January 2011 Archives

Name: Craig Hill
Alias:Chill
Age:37
Hometown: Raised in Knoxville, TN but I consider Lakeland my hometown
Profession: Attorney (Law Office of Craig B. Hill, P.L.)
Favorite place to eat in Lakeland: Palace Pizza
Best EMERGE memory: Getting plugged in through the Volunteer Committee and Steering Committee
Why did you join EMERGE: To meet new people, grow relationships, and to become more involved in Lakeland.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Professional athlete & rock star
If you were a hero what would you special power be? Be able to fly
What are your hobbies? Sports (watching, not playing) and music (listening, not playing)
Your passions: God, family, friends, & Tennessee Vols
Most dangerous thing you’ve ever done? Start my own business – also one of the best things I’ve ever done
Where are you going on vacation in 2011? Beach somewhere with my bride Kate without our 4 kids and Disney – although it is no vacation.
Which came first the chicken or the egg? Bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
If you were stranded on an island what 3 things would you bring? Food, drink, and a fully fueled boat
What’s on your bucket list? World travels
If you were transformed into any animal what would it be? Cat
Who’s your doppelganger? Not sure, let’s just say Kenny Chesney and no this has nothing to do with a man crush.

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

City Manager’s Office - Performance Excellence Division - The Performance Excellence Division of the City Manager’s Office coordinates, oversees, and monitors the City’s strategic plan (SP), budgeting, and performance improvement activities (such as Rapid Process Improvement and tracking organizational performance measures). These diverse functions support execution of the City of Lakeland’s (COL) strategic initiatives within the organization.

General Responsibilities:

This intern will assist with high level initiatives and will interact with the City Manager’s Office, the Finance Department, and other City departments. The intern will be involved in tracking and charting citywide performance measures; developing tracking methods and gathering performance data; supporting Rapid Process Improvement; developing reports on performance excellence activities and providing professional support as needed. This intern will specifically be involved in development of a COL Revenue Manual and a Financial Trend Monitoring System that will be critical new steps for the City’s budgeting process.

Contact: Kindle.Bowden@lakelandgov.net for more information

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Saturday, February 5, 2011; The Hangar at Tiger Town

VisteBall is an indoor golf blowout where you can chip, putt, and play your way to

great prizes! Admission includes dinner, beer, wine, and dessert. It’s a fun time for

the pro, the hacker, or the person who has never held a club a day in their life! You’ll

have a blast and all proceeds will help VISTE continue to serve the elderly.

Games: 6:00pm to 10:00pm; Dinner: 6:30pm to 8:00pm; Attire: Golf Casual

Ticket Price: $60; Festivities include: Indoor BirdieBall® & Putting Contests

Sports Games • Music • Beer & Wine • Raffles & Prizes • Live and Silent Auctions

Dinner • and Much More!

For tickets, please contact Alice O’Reilly at 683-8458 or visit viste.org

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Name: Lance Schmidt

Alias: Schmitty

Age: 27

Hometown: Zephyrhills, Florida

Profession: Certified Public Accountant - Auditor

Favorite place to eat in Lakeland: Harry's

Best EMERGE memory: I have really enjoyed the political events EMERGE has hosted.

Why did you join EMERGE: To meet other young professionals in Lakeland

What did you want to be when you grew up? Professional baseball player

If you were a hero what would your special power be? The ability to fly

What are your hobbies? Spending time with my wife and 1 year old daughter, reading books, trying new restaurants, cooking on my grill or smoker.

Your passions: Serving my church

Most dangerous thing you’ve ever done? Skydiving…the day before my wedding

Where are you going on vacation in 2011? A Caribbean cruise.

Which came first the chicken or the egg? One spicy chicken

If you were stranded on an island what 3 things would you bring? I’m quite practical…I would probably bring a boat to go home when I want to, a fishing pole, and my wife.

What’s on your bucket list? Traveling to Australia, hang gliding, running a marathon

If you were transformed into any animal what would it be? A beaver…strong and industrious

Who’s your doppelganger? I don’t think I have one. Most recent thing I have heard is Steve Jerve (Channel 8 meteorologist).

If you had to acronym your name what would it be?

L- Light-hearted
A- Awesome
N- Neat
C- Creative
E- Energetic

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Camp Fire USA and VISTE, local non-profit agencies, are teaming up to celebrate the Dr. King Day of Service. January 17th, 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the federal holiday that honors Dr. King’s legacy and his commitment to transforming our nation through service to others. This milestone is a perfect opportunity for Americans to help realize King's dream of equality and opportunity for all, and to take action to solve problems in their communities.

Volunteers of all ages will come together to honor Dr. King’s memory by helping the seniors who live at The Manor at Washington Oaks do some early spring cleaning. Crafts, games, a gift of fresh produce, and a nutritious lunch are also planned for both volunteers and seniors. The day’s schedule is geared to give volunteers time to spend time with, and learn from those in our community that have wisdom to share.

If you or your family is interested in volunteering please contact Marybeth Soderstrom at marybeths@campfireusa-sunshine.org.

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

There’s more competition than ever when it comes to getting ahead in the business world. Why not set yourself apart with an MBA? Florida Southern College offers an accelerated 16-month MBA program and begins a 16-month Saturday-only cohort in Fall 2011. The Florida Southern MBA, whether taken Saturdays or weekdays, is unique: it’s open to non-business majors without business experience, and promises real-world experience to help you land that position or promotion. Learn more at an information session at 6 p.m. on Jan. 20 at the Rogers Building student lounge. Go to www.flsouthern.edu/mba/inforeg.htm to register and for more information.

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland

Name: Cindy Renee Green
Alias: the “Extractor”
Age: 36
Hometown: Portsmouth, OH
Profession: Project Manager for Furr & Wegman Architects, P.A.

Favorite place to eat in Lakeland: Frescos

Best EMERGE memory: After the 2010 volunteer appreciation dinner.

Why did you join EMERGE: I was looking for ways to find my place in Lakeland.

Biggest Lakeland role model: Amy Wiggins-she inspired me with her commitment to the Chamber of Commerce.

What did you want to be when you grew up: Veterinarian

If you were a superhero what would your special power be: a cleaning fairy

Favorite Hobbies: Kayaking, camping, UF football, tailgating and playing with dogs.

Passions: Taking care of animals, contributing to the livelihood & success of Lakeland.

Most dangerous thing you’ve ever done: Zip lining in Belize.

Where are you going on vacation in 2011: Scalloping in Steenhatchee, camping in North Florida & Georgia, and a cruise to Mexico.

Which came first the chicken or the egg? The fried egg came first.

Your stranded on an island what 3 things would you bring? My three dogs.

What’s on your bucket list? US travels: Chicago, Yellowstone, Yosemite, fly somewhere 1st class.

If you were transformed into any animal what would you be? Chameleon

C-Committed
I-Innovative
N-Not naughty
D-Determined
Y-Young hearted

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Posted by Emerge Lakeland