Posts filed under 'Economic Development'
Posted: June 25, 2009: 9:02 am
GOAL:
A Polk County School Board Process for Selecting Contractors
that is “Fair, Equitable and Transparent”
A “white paper summary” of a June 15 Meeting between Polk County Chamber of Commerce representatives and Assistant Superintendent for Facilities/Operations, Fred Murphy.
Over the past 90 days a number of Polk County’s Chamber executives and their
volunteer leaders have been approached by local contractors who felt the process used for selecting contractors to manage major construction projects of the Polk County Public School System was flawed and unfair. There exists a strong feeling that dollars spent for Polk Schools should be spent with those businesses that are legitimately based in Polk County. There also exists a strong desire to ensure the process is free of favoritism.
Following discussions that initially took place between Lakeland, Bartow and Winter Haven Chamber executives, a decision was made to request a meeting with Polk Public Schools Administration. Immediately upon inquiry Superintendent Gail McKinzie offered to arrange such a meeting with Assistant Superintendent for Facilities/Operations, Fred Murphy. (Murphy was tapped to resolve contractor selection and favoritism issues in November 2008 following the initiation of an FBI investigation into alleged wrong doing by district staff.)
On Monday, June 15, Mr. Murphy met with representatives from the Bartow, Davenport, Haines City, Lakeland, Mulberry and Winter Haven Chambers of Commerce. The two-hour meeting was framed by a thorough review of where Polk Public Schools are in their efforts to create a Contractor Selection Process that is “fair, equitable and transparent.”
Mr. Murphy spoke for the majority of the two-hours allocated and displayed a sincere commitment to creating a selection process that may not always make every one happy but a process that will truly be “fair, equitable and transparent.” The phrase is repeated here again to underscore Murphy’s repetitive statement of commitment.
He provided detailed information regarding the policy which is currently in its final draft stages. More importantly Mr. Murphy addressed two important points:
a.) Within the new policy (under development), the mere offer of a gift by a contractor to a School Board representative will cost a contractor any future right to do business with the School Board. There has not been a “gift policy” in place and specifications are being drafted to prohibit gifts of more than $50 in value.
b.) The new selection process will include a “local recognition of proximity” policy that will provide a legally defensible edge for Polk County-based contractors.
Chamber representatives present felt that positive steps were being taken to develop a process for contractor selection that was indeed “fair, equitable and transparent.” Those Chambers present have since conferred and expressed confidence that Fred Murphy’s goals for the Contractor Selection Process will be a significant step forward and hold the potential to restore contractor confidence and respect.
The new policy is expected to be presented to the School Board for consideration by August. When the policy is finalized we will present the document in its entirety.
The commitment of all Chambers involved is to bring positive change to this contractor procurement process. Mr. Murphy displays a sincere grasp of the challenge and the commitment to make such positive change.
We encourage your comments on this important “buy local” issue.
| See other posts filed in: Economic Development, Education, General Announcements, Perspective
Posted: June 15, 2009: 12:08 pm
Got Milk? Velda Farms? You may have noticed a new two-story building coming out of the ground behind Andy’s Igloo. No, it’s not additional storage for ice cream … but close. The 15,000 sq. ft. building will house the Velda Farm’s Corporate offices currently located in Lakeland. Approximately 50 people will now be housed in the building that represents more than a $2 million investment.
About the Company…
Arthur Vining Davis, former Chairman of the Aluminum Co. of America, built the Velda plant in the 1940’s in Miami to process pineapples that he planned to raise nearby. However, when this proved to be unsuccessful, Mr. Davis started manufacturing ice cream around 1947; milk processing was added shortly afterward. This Miami operation was later sold to a dairy cooperative, which also had a plant in Winter Haven. Velda Farms was sold by the dairy cooperative to the Southland Corporation in 1962. In 1964, a separate operation in Tallahassee also known as Velda Farms and owned by the Coble family was purchased by the Southland Corporation.
Under Southland’s ownership, a major enlargement and modernization of the Miami plant was began in 1976. The Winter Haven plant was renovated and enlarged a few years later.
Throughout the ensuing years the company was owned by a variety of corporations. Other dairies were acquired and the product line expanded.
On December 22, 2001, Velda Farms became a part of the Southeast Region of National Dairy Holdings, LP, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Its line of business is whole dairy products manufacturing fluid milk, ice cream/desserts, cheese and creamery butter. Annual sales are estimated at more than $200 million.
Contractor is Winter Haven-based Everett Whitehead and Son, Inc.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Real Estate
Posted: June 11, 2009: 6:08 pm
Winter Haven to be home to USF Polytechnic technology business accelerator.
In a memo distributed today, June 12, to the Mayor and City Commisioners, City of Winter Haven Community
Development Director David Dickey announced the following information:
In April 2009, the Polk County Commission, in conjunction with the Central Florida Development Council, earmarked $1 million in funding to help establish a high-tech business incubator to be located on the USF Polytechnic campus.
The incubator concept has gained momentum so quickly that the decision was made to establish two locations prior to the completion of the Polytechnic campus. An incubator will be established in Lakeland with a business accelerator to be located in downtown Winter Haven.
Benefits to new companies will include proximity to, and resources of, a national research university; access to operational infrastructure including office space, equipment and technology; faculty experts; technology consultants; and training programs.
The decision to locate this facility in downtown Winter Haven is result of a partnership between the 6/10 Corporation and the City. The 6/10 Corporation will provide rent-free space in the Verizon building located at 199 Avenue B, NW. This building houses the Inland Fiber & Data Technology Park which makes the accelerator a great fit. Subject to approval and funding availability, the City’s CRA would provide $10,000 annually to help offset operating costs.
It is anticipated that the facility will be operational by September 1, 2009 and will initially house from five to ten new companies. The proposed accelerator can be distinguished from a business incubator in that it will target more mature start-ups that still require a degree of support. It is hoped that the companies will grow into adjacent office space and maintain a long-term downtown Winter Haven presence.
This development will further advance the developing technology-based business core downtown. Congratulations to both Lakeland and Winter Haven. The County/CFDC/USF/Lakeland/Winter Haven/Six-Ten partnership is a very positive step in economic recovery. The Polytechnic influence will grow the high-skill / high-wage sector critical to the area’s long-term future.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Downtown, Economic Development, Education, Employment Opportunity, Success Stories, Technology
Posted: June 1, 2009: 3:38 pm
Restoration plans by Richard Mills have been approved for a $10,000 matching grant from the Downtown Winter Haven CRA to restore the facade of what was originally the “Hoffman Department Store” built in 1937. Seen below is the original building, the current facade and the proposed renovations.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Renovations, Downtown, Economic Development, Uncategorized
Posted: May 14, 2009: 12:36 pm
The recent Sun n’ Fun Air Show generated additional traffic for many neighboring airports. Winter Haven was no exception with a variety of air craft circling the recently competed municipal air terminal. The City worked with the Central Florida Visitor and Conventions Bureau to provide the air visitors information on area attractions, restaurants and hospitality options.
Winter Haven joins Lakeland and Bartow in offering modern new facilities. More recently the impressive Citation X aircraft below paid a visit. The air terminal features Richard’s Fine Coffees and sandwches.
The new facility is conveniently located adjacent to US 92 for maximum exposure. The new footprint for the airport positions the City for development of an air-related business park along the US 92 frontage.
Among the groups recently visiting the air terminal were the Board of Directors of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce and the second class of Leadership Polk, a county-wide leadership and learning program.
The City of Winter Haven is among the many municipalities in Polk County who are moving ahead with improvement projects such as the new air terminal, Fire Station #1 and Lake Maude Park providing jobs and improvements in a tough economy. Haines City is moving to complete the massive Lake Eva Park project, Polk City has new city administrative offices, Polk Community has opened the J.D. Alexander satellite campus in Lake Wales and Auburndale has partnered with the County and Central Florida Development Council in development of the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex just to name a few.
As the economy begins to improve, these infrastructure improvements will serve as further catalysts for growth.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Perspective, Transportation
Posted: May 12, 2009: 3:54 pm
TransDevelopment Group and Kearney Construction, the design-build general contract team for the planned intermodal and automotive rail terminal facility in Winter Haven, will postpone their May 20 2009 job fair. The event was scheduled to provide information to the local labor pool and to identify qualified Polk County suppliers and subcontractors interested in work related to the construction of the rail terminal facility.
Immediate construction of the rail terminal facility was needed to accommodate the development of SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter rail system. The Florida Legislature, however, failed to approve SunRail. As a result, the intermodal and automotive rail terminal facility will now be developed on a more deliberate timeline consistent with business demand.
TransDevelopment and Kearney Construction will reschedule the job fair and announce the date and location of the event in the future.
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, General Announcements, Transportation
Posted: May 7, 2009: 1:05 pm
Businesses! Enjoy no cost summer interns when you link with Polk Works!
Summer Job Links
By participating in this program, you will be paired up with summer employees at no cost to you!! You write the job descriptions. Polk Works creates the links! Polk
Works will pay them, too! Interested?
Prerequisites:
- Non-profit or government agency
- For-profit employers in healthcare, green or emerging jobs, science, technology, engineering, or math jobs
- Employers must be located in Polk County
It’s a win, win situation-Polk Works will create the links between employee and employer and even write the checks. Each of the 300 Polk Works-paid interns (ages 16-24) selected will earn $8/hour and will work up to 30 hours per week for six weeks. That means, each intern could earn up to $1,440 this summer at no cost to you. Plus, this income will help stimulate Polk County’s economy. Together, we create links that work. Important dates …
Friday, May 29: Application Deadline
Friday, June 12: Polk Works Summer Job Links
Mandatory Supervisor Orientation
Monday, June 15: Summer JobLinks Begin!
August 2009: Summer Job Links End!
Go to www.polkworks.org to apply today!
It’s fast, easy and just a few clicks away from new summer employees.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Economic Development, Employment Opportunity, General Announcements
Posted: May 1, 2009: 2:21 pm
Cypress Gardens is raising the roof (literally) as they move what was the cover for a park train station to a new location covering the admission kiosks.
Among the ambitious plans that Park Administrator Bill Sims and Marketing Director Bob Morgan have underway is a year-round weekend festival in the Southern Crossroads area. This area will be separated from the Botanical Gardens by a gate and for many weekend activities will feature no admission charge. Weekend concepts under discussion include Oktoberfest; Soap Opera Fan Fest; Folk Festival; Petapalooza and Pumpkin Pickin’ — just to name a few.
Business Opportunities:
The weekend events in the Southern Crossroads (more recently known as Jubilee Junction) area will be scheduled for a Friday, Saturday and Sunday run. The Gardens is looking for established local restaurants, arts and crafts persons, retailers and more to use the facilities within the Southern Crossroads shops and eateries to market during these special weekends. This could be a great way to expand your market with minimal investment during a tough economy.
Memorial Day weekend will be the first such opportunity. If you are interested in more information, contact Bob Morgan at 863.324.2111 orbmorgan@cypressgardens.com.
| See other posts filed in: Commercial Developments, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, General Announcements, Tourism
Posted: February 25, 2009: 3:27 pm
We have received a number of inquiries regarding subcontracting and vendor opportunities related to the Evansville Western/CSX project.
The Chamber has learned that the design-build team for the Winter Haven inter modal rail terminal, TransDevelopment Group of Atlanta and Kearney Construction of Tampa, will host a “job fair” for potential subcontractors and vendors on May 20, 2009. The exact location of the job fair will be announced at a later date (and will be posted here as well).
A more formal announcement will be forthcoming, but in the meantime any Chamber members that may be interested in bidding for work related to the Winter Haven ILC should save the May 20th date.
Photograph upper left: BNSF Rail Terminal, Alliance Gateway, Dallas/Ft.Worth, Texas
| See other posts filed in: CSX - Winter Haven, Commercial Developments, Economic Development, General Announcements, Transportation, Uncategorized
Posted: February 24, 2009: 10:53 am
Cypress Gardens new management team will be led by Bill Sims (pictured at left) who announced today that both the Botanical Gardens and Splash Island water park will reopen March 28 to coincide with Spring Break. Sims was introduced to assembled news media by former State Senator Rick Dantzler who has served on a consulting basis with park owners since November 2008. Dantzler’s wife is the granddaughter of park founders Dick and Julie Pope.
“Those who hold current annual passes will see those extended by four months to compensate for the four months the park has been closed. New annual passes will go on sale March 1,” Sims stated. Under the new structure the Gardens and the Waterpark will have separate admission gates and sell separate tickets. Ticket prices will be reduced up to 40% off 2008 prices.
Sims previously worked at Cypress Gardens from 1970 to 1985 ultimately serving as Executive Vice President working with Dick Pope Sr., and his son, Dick Pope, Jr. He has also headed management teams at Silver Springs in Ocala and Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill.
“I cut my teeth in the entertaiment industry at Cypress Gardes and learned from the best in the business, Dick Pope, Sr.” Sims said, “I’m thrilled to be returning.”
The reborn Cypress Gardens will focus on the iconic Botanical and Topiary Gardens along with the Splash Island Water Park. The famous water ski shows and electric boat tours will also resume operation. A number of special events including flower festivals and concerts are being scheduled and will be announced in the near future.
Sims announced many past employees of Cypress Gardens will be contacted in the coming weeks regarding resumption of their duties at the attraction.
Chamber President Seretha Tinsley noted that Cypress Gardens plays an important role in our community and the entire county. A successful business model for the Gardens will help our restaurants, hotels and other businesses be more successful in the long term.
Welcome Mr. Sims … we wish you and the Gardens great success.
| See other posts filed in: City of Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens, Economic Development, General Announcements, Tourism
Previous Posts
The Official Website of the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
