Class project benefits children waiting in medical offices.
The Plant City Chamber of Commerce conducts its Leadership Plant City training to promote the development of long-term leadership in the community. The annual session started in August 2024, and ends in May.
“Leadership Plant City is a perfect reflection of the Chamber’s mission: to promote business growth, community development, and leadership in Plant City,” Jerilyn Rumbarger, Interim President and CEO, said. “By equipping local professionals with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our area, we are strengthening the future of our entire community.”
Class members offered their thoughts on what they have gained through Leadership Plant City.
“As a newer business owner in Plant City, this class has been an incredible way to connect with the people, history, and heart of our community,” Peter Samuelson, Chief Operating Officer of Propane Ninja, commented. “I’ve built lasting relationships with classmates and gained a much deeper appreciation for what makes this city special.”
“I have learned information I didn’t know about businesses and the inner workings of the city,” Jennifer Ackett said. “I feel more connected to, and pride in, our amazing small town.”
“This leadership class will improve my ability to lead effectively,” Ryan Danielik, Managing Partner at Outback Steakhouse, said.
Deysha Mayo, a Business Office Manager, representing Hillsborough County Aviation responded to an email query asking what she got from the training. “Bringing a group of like-minded, diverse community leaders, and business professionals together for the benefit of our entire region….introduced me to passionate, service-driven leaders from all sectors,” she said.
Leadership Plant City also informs class members about a wide range of community issues, resources, and opportunities that exist in Plant City, to develop in them a broader and deeper sense of community. They take tours of different businesses and organizations. Every year, the leadership class gets their hands into the community by choosing a project to leave a legacy that betters Plant City.
“They came to us in the beginning as a tour group,” Shari Sun, Director of Clinic Operations at Suncoast Community Health, said. “Little did we know they were going to choose us for their project this year. It was so exciting. To see that other people care too makes my heart sing. I am so touched. We love what we do here, we love our kids.”
“When we saw the number of children in the waiting areas, spaces that felt bare and unstimulating, we knew we could help, Samuelson said. “Our class chose to install interactive wall panels, and provide reading materials to make the experience more comfortable and engaging for kids and their families during medical visits.”
Ackett is a speech/language pathologist, and member of the rehabilitation department at South Florida Baptist Hospital. “The opportunity to support the language and fine motor development of children is important to me. Language development is the foundation of learning. The books we provided, along with the wall activities with concepts such as numbers and letters, will enrich the development of children who may not have access to developmentally-appropriate enrichment activities at home.”
The Leadership Plant City program imparts in participants a new perspective, and stimulates them to think about how to take what they’ve learned and use it to build a better future for Plant City.
“This project was incredibly meaningful to me because it allowed us to come together as a class and invest in something that directly supports the health and well-being of children in our community,” Mayo said. “It was rewarding to see how a small gesture like creating a more interactive space could have a big impact on a child’s experience. Being a part of something that promotes comfort, learning, and joy in a healthcare setting is something I’ll always be proud of.”
