBER
9 Gallery and Downtown Walk - 2nd Friday night of the month - 5pm - 8pm, 863-446-3874
10 Lake Placid Farmers Market - 2nd Saturday of the month - 8am - 1pm, 863-465-4331
16-18 Sebring Thunder
17 Car Show @ Home Depot - 3rd Saturday of the month - 5pm - 8pm, Contact: Tim 863-414-5413
For up-to-the-minute, real-time information about upcoming events; or to submit an event, please
Click here!
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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, would like to communicate news about your organization, or if you are intersted in advertising in this newsletter please call Kristie at 385-8448. |
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Are you Looking for Office Space?
The location of the Chamber of Commerce as part of the Business Welcome Center allows for professional office suites for rent. If you are looking for a place for your business to call home come check out the beautiful accommodations at the Chamber.
All of the office spaces available are furnished and include: utilities, wireless Internet access, copy machine use, fax machine use and a reception desk. So what's stopping you from starting your business or expanding into the Sebring area?
The Chamber has everything you need to get your business going including a centrally located office in the heart of Highlands County. If you'd like more information about the office spaces available or for rental rates call the Chamber at 863-385-8448.
We'd love to house your business at the Chamber!
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Kegel Lines Up Fun,New
Activities
Kegel Bowling Center announces new activities for almost every day of the week!
The public can now enjoy:
Wacky Wednesdays: from noon to 4pm. Put some fun in your day... Even Whiners Win on Wacky Wednesdays!.... $1.50 Games ~ $1.50 Shoes ~ $1.50 Drafts ~ $1.50 Screwdrivers ~ Free Game Cards Thursday Nite Dollar Mania: from 9 to 11pm. $1 games, $1 shoes, $1 hot dogs, $1 sodas, $1 drafts Flippin' Fantastic Fridays: from 9pm to midnight. All-you-can-bowl. $13.00 per person, rental shoes included. Saturday Nite Rock N Bowl: from 7pm to Midnight. 1.5 hours of bowling with rental shoes $10.00 Adults, $8.00 Under 12 yrs old., Black lights, Music, MC, Lights and tons of fun! Come on in, bowl with friends and check out our new carpet.. it glows during Rock N Bowl!! Spring & Summer leagues: are starting soon. Learn To Bowl & Have More Fun Program: starts Monday, April 4 at 6 pm or Tuesday, April 5 at 1 pm It's only $19.95 for the four sessions and includes shoe rental. Have a Ball League: starts Monday, May 2 at 6:30pm. The league term is 12 weeks with four-person teams at $12 per person per week. Receive a bowling ball at the end of the league session. Amenities also include: standing sheets to track your average, discounted rental shoes, and VIP Cards for discounted practice games valid during league weeks. Taking Care of Business League: starts March 30 and will continue each Wednesday at 9:15 pm. We want to help you promote your business while having fun bowling! Be the "Business Of The Week!" |
Public Service Message from the Sheriff
It's The Season of Change Once Again!
You have probably noticed that many of our neighbors have gone back to their northern homes for the summer - a sure sign that our streets, restaurants and shops are going to be less busy as well. Often this also means that staff will be laid off and hours will be changing. Our climate is changing too - nights are getting warmer, days are longer and the mornings are more humid and foggy for that early run! Soon the afternoon thundershowers will be here providing a cool refresher just before you head home from work.
Here at the Sheriff's Office, we also are changing! Last month I filled the position of Public Information Officer by bringing Crime Prevention Specialist Nell Hays to the main office and adding this responsibility to her list of tasks. While Nell's primary job will be Public Information Officer, she will remain coordinator of the over 80 Neighborhood Watch groups in the county.
She will also continue to provide crime prevention education to groups and organizations as her schedule permits. Residential and Business Security Surveys will still be available by appointment but as the opportunities present themselves, Nell will be passing some of this responsibility to the patrol deputies who have been trained in these areas.
Nell's new office phone is 863-402-7369 and her cell number 863-214-2533. She will also continue to participate in S.A.L.T., work with the three Chambers of Commerce and keep her Board of Directors positions with the Suncoast Crime Prevention Association and the Florida Crime Prevention Association.
With Nell no longer located at the Lakeshore Mall Community Service Center, this outlet has now closed. Crime prevention materials are still available however at the Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 434 Fernleaf Ave, Sebring.
I hope you will drop in and see us!
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