New Executive Director, Elle Withall, To Lead Initiative

Bartow, FL: MAY 27, 2024 — The Bartow Economic Development Council (BEDC) is proud to unveil its new branding initiative, a strategic move designed to strengthen the city’s position as a leading destination for business and innovation. This comprehensive rebranding effort reflects Bartow’s commitment to economic growth and community development, showcasing the city’s unique assets and opportunities.

The new brand identity was designed to capture the essence of Bartow’s vibrant economy, its rich cultural heritage and its forward-thinking community. “We wanted a new look that characterizes the spirit of Bartow. The new logo replaces one that we considered somewhat generic. Although not bad, it could have represented any city,” Board Chairman Brian Hinton said. The new logo consists of a tri- colored upward arrow wrapped around the dome of Bartow’s historic courthouse dome. “It definitely says Bartow and represents the future along with Bartow’s historic character,” he added.

Recent changes within the organization includes the hiring of a full-time Executive Director, Elle Withal, as the result of a nationwide search held at the beginning of 2024. Elle Withall comes to cthe BEDC from Aurora, Illinois where she was the Downtown Development Director for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Withall’s experience also includes prior service as the Executive Director of Downtown Wheaton Association in Wheaton, Illinois, where she was responsible for the development of city-wide branding and marketing, oversaw and managed streetscape improvement projects totaling over 11 million dollars and oversaw a 27-person volunteer Board of Directors with action plans, initiatives and funding sources. Withall also received the Woman of Influence Award for the City of Wheaton in 2021.

Withall has also served as a Business Recruitment Specialists for Invest Aurora where she served as liaison between the non-profit economic development arm and the City of Aurora for business recruitment. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards including business of the year and creative marketing.

With new leadership, a fresh logo and a dynamic marketing campaign, the BEDC aims to attract new investments, support local businesses, and foster a thriving environment for entrepreneurs and established companies alike. “These efforts strengthens relationships with public entity investment and the BEDC’s private support from the area’s business community. Both will help enhance the BEDC’s mission,” said Hinton.

A collaboration with Jeff Clark, a Bartow native known for his extensive community service, including 20 years as the Bartow Chamber’s Executive Director, and his acclaimed expertise in marketing and graphic design, is expected to infuse the rebranding project with a blend of local insight and professional creativity. “His dual perspective is particularly valuable, combining a deep understanding of the community’s heritage with a proven track record of innovative design solutions. This strategic partnership aims to propel the brand forward while staying true to its roots,” Withall said.

Along with the new logo design, The Smart Move, used as the BEDC’s new tagline, will promote Bartow as the place to be: a place to do business, a community where innovation flourishes and quality of life is paramount. This approach ensures that the new branding resonates with the community’s values and aspirations, while also appealing to a national and international audience.

The BEDC’s new branding will emphasize the city’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and the availability of a skilled workforce, all of which contribute to Bartow’s appeal as a hub for economic activity. This will be reflected in new marketing materials currently being developed.

The BEDC will also be rolling out a series of programs and events designed to engage the community and promote Bartow’s economic potential. This effort will focus on collaborating with the City of Bartow, Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Bartow as strategic partners including networking opportunities, business workshops, and a targeted outreach campaign to highlight the advantages of investing in Bartow. “We’re all in this together, everyone has a seat at the table” said Withall.

The BEDC will also solicit input from other community champions when appropriate. These include; county and state economic development organizations; civic and business organizations; business leaders; neighborhood groups and other community entities.

The BEDC was established in 2016 following three years of planning by the Bartow City Manager; Executive Directors of the Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation and the Bartow Chamber of Commerce; and input from community business and civic leaders. The BEDC is comprised of a Governing Board and exists as a stand-alone 501(c)6 corporation. In addition to the Board, a group of stakeholder members make up the organization functioning as contributors/supporters of the BEDC.

For more information, contact Elle Wiithall at 863-331-5188 or email elle@bartowedc.com.

BayCare Health Systems, Assure Infusions and Skimlite Announce Major Projects

Bartow, FL: June 28, 2024 — Bartow, Florida has scored three significant economic development wins, signaling Polk County’s Capital City as a top contender for new business and industry opportunities.

BayCare Health Systems has recently announced a major expansion of its Bartow Regional Medical Center that will transform the hospital from a 72-bed facility to a 90-bed hospital. This expansion and renovation includes enhancements to the emergency department, catheterization lab and surgical services departments. The $110 million project will add nearly 70,000 square feet to the current building.

Key features of the expansion include relocating the helipad to make room for an expanded Emergency Department, adding 27 examination areas and a second floor. The ICU will move to the new second floor, doubling its size from 6 to 12 beds. Additionally, a 12-bed ICU step-down unit will be added. The hospital will also gain one additional cath lab/interventional radiology suite. Two new operating rooms and 11 post-anesthesia care unit bays will enhance surgical services. The project also includes renovations to the pharmacy, lab, operating room support, sterile processing department and central plant areas. Construction will begin by the end of this year.

Assure Infusions, Inc., a pharmaceutical manufacturing company also chose Bartow to establish a new state-of-the-art, fully automated facility. A 60,000 square foot plant will showcase advanced robotics and contribute to the local health sciences industry by providing sterile intravenous fluids for hospitals. Assure Infusions’ investment is expected to create over 100 high-paying jobs in the area.

Skimlite, a pool equipment manufacturer, has broken ground on a 93,600 square foot industrial warehouse complex on Centennial Boulevard on Bartow’s west side just off State Road 60.

The 19-acre site will consist of two 46,800 square foot buildings with flex space that includes office and industrial uses, 160 parking spaces and five acres dedicated to outdoor storage. Skimlite will occupy approximately 20,000 square feet and the space will serve as their business headquarters. Skimlite is a third-generation company originating in California, USA, that has been manufacturing telescoping poles and maintenance equipment in the swimming pool industry since 1954.

Bartow Economic Development Council (BEDC) Chairman Brian Hinton expressed enthusiasm about the BayCare, Assure and Skimlite investment decisions. “These choices underscore the opportunities and advantages that Bartow can provide for businesses. These are big wins for Bartow,” he said.

The county seat of the nation’s fastest growing county, Bartow has rapidly become a top contender for new business and industry opportunities. Its strategic location, combined with a business-friendly environment, has fueled remarkable growth. Its proximity to major cities like Tampa and Orlando along with well-connected transportation links, including highways and railroads, enhance accessibility for both businesses and their employees.

Elle Withall, Executive Director of the BEDC also stressed the importance of Bartow’s quality of life. “Smaller, strategically located communities like Bartow can often times attract companies with a better work-life balance, cost-effective real estate, industry clusters, favorable regulations and access to talent,” said Withall. “Businesses recognize that happy employees lead to productivity and long-term success,” she added.

The BEDC is comprised of a Governing Board and exists as a stand-alone 501(c)6 corporation. In addition to the Board, a group of stakeholder members make up the organization functioning as contributors/ supporters of the BEDC. Its goal is to sustain economic growth in Bartow through a multifaceted approach supporting business diversification, infrastructure investment, workforce development, business support services and quality of life enhancement.

For more information, contact Elle Withall at 863-331-5188 or email elle@bartowedc.com.