Target Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector in Florida, particularly in Polk County, has shown remarkable growth and diversity, offering a wealth of opportunities for both existing and prospective companies. The data provided by Florida TaxWatch highlights the significant economic impact of this sector, with a projected contribution to millions of jobs and a substantial increase in the state’s annual output. Polk County’s strategic advantages in logistics and distribution, coupled with a skilled workforce and a tradition of innovation, create an ideal environment for advanced manufacturing companies to thrive. This robust network of over 440 manufacturers, ranging from small operations to large enterprises, underscores the region’s capacity to support and sustain industrial growth. As trends continue to favor the manufacturing industry, Polk County is well-positioned to maintain its status as a hub for advanced manufacturing, ensuring long-term economic vitality and job creation in the area.
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Agribusiness & Technology
Bartow, Florida, stands as a central pillar in the state’s agribusiness and agri-technology education, thanks to the presence of Florida Citrus Mutual, UF/IFAS Extension Office, and the Department of Citrus. This triad of institutions forms a robust support system for a wide array of agricultural activities, including food flavoring, agricultural equipment manufacturing, food processing, and the cultivation of diverse crops such as blueberries, citrus, and hemp. Innovative farming practices are also being explored in the region, with some farmers venturing into the production of olives and sod. The Mosaic Company plays a crucial role in this agricultural ecosystem by providing essential fertilizers that contribute to the health and yield of these crops. Furthermore, cattle farming is a significant industry in Polk County, with a substantial number of operational farms sustaining a large population of cattle. This integrated network of education, innovation, and production underscores Bartow’s importance in Florida’s agricultural landscape and its contribution to the state’s economy.
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Aviation & Aerospace
Access to the facilities is varied and is a true multi-modal hub as the Bartow Executive Airport and Industrial Complex contains four-lane highway frontage, three active runways, and a railroad spur. The existing inter-modal area consists of approximately 40 acres; approximately 8000 linear feet of rail spurs and has approximately 380,000 square feet of existing warehouse/distribution/shed type facilities. The Airport Master Plan calls for the Inter-modal Center area to be expanded to approximately 70 acres. A 10 to 20-year Long Term Inter-modal Concept was prepared that illustrates the potential development of this Airports Inter-modal Center. It includes rail spur realignments, additional rail spurs and expanded rail spurs. The land adjacent to the rail spurs could facilitate approximately 260,000 square feet of additional warehouse distribution facilities. The airport offers transportation and distribution opportunities as well as manufacturing sites and manages over 60 buildings, with a variety of tenants including cold storage, water treatment facility, trucking, as well as county and state offices. According to the latest Florida Department of Transportation Economic Impact study of the Bartow Executive Airport and Industrial Park, the airport and industrial park produced nearly 111.9 million dollars in goods and services in 2018.
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Business Services
Key talent can be found locally at companies such as Kelly Services, Labor Solutions, and Spherion Staffing, members of the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Bartow. Companies like the non-profit CareerSource Polk oversees state programs dedicated to preparing a skilled workforce. Florida is one of only seven states that does not have a state income tax. Taking sales, corporate, property, and other state and local taxes into consideration, Florida ranks in the bottom five states in terms of how much it taxes its residents.
Logistics & Supply Chains
According to the Central Florida Development Council, Polk County is an ideal location for logistics, supply chain, and distribution companies. Situated in the heart of the state, it boasts 122,000 miles of highway, over 3,000 miles of freight rail, six airports within 60 miles, and two international ports within 90 miles. While its strategic location is a major draw for businesses, other factors also contribute. The land is competitively priced and abundant. The local government is supportive of economic development and collaborates effectively with new businesses. Additionally, workforce training is readily available, often at no cost to employers.
Additionally, Polk County boasts excellent access and infrastructure. Interstate 4 provides easy access to the northern part of the county, while State Road 60 and U.S. Highway 27 serve the south and east, respectively. Port Tampa Bay, an international facility, handles shipping 45 miles to the west, and the CSX Intermodal Logistics Center, located about 30 minutes southeast in Winter Haven, offers rail service. Foreign Trade Zone 79 supports companies along the I-4 corridor, enhancing their international competitiveness in various industries. Nearly 20 million people in Florida can be reached within a day, giving companies that locate here an advantage over competitors in the growing e-commerce and delivery markets. With Fortune 500 companies like Publix, Amazon and Walmart already doing business in Polk County, it’s easy to see why others are following their trail.