Sean Malott, President & CEO, Central Florida Development Council
Invest: met with Sean Malott, president and CEO of the Central Florida Development Council, to discuss the region’s rapid growth and economic development, focusing on its strategic efforts regarding regional infrastructure improvements and workforce development initiatives.
What strategies or plans is the Central Florida Development Council implementing to sustain and diversify the region’s economic environment and growth?
It’s key to discuss how we continue to build upon our existing industry base while expanding into new sectors. Polk County’s Economic Development Partnership is fundamentally about growing both the job base and the tax base in the area to support a higher quality of life.
Our foremost focus is promoting Polk County as Florida’s premier place for business. This consistent messaging has been a cornerstone of our efforts over the past several years. We aim to make companies feel confident and welcome in our community, ensuring they view this area as a prime location for growth and expansion.
We’re not just attracting new companies but also reinforcing our reputation as a hub for business expansion. We communicate this through multiple channels, including publications, our website, social media, and other digital messaging platforms. As the region grows, more people are learning about Polk County, but we remain focused on spreading our message to ensure our community continues to stand out.
We focus on helping smaller communities enhance their competitiveness. This includes preparing infrastructure to support high-value industries such as research, manufacturing, and technology. Supporting these smaller communities ensures that they are ready to host the next wave of business development and attract diverse industries.
Which sectors or industries are you prioritizing to drive economic growth in Polk County, and how do you intend to attract businesses within those sectors?
Manufacturing is a key focus area for us. Many manufacturing companies are drawn to this region because of our strategic location, which is validated by logistics companies that rely on Polk County to access millions of consumers efficiently. Manufacturers see the benefit of proximity to end-users and logistics partners, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in this sector.
Manufacturing is a valuable industry for the area because it typically brings higher wages, significant investment, and strong workforce training programs. These programs not only help employees develop new skills for their current roles but also prepare them for future opportunities.
We’re also seeing growth in sectors such as autonomous systems, tied to SunTrax and Florida Polytechnic University, aviation and aerospace, and health sciences. The health industry, in particular, has become a critical driver of high-paying jobs in the region. These industries represent exciting opportunities for both economic development and workforce advancement.
How is the local infrastructure evolving to support this rapid growth, particularly in manufacturing?
Infrastructure development is a critical priority. Investments in transportation infrastructure are particularly significant, with tens of millions of dollars being allocated to enhance road systems throughout Polk County. Additionally, there is ongoing development in alternative water resources and the expansion of fiber networks, which are vital for future businesses.
One of the most attention-grabbing projects is the anticipated Brightline train stop in Polk County. Although the exact location hasn’t been finalized, we foresee it being a significant milestone within the next decade, connecting Tampa Bay to South Florida and enhancing regional mobility. This connectivity will be transformative for residents, visitors, and professionals alike.
How does the CFDC collaborate with local governments and the private sector to create a unified vision for Central Florida’s future?
The CFDC operates as a private entity under a contract with Polk County, making it the county’s economic development partnership. Our board of directors includes public and private stakeholders — about 100 of the largest companies in the region — and together, we shape the organization’s direction.
Our work focuses on four pillars: promoting Polk County as Florida’s best place for business, advocating for key issues, facilitating collaborative partnerships, and advancing strategic initiatives. By bringing together community members, elected officials, and private investors, we align priorities and ensure that the region’s needs are addressed effectively.
What are the CFDC’s top priorities for the next two to three years?
Our top priority is ensuring that high-quality businesses not only consider but choose Polk County for their operations. We aim to attract technology-enabled industries, such as health sciences, autonomous vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and aviation. We’re also working to elevate our position as a hub for innovation and research-focused employment.
To support these goals, we’re advancing infrastructure projects to meet the needs of our growing population — around 78 people move here every day. This growth underscores the importance of multimodal transportation, housing, and community resources to maintain a high quality of life.
What initiatives is the CFDC spearheading to ensure the region has a skilled labor force?
We collaborate closely with partners like Polk State College, Florida Polytechnic University, and CareerSource Polk to develop tailored training programs. For instance, Polk State is opening a new campus in Haines City, and its advanced training facility in Bartow is a key resource for workforce development. Our Career and Technical Education programs are also exceptional. Students in our Aerospace Academy can even earn a pilot’s license before a driver’s license.
These programs prepare individuals at various career stages, from high-school students to professionals seeking retraining. We aim to provide pathways to success for everyone.
What role do technology and innovation play in driving Central Florida’s economic growth, and how does the CFDC support tech startups and advanced industries?
Technology and innovation are central to our vision. The Central Florida Innovation District, surrounding Florida Polytechnic University and SunTrax, is a prime example. This 3,000-acre area is being developed as a hub for research, technology, and startups. Our goal is to create a future city centered on innovation, including incubator spaces for startups and research parks for cutting-edge companies.
