We were pleased to host our April Investor Meeting at The Ruthvens | Intersect Pace Innovation Centerin Auburndale, FL. This impressive space represents the collaborative efforts of several of our investor members, and we extend our congratulations to The Ruthvens, Intersect Development Group, SpringerVoss Construction, SouthState Bank, TECO, Peterson & Myers, Kimley-Horn, Brown & Brown, and Summit Broadband on the completion of this outstanding asset within the Innovation District.
Attendees also heard from an engaging lineup of speakers, including Brandon Clark of The Ruthvens, Chief Will Watts and Courtney Hance of the Florida Department of Transportation, City Manager Jeff Brown of the City of Auburndale, and CFDC Board Chair Emery Smith of Ben Hill Griffin, who shared valuable insights and updates.
“From User to Builder: Engaging AI for Impactful Results.”
The CFDC Innovator Workshop brought together Visionary and Innovator level investor members for an engaging session, “From User to Builder: Engaging AI for Impactful Results.” Led by Dr. Michael Steiner of Southeastern University, attendees explored practical applications of AI tools to enhance and streamline workflows. The session also provided valuable insight into effective prompt writing, equipping participants with the skills to produce more complex, high quality outcomes with greater efficiency and minimal oversight.
Our 2025-2026 Q2 Economic Activity Report is live! This report features quarterly updates including an overview of InvestReady Polk, recaps of our events, and a Polk County Economic Development update for Q2 by Jim Farrell, Ph.D., CFA (Florida Southern College).
We’re proud to announce that our President and CEO, Sean Malott, has been asked to participate in CareerSource Polk’s Man of the Year! Every $5 vote raises money that goes towards their Workforce Incentive Awards, which assist with transportation, childcare, housing stability, education, food insecurity and more. We couldn’t be happier to support CareerSource Polk in their mission. Voting is open now, and ends June 20!
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