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It's Happenin' In the Haven

It's Happenin' In the Haven

By Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce

Each episode we get the privilege to speak to the amazing people taking Winter Haven, FL and its surrounding Central Florida area to the next level. We’re future-focused, celebrating our entrepreneurial history and leveraging it for our bright future ahead. This podcast is produced by the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and is meant to generate pride in and knowledge of our community to residents and visitors alike.
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Episode 3 - Potthast Studios: Say Cheese

It's Happenin' In the HavenFeb 03, 2020

00:00
58:38
Episode 164 - Altoniece Reynolds - Peppa Pig Theme Park: Fun for the Entire Family

Episode 164 - Altoniece Reynolds - Peppa Pig Theme Park: Fun for the Entire Family

On Episode 164, we speak to the Head of Guest Experiences for LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park, Altoniece Reynolds. Altoniece shares all about the Peppa Pig experience, new things coming to LEGOLAND and why it's so special to be the location of the first-ever Peppa Pig Theme Park.


Mar 17, 202437:27
Episode 163 - Briann Hemp: Putting Community in Community Theatre

Episode 163 - Briann Hemp: Putting Community in Community Theatre

On today's episode, we speak to the Box Office Manager of Theatre Winter Haven, Briann Hemp. Briann shares more about upcoming shows at the theatre, how the entire family can get involved and how they put community in community theatre.

Mar 03, 202426:32
Episode 162 - Julie Adams: Green Spaces & Playful Places

Episode 162 - Julie Adams: Green Spaces & Playful Places

On this episode of the podcast, we speak to the Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture for the City of Winter Haven. Julie shares more about the new things coming for Parks, Recreation & Culture, the importance of our trail town designation and much more.

Feb 26, 202446:03
Episode 161 - Michael Ducat: The Incredibowl Experience

Episode 161 - Michael Ducat: The Incredibowl Experience

On Episode 161, we speak to Michael Ducat, Owner of Incredibowl. Michael shares the story of the transition from Cypress Lanes to Incredibowl, the many offerings they have for families and much more.


Feb 19, 202432:06
Episode 160 - Dr. Rich - From Canvas to Community: Inside the Polk Museum of Art

Episode 160 - Dr. Rich - From Canvas to Community: Inside the Polk Museum of Art

On Episode 160, we speak to Dr. Rich, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College. Dr. Rich shares about the amazing resources offered at the museum, the perks of becoming a member, and why it's a perfect destination for the entire family.


Feb 11, 202449:34
Episode 159 - Frank Idris: What's New at LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

Episode 159 - Frank Idris: What's New at LEGOLAND Florida Resort?

On Episode 159, we speak to the President of LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Frank Idris. Frank shares the scoop on SEA LIFE, coming to LEGOLAND, as well as Ferrari Build & Race. He also shares why LEGOLAND is the perfect destination for families.


Feb 04, 202432:30
Episode 158: 10 Years of CommunityFest Winter Haven

Episode 158: 10 Years of CommunityFest Winter Haven

On Episode 158, we are taking a deep dive into CommunityFest! We are thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of this FREE family festival. March 2nd will be here before we know it, so we want to make sure you have all of the information you need to sponsor, become a vendor or volunteer!


We would like to thank LEGOLAND Florida Resort for being the Presenting Sponsor of Season 8 of the podcast!

Jan 29, 202419:43
Episode 157 - Gene Conrad: Polk County's Aviation Industry Takes Flight

Episode 157 - Gene Conrad: Polk County's Aviation Industry Takes Flight

On Episode 157, we speak to Gene Conrad, President & CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence. Gene shares about the incredible programming ACE offers, the details of the 50th fly-in at Sun 'n Fun coming this April and the economic impact of the aviation industry in Polk County.

Jan 25, 202453:15
Episode 156 - Kerry Falwell: Fostering Fun & Family at the Florida Children's Museum

Episode 156 - Kerry Falwell: Fostering Fun & Family at the Florida Children's Museum

On Episode 156, Fostering Fun & Family at the Florida Children's Museum, we speak to Kerry Falwell, the CEO of the Florida Children's Museum. Kerry shares about the transition to Bonnet Springs Park, the importance of playful learning and why this is such an asset to the families in Polk County.

Jan 14, 202456:13
Episode 155: Year in Review & 2024 Kick Off

Episode 155: Year in Review & 2024 Kick Off

On Episode 155, the Chamber team gets together to talk about the highlights of 2023, all of the amazing things coming in 2024 and a wink towards Season 8 of the podcast which is all about Winter Haven being a premier family destination.

Jan 07, 202440:02
Episode 154 - Ashley Tucker: Flying High in Winter Haven

Episode 154 - Ashley Tucker: Flying High in Winter Haven

On today's episode, we speak to Ashley Tucker, VP of Sales and Marketing at Blue Line Aviation. We chat about Blue Line's unquote training program, their experience doing business in Winter Haven and much more.


Aug 20, 202350:20
Episode 153 - Dr. Mitsie Vargas: The Pet Healer

Episode 153 - Dr. Mitsie Vargas: The Pet Healer

On Episode 153: The Pet Healer, we speak to Dr. Mitsie Vargas, Founder of Orchid Springs Animal Hospital. She shares about her love for Winter Haven, her long career in veterinary medicine, using acupuncture at the clinic and much more.


Aug 13, 202341:41
Episode 152 - Hunter Smith: Musical Roots in Winter Haven

Episode 152 - Hunter Smith: Musical Roots in Winter Haven

On Episode 152: Musical Roots in Winter Haven, we speak to Hunter Smith, singer, songwriter and commercial insurance agent with Mulling Insurance. We talk about his experience growing up in Winter Haven, falling into singing and songwriting, his musical inspirations and more. 


Aug 06, 202301:12:50
Episode 151 - Keisha Pyzynski: Sparking Creativity in Winter Haven

Episode 151 - Keisha Pyzynski: Sparking Creativity in Winter Haven

On Episode 151 we speak to Keisha Pyzynski, Founder, Creative Director, Designer at Key Design & Media. Keisha shares about her journey to Winter Haven, her experience as an entrepreneur in the digital marketing and video industry and the upcoming projects she's most looking forward to.


Jul 30, 202341:54
Episode 150 - Alex Santiago: From Undercover to Winter Haven's Favorite Coach

Episode 150 - Alex Santiago: From Undercover to Winter Haven's Favorite Coach

On Episode 150: From Undercover to Winter Haven's Favorite Coach, we are joined by Alex Santiago. We talk about his journey to Winter Haven, his time with the police force in New York City, his community involvement, and everything in between!

Jul 24, 202358:49
Episode 149 - Tresa Warner: Designing Opportunities for All

Episode 149 - Tresa Warner: Designing Opportunities for All

On Episode 149: Designing Opportunities for All, we are joined by Tresa Warner, Director of IMAG Academy at Lake Region High School. We talk about her experience getting started with teaching, founding the IMAG program, her involvement with the National Urea Cycle Disorders Foundation, and much more!

Jun 18, 202301:04:08
Episode 148 - T. Michael Stavres: Managing for the Future
Jun 11, 202354:56
Episode 147 - Bonnie Parker: Putting Your Money Where Your Passion Is
Jun 04, 202351:05
Episode 146 - Hap Hazelwood: Winter Haven's Hap-piest Volunteer
May 28, 202325:22
Episode 145 - Sally & Nando Del Castillo: Outfitting Winter Haven with Winter Haven Apparel
May 21, 202358:44
Episode 144 - Bob Gernert: Getting To Know Mr. Winter Haven
May 14, 202301:01:30
Episode 143: Best Of

Episode 143: Best Of

On Episode 143 we take a trip down memory lane with some of our favorite episodes from past seasons! On this Best Of episode, you will hear from former Professional Wakeboarder, Zane Schwenk, Public Works Director for the City of Winter Haven, MJ Carnevale, and the team with Adler's.

May 07, 202358:41
Episode 142: Getting To Know Our Host

Episode 142: Getting To Know Our Host

On Episode 142: Getting to Know Brianna, we interview the Winter Haven Chamber's Marketing & Communications Manager and our podcast host, Brianna Price. Brianna shares all about how she came to Winter Haven, her excitement for motherhood and much more.


Apr 30, 202341:44
Episode 141: Winter Haven Chamber Update

Episode 141: Winter Haven Chamber Update

On Episode 141: Winter Haven Chamber Update, the team gets together to give you the scoop on all things Winter Haven Chamber! We chat about the Capital Campaign, Leadership Winter Haven, upcoming events and more. Tune in now!

Apr 23, 202341:40
Episode 140 - Miah Bennett: Getting to Know Miah

Episode 140 - Miah Bennett: Getting to Know Miah

On Episode 140: Getting to Know Miah, we speak with Miah Bennett, the Chamber's Information Center Concierge. Miah shares about her journey to Winter Haven, her Masters program and everything in between!


Apr 16, 202341:39
Episode 139 - Lindsay Zimmerman: Collaborating for Community Growth

Episode 139 - Lindsay Zimmerman: Collaborating for Community Growth

On Episode 139: Collaborating for Community Growth, we speak to the Senior Vice President & COO of the Central Florida Development Council, Lindsay Zimmerman. Lindsay shares about their collaborative efforts surrounding talent pipeline, working together to grow Polk County and more.


Apr 09, 202329:20
Episode 138 - Cindy & Rick: The Legacy of Leadership Winter Haven

Episode 138 - Cindy & Rick: The Legacy of Leadership Winter Haven

On Episode 138: The Legacy of Leadership Winter Haven, I speak to Cindy Price and Rick Hemenway, participants of Leadership Winter Haven Class 4. Cindy and Rick share about the impact Leadership Winter Haven made on them in 1984 and how beneficial the program still is today.

Apr 02, 202339:02
Episode 137 - Dr. Rod Crowley: Uniting Our Community

Episode 137 - Dr. Rod Crowley: Uniting Our Community

On Episode 137: Uniting Our Community, we speak to Dr. Rod Crowley, COO of United Way of Central Florida. Rod shares about the impactful programs they support at United Way and the collaborative partnerships they are leveraging to make a difference in Polk County.


Mar 26, 202325:45
Episode 136 - Ann, Cara & Karen: Collaboration with a Heart

Episode 136 - Ann, Cara & Karen: Collaboration with a Heart

On Episode 136: Collaboration with a Heart, we speak to Ann Claussen, Dr. Cara Nelson-James and Dr. Karen McKenzie with Central Florida Health Care. We chat about the incredible services they offer Winter Haven, as well as the impact they have made on Polk County during their 50 years in healthcare.


Mar 12, 202337:21
Episode 135 - Chris & Amy Sexson: Collaboration in Downtown

Episode 135 - Chris & Amy Sexson: Collaboration in Downtown

On Episode 135: Collaboration in Downtown, we speak with Chris & Amy Sexson, Owners of Destroyer Media. Chris and Amy share about their journey to Winter Haven and all of the ways they are collaborating to make Winter Haven the best place to play, stay, work and live. 


Mar 05, 202347:12
Episode 134 - Thom Bly: Collaborating Through Entertainment

Episode 134 - Thom Bly: Collaborating Through Entertainment

On Episode 134: Collaborating Through Entertainment, we speak to Thom Bly, Owner of Triviousity Live Events. Thom shares about bringing people together through trivia, collaborating with local organizations to make Winter Haven a better place and even tests some trivia on the Chamber team!

Feb 26, 202345:45
Episode 133 - Tracy Kimbrough: Winter Haven's Future Board Members

Episode 133 - Tracy Kimbrough: Winter Haven's Future Board Members

On Episode 133: Winter Haven's Future Board Members, we speak to Tracy Kimbrough with CPS Investment Advisors. Tracy and I chat about our collaborative efforts with CPS Investment Advisors to expand the pipeline of future board members through Endeavor Serves.

Feb 12, 202330:34
Episode 132 - Jennifer, Nina & Chelsea: Winter Haven's Good Neighbor

Episode 132 - Jennifer, Nina & Chelsea: Winter Haven's Good Neighbor

On Episode 132: Winter Haven's Good Neighbor we speak to Jennifer, Nina and Chelsea with State Farm. Jennifer, Nina and Chelsea share about the collaborative initiatives they have been spearheading to make Winter Haven the best place to play, stay, work and live.

Feb 05, 202330:23
Episode 131 - Peyten & Raelyn: Collaborating to Grow Polk County

Episode 131 - Peyten & Raelyn: Collaborating to Grow Polk County

On Episode 131: Collaborating to Grow Polk County, we speak to Peyton & Raelyn with Visit Central Florida. Peyton and Raelyn share about the collaborative efforts of Visit Central Florida to bring people to Winter Haven and how those efforts are making a difference locally. 

Jan 29, 202324:47
Episode 130 - Dr. Iakovidis & Tim Clark: Access to Whole-Person Care

Episode 130 - Dr. Iakovidis & Tim Clark: Access to Whole-Person Care

On Episode 130: Access to Whole-Person Care, we speak to the President & CEO of AdventHealth Polk Market, Tim Clark and the President & CEO of Bond Clinic, Dr. Iakovidis. They share about their incredible partnership and how it's creating a bright future for healthcare in Winter Haven and Polk County.

Stay tuned until the end of this episode for an exciting Chamber announcement. We have been keeping a fun secret!

Jan 22, 202332:58
Episode 129 - Charlie Bird: Life-Saving Collaboration

Episode 129 - Charlie Bird: Life-Saving Collaboration

On Episode 129: Life-Saving Collaboration, we speak to Charlie Bird, the City of Winter Haven's Director of Public Safety. Charlie shares about the collaborative approach that the Public Safety team is taking and the amazing impact it's having on Winter Haven.


Jan 15, 202342:49
Episode 128: Winter Haven's Collaborative Community Bank

Episode 128: Winter Haven's Collaborative Community Bank

On Episode 128: Winter Haven's Collaborative Community Bank, we chat with Greg Littleton, Tiffani Gozdur and Robert Loftin with Citizens Bank & Trust. This dynamic team shares more about how Citizens continues to be a collaborative pillar in Winter Haven and how they have created a team culture of giving back.

Jan 08, 202324:48
Episode 127: Christmas Trivia & What's Coming in 2023

Episode 127: Christmas Trivia & What's Coming in 2023

On Episode 127: Christmas Trivia & What's Coming in 2023, the entire Chamber team gets together for a fun game of Christmas trivia and to share the exciting things coming in 2023. You won't want to miss the holiday fun and all that you should look forward to in the new year!

Dec 11, 202238:04
Episode 126 - Inga Stettler: Journey from Germany

Episode 126 - Inga Stettler: Journey from Germany

On Episode 126: Journey from Germany, we speak to Inga Stettler, Business Manager here at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. Inga shares the story of how her family moved from Germany to the United States, her experience growing up in Winter Haven and more.

Dec 04, 202231:08
Episode 125- Dr. Falconetti: Getting to Know Our Chamber Board Chairwoman

Episode 125- Dr. Falconetti: Getting to Know Our Chamber Board Chairwoman

On Episode 125: Getting to Know Our Chamber Board Chairwoman, we speak to Dr. Falconetti, President of Polk State College. Dr. Falconetti is our 2022-2023 Chamber Chairwoman. On this episode, you'll get the inside scoop on all things Dr. Falconetti! 


Nov 27, 202222:37
Episode 124 - Hannah Spivey: Making Winter Haven Home

Episode 124 - Hannah Spivey: Making Winter Haven Home

On Episode 124: Making Winter Haven Home, we speak to Hannah Spivey, Events & Programs Manager here at the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce. Hannah shares about how she came to Winter Haven, her experience with events like the Kentucky Derby and the College World Series and everything you need to know as she heads out on maternity leave. 


Nov 20, 202229:21
Episode 123 - MJ Carnevale: Lakes Management & Hurricane Prep

Episode 123 - MJ Carnevale: Lakes Management & Hurricane Prep

On Episode 123: Lakes Management & Hurricane Prep, we speak to MJ Carnevale, Director of Public Works for the City of Winter Haven. MJ shares about lakes management, hurricane preparation and more. 


Nov 13, 202244:42
Episode 122 - Justin Laferriere : Water Ski Hall of Fame

Episode 122 - Justin Laferriere : Water Ski Hall of Fame

On Episode 122: Water Ski Hall of Fame, we speak to Justin Laferriere with Visit Central Florida! Justin shares more about all that the Welcome Center offers, the inside scoop on the incredible Water Ski Hall of Fame and much more. 


Oct 30, 202243:18
Episode 121 - Rue Denton: Life on the Lakes

Episode 121 - Rue Denton: Life on the Lakes

On Episode 121: Life on the Lakes, we speak with Rue Denton, Owner of Living Water Boat Cruises. Rue tells us about growing up on the Chain of Lakes, the amazing offerings they have at Living Water Boat Cruises, the incredible wildlife on the lakes and more. 


Oct 23, 202228:32
Episode 120: A Week of Water Ski

Episode 120: A Week of Water Ski

On Episode 120: A Week of Water Ski, some of the Chamber team gets together to talk about the International Water Ski Show coming to Winter Haven THIS week, all the incredible festivities in store and more. 


Oct 16, 202218:55
Episode 119 - Tricia Gurr: Leaving a Legacy on the Lakes

Episode 119 - Tricia Gurr: Leaving a Legacy on the Lakes

On Episode 119: Leaving a Legacy on the Lakes, we speak with Tricia Gurr with Marine Supply The Boating Center. Tricia shares about growing up in Winter Haven, what it's like operating a 70-year-old family business, the benefits of being on the Chain of Lakes and more. 


Oct 09, 202226:18
Episode 118 - Zane Schwenk: No Place Like Home

Episode 118 - Zane Schwenk: No Place Like Home

On Episode 118: No Place Like Home, we speak to Zane Schwenk, a former Professional Wakeboarder who got his start in Winter Haven. Zane tells us some wild stories about traveling, the X-games and more. He also tells us why Winter Haven is truly the best place for water recreation. 


Oct 03, 202246:11
Episode 117 - Eddie, Waylon & Gigi - Winter Haven: A Little Slice of Heaven

Episode 117 - Eddie, Waylon & Gigi - Winter Haven: A Little Slice of Heaven

On Episode 117: Winter Haven: A Little Slice of Heaven, we speak to Eddie, Waylon and Gigi with Freedom Boat Club. They share all about the perks of the club, the amazing stories from their members and why people come from all over to enjoy the Chain of Lakes. 


Sep 25, 202250:26
Episode 116 - Nick Miller: Reimagining Treasure of Cypress Gardens

Episode 116 - Nick Miller: Reimagining Treasure of Cypress Gardens

On Episode 116: Reimagining Treasures of Cypress Gardens, we speak with Nick Miller, Director of Operations at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Nick shares the exciting details of the newest attraction coming to LEOGLAND, Pirate River Quest. This ride will combine the history of Cypress Gardens and the excitement of LEGOLAND Florida Resort. 


Sep 18, 202228:51
Episode 115 - Kami Rickert: Paddling the Chain of Lakes

Episode 115 - Kami Rickert: Paddling the Chain of Lakes

On Episode 115: Paddling the Chain of Lakes, I speak with Kami Rickert, Owner of Paddleboard Winter Haven. Kami shares how Paddleboard Winter Haven is enhancing our lakeside lifestyle, the community that has grown from it and all they have coming this year. 


Sep 11, 202226:27