The Winter Haven Chamber Foundation, Inc., is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission includes economic development, leadership development, educational support and community beautification. Dating back to the 1980’s, The Foundation has proven to be a valuable community asset, providing business leaders programs like Leadership Winter Haven and Endeavor Winter Haven Young Professionals group and providing resources to support our educational community.
Foundation Board of Directors 2023-2024
Amy Underwood, Crews Bank & Trust - Chair
Alex Santiago, SEMCO Construction - Vice Chair
Lupita Alavrez, Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness
Jon Lane, Haven Coffee Roasters
Dr. Andy Oguntola, Polk State College
Cindy Zimmerman, S.S. Design
Tiffani Gozdur, Citizens Bank & Trust - Leadership Winter Haven Alumni Chair
Jacob Burton, Taylor Nelson PL - Leadership Winter Haven Class 43 Chair
Tabatha Shirah, Polk County BOCC - Endeavor Young Professionals Group Chair
Brian Reeves, Watson Realty - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Chairman
Alex Jordan, SouthState Bank - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
Sara Beth Wyatt, President/CEO Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Foundation Secretary
Alex Santiago, SEMCO Construction - Vice Chair
Lupita Alavrez, Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness
Jon Lane, Haven Coffee Roasters
Dr. Andy Oguntola, Polk State College
Cindy Zimmerman, S.S. Design
Tiffani Gozdur, Citizens Bank & Trust - Leadership Winter Haven Alumni Chair
Jacob Burton, Taylor Nelson PL - Leadership Winter Haven Class 43 Chair
Tabatha Shirah, Polk County BOCC - Endeavor Young Professionals Group Chair
Brian Reeves, Watson Realty - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Chairman
Alex Jordan, SouthState Bank - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
Sara Beth Wyatt, President/CEO Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Foundation Secretary
Leadership Winter Haven
Leadership Winter Haven- Leadership Winter Haven was founded in 1980. Since that time the program has been dedicated to developing a well informed and diverse pool of leadership talent ready to help the community and area reach its full potential. In the course of the program, participants leadership skills are nurtured while they are exposed to the spectrum of business, industry, governmental and social issues that confront Winter Haven’s current leaders and will challenge the leaders of tomorrow.
LWH graduates possess a unique understanding of the complexity of our region. Participants learn first hand the assets, opportunities, challenges and needs within our community, county and Central Florida.
To learn more about the program or learn how to apply click here!
LWH graduates possess a unique understanding of the complexity of our region. Participants learn first hand the assets, opportunities, challenges and needs within our community, county and Central Florida.
To learn more about the program or learn how to apply click here!
Leadership Winter Haven Alumni
Leadership Winter Haven Alumni brings together our graduates of the LWH program. Since the program’s inception as one of Florida’s earliest community leadership programs (and Polk County’s first), over 450 people have completed the course. Leadership Winter Haven alumni represent a strong communications network within Greater Winter Haven uniting people of varied interests and backgrounds. From agribusiness to entrepreneur, finance to public servant, the program is rich with diversity.
Youth Leadership Winter Haven Alumni
Youth Leadership Winter Haven is an opportunity for 10th and 11th grade students to explore Winter Haven in a whole new light. One day a month from October through May, students in our youth leadership class will have the opportunity to explore new and exciting industries, meet local decision makers and young professionals, and see first hand the collaboration that makes Winter Haven a great place to live, work, learn, and play.
Endeavor Winter Haven Young Professionals
Endeavor Winter Haven is a place for young professionals age 18-42 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. If you are interested in learning more about Endeavor Winter Haven click here.
Endeavor Serves
Endeavor Serves is designed to provide comprehensive training for professionals interested in community service through board participation. This 10-hour course will detail the fundamentals of effective board service with program instructors who are well-respected community leaders and non-profit agency directors from a wide variety of backgrounds and professions. This program is provided at no cost thanks to the generosity of CPS CPAs and United Way of Central Florida. This program is for registered individuals only. Email Brianna at brianna@winterhavenchamber.com to get your application. You can also email her if you have any questions or concerns about the program.
Scholarships
State Farm Scholarship
The Winter Haven Chamber Foundation has partnered with State Farm Insurance to offer a $1,000 college scholarships to up to ten public high school seniors in the Winter Haven area. Students who attend Lake Region High School, Winter Haven High School, Polk State’s Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and New Beginnings High School Winter Haven are eligible to apply. This scholarship is intended for students looking to pursue a college degree in business, marketing or any field where they hope to be an entrepreneur or business owner in the future. This scholarship is intended to assist students who demonstrate financial need. Students must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA to qualify. A transcript is required.
Applications are currently closed for 2022-2023. Be on the lookout for the 2024 application! If you have any questions, please call us at (863) 293-2138 or email us at info@winterhavenchamber.com. Click here for more information on the State Farm Scholarship.
Applications are currently closed for 2022-2023. Be on the lookout for the 2024 application! If you have any questions, please call us at (863) 293-2138 or email us at info@winterhavenchamber.com. Click here for more information on the State Farm Scholarship.
Polk Emerging Leaders Awards
The annual Polk Emerging Leaders Awards will once again be a collaborative event of the three young professional groups in Polk County. Continuing a new era of collaboration and blurring the east/west dividing line, the awards have been established to annually recognize five young professionals between 21- 42 who have made significant contributions and commitment to the Polk County community. Click here to learn more about the Polk Emerging Leaders Awards.
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