News

Why Leaders Should Be Using Data to Improve Decision-Making

August 9, 2019 News

Leaders who use data often lead companies that excel, making it one of the most critical pieces of information for those in the top spots of companies around the world. The “Global Leadership Forecast 2018” found that leaders who use data to run their companies are: Nine times more likely to have closely integrated talent […]

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Polk County’s Fast Growth Brings Challenges and Opportunities

August 8, 2019 News, Success Stories

Polk County has seen fast growth in the last few years. In fact, Lakeland-Winter Haven ranked No. 4 on the U.S. Census’s Top 10 Metropolitan Areas in Percentage Growth list, with a 3.2% annual population increase from 2017 to 2018. According to the World Population Review, Polk County was home to more than 708,000 residents […]

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Florida Polytechnic Director Brings Prestige to University, Polk County

August 8, 2019 News, Success Stories, Talent Pipeline

Florida Polytechnic University’s dominance on the world autonomous vehicle stage continues to grow, a status that enhances all of Polk County. Dr. Rahul Razdan, senior director of special projects at Florida Poly and head of the university’s Advanced Mobility Institute (where AV technology is tested and validated), has been appointed to lead a new project […]

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Stocked With a Graphic Design Degree, Lakeland Veteran Joins Creative Ranks

August 8, 2019 News, Talent Pipeline

Polk County student finds career in Central Florida’s Creative Industry following studies at Polk State College and Southeastern University and service in the Marine Corps. Alan Langdale thought he had his life planned out after he graduated from Mulberry High School in 2008. He enrolled at Tallahassee Community College, where he expected to earn a […]

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Lakeland Architecture Firm Lands on Fast 50 List

July 31, 2019 News

“It’s always exciting to be recognized, and I think it’s a recognition of the team effort,” said Managing Principal Tim Hoeft. “As our team continues to grow and build relationships with clients and partners on projects, that experience just continues to feed on itself — to take the next project to the next level.” Straughn […]

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Honoring the Leadership of Retiring County Manager

July 29, 2019 News

As County Manager Jim Freeman prepares to retire, he quietly reflects on his accomplishments — rather, his team’s accomplishments; the future of Polk County; and his own plans, post-retirement. He says other people say he will be remembered for guiding the county through the Great Recession of 2008. “It was challenging,” Freeman said. “It took […]

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Local Industry & Economic Development Leaders Call Paris Air Show a Success

July 29, 2019 News, Success Stories

Polk County international business development efforts considered a success at Paris Air Show. Aviation and economic development representatives who attended the Paris Air Show in June called the trip a success, giving Polk County a chance to “showcase our unique aviation footprint in the state of Florida,” according to Jake Polumbo, a retired Air Force […]

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Favorable Business Climate Fueling Growth in Polk County

July 26, 2019 News, Success Stories

At the heart of the I4 corridor, Polk County boosts new jobs and stronger industries powered by steadfast business climate. Business in Polk County has grown and diversified in the last decade. New jobs have been added in segments that once lagged. Now, some of those same segments are thriving in Polk County’s business climate. […]

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Students Work Towards Private Pilot’s License at Southeastern University

July 25, 2019 News, Success Stories, Talent Pipeline

Students from around the nation are flying high at Southeastern University this summer. For the first time, SEU is taking part in an Air Force Junior ROTC program that gives high school and college students a chance to earn their private pilot’s license in an eight-week program. Students will graduate on July 29th and receive […]

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Brother’s Illness Motivates Keiser University Nursing Student

July 23, 2019 News, Talent Pipeline

Heather Novis knew she wanted to become a nurse when she watched her aunt help her brother through treatment for Burkitt’s lymphoma, an uncommon but aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that affects children. “Seeing her help him made me want to help others,” said Novis, 22, who spent her middle and high school years at […]

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