Observed annually on first Friday of October, Manufacturing Day celebrates the industry’s impact across the nation – and nowhere is that impact more evident than in Polk County, FL. Polk leads the way, offering the blueprint for success for manufacturers. Why is Polk a prime location for manufacturing companies? Consider a few factors: Add in […]
Two longtime companies that keep our residents healthy and employed received the Central Florida Development Council’s top awards at its 2025 Annual Meeting. Lakeland Regional Health earned the 2025 George W. Harris Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business. CareerSource Polk received the 2025 Jim Brantley Economic Development Award for Success in Small […]
When Gene Conrad moved to Polk County, he took on the challenge to expand Lakeland Linder International Airport. He met that challenge and more. Then, he moved to his current role as President & CEO of the Aerospace Center for Excellence & SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. In between, he joined the Central Florida Development […]
Randy Knapp has spent almost his entire life building relationships, successful business and creative ventures in Polk County. He put this all to use while serving on the board of the Central Florida Development Council. Now, after six years as a board member, Knapp’s time has come to an end. We celebrate his service along […]
Deena Drumgo, Assistant City Manager for the City of Lake Wales, has served on the CFDC Board of Directors for six years. She’s served as both a board member and Chair of the Community Stakeholders Committee in more recent years. As Drumgo’s time on the board comes to an end, the CFDC will forever be […]
With more than 33 years at Nucor Steel Florida, Drew Wilcox has been nicknamed The Man of Steel. He has served six years on the Central Florida Development Council’s board of directors. As Wilcox and fellow board members Deena Drumgo, Gene Conrad and Randy Knapp’s terms end, The Man of Steel, much like Superman, has […]
Tourism in Polk County is booming. There are an increasing number of sporting activities, new venues and the opening of newer attractions like Bonnet Springs Park. The future looks bright – something well worth celebrating on World Tourism Day, September 27. Between April 2024 and March 2025, 5,552,500 tourists visited Polk County. This is compared […]
Dave Shepp’s work ethic, knowledge, ability to connect with people on every level and 30 years in Polk County have made him a successful presence at The Southern Group and, for the past year, as chair of the Central Florida Development Council board. Shepp ends his year as Chair of the organization at the CFDC […]
Every year, the United Way of Central Florida kicks off its annual campaign. It seeks to educate the public on the work it does and the agencies, organizations and people it serves while raising money to continue its mission to make Polk County a better place for all. “The kick-off represents the official start of […]
Polk County has benefited from Duke Energy’s Florida Site Readiness program, and it’s showcasing three sites that the energy-production company has studied for industrial development. It’s the company’s way of supporting economic development in the counties it serves. Prepared by the CFDC and published by the Central Florida Media Group in Central Florida Ag News. Communities with studied […]