
Dealing with the effects of rapid growth is always on the mind of City of Mulberry City Manager Rick Johnson. But serving the residents of his southwestern Polk County municipality takes an even higher priority. “We hear a lot of folks are concerned about too much growth and too much traffic. There is increased car […]

Spherion Staffing, a U.S.-based staffing franchise, was honored across all three award categories. These categories are: Executive Search, Professional Search, and Temporary Staffing. Prepared and published by Spherion Staffing & Recruiting. Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) announced today its recognition on Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Best Recruiting and Temporary Staffing Firms, produced in partnership with […]

Fourth-generation citrus farmer Kyle Story remains optimistic about agriculture in Polk County. It is being bolstered by the state’s infusion of money to plant new trees as part of the Rural Renaissance plan. “The Story Companies remains focused and optimistic about the future of Florida citrus. Like the whole industry, we face challenges every day […]

World Trade Day on May 22 highlights the global society we have become. It is a time where the Tampa Bay/ I-4 Corridor (TB/I4) Foreign Trade Zone takes center stage. It stands as a way businesses in Polk and Hillsborough counties can save money when importing and exporting products. In 1989, Tampa sponsored the formation […]

If you’re a small business looking to expand, or even an entrepreneur who wants to start your own company, the 504 Loan Program may be for you. The 504 Loan Program is a federal program available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs). It provides fixed rate financing so businesses can buy assets, all to promote growth […]

When certified public accountants Scott Schwarb, Nick Davis and Corey Keith combined their shared vision and entrepreneurial spirit to launch Straight-Line in 2017. Today, the company is growing, and the goal is to continue to expand locally, then beyond the Polk County and Florida boundaries. Straight-Line – the name comes from the straight-line method of […]

The week of May 11-17 has been designated Economic Development Week by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The week spotlights the vital role that businesses play in driving economic growth, supporting community services and enhancing opportunities for residents and communities. Economic development is the intentional practice of improving a community’s economic well-being and quality […]

Cyndeo Wealth Partners was named one of the best financial advisory firms in the country for the first time. They entered at No. 76 on USA Today/Statista’s third annual Best Financial Advisory Firms 2025 list. “What sets Cyndeo Wealth Partners apart from other wealth management companies is our unwavering dedication to personalized service. We seek […]

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 […]

City of Lakeland Embraces Its Fast-Growing Status to Upgrade Infrastructure, Improve Quality of Life
The City of Lakeland’s growth has led to many opportunities and challenges in the last five years. Overall, City Manager Shawn Sherrouse is excited and pleased with the recognition Lakeland has received. “The notoriety that we’ve been receiving across the country is amazing. When you look at just about every ranking list out there, the […]