East Polk Committee of 100 : The Power of the Region

Fast Facts

  
Population: 559,664
Proj. Growth: 612,505
Median Age: 38.38
Avg. Household
Income:		 $42,235

PCC Corporate College's Supply Chain Management Institute Lands $1.2 Million Grant

PCC was one of only five higher institutions in the nation to receive full funding from the DOT through its Transportation Education Development Pilot Program (TEDPP). 

“We are elated and proud to be the only community college in the nation to receive a fully funded federal grant that will enable us to develop, refine, and expand degree and certificate programs offered by PCC’s Supply Chain Management Institute,” PCC President Eileen Holden said.  “This grant not only reflects favorably on PCC, but also on our industry partners, who have collaborated with us in bringing the Institute to fruition.” 

According to Rob Clancey, director of the PCC Corporate College, PCC will receive $300,000 each year over the next four years, and will use the funds to expand and fine-tune the Supply Chain Management Institute’s curriculum, establish a technically-advanced training lab featuring new computer hardware and software, and provide scholarship assistance for incumbent workers in the supply chain field who wish to pursue studies at the Institute. 

“The grant will also give us much needed flexibility to add new programs, to keep pace with the needs of our private sector partners, and also allow us to share our expertise with other schools throughout the nation,” Clancey said, noting that the federal funding will help PCC to achieve its goal of molding the Supply Chain Management Institute into a model for the nation.  PCC is one of only two community colleges in Florida that offers a training and educational program in Supply Chain Management that leads to an Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Geotechnical Expert Joins Local Engineering Firm

GEOTECHNICAL EXPERT JOINS LOCAL ENGINEERING FIRM  

BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc., a Lakeland, Florida based engineering firm, announces the addition of a new Geotechnical Engineering Project Manager. 

Lakeland, FL – May 28, 2008 – BCI is pleased to announce the addition of geotechnical expert Mr. Roberto Sanchez, PE, PG, PH-GW, CGWP to its team of professionals.  Mr. Sanchez further strengthens the firm’s existing world-class expertise in geotechnical engineering. 

Mr. Sanchez joins BCI as a Project Manager and has nearly 25 years of experience in the field of Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Management.  He has a strong educational background, advanced analytical and computational skills, in-depth knowledge of industry practices and regulatory procedures, and extraordinary communication and presentation skills.  His experiences and expertise in Geotechnical Engineering and Hydrogeology have uniquely qualified him to serve as senior advisor to some of the most successful oil and natural gas companies in the world.

BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. is a multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consulting firm.  BCI’s primary focus is to develop comprehensive solutions to complex engineering and environmental issues using state of the art professional engineering and scientific resources.  Our professionals offer expertise in the following areas: Civil Engineering, GeoEnvironmental & Remediation Services, Geotechnical Engineering & Mining, Insurance Services, and Water Resources.  BCI also provides expert testimony services and operates a US Army Corps of Engineers certified soil and materials testing laboratory. 

For more information, please visit www.bcieng.com.

BCI Engineers & Scientists Announces New District Manager of Fire Investigations

LOCAL ENGINEERING FIRM STRENGTHENS FIRE EXPERTISE UNDER FLORIDA’S HAZARDOUS DROUGHT CONDITIONS  

BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc., a Lakeland, Florida based engineering firm, announces the addition of a new District Manager of Fire Investigations. 

Lakeland, FL – May 28, 2008 – BCI is pleased to announce the addition of fire and explosion expert Mr. Stephen O’Connor, CFI, CFEI, CVFI, PI to the firm’s Insurance Services group.    

Mr. O’Conner has more than 23 years experience in the fire service industry.  His background includes extensive experience in fire and explosion investigations, both for public and private entities.  His specific expertise includes origin and cause of accidental, incendiary fires and explosions and product failure / misuse investigations.  He is skilled at fire pattern analysis, ignition sequence, scene documentation, collection and processing of evidence, product research and client consultation. 

BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc. is a multidisciplinary engineering and environmental consulting firm.  BCI’s primary focus is to develop comprehensive solutions to complex engineering and environmental issues using state of the art professional engineering and scientific resources.  Our professionals offer expertise in the following areas: Civil Engineering, GeoEnvironmental & Remediation Services, Geotechnical Engineering & Mining, Insurance Services, and Water Resources.  BCI also provides expert testimony services and operates a US Army Corps of Engineers certified soil and materials testing laboratory. 

For more information, please visit www.bcieng.com.

 

 

FEDINC Engineer, Robert A. D'Aiello, Receives 2008 Engineer of the Year Award

ROBERT A. D’AIELLO, P.E. HONORED AS 2008 ENGINEER OF THE YEAR FOR THE FLORIDA ENGINEERING SOCIETY, RIDGE CHAPTER 

Lakeland, FL – Every year the Florida Engineering Society, Ridge Branch honors and recognizes engineers who have made a profound impact in the industry.  At the annual Florida Engineering Society and American Society of Civil Engineers’ awards banquet held on Thursday, May 1, 2008, Robert A. D’Aiello, P.E. was honored as the Florida Engineering Society, Ridge Branch – 2008 Engineer of the Year. 

A closer look at where civil engineering stands today helps to illustrate the potential and vision that started several decades ago. After service to our country and an honorable discharge from the United States Marines during the Vietnam era, Robert completed his education as a civil engineer from Roger Williams University, Rhode Island in 1973.  His early years were spent working in the phosphate industry as a production engineer. 

In 1987, Robert envisioned supplying his expertise to other industries in the area including the mining industry.  As a result, he established Florida Engineering and Design, Inc. (FEDINC) to supply this vision.  2007 marked FEDINC’s 20th year in business and as an award winner of the 2007 BestPlaces to Work in Polk County and the Spirit of the Family awards.  These proud achievements among many are very significant milestones for Mr. D’Aiello and his team of highly qualified engineers, scientists, designers, and support staff. Robert has always believed that delivering quality solutions and treating people fairly were fundamental to long-term success. 

Mr. D’Aiello and his staff are continually contributing to exiting new directions and establishing strong ties.  These interactions will have far-reaching outcomes in our community and the future of engineering.

 

HOT LEADS

There are four significant economic development projects on the horizon.  These industries are currently qualifying for state incentives, economic development project impact fee mitigation and workforce training assistance. The confidential businesses include a pharmaceutical products company, a printing company, a flavors and essences company and a manufacturing company.  In total, the combined projects represent the creation of 1,076 jobs with a capital investment of approximately $58 million. Each of these projects is close to finalizing their decision to locate in Polk Count and we look forward to announcing these projects in the near future.

Cellynne Paper Manufacturer

In partnership with the Haines City EDC, the CFDC announces the expansion of Cellynne paper manufacturer in Haines City.  The company is currently constructing a 98,000 SF warehouse that will store its finished goods, and will soon be constructing a 27,000 SF expansion that will house its new Metso paper machine.  Cellynne will be capable of producing 35,000 tons of tissue and toweling a year. 

The capital investment of this project is $37 million and Cellynne has created 22 new jobs.  The EDC and CFDC helped Cellynne obtain impact fee mitigation, as well as sales tax exemption on electricity used during their manufacturing process.

Coca-Cola Main Street Plant - Auburndale

In association with the East Polk Committee of 100 and the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce, the CFDC announced the 40-person expansion of Coca-Cola’s Main Street plant.  Recruitment for the juice plant’s new employees who will earn an average of $15 an hour was performed boy our Polk Works 20/20 partners.  CFDC staff responded to the company’s request for enhanced electric power service to the 660,000 SF facility and linked Coca-Cola engineers with their counterparts at Tampa Electric Company.

Luxury Office Condominiums Planned

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amanda-Jo Nicholson
Govoni Properties and Investments, Inc.
001-863-551-1300 ext. 25
amanda@gvint.com  

LUXURY OFFICE CONDOMINIUMS PLANNED FOR DOWNTOWN AUBURNDALE 

Auburndale, Florida, April 14, 2008 Govoni Properties LLC (Auburndale, Florida) has acquired the final tract to develop an 8000+/- square foot luxury office condominium project in the heart of Downtown Auburndale, Florida. The as yet unnamed project will offer lease, option and purchase opportunities with prices from $165 per square foot, or $13 NNN. 

According to Brian R. Govoni, of Govoni Properties, LLC, “This project provides a previously unavailable real estate opportunity in Downtown Auburndale; namely the possibility to purchase Class A office space in blocks as small as 900 square feet, and to beat the price increases in commercial property that will likely result from the location of USF in Auburndale, and the continued development of the residential corridor along 559”. 

Govoni Properties and Investments, Inc. (Auburndale, Florida) have been appointed as exclusive sales/leasing agent for the project. 

The single story building will consist of approximately six modern office condominium units of various sizes, and will provide: 

-   Convenient access to Downtown 
   Auburndale, Interstate 4, The Polk 
   Parkway and the proposed USF and
   Lake Myrtle sites.
-  Ample parking on site.
-   Private exterior access to each unit.
-   “Move-in ready” units, with minimal 
   interior build out required.
-   Sale, Lease and Lease Options
   available.  

Govoni Properties and Investments, Inc. are seeking broker participation in selling this exciting project, and will offer generous commissions to outside brokers. 

To register interest and receive priority updates on this project, please call or email the above.