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Economic Development Update

June 2010

Performance Objectives

June 2010

 

 

 

Economic Development Activity

CFDC Meets with USF Poly’s New Dean of the College of Technology and Innovation

The Economic Development Group met with the new Dean of the USF Poly College of Technology and Innovation to gain an understanding of the new college’s mission and purpose. The meeting was very productive in identifying areas of alignment with the CFDC’s economic development initiatives and connections with the recent SRI Study. The College of Technology & Innovation adds an immediate and exciting dynamic to our economic development programs into the future. The CFDC looks forward to new opportunities to collaborate with USF for targeted industry business attraction and recruitment. 

CFDC Gives Presentation to the Lake Alfred Chamber

CFDC staff made an Economic Development presentation to the Lake Alfred Chamber which included an organizational overview, how the SRI Study impacts our mission, our business attraction plan and our results for FY 08/09 and to date for this fiscal year.  The meeting was attended by over 50 persons and the presentation was well received.

Activity Summary

For the month of June we responded to 4 project inquiries representing the potential creation of 340 jobs with an estimated capital investment of $5 million.

Testimonials
"The county's business environment and the ongoing support of the CFDC have helped us achieve [our] goal for many years and we look forward to our continued partnership."
- Charles Matthews, VP Operations, Florida's Natural Growers
"We initially targeted Polk County because of its obvious logistical advantages, but we were immediately impressed by the tremendous support and cooperation we received from the CFDC. A building can be built anywhere, but what makes a project...successful is a cooperative relationship with community leaders and the availability of a dedicated and reliable workforce."
- David Behm, VP, Aldi Inc.
"From a personal and business perspective, being new to Polk County has been a very positive experience. We are excited to live and work in Polk County and look forward to what the future has to bring in terms of growth and opportunities."
- Stacy Hackworth, Facility Manager, Ferguson
"We found the economic development atmosphere and support from Polk County to be a true asset in our decision to locate our new, state-of-the-art facility in Lakeland. When you are building the most advanced manufacturing facility your industry has ever seen, you have to have confidence in the long-term commitment of the community. We found just that in Polk County and are pleased to be one of their newest business neighbors and partners."
- Ross Dalton, President, GTECH Printing Corporation
"In 1962, State Farm opened its doors in Winter Haven, which is now our Florida headquarters. We are so proud to be a part of this great Polk County community. Polk County provides State Farm with a workforce that brings diverse talents and experiences to provide the quality service our State Farm customers expect and deserve."
- Jim Thompson, Sr. Vice President, State Farm Insurance