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 2024-2025
Alex Santiago, SEMCO Construction - Chair
Dr. Andy Oguntola, Polk State College - Vice Chair
Lupita Alavrez, Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness
Wellie Bethea, Obscure Wine & Agape Agora
Tiffani Gozdur, Citizens Bank & Trust - Leadership Winter Haven Alumni Chair
Kevin Carr, LEGOLAND Florida Resort - Leadership Winter Haven Class 44 Chair
Tabatha Shirah, Polk County BOCC - Endeavor Young Professionals Group Chair
Nick Plott, TECO - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Chairman
Alex Jordan, SouthState Bank - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
Dr. Andy Oguntola, Polk State College - Vice Chair
Lupita Alavrez, Ignite the Fire Inside Wellness
Wellie Bethea, Obscure Wine & Agape Agora
Tiffani Gozdur, Citizens Bank & Trust - Leadership Winter Haven Alumni Chair
Kevin Carr, LEGOLAND Florida Resort - Leadership Winter Haven Class 44 Chair
Tabatha Shirah, Polk County BOCC - Endeavor Young Professionals Group Chair
Nick Plott, TECO - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Chairman
Alex Jordan, SouthState Bank - Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
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.
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. Click here for more information on the State Farm Scholarship.
Polk Young Professional Awards
For twelve years, we celebrated five individuals annually who were emerging in their industry or community through our Polk Emerging Leaders Awards. We are excited to announce that we will be re-vamping this event to be the Polk Young Professionals Awards!
The Polk Young Professionals Awards is a Celebration of Polk County Young Professionals and will be an evening event to celebrate the work of our young professionals’ groups throughout the year and the people making a difference in Polk County. Click here to learn more about the Polk Young Professional Awards.
The Polk Young Professionals Awards is a Celebration of Polk County Young Professionals and will be an evening event to celebrate the work of our young professionals’ groups throughout the year and the people making a difference in Polk County. Click here to learn more about the Polk Young Professional Awards.
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