2018-2019 Polk Vision Annual Report PV AR 2019_web | Page 50

Before 2030, Polk County will have
leadership that drives the partnership
with government and citizens to
ensure that Polk County is a premiere
place to live, learn, work and play.
LEADERSHIP
POLK
As the only countywide leadership
development program in Polk County,
Leadership Polk is comprised of
individuals who have demonstrated
a high level of civic engagement in
their local community. Started in
2007, the program brings together
accomplished leaders from across the
county with the goal of developing
a diverse network of resourceful,
informed and proactive visionaries
committed to building a more vibrant
future for our community.
Did You Know?
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Over the course of ten months, the
program immerses participants in an
inspiring and enlightening curriculum
that examines critical issues that
impact our region. Leadership Polk
is timely, topically relevant, dynamic,
and exposes participants to a broad
range of perspectives through site
visits, facilitated conversations and
experiential learning. Most
importantly, lasting relationships are
forged with engaged, cross-sector
leaders from all over Polk County.
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TOP LEFT: The class was provided the
unique opportunity to tour Merlin Magic
Making in Lake Wales where LEGO
creations are designed and fabricated
for world-wide distribution.
TOP RIGHT: During a visit to MaxiJet. in
Dundee, class members learned how this
local, family owned irrigation company
is leading the way in water conservation
innovations.
TOP: Class XII at the Detroit Tigers training
facilities at Publix Field - Joker Marchant
Stadium in Lakeland.
BOTTOM: Draken International hosted the Class
during a visit to the Lakeland Linder Airport.
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BOTTOM: While experiencing the
University of Florida/IFAS Citrus
Research & Education Center (CREC) in
Lake Alfred, participants learned how
scientists are studying ways to manage
the Diaprepes root weevil which is a
serious threat to Florida groves today.
323 participants have graduated
from the program
13 of the 17 municipalities have
been represented
31 business categories have been
represented
10% of participants represent a
diverse minority population
45% of participants identify as
female
Having grown up in Polk County, attended
college here, and worked here most of my
adult life, I thought I knew most of what
there was to know about Polk County. I was
pleasantly surprised to learn that not only
is there so much more to the county than
I knew, but I also had the opportunity to
meet leaders from all over the county with
a vision and a passion to further enhancing
our great county. Our larger cities and
smaller towns all bring something unique to
the tapestry of Polk County.
— MARYEMMA BACHELDER, Director
of Communications, Lake Wales Medical
Center, Class XII
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