News

Indie Atlantic Films, Polk County-Based Film Company, Celebrates 20 Years of Creating Experiences 

October 22, 2026 • News

Indie Atlantic Films (Indie Atlantic) is a full-service production company based in Lakeland, Florida. Since opening its doors in 2006, the company has built an impressive portfolio of work spanning a wide range of projects for clients across the country. Indie Atlantic specializes in creating cinematic, story-driven content for brands, organizations, and agencies nationwide. The […]

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New CFDC Board Chair Brandon Clark, The Ruthvens, Looks to Build a Better Future for Polk County Residents 

October 20, 2026 • News

As president of The Ruthvens, Central Florida’s warehouse specialists with decades of experience in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution space, Brandon Clark brings a long-term perspective on responsible development, economic opportunity, and community growth to his leadership of the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC).  Brandon Clark is an industry and community leader who joined The Ruthvens […]

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Voss Construction Management is Building a Legacy in Central Florida 

October 12, 2026 • News

Based in Winter Haven, Voss Construction Management is a general contractor serving several market sectors, including industrial, medical, education, hospitality, themed entertainment, retail, and public projects. With deep roots in Polk County as its primary market, Voss Construction Management leverages the area’s central location and connectivity to offer services along the I-4 corridor. The company […]

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Emery Smith, Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., Reflects on Year of Leadership as CFDC Board Chair 

October 12, 2026 • News

Smith’s decades of experience with Ben Hill Griffin, Inc. (BHG), coupled with his years of service on the CFDC Board of Directors, grounded his year as Chair in a steadfast commitment to the Polk County community.  Smith concluded his year as Chair of the organization with the change of the fiscal year in October.  “Emery’s […]

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CFDC’s 2026 Annual Meeting Celebrates Polk County’s Economic Progress and Opportunities Ahead 

September 30, 2026 • News

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 […]

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Rick Garcia, Champion of Aviation in Polk County, Concludes Term as CFDC Board Member 

September 29, 2026 • News

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 […]

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Dave Shepp, The Southern Group, Retires from CFDC Board After Six Years of Service 

September 29, 2026 • News

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. […]

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Building the Workforce for Florida’s Advanced Air Mobility Industry 

September 22, 2026 • News, Talent Pipeline

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 […]

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Polk County: Building on Momentum 

September 21, 2026 • News

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 […]

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Polk County Is Where Advanced Air Mobility Is Taking Flight 

August 28, 2026 • News

“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 […]

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