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CFDC Hands Out Awards, Recaps a Prosperous Year in Polk County and Welcomes a Top NOAA Leader

October 25, 2024 News

The Central Florida Development Council awarded its two highest honors at its Oct. 23 Annual Meeting. Camp Margaritaville was presented with the George W. Harris Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business, and Straughn Trout Architects with the Jim Brantley Economic Development Award – Success in Small Business.  

“These companies, along with all the finalists, represent the very best of Polk County,” said Sean Malott, President & CEO of the CFDC. “They are passionate about their companies and the people who work there, committed to giving back to the community in many ways and enthusiastic in helping make the county the best it can be. Their leaders are the cream of the crop.” 

Also at the meeting, Commissioner George Lindsey was presented the Chairman’s Award from outgoing Chair Gene Conrad, President & CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence. The banquet was held at the Sun ’n’ Fun Expo Campus in Lakeland. 

CFDC Annual Meeting

Malott reminded attendees that Polk County continues to lead the nation in growth. Thus, attracting and retaining quality jobs remains a critical building block for increasing economic prosperity.  

“The presence of high-skill, high-wage opportunities grew in Polk County this past year as the county welcomed a variety of businesses, including manufacturing, cold storage and other industries” whose capital investment exceeded $800 million, he said. “Projects this year represent over 1,000 new and retained jobs and reside within all corners of the county.”  

The CFDC promotes Polk as Florida’s best place for business, but it takes a village to do so. “Let’s keep in mind the importance of our collective mission. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.” 

George W. Harris Award

The Harris Award is for companies with at least 100 employees. The award is named for George Harris, a former CFDC chairman and president of Citrus and Chemical Bank. Nominated businesses focus on their community service, commitment to growth in business, economic stability and promotion of free enterprise. 

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort is a 66-acre site near Lake Myrtle in Auburndale. USAToday named it the Best Luxury RV Resort in the nation. In 2024 it marketed the resort to locals through events like Paradise Markets and launched a concert series. 

“We want to thank the CFDC and our fellow investor members for honoring us, but also our many employees who work so hard every day to make Camp Margaritaville the place people want to come and enjoy life. And of course, I want to thank our customers for believing in us and making the magic happen,” said Randy Knapp, CEO of RLK Real Estate & Development. “We are grateful to call Auburndale and Polk County home for Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins.”

Camp Margaritaville accepting their award

The seven finalists for the Harris award were: 

Last year, Bank of Central Florida won the award. 

Jim Brantley Award

Jim Brantley Economic Development Award – Success in Small Business is named for Brantley, the first director of the agency now known as the CFDC. The award winner is an institution or organization with fewer than 100 employees that champions growth, free enterprise, economic stability and community service.   

Straughn Trout Architects provides services ranging from architectural, engineering and interior design to planning and visioning facilitation. The firm is now led by managing principal Tim Hoeft. They seek to continue the work of Ernest Straughn, building relationships and completing projects on-time and on-budget. 

“We cannot overstate how honored our firm is to receive the Jim Brantley Economic Development Award from the Central Florida Development Council. Local partnerships that include many CFDC investors are woven into our firm’s long history to create many unique places in Polk County, and we believe that is integral to fostering economic growth, strengthening local connections, and enhancing quality of life,” said Hoeft. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve, grow, and collaborate in such a dynamic community.”

Straughn Trout accepting their award

This year’s finalists, in alphabetical order, are:  

Last year, Gulf Coast Avionics won the award. 

The Chair’s Award

Conrad presented one of the CFDC’s most prestigious awards to Polk County Commissioner George Lindsey. The award honors someone whose work improves Polk County’s economic prosperity. The night was special for Lindsey in another way, as it was also his birthday.

“This evening, we celebrate a remarkable leader, a dedicated public servant and a champion for economic development in our county,” Conrad said. “For several years, this individual has served as the liaison between our organization and the County Commission. And in that time, we have seen firsthand the impact of their commitment and vision. As a strong businessman, he understands the challenges we face and the opportunities we can seize. His insights have not only guided our initiatives but have also inspired us to think bigger and bolder.” 

Lindsey (right) accepting his award

Lindsey’s inclusive approach ensures all stakeholders have a voice in Polk’s economic development strategies, Conrad said. That “has fostered collaboration and trust, and it has strengthened our organization’s ability to serve our community effectively. He is not just a champion for our organization; he is a champion for the entire county. Advocating for economic initiatives that create jobs, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. His pragmatic advice has steered us through challenges and helped us capitalize on opportunities that will benefit our community for years to come.” 

Lakeland City Commissioner Stephanie Madden won the award in 2023. 

Taking Over

At the banquet, Conrad handed the Chair’s position to David Shepp, a Partner in The Southern Group. Emery Smith of Ben Hill Griffin moved up to Vice Chair and Brandon Clark of The Ruthvens became Secretary/Treasurer. 

Shepp thanked Conrad for being a one-of-a-kind leader. “Your energy, wit, drive for success and pursuit of excellence has excelled CFDC.  We have been fortunate to have your leadership.”   

Gene Conrad (left) shakes hands with Dave Shepp (right) as he passes the leadership torch
Dave Shepp giving closing remarks

Shepp has lived in Polk County since 1996. “We have witnessed tremendous growth during these past 28 years. Growth that requires strategic planning and a commitment to innovative solutions,” he said. “I have always been impressed with the CFDC’s thoughtful leadership and ability to take the 30,000-foot view in guiding Polk County on a path that prioritizes job growth, sense of community and excellent quality of life. It has been an honor to serve on the CFDC’s board for the past five years.” 

Working with other local economic development councils, “our community continues to be transformed and tangible results of increased economic vitality increases,” he said. “From supporting local startups to expanding operations for established companies to attracting new industries, this community of partners has created an ecosystem that nurtures growth and resilience. We have seen firsthand how cooperation can yield amazing outcomes: jobs created, businesses expanded and community projects brought to life.” 

The Keynote Speaker

As the Deputy Under Secretary for Operations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Keynote Speaker Vice Admiral Nancy Hann is responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency’s operations. She is also a key advisor to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere on NOAA program and policy issues. 

CFDC Annual Meeting Keynote speech
Vice Admiral Hann giving the keynote speech

And, she’s been friends with Conrad since she became director of NOAA operations in Lakeland as the agency’s Hurricane Hunters moved here from Tampa in 2017. Shortly after she assumed her leadership role in Lakeland, Hurricane Irma made landfall in Polk County. NOAA’s hangar at Lakeland Linder International Airport became the command center for all emergency response teams. 

As Hann explained what NOAA does, she talked about how it tracks weather, including Hurricane Milton. The agency worked alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They assisted in recovery post-storm, making sure the Port of Tampa opened as soon as possible.  

Vice Admiral Hann giving the keynote speech

She complimented Polk County and its people over and over. It is “absolutely an opportunity and privilege to serve Central Florida,” she said. “We are all over this community, and I could not image a better place to do that work.” 

Sponsors

CFDC Annual Meeting Sponsors

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