LAKELAND, Fla. (Aug. 17, 2023) – CareerSource Polk celebrated Polk County’s workforce achievements through awards recognizing businesses, community partners and individuals committed to workforce and economic development. The 2023 Annual Meeting & Best Places to Work Awards Breakfast was held Thursday, August 17 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. This year’s theme, “GAMEDAY 2.0: Game Changers”, explored how factors driving recruitment success in collegiate athletics can be harnessed to attract and cultivate “game changers” in the workforce. Attendees also heard from special guest, Chelsi Williams, the 2023 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Track Athlete of the Year. Williams is ranked in the nation’s top 10 in both the 100-meter hurdles and triple jump. CareerSource Polk is pleased to have Regal Lakeland, the Lakeland Housing Authority, Career Tech Truck Driving School, and 4 Rivers Smokehouse as partner sponsors for this event.
2023 marks the 20-year anniversary of CareerSource Polk’s Best Places to Work Awards. The recognition honors companies exemplifying best practices in their workplace and a commitment to improving the quality of life for their employees. Awards were presented to businesses in the Small, Medium, and Large Business Category.
Board Members Recognized:
Hammer Award: Karen Case, LEGOLAND Florida Resort
This award is named after one of CareerSource Polk’s founding board members and a true champion of workforce development, Marvin Hammer. Created in 2001, the award honors a board member who has dedicated significant personal time and effort to CareerSource Polk’s initiatives.
Miller Award: Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, Polk State College
This award recognizes a board member who has demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to Polk County’s workforce development through their engaged leadership, innovation, time, integrity, and high moral and ethical standards.
Workforce Champion Award: George Lindsey, Polk County Board of County Commissioners
This award honors a Polk County constituent or individual for their efforts in supporting the local workforce system. The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting or improving the quality and success of workforce services to Polk County employers and/or workers.
Chairman’s Choice Pillar of Hope Award: Arthur Harris, CareerSource Polk
Created in 2022, this award recognizes a frontline workforce development system staff person who has made significant impacts on the lives of others. The recipient must have clearly demonstrated an unwavering commitment to minimizing barriers and improving outcomes for those who engage with the local workforce development system.
A select number of Polk County residents received financial assistance through the Workforce Incentive Awards. Recipients have pursued a career through the CareerSource Polk workforce system and have demonstrated a commitment to becoming and remaining self-sufficient.
To view more information about upcoming events from CareerSource Polk, visit www.careersourcepolk.com.
About CareerSource Polk
CareerSource Polk is a private, nonprofit administrator of workforce funds. As an equal opportunity employer and program, CareerSource Polk is supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture as part of awards totaling $13.4 million (revised annually).
CareerSource Polk is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this document may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. For more information about the programs and services offered by CareerSource Polk visit, www.careersourcepolk.com.