The theme of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in 2022 was “Rooted in Resilience”, and Polk County Farm Bureau’s 3,800-plus members are just that. “Farmers are by nature and by necessity, resilient and tenacious people,” said Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director Carole McKenzie. “You have to be, when you have so many […]
As with most things, people have options when it comes to investing their money, setting up estates, planning for their kids’ college educations and having their taxes prepared. And there is no shortage of businesses that are willing to work with you to help you achieve your financial goals. Like banking, most financial companies in […]
As efforts to expand the aerospace industry beyond the Space Coast ramp up, the Central Florida Development Council is taking a leadership role in educating local businesses on how they – and Polk County – can benefit. Part of that process included a leadership mission with investors to the Space Coast. There they visited with […]
Faculty at the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise at Florida Southern College are committed to excellence. This is one of the main reasons it’s been recognized on so many lists and is known as one of the best business schools in the nation. “I believe that the faculty are focused on student […]
WASHINGTON – Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to damages that occurred Nov. 7-30 from Hurricane Nicole. “SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help Florida small businesses and residents impacted by this disaster in […]
Starting your own business can be daunting, but budding entrepreneurs don’t have to do it alone – a variety of organizations offer free or low-cost help. Three such organizations are: Learn more about each below. SCORE Mentors are a critical part of the process “to secure a successful start and growth plan,” said Becky Bywater, […]
Polk County ranks No. 10 in net migration. Along with that growth comes the need for increased housing inventory and a diverse selection of housing options. Lightcast (formerly Emsi Burning Glass) has been developing its Talent Attraction Scorecard “to help communities understand how they were doing at attracting and developing talent to help meet this […]
Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti has been in her job five years now, and she’s using her experience there and as a former chair of the Central Florida Development Council to Polk State’s advantage – in this case, championing the need for a new campus to serve the burgeoning northeast portion of Polk County. […]
With an aging and more diverse population in Polk County, the need for more physical therapists is increasing, and Florida Southern College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) is working to close the gap. The Lakeland college started its program in 2019 following a needs assessment. Nationally, about 15,000 openings for physical therapists will exist […]
The need for talent ranks high in many markets, and Polk County is no different. Ranked Top 10 in talent attraction by Lightcast – showcased its retention of a skilled workforce and diversification of opportunity. In Lightcast’s (formerly Emsi Burning Glass) 2022 Talent Attraction Scorecard, which the company produces “to help communities understand how they […]