Lakeland Business Guide 2019 Chamber Guide_2019 | Page 31
Maureen Shaw
An entrepreneur, Maureen Shaw is passionate
about small business. Shaw and her husband, Jim,
are florists and owners of Flower Cart. Located
across from Lakeland Regional Health on Lakeland
Hills Boulevard, this flower shop offers a wide and
unique selection of free-spirited flower arrangements
carefully and creatively designed for a variety of
occasions. The family-owned business was founded
in 1980 in Lakeland.
First elected to serve on the Lakeland Area
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in
2001, Shaw went on to serve in a number of roles
until 2009. In 2006, she became the second woman
to serve as the chair of the board. As chair, she
was involved in the “Buy Lakeland” advertising
campaign, the introduction of a new vision
statement, the launching of the Entrepreneurial
Academy through a grant, and hosted numerous
programs incorporating diversity, networking, and
educational interests. She also played a role in
reintroducing small businesses to the board. “A part
of our visionary mindset at that time was creating
a climate where business can prosper and can be a
catalyst for economic growth,” says Shaw.
During her tenure, the Lakeland Chamber of
Commerce was the recipient of the 2006 Florida
Chamber of the Year. “It was based on numerous
accomplishments that we painstakingly developed
three years before I took over the gavel,” she adds.
The Chamber was awarded for leading a countywide
campaign to pass a half-cent sales tax referendum
to fund school improvements and construction; plus
other beneficial initiatives.
Although Shaw is no longer on the board, she has
continued to be a part of the Small Business of the
Month Committee, a role she has held for more than
17 years. The committee recognizes a small business
each month that exemplifies outstanding business
characteristics and entrepreneurial spirit. Shaw adds
that she believes the Chamber is significant in the
community as it “keeps business strong in Lakeland
and protects the rich quality of life we enjoy here.”
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