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.
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.
2022 Economic Development Council
EDC CHAIRMAN and CHAIRMAN-ELECT
Skip Alford
CHAMBER CHAIRMAN
Derrick Epley - alternate
GrowHealthy Holdings, LLC
BOARD MEMBERS
Michelle Hurst
Bill Jacobs - alternate
Bunting, Tripp & Ingley
Kristie Reed
SouthState Bank
John Motis
Todd Motis - alternate
Chemical Containers, Inc.
Greg Littleton
Brian W. Marbutt - alternate
Citizens Bank & Trust
Mark Bennett, Planning Director
James Slaton, City Manager
Jack Hilligoss, Mayor
City of Lake Wales
Marc Hoenstine
Duke Energy
Scott Smith
Florida's Natural Growers
Ellis Hunt, Jr.
Hunt Bros., Inc.
Skip Alford
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
Shelton Rice
Peterson & Myers, PA
Bill Beasley
Rick Wilson - alternate
Polk County BOCC
Andy Oguntola
Polk State College
Emily Pavlik
AtlanticBlue Capital, LLC
Robert DuBois
Pennoni
Rebekah Hurd
AdventHealth
Karen Thompson
Lake Wales Main Street
Robbie Shields
Larry Bossarte
Retired Partners