News

Arts, Culture to be on Display During Hall of Fame, Annual Awards Ceremony

October 12, 2023 News

Six local people who have contributed to the arts and culture of Polk County, along with the winners of six annual awards, will be honored at the Polk Arts & Cultural Alliance (PACA) Hall of Fame Gala in October.  “This year’s Hall of Fame inductees represent the diverse arts and cultural contributions made by Polk […]

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MADE Honored as a 2023 USF Fast 56 Award Recipient

October 11, 2023 News

Lakeland, FL – The University of South Florida (USF) Alumni Association has recognized MADE as one of the 2023 USF Fast 56—the fastest-growing USF alumni-owned or -led businesses in the world. MADE, led by USF Alum Michelle Ledford, is a branding and marketing agency founded in Lakeland, Florida with business partner Allen Reed. In a press release provided by […]

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Graduates of Winter Haven Hospital Residency Program Stay Local Adding Much-Needed Health Care in the County 

October 5, 2023 News

Winter Haven Hospital’s young family medicine residency program has just graduated to the next level – it sent five recent graduates into the workforce, and all are staying in the Polk County area.  “This feels like a great accomplishment. When this program started, it was just me in an office by myself. Now we have […]

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CFDC Honors Small, Large Businesses with its Annual Awards, Recaps the Last Year

September 29, 2023 News

Bank of Central Florida and Gulf Coast Avionics have been setting themselves apart for years, and now they have been honored with the Central Florida Development Council’s annual success in business awards.  In addition, Lakeland City Commissioner Stephanie Madden received the 2023 Chair’s Award at the CFDC’s annual banquet, held Sept. 28 at Haus 820 […]

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SUN n’ FUN President Set to Take Over as Chair of CFDC

September 29, 2023 News

It’s always been about planes and airports for Gene Conrad, and he’ll be putting his knowledge to use in a new way as chairman of the Central Florida Development Council’s board of directors.   Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Conrad moved to Lakeland in January 2010 and served as the director of Lakeland’s airport for 12 years, […]

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Additional Services for Polk County Companies from CFDC Investor, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors

September 27, 2023 News

W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor started as a HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and plumbing company, but now, at just over 60 years old, it does whatever it takes – almost — to get the job done.  However, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor still does not do electrical, said Emily Andrews, vice president of Marketing and […]

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Thomas Capital Works with Investors on Real-Estate Projects that Deliver Returns

September 25, 2023 News

When future Thomas Capital owner, Jeff Donalson graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in environmental engineering, he went straight to a job in Miami. He quickly realized that wasn’t for him and returned to his native Winter Haven, where another job awaited.  After three years, his life was not what he […]

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Florida Southern College Lands on the Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges” List

September 21, 2023 News, Talent Pipeline

Florida Southern College has landed on The Princeton Review’s 2024 guide of The Best 389 Colleges, selected for its engaged learning environment, beautiful campus, the expertise its professors possess, its theater program and career services.   “I am always happy when the college is recognized nationally for the excellence that is a hallmark of our living-learning […]

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Labor Solutions Wants to Grow to Help More Polk County Employees and Employers

September 14, 2023 News

Learn more about another great staffing company in Polk as we recognize National Staffing Week. At 25 years old, Labor Solutions has no intent on resting on its laurels. Instead, it plans to continue to grow to help even more people in the community.  “It’s always on our minds and definitely in the books,” said […]

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Rita Staffing Celebrates 50 Years and National Staffing Employee Week

September 13, 2023 News

Rita Staffing is celebrating 50 years of business in Central Florida this month while also honoring all those in the industry during 2023 National Staffing Employee Week.  Founded in 1973, Rita Staffing has offices in Lakeland, Winter Haven and Plant City, along with Rita Technology in Tampa – it specializes in information technology (IT) contract […]

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