News

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 […]

When past board chairs of the Central Florida Development Council convene, it’s easy to see why the county has come so far from the days of the East/West divide. “They actually asked each other for help often as they worked with the county and the cities to make things better, and that’s how a couple […]