ElevatePolk

As talk of reopening our economy grows louder, so have opinions over whether or not it's the right time and if it will be done the right way. During these difficult times, emotions are running high but there are so many examples of generosity, innovation and survival going on around us. We can only hope that when we return back to "normal" that the "new normal" might involve a greater appreciation for the incredible people in our community who stood up and pushed forward at a time when it would have been easier to fold. Please help us support these individuals and businesses, fill out our online small business survey so that we can share our collective voice with our elected officials and guide them as we take these next steps together. https://bridgelocal.com/survey/

When things are tough, it helps to turn to those who are always there to support you. This week, we talk with Brad Sundgren, a long time supporter of the show. Brad shares some funny stories and some insight on how we can all get through this together. We discuss the need to focus on getting back to normal and when we might expect to see that happen.

These are tough times for our local community and our country overall. But while there is so much uncertainty and stress, there are extraordinary things happening right here in our area. We share countless examples of individuals and businesses who are innovating and how there are big things and small things alike that can make our present situation much more positive and rewarding. We are all in this together and in the tough times it's more important than ever to Elevate Polk.

The son of an immigrant entrepreneur, Jae Choe grew up in a family martial arts business. He's since opened his own martial arts studio, Karate Beyond, in Lakeland. Jae share with us the evolution of his business and his vision for our community in the years to come. We talk philosophy, raising children and answer the age old question; "should Rob have become a dentist and is he willing to try yoga?" Listen and find out, it's a lighthearted episode that should be as fun to listen to as it was to record. To learn more about all the martial arts classes Jae offers, visit his website at https://www.karatebeyond.com/ And you can listen to Jae's own podcast, The Jae Choe Show at https://www.jaechoe.net/

Alis shares with us some memorable stops on his journey to Lakeland, a journey paved with service to community and country. As CRA Manager for the City of Lakeland, Alis brings a unique passion to an agency tasked with making Lakeland a more vibrant, modern city for all its citizens. Alis shares some insight on CRA projects as well as what is on the horizon as Lakeland continues to grow and thrive.

Government can be messy, it can be full of challenges and those challenges only grow larger as our world changes with social media and the twenty-four hour news cycle. Tom Phillips, Director of the Citrus Connection, is no stranger to the minefield of public policy. His pursuits of "big, hairy, audacious goals" has taught him many lessons about how best to communicate with the public he serves. Tom shares with us some of those lessons, some of his proven methods, a smattering of interesting acronyms and more than a few laughs in the process. Special thanks to the manager of the Ramada Inn for making this conversation possible. (listen to find out why)

The Lakeland Economic Development Council has worked to improve the local economy, create jobs and cultivate new opportunities for the City of Lakeland and its citizens. But as any organization looking to raise the bar and tackle big challenges, their bold ideas occasionally ruffle feathers or even cause outright panic. The fate of the Cleveland Heights golf course was one such issue that caused quite a stir. As thousands of Lakelanders chatted online and among one another about what was, what is, and what should be; we decided to sit down with the man behind it all, LEDC President, Steve Scruggs. We discuss the Heights, the role of the LEDC in shaping Lakeland's future and strategies for improving communication between all interested parties. This conversation may or may not change your opinion of the Heights, the LEDC or Steve Scruggs himself but we believe it's imperative to hear all sides and we hope you do too. For more information on the LEDC, including contact information, you can get to their website by clicking here.

In the wake of community outrage over an idea pitched by the Lakeland Economic Development Council that included the possibility of developing the land that is currently the Cleveland Heights municipal golf course, we decided to start the conversation with the man in charge of it all. Bob Donahay, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Lakeland shares his insight into the history of the course, the challenges, the opportunities and how the future of the course can effect Lakeland for years to come. Regardless of what comes of The Heights down the road, one thing is for sure. Bob Donahay, a.k.a. Lakeland's very own "Ron Swanson," has spent a lifetime of making Lakeland's parks the best they can be.

Criminal justice reform is a hot topic these days. The truth is that most of what we see on cable news isn't the whole story and often doesn't translate into what we see and hear in our own community. So we wanted to talk about this controversial subject with the number one law man in our county, Sheriff Grady Judd. Sheriff Judd shares with us the other side of the proposed changes to our criminal justice system, the side you won't hear about from traditional media sources. Sheriff Judd shares his thoughts on mandatory body cameras for law enforcement officers and he offers a perspective you likely haven't considered. We also talk about the personal side to Grady Judd, his journey growing up in Polk County, his hobbies, his thirteen grandchildren and what he like to do when he's got some time to himself.

Whether its politics, taxes, schools, diversity or the litany of other conversational land mines most of us tiptoe around in our daily lives, simply ignoring these conversations is merely a temporary solution. We think we are doing the world a favor, avoiding conflict for the sake of keeping the peace. But in reality, the issues don’t resolve themselves and kicking the conversational can down the road only makes things worse. There is no secret formula for solving problems in our community. We have a lot of different people around us who hold different beliefs and many of those beliefs are difficult, if not impossible, to change. But maybe what we need isn’t a homogenous society, maybe it isn’t about getting everyone to agree, that’s the stuff of Utopian pipe dreams. Maybe we can simply make things better if we found some better ways to communicate. In this episode we take a deep dive into some of those methods and frameworks for having those difficult conversations. On this show we want to address those issues, together, as a community. And while we won’t always agree, we are all better off when everyone’s voice can be heard and communication takes place effectively, civilly and where we all can work toward the goal of elevating our community to new heights.

He's our Zacchaeus and while he might not be the tallest tax collector out there, Joe Tedder has raised the bar for tax collectors around the country. In his nearly twenty-five year tenure as the tax collector for Polk County, Joe Tedder has made efficiency and customer service a priority. As if that process wasn't difficult enough, changes in technology and in the way we conduct business provides Joe with an endless stream of new challenges he and his team must face. We look at one of those issues, short term rentals through platforms like AirBNB, and discuss how Joe worked with them to make things easier for taxpayers while ensuring the tax laws are being followed. We talk about term limits and Joe offers some interesting insight about an issue that might not be as simple as you think. Taxes are a funny thing. Few people enjoy paying them but most of us want more of the services and benefits they provide. Joe Tedder and his team have made the process about as pleasant as possible for the citizens of Polk County and they continue to innovate to make the process of living and conducting business in Polk County even easier for years to come.

Former Lakeland Mayor and Lakeland's longest serving public official and his lovely wife Linda Bagley Wiggs join us in studio to talk about some of their greatest legacies: the #LoveLakeland movement and the City Maker award. Throughout their service to the Lakeland community, the Wiggs' focus was on preserving the best attributes of Lakeland while simultaneously seeking out opportunities to grow and improve. Their passion was encapsulated in the #LoveLakeland movement which fostered civic pride and a connection between the people and the place where they live, work and play. That process included recognizing those in the community who gave selflessly for the benefit of the community. Together with Chrissanne Long, the Wiggs' created and the City Maker award which continues to live on as part of Mayor Mutz's mayoral agenda. Although the Wiggs' are now retired, their impact continues to shape Lakeland and the hope is that the path they forged will be an inspiration to other cities throughout Polk County.

This is, by all measures, the best time to be alive in the history of mankind. Yet many folks find themselves miserable with many things, including where they live. We are often creatures of habit and when things change around us we often feel apprehensive or even upset. When the parking lot where you learned how to drive is razed to build a new office building, you might feel sad. If your community is changing, does that mean you must change too? Happiness starts from within and we discuss why so many people let external factors dictate their happiness in life. Happiness isn't something you will yourself to feel. Instead, it's a skill you work at every day. We talk strategy for that process, everything from gaining perspective, being heard and even playing marbles over a bowl of ice cream.

Before revealing his identity, Joe Cruz managed to create a whirlwind of enjoyment throughout Polk County and all in just over one month’s time. The Lakelandist, Cruz’s blog and the pseudonym for his comedic writing, poked fun at the quirks that we all know and love about the place we call home. Nothing was off limits but everything was in good fun. Joe shares with us what led him to start the infamous satire blog and the stories behind some of his favorite humorous headlines. Although The Lakelandist hasn’t released any new material since Joe revealed his identity to thousands of curious fans, could The Lakelandist make a comeback at some point? Listen to find out and laugh along with us as we dive into the mind and the comedy of Lakeland’s beloved satirist. Here are some of our favorite Lakelandist headlines:Ledger Parent Company Optimistic About Impending Merger with Tire FireBuoyed By Ron DeSantis, Grady Judd, Florida Rises to Most Press Conferences Per CapitaTired of Explaining Difference, Junior League Changes Building Name from “Sorosis” to “Liver Disease”Winter Haven Holiday Boat Parade Interrupted By Renegade Festivus KayakAfter Success of Black & Brew at Library, Commissioners Contemplate Turning City Hall into a Beef’s ExpressMulberry Man Can’t Decide Between Gray and Black Cargo Shorts for Wedding DayRetired Couple Not Sure Lake Alfred Has Enough Antique StoresDesperately Seeking Sponsors, Lakeland Community Theatre To Mount Production of “A Taco Bus Named Desire”South Florida Avenue to be Expanded from Four Slow Lanes to Six Slow LanesAuditor Reports Citrus Connection Woefully Unprepared for “Speed” Scenario as Buses Unable to Go Faster than 5 MPHPolk County Commissioners Baffled By Simultaneous Obesity, Meth EpidemicsSnowbirds Complete Migration By Parking Diagonally Across Cypress Gardens BlvdMulberry Resident Claiming Lakeland Citizenship Forced to Wear Scarlet M You can see all of the infamous Lakelandist headlines at TheLakelandist.com .

Investing in your community, we talk a lot about it but what does it mean? It means different things to different people but for Jennifer Batts, her husband Joel and their co-founders, it means risking time, money and effort in order to bring a unique new concept from Boulder, Colorado to a growing area of Lakeland. The Yard on Mass is the latest business to breathe new life into a long-ignored part of midtown Lakeland. The concept it simple, a comfortable place to grab lunch, a family-friendly place to listen to music and spend time with friends and a versatile venue for parties and events. There is nothing like it in our community and Jennifer Batts joins us on this episode to talk about her journey and what it was like starting a business here in Lakeland. The Yard on Mass is a great example of an investment in our community, an investment that is likely to bring great returns for the Batts’, their investors and our community as a whole.

Coach Renee Lopez is a highly successful soccer coach and has coached college athletes for the past fourteen years at every level. Renee spent years dealing with the challenges of recruitment and coordinating athletic scholarships at colleges and universities around the nation. Renee, a resident of Polk County, took those years of unique experience and turned it into a consulting and speaking business that continues to grow. Renee new book, "Looking for a Full Ride" is a must-have guide for students, parents and anyone looking for guidance in the confusing world of college athletic scholarships.You can pick up a copy through her website, lookingforafreeride.com . As a special offer for ElevatePolk listeners, Renee is offering free shipping on her new book for the first 15 listeners using coupon code POLK. Renee is also offering a FREE COPY of her latest Strategy Guide for contacting college coaches.With the cost of college tuition continuing to rise, the possibility of athletic scholarships has never been more attractive or more important. We are proud to have such wonderful, talented people like Renee Lopez living and working right here in Polk County. Be sure to check out her free strategy guide and check out her new book, it just might save you tens of thousands worth of student debt!

It's a brand new year and everyone is talking about their "resolution" for 2020. Are you vowing to eat right, exercise more, quit smoking or some other promise you've probably made to yourself year after year? Why are New Year's resolutions so difficult to achieve? One reason is that most of us approach the resolution making process all wrong. We discuss the classic pitfalls most people make and some tips for not only making better resolutions but starting this new year off better than ever before.

Are you afraid of failure? Few things are more prohibitive to success than fear. Rob and Chrissanne discuss their path in life and in business, including key examples of failure and success. The fear of failure is not hard to comprehend. However, success brings with it its own set of challenges and creates a new type of fear in those lucky enough to taste it, even a little bit. We get real open and honest about our journeys and hopefully it will inspire some of you to keep going on your own path to success. We look back at some notable moments for each of us in 2019 and share a special message about the upcoming new year.

Whether you were born here or moved to Polk at some point in your life, there is no denying the long standing sentiment that many people feel that they are stuck in Polk County. Maybe it's the small town mentality, the longing for bigger and better things. Maybe it's the limited job prospects and earnings potential compared to surrounding metropolitan areas. Whatever it is, those who celebrate living and working in Polk County are a rare breed. We want to change that and we need your help. Our community is growing, changing and improving at a record pace. We need your help to change perspectives and flip the narrative. It's more than just positive thinking, together we really can make Polk County known as a great place to live, work and play.

The terms "diversity" and "inclusivity" are interchangeable to most people. However, there are important differences. In 2019, the term "diversity" likely evokes strong emotions in most people. Whether your view it as a good thing or a bad thing, it's important to understand the context and what it means. A strong community builds draws from an array of opinions, backgrounds and strengths- but not to the exclusion of others. We discuss this important difference and how it can elevate our community to new heights, together.

At a time when people are more connected than ever before, studies show that Americans are more lonely than ever and many have not made a new friend in several years. We discuss the importance of a balanced approach between online and real life interaction. Such balance is important for happiness and success of individuals AND communities alike.

Welcome to the new ElevatePolk podcast. This podcast is dedicated to creating a thriving ecosystem for individuals and business within Polk County, Florida. We discuss issues important to all of us, we'll hear from inspiring people from our community and we will keep you informed about what's new and exciting in the place we call home.