Go Green at March 1 First Thursday
Join us for a sham-rockin' First Thursday networking reception March 1, 5:30-7pm at Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic, 1950 Laurel Manor in The Villages. Enjoy a little luck o' the Irish, chair massages, refreshments and festive beverages. Admission to First Thursday is free for Chamber members, and RSVP is not required. |
Ribbon Cuttings
Tuesday, February 21, 12:15pm Pegasus Pharmacy 115 W Belt Ave., Bushnell (in the same plaza as Odd Cuples Café). Hors d'ouvres and drinks will be provided. Make plans to attend and help to welcome a new business to Sumter County!
Monday, February 27, 1:30pm
Allison Kelly Photography,
121 W. Dade Avenue,
Bushnell
Join us to welcome this new business to the Sumter community. Take a tour of Allison's studio and plan to come back at 5pm for her open house! |
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Leadership Sumter Class Visits Tallahassee
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 The Leadership Sumter County Class of 2012 traveled to Tallahassee February 9-10 for its State Government Days. The class toured the House chambers, observed Senate committee meetings, toured the historic 1910 Capitol building, and dined at the Governor's Club. They also visited the Florida Supreme Court (above), where Justice Peggy Quince spoke about how cases get to the Supreme Court, how justices are selected, and her experiences on the court.
John Upchurch of the Federal Correctional Complex-Coleman was elected class president on the trip.
Our thanks to Patrick Bell of Capitol Solutions LLC, and his staff for their hospitality, and to Dana Coleman from Rep. Marlene O'Toole's office for coordinating the trip.
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InsurAmerica
is Getting Valuable Exposure on the Chamber's Website.
You Can Too!
Traffic on the website (www.sumterchamber.org) jumped 400% in the past year and continues to grow. That makes advertising on the site an even greater marketing tool for your business.
The chamber has new advertising opportunities available on the website, and on this newsletter. Ad prices fit any business' budget but availability is limited. Contact Andy Cripps at the chamber at (352) 793-3099 or via e-mail.
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 Sumter County Chamber of Commerce Passport Sponsors
Gold Level
Silver Level
Bronze Level
For more information about sponsoring chamber events, contact Andrew Cripps, Executive Director at 352-793-3099 or e-mail him at director@sumterchamber.org.
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Sumter County Chamber E-News
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
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Sumter Workshops Designed to Help Businesses Boost Sales
 The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and Lake Sumter Community College will offer a series of workshops designed to help businesses boost their sales and profits. The first of three workshops in the series, presented by the Delfin Group of Yalaha, Fla., is scheduled for Thursday, March 15, 8:00 to 9:30am at the Sumter County Schools Professional Center, 200 Cleveland Avenue in Wildwood. Registration is $30 for each workshop or $75 for all three in the series. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Contact the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce at (352) 793-3099 for information and registration. Read More Here>> |
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Real Estate Panel to Discuss Market Outlook at March Lunch Exchange
 Sumter County has weathered the burst of the national real estate bubble better than most areas. In fact, Forbes magazine recently named The Villages as America's fastest growing small town. But where will it go from here?
The future of Sumter County's real estate market will be the topic of the Chamber Lunch Exchange on Wednesday, March 14, at Wildwood Country Resort. The Lunch Exchange begins at 11:30am. Connie Mahan of Connie Mahan Real Estate Group, Kelly Rice of Century 21 Prime Property Resources, and Danny Smith of Smith and Smith Realty will provide insight. Wildwood Country Resort is located at 1504 Heritage Blvd. in Wildwood. The cost to attend is $12 for members and $18 for non members and RSVP is required. Email assistant@sumterchamber.org or call 352-793-3099 to reserve your seat. Don't forget to ask how to get premium exposure in the Member Midway. |
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Sumter County 2012 Visitors Guide Now Online
 The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce's official 2012 Visitors Guide and Business Directory is now online. The new edition is the first produced in-house by the chamber, with graphic design by tangent media! The guide features information about Sumter County landmarks, golfing, parks and recreation, fishing and boating, shopping, dining, and the Scenic Sumter Heritage Byway. The printed guide will also be distributed to potential visitors and new residents. Access It Here>>
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Sumter Economic Development Reinvigorated with Volunteer Help
 From The Villages Daily Sun, Feb. 16, 2012
New energy surges these days throughout the Sumter County Commission as it embarks on a reinvigorated economic development mission.
Not satisfied with the continuing economic growth and an expanded tax base that has allowed the county to reduce homeowners' property taxes for the past six years in a row, the commission is pressing on to a new level. Read More Here>> |
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New Federal Web Site for Business
 President Obama last week announced the launch of Business.USA.gov, a virtual one-stop-shop that makes it easier for America's businesses to access the services and information they need to help them grow, hire, and export.
Get help starting, growing, and financing a business, or learn more about expanding your market and becoming more globally competitive through exporting. Read More Here>> (Thanks to Lisa Marshall, Sen. Bill Nelson's office.) |
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Member News
Events and information from your fellow chamber members.
U.S. Rep Richard Nugent has scheduled a constituent outreach meeting for Tuesday, February 28, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at The Villages Government Annex, located at 8033 E. CR 466, The Villages. A representative from Rep. Nugent's office will be there to meet with residents about issues dealing with the federal government. They will explain how to get in touch with Rep. Nugent to remedy a problem, offer general assistance and information, and outline what services are available through his office. for more information, call 352-799-8354 or toll-free at 1-866-492-4835.
Promotional Opportunity: Bushnell Assembly of God will host a Winter Visitor Appreciation Dinner on February 28th for the winter visitors who attend the church and friends they would like to invite. They are putting together gift bags and want to include coupons from local businesses. Contact Clarence Crane Jr., Lead Pastor, at 352-793-2240 or pastorc@cfl.rr.com.
Bushnell Family & Cosmetic Dentistry invites families to the 3rd Annual Give-Kids-A-Smile on Saturday, February 25, 9am to 4pm. Qualifying children ages 4-13 receive a free dental screening and treatment including cleaning, X-rays, fluoride treatment, fillings & extractions. Read More Here>>
The Alzheimer's Family Organization will hold its Caregiver Day on Friday, February 24, 10am to 2pm at New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Drive in The Villages. The day is dedicated to information and training for caregivers. Attendees receive a certificate, and continental breakfast and lunch. Registration is free for AFO members, $10 for non-members. Respite care is provided. Space is limited. Call 727-848-8888 for more details. Register Here>>
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Remember, our chamber of commerce is here to serve you and your business. If you have a suggestion for how we can help, please call us at 352-793-3099 or e-mail us at sumter-coc@sumterchamber.org.
Sincerely,
Andrew Cripps, Executive Director
Sumter County Chamber of Commerce
 
Visit our website at
www.sumterchamber.org
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