Duke Energy Florida’s Next Level: Site to Success

On June 30th, Sumter County Economic Development was proud to take part in Duke Energy Florida’s Next Level: Site to Success event, joining economic development leaders from across the state for a day focused on site readiness, workforce strategy, and what it takes to keep a community competitive for new investment.

Representing Sumter County: Kristy Russell, Director of Economic Development; Bradley Arnold, County Administrator; and Brian Richards, Economic Development Specialist.
Thank you to Marc Hoenstine, Marty Baltzegar, Derick Farfan, and Sydney Richmond for putting together an outstanding program, and to presenters Sarah White, Destin Wells, Meghan DiGiacomo, and Emery Smith for sharing their insight.

The keynote delivered by Daron K. Roberts, J.D. was a fitting finale for an informative and inspirational session — themes on leadership and building high-performing organizations that apply directly to how we grow Sumter County’s business community.

A special thank you to Duke Energy Corporation’s Florida economic development team for hosting us.

Learn more here

Duke Energy Florida's Next Level: Site to Success

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Celebrates Expansion

Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company, in partnership with Sumter County Economic Development, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 16, marking the official opening of its newly expanded facility.

The event brought together dignitaries from the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners, the City of Wildwood, and other partners to celebrate the plant expansion and the positive impact it will have on Sumter County’s economy.

SECO Energy Groundbreaking Ceremony

Sumter County Economic Development recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony for SECO Energy’s new Headquarters location and Central Operations Center. We are proud to support SECO in securing funding assistance and economic development recourses that help make transformation projects like this possible. Partnerships between industry and local government are essential in creating opportunities and strengthening our regional economy.

Florida Ranks in the Top 10 for Best State Economies

U.S. economic growth depends heavily on the performance of individual states, and some contribute more than others. For example, California, Texas, New York and Florida have economies so large that if they were countries, they would rank in the top 20 in the world.

In order to determine which states are pulling the most weight in moving the U.S. economy forward, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 key indicators of economic performance and strength. Our data set ranges from GDP growth and the unemployment rate to startup activity and the share of jobs in high-tech industries

Florida Businesses Set Record $78.9 Billion in Export Sales in 2025

Florida businesses exported a record $78.9 billion in goods in 2025, up $6.4 billion, or 8.9%, from 2024, according to a Wednesday announcement from FloridaCommerce and SelectFlorida. State officials said the total marked the largest export sales year in Florida history and extended growth seen over the longer term, with exports rising $21.6 billion, or 37.8%, since 2018.

Apprenticeship Strategies for Business Success

Future-Proof Your Workforce

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., at Orange Technical College West Campus located at 2010 Ocoee Apopka Road, Ocoee, FL, 34761.

Registration starts at 11:00 A.M. The program starts at 11:30 AM. A light boxed lunch will be provided. You’re invited for a tour of Orange Technical College campus after the program.

Duke Energy Florida’s Next Level: Site to Success

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Duke Energy Florida's Next Level: Site to Success

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Celebrates Expansion

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U.S. 301 Widening & Realignment

4th Annual Sumter Workforce Summit Set for September 30