Polk County’s colleges and universities recently awarded over 3,500 post-secondary degrees, further strengthening the county’s growing talent pipeline. These graduates represent the next generation of healthcare professionals, engineers, educators, business leaders, public servants, and technology specialists who will help meet workforce demands across the region. Many graduates will remain in Polk County to begin their careers, continue their […]
Every year, National Logistics Day recognizes the industry that keeps goods moving, businesses operating, and consumers connected. From transportation and warehousing to cold storage and e-commerce fulfillment, logistics serves as a critical foundation of the modern economy. In Polk County specifically, the logistics industry is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and investment. Polk County’s Strategic Advantage for Supply Chain […]
The Polk State College District Board of Trustees named Anastasios “Stasi” Kamoutsas as the institution’s sixth president on Wednesday, June 3, with a 5-0 vote. He will formally join Polk State on July 6, following Dr. Anne Kerr’s completion of service as interim president in June. This post was adapted from a press release by Polk State College. Anastasios Kamoutsas, […]
Prepared by The Ruthvens. Lakeland, FL – During the Lakeland Regional Health Annual Philanthropy Event, the Kim & Greg Ruthven Family was honored with the 2026 Philanthropist of the Year Award in recognition of their extraordinary generosity, leadership, and lasting impact on the community. The annual celebration recognizes individuals and families whose dedication to philanthropy […]
Each year, Aviation Month, highlighted in May, recognizes the vital role aviation plays in connecting communities, supporting commerce, and creating high-quality careers across the country. In Polk County, Florida, the industry continues to gain altitude as new investments, emerging technologies, and strategic infrastructure position the region as a rising force in aviation, aerospace, and defense. Polk […]
This year’s two-day Leadership Mission to St. Petersburg and Pinellas County marked our largest mission to date. Designed to strengthen regional partnerships and highlight economic development opportunities, the experience gave attendees an inside look at the innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaborative leadership driving growth within the St. Pete area. From executive presentations and behind-the-scenes company tours […]
This post was adapted from the Company’s press release. Florida’s credit union landscape is set for a major transformation as Suncoast Credit Union and Launch Credit Union announce plans to merge, creating one of the largest member-owned financial institutions in the state. The merger, expected to take effect in 2027, reflects a shared commitment to expanding […]
This move will make Downtown Winter Haven the home of Florida’s largest headquartered bank. This article is based off a press release by the company. Another major investment in the future of Winter Haven is officially underway. On May 4, 2026, SouthState Bank N.A., in partnership with Six/Ten LLC, announced plans for a significant downtown development that will strengthen Winter Haven’s position as a […]
New campus supports in-demand degree programs and strengthens workforce pathways across Polk County The continued growth of higher education opportunities in Polk County reached an important milestone with Southeastern University opening a new campus in the heart of Winter Haven. Located in the city’s downtown core, the 13,000-square-foot facility represents a strategic investment in accessible education, workforce development, and long-term […]
New facility at SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo campus will enhance STEM programming, workforce development, and Central Florida’s growing aerospace industry. Polk County’s momentum in aviation, aerospace and defense continues to accelerate—and a newly unveiled expansion plan for the Florida Air Museum signals just how high that trajectory can go. As airplanes streamed through the sky at the 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN fly-in, visitors and aviation enthusiasts […]