Originally published in Inside Unmanned Systems SunTrax will open this year as a major R&D hub for autonomous vehicles. A virtuous-triangle collaboration by three compatible organizations promises a bright future for autonomous vehicle testing in Central Florida. The path toward vehicle autonomy is accelerating. But R&D and testing is the fuel—or charging device—that can significantly […]
Everything is “connected” in Lake Wales, part of a process that started in 2019 and is flourishing today. “We have a lot of new development. It’s at historic levels that have never been seen before in Lake Wales. It’s exciting – the opportunity that growth brings,” said City Manager James Slaton. The city’s redeveloping its […]
Three local institutions of higher education are preparing students to enter the fast-growing field of logistics and supply chain management, a critical industry in Polk County. Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti said the percentage of Polk County’s workforce involved in the logistics and supply chain field is: Transportation & Warehousing – 10% Production […]
Residential growth welcome in the East Polk city of Lake Hamilton, requiring creative solutions from city staff and awakening a new area of growth in Central Florida. “The best thing is the worst thing,” said Lake Hamilton associate planner Angie Hibbard. “We need residential to get more commercial, but it’s coming in huge chunks all […]
Southeastern University started the 2021-22 academic year with new leadership in almost all its top-level positions. Now, those leaders are looking forward to the next year with a refreshed vision for several colleges and new degree programs. Dr. Jeffrey Paul, dean of Southeastern’s Jannetides College of Business, Communication and Leadership, said this school year was […]
Polk County’s ideal location and experienced team of professionals are poised to work with any global company wanting to set up operations in the United States. Polk County has already attracted global companies, and many more have expressed interest, said Javier Marin, the CFDC’s vice president for business development. But as the world celebrates World […]
For 56 years, Saddle Creek Logistics Services has been growing and enhancing its services to meet its clients’ needs. It’s still doing that, using advanced technology to automate systems while still maintaining a commitment to its employees and their “Whatever It Takes” attitude. Saddle Creek Logistics Services was founded by David Lyons in 1966 with […]
Our last CFDC quarterly Leadership Roundtable focused on the need to build a strong leadership pipeline as our economy continues to grow and businesses within our community scale. This quarter we are turning our attention to the topic of recruiting and retaining top talent. The pandemic has prompted numerous societal and workplace transformations. Most notable […]
As Polk County continues to grow, Southern States Material Handling (also doing business as Southern States Toyotalift & Raymond Handling Consultants) plays a critical role, offering forklift services while increasing safety and productivity. “Polk County has experienced tremendous growth and will continue to do so,” said Gary Raketich, Material Handling consultant. “The level of infrastructure […]
Three years ago, before the pandemic hit, not many people were familiar with the supply chain. It operated as it was supposed to, delivering supplies to those who ordered them. But now, as we get ready to celebrate National Supply Chain Day on April 29, more people know about it, but for the wrong reasons. […]