Forum For Business September 2015 | Page 10

smal l b u s i n e s s o f t h e mon t h CHAMPAGNE INVESTMENTS, LLC Don’t let the name fool you, Champagne Investments is not a French company and they do not specialize in wine futures. However, they do bring quality to our community through their ownership, leasing and management of residential and commercial properties. They take pride of ownership to a higher level by using competent staff personnel and quality service firms. Steve credits his right-hand man, Robert Williams, for his work in the day-to-day operations. Tenants are treated with respect and if property issues occur, the tenants are given a prompt response. As a small business, Champagne Investments, is poised to provide careful, personal attention to each tenant. Lynda and Steve Buck had honed their business acumen during their years at Mutual Wholesale. After the sale of Mutual to U.S. Foods, Champagne Investments was started in 2001. Now, like Mutual Wholesale, the business serves our community in a low profile manner. The quality of the business and its leadership speaks for itself. Both Lynda and Steve demonstrate a servant’s heart as both have given their time and talents to the needs of the Lakeland area. Lynda has been a long time member and supporter of the Junior League. Steve has served the Downtown Kiwanis over 20 years, including service as the Pancake Festival chair and President of the club. He has also given his leadership skills to the Alliance for Independence, the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club, United Way of Central Florida, LRMC Foundation and is currently on the Board of Trustees at Florida Southern College. Lynda and Steve’s love for the fine arts in our community has been evidenced by their support of the Polk Museum of Art. Steve has served both as Board President and as Chair of the Board of Governors for the museum and Lynda is the current President of the Board of Trustees. In appreciation of their devotion to the Polk Museum of GARY CLEVELAND, For more information on the requirements for the Small Business Award and to view previous recipients, please visit LakelandChamber.com/ BusinessResource. GARY CLEVELAND PRESENTED THE AUGUST SMALL BUSINESS AWARD TO OWNER, STEVE BUCK AND ROBERT WILLIAMS. 10 | F O R U M F O R B U S I N E S S Art, the Bucks were awarded the museum’s annual HarrisonHooks Lifetime Achievement award in 2012. Lynda and Steve also have supported the Salvation Army’s Community of Hope, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, and First United Methodist, Lakeland. For making a positive difference in our community, congratulations to Champagne Investments, the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month Award winner for August 2015. KELLER WILLIAMS REALITY OF POLK