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| CareerSource Polk Youth Participants Lead 2025 Annual Meeting and Best Places to Work Awards |
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LAKELAND, FL. (August 21, 2025) – 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. |
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| 2024 Best Places to Work Award Recipients |
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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 |
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Employers of Distinction – 2024-2026 Winners:
Shop Madden
The Estates at Carpenters
A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure |
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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. |
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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. |
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