
Almost a decade ago, Rick Garcia had a dream to open an incubator dedicated to aerospace and logistics. He wanted to give people a shot at innovating in a safe space. The timing and location never worked out. But now, as part of a collaborative effort, he is seeing that vision become a reality as […]

Polk County offers an inviting environment for research and innovation for many reasons, among them; A strategic location, a university dedicated solely to STEM education, an autonomous technology testing facility and an innovation district. Combined, all factors are melding to make the county a competitive player when it comes to attracting leaders in innovation. “It’s […]

Press release originally from Tinsley Creative and Citizens Bank & Trust LAKE WALES, FL – Greg Littleton, President and CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, has been named 2022 Banker of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). The award is given to an individual who demonstrates the highest level of commitment to both the […]

Press release from Tinsley Creative/Bonnet Springs Park Lakeland, FL., June 9, 2022 – Bonnet Springs Park is proud to announce an official grand opening date of October 22, 2022. Located just outside of downtown Lakeland, the 168-acre park serves to unify the city’s diverse population by providing engaging opportunities in education and recreation. Strategically positioned […]

As the tech industry continues to expand, two local companies have figured out what it takes to attract and retain IT talent. Saddle Creek Logistics Services’ Chief Information Officer Kristen Lowers said young IT associates are looking for an appealing work environment. “Young associates want to work for a company that cares about its associates. […]

Polk County is becoming well-known internationally as a prime landing spot for global companies because of its business-friendly climate, central location and fair weather. Several international businesses have already located here and are finding success in the market. These companies often bring their own employees to prepare for their launch here, but depending on their […]

BrightView may be a newcomer to Polk County, but its presence was felt long before. It was the landscape architect for LEGOLAND in Winter Haven as it was being developed from the former Cypress Gardens attraction. BrightView moved into its office at the Bartow Airport two years ago. The company employs more than 20,000 people […]

Local, state and national companies look forward to this time of year. Students are graduating from college and are ready to enter the workforce. In Polk County, seven institutions of higher education contribute to the talent pipeline. Those colleges and universities award about 6,000 degrees and certificates to graduates annually. This includes about 1,000 students […]

Benge Development Corp. is busy at work in Polk County, building a variety of dwellings to help with the county’s residential growth. Tony Benge, company president, did not think he would be a developer during his undergraduate or graduate education. According to Mark Wilkie, senior VP of Benge Development, after Tony graduated, he worked in […]

Public-private partnerships have been around for years, but one kind is gaining more traction — that between universities and industries. May 19 update: Minnesota-based real estate service company Ryan Cos. picked to build the Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University. Read more. Florida Polytechnic University, already on the cutting edge of STEM research, is […]