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CareerSource Polk honored workforce achievements in Polk County with awards recognizing community partners, individuals, and businesses. This year’s theme, "The Talk – The Insider’s View of the Workplace," provided valuable insights into how various generations are navigating today’s workforce. Lakeland Housing Authority served as the title sponsor, demonstrating ongoing support for the organization, while Regal Automotive Group (Regal Lakeland), Polk State College, and Central Florida Development Council also partnered as event sponsors.
For the last 20 years, CareerSource Polk has recognized companies in Polk County with the Best Places to Work Awards, a unique honor dedicated to those who demonstrate exemplary workplace practices and are dedicated to enhancing their employees' quality of life. Awards were given to businesses across Small, Medium, and Large Business Categories. Companies that have won a Best Places to Work Award for three consecutive years were distinguished with the title of "Employers of Distinction."
2023 Best Places to Work Recipients
Small Business Category (1 to 50 employees):
Medium Business Category (51 to 250 employees):
Large Business Category (251+ employees):
Employers of Distinction – 2023-2025 Winners:
At the Annual Meeting, President & CEO Stacy Campbell-Domineck presented the CareerSource Polk 2023-2024 Annual Report, which can be viewed here: https://cspolk.info/23-24annualreport. Both the event and the annual report recognize individuals and companies that made notable contributions to the workforce development board's initiatives in Polk County throughout the 2023-2024 program year.
CareerSource Polk’s Board of Directors honored the recipients of the Workforce Incentive Awards, celebrating their resilience in overcoming significant employment barriers. These awards recognize community members who have fully engaged with the workforce system, using every resource to enhance their skills, secure jobs, and build brighter futures.
"As we celebrate our Workforce Incentive Award recipients, we’re reminded of the real challenges many in our community face daily," said Stacy Campbell-Domineck, President & CEO of CareerSource Polk. "Barriers like affordable housing, transportation, and childcare can seem overwhelming, but through the support of our partners and the resilience of those we serve, we are creating pathways to success."
In Polk County, where challenges like unreliable transportation and high costs of living impact workplace success, this year’s award recipients have shown extraordinary perseverance. During this year’s event, CareerSource Polk provided over $50,000 in Workforce Incentive Awards. Thanks to Regal Lakeland and the Lakeland Housing Authority, CareerSource Polk was able to give away five cars, and provide six individuals with funding for car repairs, three individuals with financial support for childcare, six with rent or mortgage assistance or funding for housing repair, and one with homeownership. The organization also surprised 24 members of the RP Funding Center event staff with $200 each for their valuable service during our annual events. These efforts highlight CareerSource Polk’s commitment to removing employment barriers and supporting community success