Central Florida Development Council

Central Florida Development Council The mission of the Central Florida Development Council is to grow Polk County, Florida's economy based on high-skill, high-wage sustainable businesses.
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The Central Florida Development Council (CFDC) is Polk County’s Economic Development Partnership as designated by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. The CFDC is responsible for recruiting new businesses to Polk County and helping existing businesses expand. We focus on domestic and international business recruitment and expansion, business advocacy and global trade development in Centr

al Florida’s Polk County. Originally founded in 1986, The Central Florida Development Council, Inc. (CFDC) became a private not-for-profit organization October 1, 2015 through a partnership with the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and the private business community. The mission of the CFDC is to grow an economy based on high-skill, high-wage sustainable businesses.

✨ The countdown to our 2026 Annual Meeting begins! ✨We are just one month out and we can’t wait to welcome you. Come joi...
08/25/2026

✨ The countdown to our 2026 Annual Meeting begins! ✨

We are just one month out and we can’t wait to welcome you. Come join us on September 24, 2026 at the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus - Skylight Hangar to celebrate Polk County!

🎟️ Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for purchase: https://hubs.ly/Q04vcbXG0

We're so excited to celebrate Polk County!

We’re highlighting a handful of the places and experiences that help strengthen Polk's economy, enhance quality of life,...
08/24/2026

We’re highlighting a handful of the places and experiences that help strengthen Polk's economy, enhance quality of life, and create a vibrant life for residents. From world-class attractions to outdoor destinations and signature events, Polk County offers a diverse mix of experiences for the millions of visitors that make their way annually to our corner of Central Florida.

Tourism by the numbers for last year:
✈️ 5.7 Million Visitors
💵 $3.3 Billion in Economic Impact
🎢 27,530 Jobs in Tourism

🗞️ Read More: https://hubs.ly/Q04tZK3M0


Margaritaville Auburndale, 'n FUN, Florida, Central Florida, Airlines, Springs Park & Tower Gardens

08/20/2026

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (AGB) at Florida Southern College was the perfect setting for our August Investor Meeting! 🎨🏛️✨

Attendees heard from Dr. Daryl Ward (Executive Director of AGB) and Dr. Jeremy Martin (President of Florida Southern), and then explored the recently expanded galleries of the AGB. We love having this state-of-the-art museum right here in Polk County. Thank you, AGB!

08/18/2026

Big shout-out to MABE, our official AV Sponsor, for powering the sights and sounds of our 2026 CFDC Annual Meeting!

As a leading audio/visual production and installation company, MABE brings deep industry expertise to every event—designing, producing, and integrating solutions that exceed expectations. Thank you for your continued support!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our August Investor Meeting! 🏛️✨🎨🖼️ We were thrilled to gather at the Ashley Gib...
08/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our August Investor Meeting! 🏛️✨🎨🖼️

We were thrilled to gather at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (AGB) at Florida Southern College for an afternoon of connection, conversation and community.

Our investors heard from Dr. Daryl Ward, Executive Director of the AGB, who shared updates on the museum and upcoming events. Dr. Jeremy Martin, President of Florida Southern College, shared stories of student success and highlighted the important connection between a strong county and a growing college.

Following the program, guests had the opportunity to explore the AGB’s recently expanded galleries and connect with fellow investors during a networking reception.

A special thank you to the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art and Florida Southern College for hosting our group and showcasing this incredible addition to our community.

Haven’t visited the new galleries yet? Now is a great time to check them out and enjoy their outstanding programming!

08/11/2026

Cheers to our Catalyst | Bar Sponsor, Citizens Bank & Trust, for keeping the conversations, connections, and good times flowing at the 2026 CFDC Annual Meeting! We are grateful for their continued support and their longstanding commitment to our community.

For more than 100 years, Citizens Bank & Trust has built its reputation on stability, commitment, and conservative values. They are dedicated to providing high-quality financial products and exceptional customer service while putting people first.

Thank you, Citizens Bank & Trust!

08/06/2026

A heartfelt thank you to our 2026 CFDC Annual Meeting Presenting Sponsor, Cyndeo Wealth Partners!

As an independent registered investment advisor, Cyndeo Wealth Partners is dedicated to simplifying the complexities of managing, growing, and protecting wealth. They provide thoughtful guidance to help clients navigate important financial decisions—for both their personal lives and their businesses.

Thank you, Cyndeo Wealth Partners, for your ongoing investment in our mission and our community!

07/31/2026

🏆 Join us in congratulating the finalists for the 2026 George W. Harris, Jr. Success in Large Business Award!

These outstanding organizations were nominated based on criteria that recognize excellence in promoting free enterprise, community service, economic stability, and quality growth.

Congratulations to this year's finalists:
⭐ Central Florida Health Care, Inc.
⭐ GMF Steel Group
⭐ Kimley-Horn
⭐ Suncoast Credit Union

The winner will be announced at the 2026 CFDC Annual Meeting on September 24 at the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus – Skylight Hangar. Join us as we celebrate the businesses making a lasting impact on Polk County.

Learn more about this year's finalists and their achievements:
https://hubs.ly/Q04r4WT10

07/29/2026

🏆 Join us in congratulating the finalists for the 2026 Jim Brantley Success in Small Business Award!

These exceptional businesses were nominated based on criteria that recognize excellence in promoting free enterprise, community service, economic stability, and quality growth.

Congratulations to this year's finalists:
⭐ Aerospace Center for Excellence
⭐ Marcobay Construction
⭐ Rita Staffing Inc.
⭐ Two Blue Aces LLC

The winner will be announced at the 2026 CFDC Annual Meeting on September 24 at the SUN 'n FUN Expo Campus – Skylight Hangar. Join us as we celebrate the businesses driving economic growth and community success across Polk County.

Learn more about this year's finalists and their achievements: https://hubs.ly/Q04r4J8t0

Address

1725 Bartow Road
Lakeland, FL
33801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18639374430

Website

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