With a looming global recession in early 2008, the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC), a public-private partnership charged with leading Polk County, Florida’s Economic Development efforts, contracted SRI International to develop an industry cluster assessment and analysis for Polk County unlike any other study conducted before. Employing a unique approach involving regionalism and cross-border collaboration in its initiative, the SRI International study included five surrounding counties, comprising two contiguous, smaller-population counties (Hardee and Highlands) and two contiguous, metro counties, Orange (Orlando) and Hillsborough (Tampa). The study provided a road map for achieving community and economic development goals that will build regional economic synergies while further defining Polk County’s current and future identity.