Lakeland Business Guide 2019 Chamber Guide_2019 | Page 40
also includes a free six-month trial
membership to the Chamber, so new
business owners can start networking
and getting involved in the Chamber.
The Chamber has also started a Mid-
Level Management Training Program in
partnership with Emily Rogers, which
allows Chamber members to send one
or two of their employees to develop
their management and leadership skills.
The Early Declared Internship Program,
in partnership with Southeastern
University’s Honors School, was started
last semester to give students the
opportunity to explore their intended
careers and gain valuable work experience.
There are plans to partner with all of
the colleges and universities in the area
to focus on workforce development and
providing skilled employees for local
businesses.
In the community event category, the
Chamber hosted the first SwantoberFest
last September, which was a fun evening
of Oktoberfest-themed fun in Munn
Park. The event included music, food and
drinks, kids’ activities, contests, and an
opportunity for Chamber members to
showcase their businesses. The Chamber
will also be hosting the first Longest
Table Lakeland event early this year, along
with a number of community partners.
The event will provide an opportunity for
people across our community to gather
together over a shared meal.
One large-scale concept the Chamber
has started looking at is a Business
Resource Center, modeled after the
National Entrepreneur Center in
Orlando. When complete, it will be
a “one-stop shop for all things small
business.” There will be multiple small
business service providers under one
roof, sharing common space, and able to
help small businesses grow and succeed.
Some of the organizations who could
be in the space include SCORE, SBDC
(Small Business Development Center),
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