News

New CFDC Chair Plans to Focus on Economic Recovery 

October 19, 2020 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 […]

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Small Business Nominees Are Rich In History, Love Their Communities

October 15, 2020 News

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 […]

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Harris Award Nominees Devote Time to Their Communities as Well as Their Businesses

October 13, 2020 News

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. […]

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Outgoing CFDC Chair Kept Board Focused During COVID Crisis

October 12, 2020 News

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 […]

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Former Lakeland City Manager Reflects on His City

October 7, 2020 News

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 […]

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Former CFDC Chairs Offer Advice for Leaders of Tomorrow

September 25, 2020 News

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. […]

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Now Is the Time to Be Counted: Census 2020 Nearing the End

September 24, 2020 News

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 […]

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Reflections from Past CFDC Leadership

September 24, 2020 News

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 […]

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Florida Southern College Ranks in Four Categories

September 21, 2020 News, Talent Pipeline

Florida Southern College continues ranking in the top echelon of colleges and universities across the South, posting three Top 10 places and one top 20 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 “Best Colleges Guide.” “Florida Southern is consistently ranked among the most elite colleges and universities, and this year’s multiple top 10 U.S. News […]

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Florida Poly Breaks Top 75 on U.S. News List

September 21, 2020 News, Talent Pipeline

Florida’s only STEM-focused state university has landed on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Engineering Colleges Without a Ph.D. list for the first time, ranking No. 72 out of 220 schools across the nation. In its sixth year, Florida Polytechnic University is the only undergraduate engineering program in the state to appear in this category, […]

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