Lakeland Business Guide 2019 Chamber Guide_2019 | Page 32

Ford Heacock
Ford Heacock’s family is deeply rooted in
Central Florida. Founded in Sebring in 1922,
Heacock Insurance Group is a fifth-generation,
family-owned business. Heacock joined the
company in 1972 and serves as its CEO today. The
insurance group expanded to Lakeland in the early
1980s and now occupies the old City Hall building
in downtown. Although Heacock is recently
retired, he takes great pride in his daughter, Stacey
Heacock Weeks, (current Chamber board member);
and his younger brother, Jason Heacock, who are
now running the company.
In 2000, Heacock became a member of the
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors when Ron Clark appointed him to a
task force concerning the downtown area. Heacock
assisted with developing a liaison between the
Lakeland Downtown Development Authority and
the Chamber. From there, Heacock went on to
serve in the roles of secretary, vice chairman, and
chairman. While serving as chair in 2004, Heacock
assisted with the electric utility commission. As the
board was presented with concerns on the electric
rate structure, they created an advisory board for
Lakeland Electric.
One of Heacock’s fondest memories as chair
includes choosing the theme and speaker for the
annual Chamber banquet. He invited a speaker
from Harley-Davidson and themed the banquet
around motorcycles. “Serving on the board is the
highest honor in the community. It is a lasting honor
and position that people respect. It is a valuable
credential to carry,” says Heacock. Looking to the
future of the Chamber, Heacock adds, “Today the
Chamber is responding to its members’ needs by
offering more services related to workforce training.”
Heacock’s involvement in the community
includes having served on the boards of the
Lakeland Downtown Development Authority,
Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation,
Junior Achievement of Polk County, Downtown
Community Redevelopment Agency, and many
more. In 2014, Heacock was the recipient of the
George Jenkins Award.
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