March 2021 SPOTLIGHT - CMCPG LLC
Haines City, FL - CMCPG LLC was established by Melissa and Christopher Diaz in 2012. Under the corporate umbrella is the Lakeland Once Upon a Child resale store that grand-opened in 2013 and several commercial real estate investments throughout Polk County. Christopher is a former law enforcement officer, beginning his career with the Hillsborough County Corrections and moving all the way to detective status under Sheriff Grady Judd in Polk County. Melissa is a former middle and high school math teacher, her career tenure in Hillsborough County. Chris and Melissa have two children, Amelia (9) and Phoenix (8), who are homeschooled. Both children have grown up in the life of business owners and already have the entrepreneurial spirit!
Melissa and Christopher live by three simple business and life philosophies. They are the same ideologies they have taught their children from a very young age: “Treat others as you would like to be treated”, “Don’t burn bridges”, and “Make it happen”. Business does not have to be cutthroat. Business relationships can, and should, be both symbiotic and peaceful. Too often there is a power struggle between partners or landlords and tenants. It is the Diazes’ mission to not only be cheerleaders for their store employees and building tenants, but to also treat them well and help them grow. It is also their mission to be proud of how they handle business relationships, no matter the situation. It was the vision of Jane Waters and Julie Revell that drew Chrisopher and Melissa to purchase property within Historic Haines City. They saw the growth potential for, and fell in love, with the area. Melissa now serves on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Community Redevelopment Agency in Haines City. Along with owning property, the Diazes are fully engaged in and supportive of local businesses and their forward momentum. With any growth-minded and thriving area, small businesses in the community are driving forces. In this light, the Diaz family is also working in conjunction with the CRA and the Northeast Polk Chamber on a shared office space for startup businesses, right in the heart of Historic Haines City. Keep your eyes out for more information on that project coming soon! Contact: Melissa and Christopher Diaz mcdinvestors@gmail.com See the PRESS RELEASE. |
March 2021 SPOTLIGHT - Mark Weidemyre, Realtor, The atlas group
West Central FL - The Atlas Group Realty Services LLC is a full-service real estate brokerage that serves West Central Florida. The company was established in 2018 in Spring Hill and has recently expanded to Polk County with a second office in Haines City. The Atlas Group embraces a concierge-style approach, designed to meet the unique, multifaceted, and ever-changing needs of home sellers and buyers. With rapid and ongoing advances in technology, consumers have access to more real estate market information than they ever have before. Thus, the need for professional representation has been redefined and is more important than ever!
While many real estate brokerages continue to operate with a “discount-to-get-your-business” and “one size fits all” model, The Atlas Group acknowledges the value of time saving efforts made by consumers due to these advances and provides each customer with an individualized approach to help navigate through each step of the often misunderstood, complex real estate transaction process. The Atlas Group’s local Agent, Mark Weidemyre, excels in areas where others subceed, managing behind the scenes tasks and staying on top of contingencies to ensure successful, timely closings, referrals, and lifelong customers. Mark’s relationships with trusted lenders, inspectors, title companies, contractors, and other real estate professionals in the community ensure that his clients’ best interests are always looked after. He would love to help guide you through your unique home buying and selling journey. Contact Mark Weidemyre at mark@theatlasgroup.com for your personal consultation. You can also visit his website at https://markweidemyre.theatlasgroup.com/ Contact: Mark Weidemyre, Realtor mark@theatlasgroup.com See the PRESS RELEASE. |
February 2021 SPOTLIGHT - Embrace the pace designs, LLC
Central Florida - Embrace the Pace Designs, LLC was founded in March of 2019 by owner, Angelica Pennington, MBA. Pennington is a “military kid” but has called Polk County home for the last 11 years. Pennington is a graduate of Webber International University (Business Administration, Pre-Law Major, 2012), Warner University (Master of Business Administration, 2014), and Full Sail University (Master of Fine Arts, Media Design, 2020). She has always had a knack for creativity and graphic design. In addition, Pennington is also in law enforcement and is a coach over the Girls’ Basketball Operations at Ridge Community High School. She is also a Board Member with Compassionate Hearts UNITED Foundation.
Embrace the Pace Designs was developed with the risk taker in mind. Often times, people who want to start a business just simply do not know who to go to, what to ask, how to ask, and are sometimes hesitant because of the misconception of there having to be a “rush” when dealing with companies and a rush to have “it” all together. Business and brands are personal, they are art, and they are items that should be approached with a sense of risk and patience. Embrace the Pace means to appreciate YOUR journey, not the journey of others. It means to be thankful for your process. When we Embrace one another, we Embrace ourselves. Embrace the Pace Designs is a visual and graphic design company that specializes in branding, consulting, digital marketing, logo creation, book cover creation, cover letters and resumes, sporting posters, flyers, business cards, invitations, motion videos, product labels, and more! The company takes pride in servicing a variety of clients with a variety of needs. They are proud to announce that they have started the EMPOWERing Collection, which is a limited clothing line where all proceeds go towards the Embrace the Pace Scholarship Program. Embrace the Pace Designs looks forward to building their clientele and serving the community! Life is no race, Embrace the Pace! Contact: Angelica Pennington, MBA embracethepace.bizonly@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbraceThePace.Designs Instagram: www.instagram.com/embracethepace_designsllc See the PRESS RELEASE. |
FEBRUARY 2021 SPOTLIGHT - Heart of Florida School of real estate
Haines City, FL - Cynthia Givens is the owner and instructor of the Heart of Florida School of Real Estate. Cynthia has a wealth of knowledge in the real estate industry as a licensed real estate broker with over 15 years of real estate experience. She is also a licensed real estate instructor and former Florida REALTORSⓇ approved instructor with a background in teaching live face-to-face, online, and recorded real estate courses in multiple states.
The mission of the Heart of Florida School of Real Estate is to be the BEST real estate school in Polk County and throughout the state of Florida and to excel in the following areas:
Contact: Cynthia Givens - heartofflschoolofre@gmail.com Facebook: http://ow.ly/ryf030ruqJe Twitter: https://twitter.com/heart_estate See the PRESS RELEASE. |
January 2021 SPOTLIGHT - Corneille Medical training & Consulting llc
Davenport, FL - This month, we are highlighting one of our new members of the Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce. Keturah Corneille - BSN, RN - is the founder of Corneille Medical Training & Consulting LLC. She currently offers premier mobile CPR training services to healthcare providers, daycare staff, construction workers, new parents/grandparents, caregivers, and to anyone that wants to learn the skills to help save a life. She is currently aligned with the American Heart Association, American Safety & Health Institute, National Safety Council, and ProCPR.
Heart disease and heart conditions are the leading cause of death in the U.S. People can have a heart attack just about anywhere. The good news is that every person, regardless of their background can be trained to learn CPR. Keturah’s goal is to be a resource in the community to provide these needed services. She is the lead instructor and has over 12 years of experience in healthcare as a professional Registered Nurse. She is available to come to your desired location to teach you these necessary skills. The best way to reach her is either by email (listed below) or phone (listed above). Future plans for Corneille Medical Training & Consulting LLC is to expand and offer continuing education courses for nurses and other healthcare providers, CNA Prep Course, Phlebotomy training, and a Med Tech Course. These courses will be beneficial for those looking to enter the ever changing healthcare field for new employment opportunities. Contact: Keturah Corneille - BSN, RN keturah@corneillemedicaltraining.com See the PRESS RELEASE. |
JANUARY 2021 SPOTLIGHT - Elite tile creations LLC
Central FL - Elite Tile Creations LLC is a remodeling and renovations company specializing in tile installations. They have been serving the Central Florida area since 2016 and moved their operations to Poinciana just last year. They specialize in high-end custom stone, granite, marble, travertine, and ceramic work. Whether it is flooring or backsplashes, their dedication to quality is one of the reasons why they continue to perform projects and why 85% of their customers are repeat clients.
Elite Tile Creations offers expert assistance in all phases of each project, from initial design and selection to custom installation. The Elite operation is widely known for top quality materials and workmanship, as well as providing superior customer service. Quality craftsmanship and service is the cornerstone of their business, and they know it makes a great difference. When you do business with Elite Tile Creations, you will be greeted by the owner, Paul Kelly. Paul has been in construction for over a decade. He began his career in pool resurfacing, then quickly developed a passion for the intricate work and attention to detail that superb tilework requires. To book services with Elite Tile Creations visit their website at www.elitetilecreations.com. Contact: Paul Kelly elitetilecreations@gmail.com See the PRESS RELEASE. |
December 2020 SPOTLIGHT - Erica Rocha, Broker Associate - RE/MAX Legacy
Central FL - Erica Rocha is known for outstanding client service, availability, high-tech marketing techniques, and personal touches. As a skilled negotiator with her client's best interests at heart, she strongly believes that is not only her duty to represent her clients to the best of her ability, but also to educate them throughout every step of the process. Erica works to arm clients with top-notch information and market insight, so that her clients make the best decision possible.
Erica epitomizes integrity, energy, commitment, professionalism, and creative service in every detail of your Real Estate transaction. Erica grew up in Brazil. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. She has built a successful career in Real Estate since 2006. She has worked every aspect of the industry representing sellers, buyers, investors, and banks, in both the residential and commercial markets. Erica uses her experience and foresight to proactively address details before they become a problem. She will handle every detail of the transaction, from the first phone call all the way to a successful closing! Contact: Erica Rocha, Broker Associate- RE/MAX Legacy ericarocha0379@gmail.com See the Press Release. |
December 2020 SPOTLIGHT
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November 2020 SPOTLIGHT
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NOVEMBER 2020 SPOTLIGHT
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Haines City, FL - EEC Solutions (EEC) is a veteran-owned small business located in Haines City, Florida, operated by veteran Alex Morales-Hernandez. Alex, the CEO and President of EEC, was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he lived until he enlisted in the United States Army. Alex enlisted in the United States Army on April 18, 1995, and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Three after 21 years of military service. He served in the Special Operations Enterprise and, lastly, in the Defense Attaché System as the Operations Coordinator, Assistant Army Attaché, and Acting Defense Attaché in countries such as Bolivia, Chad, El Salvador, Colombia, Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. He is a 2013 graduate of Central Michigan University, with a Master of Science in Administration; speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and French; and is a recipient of numerous military awards, including the 3rd highest award in the Department of State, “Award for Heroism.”
For over 23 years, EEC’s experts have been providing services, products, and skills to numerous government agencies, small businesses, and professionals around the world. EEC consistently provides innovative quality solutions that meet or exceed the requirements and expectations of customers. Some of their services/products include: Consulting, Strategic Planning & Engagement, Professional Development Assessments, Security Education & Training, and COVID-19 PPE Products. EEC actively pursues ever-improving quality through programs that enable each employee to do their job accurately and efficiently. EEC Solutions is actively committed to giving back to the community. They operate in and create a chain reaction of caring and charitable giving amongst others. They dedicate their time and resources to numerous non-profit organizations in our community, meanwhile creating opportunities for networking and empowerment amongst our youth. Additionally, EEC Solutions is excited to announce the launch of “The Spotlight: with the Ambassador and the Chief,” featuring Ambassador Harry Thomas, and their very own CEO, Alex! This podcast will discuss current events with a diverse range of guest speakers, from politicians and veterans to social activists and media personalities. Overall, the goal is to inspire listeners to confront issues facing the global community. The launch was on October 28th, and it will be broadcast every Wednesday at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel. For more information, please visit EEC Solutions at www.dbaeecsolutions.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @eecsolutions . Contact: Alex Morales-Hernandez support@dbaeecsolutions.com See the Press Release. |
Davenport, FL - Rental and Realty Group is a fully licensed brokerage and long term management company in Davenport, Florida. The company was established in 2009. Their focus is on servicing the Polk County community in sales and long term management. Rental and Realty Group prides itself on great communication, user friendly platforms, and real results. With hundreds of homes on management, they offer a full range of services for all needs. Rental and Realty Group’s services include: tenant allocations and full management, such as maintenance, accounting, and more.
Real-life clients give testimonials to Rental and Realty Group’s quality of service. “Excellent company to rent from!” - Kiah (2020). “I was working with another company. Rental and Realty Group went far beyond any company I have used. I would recommend them highly. They are quick to respond to issues and get the problem solved in a timely manner.” - Gary (2020). These reviews and more truly speak for themselves. Rental and Realty Group would love to connect with you to see how they can help your business grow! Contact Lucas@rentalrealtygroup.com for a consultation. You can also visit their website at www.rentalandrealtygroup.com, or call them at 863-421-7200. Contact: Rental and Realty Group Lucas@rentalrealtygroup.com See the Press Release. |
October 2020 SPOTLIGHT - compassionate hearts united foundation, inc.
Haines City, FL - On May 11, 2019, Marielys Camacho-Reyes’s oldest daughter graduated from college. During the commencement speeches that day, Marielys was not only watching her daughter becoming an adult, but she was also listening to one of the most motivational speeches she had ever heard in her life. The guest speaker was an alumni who went on to create her own community magazine. The alumni had no idea what she was doing, but all she knew was that she wanted to run her own magazine and that nothing was going to stop her. Like the speaker, Marielys had always dreamed of starting a newspaper, one published by her own nonprofit organization.
Marielys’s dream of starting the newspaper came with a lot of challenges, and one of them was being stationed overseas for three years due to her husband's active-duty military status. At that time, they were sent to Zimbabwe, Africa, and Marielys’s dream of starting her beloved newspaper and charity foundation were put on hold. Her husband decided to retire from the military, and they came back to the United States in May 2016. After dealing with multiple health issues, Marielys finally decided that it was time for her to make her dream of starting a newspaper under a nonprofit organization come true. The day after her daughter’s commencement ceremony, Marielys took the first step toward her dream and created the first page of her newspaper, The Northeast Polk Gazette (currently named Compassionate Hearts Gazette). On that day, Marielys not only created her newspaper, but she also founded and registered her own nonprofit foundation that she called PR Media, Inc. (currently named the Compassionate Hearts UNITED Foundation, Inc.). Marielys’s intentions with forming her nonprofit were to be able to provide support to other nonprofit organizations and charitable causes based on their individual missions and immediate needs, while at the same time, providing a monthly online newspaper that features nonprofit news from around the community. A year later, Compassionate Hearts UNITED Foundation, Inc. and the Compassionate Hearts Gazette are serving the community and are active reminders that dreams can come true. For more information about the Compassionate Hearts UNITED Foundation, Inc. or to make a donation in support of the organization’s charitable missions, you can visit their website at www.chufinc.org Contact: Marielys Camacho-Reyes marielyscr@chufinc.org See the Press Release. |
OCTOBER 2020 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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September 2020 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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SEPTEMBER 2020 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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Release for Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce:
The Florida FFA Foundation’s Leadership Training Center has been in operation on the shores of Lake Pierce for almost 30 years. Its beautiful rustic feel and lodge setting make it a great place for visitors and FFA members. The FFA Foundation opened its doors in Polk County and has called it home since 1991, when the center was started. The mission of the Florida FFA Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. That’s no small task, with over 25,000 FFA members in Florida and 425 agriculture education programs in schools; the foundation works to support and host these students right here in Polk County.
Each year the FFA training center hosts numerous FFA events and contests. There are two notable annual events - the FFA Beast Feast and the FFA Hall of Fame. The Beast Feast is an annual event hosted to raise funds to support operations of the foundation. These include offsetting travel costs, giving scholarships, and providing awards for all FFA members. The wild game “Beast Feast” dinner and auction involve FFA members with donors and supporters. The beautiful day on Lake Pierce starts with a sporting clays shoot hosted by our partner, Polk Sporting Clays. Guests then venture to the lawn area for various foods served by FFA members and fun activities for all. The FFA Hall of Fame is designed to induct supporters, teachers, and pioneers for FFA and agriculture education into a well respected group. This event happens each September and attracts many of FFA’s best to come together and celebrate as one community. This facility is a landmark for FFA and is a product of many people’s toils.
When FFA members are not utilizing the facility, it is open to other guests. The center and its staff welcome a variety of events for community organizations, corporate groups, church programs, and individuals to visit the approximately 100 acres of Central Florida’s splendor. The lake front provides access for kayaks and canoes to venture through Catfish Creek, while the surrounding Catfish Creek State Preserve offers beautiful nature hiking trails. The facility offers community style villas, individual lodge rooms, and meeting spaces to accommodate a variety of events. The pool, Lake Pierce, Polk Sporting Clays, ropes course, and outdoor settings allow for limitless recreation activities. The revenue generated by this facility supports the programs and work of the FFA Foundation. This also includes a special rate for FFA chapters to utilize the facility. The work of the FFA Foundation has depended upon the generous donors and guests that continue to provide even through the tough times. This is just a testimony to the impact agriculture education and FFA can have on its members.... forever Blue and Gold!
View the Press Release.
The Florida FFA Foundation’s Leadership Training Center has been in operation on the shores of Lake Pierce for almost 30 years. Its beautiful rustic feel and lodge setting make it a great place for visitors and FFA members. The FFA Foundation opened its doors in Polk County and has called it home since 1991, when the center was started. The mission of the Florida FFA Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. That’s no small task, with over 25,000 FFA members in Florida and 425 agriculture education programs in schools; the foundation works to support and host these students right here in Polk County.
Each year the FFA training center hosts numerous FFA events and contests. There are two notable annual events - the FFA Beast Feast and the FFA Hall of Fame. The Beast Feast is an annual event hosted to raise funds to support operations of the foundation. These include offsetting travel costs, giving scholarships, and providing awards for all FFA members. The wild game “Beast Feast” dinner and auction involve FFA members with donors and supporters. The beautiful day on Lake Pierce starts with a sporting clays shoot hosted by our partner, Polk Sporting Clays. Guests then venture to the lawn area for various foods served by FFA members and fun activities for all. The FFA Hall of Fame is designed to induct supporters, teachers, and pioneers for FFA and agriculture education into a well respected group. This event happens each September and attracts many of FFA’s best to come together and celebrate as one community. This facility is a landmark for FFA and is a product of many people’s toils.
When FFA members are not utilizing the facility, it is open to other guests. The center and its staff welcome a variety of events for community organizations, corporate groups, church programs, and individuals to visit the approximately 100 acres of Central Florida’s splendor. The lake front provides access for kayaks and canoes to venture through Catfish Creek, while the surrounding Catfish Creek State Preserve offers beautiful nature hiking trails. The facility offers community style villas, individual lodge rooms, and meeting spaces to accommodate a variety of events. The pool, Lake Pierce, Polk Sporting Clays, ropes course, and outdoor settings allow for limitless recreation activities. The revenue generated by this facility supports the programs and work of the FFA Foundation. This also includes a special rate for FFA chapters to utilize the facility. The work of the FFA Foundation has depended upon the generous donors and guests that continue to provide even through the tough times. This is just a testimony to the impact agriculture education and FFA can have on its members.... forever Blue and Gold!
View the Press Release.
August 2020 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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AUGUST 2020 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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July 2020 Member Spotlight
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July 2020 Member Spotlight
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NEP Chamber Member SPotlight
Starting in July 2020, our Chamber will begin our new monthly NEP Chamber Member Spotlight series. At the beginning of each month, we will share a short excerpt about one of our awesome Members, and it could be you! This excerpt will be an included article featured on this page. It will also be shared as a press release and included in our weekly e-newsletter and on our social media platforms.
If you would like to see your business included in this series, please submit the following information to Olivia Feliciano - olivia.feliciano@northeastpolkchamber.com.
- One - three paragraphs discussing your business.
In your article, you may talk about the history of your business, the great things your business has done for the community, the services your business offers, future plans, or anything else that you want to share with other Members and the community.
- An accompanying photo.
The photo may be of your logo, your business itself, your staff, or a relevant photo that accompanies what your article discusses.
If you would like to be featured in our new spotlight series but need help putting together an article, this can be arranged as well.
View the PRESS RELEASE.
If you would like to see your business included in this series, please submit the following information to Olivia Feliciano - olivia.feliciano@northeastpolkchamber.com.
- One - three paragraphs discussing your business.
In your article, you may talk about the history of your business, the great things your business has done for the community, the services your business offers, future plans, or anything else that you want to share with other Members and the community.
- An accompanying photo.
The photo may be of your logo, your business itself, your staff, or a relevant photo that accompanies what your article discusses.
If you would like to be featured in our new spotlight series but need help putting together an article, this can be arranged as well.
View the PRESS RELEASE.
Thank you to our 2020 Chairman's Circle Sponsors
