News

Southeastern University Expands Footprint with New Downtown Winter Haven Campus, Strengthening Polk County’s Workforce Pipeline 

April 29, 2026 News, Talent Pipeline

New campus supports in-demand degree programs and strengthens workforce pathways across Polk County  The continued growth of higher education opportunities in Polk County reached an important milestone with Southeastern University opening a new campus in the heart of Winter Haven. Located in the city’s downtown core, the 13,000-square-foot facility represents a strategic investment in accessible education, workforce development, and long-term […]

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Lakeland’s SUN ‘n FUN is Reimagining the Florida Air Museum, Supporting Industry Growth 

April 29, 2026 News, Talent Pipeline

New facility at SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo campus will enhance STEM programming, workforce development, and Central Florida’s growing aerospace industry.  Polk County’s momentum in aviation, aerospace and defense continues to accelerate—and a newly unveiled expansion plan for the Florida Air Museum signals just how high that trajectory can go. As airplanes streamed through the sky at the 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN fly-in, visitors and aviation enthusiasts […]

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New Partnership Between an Exemplary Growth Partner and a Powerhouse Investment Advisor 

March 27, 2026 Uncategorized

Rise Growth Partners Backs Cyndeo Wealth Partners in Fourth RIA Investment  Based on a company-focused press release  What happens when a renowned growth partner connects with an advisor firm with a proven track record of success? According to a press release by the company announcing the strategic minority partnership of Rise Growth Partners (“Rise”) and Cyndeo Wealth Partners (“Cyndeo”), the outcome is bright. The strategic […]

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CSX Select Site Recognition Elevates Industrial Opportunity in Polk County 

March 27, 2026 News

Economic growth thrives where preparation meets opportunity—and that momentum is clearly on display in Polk County.  On March 16, 2026, CSX Corporation announced the addition of 21 new rail-served properties across 10 states to its highly selective CSX Select Site program. Among them, the Fort Meade Rail Ready Industrial site in Fort Meade, Florida earned a prestigious Silver-level […]

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Polk County Bank Expands Regional Operations

March 23, 2026 News

Bank of Central Florida Opens New Loan Production Office in Tampa Bay  Over nearly 20 years, Bank of Central Florida has grown from a local vision into a driving force in the community. Its people-first approach, exceptional service, and dedicated team members have a history of being differentiators in the banking world. Now, the Bank is bringing that same concierge […]

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Dr. Anne B. Kerr Helps Eagles Soar at Polk State 

February 27, 2026 News, Talent Pipeline

Esteemed Higher Ed Leader Dr. Anne B. Kerr Appointed as Interim President of Polk State College Dr. Anne B. Kerr, a legendary higher education leader and President Emerita of Florida Southern College, has been appointed as the interim President of Polk State College. Dr. Kerr will pilot Polk State through its next chapter. “Polk State is poised for […]

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Florida Poly Invests in Students with State-of-the-Art Esports Arena

February 18, 2026 News, Talent Pipeline

Florida Poly continues to innovate, opening a new esports arena for their tech oriented students. This legacy will impact generations of students, giving them a place to hone their esport skills, compete on a national level, and develop real world skills such as teamwork and communication with their peers. Florida Polytechnic University is no stranger […]

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Polk County Public Schools Reaches Historic Graduation Rate

January 30, 2026 News, Talent Pipeline

New Graduation Rate Report Showcases Polk County Public Schools Basis Point of Impact in Strengthening the Region’s Talent Pipeline  Economic prosperity doesn’t begin at the ribbon cutting—it starts in the classroom. A strong education system lays the foundation for a skilled workforce, business growth, and long-term competitiveness. Polk County Public Schools’ (PCPS) newly announced 2025 graduation rates underscore just how powerful […]

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CFDC Welcomes Prominent Site Selection Expert to Share Keys to Success for Industrial Attraction  

January 15, 2026 News

If you’re interested in building or refining your process to find success in the art of site selection, the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC) can offer insights at the 2026 EconDev Forum- “Site Readiness”.  The CFDC is pleased to announce that Jeannette Goldsmith, Vice President of Strategic Development Group, will be the guest speaker for the 2026 EconDev Forum, where she will share her […]

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The Baldwin Group and CAC Group to Merge, Creating the Largest Majority Colleague-Owned, Publicly-Traded Insurance Broker

December 10, 2025 News

Company posted press release TAMPA, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 2, 2025– The Baldwin Group (“Baldwin” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BWIN), a leading independent insurance brokerage and advisory firm, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with CAC Group (“CAC”), a nationally recognized specialty and middle-market insurance brokerage firm (#35 in Business Insurance’s 2025 rankings). This transformational combination is expected […]

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