Having graduates ready to step into jobs in tech-enabled manufacturing is critical to the growth of this industry in Polk County. These jobs drive average annual wages, higher-skilled talent and increased capital investment. Three local colleges – Florida Polytechnic University, Florida Southern College and Polk State College – are important institutions that graduate students equipped […]
Tech-enabled manufacturing, sometimes known as advanced or agile manufacturing, continues to grow roots in Polk County as companies locate and expand here, and county leaders work to attract more. It’s in the spotlight now. The Manufacturing Institute, an organization that works to develop technologies and individuals for the manufacturing industry, started National Manufacturing Week, which […]
Aviation is soaring in Central Florida and Polk County’s airports are off to new heights. Uniquely positioned within 75 miles of 5 international airports, home to three more regional airports of its own and a robust talent pipeline, aviation businesses in Polk flourish. Lakeland Linder International Airport Now, moving ahead with Phase 2 of their […]
Earlier this year CareerSource Polk recognized their annual Best Places to Work Awardees and highlighted one of the hottest topics within business – the recruitment and retention challenges employers are facing. Themed “The Race for Talent,” the annual meeting featured keynote speaker and Senior Workforce Strategist Christopher Laney of Lightcast (formerly Emsi Burning Glass), who […]
Whether it’s resurfacing asphalt, educating our children or taking care of them, the three finalists for the Central Florida Development Council’s George W. Harris Jr. Success in Large Business provide service that is second to none. The award, given to companies with at least 100 employees, was named for George Harris, a former CFDC chairman and […]
From banking and real estate to aviation and architects, seven small businesses in Polk County have two things in common: They all work tirelessly to serve their clients and they all are finalists for the Central Florida Development Council’s Jim Brantley Economic Development Award – Success in Small Business. All will be honored, but […]
Municipal governments often affect people the most because they are closest to their residents, making decisions on how much property tax residents will pay, whether a park should be built and the like. But many people do not know that. To “celebrate, showcase and engage citizens in the work of municipal government,” the Florida League […]
Incoming Central Florida Development Council Chair of the Board Maggie Mariucci knows obstacles stand in the way of continued economic growth in Polk County, and she’s ready to use years of building relationships and problem-solving to help overcome them. “I think the biggest economic development challenges we’re facing as a county revolve around infrastructure issues. […]
A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure and Springer Construction have been named as finalists on GrowFL’s Florida Companies to Watch – the only two companies in Polk County to be selected from more than 400 nominations statewide. The top 50 companies, a diverse group representing a variety of industries, will complete a second application and further judging […]
Mulberry is growing up, keeping its small-town feel and quality-of-life elements while attracting new businesses and dealing with growth. City Manager Richard Johnson has been at the helm of this Polk County community for the past 10 years, overseeing the growth and a turnaround in the city, and adding more services and events. “We continue […]