Multifaceted Economy, Location Are Polk County’s Strengths
A central location along I-4 and focus on innovation, technology and manufacturing create a place to have a real impact.
Citing its business-friendly climate and balance of economic growth with smaller-community character, Sean Malott, president and CEO of the Central Florida Development Council, calls it a great time to be in Polk County. He and other business leaders see connectedness, diversity, communication, innovation and location as key in Polk’s upward mobility. The fact that the county is on the smaller side is an attribute, he says. “You can locate in Polk County and have a community rallying behind you to help you be successful,” Malott says. “It’s possible to have a real impact here, while in a larger metro market, it’s easier to get lost.”
Connectivity is what makes the difference, Malott says, especially connections between businesses and higher education, yielding workforce strength. With some seven higher education institutions producing world-class graduates, companies are looking to put those graduates to work here, he says.
As a result of these partnerships, everyone benefits.
Companies welcome
Malott gives innovative air-filtration system maker Molekule as an example of connectedness. With its beginnings in a University of South Florida (USF) startup program, the company grew in San Francisco, outsourcing manufacturing before deciding on Lakeland for its research and advanced manufacturing hub. It became official last year, with the company investing in renovation, acquiring a Lakeland address and initially hiring 12 people.
The city offered tax incentives in return for high-paying jobs, Malott says. The job creation effort overall is the result of a partnership with his organization, Molekule, USF, Florida Polytechnic University and the Lakeland Economic Development Council.
Cities here and the entities within them work together.
