Three Companies Deepen Commitment to Polk County’s Economic Future
Expanded engagement through the upgraded investments of The Ruthvens, Orlando Health and Bank of Central Florida supports job creation, strategic growth and long-term community development.
CFDC investor members at all levels help shape economic strategy for Polk County and the Central Florida region. They all work towards creating sustainable high-skill, high-wage jobs. The number of companies investing at the Visionary level has grown to 12. This highest level of membership gives them more access to company CEOs, networking, collaborative efforts and workshops, among other things.
“Each one of our investors is a vital part of our mission. We are beyond grateful for their support,” said Michelle Zamora, Investor Relations Manager. “Those who have upgraded are active, involved members who display their leadership in a variety of ways. They serve on committees and the board, attend workshops and meetings and more.”
Becoming Visionary
The Ruthvens Go Visionary, Aligning Missions
Brandon Clark, President of The Ruthvens, said his company has been involved with the CFDC for many years.
“The CFDC’s execution on their mission across the county to grow and broaden the economy has always been aligned with our own. As we continue to grow and serve deeper into the county, the alignment with the CFDC mission makes a ton of sense. Over the seven years I’ve been here, I have been impressed with Sean and Lindsay and their team and the way they execute what they do.”
The Ruthvens bought a building in Bartow two years ago. And now, are building a 267,000-square-foot building in Auburndale – its first ground-up project outside of the Lakeland area, he said.
Orlando Health Values Visionary Membership
Dawn Willis is Orlando Health’s Community Relations Manager. When she returned to Polk County, she was delighted to reconnect with the CFDC to showcase Orlando Health’s commitment to Polk and the amazing work it is doing as an organization.
“Orlando Health is focused on supporting all of Polk County as a healthcare system. We appreciate the expanded opportunities and connections that the Visionary Level offers, said Willis, Orlando Health’s Community Relations Manager. “Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of the patients and communities we serve. The entire Polk County community is important to Orlando Health.”
She said the CFDC “is an amazing organization that works together to grow and support our community. Sean (Malott, CFDC President & CEO) and team are always available to assist and support your business and your team. I value my membership, and the resources and support CFDC offers are invaluable.”
Bank of Central Florida Moves to Visionary
Danielle Dobbs, First Vice President of Marketing at Bank of Central Florida, agrees with having goals that align with the CFDC.
“Upgrading to Visionary was a strategic decision. It aligns with our long-term vision of driving growth and supporting the local economy,” she said. “Bank of Central Florida is committed to being actively involved in initiatives that shape the future of our community. By upgrading, we can engage more deeply with efforts that directly impact Central Florida’s business landscape and demonstrate our dedication to fostering a thriving economy.”
Member Benefits
Kimberly Knaisch, Vice President/Commercial Relationship Manager at Bank of Central Florida, appreciates what she gets from being a CFDC investor.
“Being a member has gained us access to an incredible network of local businesses and leaders in the community. It helps us understand the needs of the region. And, it has strengthened my relationship with some clients who are also members,” she said.
She appreciates what investing at a higher level brings.
“It allows us to connect with leaders who are shaping the future of Central Florida. I feel it also gives us a chance to be a part of strategic conversations that align with the bank’s goals. It positions us as a key player in the region’s growth,” Knaisch said.
Willis (Orlando Health) has another reason for upgrading. “The CFDC supports the next generation of talent and continues to partner with higher education and Polk County Public Schools to find solutions and build partnerships. Orlando Health appreciates the CFDC focusing on growing the talent pipeline and focusing resources on finding solutions.”
She said she plans to attend events and support the annual meeting.
Serving the CFDC
Knaisch (Bank of Central Florida) has been serving on the Investor Relations Committee. She said this has been a great experience. “It allows me to work closely with other investors and the CFDC team to figure out how we can bring in other investors. I better understand the economic drivers here in the Central Florida area. It has also helped me grow personally and professionally. And, allowed me and the bank to have a more active role in the community.”
She attends investor meetings when time allows and has also attended a workshop, which she said she enjoyed.
Willis (Orlando Health) also has attended many CFDC Innovator workshops during the last two years. And, has joined the Investor Relations Committee, which “has again allowed me to support and grow the membership,” she said. “The CFDC has personally allowed me to reconnect with many businesses, groups and friends across the county since leaving to work in Orlando 10 years ago.”
Orlando Health is proud to be a CFDC investor, Willis said. “The resources and support offered are very valuable to Orlando Health as we are building our brand in Polk County.”
Board of Directors
Clark (The Ruthvens) is on the CFDC Board of Directors’ executive committee and serves as Secretary/Treasurer. Before joining the board, he and Matt Ruthven, Vice President of Leasing, attended almost every investor meeting.
“Now, being on the executive committee, I’m very engaged on a lot of things,” he said. “In addition to blocking and tackling normal economic development projects, the other big pieces to me are connectivity and partnership among members.”
The Ruthvens have developed business relationships with many investor members, Clark said. “Some have come through the CFDC. The project we’re working on in Auburndale developed from an introduction made by CFDC and investor Peterson & Myers to an out-of-state developer who was looking for somebody local to partner with. It’s a very significant contribution to us and our growth.”
Reasons to Invest
Clark said companies who are considering investing should consider two main benefits:
- The CFDC supports the growth of Polk County at a time when things are getting more challenging. “It does a great job advocating for and bridging the voices of the business community with county leadership. The relationship between those two bodies – the dialogue, the understanding – gives us a path to working toward mutual goals.” County growth has been so swift that it could be scattered, built wherever you want, he said. “How do you navigate the right way to bring jobs to the county without initiating a detrimental impact to the quality of life here? How do we work on the business attraction side? Matching the right firms, the right jobs, the right economic opportunities so more of that can be maintained and contained in Polk County? The CFDC does a wonderful job of trying to thread that needle.”
- The CFDC facilitates the investor connectivity part, he said. He worked with a small company that he had not known before joining the CFDC. They worked on one big project and now the company is working on smaller ones with The Ruthvens. “That connection came through spending time at investor meetings.”
Investor Collaboration
Three years ago, The Ruthvens hired Alex Delannoy, Vice President of Brokerage, to work on outside brokerage opportunities. Those that are non-Ruthven owned, mostly warehouse and industrial, Clark said. “A lot of his relationships are in Auburndale, Winter Haven and Lake Wales, deeper into the county than we’ve been. He’s also working with us on a big new assignment we’re doing with Ben Hill Griffin Inc.”
BHG and The Ruthvens have a leasing and sales agreement for BHG’s new Frostproof Business Park. “We had a relationship with that crew for decades, more around them investing in Lakeland industrial projects. This is the inverse – us trying to help them develop their property,” Clark said. “The agreement has furthered the alignment between our two organizations.”
Greater Investment Brings Greater Return
A goal of the CFDC for its investors is that each one finds real value in their membership. These three investor upgrades to the Visionary Level, the highest level, are a sample of the increased partnerships being fostered through involvement. All of organization’s member companies’ continue to show a growing and deepening commitment to molding economic strategy in Polk County and improving quality of life for all.
