LAKELAND BUSINESS LEADERS, INC.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA

Established in 2010 by Chrissanne Long and Craig Hosking, Lakeland Business Leaders has been helping businesses in the Lakeland area connect to customers who are looking for local solutions – in real-time. Unlike any other business network, LBL helps people looking for referrals in an online forum, driven by the members themselves. In recent years, the Internet has totally changed the way people connect. The Digital Age has made it possible for people to connect more efficiently. With the right conditions, infrequent networking opportunities can be cultivated online to develop into long-lasting, meaningful business relationships. Lakeland Business Leaders has created the right conditions – trust, transparency and consistency. With so many online platforms available for consumers to share their thoughts – good and bad – about their experience with a business, it’s important that an online community, and its moderators maintain a positive attitude. Over the past 5 years, trust has been built by the members, and the guidelines enforced by its creators. Within LBL there is no bashing of businesses. Members agree to community guidelines, and when these are violated, a moderator steps in to encourage a positive outcome, privately . If a positive outcome is not possible, or the originator of a negative, derogatory post or comment does not wish to take the conversation to a mature, private discussion, the post is deleted. In some cases, members are removed from the group. While the desire is not to censor the members, it to provide a positive, safe environment that encourages connection. Beginning in 2016, the Lakeland Business Leaders directory will also be able to track and measure the number of leads that our members’ listings receive through the Lakeland Connection website. Chrissanne and Craig, the creators of LBL are committed to making a meaningful difference in Lakeland, and are always looking for ways to be better advocates for the small businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups in Lakeland. If you would like to know more about LBL, or have additional questions about whether LBL is right for your local business, please A Premium member is any member of the Lakeland Business Leaders Forum – Facebook group (found here: ) who has paid an annual membership fee to be included as a featured business on LakelandConnection.com Only Premium Members enjoy the benefit of promoting their business, their event or their specials within the Facebook group. Those who are not premium members who promote their business without upgrading will be advised of this policy. If they continue, links/posts will be removed and if the promotion continues, the person will be removed from the group. Each premium member has the benefit to invite one (new) guest to each event for no additional charge. General admission for Meet and Greet Events is $10. “Proud to be Local” Membership Clings will be provided to premium members. (Available at the offline events, and upon request). Premium Members will have the ability to advertise member to member Lakeland Business Leaders specials within their listing. (optional) Note: Advertising Opportunities affiliated with the Lakeland Business Leaders through Lakeland Connection will ONLY be available to Premium Members.