Cyndi Jantomaso
MEDP President/CEO
Haines City Economic Development Council, Inc.
Post Office Box 3845
Haines City, FL 33845-3845
863-422-2525 Office
863-206-0007 Mobile
[email protected]
Cyndi Jantomaso is an accredited Master Economic Development Practitioner receiving her certification through AEDL. In addition, she holds a State of Florida Realtor license, and a State of Florida Paralegal Certification.
Cyndi is the President of the Haines City Economic Development Council, Inc. and has been with the organization since 2011. The Council is a private, not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Florida made up primarily of large companies, financial institutions, post-secondary education institutions, county and state representatives, and workforce development boards. The Council is managed by a board of directors comprised of public and private sector members. The Council encourages, supports, and promotes economic development and growth opportunities within the city and in Northeast Polk County building relationships that will create opportunities and jobs for the area. Cyndi’s focus is on recruitment, business retention, and expansion of target industries to Haines City and Northeast Polk. Cyndi is responsible for the creation, implementation, and continual improvement of the Economic Development Strategic Plan for the Haines City Economic Development Council, Inc. The Economic Development Strategic Plan will, at a minimum, focus on the expansion, recruitment and retention of targeted business and industry, support for existing Haines City businesses, identify and support the workforce needs today and of the future, and develop and implement strategies that lead to effective product development. Cyndi’s position must possess a high-level understanding of Polk County and Haines City’s economic drivers, its assets and the local stakeholders and partners that are critical to the growth of Northeast Polk’s economy.
In Cyndi’s 15 years with the Haines City Economic Development Council, she helped announce many economic development projects which generated a significant amount of jobs, millions in capital investment of new industrial real estate. In her spare time, she enjoys being on the ocean with friends and family.
As a leader in her community, Cyndi is an Alumni of the Haines City Leadership Class II, Alumni of the Orlando Leadership Class 84’, and Alumni of the Leadership Polk Class VIII & Chairperson of Leadership Polk Class XIII.
Cyndi was appointed and served a two-year term in 2016 on the Florida Economic Development Council Board of Directors; in 2017 she was appointed and served a one-year term as a Board of Director United Way Central Florida; in 2019 she was appointed and served a two-year term as Board of Trustee for Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and served for over 12 years as a Board of Director for the Northeast Polk County Chamber of Commerce.
Cyndi was appointed by Polk County Board of County Commission to the NE Polk County Roadway Advisory Committee in 2015 to advise the Polk County Board of County Commissioners regarding the identification and prioritization of roadway infrastructure improvements in the unincorporated area of northeast Polk County. She served as the Chair from 2019-2021.
In 2022, Cyndi was appointed by the Polk County Board of County Commission to serve a 3-year term on the Industrial Development Authority. The IDA performs such acts necessary for the sound planning and development of Polk County, its industry, commerce, and business. The Polk County Board of County Commission has extended her term for another 3 years until 2029.
Cyndi continues to serve her community as a Board of Director for CareerSource Polk, Board of Director for Central Florida Health Care, Board of Director Polk State College Foundation, and She serves on the Polk Transportation Planning Organization’s (TPO) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)., which frames the discussion, develops goals and objectives, and recommends actions to implement the regional strategy, representing the economic interests of the region.
Cyndi is devoted to growing Haines City and the Northeast Polk County region and a champion for this area’s enormous potential.
Cyndi serves as the first point-of-contact for new and expanding businesses in the City of Haines City, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the State of Florida. She serves as a business liaison in response to inquiries as it relates to economic development projects and activities, to include project leads from the County or the State.
Cyndi has worked on six (6) Ad Valorem Tax Abatement Programs with Polk County, Florida. Several Brownfield Grants and numerous federal and state grants for Haines City, Florida.
Cyndi is responsible for creating program guidelines, applications, and policies related to economic development, and manages the Haines City EDC Strategic Action Plan, and oversees the implementation of their goals.
Cyndi conducts business retention site visits regularly with industry leaders in the City of Haines City. She coordinates with local resource partners to meet the needs of the local target industries in the business community, such as local economic development practitioners, workforce development, financial and lending institutions, educational and technical institutions, chambers of commerce, community stakeholders, realtors/brokers, and various private and
not-for-profits.
Cyndi provides on several committees and boards, providing oral presentations to organizations, businesses, and other groups as appropriate related to economic development updates, programs, and initiatives.
Cyndi compiles data for special projects or reports, as assigned, ensuring completion by specified deadlines and in accordance with the outlined goals and objectives as requested.
Cyndi has knowledge of principles and practices of economic development programs, businesses incentives and state economic development programs and incentives. She exercises sound judgement and makes decisions. She is established and maintains cooperative relationships with business owners, developers, site selectors, landowners, the general public, and public officials with considerable tact and courtesy.
Cyndi can interpret, explain, and administer policies and procedures, with a keen ability to research documents and draw conclusions. She has experience with municipal budget reviews, preparation, and analysis. She can handle correspondence and other administrative details when needed.
