Kirkland Launches Central Florida Media Group

Nelson Kirkland, former publisher of the News Chief in Winter Haven, has announced the launch of Central Florida Media Group. The new company will focus on niche community publishing throughout the region.

The new company’s first publication will be Polk Ag News and will launch in the summer of 2010. Agriculture has a significant impact on local communities and our overall economy. The Central Florida Economic Development Council’s Study of Regional Impact identified agriculture and agri-technology as one of the key sectors in our region with the most long term advantages to the economic well-being and future of the county. A variety of industries are tied to local agriculture, including agri-education, flavors and essence manufacturing, fruit packing, phosphate mining and processing facilities.

According to Kirkland, “Polk Ag News and www.polkagnews.com will provide up-to-date news, information and community connections that farmers, ranchers and Polk residents care about including political news from Bartow, Tallahassee and beyond. “We’ll also focus on the youth in local FFA and 4H programs.”

Central Florida Media Group (CFMG) plans to publish Polk Ag News monthly in print and to develop a robust internet site featuring photos and video. Readers can expect contributions from The Polk County Farm Bureau, Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida Citrus Commission, Florida Cattlemen’s Association and other organizations and agencies focused on agriculture.

Company Gets Nod from USF Poly Accelerator

CFMG announced its selection by USF Polytechnic’s business accelerator, Blue Sky East, which uses technology and research to support companies building new products and services.

Blue Sky is Polk’s first university-based incubator/accelerator program and is engaged in a competitive application process to select the right mix of companies for its inaugural year. The incubator provides mentoring, network opportunities, access to academic and business expertise as well as technology support for selected companies.

Kirkland added, “We’re thrilled to be working with Blue Sky. A lot goes into developing new products and services and the atmosphere of collaboration at a business accelerator makes the process easier and more successful.”

“We’re going to be aggressive in distribution,” said Kirkland. “We’ll reach more than 5,000 greenbelt property owners located in Polk County and have more than 550 other distribution locations. We expect to circulate in excess of 25,000 copies each month in addition to our web presence.”

For additional information on Central Florida Media Group and Polk Ag News, contact Kirkland or visit www.centralfloridamediagroup.com.

In February Kirkland left the New York Times Company after a 24-year career most recently serving as publisher of  the News Chief newspaper in Winter Haven.

“Community publishing is what I love to do,” said Kirkland. “I’m excited to put my experience to work for niche audiences and companies in Central Florida.”