The Lakeland Mayor’s Council on the Arts has been busy, handing out nearly a quarter of a million dollars in grants and unveiling a new website. The arts are a critical component in every community, enhancing residents’ experiences and helping attract newcomers to the area. In Polk County, the arts provide an economic impact of […]
Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s only public university dedicated to STEM, is on a roll, ranking high in the state in one of WalletHub’s lists, working with the military to solve problems and gaining accreditation for its police work. The state’s newest university, Florida Poly offers degrees in science, technology, engineering and math fields, leading […]
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, FHS and Polk Public Schools Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd walked away with top honors at the Central Florida Development Council’s annual meeting on October 15. Southern Glazer’s won the George W. Harris Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business. The award, given to companies with at least 100 employees, […]
As the new board chair of the Central Florida Development Council, Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti plans to keep the county’s economic development organization focused on its strategic initiatives as the country continues battling the coronavirus pandemic. “We have strategic goals that are guiding the CFDC, and I want to make sure we set objectives within […]
Small businesses have had an exceptionally tough year thanks to the coronavirus, but many have persevered in a time of great adversity. On Oct. 15, one will receive the Jim Brantley Economic Development Award – Success in Small Business by the Central Florida Development Council. The award was renamed last year after Brantley, the first […]
The nominations are in and four companies are finalists for the Central Florida Development Council’s George W. Harris, Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business. The award, given to companies with at least 100 employees, was named after George W. Harris, Jr., a former CFDC chairman and president of Citrus and Chemical Bank. […]
Outgoing Central Florida Development Council Chairman H.D. “Jake” Polumbo brought many skills with him when he joined the CFDC board. The retired Air Force Major General used his leadership prowess and strategic thinking skills to apply to economic development. It would be a challenging year, but one he was ready for. However, he didn’t expect […]
Recently retired, former Lakeland City Manager Tony Delgado reflects on his five years as the city’s CEO, stewarding growth, restoring trust in the city and the positive strides the city has made in building a solid, customer-focused organization. Delgado started his career with the city in 1997 as assistant director of the Lakeland Center, now […]
As the leaders of tomorrow tackle new technology, working remotely, a changing economic landscape and other challenges, the faces of yesterday offer their advice from lessons they learned as those leading the charge. “By working together, we can accomplish great things that benefit our entire community,” said Greg Littleton, president of Citizens Bank & Trust. […]
With only a week — or five — left to count as many people as possible living in the United States, those involved in the 2020 Census are making the final push. No one knows yet whether counting will end Sept. 30, as President Trump wants, or whether federal judges across the nation will reinstate […]