The Lakeland Economic Development Council created a separately funded initiative in 2003 to focus on creating High-Skill, High-Wage jobs in Lakeland which we believe will improve Lakeland’s Quality of Life.
The High-Skill Initiative is focused on recruiting and retaining companies that focus on enabling technologies which support High-Skill, High-Wage employees and manufacture complex research-oriented products.
The High-Skill Initiative attempts to accomplish these goals through Higher Education and Economic Development Partnerships, facilitating development of High-Skill Infrastructure (including a research university), Marketing, Incentives, City Visits, Y Lakeland Campaign and Summer Leadership Program.
The High-Skill Initiative will promote Lakeland's Location, Quality of Life, Diversity, Innovation and Creativity.
City Visits
High-Skill Investors attended their fourth benchmarking City Visit to Austin, Texas in December, 2008. This trip was the second out-of-state visit (Memphis 2007, Jacksonville 2006 & Orlando 2005). In Austins, we spent three days in meetings and touring with local representatives of the Austin Chamber and Economic Development Organization, Downtown Development, Industry, local leaders, the Medical Community and High-Skill employers.
Trip highlights included a tour of IBM research labs, the University of Texas, downtown residential, Dell's Children's Hospital, major redevelopment projects, and meetings with some of Austin's most creative individuals.
Y Lakeland
The LEDC officially launched www.ylakeland.com in 2007. Y Lakeland is our first step at attempting to connect high school and college students to what is happening in Lakeland and the opportunities our community offers beyond school.
Starting in September, 2007, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University and University of South Florida Lakeland students began receiving a monthly e-newsletter highlighting local activities, new restaurants, internship and job opportunities. E-newsletters also spotlight alumni from these schools who stay and work in Lakeland.
Y Lakeland also presents Lakeland to students from a student’s perspective including where to eat, shop, play and work. In addition, Y Lakeland has an active blog highlighting local events and hot topics.
Y Lakeland Summer Leadership Program
Y Lakeland launched an 8-week (June-July) Summer Leadership Program for interns and new hires beginning in the Summer, 2008. The LEDC staff ran this Pilot program which included 45 participants from 17 local companies.
Interns and new hires participated in eight half-day events including, but not limited to, opening team building event, local tours including Hollis Gardens, Polk Museum, Polk Theatre, Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture, attending a Flying Tigers Game, Cypress Gardens, wakeboarding, BBQ in a City Park, closing awards/testimonial lunch with sponsors, etc.