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Paul “Andy” Stewart
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Tab 11
Ledger, The (Lakeland, FL)
February 7, 2010
Dundee Chamber Hands Out Community Awards
Group held its banquet and awards ceremony last week.
Author: DONNA KELLY
DUNDEE - The Dundee business community celebrated the future of Polk County and
recognized outstanding leaders during the Dundee Chamber of Commerce 2010 annual Banquet
and Awards Ceremony at the Admiral's Inn in Winter Haven.
Recipients of major awards were Davidson of Dundee, Business of the Year; Councilman Randy
Dowd, Citizen of the Year; and Hardees, Beautification of the Year. Lisa Marie Brewer,
executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the organization's growth over the
past two years during Thursday night's event. "In the year 2009, we've grown by leaps and
bounds," Brewer said, adding 40 new members joined during the year.
The Chamber's calendar has expanded to include monthly networking luncheons and after-hour
socials hosted by member businesses. Community service projects included a Thanksgiving
Feast for 90 people and providing Christmas gifts to needy families. "We really are the mouse
who roared," Brewer said, referring to the large accomplishments of a small organization.
Guest speaker Jack Barnhart, executive director of the East Polk Committee of 100, began his
presentation by asking, "Is there light at the end of the tunnel in Polk County?" He then provided
reasons for a positive outlook. "The economy has sort of plummeted out," Barnhart said. "Polk
County is very lucky.
Polk County is changing. Our DNA is changing. Polk County is in the center of where we want
to be." He pointed to $169 million of investments in the area by such heavy hitters as Coca Cola,
Colorado Boxed Beef and Cellynne and the county's strategic location in the center of 8 million
people.
"We're in the middle of a high tech corridor stretching from Tampa to Orlando," he said. And
within this area, Barnhart said, the economy is beginning to stir with promise brought by the
Blue Sky East Incubator, CSX and Legoland Florida in Winter Haven; the Lake Myrtle Sports
Complex in Auburndale; and the Polk State College Northeast expansion.
Chamber members celebrated business success with several awards. Recipients of major awards
were Davidson of Dundee, Business of the Year; Councilman Randy Dowd, Citizen of the Year;
and Hardees, Beautification of the Year. Special Services Awards were presented to Town
Manger Andy Stewart, Buddy Logan Health Insurance and Dundee United Methodist Church.
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