Foundation

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 FY 21-22

Tiffani Gozdur, Citizens Bank & Trust, Leadership Winter Haven Alumni
Nan Webster, Integrity First Title
Nicole Nikdel
Chad Tagtow, Citizens Bank & Trust
Amy Thompson, Wauchula State Bank
Alex Santiago, SEMCO Construction
Dr. Andy Oguntola, Polk State College
Deborah Kindel, Roosevelt Academy of Leadership and Applied Technology
Jessica Parker, Endeavor Young Professionals Group Chair
Sharon Johnson, Citizens Bank & Trust
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!

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.

Education Committee

This committee consists of area principals, educators and businesses interesting in supporting our educational opportunities in Winter Haven. The group meets on a monthly basis from October to April, and its main purpose is to promote partnerships between the business and educational communities through partnership with the Polk Education Partnership and the annual Education Breakfast event. This committee is ideal for those looking to make connections with our educational organizations or our future leaders.

Endeavor Winter Haven Young Professionals

Endeavor Winter Haven 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. If you are interested in learning more about Endeavor Winter Haven click here.

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 2021-2022. Be on the lookout for the 2023 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.

CertiPay "Kim Harris Memorial" Scholarship

Kim Harris was a community member whose light shone brightly. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, Kim believed that being engaged in and giving back to the community was of the greatest importance. Kim was a team member at CertiPay, a human resources, payroll and strategic business partner headquartered in downtown Winter Haven. Kim passed suddenly in 2021 and CertiPay established this scholarship to honor her commitment to the Winter Haven community.

The Winter Haven Chamber Foundation will facilitate the program, offering multiple $1,000 college and vocational training scholarships to high school seniors in the Winter Haven area. 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 2021-2022. Be on the lookout for the 2023 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 about the CertiPay "Kim Harris Memorial" 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.