Central Florida Development Council

10/21/2026

We are excited to spotlight our 26|27 Board Chair, Brandon Clark! 🎉

Brandon is the President of The Ruthvens, a third-generation, family-run industrial warehouse and real estate developer in Polk County, FL.

Brandon brings a forward-thinking approach to economic development and a strong commitment to building partnerships. We are looking forward to his year of leadership; creating connections, embracing new opportunities, and guiding meaningful connections to elevate the economic future of Polk County.

🟢 Read more about Brandon on our blog: https://hubs.ly/Q04BQ41F0

10/21/2026

ICYMI: Yesterday was International Day of the Air Traffic Controller! 👮‍♀️🛫

A special shout out to Bartow Executive Airport and Traviss Technical College! Their hands-on Air Traffic Control CTO program utilizes specialized digital tower technology to train students in an active airport environment. Cutting-edge programs like this are preparing the next generation of air traffic controllers to support Polk County's growing aviation and defense industries.

10/20/2026

Congratulations to Greg Littleton (Citizens Bank & Trust) on being named the 2026 recipient of the prestigious James L. Wattenbarger Award! 🎉

Greg, a former chair of the CFDC for two terms (2004-06 and 2012-13), has a built a legacy of service and dedication to the Polk County community and the Florida College System. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

Congrats, Greg, on this well-deserved honor!

Polk State College is proud to announce that Greg Littleton, Chair of the Polk State College District Board of Trustees, will receive the 2026 James L. Wattenbarger Award at the upcoming Association of Florida Colleges' Council of Trustees and Council of Presidents Joint Meeting in November.

Selected by the presidents of The Florida College System, the James L. Wattenbarger Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual in recognition of their support for the Florida College System. Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas nominated Littleton, a 1987 graduate of Polk Community College and a Distinguished Alumnus, in recognition of his exemplary, longstanding service to the College and its students.

“It was an honor to nominate Chair Littleton for the prestigious James L. Wattenbarger Award. As a dedicated member of the Board for nearly two decades, he has guided Polk State through the expansion of its programs, campuses, and workforce mission,” said President Kamoutsas. “In the short time I’ve worked with Chair Littleton, I have come to appreciate his faith, thoughtfulness, work ethic, respect in the community, and dedication to his family. Polk State is tremendously blessed to have him serve as our Board Chair.”

10/19/2026

"We're builders at heart." ❤️🏗️🏢

Meet Voss Construction Management, a general contractor with deep roots right here in Polk County.

Voss Construction Management serves several market sectors, spanning industrial to themed entertainment projects, and nearly everything in between. The company serves clients from the Orlando area to Tampa and south toward Port Charlotte, leveraging Polk County's central location and connectivity to offer services along the I-4 corridor.

Read more about what Voss Construction Management is building in Polk County:

CFDC | Voss Construction Management is Building a Legacy in Central Florida

10/15/2026

: We are still reminiscing on our 2026 Annual Meeting 🤩 It was an unforgettable night full of connection and celebration, spotlighting economic growth in Polk County and honoring industry leaders who have made an impact on the community.

Thank you to all our attendees and sponsors who made this night one for the books. 🌌

Don't forget to check out our full album of photos: https://hubs.ly/Q04z4Hp50

10/14/2026

Voting early? CitrusConnection is offering free rides for registered Polk County voters 🍊 See post for more details.

Free rides begin this Monday! From October 19 through 31, registered Polk County voters can ride Citrus Connection FREE to cast their ballot. 🍊🚌

Choose your Early Voting site, review its dates and hours, and plan both your outbound and return trips before leaving.

Start planning your free ride: https://www.ccbusinfo.com/InfoPoint/

10/14/2026

October is Manufacturing Month, and today we’re celebrating the manufacturers driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening our economy. 🏭

With its central location and access to an unrivaled distribution network, Polk County gives manufacturing companies a competitive edge and a blueprint for success.

Learn more about Advanced and Tech-Enabled Manufacturing in Polk County: https://hubs.ly/Q04zTh570

10/13/2026

Today, we are celebrating the leadership of our Outgoing Board Chair, Emery Smith. Smith, Executive Vice President for Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., has spent the last year guiding the CFDC Board of Directors with an unwavering calm and focus on collaboration.

Emery, thank you for your steadfast leadership and grounded approach to economic growth in Polk County. We are immensely grateful for your vision, integrity, and dedication!

🍊 Read more about Emery here: https://hubs.ly/Q04z_Q2H0

10/06/2026

Join us in celebrating John Laurent, who has been named Polk County area president for Crews Bank & Trust! 🎉🏦

Laurent has been instrumental in establishing the bank's presence in Polk, which includes teams in Winter Haven and Lakeland.

https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/news/2026/10/02/crews-bank-taps-polk-exec.html?csrc=6398&link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6ac01b67b843a10001197be3&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZnRzaAUuBx1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUPm947BSpjpEdscJz2Z_n0qsCz5XInNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR7mKjimZotSkImYHF_gw4S-dRdm8Vgf2r1wjbFKjQqnE7qSjltF6NZNGvlXGw_aem_bjvk8gflb1nVCboOQaL3dA

The veteran banker will lead operations in Winter Haven and Lakeland.