BusinessForce Endorses Bill Braswell for Polk County Commission, District 3

ORLANDO, FL (July 12, 2016) — Following a comprehensive and deliberate candidate selection process, BusinessForce has announced the endorsement of retired Air Force Major and pilot for Delta Airlines and current agribusiness owner Bill Braswell for Polk County Commission, District 3.

“As a small businessman himself, Bill Braswell knows what it takes to start and run a successful business,” said Robert Agrusa, Executive Director of BusinessForce. “He will hold the line on taxes, ensure for a more honest and transparent government, and protect our unique communities ensuring a bright future for Polk County. Most importantly, he will fight tirelessly to expand Polk County’s economic base by creating a more business friendly government that supports economic growth for its hard working families.”

The District 3 seat is currently occupied by Commissioner Ed Smith who is leaving due to term limits.

For more information on Bill Braswell’s campaign, please visit www.billbraswell.net.

BusinessForce is the political action arm of the Central Florida Partnership and its goal is to affect positive change in Central Florida through regional public policy advocacy and by encouraging and supporting candidates for public office who, as public officials, will embrace free enterprise and sound, responsible business practices in government.

About Bill Braswell

A fourth-generation Floridian born in Bartow, Bill Braswell has lived his entire life in Polk County. Bill’s father worked at the W.R. Grace Phosphate mines, and his mother was a citrus sectionizer for Ben Hill Griffin. He graduated from Bartow High and earned a degree in agronomy from the University of Florida. Bill served 21 years (active duty and Reserves) as a pilot in the US Air Force, retiring with the rank of Major. He also flew for Delta Airlines for 20 years before his retirement in 2008.

In 2000, Bill began farming blueberries, and today his wife and stepson help him operate farms in Auburndale and Haines City. He manages the largest blueberry farm in Florida for Clear Springs, located in Bartow.

Bill is an active member in the community including: Polk County Planning Commission, Vice President of the Polk County Farm Bureau, Adviser to the U.S. Trade Representative on foreign trade policy, Board Member of the US Highbush Blueberry Council and Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Past President of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association.

Bill and Cathy have been married for 22 years.

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