Lakeland

USF PolyTech in Lakeland, the newest USF campus, aims to become the center of the high-tech universe along Interstate 4 connecting Tampa to Orlando. The fledgling university’s plans call for cross-disciplinary studies that emphasize math, science and technology as the best formula for growing intellectual capital. Down the road, tiny Florida Southern College is home to 10 architecturally significant buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. New or expanding companies include WellDyneRx, Firmenich, Pepperidge Farm, Saddle Creek and GTECH Printing. Nearly 100,000 residents enjoy an eclectic mix of neighborhoods and housing that runs the gamut from mobile homes to millionaire mansions.

Publix Tests Online Grocery Shopping In Citrus Park In Tampa

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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August 17, 2010

Publix Super Markets plans on expanding its services to include online grocery ordering, which will include a test run at a Tampa store.The system will allow customers to place an order for a $7.99 fee with no minimum amount required. Customers will then be able to choose where they want their groceries delivered.The Lakeland-based company unveiled its online grocery shopping program Publix Curbside in an Atlanta store and plans to test it in a second location -- the Shoppes of Citrus Park in Tampa -- in the near future.Read the complete story.

Summer Program At USF Poly Attracts Gifted Students

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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August 3, 2010

The Central Florida Gifted and Talented Institute is a two-week program at the University of South Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland that offers high-performing students the opportunity to learn more about technology and the environment. Gifted students entering grades seven through nine pick from three programs that range form outdoor activities focusing on environmental issues (Extreme Green Challenge), robotics (Hot 2 Bot Applied Robotics Academy), and science-fiction multimedia (Sci-Fi High: Where Fiction Meets Reality). This is the only program of its kind in Polk County, according to the Lakeland Ledger. The program culminates in student projects that go on public display at the USF Poly Campus. Read the complete story.

Competitive Grant Could Extend High-Speed Rail To TIA

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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July 13, 2010

Tampa City Council Member Mary Mulhern is pursuing a competitive federal grant aimed at developing high-speed corridors. The grant will likely be applied toward the expansion of the high-speed-rail project to include a stop at Tampa International Airport. The deadline for applications is Aug. 6. If future funding is available, the rail could be expanded to Miami by 2018, according to The Tampa Tribune. Read the complete story.

Geico Adds Jobs At Lakeland Call Center, Provides Customer Service

By Mandy Erfourth

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Economic Development

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June 22, 2010

The Geico gecko says the insurance company is hiring for three different departments in its Lakeland offices.Geico is looking to fill position in customer service, sales and claims. "The bottom line for these jobs is customer service, dealing with our customers," says Paula Griffith, professional recruiter.Customer service department employees deal with Geico customers. The sales department deals with prospective customers letting them know how much the insurance costs. The claims department helps customers who have had an accident file a claim. "It's kind of like the life cycle of an insurance policy with all these positions," Griffith says. Geico's call center in Lakeland employs approximately 1,800 people and Geico employs a total of 24,000 in the country. According to Griffith, the company is growing everyday and these positions are to support current and anticipated growth. Geico currently insures 9 million policyholders and over 16 million vehicles through 12 major U.S. offices. In 2008 A.M. Best market share data ranked Geico the third-largest private car insurance company in the U.S. Geico also offers insurance for motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, boats, homeowners, renters, condominium co-op mobile homes, personal umbrella protection, life insurance, flood insurance, overseas insurance, commercial auto insurance and identify theft protection.Writer: Mandy ErfourthSource: Paula Griffith, Geico

Polk State College Launches Agricultural Business And Technology Program

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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June 15, 2010

Polk State College will launch a new Agricultural Business/Technology Institute in July as part of its Corporate College. The program plans to focus on Homeland Security, agricultural safety and water management. PSC campuses in Winter Haven, Lakeland and Lake Wales will offer the course initially, and will eventually be taught on PSC campuses in Bartow and Davenport. Read the complete story.

Lakeland’s Highland Homes Makes Builder Magazine’s Top 100

By Matt Spencer

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Buzz

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June 1, 2010

Builder Magazine's annual list of the top 100 U.S. builders ranks Highland Homes of Lakeland at #73. The position is an 11-place jump from 2008. To view the complete list, head to the magazine's website. Click here to read the complete story.

Lakeland’s USF Polytechnic Opens Business Incubator

By Missy Kavanaugh

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Economic Development

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May 18, 2010

University of South Florida Polytechnic has opened two public business incubator locations: Blue Sky West at 116 S. Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland and Blue Sky East at 199 Ave. B NW in Winter Haven.The Blue Sky locations will serve entrepreneurs and start-up companies by providing services that include mentoring, analytics, research and marketing in fully equipped and furnished offices located in Florida's high tech corridor near major airports, ports and universities. USF Poly faculty will provide guidance and students will provide services."We're looking to develop skill sets," says Eddie Hills, Blue Sky's director of New Venture Development. "In our relationships with our entrepreneurial clients, we coordinate our students' skill sets and schedules with the client's needs and time frame."The incubators' openings coincide with Polytechnic becoming accredited as a four-year program. "By the time our graduates complete four years with us, they can do real-world projects and learn a practical skill set," says Hill. "Even if you've never worked a real job on the outside, this is invaluable experience." Hill says students may participate as entrepreneurial clients at Blue Sky as well. The program will serve Polk, Hardee, Highlands and DeSoto counties.According to the National Business Incubation Association, there are more than 1,400 business incubators in North America. The NBIA estimates that business incubators generated $17 billion in revenue within their communities in 2005. "We're hoping to build industry clusters," says Hill. "We hope to grow an entire generation of entrepreneurs here. If you want to grow a business, terrific. If you want to start a nonprofit, we're here. If you want to become an entrepreneur in a company you're already working for, then we can help you there, too."Writer: Missy KavanaughSource: Eddie Hill, Blue Sky at USF Polyechnic

2010 Super Regional Leadership Conference Unites Tampa Bay, Orlando

By Nancy Vaughn

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Technology & Innovation

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May 11, 2010

The 2010 Super Regional Leadership Conference, a collaboration between the Tampa Bay Partnership and the Central Florida Partnership, will be held on May 26-27 near Orlando.The event will be at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee and sessions will include: Connecting for Global Competitiveness presented by Professor Jonathan Barnett and members of his Urban Design Studio class, and Global Space Activity: A Florida High Tech Opportunity. Keynote speaker Secretary Ray Lahood with the U.S. Department of Transportation will discuss the high-speed rail planned to connect Tampa and Orlando, and how good transportation leads to sustainable communities.Ever since President Obama came to Tampa for a town hall meeting at the University of Tampa on Jan. 28 to announce Florida's award of $1.25 billion for a high speed rail, the Super Region is said to be the envy of the nation as we obtain opportunities for job creation and global competitiveness. The conference will serve as an opportunity for businesses to discover how to take advantage of the merging of two regions.This year's conference will have a Pecha Kucha challenge, making use of the rapid fire presentation style of 20 images for 20 seconds, which makes for a 6 minute and 40 second presentation. Applications for presenters will be accepted until Friday, May 14, from anyone who has "an initiative that leaders in the 14-county super region should be aware of as far as economic and/business excellence, coordination of assets, innovation or job creation." Brief proposals may be emailed to Chris Steinocher, COO-SVP marketing & business development, at the Tampa Bay Partnership. His email address: csteinocher@tampabay.orgConference participants who register before Saturday, May 15, will save $20. For more information on the 2010 Super Regional Leadership Conference, click here.Writer: Nancy VaughnSource: Chris Steinocher, Tampa Bay Partnership

Nielsen Media Plans To Hire Research Professionals In Tampa Bay Region

By Brad Stager

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Technology & Innovation

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May 11, 2010

How many viewers watch a top-rated television show means more than bragging rights for the producers and talent involved in creating and presenting it. Knowing the number of people in particular age groups who saw the latest episode of "American Idol" or a local newscast allows network and station executives to set rates for commercials aired during the broadcasts.Nielsen Media Research, Inc. is an international company that measures television, radio, newspaper, online and movie audiences. Much of the work is performed in locations around the Tampa Bay region, including Oldsmar, Dunedin, Lakeland and Tampa. The jobs that Nielsen Media employees perform are many in number and function. A list of jobs available in the Tampa Bay region includes openings for interviewers, writers, editors, managers, analysts, marketers and IT professionals. There's an ongoing need for research interviewers who make phone calls to media consumers to get survey information, with a particular need for employees with Spanish language skills. According to Nielsen Media recruiter Jennifer McDonald, the call center in Dunedin is a good place for people interested in a media research career to start. "Working in the call center is cyclical and part-time, but it's a great way to get your foot in the door at the company," she says. McDonald also says Nielsen promotes from within, has a strong benefits package for full-time employees and, with locations around the world, provides career-minded employees with global opportunities.Writer: Brad StagerSource: Jennifer McDonald, Nielsen Media Research

Engineered For Success: Turkish Immigrant Designs Futuristic Tracking Devices In Polk County

By Jan Hollingsworth

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General

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May 4, 2010

A petite engineer with big ideas aims to revolutionize high-tech inventory control, courtesy of a partnership between the University of Florida and Franwell, a Lakeland firm committed to innovating Radio Frequency Identification technology.