The pulse and projections of what’s next for Polk County will be at the forefront of a conference hosted at Florida Southern College later this month.

The Barney Barnett School of Business & Free Enterprise at Florida Southern College is hosting the 8th annual Polk Real Estate and Economic Update on Oct. 28, in the George W. Jenkins Field House. Tickets are $50 and include a continental breakfast and lunch. The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The college is hosting some of the county’s leading real estate professionals, banking and financial experts, market analysts and economic development professionals to share their insights on the continued economic growth and development in our region.

The four panel discussion topics include: capital, economic drivers, transportation and real estate.

Moderators include:

  • James Farrell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Finance and Economics at Florida Southern
  • Steve Scruggs, Executive Director at Lakeland Economic Development Council
  • H.D. “Jake” Polumbo, Two Blue Aces, Founding Partner and Senior Consultant, Major General USAF (ret.)
  • David Hungerford, CCIM, SVN, Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate

Panelists will include presidents and CEO’s from major corporations in Polk County, including SouthState Bank, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Publix Super Markets, Bonnet Springs Park, the Florida Department of Transportation, and SVN | Saunders Ralston Dantzler Real Estate.

Polk County is the fourth fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States. There are 10 million consumers within 100 miles, four international airports within 60 miles and three deep-water seaports within 75 miles.

In the past 24 months, 11 companies have either expanded or found new homes in Polk County, making more than $600 million in capital investment and creating more than 3,500 jobs.

Tickets for the event must be purchased by the end of day Friday, at the following link: https://www.flsouthern.edu/events-center/conferences/polk-real-estate-conference.aspx