Economic Partners

The City of Lake Wales and the Chamber forged a partnership in 2013 to expand and enhance economic development activities designed to bring new industry and jobs to the area.  The City cut its internal program and contracted with the Chamber for economic development services, particularly marketing the area to attract new business.

The Chamber hired Jim Bell in June 2013 to serve as the first Executive Director of both the Chamber and Economic Development Council. He was charged with expanding support and getting the new program off the ground.   Kevin J Kieft joined the EDC as President/CEO in 2014, previously serving as a Regional Director for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

To expand community input and involvement in the business recruitment process, the Chamber invited business leaders to become Economic Partners. Those who invest at least $2,500 per year become Partners and have a seat on the Economic Development Council Board.   If you are interested in helping advance the Chamber's economic development mission, please contact the Chamber office at (863) 676-3445.

2021 Economic Development Council

EDC CHAIRMAN and CHAIRMAN-ELECT
Andy Oguntola
 

CHAMBER CHAIRMAN
Andy Oguntola - alternate
Polk State College

BOARD MEMBERS

Roger Ingley
Bill Jacobs - alternate
Bunting, Tripp & Ingley

Kristie Reed
CenterState Bank

John Motis
Todd Motis - alternate
Chemical Containers, Inc.

Greg Littleton
Brian W. Marbutt - alternate
Citizens Bank & Trust

James Slaton, City Manager
Eugene Fultz, Mayor
City of Lake Wales

Nancy Dodd
Duke Energy

Scott Smith
Florida's Natural Growers

Ellen Thomas
Larry Bossarte - alternate
GrowHealthy Holdings, LLC

Ellis Hunt, Jr.
Hunt Bros., Inc.

Chris Chartrand
Brett Sims - alternate
Kegel, LLC

Kevin J. Kieft, CEcD
President/CEO
Lake Wales Chamber & EDC

Elizabeth Tyler
Marie Cherrington - alternate
Lake Wales Charter Schools, Inc.

Pat Cain
Ryan Buskirk - alternate
Pat Cain Wealth Solutions / Raymond James

David Fisher
Peterson & Myers, PA

Jim Freeman
Rick Wilson - alternate
Polk County BOCC