This year, The Development Group was proud to partner with the Hardee County Chamber of Commerce to host the State of the County event, marking a meaningful shift from years past. Traditionally, TDG hosted its own annual meeting to provide updates on economic development projects and activity throughout Hardee County. By joining forces this year, we aimed to create a more unified and impactful experience, bringing together a broader audience and offering a comprehensive look at the progress and priorities shaping our community.
The event began with a pre–State of the County dinner featuring guest speaker Todd Williams. Held at Terra Mexicana Restaurant, the evening provided an intimate setting where Todd could engage directly with members of the Board of County Commissioners, IDA Board, Chamber of Commerce Board, municipalities, and The Development Group staff. These early conversations are a key part of Todd’s approach, allowing him to better understand the local landscape and tailor his presentation to the specific needs and opportunities within Hardee County.
A Day of Business, Updates, and Community Insight
The following day began with a Business Expo organized by Chamber Director Kaylee Webb, where several local businesses showcased their services and connected with attendees. The event then transitioned into a luncheon, with a meal prepared by AdventHealth and served by students from the Hardee High School culinary program. During this time, attendees heard updates from each municipality, highlighting current projects and initiatives taking place across the county.
The program continued with a panel discussion featuring Sarah Evers, CEO of The Development Group; Fred Hawkins, President of South Florida State College; Sheriff Crawford; Sonja Bennett, Superintendent of Schools; Terry Atchley, County Manager; and Christen Johnson, Vice President of AdventHealth Wauchula. Questions submitted in advance by community members guided the discussion, allowing each panelist to share insights into their successes, ongoing efforts, and the challenges ahead.
The luncheon concluded with a county update from County Manager Terry Atchley, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and communication as Hardee County continues to move forward with thoughtful growth and long-term success.
Evers closed her remarks with a powerful reflection, sharing, “I hope that in five years we can look back and say we did the very best we could and made the decisions that were the most impactful.”
An Evening of Insight and Inspiration
That evening, attendees gathered once more for a deeper dive into the county’s economic outlook. Sarah Evers, The Development Group CEO, provided a comprehensive update on upcoming projects and how these initiatives are expected to shape the long-term development of Hardee County.
The evening continued with remarks from Todd Williams, a human behavior expert, storyteller, and educator with more than three decades of experience across healthcare, hospitality, and customer-facing industries. Todd spoke about the importance of creating a culture that cares, emphasizing that strong leadership begins with investing in people. His message highlighted how intentional leadership and employee engagement can create meaningful, lasting impact within organizations and throughout the community.
