Lakeland Chamber of Commerce

Last week was our ‘Unofficial Favorite Fun Fourth Thursday’. The fourth Thursday of each month, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce starts the afternoon off with our Women’s Business Council. Thank you to Angela Bowne of Compass Mortgage LLC for your presentation. You did a fabulous job! Next, we always go to a Chamber Member restaurant…this month we went to @Mary’s Bagel Cafe’ to try out some of their Fall goodies. Next, a group of us headed back to the Chamber to catch up on some work before our Small Business Council Meeting. Stephanie Hoskins, from Good Intents Marketing, gave a very insightful presentation on ‘Finding Your Best Customer’. It’s a fabulous day of bonding and networking…let us know if you don’t want to miss out on the fun next year! (We won’t be meeting in November and December, as the fourth Thursday is during the Holiday weeks)

Congratulations to Curry Mango, the Lakeland Chamber's October 2024 Small Business of the Month! This recognition reflects not only the restaurant’s exceptional quality but also the dedication and passion of its owner, Tijo, who has been a vibrant part of our community for over 20 years. Tijo’s culinary journey began in India, where he discovered his passion for cooking at just 12 years old while helping his father, a caterer. This early experience ignited a lifelong love for food, leading him to establish Curry Mango in 2019. Since then, the restaurant has become a beloved fixture in Lakeland, celebrated for its rich flavors and authentic Indian cuisine. At Curry Mango, guests can enjoy a diverse menu that captures the essence of Indian culinary traditions. The restaurant prides itself on using genuine spices and ingredients to craft dishes that not only delight the palate but also provide a cultural experience. With fragrant spices and savory curries, there’s something for everyone, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Curry Mango has proudly been a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce since opening, highlighting Tijo’s commitment to nurturing local business relationships and contributing to the community’s growth. The restaurant truly embodies the spirit of a small business that cares deeply about its customers and the local economy. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication Tijo invests in his restaurant. The joy of seeing satisfied customers keeps him motivated, and with each dish served, he shares his passion for Indian cuisine with everyone who walks through the door. We invite everyone in Lakeland to visit Curry Mango and savor the delicious food and warm hospitality that make this restaurant truly unique. Whether you’re a long-time patron or visiting for the first time, you’re sure to leave with a smile and a newfound appreciation for Indian cuisine. Congratulations to Tijo and the entire Curry Mango team! Thank you for enriching our community with your culinary talents and commitment to excellence. Here’s to many more years of success and delightful dining experiences! Visit their website at https://lnkd.in/evPaTFyz.

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Chamber Champions had our meeting earlier this month. Thank you to Central Florida Health Care, Inc. for sponsoring our lunch! We appreciate your support of these amazing volunteers.

Congratulations to Tri-County Human Services, Inc. on your 50th Anniversary and the Grand Opening of your new building. It was a pleasure to celebrate these two big milestones with you! Tri-County Human Services was founded by two parents determined to help their son, who changed from mentally healthy and bright to sullen and belligerent after getting involved with alcohol and drugs. Believing that no family should endure such pain, they started distributing pamphlets to raise awareness about this growing issue. Working from the trunk of their car. Their dedication led to the official establishment of Tri-County Human Services in 1974. Today, Tri-County is a nationally respected organization that provides behavioral health evaluations, treatments, and support services across twelve locations in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. We are known for our excellence in caring for children, adolescents, and adults. We are a state-licensed agency and nationally accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). We proudly offer a "no-wrong-door" approach, providing a wide range of high-quality services focused on improving the lives of everyone we serve.

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Wednesday LEADS Group took a spontaneous field trip to support Lakeside Village and the unveiling of their amazing new BLOOM mural, created by Gillian Fazio. They went all out with their hospitality…live music, Frankly Bartending, gift bags, a huge spread from Graze Craze - Lakeland, The Petal Co provided flowers for everyone to create their own take home bouquet, and so much more. We are so glad that we were able to support our Chamber Members. Please go and admire this fabulous creation in person…it is truly a work of art!

Happy Ribbon Cutting Day to TP Hair Lounge! We had a wonderful time celebrating you. **Sharita Hawkins, a non surgical hair loss/extensions specialist, platform artist & educator, has 30 years of experience in the beauty industry. One of her unique distinctions is that she takes a natural approach when treating her clients hair by using 100% all natural ingredients. She offers an array of services like natural hair care, cuts, chemical services, extensions, hair toppers, brow tinting & waxing, permanent makeup and more. Sharita educates her clients on necessary maintenance & offers product to take home with them. She gives the VIP experience. Your premium extensions & hair pieces are included in services. She also accepts most medical insurances. Her team has also partnered with American Cancer Associations in servicing cancer surviors & volunteer work. TP Hair Lounge looks forward to servicing you. Visit their website: https://lnkd.in/e9wZqhhE

We had a fabulous turnout for our Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Tuesday LEADS Group. Thank you to Caroline Milne Caroline Milne and Savannah for your informational presentation on Das Hund Haus, Until Such Time, and Paws Plus Veterinary. And, as always, we appreciate Residence Inn by Marriott for hosting our weekly meetings. Check out the Lakeland Chamber Calendar to find out when and where our upcoming meetings are: https://lnkd.in/eKahDEXd

Thank you so much to everyone that came out and helped us celebrate ‘National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day’! We enjoyed seeing all of your smiling faces. Special shout out to Amanda Walls, our current Board Chair, for her encouraging cards and gift certificates to a local Chamber Member, Good Thyme LKLD…also the beautiful orchid. Seth Spencer, from Florida Polytechnic University, we appreciate our fun Florida Poly swag bags!! We are all in love with our squishy swans and Prime Meridian Bank goodies…thanks Angela Walden! Adriana Eraso, we devoured the chocolate covered fruit tray… COhatch Lakeland always takes such good care of us! The staff can’t stop admiring the fabulous flower arrangement sent to us by Joshua B. of Borem Fire Protection, Inc. Look at that fabulous balloon art, donated by Rizwana Mir of Balloons by Riz. And, what a sweet gesture: Josemane Ancion, M.A., from Sunrise Community, Inc, dropped off a Certificate of Appreciation. The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce couldn’t feel more loved!

We all had such a great time at the SIM BOSS Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting! (They even pulled up Frogger for some of us ‘non-experienced’ gamers) Plan your date night, Birthday Party, or whatever you can think of…you will be sure to have a fabulous time! **We stand out from competition because we are the only one of its kind! There is no where else you can sim race while drinking ice cold beers! We also serve dollar beers every Wednesday, car meets twice a month on Fridays with live DJs, and comedy nights once a month. Gaming options include PS5 console gaming, state-of-the-art simulation racing machines, and Board games are available in lounge. Drink options include beer (craft, local, domestic), cider, and seltzers. Come Drink and Game with us! Visit their website for more information: https://lnkd.in/eTCe87xT?

Congratulations to Saddle Creek Veterinary Hospital on their awesome Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting! Thanks for letting the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce be a part of your special day. Located in Lakeland, FL, Saddle Creek Veterinary Hospital veterinarians take great pride in serving you and your pet with the highest standard of care and compassion. Our full-service animal hospital is able to provide pets in Lakeland and the surrounding area with the comprehensive health, wellness, and preventative medicine services they need for a long and healthy life. Conveniently located on U.S. 92, our AAHA-accredited animal hospital is open throughout the week for your convenience. If you’ve been looking for a first-rate veterinary clinic to trust with your pet’s health and wellness needs, you’ve come to the right place! Visits their website below: https://lnkd.in/ewxf-qdw?