Haines City Economic Development Council

Haines City EDC Appoints Tim Clark as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Read our latest blog to learn more about Tim.

Haines City EDC Welcomes Tim Clark as Chair of the Board of Directors The Haines City Economic Development Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Clark, President and Chief Executive Officer of

Senate President Ben Albritton shared his perspective and priorities for the 2026 legislative session, offering a direct line of insight into the issues that will define Florida’s legislative agenda in 2026.

"The Chamber’s work matters—not just in Tallahassee, but in communities across the state.”

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Sending heartfelt prayers to Fred Reilly, our dedicated Haines City City Attorney for 12+ years, as he steps down due to his ongoing fight against stage four prostate cancer. Fred has been a huge supporter of the Haines City EDC, helping drive growth & opportunity in our community. Wishing Fred strength, healing, and peace. 🙏❤️ Fred Reilly

Reilly said people often ask what they can do. “Please keep me in your prayers,” he said. “I’m in the fight for my life, and I need all the support I can get.”

After 12 years of service, Haines City Attorney Fred Reilly resigns due to health reasons.

Daily Ridge Media offers our prayers and best wishes to Fred in his ongoing battle.

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In the rapidly evolving job market, the gap between the skills employers need and the skills job seekers possess has become increasingly prominent. This skills gap can impede economic growth and limit opportunities for individuals seeking meaningful employment. Job training programs have emerged as a vital tool in bridging this divide, providing both new entrants to the workforce and existing employees with the skills required to succeed in modern industries. By focusing on targeted skills training, these programs not only benefit individuals but also strengthen the overall workforce.

How Job Training Programs Bridge the Skills Gap In today's rapidly evolving job market, the gap between the skills employers need and the skills job seekers possess has become increasingly prominent

As energy costs continue to rise and the need for sustainable operations becomes more urgent, business owners are increasingly looking for ways to manage their energy consumption more effectively. Smart energy incentives are emerging as a timely and effective strategy to reduce costs and promote energy efficiency. This blog explores some of the most appealing smart energy incentives available now to business owners, aiming to simplify the transition towards more sustainable practices.

Smart Energy Incentives for Business Owners Now As energy costs continue rise and the need for sustainable operations becomes urgent, business owners are increasingly looking for ways to manage cost

In Northeast Polk County, agriculture has long been part of everyday life shaping our landscape, our work ethic, and our sense of community. While Haines City today is also known for its growing logistics and distribution networks, many local families still have roots in citrus, cattle, nurseries, and land stewardship. Our students often encounter agriculture early through FFA chapters, school-based ag programs, and hands-on experiences that spark a genuine connection to the land. Those sparks deserve pathways to grow into futures.

AgriPolk: Growing the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders in Polk County AgriPolk prepares students for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, animal and plant science, biotechnology, and ag-technology.

One of the primary ways that a business park drives economic growth is through job creation. By housing numerous manufacturing and distribution facilities, these parks offer a diverse array of employment opportunities across various skill levels. With the clustering of businesses within a specific area, business parks not only attract local talent but also draw workers from surrounding regions. This influx of employment opportunities stimulates local economies and contributes to increased consumer spending, further fueling economic growth.

How Industrial Parks Are Driving Economic Growth One of the primary ways that a business park drives economic growth is through job creation.

The Haines City Economic Development Council received a $10,000 award from the Duke Energy Foundation, part of $255,000 in grants to 20 Florida organizations aimed at sharpening Florida business recruitment and workforce edge. Since 2020, Duke Energy and its foundation have provided $1.98 million in economic-development grants in Florida.

The grant arrives amid a strong year in the Haines City Industrial Park. GrowthSpotter reported $193 million in 2025 construction, with the EDC marketing six available sites ranging from 16 to 105.9 acres and positioning roughly 407 acres of industrial park property for future investment .

EDC Lands Duke Energy Grant as Industrial Investment for Economic Development in Central Florida. The Haines City Economic Development Council received a $10,000 award from the Duke Energy Foundation, part of $255,000 in grants to 20 Florida