Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Capital Campaign Project
Reimagining
Today's Winter Haven looks and feels very different from the Winter Haven of 30 years ago. While our authentic , small-town charm and sense of community remain strong, the community's needs and expectations have evolved. Winter Haven proudly leverages its authentic roots to build its future, one of great opportunity for entrepreneurs, small businesses and large industry. The Chamber of Commerce and its members have been at the center of this renaissance. Since its grand opening in 1990, the Chamber building has welcomed thousands of tourists and new residents to Winter Haven. We have cultivated economic prosperity through development and support of new and existing businesses, hosted pivotal meetings defining the community's direction and provided a gathering place for celebration, collaboration and coordination.
Our successes are the legacy of the strong foundation laid 30 years ago by those leaders who had the foresight to plan for the community's future needs. With your help, we can lay the groundwork for the next 30 years.
Our successes are the legacy of the strong foundation laid 30 years ago by those leaders who had the foresight to plan for the community's future needs. With your help, we can lay the groundwork for the next 30 years.
Preserving Leedy's Legacy
Founded in 1910 as a Board of Trade, during its first 75 years, the Chamber had been a nomad occupying various buildings throughout the community. In the late 1980's the chamber's Board of Directors made it their mission to find a permanent home for the Winter Haven Area Chamber of Commerce. Collaborating with the City of Winter Haven, the newly acquired rails-to-trails land was made available, and the Chamber of Commerce secured it's premier downtown location. The late Gene Leedy created the Chamber as an iconic building using his Central Florida Modern architectural style. Gene designed his piece of art to allow the bike trail to continue underneath the building, through the breezeway. While this was a compromise to those who felt the building would break up the chain of downtown parks, it was also quite ingenious. The railroad that existed on the same site years before brought commerce and entrepreneurship to Winter Haven during the city's infancy. Today, the land remains the pathway of commerce and opportunity for the Winter Haven community as the home of the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce.
With your help, our Chamber of Commerce will continue to leave a legacy for our community.
With your help, our Chamber of Commerce will continue to leave a legacy for our community.
Campaign Objectives
In 2019, the Board of Directors launched this crucial capital campaign to ensure the chamber's continued success over the next 30 years. Of course, 2020 happened and slowed the much needed progress. While many exterior renovations and the first and third floor we completed in the first phase, there is much work to be done. With the Chamber of Commerce as the hub for community communication and collaboration, we have an obligation to Winter Haven to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. We can't do it alone. The Chamber building is a valuable community asset and we need you help to make this vision a reality.
PRESERVE
Preserve the Gene Leedy architecture that makes the Chamber of Commerce building an icon of the downtown core and a piece of artwork in our community's portfolio of sculpture and design. |
TRANSFORM
Transform the Chamber of Commerce building to reflect the vibrancy of the Winter Haven of today, building upon the Central Florida Modern architecture of the exterior for more modern and vibrant interior. |
MODERNIZE
Update the building's functionality to better serve both residents and tourists, and modernize the conference and office space to meet the needs and expectations of the business community. |
The Gathering Place
The 2nd floor of the Chamber is the primary gathering space for the community. The capital campaign will allow for transformation of the 2nd floor into a more functional multipurpose room including; a catering kitchen, ADA compliant restrooms, access to the large balcony overlooking the heart of downtown Winter Haven, and updated technological capabilities.
AUDITORIUM
The Chamber's Coleman Auditorium is being used by the Chamber, our members and the community more than anytime in the building's history. User's needs have changed and it is time to improve and expand the auditorium's functionality. Reconfiguration of the space will allow more people to attend functions and improve ADA accessibility, all while creating a more professional space for meetings and seminars.
The Chamber's Coleman Auditorium is being used by the Chamber, our members and the community more than anytime in the building's history. User's needs have changed and it is time to improve and expand the auditorium's functionality. Reconfiguration of the space will allow more people to attend functions and improve ADA accessibility, all while creating a more professional space for meetings and seminars.
Large Balcony
Overlooking the heart of our downtown, the Large Balcony can and should be a space for community, networking, and taking in the sights and sounds of the city!
Overlooking the heart of our downtown, the Large Balcony can and should be a space for community, networking, and taking in the sights and sounds of the city!
Love at First Sight
The brand story of Winter Haven and the Chamber of Commerce begins when visitors and clients arrive in the downtown core. From the parking lot, to the entrance, to the landscaping, we need to make certain that Winter Haven's story is being accurately reflected. When visitors enter our welcome center, attend a function, or meet with the organization housed within the Chamber, we have an opportunity to create an emotional connection and build a deeper relationship. Exterior improvements to the building will include; re-landscaping, new signage, upgraded lighting to LED energy-efficient lighting that will create greater illumination of the building at night, color-controlled LED up-lighting and down-lighting, roof improvements, and a more prominent entrance through the lobby.
Giving
Pledges to the Capital Campaign can be made over a three-year period and made through our company or personally. We are able to accept donations to either the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Inc. (501(c)6) or the Winter Haven Chamber Foundation, Inc. (501(c)3). Consult with your tax advisor regarding deductibility of your donation.
We have one naming right opportunities remaining:
Location: Sponsorship: Term: (Years)
Auditorium $100,000 30 (SOLD)
Welcome Center $75,000 15 (SOLD)
Breezeway $50,000 15 (SOLD)
Large Balcony $50,000 15 (SOLD)
Boardroom $30,000 15 (SOLD)
Breezeway Electronic Kiosk $30,000 15 (SOLD)
Illumination $30,000 15 (SOLD)
Technology Sponsor $20,000 10 (SOLD)
Catering Kitchen $15,000 10 (SOLD)
Elevator (Uplift) $15,000 10 (SOLD)
North Balcony $10,000 10 (SOLD)
Benefit packages for the naming rights sponsors are developed individually with the donor.
We have one naming right opportunities remaining:
Location: Sponsorship: Term: (Years)
Auditorium $100,000 30 (SOLD)
Welcome Center $75,000 15 (SOLD)
Breezeway $50,000 15 (SOLD)
Large Balcony $50,000 15 (SOLD)
Boardroom $30,000 15 (SOLD)
Breezeway Electronic Kiosk $30,000 15 (SOLD)
Illumination $30,000 15 (SOLD)
Technology Sponsor $20,000 10 (SOLD)
Catering Kitchen $15,000 10 (SOLD)
Elevator (Uplift) $15,000 10 (SOLD)
North Balcony $10,000 10 (SOLD)
Benefit packages for the naming rights sponsors are developed individually with the donor.
An Opportunity to Show Your Support
Together we can lay the groundwork for the next 30 years for our beloved Chamber of Commerce. We are establishing a wall outside our second-floor conference room to display your support. Your logo/name will appear on the wall for a minimum of five years. You can break up your payment of support over two years. Hurry, space is limited! Large Logos $3,000 Medium Logos $1,000 Name Recognition $500 |
Thank you to our sponsors!
Legacy Level Sponsors:
Citizens Bank and Trust (Auditorium sponsor)
City of Winter Haven (Visitors Center sponsor)
Heritage Level Sponsors:
Bond Clinic, P.A. ("Information Center" lobby sponsor)
SouthState Bank (Boardroom sponsor)
Mahalak Auto Group (Breezeway sponsor)
The Carol and Barney Barnett Family Foundation within the GiveWell Community Foundation (Large Balcony sponsor)
Advocate Level Sponsors:
AAA Top Quality Asphalt, LLC
Bank of Central Florida
The Bell-Barnett Family Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation
C&K Architects
Steve and Paige Crisman
The Dantzler Family
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
McDonald’s
Peterson & Myers, P.A.
Lindsey Raley
Saddle Creek Logistics
Six/Ten LLC
Straughn & Turner P.A.
Tampa Electric
George & Seretha Tinsley
Whitehead Construction
Protector Level Sponsors:
Lance & Sherry Anastasio
Kevin & Prudence Ashley
Jack & Ann Barnhart
Howard & Cheryl Beckert
Jay Burns & Family/Crown Shredding
Central Florida Media Group
Certipay
CliftonLarsonAllen
CNP Agency
Mike Compton
Justin & Katie Worthington Decker
Jeff & Lauren Donalson
Ewing, Blackwelder, & Duce Insurance
Jennifer Fasking
Dr. Frank & Kathy Fischer
Debbie Garbrecht
Gator Industries of Central Florida, Inc.
George W. Butz III, DDS
Jay & Lea Gray
Haven Magazine
Hap & Chris Hazelwood
Adrian Jones
Alex Jordan Family
Lockhart & Associates, Inc.
Robert & Patti Loftin
Lola’s X-streem Ice Kreme
Mechanical Dynamics, Inc.
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Mulling Insurance Agency
Steve & Angie Nierman
Mike Nolen Jr.
Claire Orologas
Jim & Bonnie Parker
Pat’s NuStar Car Wash
Artie Renee Pobjecky
Perry & Cindy Price
Dr. Martha & Alex Santiago
Silver Properties of Winter Haven, LLC
State Farm Insurance
Bud & Anita Strang
Straughn & Turner, PA
James & Ellie Threlkel
George & Seretha Tinsley
Thomas Capital
Thomas E. Jennings & Co., CPA, PA
Truist
Tucker Paving Inc.
Victor Smith Law Group
Wauchula State Bank
Derek & Sara Beth Wyatt
Community Partner Level Sponsors:
ASAP Prints
3B Medical, Inc.
Chevrolet Center
Dr. Angela Garcia and Mr. Robert Falconetti
Bob & Melea Gernert
Desi & Debbie Groover/Groover Exterminating
Heart for Winter Haven
Jarrett Gordon Ford Lincoln
Carl & Regina Kocher
Tracy Mercer
Les Moore & Associates, CPA, PA
Party Rentals Unlimited
Sal & Suzie Moraco
Nick & Marijo Plott
Lynn Polston
Potthast Studios
Brian Reeves
In Memory of George & Brigitte Wolff
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Affairs by calling toll- free 1-800-HELP-FLA or online at www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Registration # CH26319
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