News

Five Local Colleges Help Prepare Students for Careers in the Business Sector

February 13, 2023 News, Talent Pipeline

Polk County’s institutions of higher education contribute to business services here, training the next generation of workers and preparing them to be successful in their careers.  Five of those institutions offer extensive business classes and various degrees, all of which contribute to the economic engine of Polk County.  “Jannetides helps economic development in Polk County […]

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Annual State of the Summit Event Focuses on Changing Workforce

February 10, 2023 News

CareerSource Polk, Polk County’s designated local workforce development board, is kicking off 2023 with its annual State of the Workforce Summit, one of its primary focuses for employers.  In partnership with Ogletree Deakins, a leading labor and employment law firm, the event will benefit HR professionals, company executives and managers, said Candace Franklin, director of […]

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Legoland Florida Debuts Pirate River Quest, Plans for a Successful 2023

February 9, 2023 News

The opening of the one-of-its-kind Pirate River Quest at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is more than just an adventure ride – it also marks the first time the canal boats are back in the water since the former Cypress Gardens, long considered the first tourist attraction in Florida, closed.    “The grand opening of Pirate River Quest […]

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Polk County Farm Bureau Going Strong, Serving the Agricultural Community 

February 7, 2023 News

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 […]

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Local Financial Services Companies Help Clients Plan for the Future, Grow Their Money

February 6, 2023 News

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 […]

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Florida’s Opportunity as a Space Port is limitless and Polk County is in the Middle of it All

January 30, 2023 News

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 […]

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Barney Barnett School of Business at FSC Prepares Students for a Global Marketplace

January 19, 2023 News

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 […]

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SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Florida Affected by Hurricane Nicole

January 18, 2023 News

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 […]

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Organizations Help Prepare People who Want to Start a New Business

January 18, 2023 News

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, […]

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Polk County’s Growth Brings Need for Diverse Housing Inventory

December 19, 2022 News

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 […]

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