Key facts
- The Central Florida Development Council hosted its 2026 annual meeting on Thursday, September 24, at the Skylight Hangar at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus [1].
- GMF Steel Group earned the 2026 George W. Harris Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business, while Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) received the 2026 Jim Brantley Economic Development Award for Success in Small Business [1].
- County Manager Bill Beasley received the 2026 Chair’s Award, CFDC’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding public service and leadership [1].
- Attendees heard from NASA’s Moon Base Transportation Office director about the future of lunar transportation [1].
- CFDC President and CEO Sean Malott stated the organization’s goal is to ‘create lasting economic opportunity for the people who call Polk County home’ [1].
Polk County business and community leaders gathered on Thursday, September 24, to celebrate the region’s economic progress at the Central Florida Development Council’s 2026 annual meeting [1]. Held at the Skylight Hangar at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, the event recognized outstanding local businesses and heard from national leaders about emerging opportunities.
“At the heart of our work is a simple goal: create lasting economic opportunity for the people who call Polk County home,” said Sean Malott, President and CEO of the Central Florida Development Council in a statement. “That means attracting new investment, supporting existing businesses, and creating quality jobs that strengthen our communities and our economy” [1].
Business Awards Honor Community Impact
Two Polk County organizations received the distinguished CFDC Success in Business Awards, recognizing their commitment to business growth, community impact, and economic development [1].
GMF Steel Group earned the 2026 George W. Harris Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business. The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) received the 2026 Jim Brantley Economic Development Award for Success in Small Business, given annually to businesses with fewer than 100 employees that champion growth, free enterprise, economic stability and community service [1].
Gene Conrad, President and CEO of Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) and SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, accepted the award alongside his team [1]. Other finalists for the Small Business Award included Marcobay Construction, Rita Staffing, and Two Blue Aces [1].
Leadership Honored
County Manager Bill Beasley received the 2026 Chair’s Award, CFDC’s highest honor, recognizing outstanding public service and leadership. The award was presented by CFDC Chair Emery Smith of Ben Hill Griffin, Inc. [1].
Commissioner Dr. Martha Santiago, Chair of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, was also recognized for her years of service.
NASA Lunar Transportation Takes Center Stage
The evening also featured insights into the future of space exploration, as attendees heard from NASA’s Moon Base Transportation Office director about lunar transportation opportunities [1].
Frequently asked questions
What organizations won awards at the CFDC 2026 Annual Meeting?
GMF Steel Group earned the 2026 George W. Harris Jr. Economic Development Award for Success in Large Business, while Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) received the 2026 Jim Brantley Economic Development Award for Success in Small Business. County Manager Bill Beasley received the 2026 Chair’s Award [1].
Where and when was the CFDC 2026 Annual Meeting held?
The meeting was held on Thursday, September 24, at the Skylight Hangar at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus [1].
What is the purpose of the CFDC Success in Business Awards?
The awards recognize organizations’ commitment to business growth, community impact, and economic development. The Chair’s Award recognizes outstanding public service and leadership [1].
Sources
- CFDC’s 2026 Annual Meeting Celebrates Polk County’s Economic Progress and Opportunities Ahead – Central Florida Development Council, 2026-09-30
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