David Petr

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council announced today the hiring of David Petr as Executive Director for the newly-formed organization. Petr most recently served as Director of Marketing for the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance and Visit Lubbock, Lubbock’s Convention and Visitors Bureau in Lubbock, Texas.

“David was clearly the best fit for Winter Haven,” said Ingram Leedy, President of WHEDC. “His experience in recruiting and expanding business through innovative marketing approaches and relationship building will be an incredible asset to our community. His thorough knowledge of Winter Haven and Polk County convinced our board members that he would be a great leader for the organization.”

A graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Illinois, Petr currently oversees the strategic direction and business development of emerging industries in West Texas, an area prospering through the current economic slowdown. Prior to moving to Lubbock, Petr owned and managed a dynamic advertising agency in Austin, Texas, providing strategic direction to clients in a multitude of industries, including working with the Walt Disney Company.

According to Dr. Eileen Holden of Polk State College who chairs the search committee, “David’s proven track record in economic development, combined with his forward-thinking marketing strategies, will build upon the momentum we have experienced in our area in recent months.”

“Winter Haven is poised for greatness, and it’s time the world hears the Winter Haven story,” Petr said. “Despite challenging economic times, there are still a wealth of opportunities to facilitate new economic growth. I’m ready to deliver results with the support of the first-class board of directors already in place.”

The Winter Haven Economic Development Council will specifically target industries such as medical services, software and information technology, and logistics and distribution facilities. General business, agribusiness, and professional services are also on the list. The group, which has offices at the USF Polytechnic Blue Sky East Business Accelerator in Winter Haven, projects an annual budget range of $300,000 to $350,000 and has already begun work on its first projects. Petr will begin on March 1st, and will attend business meetings as needed in the interim.

Tucker Construction has installed a camera to take photos every ten minutes of the construction progress, including the demolition of the Dome, which could begin as early as Friday and continue for several weeks. Click the link! 

Two minor flaws in the report … they tag the turnaround here “Lakeland” (our fair sister city to the west). Oh, and LEGOLAND Florida is in Winter Haven with 1100 + jobs and a waterpark on the way!

It’s no secret that LEGOLAND is great for all of Polk and that is outstanding because the MSA for Lakeland/Winter Haven is actually the combined sum of all that happens in ALL of Polk!

So thank you to Realtor.com. That’s great news all around.

You can read the entire CNN Money report here.

Look for a very popular and successful convenience/fuel store named “Wawa” to build a 5,500 square foot store with an eight-island fuel station at 1490 3rd Street SW — former home of Cypress Lincoln Mercury. The site will be cleared and all new construction will occur. Todd Dantzler with Choice-Dantzler Properties has handled the sale of the property.

“Wawa” is a Native American word for the Canada Goose that was found in the Delaware Valley, that’s why the company uses the goose on Wawa’s corporate logo. The company specializes in freshly made sandwiches, salads and its signature coffee. Here’s a few details about the organization …

Core Purpose…

To Simplify Our Customers’ Daily Lives

Core Values…

Value People

Delight Customers

Embrace Change

Do the Right Thing

Do Things Right

Passion for Winning

Wawa offers a large fresh food selection, including Wawa brands like Built-to-Order®
Hoagies which come in four sizes: the Junior, Shorti, Classic, and Two-Footer. We are also proud to offer our award-winning Freshly Brewed Coffee (over 195 million cups sold each year), the Sizzli® hot breakfast sandwich, quality dairy products and Wawa brand juices and teas. All Wawa stores feature a wide selection of ready-to-go salads, and fresh fruits.

Store Example

Most stores are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Winter Haven location will employ 30-40 associates. The engineering firm handling the project is Stillwater Technologies from Orlando, FL. Construction should begin this spring.

Wawa employs 16,000 associates throughout portions of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia — and now Florida.

*Arabellas Ristorante
-Pollo Saltimbocca
Boneless breast of chicken topped with prosciutto and fresh sage in a light white wine cream sauce
-Penne Aurora
Penne pasta sautéed with ham and peas in a vodka cream sauce

*Bob Evans Restaurant
-Mini portions of apple cider stuffed pork chops/chicken
-Fresh broccoli with cheddar cheese
-Dinner rolls

*Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn
-Prime rib
-Yorkshire pudding

*Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining
-Pork tenderloin medallions
-Nutty rice
-Peanut butter bites

*Fred’s Southern Kitchen
-Pulled pork
-Corn pudding

*KC’s Big Dipper
-Tiramisu frozen custard
-Red Velvet Cake frozen custard

*Olive Garden
-Baked ziti
-Chicken scampi

*Red Lobster
-Oak-grilled peppercorn sirloin topped with shrimp hollandaise
-Over a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes
-Cheddar bar biscuits

Richard’s Fine Coffees
- A self-serve selection

*Spring Haven Catering
-Bacon wrapped pork tenderloin filets
-Assorted dark chocolate mousse filled dessert cups

*Tapping The Vine
-Mettler Old Vine Zinfandel
-LaPlaya Carmenere
-Jam Jar (Sweet Shiraz)
-Alex Elman Torrontes
-Tapping The Vine Specialty Sangria
-Eel River Organic California Blonde Ale
-Eel River Organic Porter
-Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Spätlese Riesling

*Terrie Lobb Catering
-Black bean soup shots topped with onion salsa and sour cream
-Mini cuban sandwiches

*The Seasoned Stone
-Signature Antipasto
Our Signature Vegetarian Curry or Mediterranean Chicken served inside a mini homemade shell

Join your friends for an evening of fine dining samples from many of the best restaurants in our area. Then celebrate as we honor both a man and woman for making Winter Haven a better place to live.

To purchase tickets, click here, (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover accepted online.)

Posner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Join the Mahalak family of dealerships as they christen their beautiful new Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram with special festivities. Here’s what’s in store …

Band Haven Performing Live

Great food and refreshments

Meet the Staff and Tour the Brand New State-of-the-Art Facility

See new Products (including):

1. Jeep Off Road Camper Trailer set up as it would look at a camp site.

2. The Truck Other Trucks Look up To! (a RAM 1500 with the Altitude Package which includes a 6” ProComp Suspension Lift Kit, 20” Custom Wheels, 25” ATX Tires, Side Oval Step Bars, Custom Designer Chrome Grill, Color Keyed Fender Flares, Chrome Package, and a Highline Appearance Package.

4. 97 Country Remote Broadcast

5. Small gifts to everyone who attends.

Grand Opening Week Special (good at any of our 3 dealerships which include Posner Park Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Winter Haven Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and FIAT of Winter Haven):

Own or Lease any new or used vehicle during grand opening  (now – Jan 24th) and receive:

1. Four FREE Oil Changes*

2. $100 in Mopar/Jeep/FIAT wearable’s and/or apparel*

3. $100 in Mopar Accessories*

*Oil changes and Mopar apparel and accessories valid on vehicle purchased during grand opening week only.

Join your friends for this great Grand Opening Celebration! US 27 Southbound just south of I-4.

The Orlando Sentinel reports, “President Obama’s Orlando visit today brings to Florida a promise of an easing of visa restrictions for several countries, particularly Brazil, which has been rising rapidly in recent years as one of Orlando’s biggest sources of tourists.

The plan, as explained by the White House Wednesday, would dispatch more than 100 additional counsels to Brazil and other countries such as India and China, and expand a program that allows “low-risk” international visitors to get through airports more smoothly.

The White House on Thursday morning released an executive order mandating a 40 percent increase in personnel to those countries as well as requiring that 80 percent of “nonimmigrant visa” applicants be interviewed within three weeks. Those interviews now sometimes take much longer.”

LEGOLAND Florida’s Response to President Obama’s Tourism Executive Order

Adrian Jones, General Manager – LEGOLAND Florida

Adrian Jones

“This development is a major game-changer for Florida. An improved visa process helps us roll out the welcome mat to our friends in Brazil and will result in record numbers of young families visiting Florida.

Cost and convenience historically are two of the biggest barriers in travel. By addressing the hassle factor and making the visa process less onerous, we’ve just substantially improved our chance of attracting additional guests.

As a brand new theme park that caters to young families this is of course very welcome news for LEGOLAND Florida. The Brazilians’ affection for America, love of theme parks and their affinity for the LEGO brand present the perfect opportunity for us in that market.

The fact that we’re already seeing large numbers from Latin America combined with today’s announcement is pushing us to seek out more Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking model citizens to better accommodate our guests from across this region.”

If your business is affected by local tourism activities, this schedule is important information to help you plan your year and your promotions.

Winter Haven, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2012) – Central Florida’s newest family theme park is gearing up for an action-packed 2012 with special events specifically geared towards families with children age 2 to 12. From LEGO® Friends Weekend to Kids’ New Year’s Eve the first full year of LEGOLAND® Florida is sure provide many reasons for guests to return again and again. The best way to participate in all the events at LEGOLAND Florida is with an Annual Pass – starting at just $99.

March 24 & 25, 2012
• LEGO® Friends Weekend is a daytime party for girls that includes a LEGO Friends building event, entertainment, games, activities and much more. This first-ever event celebrates girls and their personal individuality, just like the LEGO Group’s newest line of construction toys.

April 14, 2012*
• Runners and walkers can play – or run – their part during the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Citrus Classic 5K. This community-wide health event is designed for participants of all ages.

July 4, 2012
• Celebrate the 4th of July with a bang at LEGOLAND Florida’s first Independence Day event – Red, Brick & Boom. With special 3D glasses that turn ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding bricks, this July 4th celebration is sure to dazzle and delight.

October 2012
• Brick-or-Treat comes to LEGOLAND Florida every Saturday and Sunday in October. This spooky, kooky event features themed treat stations with candy, snacks and a few surprises along the way.

October 15, 2012
• Go LEGOLAND – it’s your birthday! Guests can celebrate LEGOLAND Florida’s first anniversary with a very special celebration.

Weekends in December
• ‘Tis the season for Christmas Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Florida with a 270,000 brick Christmas tree and festive decorations. Santa Claus makes daily appearances in the park.

December 26-30, 2012 
• Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve features nightly fireworks over Lake Eloise. Watch the spectacular fireworks explode into millions of tiny LEGO bricks with special 3D viewing glasses.
December 31, 2012
• 5-4-3-2-1! Happy Kids’ New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND Florida where the giant LEGO brick drops at a very kid-friendly midnight KST (Kid Standard Time) – otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST. Other event elements include fireworks and a dance party DJ.

All events (*except Citrus Classic 5K) are included with park admission and subject to change without notice. For the most current information on LEGOLAND Florida special events, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

The company sells more than 8,000 pet care products, including food, toys, medicine, and clothing, through its website and more than 110 stores in a dozen states, primarily Florida. Stores also offer vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets. They also and a variety of small animals (such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish).  Pet Supermarket works with area organizations to host adoptions and related events for cats and dogs. Customers can take their pets shopping with them. The company was founded in 1973 by Chuck West as Pet Circus, the family-owned company became Pet Supermarket in 1986.

This will be the company’s third location in Polk County.

Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn

- Prime rib
- Yorkshire pudding

Elmo & Linda’s Magical Dining

- Pork tenderloin
- Nutty rice
- Peanut butter bites

Fred’s Southern Kitchen

- Pulled pork
- Corn pudding

KC’s Big Dipper

-Red Velvet Cake frozen custard
-Tiramisu frozen custard

Olive Garden

- Baked ziti
- Chicken scampi

Red Lobster

- Oak-grilled peppercorn sirloin topped with shrimp hollandaise over a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Cheddar bar biscuits

Richard’s Fine Coffee’s 

- A self-serve selection

  Tapping The Vine Wine Shop

- Mettler Old Vine Zinfandel
- LaPlaya Carmenere
- Jam Jar (Sweet Shiraz)
- Alex Elman Torrontes
- Tapping The Vine Specialty Sangria
- Eel River Organic California Blonde Ale
- Eel River Organic Porter
- Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Sp
atlese Riesling

Terrie Lobb Catering

- Black bean soup shots topped with onion salsa and sour cream
- Mini cuban sandwiches

Menus from Arabella’s Ristorante, Bob Evans and The Seasoned Stone forthcoming.

Banker’s Cup/Taste of Winter Haven is Winter Haven’s most delectable culinary event and this 89th Awards Banquet will honor two Winter Haven individuals with our highest civic honor. Nominations are being accepted until Monday, January 23 at 4 p.m. Complete details here.

The evening is presented by Winter Haven’s finest financial institutions. Don’t miss this memorable black-tie optional event. Complete information and ticket purchase details is available here.