I am thrilled for Winter Haven that Yvonne Brooks is offering her time and talent to serve on the city commission. I worked by her side for nearly four years prior to her retirement from the Burdines store in Winter Haven Mall. It was a privilege to watch and learn from this professional woman. She led a challenging organization with personal integrity, strong business acumen and community involvement.

I would like to assure voters who may not know her that their trust would be well placed in Yvonne. Our city is facing some serious challenges as we try to steer the tricky course of economic development and city growth while maintaining the unique quality of life we enjoy here in Winter Haven. I would say those were similar challenges we faced at the local store and which Yvonne managed at a superior level. She maintained strict accountability on spending. She analyzed opportunities and creative ways of running a store that was challenged by too little space and a dying mall. Her employee relations were top notch.

I would describe Yvonne's strongest managerial quality as her ability to focus on meeting objectives. Accountability in meeting established goals was key with her. Did you know that year after year her store was rated as one of the most profitable in the Burdines chain and the entire chain of Federated Department Stores? Imagine accomplishing that in a mall that was failing and with a brand new mall just fifteen minutes away.

Yvonne should be an example to all of us. She mastered the balance of being mother, grandmother, executive and community servant. I watched her successfully juggle a hectic work schedule along with serving on the board of directors of the chamber, Winter Haven Rotary, Theatre Winter Haven and Girls Inc. She worked with the city while serving on the planning commission. She graduated from Leadership Winter Haven and also served as chairman of this important program. Since her retirement, our paths have crossed again as she has served on the visioning initiating committee of Our Future By Design, A Greater Winter Haven Community. Her support of the arts and historic preservation is to be commended. She was an outstanding contributor to the work of the United Way and its agencies. Her personal integrity is impeccable. Even in a pinch, I have never known her to speak anything but the truth.

On Election Day, I urge you to give her your vote and allow her to work her magic for our city.