
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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

With demand for Respiratory Therapists growing, Polk State College is being recognized for excellence in its respiratory therapy program, which graduates students who often stay in Polk County to work. Respiratory therapists may be the unsung heroes in healthcare facilities, working with doctors and nurses to provide oxygen and breathing treatments, intubate patients, manage ventilators, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Four Polk County companies have landed on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s FAST 50 list — the 50 fastest-growing companies in Florida, ranked by revenue growth. They are SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate, Springer Construction, Southern Milling & Lumber and AgAmerica Lending. Companies provided their information to the Tampa Bay Business Journal for […]

As the 2023-2024 academic year begins, Florida Polytechnic University once again plays a role globally, welcoming six international students and researchers and sending one of its students to Canada. Such exchanges are critical to Polk County’s place in a growing global marketplace. “Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida. By […]