Real Talk On The Ridge
The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to growing a sustainable, first-class community. Our Mission is enhanced through proactive leadership and partnerships throughout the Northeast Polk County Region. We are committed to taking a leadership role in supporting the business community and improving the quality of life in our area.
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The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business financed by Membership dues with the purpose of serving the NE Polk County Region. We are committed to taking a leadership role in supporting the business community and improving the quality of life in our area.
The Chamber acts as a liaison between the business community and local, state, and federal governments. We notify our Members of legislation that will directly affect business in our community. We offer educational and networking opportunities to help businesses grow, and we create a regional awareness of the business community. We also promote the area and Member Businesses to visitors and prospective residents.
The Chamber sponsors an annual scholarship award and we provide a Youth Leadership program for 11th grade students in the area at no cost to the participants. We also offer an Adult Leadership Program.
The Chamber provides Members the opportunity to promote their business and network at monthly Business After Hours events as well as monthly luncheons/breakfasts business forums. We sponsor annual events including the Chamber’s Pig Roast & Political Rally, our Annual Banquet and Annual Youth Leadership & Scholarship Golf Tournament.
Our Chamber Members are more than just “Members.” They are truly Chamber Partners and take ownership in their Chamber. We are here to serve our Members and to continue to grow a sustainable first-class community!
Contact us at 863-422-3751 or info@hainescitychamber.com to find out how to become a Chamber Member and make our Chamber your Chamber!
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Real Talk On The Ridge
Episode 4 - Sheriff Grady Judd
Sheriff Grady Judd began his career at the Polk County Sheriff ’s Office (Florida) in 1972 as a dispatcher. After transferring to the Patrol Division in 1974, he quickly progressed through the ranks – holding every rank from Sergeant to Colonel. Polk County overwhelmingly elected Grady to serve as Sheriff in 2004.
Sheriff Judd has earned higher education degrees through the Masters level – having obtained both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Rollins College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and the FBI National Executive Institute. He was a participant of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) Law Enforcement Exchange Program (LEEP).
Sheriff Judd has taught as an adjunct professor at both the University of South Florida and Florida Southern College. He is a Polk County School Board Hall of Fame inductee, a past recipient of Polk State College’s prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award, the 2008 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award, Protect Our Children Junny Award, the 2013 Callyo’s Leaders in Online Child Protection Award, as well as the 2013 Church Women United Human Rights Award. He is a past President of the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Major County Sheriffs of America, a national organization serving counties with a population of 500,000 or more.
Grady has been married to Marisa since 1972, and they have two adult sons and 13 grandchildren.
