Coming out of the pandemic successfully and ahead of its competitors had less to do with people’s pent-up demand to travel and more to do with a solid strategy to make Polk County a destination, said Mark Jackson, director of Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing. “It really had to do with being very well […]
Polk County’s four airports provide an economic impact of almost $2 billion, according to the Florida Department of Transportation’s 2022 Florida Aviation Economic Impact Study. And the airports are continuing to grow, meaning that number – which has increased from $878 million in 2019 – will most likely rise as well. Lakeland Linder International Airport, […]
With so many banks and credit unions in Polk County, all offering excellent services, bankers know one thing sets them apart: client relationships. Whether it’s helping them get a loan or get online, local banks work hard to gain their customers’ trust. But there’s much more. Citizens Bank & Trust President & CEO Greg Littleton […]
If you’ve worked at any place at any time, you’ve probably started and ended your tenure with human resources. The department handles everything from hiring and firing to salaries and benefits. But it’s sometimes hard to find people who want to work in that field. This is one reason why Polk State College started a […]
In a job market with the lowest unemployment rate since 1969, finding and keeping talent is a critical component to keeping a business operating efficiently. To help navigate the increasingly tight job market, the Central Florida Development Council is offering local businesses an opportunity to attend a panel discussion titled “Talent Retention: How corporate culture […]
Polk County’s institutions of higher education contribute to business services here, training the next generation of workers and preparing them to be successful in their careers. Five of those institutions offer extensive business classes and various degrees, all of which contribute to the economic engine of Polk County. “Jannetides helps economic development in Polk County […]
CareerSource Polk, Polk County’s designated local workforce development board, is kicking off 2023 with its annual State of the Workforce Summit, one of its primary focuses for employers. In partnership with Ogletree Deakins, a leading labor and employment law firm, the event will benefit HR professionals, company executives and managers, said Candace Franklin, director of […]
The opening of the one-of-its-kind Pirate River Quest at LEGOLAND Florida Resort is more than just an adventure ride – it also marks the first time the canal boats are back in the water since the former Cypress Gardens, long considered the first tourist attraction in Florida, closed. “The grand opening of Pirate River Quest […]
The theme of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in 2022 was “Rooted in Resilience”, and Polk County Farm Bureau’s 3,800-plus members are just that. “Farmers are by nature and by necessity, resilient and tenacious people,” said Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director Carole McKenzie. “You have to be, when you have so many […]
As with most things, people have options when it comes to investing their money, setting up estates, planning for their kids’ college educations and having their taxes prepared. And there is no shortage of businesses that are willing to work with you to help you achieve your financial goals. Like banking, most financial companies in […]