Lakeland Business Guide 2019 Chamber Guide_2019 | Page 33

Joe L. Ruthven
Joe L. Ruthven understands the importance of
serving a community. For the past 18 years, Ruthven
has worked as the as the vice president of operations
and construction at The Ruthvens. A company
founded by his father Joe P. Ruthven, The Ruthvens
prides itself on having invested in the Lakeland
community for more than 55 years.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Ruthven
became the chair of the Lakeland Area Chamber
of Commerce Board of Directors in 2010. At the
time, the country was going through a recession,
and the board played an important role in the city
through supporting small businesses. The board
also navigated through the debate of a proposed
location for high-speed rail stop, holding several
forums and discussions.
Ruthven believes the significant role the chamber
plays in Lakeland is through its involvement with
small businesses. “The Chamber board is a key
supporter of small businesses, to help them succeed,
to represent them before the city commission,
and with state and county government where
appropriate.”
As the Chamber looks to stay relevant within
the business community through implementing
new programs, Ruthven shares how the changes will
work for the benefit of the city. “The agenda that
the current board is supporting to move to another
location, and to provide training and engagement
of new businesses with all of the Chamber and
Economic resources, is working together for the
success of the business and our city government,”
says Ruthven.
In addition having served on the Chamber board,
Ruthven has also been highly involved with the
Lakeland Rotary Club as the president. In June of
2016, Ruthven was the recipient of the Hall of Fame
Awards at The Lakeland Rotary Club. He previously
served on the Board of Directors Member and
Treasurer of Historic Polk Theater, and Board Chair
and Board of Directors Member of Central Florida
Speech and Hearing Center.
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