WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) by both the House and Senate, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark issued a statement praising the legislation’s lasting, pro-growth tax reforms for American businesses and workers, as it heads to the president’s desk. 

Why it matters: The bill will prevent one of the largest tax increases in U.S. history, which would have occurred at the end of 2025 when major portions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) were set to expire. A stable, pro-growth tax code will foster an environment where businesses can invest, innovate, and grow, benefiting workers, families, and the broader economy.

“The final passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a landmark accomplishment. We applaud Congressional leaders for coming together to deliver meaningful, long-term tax relief for workers and businesses across the country. By laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and enhancing America’s global competitiveness, this legislation provides businesses the certainty they need to invest long-term—driving productivity and raising wages for workers. 
“We commend the lawmakers who were instrumental in advancing this comprehensive legislation and look forward to its prompt enactment.”

​Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Access the Florida Talent Center Data Hub HERE.

The Florida Chamber Foundation, in partnership with Helios Education Foundation, is proud to announce the launch of the Florida Talent Center Data Hub, a first-of-its-kind, public-facing tool designed to support Florida’s long-term workforce readiness and economic growth.
The Florida Talent Center Data Hub, launched at today’s 2025 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit, brings together cradle-to-career education and workforce data into a centralized, user-friendly platform. Designed for employers, educators, policymakers, and community organizers, the Florida Talent Center Data Hub provides real-time insights that are essential to strengthening Florida’s talent pipeline from early childhood to employment.

“For Florida to stay competitive and achieve the goals outlined in the Florida 2030 Blueprint, we must align education with workforce outcomes at every stage of the talent journey,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber Foundation. “The Florida Talent Center Data Hub is a game-changer in making that alignment actionable, transparent, and measurable for Florida’s job creators, educators, and policymakers alike.”

The Florida Talent Center Data Hub features four interactive dashboards (Early Learning, K-12, Postsecondary, and Workforce) offering hundreds of talent-focused metrics at the state, county, zip code, and school level. These data sets illuminate the important connections between learning and labor—from the effectiveness of VPK programs on kindergarten readiness, to school-level performance in reading, math, and science, to postsecondary career salary outcomes.

“The Florida Talent Center Data Hub is more than a data tool—it’s a catalyst for coordinated action,” said Paul J. Luna, President & CEO, Helios Education Foundation. “It offers a centralized and reliable resource of insights that allows employers, educators, and community leaders to focus their efforts where they’re most needed and most impactful. We’re proud to partner with the Florida Chamber Foundation in bringing this important resource to life.”

“The Florida Talent Center Data Hub is a game-changer for workforce readiness,” said Rachel Ludwig, VP of Talent Development for the Future of Work, Florida Chamber Foundation. “By connecting education and employment data to drive smarter decisions and strengthen our talent pipeline we can fuel long-term economic growth across Florida.”

Instrumental in the development of the Florida Talent Center Data Hub were the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work Florida Advisory Board, Florida Business Alliance for Early Learning Advisory Board, and Community Development Partnership Council.

To explore the Florida Talent Center Data Hub, visit: https://fltalentdata.org/

​Source: Florida Chamber of Commerce

Watson Clinic is pleased to announce an affiliation with Orlando Health on the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, a seven-story facility currently under construction at 4000 Lakeland Highlands Blvd. in Lakeland. In addition, Watson Clinic has announced two new locations – a state-of-the-art Medical Office Building and a cutting-edge Ambulatory Surgery Center - which are currently being constructed on the hospital campus.

The hospital will open with more than 300 inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, 11 working operating rooms, four cardiac and interventional suites and 18 beds in an intensive care unit (ICU) that will serve 36 patients at full build-out. Obstetric services and accommodations will also be prominent on opening day with eight labor and delivery rooms, two special c-section operating rooms and more than 25 post-partum rooms. A 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will debut shortly after the hospital opens.
 
The Watson Clinic Medical Office Building (name yet to be determined) will be an 80,000 square foot, four-story facility offering convenient appointment availability with specialists from Watson Clinic’s departments of Urology, Orthopaedic Surgery, General Surgery, OB-GYN, Gynecologic Oncology, and much more. On-site radiology imaging and laboratory testing will further enhance the level of care provided in this exciting new facility. The building will also offer self-check in kiosks, expansive waiting areas, and additional features that support operational efficiency and patient comfort.
 
The new Watson Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center will expand the roster of outpatient procedures and services offered at the Watson Clinic Surgery Center at 1315 N. Florida Ave. in Lakeland. The center will be outfitted with six state-of-the-art operating rooms, 20 pre- and post-holding bays, and six post-anesthesia care units.  

Have you noticed the new Lakeland Sun newspaper?

The weekly newspaper, which publishes every Wednesday both in print and online, is committed to bringing hyperlocal community journalism to Lakeland readers. 

Your neighborhood. Your news. Your voice.

From arts and culture to education, from agriculture to events, when it comes to community news, we’ve got you covered.

​The look and layout of the new Lakeland Sun is unlike any of our other Polk County-based publications, allowing for more pages dedicated to the local news that matters most to the residents of Lakeland, Bartow and Mulberry. And for businesses like yours, that’s more space available to reach your target customers as well!

“We are so excited to launch the Lakeland Sun,” said Polk group publisher Donna Fellows-Coffey. “We are committed to bringing even more community news from the west side of Polk County to the pages of the Lakeland Sun than we’ve been able to do in the past. This new format allows us to do that. Our readers on the east side of the county regularly comment on our level of community stories, and our readers on the west side have asked for more. They asked and we listened. Longtime Lakeland residents know the level of local stories they once enjoyed, and they want that level of hyperlocal coverage back. We’re excited to be the newspaper that’s committed to giving it to them.”

The current week’s edition features high school graduations, Mulberry’s state playoff run, Lakeland Regional Health’s recent accolades, a new indoor pickleball facility for Lakeland, Dr. Alex Rich’s departure from The AGB and an obituary tribute to longtime Lakeland treasure Hollis Hooks. And don’t miss Walt Disney World’s celebration at a Lakeland elementary school on next week’s front page!

The Lakeland Sun is a paid newspaper, available for purchase for $1 at more than 70 locations, such as supermarkets and convenience stores, throughout Lakeland, Bartow and Mulberry.
Readers who want the convenience of having the Lakeland Sun delivered directly to them have the option to purchase an annual subscription for the low price of only $39 per year – that’s only $3.25 a month or $0.75 per issue.

“I’m elated that we are able to offer Lakeland Sun subscriptions at such a great price for our readers,” Fellows-Coffey said. “I’m not even sure you can get a cup of coffee anywhere for $0.75 anymore.”

Subscribers to the Lakeland Sun receive print copies of the Lakeland Sun newspaper delivered straight to their mailbox or business, online access to our e-edition and website-only stories, and copies of both of our great glossy monthly magazines!

Readers who would like to subscribe to the Lakeland Sun for the annual price of $39 can do so by calling Anita Swain at 863-533-4183 or signing up online at  https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/lakeland_sun/subscribe/ .

“The response that we’ve received back from members in the community to the launch of our new Lakeland Sun product has been so encouraging,” Fellows-Coffey said. “We’re now nine editions in. When our reporters are out in the community, they’re consistently getting asked where they will be showing up next and where more copies of the Lakeland Sun can be found. We have loved the community response!”

For Lakeland Chamber members who would like to add subscriptions at their home or business or as a perk for their employees, for any annual subscriptions booked during the month of June, we are discounting that annual subscription price to $30. And we can discount that down even further for any business purchasing 20 subscriptions or more. What a great way to help your employees stay informed about what’s going on in your community – and for you to stay informed on your competition! Please email [email protected] to take advantage of the discounted subscription offer.
​
In addition to our community coverage, our team of talented multimedia marketing advisors pride themselves on providing excellent customer service to businesses such as yours! We offer a wide array of affordable advertising options to bring added value and exposure to your company for any size marketing budget. We’d love to schedule an appointment to come show you all that the Lakeland Sun and our other Polk-based products can offer your business in exposure to your target audience. Give us a call at 863-533-4183 to schedule an appointment.
The SUN is rising in Lakeland, and we are so excited to be the team making it happen. Thank you, Lakeland, for your warm welcome!

ONLINE: thelakelandsun.com
SUBSCRIBE: www.midfloridanewspapers.com/lakeland_sun/subscribe/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/Lakelandsun

Photo Credit: CatDave Productions

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduation of Leadership Lakeland Class 41, a group of passionate local leaders ready to shape the future of Lakeland. Graduates celebrated at Bonnet Springs Park among 168 alumni and loved ones.

Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Palemeschia "Pal" Rivers Powell, Director of Museum Events and Special Projects at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, served as Chair of Class 41.

"Serving as Chair for Leadership Lakeland Class XLI was a privilege that was truly meaningful,” said Powell. “Leading alongside such a dedicated and dynamic group of leaders was both powerful and motivating. Each member contributed their unique strengths, and I’m incredibly proud of how they came together to support one another."

Class 41 participated in a series of monthly meetings, where they gained valuable insights about Lakeland through hands-on experiences that will empower them as they lead the Lakeland community. Graduates of class 41 include:

● Tayler Baldick, Director of Community Engagement & Human Resources, Stuart's Plumbing
● Chanel Bellotto, President, Skate World
● Diana Braswell, Partner | Physician Laboratory Director | Dermatopathologist, Watson Clinic
● Kylia L. Carswell, Director of Family Engagement, Polk County Public Schools
● Coady Cheek, VP Professional Relationship Manager, Bank of Central Florida
● Katie Worthington Decker, Foundation Vice President, Orlando Health Lakeland
● John Demming, Director of Safety, Security & Emergency Management, Lakeland Regional Health
● Dr. Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources, Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
● John F. Doran, Executive Director, Publix Super Markets Charities
● Heath Frederick, Director of Public Works, City of Lakeland
● Cindy Glover, Editor, LkldNow
● Chris Hammond, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Allen & Company
● Eric J. Jackson, Financial Advisor, CPS Investment Advisors
● Matt Keen, Associate Attorney, Peterson & Myers, P.A.
● Cheryl Kimball, Police Captain, Lakeland Police Department
● Guy E. LaLonde, III, Owner, Lakeland Moonwalk/Under One Tent Events
● Ashley Loute, Vice President of Assets, Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County
● Lindsey Martin, Assurance Manager, CliftonLarsonAllen
● Arden Mitchell, Director of Admissions, Florida Southern College
● Nathaniel Pearson, Dean and Professor, Southeastern University
● Ryan C. Rogers, SVPII/Regional Manager, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
● Landon Schneider, Associate Attorney, Reed Mawhinney & Link
● Jacob Schner, Sales and Leasing, The Ruthvens
● Brandon Silk, Commercial Insurance Advisor, Brown & Brown
● Mary Terry, Chief Operating Officer, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
● Haley Tonge, Director of Trust & Estate Planning, CORE Wealth Advisors
● William M. Wainwright, Director of Housing, Parker Street Ministries
● Kelsey Elmhorst Wesche, Marketing & Project Coordinator, Rodda Construction
● Heather Willis, Major Account Executive, Boring Business Systems
​● T.J. Wright, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of West Central Florida

As the members of Class 41 conclude their journey, the Chamber is shifting its focus to welcoming the next group of community stewards. Leadership Lakeland Class 42 will launch this fall, continuing the program’s tradition of empowering individuals with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to lead. Class 42 Chair, Will Link, Attorney at Reed Mawhinney & Link, looks forward to the experience.

​“Serving as Chair-Elect for Leadership Lakeland Class XLI was an experience I’ll never forget. Getting to walk alongside such a talented and passionate group of leaders was both inspiring and energizing,” said Link. Each member of the class brought something unique to the table, and I’m delighted how they showed up for each other and our community.”

Jennifer Adams, SVP | Professional and Community Banking Service Leader at Bank of Central Florida, will serve as Class 42 Chair-Elect.

About Leadership Lakeland
Established in 1983 by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland is an annual program designed to identify leadership and enhance existing leadership in our community. Leadership Lakeland does not take public policy positions or advocate any individual viewpoint. The program unites leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to improve their ability to lead effectively, offering its members a broad range of experiences and insights about the community, its people, its needs, and its services.

About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce serves as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. Its vision is to be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life.

​The Heart of Lakeland
Small businesses are the heart of Lakeland. Whether it’s the family-owned coffee shop on the corner, the local boutique that remembers your name, or the entrepreneur who turned a dream into a storefront success, these are the stories that shape the community that we know and love!

The Economic Power of Small Businesses
Small businesses aren’t just important, they’re essential. Here in Lakeland, they play a key role in our every day life. Nationally, small businesses account for “99.9% of all businesses and create nearly two out of every three new jobs”, which is reflected right here in Polk County.
From local shops and restaurants to services and startups, thousands of small businesses in our area are rapidly growing, creating jobs, and giving back to the communities they call home. These businesses are often the first to support a fundraiser, sponsor a school event, or lend a helping hand. Their success is our community’s success.

Culture and Connection
Beyond just economics, small businesses foster a sense of community. When you walk into a local business, you are not just just a customer, you are a neighbor. You’re greeted by name, asked how your family is doing, and given a personal in-store experience that national companies can’t compete with.

Celebrating Small Business Month
This May, we are celebrating the entrepreneurs, dreamers, achievers, go-getters, and supporters who help Lakeland thrive. Throughout Small Business Month, we will provide helpful tips for navigating small business life and share ways that you can support small businesses right here in Lakeland!

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Small Business Month, it is important to reflect on the many contributions these businesses make to Lakeland’s economy; however, it is also a time to look ahead. What does the future hold for Lakeland’s small businesses? How can we, as a community, continue to create an environment where our local entrepreneurs can thrive?

Ready to Get Involved?
Stay tuned each week for more stories, resources, and opportunities to connect with Lakeland’s incredible small business community. Let’s celebrate them together, not just this month, but all year long!

Source: U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy. “Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business,” 2022. https://advocacy.sba.gov

In the eleventh hour on the last day of the 2025 regular legislative session, the School Readiness bill supported by the Florida Chamber was amended onto HB 1255, which passed the Florida House 100-0. The Senate agreed with the amendment, and the bill passed the Senate Floor by a vote of 30-0. Representative Chase Tramont and Senator Alexis Calatayud championed this bill, led by Representative Dana Trabulsy, which is a significant victory for early learning, working families, and Florida’s future workforce!

According to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Untapped Potential in Florida report, lack of child care is the #1 reason working parents with young children leave their jobs, costing Florida $5.4 billion in lost economic value every year.

HB 1255 preserves access to affordable child care by modernizing Florida’s School Readiness Program eligibility, which provides early learning tuition assistance, helping more hardworking families stay employed while also providing better educational outcomes for Florida’s youngest students.

Why HB 1255 matters:

• Expands affordable child care access for working families by aligning eligibility with a better measure of economic reality in Florida;
• Helps close the kindergarten readiness gap and other student achievements; and
• Improves Florida’s workforce challenges by keeping more parents in the workforce.

This important step forward supports the Florida 2030 Blueprint goals of 100% kindergarten readiness, preparing children from cradle to career, and securing Florida’s global competitiveness.

Learn more about how early learning plays a role in future success! Join us at the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit on June 24, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. Register Her

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber sent a letter asking the administration to address the impacts of tariffs by granting automatic exclusions for any small business importer, establishing a process for companies to apply for an exclusion if the company can demonstrate that tariffs pose a risk to employment for American workers, and providing exclusions for all products that cannot be produced in the United States or are not readily available.

“The Chamber supports many of the President’s policy goals, including eliminating unfair trade and non-trade barriers, and driving American investment. At the same time, we have heard from a historic number of small businesses who have made it clear: they need immediate relief from tariffs,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “As each day goes by, small businesses are increasingly endangered by higher costs and interrupted supply chains that will cause irreparable harm. We applaud the administration’s efforts to negotiate as many new trade agreements as possible that expand market access for U.S. companies and benefit American workers, but these deals take time, and many businesses simply can’t afford to wait while negotiations proceed.”

The letter is part of the Chamber’s advocacy to help businesses get the relief they need. Today, the Chamber is hosting hundreds of small businesses to kick off Small Business Month at its annual CO— Small Business Day. In addition, over 3,000 small businesses participated in a recent Chamber call to help them navigate the administration’s tariffs. The Chamber has been sharing stories from small businesses dealing with debilitating, unplanned tariff expenses, disruptions to products they need for assembly, and depletion of resources that threaten their existence.

In addition to helping small businesses, the Chamber is seeking to protect businesses of all sizes and their workers by establishing an exclusion process for companies and American workers whose jobs are threatened by tariff impacts. Also, the Chamber is asking the administration to prevent escalating prices for consumers through exclusions on products that are not produced in the United States.

“Whether it is coffee, bananas, cocoa, minerals or numerous other products, the reality is certain things just can’t be produced in the United States,” said Clark. “Raising prices on those products will only hurt families struggling to pay their bills. In addition, the administration should protect American workers facing imminent job loss from the impact of tariffs by allowing for exemptions for companies at risk of layoffs.”

Added Clark: “We must work together to avoid a recession and to realize America’s economic potential. The President has no greater ally than the Chamber on our shared pro-growth priorities, like making our current tax policy permanent, reining in regulatory overreach, expanding trade opportunities for American businesses and workers, and unleashing America’s energy potential.”

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

If you thought Polk County’s industrial market might slow down in 2025—think again.
The first quarter came in hot, with tenant demand, new deliveries, and leasing activity all surging. But behind the bold numbers, a more nuanced story is emerging—one that reflects both the strength of the market and a few signs that developers and investors are becoming more selective.

Tenant Demand? Strong and Steady.
Net absorption reached more than 851,000 square feet in Q1—nearly a 600% increase over the previous quarter. That kind of demand isn’t a one-off. It’s a sign that Polk County continues to be a key location for companies looking for cost-effective space with excellent access to Florida’s population hubs. Positioned between Tampa and Orlando, the region reaches over 11 million consumers within a 100-mile radius.

New Supply Hits Fast.
Six new industrial buildings were delivered in Q1, totaling more than 1.13 million square feet. Each averaged nearly 190,000 SF, bringing total available space in the market to just over 9.28 million square feet. It’s one of the largest delivery waves Polk has seen recently, reinforcing confidence in long-term demand.

Vacancy is Up—But It’s Not Even Across the Board.
Overall vacancy rose to 9.10%, up 5.81% from Q4 2024. But submarket performance varied. South Polk posted the lowest vacancy at 6.5%, while North Polk climbed to 11.3%. These differences highlight how location, product type, and timing can make all the difference in lease-up velocity.

Construction Activity Slows.
Following the surge of new deliveries, developers took a step back. Space under construction dropped almost 61% compared to Q4. This cooling-off period suggests a cautious—but smart—approach to managing future inventory levels.

Sales Volume Down, Confidence Holding.
Sales activity declined 58.4%, but the average price per square foot held at $115, and cap rates stayed steady at 7.5%. Investors may be more measured in their decisions, but they haven’t pulled away from Polk. With 17.6% population growth since 2020 and a steady stream of 85 new residents per day, the fundamentals remain strong.

• Market Indicators:
  • CPI Core (12-month % change): 3.10%
  • Polk Unemployment Rate (February): 4.50%
  • Polk Population Growth (Since 04/01/20): 17.6%
  • Net Migration to Florida / Polk per day: 1,280 / 85

The Ruthvens: Committed to Polk’s Growth.
The Ruthvens are a third-generation, family-run Lakeland company established in 1957, with expertise in developing, managing, and leasing industrial space. We own and manage over 4.5 million square feet across 94 warehouse buildings along the I-4 corridor. Our brokerage services represent an additional 2 million square feet in Polk County. The Ruthvens are actively involved in community, philanthropic, and industry leadership.

​Access the full report HERE.

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Dr. Dixon was chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants nationwide. She joins 32 other chamber of commerce executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders from across the country.

The Business Leads Fellowship Program equips business leaders with the knowledge, tools, and network to tackle critical education and workforce challenges in their communities. This specialized Master Class will focus on addressing the growing child care crisis — a barrier to workforce participation and economic growth in many regions.

​The program kicks off with an in-person session in May 2025 in Boise, Idaho, followed by a series of virtual learning sessions. Participants will connect with national experts, study successful community models, and develop strategies to support local child care solutions.

"As a single mother and former educator, I understand firsthand how critical access to affordable, high-quality child care is for working families. This issue isn’t just personal — it’s a workforce issue and an economic issue. I’m honored to represent the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce in this national effort to create real, community-driven solutions that support both our families and our local businesses."

Through this program, Dr. Dixon will help build a national community of practice focused on addressing child care challenges, positioning the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce as a local leader in workforce and family support initiatives.