Polk County Has Big Plans

Polk County By Susan Shalhoub

Polk County has big plans. Areas like downtown Lakeland have a built-in, cool vibe that can’t be easily formulated — Lake Wales and Winter Haven have an organic character that makes them unique. Paired with strong leadership and economic development, Polk is poised to be unstoppable. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA COURTESY PHOTO

FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 41 POLK COUNTY

“We have 17 very unique cities and dynamic business leaders, with creative Downtown Winter Haven redevelopment groups that are supported Multifaceted Economy, Location by the city and care about value and Are Polk County’s Strengths profit, not just profit.” A central location along I-4 and focus on innovation, technology and – Mike Herr City Manager, manufacturing create a place to have a real impact. City of Winter Haven Citing its business-friendly climate With its beginnings in a University of and balance of economic growth with South Florida (USF) startup program, the smaller-community character, Sean Malott, company grew in San Francisco, outsourc- president and CEO of the Central Florida ing manufacturing before deciding on Development Council, calls it a great time Lakeland for its research and advanced- to be in Polk County. He and other busi- manufacturing hub. It became official The trade, transportation ness leaders see connectedness, diversity, last year, with the company investing in and utilities industry communication, innovation and location renovation, acquiring a Lakeland address category showed as key in Polk’s upward mobility. The fact and initially hiring 12 people. Polk County’s highest that the county is on the smaller side is an The city offered tax incentives in return percentage of average attribute, he says. annual employment, for high-paying jobs, Malott says. The 25.3%, in 2018. “You can locate in Polk County and job creation effort overall is the result have a community rallying behind you to of a partnership with his organiza- -Florida Legislature help you be successful,” Malott says. “It’s tion, Molekule, USF, Florida Polytechnic Office of Economic and possible to have a real impact here, while University and the Lakeland Economic Demographic Research in a larger metro market, it’s easier to get Development Council. lost.” Cities here and the entities within them Connectivity is what makes the differ- work together. Top employers — such ence, Malott says, especially connections as Publix Super Markets between businesses and higher educa- (12,500 employees), tion, yielding workforce strength. With Walmart (4,250), Lowe’s some seven higher education institutions (1,056), Amazon (900+), producing world-class graduates, compa- Rooms To Go (800) and nies are looking to put those graduates to Advance Auto Parts (615) work here, he says. — have distribution/ warehousing operations As a result of these partnerships, every- in Polk County. one benefits. -Central Florida Companies welcome Development Council Malott gives innovative air-filtration system maker Molekule as an example of Citizens Bank & Trust, founded in 1920, helped connectedness. develop the area around Frostproof.

42 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT Polk County is a distribution hub. A Central Florida Innovation District is planned. Agriculture remains an economic driver. 25% #1 #8 26% EMPLOYED: TRADE FASTEST GROWING MANUFACTURING JOBS EMPLOYED: TRANSPORTATION METRO AREA (LAKELAND/WINTER HAVEN) AGRICULTURE UTILITY (LAKELAND/WINTER HAVEN, 2018)

Diversified markets SUMTER CO. Orlando Orlando Greg Littleton is president and International LAKE CO. Airport CEO of Citizens Bank & Trust, which Kissimmee ORANGE CO. has made Polk County its home for N Gateway Airport Kissimmee OSCEOLA CO. 100 years. Active in various economic-development efforts, he sees Polk City Davenport great opportunity in the county’s PASCO CO. 4 diverse industries — especially for Haines City POLK CO. an area long dependent on citrus, Tampa Auburndale International Lakeland phosphate and tourism. Airport Winter 570 Haven “I don’t think anyone realized the Tampa Lakeland Linder International Airport Lake Wales potential,” he says. Florida’s Turnpike

HILLSBOROUGH CO. 60 Littleton calls steel producer Bartow Nucor’s investment in Frostproof — 27 a $240-million micro-mill to recycle POLK CO. River Ranch 75 scrap metal — “a huge win for our Fort Meade Frostproof side of the county and city.” Streamsong He also points to SunTrax, MANATEE CO. HARDEE CO. HIGHLANDS CO. MAP TERESANNE COSSETTA RUSSELL COSSETTA MAP TERESANNE Auburndale’s under-development test facility for innovative transportation, led by the state’s Bobby Green sees its location as part Green also points to the Polk Department of Transportation and of Polk’s appeal. He notes that in Cooperative Water District as an exam- Turnpike Enterprise, as an example of the late 1800s, when South Florida ple of cities working together as they Polk County looking ahead to markets Railroad came through Polk County, head into the future. The cooperative of the future. the area held advantages because of has identified water-supply projects The Central Florida Development where it was placed. It’s an asset that and has moved forward together in Council is planning an innovation remains. addressing needs. district near Florida Polytechnic With Polk “smack dab in the middle Another example of a united front, University to recruit tech companies to of the state, between the Atlantic the cooperative makes it a great place the area with residential, business and and the Gulf, between Tampa and to locate a business and a great place research opportunities. Orlando, which are two of the best to live. airports in the world,” he says, “it’s Polk has innate economic value, as “If it is good for one of our cities, just right for companies needing well. it’s likely good for Polk County,” he quick delivery. It makes sense, then, says. “And if it’s good for Polk County, that Amazon and Publix have located Location logistics it’s good for all our cities.” Longtime Auburndale City Manager here.”

FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 43 POLK COUNTY

Restored historic downtown Winter Haven is home to galleries, restaurants, shopping, “Polk County is the the musical venue Derry Down, historic Ritz Theatre and Theatre Winter Haven. best place for business in good times and difficult times. Our Downtown Revitalizations Focus cities are resilient and on Third Spaces work tirelessly to see Lakeland and Winter Haven are among those in Polk County businesses achieve their goals and be investing in their downtowns.

supportive when they Leaders realize that for cities to be suc- Catapult Lakeland, meanwhile, is a cessful, they need more than just offices downtown co-working facility on Lake are struggling.” and schools. People need places where Mirror. Having recently relocated and – Lindsay B. they can dine, walk and shop. These “third tripled in size, its 38,000-square-foot, Zimmerman spaces” maximize a community’s environ- state-of-the-art space includes a com- VP of Investor ment and enrich the lives of those who missary kitchen for food startups and a Relations & Marketing, call it home. manufacturing area. Central Florida Lakeland Community & Economic “They can grow their business without Development Council Development Director Nicole Travis — who initially having to invest in equipment and was responsible for streamlining city per- infrastructure,” says Christina Graham, mitting procedures by soliciting feedback executive director of Catapult Lakeland. from local engineers, builders and contrac- “One of our goals is that entrepreneurs tors — says the focus is a serious one. use this as a starting space and launching pad — and that they move out, hire and “Our downtown is expanding,” she says, occupy space here in Lakeland.” adding that municipal leaders know the importance of working together to leverage strengths for third spaces and other initiatives. Travis mentions Lakeland’s parks and the Lake Mirror prom- Downtown Winter enade, with its wildlife, sculp- Haven won the ture and Hollis Garden within, 2019 Great Places for example. in Florida People’s Choice Award from The Joinery offers retail and the Florida Chapter restaurant options. Munn Park of the American hosts events like food-truck ral- Planning Association. lies and car shows, with activities like open-mike sessions at Swan - American Planning Brewing. Association

Swan Brewing in Lakeland features 30 taps.

44 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT FLORIDAPOLY.EDU

CYBERSECURITY THAT PROTECTS YOUR PRIVACY

Academic, research, and internships go hand-in-hand at Florida Poly. Our alumni are turning internships into jobs at prestigious organizations across Florida. Computer Science alum Travis Hills ’19 interned at Saddle Creek Logistics Services and is now an information security analyst for the Lakeland company. His education in cybersecurity and on the job training equipped him for his role protecting the data of many of the company’s top brands, and their customers. Saddle Creek provides supply chain solutions for companies such as Rack Room Shoes, Tony Robbins, and Ipsy.

Our alumni are making the world a better place. |floridapoly.edu| POLK COUNTY

Redevelopment is underway in historic downtown Lakeland along Massachusetts Avenue.

PARKING GARAGE AND OFFICE | 01.24.2020

Street View from N. Mass. Ave. LIC: AAC001580 Ashley Cheek, vice president of busi- over 40% of ticket holders travel into the ness development for private nonprofit county to catch a show, she says. Lakeland Economic Development Council Part of the national Main Street (LEDC), says Catapult has set the stage for program, Main Street Winter Haven bases downtown revitalization. downtown efforts on historic relevance. “We’ve learned to be scrappy because Another example: Its tours of archi- we haven’t had a lot of money here. tecture by Gene Leedy, a founder of the We’ve had to be nimble to recalibrate. Sarasota School of Architecture design We’re accustomed to having tough style. A Winter Haven resident, the major- conversations,” says Kim Long, executive ity of Leedy’s structures are here. director, Polk Vision. The redesign of part of the city’s South “We have to have employees to support Central Park area, meanwhile, wrapped businesses,” says Cheek. “But we also have up in 2018, adding open space, preserv- to give people experiences,” like third ing parking and leveraging the city’s grid spaces provide. system. Streetscape improvements include human and canine drinking fountains, Winter Haven interactive visitor kiosks, shaded bike- Winter Haven has four branding pillars repair areas and landscaping. in its downtown revitalization, according to Katie Worthington Decker, president “It changed the traffic flow and cor- Dynamic emerging and CEO of the Greater Winter Haven rected an old highway through down- downtowns, surging Chamber of Commerce: Downtown is town, which did not feel very welcoming to cross,” says Strang of the project. cultural tourism and Our Stage, with an arts focus; Lakeside Lifestyle; Family-Friendly Destination (it natural outdoor assets She sees more residential space down- is, after all, home to LEGOLAND); and town in Winter Haven’s future. are making Polk Collaborative Business Community. County an increasingly “People want to live close to where The community’s accomplishments are they work, cycle, shop and eat. We’re near enviable spot to grow racking up. a business, or a family. the lake, near the hospital … you could Anita Strang, executive director of Main live right downtown and access most everything.” Lake Wales’ Main Street Winter Haven, cites Gram Parsons Derry Down as a downtown Winter Haven Street America success story. The historic music venue program is said to be — named for the former member of The Florida’s first. Home Byrds and the father of Cosmic American “Any business moving to to Bok Tower Gardens, Music, Gram Parsons — was restored in the Lake Wales Main 2016. Lakeland can depend on being Street downtown “It’s cultural tourism,” says Strang, “and a partner with the city.” revitalization strategy has done exactly what we were hoping – Nicole Travis focuses on the city as a for: It’s providing space for live music and Director, Community & Economic living work of art. it’s used in a partnership with Polk County schools’ Young Musicians program. We Development, track ticket sales through ZIP codes.” Just City of Lakeland

46 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT CS_FloridaTrendPolkProfileFullPgAdFinal.qxp_Layout 1 3/31/20 9:10 AM Page 1

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SunTrax, a project of Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, provides an oval track for testing self-driving vehicles.

“Companies are coming here to Distribution/Transportation locate, not just to Technologies recruit.” – Sean Malott Polk County’s location President & CEO, Central Florida and workforce make it Development Council central in getting things from here to there.

Though built-in resources like In Davenport, highway, railway and central Walmart’s two- access have been part of the building e-commerce fabric of Polk County for what seems like forever, its position- fulfillment center that The first Publix Food Store was opened in 1930 in Winter opened in 2017 was ing is not taken for granted. Haven. Today, Publix has more than 1,100 super markets. the first in Florida. Business and government lead- It’s 2.2 million square ers here see the value of the feet — about the size county’s placement, and work to of 20 football fields. maximize its benefits. technology in a new way, making use of cameras and sensors in ways they’ve been SunTrax is a facility right off I-4, which is -Central Florida used in theme-park ride technology in the destined to become a center for transpor- Development Council past. tation innovation, with a 2.25-mile oval track to safety test autonomous vehicles. The SunTrax facility broke ground in The 475-acre research-and-development 2017. Phase One, with a price tag of In February of 1951, facility will also include a 27,000-square- $42.5 million, was completed last May, Publix — founded in foot warehouse building, 20,000-square- Senior says. Phase Two began last fall, Winter Haven — built foot Welcome Center with offices and with a budget estimate of about $100 mil- a warehouse and classrooms, and a sensor test chamber, lion. The entire project is due for comple- office complex near says Kelda Senior, SunTrax business devel- tion at the end of 2021. U.S. 92 in Lakeland. opment manager, Florida Department of Senior says that the close proximity At 125,000 square Transportation (DOT). feet, it was billed of Florida Polytechnic University, which as the most modern “Phase 3 is a sensor chamber that tests specializes in STEM subjects such as structure of its kind in conditions for torrential downpours, autonomous vehicles, will be of value to the nation. wind … all of which autonomous vehicles students there. She also notes proximity to have to navigate through here in our attractions will aid in getting startups or -Publix blog Florida environments,” says Senior, as well established manufacturers to Polk County, as conditions such as fog and dust. She hopefully with family in tow. notes that the sensor chambers use old

48 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT Job No 019168_01 Ad Code — Placed Graphics Mode Eff. Res. Inks None Cyan Client Publix Ad Size 8" x 10.5" Magenta Yellow Pub Florida Trend Black 1st Insertion — Ad Caption — Live 7" x 9.5" Printed At None Page 1 of 1 Trim 8" x 10.5" Built At 1" = 1" (100%) Bleed 8.25" x 10.75" User Name Jillian Dicks Folded None Last Saved 3-26-2020 10:33 AM Info —

File Name 019168_01_Brand_FloridaTrend_May_Sustainability.indd Writer Art Director Proj Mgr Acct Mgmt Proofreader Creative Dir Production Client Reader 1 POLK COUNTY

of making things is alive, well and Manufacturing & Agriculture growing in Polk. According to Polk State College, Manufacturers value area’s assets; agriculture endures there are well over 440 manufacturers here, including Publix Super Markets; The Coca-Cola Company; Food, chemical, paper goods, building shipping and a commitment to improv- phosphate crop fertilizer maker materials and more are all made right ing innovation and technology — not to Mosaic; Pepperidge Farm; TriCircle here. With an ideal central location for mention a skilled hiring pool — the art Pavers; and Nucor, the largest steel producer in the U.S.

Victory set in steel Nucor’s arrival in Frostproof last year was a stunning accomplish- NEED WAREHOUSE SPACE? ment for the area’s economic out- look, winning the Central Florida CALL THE RUTHVENS. Development Council (CFDC) a 2019 Urban Deal of the Year Award from We are your Central Florida Warehouse Specialists the Florida Economic Development from 1,000 – 200,000 square feet. Council. The 400-acre site in Frostproof was ideal for a rebar micro mill to 863.686.3173 RUTHVENS.COM recycle steel, for myriad reasons, Nucor Steel Florida Inc. Controller Corey Allain says, including room for potential growth, rail and highway access, and scrap-metal facilities.

Agriculture legacy lives on Since the 1800s, agriculture and mining have been economic driv- ers, in areas of citrus, phosphate and cattle. According to the Polk County Farm Bureau, the citrus industry is dominant here, with farmland comprising about 45% of Family county land overall. owned According to the University since of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), there 1957 are 77,520 jobs in agriculture or related industries in Polk County, 26.8% of all jobs here.

“Agritechnology and diversification in Kevin Logue Greg Ruthven, CCIM B r a n d o n C l a r k Matt Ruthven, CCIM Operations Manager President Vice President VP of Sales & Leasing commodities are game- changers.” – Nelson Kirkland Member, Polk County Farm Bureau Board of Directors

50 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT ACCOMPLISH THE INCREDIBLE

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The Lakeland Linder International Airport leases space to NOAA’s hurricane hunters.

Transportation Assets Mesh with “Investments such as SunTrax will allow Innovation for the development Industry and education partnerships add jobs and value. and safe deployment Set in its prime location between 800 to 1,000 jobs, the shipping giant has of technologies that Tampa and Orlando, the county has a an option to develop another 60 acres as comprehensive network of railroads well, according to Airport Director Gene will reduce congestion and roads. These longtime assets — still Conrad. “With the Florida Department and move people in place today — are now alongside of Transportation reporting airport futuristic projects, such as SunTrax in economic impact now at $574 million and goods more Auburndale. annually, with Amazon, in about three years it could be well over $1 billion a While Polk’s rail lines are a nod to its year,” Conrad says. efficiently.” past and present, SunTrax, run by Florida’s – Nicola Liquori Turnpike Enterprise, has its wheels decid- The airport’s master plan, now under Executive Director & edly in the future. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) review, includes another 70 acres that CEO, “Users may be auto manufacturers could be used for large hangars for Florida's Turnpike from different parts of the country,” says aircraft maintenance and repair, Conrad Enterprise Kelda Senior, SunTrax business develop- says — creating even more jobs and value ment manager, calling the test facility to companies here. the first of its kind in the Southeast. The area holds great benefit for projects like The airport is also a hub for STEM- SunTrax, she says. “The talent pool is related aerospace education. here, with high-quality state university Its Aerospace Center for Excellence systems,” says Senior, creating a ready- (ACE) just broke ground on Project made local workforce. SkyLab, a $4.6-million expansion of learn- Combined, airports ing and exhibit space, backed by partner- in Lakeland, Bartow, Opportunity that’s airborne ships with higher education institutions. Winter Haven and Lakeland Linder International — the ACE’s six-day Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, Lake Wales have an state’s 19th busiest airport — has its held each spring, funds scholarships for economic impact future as a hub of education and industry aviation-training. The airport also hosts of more than $878 well defined. It leases out 1.2 million Central Florida Aerospace Academy, Polk million. square feet of space to various organiza- State College aerospace programs and -March 2019 Aviation tions, including the National Oceanic and Traviss Technical College. Economic Impact Study, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for “This is what differentiates us,” says Florida Department of its “hurricane hunters,” specialized hur- Conrad, noting aviation workforce Transportation ricane forecasting aircraft. shortages. “These programs don’t exist With Amazon utilizing 47 acres for its anywhere else.” $100-million air-cargo hub and bringing

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Polk County is a well known warehousing/ distribution hub for larger companies.

Polk: Where to Be for Warehousing Top companies opt for warehouse/distribution in Polk County.

Companies like Amazon, Walmart, the way, says Greg Ruthven, president statewide. I-95 is close, U.S. 27 is Publix, FedEx, IKEA, Best Buy, and director of The Ruthvens, which probably 14 minutes away. Lakeland Gatorade, Havertys and Saddle Creek builds and leases warehouses, and has doesn’t have the traffic Orlando does Logistics — along with many oth- for decades. — and Tampa’s getting to be just as ers — opt for warehouse/distribution bad as Orlando,” he says. “It’s the He says road corridors in Polk are a operations in Polk County. No. 1 reason Lakeland is called the big enticement for companies. Distribution Hub of Florida.” The area is a hotbed of warehouse “It’s perfect for distribution and distribution space, with more on The workforce here is another

YOU ARE We are so grateful for our exceptional team members, who give their hearts when we need them the most - especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

myLRH.org. Top Employers in Polk County

Publix Super Markets 12,500 employees

Walmart 4,250 employees

Lowe’s 1,056 employees

Amazon 900+ employees

Rooms To Go 800 employees

- Central Florida Development Council statistics.

driver, he says, with jobs rela- tively easy to fill, adding that the business-friendly climate is another huge bonus.

Up and coming Amazon — which already has fulfillment centers in Davenport and Lakeland — also has one in Auburndale under construction. Amazon has said the location, where items will be picked, packed and shipped, will create over 500 full-time jobs beginning at $15 an hour with immediate benefits.

Ruthven East Lakeland Industrial Park, meanwhile, with tenants Walmart and Southeast Since 1948, Peterson & Myers, P.A. has provided value to our clients’ Pet, will be 428,092 square ideas by developing unique solutions to complex issues in a variety of feet total when completed this areas of practice, including: summer, Ruthven says. The third building in the park, near I-4, is slated for completion in July. ● YOU ARE The projects are not a com- Agriculture plete list of the warehousing and logistics facilities in the works in ● Corporate & Business We are so grateful for Polk but represent the scope of opportunity found here. ● Healthcare our exceptional team ● Land Use & Development members, who give “Larger companies ● Litigation & Trial Practice are coming in with their hearts when we ● Real Estate huge distribution warehouses and Please call us or visit our website for more information about our time- need them the most - tested legal experience. really putting us on Lakeland Winter Haven especially during the the map.” Winter Haven 225 East Lemon Street, Suite 300 242 West Central Avenue – Greg Ruthven Lakeland, FL 33801 Winter Haven, FL 33880 COVID-19 pandemic. President & CEO, (863) 683-6511 (863) 294-3360 The Ruthvens www.PetersonMyers.com myLRH.org. FLORIDATREND.COM MAY 2020 57

Peterson_Myers ad.indd 1 4/7/20 8:24 AM POLK COUNTY

Rendering of Lakeland Regional Health’s new Behavioral Health & Wellness center, set to open in 2021.

“We are very much a learning organization. Health Care Access on Upward Track We open up our doors Polk County’s main health care entities are all growing, expanding [to students] and allow and innovating to maximize the care and research they offer. them to have good hands-on experiences Lakeland Regional Health “We are excited about expanding our Lakeland Regional Health — which owns network. In these facilities alone, we are — hopefully with Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center investing $15 million,” says Brian Adams, — celebrated the opening of its larg- AdventHealth market CEO. “Our invest- us — but beneficial est expansion to date in 2018: The Carol ment represents a long-term commitment Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and to health care in Polk County.” regardless of where Children, a $275-million facility. BayCare Health System “This kind of care was something not they go.” Non-profit BayCare owns Bartow available here,” says Danielle Drummond, Regional Medical Center in Bartow (72 – Danielle Drummond the non-profit, independent health care beds), along with Winter Haven Hospital President and CEO- organization’s president and CEO-elect, (458 beds) and Winter Haven Women’s elect, who will succeed Elaine C. Thompson. Hospital (61 beds). Through medical and Lakeland Regional “Patients and families were having to leave pharmacy residencies, along with commu- Health Polk County,” for surgeries and treatment. nity-education efforts, the hospitals work Drummond says partnerships with orga- to train and inform. nizations like Nemours Children’s Health BayCare investments continue beyond and the Mayo Clinic Care Network have hands-on trainings and sessions on relevant With over 5,400 total helped make the new facility and other health issues. According to its website, team members, Lakeland system improvements possible. Regional Health is the the company has $1.76 billion in capital Lakeland Regional opened its Biplanar second-largest private improvements planned across its 15 cam- NeuroInterventional Suite in 2018. employer in the county. puses in the 2017-2021 time period. It was chosen as the The system plans a 96-bed Center for It’s work that has already begun. 2019 Florida Caregiver Behavioral Health & Wellness in 2021, on Last year, BayCare renovated Bartow of the Year by Florida the south side of its medical-center campus. Regional, an acute-care hospital. It also Hospital Association. AdventHealth achieved accreditation as a Level-1 Adult -Lakeland Regional Health Cardiac Lab. Altamonte Springs-based AdventHealth now owns AdventHealth Lake Wales (160 Watson Clinic Bartow Regional Medical beds) and AdventHealth Heart of Florida Lakeland multispecialty medical group Center is accredited as Regional Medical Center (193 beds), in Watson Clinic, which has been in existence a Center of Excellence Davenport. for practicing the gold for eight decades, has over 220 board- standard of robotic There are 1,200 employees between the certified physicians. The new Watson surgery. two facilities. Clinic Urgent Care South opened this year AdventHealth has invested $100 million to walk-in patients with non-emergency - Surgical Review conditions. It has X-rays and scans on site, Corporation for the entities, now part of its portfolio of 50 hospital campuses across nine states. with weekend hours.

58 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT FLORIDA within REACH

There’s a reason why Publix Super Markets, LEGOLAND® Florida Resorts and Florida’s Natural all call Polk County home.

With its strategic central location, Polk delivers the connectivity, competitive costs and workforce talent your business needs to thrive.

For a confidential consultation, please contact Jennifer Taylor, VP of Business Development at (863) 937-4430, ext. 105. TALLAHASSEE JACKSONVILLE

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“The median starting salaries of our first class of graduates are Florida Southern College , Polk State College and Florida Polytechnic University 50% higher than the average across the Education Institutions Prepare Florida University System.” Students for Growing Fields – Randy Avent Schools guide students entering the workplace. President, Florida Polytechnic Polk County schools are growing enroll- are in the works. Institute ment, facilities and partnerships with area Warner University and Webber industry to provide needed workforce International University are both in Lake skills. Experts say that targeting key areas Wales. Warner trains graduates to work like aviation aids in job placements that in high-paying area jobs. “If students stay enrich the local economy. “We partner in the community, they are contributing Founded in 2012, Lakeland’s Florida financially,” says Andrea Thies, vice presi- with area Polytechnic University is the only public dent of advancement at Warner University. polytechnic university in the state. Focusing Webber students hail from 29 states and on STEM subjects, with two graduate corporations in 48 countries, and the school has been rec- programs, nine undergraduate programs ognized by The Princeton Review as a Best areas of advanced and 31 concentrations, Florida Poly is an in the Southeast and Best Value college. active player in area economic develop- manufacturing ment. Its strategic plan includes creation of Keiser University, with an overall enroll- and engineering a research park for business, education and ment of 20,000, has a Lakeland campus and government partnerships. degrees ranging from associate to doctoral, in over 100 fields. and others.” Florida Southern College — a top col- Southern Technical College of – Angela Garcia lege for producing Fulbright U.S. students Auburndale provides programs such as Falconetti for the second consecutive year — offers heating, ventilation and air conditioning President, Polk majors such as registered nursing, elemen- tary education and teaching. This year, The (HVAC), welding, medical assisting and State College Princeton Review named it one of the best electrical trades. on-campus schools for earning an MBA. There are also programs in place like Polk State College, with campuses in Polk Career Academies for public middle Lakeland and Winter Haven, and high school students. The oldest private has an enrollment of about college in Florida, 16,000. More than 70% of Florida Southern graduates stay in Polk County, Anne Kerr College was founded working in manufacturing, in Orlando in 1883 as aerospace, business, health President, South Florida Institute. care or education. Florida Southern College -Florida Southern College Southeastern University Florida Southern College President Anne of Lakeland, a Christian Kerr has made significant increases to the college, offers affordable number and quality of majors offered at degree tracks in areas such as FSC as well as enrollment, now at over Polk State College has Photo courtesy of finance, aviation and nursing. 3,500. The campus is a testament to the a 96.9% job-placement Last year its total enrollment Florida Southern College legendary design of Frank Lloyd Wright. and transfer rate, the was 9,894, quadrupling in the second highest in the past eight years. New dorms Leading the school since 2004, Kerr helps ensure FSC is a Florida College System. and office space have been resource for not only Polk County, but the world in terms of - Polk State College built, and a welcome center academics, history and innovation. and track-and-field facility

60 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT A healthy tomorrow begins today. Life is a journey, and Watson Clinic is here to help you navigate each challenge along the way. From general examinations and preventative screenings to comprehensive disease management, we empower you to live your healthiest life.

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“We are in the people business and always looking for the right individuals to build Cultural Resources a career with us.” – Jim Bullock Polk County’s dedication to cultural programming, revitalization and Director of Sales & Marketing, recreation promote a high quality of life. Streamsong From the Bok Tower Gardens, to the Smithsonian-affiliated Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, to the historic Polk Theatre, to the Imperial Symphony Performers at Orchestra, arts and culture has always been the Polk Theatre strong here. included Tommy Explorations V Children’s Museum is Dorsey, Gene Autrey, relocating to Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Glenn Miller and Park next year to expand its play space and Elvis Presley. hands-on exhibits. It’s the only facility of its -The Polk Theatre kind in Central Florida. “We have over 100 arts events every month in Polk County,” says Meri Mass, Students from executive director of the Polk Arts Alliance, Florida Dance ranging from theater and music, to pot- Theatre in Lakeland tery and painting. The alliance, recognized have gone on to join by the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Bok Tower Gardens has hosted more than 23 million organizations such advocates for arts resources and programs. visitors since 1929. as the Joffrey Ballet, Cultural tourism attendance is up about Ballet Met, Memphis 30% since 2012, when a grant program to Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ballet and other fund arts marketing here was approved. Jim Salestrom, of country-rock band companies. Arts groups collaborate with one another Timberline — a member of Dolly Parton’s -Florida Dance Theatre to maximize every dollar. band for over a decade — performed a concert at the Lake Wales Arts Center. Stage set for success Both Mass and Allen note the impor- Home to the largest Lake Wales Arts Council has expanded its tance of a strong arts community as an collection of Frank programs over the last few years. economic driver. Lloyd Wright “We provide fine-arts educational oppor- Art education and art exposure for architecture all in tunities through camps, classes, community young people are part of the mission of the one place, Florida outreach components and providing access alliance and the council. Southern College to award-winning performance artists,” “These kids are learning skills that can Historic District is says Lake Wales Art Council Executive take them right into the workforce,” says a National Historic Director Andrew Allen. Allen. Landmark. -Florida Southern College

62 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT Bonnet Springs Park rendering, the Polk Theatre and Polk Museum of Art

LUXURY VACATION Robust Recreation HOME RENTALS 3-6 BEDROOM POOL Polk is a world-class destination for training and HOMES WITH RESORT competition, from baseball and basketball to water skiing AMENITIES. and golf.

Host to the Detroit Tigers, the area has a rich history as Spring Training Central for major-league baseball and its Class-A affiliate team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Professional basketball is big in Polk County as well, with the Lakeland Magic. BALMORAL But that doesn’t mean that EVENT CENTER Central Florida’s Polk County WEDDINGS Sports Marketing (PCSM) isn’t CELEBRATIONS maintaining its reign as Water Ski Capital of the World, as MEETINGS The stadium in Tiger Town is the spring well, says Marc Zimmerman, the training home of the Detroit Tigers. + MORE! organization’s senior economic development manager. Or that college sports aren’t also popular Zimmerman cites $158.4 million in here. When it comes to sports, economic impact from Polk County economic leaders look to maximize sports events in 2019, a number opportunities. that’s steadily rising.

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Athletic hubs The $25-million AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center opened in January in Winter Haven. At over 58,000 square feet, the facility has six basketball courts, twice as many volleyball courts, a black- box theater, fitness center, Olympic AdventHealth pool and concourse area. The new Fieldhouse and Conference Center Feltrim Sports Village in Haines City, meanwhile, hosts sports camps and competitions, with an all-turf soccer and football stadium that seats 2,500. The sports village is part of a resort, Balmoral. Developer and Feltrim Group CEO Garrett Kenny calls Balmoral a “horizontal hotel,” with WINTER single-family pool homes for rent. The resort’s event center, for things like celebratory dinners, is planned to HAVEN open this summer. Florida Youth Soccer and Florida You (and your company) State Soccer associations are head- belong here. quartered right in Auburndale. Polk City is also home to the USA Winter Haven lies at the Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation. center of Florida's Super It’s opened Elite Cable Park at Lake Region with a population of Myrtle, for lessons and competitions, part of the new USA Water Sports 7.2 million within an hour's Complex that is under construction. drive. Ranked as the most Bowling Green’s scenic Streamsong diversified economy in is a golf resort built on 16,000 acres Florida combined with our by award-winning architects — on a former phosphate mine. The resort, central location, our which attracts international visi- downtown voted the 2019 #1 tors, includes a 228-room hotel and Great Place in Florida and the restaurants. pro-growth, collaborative LEGOLAND’s 150-acre theme park business environment all in Winter Haven is getting ready to officially open its new, second hotel — prove why YOU should be which has a pirate theme. here. “I’ve been in Polk County for 20 years,” says Kenny of Feltrim Group. “I like to operate where development is coming to rather than where it’s been. I see huge potential in Polk.”

Learn more at whedc.com Balmoral Resort offers guests a unique luxury stay in an upscale community.

64 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT

POLK COUNTY People to Know Build relationships in the community with Polk County business leaders.

Dr. Steven Achinger Rob Clancey Tim Hoeft Managing Partner, Watson Clinic President, Bartow EDC Managing Principal, Straughn Trout Architects Brian Adams Gene Conrad Market CEO, AdventHealth Airport Director, Lakeland Linder Kent Ingle International Airport President, Southeastern University Bart Allen Attorney at Law, Peterson & Myers John Corbett Mark Jackson President & CEO, CenterState Bank Executive Director, Visit Central Florida

Bradley Dantzler Patricia Jackson Randy Avent Mayor, City of Winter Haven City Manager, City of Polk City President, Florida Polytechnic University Dale Dreyer Cyndi Jantomaso EVP and Regional President of Central President & CEO, Haines City Economic Bill Beasley Florida, CenterState Bank Development Council Polk County Manager, Polk County Todd Jones Nathaniel Birdsong Danielle President, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Winter Haven Drummond EVP/COO, Lakeland Regional Health Steve Boyington Principal, The Lunz Group Garrett Kenny Chandra Frederick Founder & CEO, Feltrim Assistant County Manager, Group Jim Bullock Polk County Board of County Director of Sales & Marketing, Commissioners Streamsong

Eugene Fultz Anne Kerr David Bunch Mayor, City of Lake Wales SIOR, Hauger Bunch President, Florida Southern College

Ryan Buskirk Angela Garcia President, Lake Wales Main Street Falconetti Kevin Kieft President, Polk State President/CEO, Lake Wales College Area Chamber of Jacqueline Byrd Commerce and EDC Superintendent of Bobby Green Schools, Polk County City Manager, City of Auburndale Public Schools Joe LaCascia Mayor, City of Polk City John Helms Mark Cabrera Executive Director, Bartow Municipal Greg Littleton President & CEO, SaddleCreek Airport Development Authority President & CEO, Citizens Bank & Trust Stacy Campbell-Domineck President and CEO, CareerSource Polk Mike Herr City Manager, City of Bradley Lunz Winter Haven President, The Lunz Group

66 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT OUR GUARANTEES Florida Southern College goes beyond the conventional college experience, guaranteeing each student an internship, a travel-study experience, and graduation in four years. These signature opportunities, combined with our exceptional faculty and stunning historic campus, create a college experience unlike any other.

flsouthern.edu/guarantees Bruce Lyon President, Winter Haven Economic Development Council

Sean Malott President & CEO, Central Florida Development Council

Meri Mass Executive Director, Polk Arts Alliance

Nicole McDowell Interim City Manager, City of Frostproof

Richard Mogensen General Manager, Streamsong

Bill Mutz Mayor, City of Lakeland

Steve Nierman President, Winter Haven Hospital

Paul Noris STAY INFORMED President & CEO, Bank of Central Florida

DAILY PULSE & AFTERNOON UPDATE James O’Rourke President and CEO, The Mosaic HEALTH CARE | EDUCATION | REAL ESTATE Company

MOVERS & INFLUENCERS Nick Plott Regional Manager, Local Government, Community Relations and Economic Development, TECO Energy

FREE! Sign up today and don’t Jake Polumbo miss a single enews alert! President, Two Blue Aces

floridatrend.com/alerts Tim Pospichal Mayor, City of Auburndale

Greg Ruthven President, The Ruthvens

68 MAY 2020 POLK COUNTY / FLORIDA TREND CUSTOM CONTENT Steve Scruggs Martin Sullivan President, Lakeland Economic Mayor, City of Frostproof Lindsay Development Council Zimmerman Jennifer Taylor VP of Investor Relations Terry Shaw VP of Business Development, Central and Marketing, Central President & CEO, AdventHealth Florida Development Council Florida Development Council

Emery Smith Marc Zimmerman VP of Citrus Marketing and Industry Senior Economic Relations, Ben Hill Griffin Elaine Thompson Development Manager, President/CEO, Lakeland Polk County Tourism and Patricia Steed Regional Health Sports Marketing Executive Director, Central Florida Regional Planning Council Leon Topalian President & CEO, Nucor Corporation

Nicole Travis Anita Strang Director of Community & Economic Executive Director, Main Development, City of Lakeland Street Winter Haven Drew Wilcox Bud Strang Vice President, Nucor Steel CEO, Six/Ten Corporation Florida, Inc.

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