Four Outstanding Polk County Businesses Recognized as Finalists for the 2026 Jim Brantley Success in Small Business Award  

The winner, selected by fellow CFDC members, will be announced at the CFDC Annual Meeting on September 24. The event will be hosted at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Skylight Hangar. 

This year’s finalists for the Central Florida Development Council’s Jim Brantley Economic Development Award represent some of Polk County’s most accomplished small businesses. Three are repeat finalists, reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence, while the fourth has earned a strong reputation for leadership and service throughout the community. Together, these organizations exemplify the innovation, resilience, and community impact recognized by the Central Florida Development Council’s Jim Brantley Economic Development Award – Success in Small Business. 

The Success in Small Business Award is named for the late Jim Brantley, the first director of the agency now known as the CFDC. A business, institution, or organization with fewer than 100 employees qualifies. The award honors a business that champions growth, free enterprise, economic stability, and community service. 

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are: 

• Aerospace Center for Excellence 
• Marcobay Construction 
• Rita Staffing 
• Two Blue Aces 

“We are honored to be able to highlight the work of these amazing organizations here in Polk. It comes as no surprise that several of these businesses have been nominated multiple times over the years, showcasing the high standards and community-driven work they are doing,” said Sean Malott, President & CEO of the CFDC. 

About the 2026 Small Business Award Finalists 

Aerospace Center for Excellence 

The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) is an aviation-focused organization in Lakeland, FL. ACE’s mission is to engage, educate, and accelerate the next generation of aerospace professionals while serving as a driver of economic opportunity and workforce development in Polk County and beyond. 

“Being nominated for this award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community partners,” said Gene Conrad, President & CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence. “Everything we accomplish is the result of people who believe in building a brighter future through aviation. We are incredibly proud of the impact we are making together and grateful to call Polk County home.” 

Over the past year, ACE has continued to broaden its reach and deepen its impact, connecting more than 30,000 students with hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and expand opportunity. Through programs including StoryTime, STEM Sprouts, summer camps, field trips, scholarships, and career pathway initiatives, students explored new possibilities both in and beyond the classroom. 

ACE’s middle school aerospace curriculum also gained momentum this year, with implementation in more than 160 schools across 26 states and several countries. During the 2025–2026 school year, ACE welcomed nearly 4,000 students on 105 educational field trips, with more than half representing Title I schools. 

Our job is to make learning engaging, relevant, and inspiring. Aviation is a powerful way to spark curiosity and capture the imagination of young people. It opens doors to opportunities they may never have realized were within reach. 

Gene Conrad, President & CEO

Marcobay Construction 

Returning as a finalist for the Success in Small Business Award, Marcobay Construction continues to make a lasting impact on Polk County through quality construction, economic investment, and community engagement. 

With more than 50 years of experience in Central Florida, Marcobay has helped shape the region’s growth through projects that strengthen its industrial and logistics infrastructure while maintaining a strong commitment to local partnerships. 

Marcobay has built a legacy defined by quality craftsmanship, client trust, and community partnership.

Jimmy Vessels, President

“With more than five decades of deep roots in Central Florida, Marcobay has built a legacy defined by quality craftsmanship, client trust, and community partnership. As one of the few long-standing, continuously operating contractors in our region, we have been honored to help shape the area’s growth through every economic cycle,” said President Jimmy Vessels. “Being named a finalist once again affirms that the values upon which our company was founded continue to guide us today. We are grateful to stand alongside this year’s outstanding group of finalists, each of whom is contributing to the strength, growth, and vitality of our region.” 

Among this year’s highlights are the completion of two warehouse projects on Pace Road, continued work on the Ashley Furniture build-to-suit project at LCP 200, progress on Building 300 along the Polk Parkway, construction for The Ruthvens and Ultra Look, and an ongoing facility build-out for Boise Cascade. Beyond its construction portfolio, Marcobay continues to invest in the community through partnerships and sponsorships that support local schools and nonprofit organizations. 

Looking ahead, the company is focused on building continued momentum through new opportunities and strategic growth. 

“The company is gearing up for a strong finish to the year,” Vessels said.  

Rita Staffing 

For 53 years, Rita Staffing has played a vital role in strengthening Polk County’s workforce by connecting talented job seekers with employers across the region, and the company is once again a finalist for the Success in Small Business Award. Through its commitment to ethical business practices, long-term relationships, and exceptional service, the company has helped thousands of individuals build meaningful careers while supporting the success of local businesses. 

Rita Staffing’s experienced leadership team reflects the company’s investment in professional growth, with many team members serving for 10 to 30 years and earning industry credentials, including Certified Staffing Professional (CSP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designations. 

We are not just helping people find a job but a new career!

Susan Hames, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

“We operate with integrity and ethics in all we do, and what a blessing it has been to be serving this community for so long,” said Susan Hames, SHRM-SCP, SPHR. “The trust and support of the people of Polk County has impacted so many lives. We are not just helping people find a job but a new career!” 

Looking ahead, Rita Staffing remains committed to partnering with outstanding employers, embracing innovative recruiting strategies, and continuing its tradition of connecting people with opportunities that strengthen Polk County’s economy. 

Two Blue Aces 

Returning as a finalist for the Success in Small Business Award, Two Blue Aces Consulting helps organizations strengthen leadership, improve organizational performance, and achieve strategic growth. Founded in 2016, Two Blue Aces Consulting helps organizations strengthen leadership, improve organizational performance, and achieve strategic growth. Drawing on decades of military leadership experience, the firm’s consultants work with businesses of all sizes to deliver customized leadership development, strategy assessments, and management training.  

“Our exceptional speakers spark unique discussions in an open forum to foster creative thinking, open new doors to business innovation, improve the bottom line or simply strengthen your company’s morale and business culture,” said Managing Partner Sandra Polumbo. 

Over the past year, Two Blue Aces experienced significant growth, expanding its work in C-Suite leadership training, strategy assessments, and economic and business development. 

“We are having our best year yet during 10 years of operating and consulting and have really seen big growth in a couple areas including C-Suite Leadership Training, Strategy Assessments, and Economic & Business Development,” said Founding Partner Major General Jake Polumbo. 

With a combined 200 years of leadership experience, the firm’s senior consultants help organizations develop future leaders, navigate change, and align long-term strategies with business goals while leveraging extensive relationships throughout Florida and Washington, D.C., to create new opportunities for clients. 

As Two Blue Aces continues to grow, the firm remains committed to supporting businesses throughout Central Florida and contributing to the region’s long-term success. 

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These finalists exemplify the spirit of small business excellence and the vital role they play in driving economic growth. We applaud their achievements and look forward to seeing the continued impact of their work in the months and years to come. Join us at the CFDC Annual Meeting to find out who will be honored with the 2026 Jim Brantley Success in Small Business Award!