ARTICLE
CareerSource Polk celebrated workforce excellence in Polk County by recognizing outstanding community partners, individuals, and businesses. This year’s Annual Meeting carried the theme "T.A.K.E.N.," highlighting how generations are Together Aligning Knowledge, Experience, and New thinking to create meaningful change. Lakeland Housing Authority proudly served as the premier sponsor, with Regal Automotive Group and other valued partners joining in support of the event. For 21 years, CareerSource Polk has presented the Best Places to Work Awards, honoring companies that demonstrate exceptional workplace practices and a strong commitment to improving employees’ quality of life. Organizations earning the award for three consecutive years achieved the distinguished title of Employer of Distinction. 2024 Best Places to Work Award Recipients: American Vulkan Corporation Bank of Central Florida Central Florida Health Care Central Florida Regional Planning Council Citrus Connection City of Haines City City of Mulberry Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. CWI Logistics, Inc. Ideal Cabinetry ITW Professional Automotive Products JP Lamborn Co. Kegel, LLC MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Parker Street Ministries SouthState Bank, N. A. Spherion Staffing The Agricultural and Labor Program Inc. The Lunz Group Veterinary Healthcare Associates Employers of Distinction – 2024-2026 Winners: Shop Madden The Estates at Carpenters A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure Board & Community Awards: Hammer Award: Fifth Third Bank This award was named after one of CareerSource Polk’s founding board members and a true champion of workforce development, Marvin Hammer. Created in 2001, this award honors a board member/partner who has dedicated personal time and effort to CareerSource Polk’s initiatives. Miller Award: Yesse Olivas, Tampa Maid Foods This award was created in 2009 and named after Larry Miller to recognize a board member who has demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to workforce development for our county through their engaged leadership, innovation, time, integrity, and high moral and ethical standards Workforce Champion Award: Curtis Reddick, Area Director, East Polk County Boys & Girls Club, and Chandra Hall, Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, City of Haines City This award, created in 2007, honors a Polk County constituent for its efforts to support 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. This year we are honored to have two award recipients. Chairman’s Choice Pillar of Hope Award: Byron Howard, CareerSource Polk This award was created in 2022 by Board Chair Adil Khan to recognize and show appreciation to a frontline workforce development system staff person who has made significant impacts on the lives of others. The nominee must have clearly demonstrated an unwavering commitment to minimizing barriers and improving outcomes for those who engage with the local workforce development system. CareerSource Polk’s 2025 Partner of the Year Award: Regal Lakeland & the Campisi Family Foundation The Partner of the Year Award is given to organizations who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to workforce development in Polk County through generosity, innovation, and steadfast support, making them champions of opportunity. Youth Participants Youth participants from CareerSource Polk’s programs took center stage at the Annual Meeting, helping run the event and challenging the myth that young people aren’t eager to work. These emerging leaders are either employed in roles they’re passionate about, pursuing degrees in fields they hope to thrive in, or actively engaged in YouthBuild Lakeland earning credentials that will lead to meaningful careers. President & CEO Stacy Campbell-Domineck also presented the CareerSource Polk 2024-2025 Annual Report, which can be viewed at https://cspolk.info/24-25annualreport. The event recognized individuals and companies whose contributions strengthened the workforce development system over the past year. Among the highlights were the Workforce Incentive Awards (WIA), which celebrate community members who have faced and overcome significant employment barriers. These honorees fully engaged with CareerSource Polk’s services, leveraging resources to gain new skills, secure employment, and build sustainable futures. “As we confront the barriers that stand between individuals and meaningful employment - like housing, transportation, and childcare - we’re inspired by the resilience of those we serve,” said Stacy Campbell-Domineck, President & CEO of CareerSource Polk. “Through strong partnerships and unwavering determination, we’re not just removing obstacles - we’re building pathways to lasting success.” This year’s WIA recipients demonstrated remarkable determination despite obstacles such as unreliable transportation and the rising cost of living. CareerSource Polk provided significant financial assistance and, through a partnership with Regal Lakeland, awarded five vehicles to help participants overcome transportation barriers. These efforts reflect CareerSource Polk’s commitment to removing employment barriers and fostering opportunity across the community. About CareerSource Polk CareerSource Polk is a private, nonprofit administrator of workforce funds. Its mission is to be the innovative leader to ensure and sustain a quality workforce for today and the future. CareerSource Polk assists both businesses and job seekers through a wide range of quality programs and services at no cost. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and 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 program funding details in compliance with the Stevens Amendment, please visit https://cspolk.info/funding. Contact: Cristina Mazarredo Director of Outreach & Communications cristina.mazarredo@careersourcepolk.com Office: 863-508-2916
CareerSource Polk celebrated workforce excellence in Polk County by recognizing outstanding community partners, individuals, and businesses.
This year’s Annual Meeting carried the theme "T.A.K.E.N.," highlighting how generations are Together Aligning Knowledge, Experience, and New thinking to create meaningful change. Lakeland Housing Authority proudly served as the premier sponsor, with Regal Automotive Group and other valued partners joining in support of the event. For 21 years, CareerSource Polk has presented the Best Places to Work Awards, honoring companies that demonstrate exceptional workplace practices and a strong commitment to improving employees’ quality of life. Organizations earning the award for three consecutive years achieved the distinguished title of Employer of Distinction.
2024 Best Places to Work Award Recipients:
American Vulkan Corporation Bank of Central Florida Central Florida Health Care Central Florida Regional Planning Council Citrus Connection City of Haines City City of Mulberry Cutrale Citrus Juices USA, Inc. CWI Logistics, Inc. Ideal Cabinetry ITW Professional Automotive Products JP Lamborn Co. Kegel, LLC MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Parker Street Ministries SouthState Bank, N. A. Spherion Staffing The Agricultural and Labor Program Inc. The Lunz Group Veterinary Healthcare Associates
Employers of Distinction – 2024-2026 Winners:
Shop Madden The Estates at Carpenters A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure
Board & Community Awards:
Hammer Award: Fifth Third Bank
This award was named after one of CareerSource Polk’s founding board members and a true champion of workforce development, Marvin Hammer. Created in 2001, this award honors a board member/partner who has dedicated personal time and effort to CareerSource Polk’s initiatives.
Miller Award: Yesse Olivas, Tampa Maid Foods
This award was created in 2009 and named after Larry Miller to recognize a board member who has demonstrated an overwhelming commitment to workforce development for our county through their engaged leadership, innovation, time, integrity, and high moral and ethical standards
Workforce Champion Award: Curtis Reddick, Area Director, East Polk County Boys & Girls Club, and Chandra Hall, Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, City of Haines City
This award, created in 2007, honors a Polk County constituent for its efforts to support 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. This year we are honored to have two award recipients.
Chairman’s Choice Pillar of Hope Award: Byron Howard, CareerSource Polk
This award was created in 2022 by Board Chair Adil Khan to recognize and show appreciation to a frontline workforce development system staff person who has made significant impacts on the lives of others. The nominee must have clearly demonstrated an unwavering commitment to minimizing barriers and improving outcomes for those who engage with the local workforce development system.
CareerSource Polk’s 2025 Partner of the Year Award: Regal Lakeland & the Campisi Family Foundation
The Partner of the Year Award is given to organizations who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to workforce development in Polk County through generosity, innovation, and steadfast support, making them champions of opportunity.
Youth Participants
Youth participants from CareerSource Polk’s programs took center stage at the Annual Meeting, helping run the event and challenging the myth that young people aren’t eager to work. These emerging leaders are either employed in roles they’re passionate about, pursuing degrees in fields they hope to thrive in, or actively engaged in YouthBuild Lakeland earning credentials that will lead to meaningful careers. President & CEO Stacy Campbell-Domineck also presented the CareerSource Polk 2024-2025 Annual Report, which can be viewed at https://cspolk.info/24-25annualreport.
The event recognized individuals and companies whose contributions strengthened the workforce development system over the past year. Among the highlights were the Workforce Incentive Awards (WIA), which celebrate community members who have faced and overcome significant employment barriers. These honorees fully engaged with CareerSource Polk’s services, leveraging resources to gain new skills, secure employment, and build sustainable futures.
“As we confront the barriers that stand between individuals and meaningful employment - like housing, transportation, and childcare - we’re inspired by the resilience of those we serve,” said Stacy Campbell-Domineck, President & CEO of CareerSource Polk. “Through strong partnerships and unwavering determination, we’re not just removing obstacles - we’re building pathways to lasting success.”
This year’s WIA recipients demonstrated remarkable determination despite obstacles such as unreliable transportation and the rising cost of living. CareerSource Polk provided significant financial assistance and, through a partnership with Regal Lakeland, awarded five vehicles to help participants overcome transportation barriers. These efforts reflect CareerSource Polk’s commitment to removing employment barriers and fostering opportunity across the community.
About CareerSource Polk
CareerSource Polk is a private, nonprofit administrator of workforce funds. Its mission is to be the innovative leader to ensure and sustain a quality workforce for today and the future. CareerSource Polk assists both businesses and job seekers through a wide range of quality programs and services at no cost.
The organization is an equal opportunity employer and 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 program funding details in compliance with the Stevens Amendment, please visit https://cspolk.info/funding.
Contact:
Cristina Mazarredo Director of Outreach & Communications cristina.mazarredo@careersourcepolk.com Office: 863-508-2916