Two Polk County organizations were honored with the distinguished CFDC Success in Business Awards, recognizing their commitment to business growth, community impact, and economic development. The Chair’s Award recognized outstanding public service and leadership, while attendees heard from NASA’s Moon Base Transportation Office director about the future of lunar transportation. On Thursday, September 24, the […]
Garcia, President of Gulf Coast Avionics, has been a monumental figure in Polk County’s aviation scene for decades. His tenure as a member of the CFDC Board of Directors has come to an end, but there is no doubt Garcia will continue to move mountains and lead the aviation industry to new heights. Rick Garcia […]
Dave Shepp joined the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC) Board in 2019. He went on to serve as Chair of the Competitiveness & Advocacy Committee and in leadership roles on the Executive Committee before being named Chair of the Board in October 2024. Shepp is a partner at The Southern Group, a statewide lobbying firm. […]
The future of transportation will require more than innovative aircraft and advanced testing facilities. It will require people with the skills to design, build, operate, maintain and improve the technologies that are transforming how people and goods move. Polk County is preparing for that future. As Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies establish operations at SunTrax […]
Polk County’s economic story continues to gain recognition, and the latest Florida Trend Polk County Profile shines a spotlight on the people, businesses and strategic investments helping shape our community’s future. What makes Polk one of the best places for business in Florida is this willingness to work together for the common good. Sean MalottPresident […]
“Florida Simply Makes Sense”: eVTOL Growth Amplifies Momentum for Advanced Air Mobility in Polk Polk County is emerging as a place where the future of transportation is moving from concept to commercialization. At the center of that momentum is SunTrax, Florida Department of Transportation’s 775-acre research and development campus in Auburndale. Originally developed to advance connected and autonomous vehicle […]
As licensure and certification examination results are reported for the 2025 academic year, Polk County’s higher education institutions continue to demonstrate strong student achievement across a variety of disciplines. Information shared by Polk State College, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Keiser University, and Webber International University reflects consistently strong pass rates, including 100% pass rates on several examinations. […]
Meet the CFDC Summer 2026 Marketing Interns: Fresh Perspectives, Creative Energy, and Bright Futures
This summer, the Central Florida Development Council hosted three interns from across Polk County. Rylan Bevis, Alexandra Otremsky, and Emily Smith had the opportunity to work alongside our marketing team, supporting social media, graphic design, investor relations and more. During their time with CFDC, they gained hands-on experience, contributed to meaningful projects, and helped share the stories of economic development in Central Florida. In this interview-style feature, get to know our interns, hear about their backgrounds and career goals, and discover what they learned during their time with CFDC. […]
A strong tourism and creative industries sector does more than attract visitors. It strengthens local economies, creates vibrant communities, and enhances the quality of life that residents value and businesses seek when deciding where to invest. As tourism continues to grow, it serves as a catalyst for economic impact by driving investment, supporting businesses, and showcasing the unique assets that make a destination an […]
Selected by fellow CFDC members, the 2026 winner will be announced at the CFDC Annual Meeting on September 24. The event will be hosted at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, Skylight Hangar. This year’s Success in Large Business Award will go to one of four businesses that have been nominated based on their dedication and impact on the Polk County community. Companies must have at least 100 […]