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Quality of Life

Polk County’s tourism and sports industries have grown beyond the State’s averages, attracting domestic and international visitors to the area’s affordable attractions, amenities, sports and cultural offerings. More than 1.5 million people visit Polk County annually generating an estimated economic impact of more than $1 billion. Polk County’s bona fide natural resources provide eco-tourists with an unrivaled opportunity to experience the “real Florida.” Ranked the 14th best Gold Destination in the country, visitors will find more than 500 holes of championship golf in our community. Polk County continues to reap significant economic benefits from Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing’s success in promoting the county as a world class venue for competitive and recreational sports. Florida’s most honored sports commission; Polk County’s Sports Marketing, assisted and/or managed more than 180 events which generated $95 million for the County’s economy in the most recent fiscal year.

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