At The Development Group, we believe that economic development is about more than buildings, budgets, and business incentives–it’s about people, place, and a sense of belonging within our community. In Hardee County, we’re witnessing firsthand how a strong sense of community can become a catalyst for sustainable growth and lasting success.

What is "Place"?

In economic development circles, the term “placemaking” has become somewhat of a buzzword. But for us, it’s personal. “Place” is Main Street on a Friday night, the sound of a hometown band playing at Heritage Park, neighbors rallying to support a new business, or friends gathering at the historic train depot. Place is identity. It’s belonging. And when people feel deeply rooted in their community, they’re more likely to invest in it.

Why Community Belonging Matters

Studies have shown that communities with high levels of civic pride and social connection attract more entrepreneurs, retain more talent, and weather economic downturns more effectively. This isn’t by chance–it’s by design. When people love where they live, they’re more likely to:

  • Shop locally and support small businesses
  • Volunteer their time and skills to local causes
  • Promote their community to visitors and potential investors
  • Innovate, create, and build for the long-term good

In Hardee County, we believe we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. Imagine what could happen if more residents brought their voices to public meetings, if more young leaders chose to step into their calling right here at home.

Economic Development is a Team Sport

Economic wins don’t just come from one agency or initiative. They emerge from collaboration, trust, and shared vision. Whether it’s a manufacturer choosing to relocate here, a healthcare headquarters opening its doors, or a bakery opening downtown, success comes when community members and developers work side-by-side.

Our team has spent the last few years studying and applying the principles from Building a Vibrant Community by Quint Studer. The book emphasizes that economic growth doesn’t happen in isolation–it thrives where leaders build relationships, create civic pride, and involve residents in shaping their future. These ideas have sparked conversations, inspired local action, and helped us to rethink how we approach development in Hardee County.

We’ve created a free, 6-week focus group centered on Building a Vibrant Community that is open to the public. Session 9 is currently wrapping up in Bowling Green. If you’re interested in participating in a future session, please take a moment to fill out this short survey.

We know that the more people who are engaged in this work–from business owners to retirees, students to city officials–the more vibrant our community will become.

Place is Our Competitive Advantage

While larger cities may compete with amenities and infrastructure, small towns like ours have something just as powerful: a connected, committed, hard-working community. That’s our edge. And when we pair that with smart planning, strong partnerships, and a forward-thinking strategy, we become unstoppable.

Let’s Keep Building—Together

As we look toward the future, our focus remains clear: continue cultivating the kind of place where people want to live, work, and stay. We’re proud of the progress Hardee County has made–but we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.

When you build up place, you build up people–and that’s the real foundation of economic success.