Young Professionals Group of The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
Endeavor is a place for young professionals age 21-42 to develop their career, learn about the community, develop professionally and connect with other young professionals. Endeavor seeks to connect, inspire and engage the young professionals of the Greater Winter Haven Community.
Be sure to visit the Endeavor website, where you can sign up to become a member and register for all the Endeavor events!
Endeavor to Connect
Membership in Endeavor is about becoming a part of the Winter Haven business community. You will meet other like-minded individuals on similar paths, building connections and emerging as the leaders of Winter Haven’s future. Our social/networking events include:
Endeavor to Inspire
Endeavor helps young professionals aim high by bringing in established professionals from the community and having them tell their story, explaining how they overcame obstacles, stayed motivated and ultimately achieved success. Our professional development events include:
Endeavor to Engage
Endeavor members are exposed to and encouraged to be involved in civic, community, nonprofit and legislative events through the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and other community partners. Endeavor helps establish community responsibility and engagement; members to give back to the community and become an active part of creating its future. Our engagement events include:
Be sure to visit the Endeavor website, where you can sign up to become a member and register for all the Endeavor events!
Endeavor to Connect
Membership in Endeavor is about becoming a part of the Winter Haven business community. You will meet other like-minded individuals on similar paths, building connections and emerging as the leaders of Winter Haven’s future. Our social/networking events include:
- Quarterly social events
- Participation in events with Emerge Lakeland, Engage Bartow and the general Chamber of Commerce membership on occasion.
Endeavor to Inspire
Endeavor helps young professionals aim high by bringing in established professionals from the community and having them tell their story, explaining how they overcame obstacles, stayed motivated and ultimately achieved success. Our professional development events include:
- Monthly networking events
- Annual Trailblazers - event with a roundtable, small group discussion with community leaders.
- Cornhole Classic Tournament
Endeavor to Engage
Endeavor members are exposed to and encouraged to be involved in civic, community, nonprofit and legislative events through the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and other community partners. Endeavor helps establish community responsibility and engagement; members to give back to the community and become an active part of creating its future. Our engagement events include:
- Group presence at City Commission meetings when relevant topics being discussed
- Presentations and interaction with Rotary, Kiwanis, Winter Haven Public Education Partnership, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and more.
- VIP opportunities at some Chamber events
Learn More About Endeavor Events
From annual events like Trailblazers to socials at local venues, Endeavor seeks to connect, inspire and engage young professionals through networking, learning and getting involved in the community. Here is a closer look at Endeavor events that inspire young professionals to engage with one another and develop professionally.
Socials
Endeavor young professionals love to make connections. While connections can be made at any Endeavor event, socials are a great way to kick back, relax and network with like-minded individuals. Socials can span from paddling on the Chain of Lakes with friends or enjoying a refreshing beverage at Grove Roots Brewing Co. while playing life size Connect 4. Through these socials young professionals are given the opportunity to get to know one another professionally and personally.
Trailblazers
At Endeavor's Trailblazers round table event, young professionals will have a unique opportunity to sit at a table with established professionals and leaders in the community. The Trailblazer will have 10 minutes to discuss their career, habits, hardships, and accomplishments with each young professional. This event allows young professionals to ask established professionals about their journey, learn about professionalism, dedication, and hard work and also network with other like-minded young professionals.
Endeavor Cornhole Classic
Endeavor Winter Haven is excited to bring to you the 3rd Annual Endeavor Cornhole Classic in 2026! This event is designed to be an energetic day of friendly competition for our area businesses. This event is meant for any age and any level of athletic skill. All of the proceeds from this event will go to fund the leadership development, visioning and educational programming run by the 501(c)3 Winter Haven Chamber Foundation - Endeavor Winter Haven young professionals' group.
Testimonials on Trailblazers:
"My first experience attending the Trailblazers was resourceful and inspiring." - Tanisha Duncan
"Not only did I make valuable connections, I gained knowledge that will aid me in being a better leader in our community." - Dwan Lawrence
Become an Endeavor Member HERE!
If you have questions about the Endeavor Young Professional program, contact Matt Frazier.
From annual events like Trailblazers to socials at local venues, Endeavor seeks to connect, inspire and engage young professionals through networking, learning and getting involved in the community. Here is a closer look at Endeavor events that inspire young professionals to engage with one another and develop professionally.
Socials
Endeavor young professionals love to make connections. While connections can be made at any Endeavor event, socials are a great way to kick back, relax and network with like-minded individuals. Socials can span from paddling on the Chain of Lakes with friends or enjoying a refreshing beverage at Grove Roots Brewing Co. while playing life size Connect 4. Through these socials young professionals are given the opportunity to get to know one another professionally and personally.
Trailblazers
At Endeavor's Trailblazers round table event, young professionals will have a unique opportunity to sit at a table with established professionals and leaders in the community. The Trailblazer will have 10 minutes to discuss their career, habits, hardships, and accomplishments with each young professional. This event allows young professionals to ask established professionals about their journey, learn about professionalism, dedication, and hard work and also network with other like-minded young professionals.
Endeavor Cornhole Classic
Endeavor Winter Haven is excited to bring to you the 3rd Annual Endeavor Cornhole Classic in 2026! This event is designed to be an energetic day of friendly competition for our area businesses. This event is meant for any age and any level of athletic skill. All of the proceeds from this event will go to fund the leadership development, visioning and educational programming run by the 501(c)3 Winter Haven Chamber Foundation - Endeavor Winter Haven young professionals' group.
Testimonials on Trailblazers:
"My first experience attending the Trailblazers was resourceful and inspiring." - Tanisha Duncan
"Not only did I make valuable connections, I gained knowledge that will aid me in being a better leader in our community." - Dwan Lawrence
Become an Endeavor Member HERE!
If you have questions about the Endeavor Young Professional program, contact Matt Frazier.
Polk Young Professionals Awards Past Recipients:
2026:
Emerging Leader Award: Kacey Wood, Youth and Family Advocates, Inc
Legacy Builder Award: Morgan Volpe, City of Winter Haven
Philanthropic Champion Award: Emily Crain Evans, GrayRobinson, P.A.
2025:
Emerging Leader Award: Kaleigh Avian, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Legacy Builder Award: Jayme Jamison, Polk County History Center
Philanthropic Champion Award: Carly Reifenrath, Pallet One, Inc.
2024:
Emerging Leader Award: Savannah Winstanley, City of Winter Haven
Legacy Builder Award: Erin Avella, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Philanthropic Champion Award: Cherish Welch, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
2023:
Dr. Aimee Franklin, Southeastern University
Jon Lane, Haven Coffee Roasters
Alexander Cam, Cams Catering
Tayler Baldick, Stuart's Plumbing
John Helms, Bartow Airport
2022:
Antionette Pollard, Piece of Zen, LLC
Chad Barron, Bartow Ford
Kevin Albaum, Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman, & Airth
Nick Plott, Tampa Electric
Lauren Albaum, Florida Southern College
2021:
Andy Oguntola, Polk State College
Brian Yates, Citizens Bank & Trust and Winter Haven City Commission
Lauren Jensen, Sessums Law Group
Michelle Henne, Releve Sports Medicine
Sara Beth Wyatt, Polk County Public Schools and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
2020:
Due to COVID-10 no awards were given.
2019:
Kathryn Bevilacqua-Ely, Publix
Lauren Donalson, Peterson and Myers
Eric Pospichal, Winningham and Pospichal
Sarah Breed, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
Callie Miller, LifeShare Management Group
2018:
MJ Carnevale, City of Winter Haven
Suzanne Halverson, Polk State College
Ashley Troutman, Northwestern Mutual
Chrissanne Long, Maximize Digital Media
Jillian Spangler, Peterson & Myers
2017:
Derek Oxford, CPS Investment Advisors
Merissa Green, Polk County School Board
Chad Tagtow, Citizens Bank & Trust
Ronald Shell, Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club
Alice Koehler, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
2016:
Greta Dupuy, Publix Super Markets
Andy McEntire, Indie Atlantic Films/Concord Coffee
Tiffani Gozdur, Citizens Bank & Trust
Clint Edwards, Bartow Chamber of Commerce
Billie Hutto, P & J Recreation
2015:
John Bohde, Polk County Government - Land Development Office
Allison Beeman, Cemex
Mandy Fulton, Salvation Army
Jason Rodda, Rodda Construction
2014:
William Link, Reed, Mawhinney & Link
Ashley Link, Southern Homes
Stephanie Colon, Citizens Bank & Trust
Craig Clevenger, Polk County Public Schools
Chuck Thornton, Citizens Bank & Trust
2013:
Tim Darby, Darby Law Group
Jennifer Jonsson, ACT Environmental & Infrastructure
Josh Lewis, Morgan Stanley Winter Haven
Jeff Donalson, Tom Wolfe Co
Janis Jones, Keep Winter Haven Clean & Beautiful
2012: (There was a tie- hence 6)
Kemp Brinson, The Brinson Firm
Christina Criser, United Way of Central Florida
Jeff Kincart, ACT Environmental & Infrastructure
Stacie Rine, Pilot Bank
James Sidou, Saddle Creek Logistics
Jennifer Hall, SEMCO
2011:
Deric Feacher, City of Haines City
Lauren Schwenk, Oakely Rhinhart Cassidy
Tresa Warner, Lake Region High School IMAG Academy
Todd Baylis, QGive
Brandon May, CFO Bartow Regional Medical Center
Emerging Leader Award: Kacey Wood, Youth and Family Advocates, Inc
Legacy Builder Award: Morgan Volpe, City of Winter Haven
Philanthropic Champion Award: Emily Crain Evans, GrayRobinson, P.A.
2025:
Emerging Leader Award: Kaleigh Avian, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Legacy Builder Award: Jayme Jamison, Polk County History Center
Philanthropic Champion Award: Carly Reifenrath, Pallet One, Inc.
2024:
Emerging Leader Award: Savannah Winstanley, City of Winter Haven
Legacy Builder Award: Erin Avella, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
Philanthropic Champion Award: Cherish Welch, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
POLK EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
2023:
Dr. Aimee Franklin, Southeastern University
Jon Lane, Haven Coffee Roasters
Alexander Cam, Cams Catering
Tayler Baldick, Stuart's Plumbing
John Helms, Bartow Airport
2022:
Antionette Pollard, Piece of Zen, LLC
Chad Barron, Bartow Ford
Kevin Albaum, Clark, Campbell, Lancaster, Workman, & Airth
Nick Plott, Tampa Electric
Lauren Albaum, Florida Southern College
2021:
Andy Oguntola, Polk State College
Brian Yates, Citizens Bank & Trust and Winter Haven City Commission
Lauren Jensen, Sessums Law Group
Michelle Henne, Releve Sports Medicine
Sara Beth Wyatt, Polk County Public Schools and the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
2020:
Due to COVID-10 no awards were given.
2019:
Kathryn Bevilacqua-Ely, Publix
Lauren Donalson, Peterson and Myers
Eric Pospichal, Winningham and Pospichal
Sarah Breed, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
Callie Miller, LifeShare Management Group
2018:
MJ Carnevale, City of Winter Haven
Suzanne Halverson, Polk State College
Ashley Troutman, Northwestern Mutual
Chrissanne Long, Maximize Digital Media
Jillian Spangler, Peterson & Myers
2017:
Derek Oxford, CPS Investment Advisors
Merissa Green, Polk County School Board
Chad Tagtow, Citizens Bank & Trust
Ronald Shell, Citrus Center Boys & Girls Club
Alice Koehler, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
2016:
Greta Dupuy, Publix Super Markets
Andy McEntire, Indie Atlantic Films/Concord Coffee
Tiffani Gozdur, Citizens Bank & Trust
Clint Edwards, Bartow Chamber of Commerce
Billie Hutto, P & J Recreation
2015:
John Bohde, Polk County Government - Land Development Office
Allison Beeman, Cemex
Mandy Fulton, Salvation Army
Jason Rodda, Rodda Construction
2014:
William Link, Reed, Mawhinney & Link
Ashley Link, Southern Homes
Stephanie Colon, Citizens Bank & Trust
Craig Clevenger, Polk County Public Schools
Chuck Thornton, Citizens Bank & Trust
2013:
Tim Darby, Darby Law Group
Jennifer Jonsson, ACT Environmental & Infrastructure
Josh Lewis, Morgan Stanley Winter Haven
Jeff Donalson, Tom Wolfe Co
Janis Jones, Keep Winter Haven Clean & Beautiful
2012: (There was a tie- hence 6)
Kemp Brinson, The Brinson Firm
Christina Criser, United Way of Central Florida
Jeff Kincart, ACT Environmental & Infrastructure
Stacie Rine, Pilot Bank
James Sidou, Saddle Creek Logistics
Jennifer Hall, SEMCO
2011:
Deric Feacher, City of Haines City
Lauren Schwenk, Oakely Rhinhart Cassidy
Tresa Warner, Lake Region High School IMAG Academy
Todd Baylis, QGive
Brandon May, CFO Bartow Regional Medical Center
Upcoming Events |
|
