Monthly Archives: February 2022

Volunteers Needed for St. Lucie County Advisory Boards, Committees

Volunteers Needed for St. Lucie County Advisory Boards, Committees

 

 

Volunteers are needed to serve on several St. Lucie County advisory boards and committees.

St. Lucie County is offering residents a chance to provide input and help shape local government by serving on an advisory board and committee. St. Lucie County Commissioners will be appointing residents to serve on different groups that provide direct input and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

There is an immediate need for volunteers on the following boards/committees:

·       Affordable Housing Finance Committee

·       Housing Finance Authority

·       Contractor Licensing Board (architect; engineer and consumer representative)

·       Port of Fort Pierce Advisory Board.

Some boards/committees may require specific qualifications or past experience, but the minimum requirements are:

·       Must be a St. Lucie County resident;

·       Must not be related to another committee member, County Commissioner or county employee involved with the committee of interest;

·       Must not be employed by the same business entity as other committee members;

·       Must not serve on more than two county committees (does not apply to Ad Hoc Committees).

Financial disclosure is required for some boards and committees. Applications and more information about each of the advisory boards is available on the county's website at: www.stlucieco.org/boards.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

Feb. 28, 2022|

Interstate Commerce Center receives site plan approval

Interstate Commerce Center Receives Site Plan Approval

 

The Interstate Commerce Center will have more than 1,300 feet of frontage on Interstate 95.

 

The Fort Pierce City Commission on Feb. 7 unanimously approved the site plan for Interstate Commerce Center (ICC), a 207,458-gross-square-foot Class-A warehouse building that will front Interstate 95 south of Okeechobee Road on 12.7 acres.

This milestone represents the final land use approval required for JBL Asset Management’s (JBL) development.  Groundbreaking is anticipated in the second quarter with occupancy planned for the fourth quarter 2022.

Sited at the northernmost point with close proximity to both of Florida’s main north-south highways – Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike – ICC is located within one mile of both Exit 129 on I-95 and Exit 152 on the turnpike.  The facility’s location provides for access to Orlando, Fort Myers and Miami within two hours.  The property will have more than 1,300 feet of frontage and direct sight lines to the well-traveled I-95 corridor.

“These distinctive and desirable qualities are driving interest from efficiency-minded businesses seeking brand exposure and quick access to Florida’s most densely populated hubs,” said Michael Rem with JBL.  “There is currently quite a bit of product being developed for large users, so we are very excited to be able to offer attractive Class-A facilities for mid-size users with I-95 frontage and excellent access to both the interstate and Florida’s Turnpike.”

When complete, the institutional-grade facility will have 32-foot interior clear heights, a 60-foot speed bay, 60 dock-high loading bays, and four at-grade ramps.  The property has been designed to flexibly accommodate tenants ranging from 25,000 to 200,000-plus square feet. Separate parking areas and entrances for employees will prioritize safety and visitor experience.

“Fort Pierce is looking forward to welcoming new businesses to the Interstate Commerce Center. This warehouse space will be ideal for mid-size industrial and manufacturing uses,” said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. “Close by is the Treasure Coast International Airport, the Port of Fort Pierce and the Florida East Coast and Brightline Railroads.  Fort Pierce, the county seat of St. Lucie County, is known for its safe inlet, connecting the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and beautiful, pristine, uncrowded beaches.  Employees of any new business locating here will live and work in paradise.”

The property, located at 3800 Crossroads Parkway within the Crossroads Park of Commerce, is being marketed by Cushman & Wakefield, for more information visit www.icommercecenter.com.

“St. Lucie County is well located, with 70% of Florida’s population within a short three-hour drive. Walmart, Amazon, FedEx and others have sited significant distribution operations here and facilities like JBL’s Interstate Commerce Center now make locating in St. Lucie County a fantastic option for companies needing a smaller footprint for their distribution, warehousing and manufacturing operations,” said Jill Marasa, vice president business retention and expansion for the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC).  “Plus, our fast-paced residential growth and the fact that more than 60% of our workforce currently commutes outside the county means we have workers ready, able and willing to build careers in logistics and manufacturing.”

 

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.  The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life.  Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

 

About JBL Asset Management

JBL Asset Management is a fully integrated commercial real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development and management of commercial properties in major markets across the country.  JBL’s current portfolio spans over 3M square feet and is diversified between retail, multi-family, and industrial properties.  JBL’s current development projects include 1,000 multi-family units in various stages of development and 500,000+ SF of ground-up commercial product. For more information: www.jblmgmt.com.

 

Interstate Commerce Center Leasing Inquiries

Leasing inquiries can be directed to Cushman & Wakefield -- Christopher Thomson, SIOR, executive managing director, [email protected].com, 561.227.2019; Chris Metzger, SIOR, executive managing director, [email protected] 954-415-9155; or Merritt Etner, senior associate, [email protected], 561-990-9706.

 

Rendering of Interstate Commerce Center as seen from the southbound lanes of I-95.

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

 

Feb. 28, 2022|

FSBDC at IRSC Highlights Client Success: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

FSBDC at IRSC Highlights Client Success: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

 

Michael Bernard (SBDC) discusses plans for expansion with Matt Black, CEO of Ben Franklin Plumbing. (Michael Spooneybarger/ Florida SBDC Network Headquarters)

Understanding the importance of working on your business as often as you work in your business is a topic CEO/President of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Treasure Coast, Matt Black, is passionate about. After engaging the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College for a Profit Mastery session to grow the organizations financial knowledge, Matt Black, who at the time was General Manager of the business and expressed interest in purchasing the business, approached the FSBDC regarding having the business evaluated. With the support of the SBDC, Matt Black came to terms with the owner of the franchise and purchased Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Treasure Coast. Through the FSBDC’s consulting, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing digitalized their business plan via LivePlan and continues to build off that plan to date.

As the organization continued to grow, so did Matt’s team as they quickly realized a bigger facility with room for more trucks was essential to their growth plan. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing successfully acquired a larger facility in a more central location which was featured in the FSBDC’s partnered business publication, Treasure Coast Business Magazine, in Spring of 2021.

Through the success of purchasing the business and working with the FSBDC, Black encourages other organizations to invest time into their business plan, “I would recommend that you have a basic outline of what you want to do and they (the FSBDC) will help assist you with the rest.”

You can learn more about the Benjamin Franklin of the Treasure Coast by calling (772) 212-0504 or visiting their website benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/port-st-lucie

Learn about Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s path to success by viewing their Client Success Story with the Florida Small Business Development Center, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyb4VkCMT7g

 

 

About the FSBDC at IRSC

The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Indian River State College (IRSC) is a part of the Florida SBDC Network.

The Florida SBDC Network provides tools, training, and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Designated as “Florida’s provider of small business assistance,” the Florida SBDC Network has more than 40 offices from Pensacola to Key West to serve the needs of Florida’s business community. Since 1976, our network of partners has helped construct a statewide ecosystem to foster the spirit, support, and success of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.

The Florida SBDC Network is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the Network’s designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC Network is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs.

Ready to get your business started on the path to success? Contact your local Florida Small Business Development Center at IRSC!
[email protected] | (772) 336-6285 | www.irscbiz.com

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

Feb. 23, 2022|

Legacy Park/FedEx Ground project receiving national attention

Legacy Park/FedEx Ground project receiving national attention

 

The Sansone Group’s 425-acre development in Port St. Lucie, Legacy Park at Tradition, is receiving national and regional recognition.

The Class-A industrial park is currently home to a FedEx Ground 245,000-square-foot regional sortation center, a 220,000-square-foot Amazon delivery station is anticipated to open this fall, a 327,427-square-foot warehouse and distribution center for Cheney Brothers recently received site plan approval and two speculative facilities available for lease are also under construction.

In January, Business Facilities, a full-service media group that publishes site selection news from around the world, selected Legacy Park from entries throughout the country as its first Industrial Commercial Park Impact Award winner.

“We’re honored to have been awarded the 2021 Impact Award for the Industrial/Commercial Park category by Business Facilities magazine. We understand they had a record number of submissions this year, so it further validates the institutional quality of Legacy Park at Tradition, along with its unmatched location in a very competitive market like South Florida,” said Sansone Group Principal Nick Sansone. “This project is particularly special for us as the park is named after our founder, Anthony F Sansone Sr., and is continuing the legacy he left.”

In addition, nationally circulated Expansion Solutions magazine featured the park along with other county industrial developments in an article headlined “St. Lucie County -- South Florida’s hottest new industrial development market.”

In October 2021, the Florida Economic Development Council named the FedEx project its Urban Deal of the Year Award winner. NAIOP South Florida, the regional commercial real estate development association, selected Legacy Park as a finalist for its Economic Development Deal of the Year award, with winners to be announced in March.

“Legacy Park at Tradition is an exceptional industrial development anchoring the southern end of the city of Port St. Lucie’s jobs corridor along I-95. The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) is very fortunate to have prominent partners like the Sansone Group investing in our community for the long term,” said EDC President Peter Tesch.

The park is located at exit 114 on Interstate 95. At full build-out, Legacy Park will be home to approximately 5.4 million square feet of single- and multi-tenant Class-A, institutional quality light industrial and distribution facilities. Completion is anticipated this spring for the 520,000-square-foot cross-dock and 168,000-square-foot rear-loading speculative facilities currently under construction.

Companies located within the park are anticipated to ultimately employ more than 3,000 area residents.

 

Legacy Park at Tradition in Port St. Lucie is garnering national and regional accolades.

 

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.  The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life.  Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

 

About Sansone Group

Sansone Group is a family-owned and operated national commercial real estate firm headquartered in St. Louis with six offices across the US. The firm specializes in development, facility management, and brokerage services in commercial and residential sectors. Sansone Group is committed to providing superior and comprehensive commercial real estate services for every customer through teamwork, creativity, hard work, faith, and professionalism. The company was founded in 1957 by Anthony F. Sansone Sr. and is now led by four of his sons as principals of the firm – James, Timothy, Douglas and Nicholas. Contact the Sansone Group at 314.727.6664 or www.sansonegroup.com.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

Feb. 21, 2022|

Digital Engagement Soars at Bank of America

Digital Engagement Soars at Bank of America

Continued increase in client engagement drives records for Zelle transfers, digital deposits, Erica interactions and small business sales

 

BOA Logo

Bank of America added more than 2 million active digital clients last year, a single-year record, with its total number of verified digital users reaching more than 54 million. The bank’s clients logged in to its digital platforms a record 10.5 billion times in 2021, a year-over-year increase of 15%.

“Now more than ever, consumers and businesses depend on digital, and Bank of America continues to deliver efficient, safe and reliable digital financial solutions,” said David Tyrie, Chief Digital Officer and Head of Global Marketing at Bank of America. “Our digital capabilities allow our clients to easily manage every aspect of their financial lives across banking, investing, lending and retirement, with access to advice and guidance from our financial professionals and through our financial centers when they need it.”

As of January 2022, the bank has 16 million active Zelle® users – including small businesses – with clients sending more Zelle transactions than physical checks written in 2021 – 514 million compared to 453 million, respectively. Today, 86% of deposits are made through digital or ATM channels. Small business digital sales are nearly 300% above pre-2020 levels, and digital sales account for nearly 50% of total sales. Erica® engaged with clients for approximately 2.2 million hours in 2021. Clients can’t stop banking and are engaging with the bank’s full suite of capabilities:

  • A record level of Zelle transactions totaled $231 billion sent and received in 2021, up more than 64% year-over-year. Zelle accounted for 8% of total consumer spending at Bank of America in 2021, demonstrating client demand for fast, easy and safe methods of paying friends and family, shopping digitally and in-store, and paying bills.
  • Since launching in 2018, 24.6 million Bank of America clients have interacted with Erica®, the most advanced AI-driven virtual financial assistant, a total of 659 million times. In 2021, clients interactions with Erica were nearly twice the total of the previous two and a half years, with 123 million interactions taking place in Q4 2021 alone, a 247% year-over-year increase. Nearly 7 million clients engaged with Erica for the first time, and interactions among wealth management clients increased by 418% year-over-year.
  • Bank of America Life Plan® conversations in financial centers have led to the creation of more than 1.5 million future appointments to further discuss clients’ life priorities. More than 6 million Bank of America clients have created a Life Plan to set and track their financial goals and better understand and act on steps toward achieving them. Since its launch in October 2020, Life Plan clients have created 2.1 million new deposit accounts, 78,000 new Merrill brokerage accounts and opened 892,000 new card accounts.
  • Since adding Merrill investment features to the Bank of America app in Q2 2020, Bank of America has seen a 90% increase in the number of clients accessing investment features through mobile. Consumer Investments added 525,000 new funded accounts in 2021, bringing total accounts to 3.3 million. The Consumer Investments group is largely made up of Merrill Edge Self-Directed (MESD) accounts and Merrill Guided Investing (MGI) accounts. Last year, 40% of newly funded MESD and MGI accounts were opened by young investors under the age of 40, a 54% increase from 2019.
  • More than 85% of Bank of America small business clients are using digital channels. In addition, 75% of the bank’s mid-sized and large corporate clients are relying on digital to manage their companies’ finances. In 2021, these companies approved $384 billion of payments through the CashPro® app, a 119% increase year-over-year, with CashPro app sign-ins up 55%. Most recently, Bank of America launched CashPro Forecasting, a tool that uses AI and machine learning technology to more accurately predict future cash positions across client accounts at Bank of America and other financial institutions.

“Clients expect financial solutions that are timely, relevant and secure,” said Tyrie. “At Bank of America, we will continue to be at the forefront of innovation, leveraging best-in-class technology to support our clients through integrated and individualized capabilities to meet all of their financial needs.”

More information on how Bank of America clients are engaging with digital is available in the bank’s quarterly Trends in Digital fact sheet.

Recent awards and recognition

Bank of America’s digital leadership continues to be recognized throughout the industry, receiving more than 100 accolades in 2021 and already receiving top honors in 2022, most recently a No. 1 ranking from Barlow for small business online and mobile adoption. Bank of America has also been recognized recently as the Best Digital Bank by The Digital Banker in the Retail Banking Innovation Awards, and No. 1 on Keynova’s Online Banking Scorecard for the 26th consecutive time. Merrill Edge was also recognized as Best Online Stock Broker for Beginners by Bankrate.  Additional awards in 2022 and during Q4 2021 include:

  • Best Mobile Cash Management Software, by Global Finance (2022)
  • No. 1 Overall for Small Business Banking Digital Functionality, No. 1 Overall for Credit Card Scorecard, No. 1 in Digital Card Sales, Functionality, No. 1 Digital Mortgage and Home Equity Experience, Keynova (2021)
  • No. 1 Overall for Account Information, No. 1 Overall for Account Servicing, No. 1 Overall for Investor Questionnaires, No. 1 Overall for Fund and Account Transfers, No. 1 Overall for Mobile Alerts and Notifications, by Corporate Insight in the Monitor Awards
  • Best Digital Initiative for Bank of America Mobile App by Banking Tech Awards
  • No. 1 in Small Business Checking Digital Service penetration, Mobile Banking penetration and Remote Deposit Capture penetration in the BAI Small Business Benchmarking Study
  • 2021 Best Online Brokers for Stock Trading – Merrill Edge, Bankrate
  • No. 1 Overall Digital Experience by Forrester Research
  • Preferred Rewards program awarded Best in Class for Customer Loyalty Team, Customer Focus, Program Strategy and Design, B2B Customer Loyalty by Loyalty360
  • Outstanding Financial Innovator – 2021 Global by Global Finance
  • CashPro App named Winner: Mobile Technology Solution in Awards for Innovation & Excellence in Treasury by Treasury Management International, 2021
  • Digital Innovation Award for Merrill’s Digital Wealth Overview from MMI/Barron’s
  • Named Most Innovative Private Bank in North America by Global Finance

Download the Bank of America app or visit bankofamerica.com.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,200 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs, and award-winning digital banking with approximately 41 million active users, including approximately 33 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Zelle and the Zelle-related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Bank of America Life Plan is a registered trademark of the Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

 

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

 

 

 

 

Feb. 21, 2022|

 BBBS of Palm Beach & Martin Counties Adds Three to Staff

 BBBS of Palm Beach & Martin Counties Adds Three to Staff

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach & Martin Counties (BBBSPBMC) recently announced the addition of three new team members.

Kara Hitner is Marketing and Events Coordinator, responsible for coordination and planning of special fundraising events. Hitner graduated from Florida International University with B.S in Hospitality Management and a specialty in Event & Meeting Planning and has four years of previous work experience in the field. In her free time, she enjoys attending community events/festivals, spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, crafting, and gardening. She’s thrilled to bring passion for event coordination to BBBSPBMC,” an amazing nonprofit that enriches the lives of so many children”.

Angela Wiltz, Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, majored in Public Relations at Emerson College in Boston. She has worked for several non-profit organizations, including the Cathedral of the Pines, New Hampshire’s only Congressionally recognized war memorial, and Mercury One, where she helped organize large-scale stadium events, and coordinated international outreach. Angela is a self-proclaimed, “history junkie” and is a credited researcher for the New York Times bestseller, “Being George Washington – The Indispensable Man.” In her spare time enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and exploring new places.

 Lastree Lemene has joined BBBSPBMC as Match Support Specialist, supporting the School to Work program and its participants. She also assists with recruitment and enrollment for the program. Lastree was involved with the agency for more than seven years as a volunteer Big Sister and recently returned to the staff this past fall.  A graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Recreation, and Parks, in her spare time, Lastree enjoys working as a Professional Organizer and spending time with her boyfriend, her family, and her dog, Lulu. Seeing firsthand how her relationship with her Little Sister has flourished, she finds motivation in helping create similar experiences for Littles and Bigs to come. One of her favorite quotes is “'I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples'” by Mother Teresa.

Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential. As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through young adulthood in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

To learn more, visit www.mentorbig.org.

 

Lastree Lemene

Kara Hitner

Angela Wiltz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

 

Feb. 21, 2022|

St. Lucie County Tourism to Host National Travel Media Journalists

St. Lucie County Tourism to Host National Travel Media Journalists

 

The St. Lucie County Tourism Office is gearing up to host a group of four travel media journalists on a familiarization tour beginning Friday, Feb. 18 through Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022. Familiarization tours, also known as “FAM” tours, are a common industry practice conducted by destination marketing organizations to provide travel media, travel agents and other influential travel professionals the opportunity to experience a destination’s tourist activities and attractions first hand. The media tour, strategically scheduled during February’s Black History Month, will focus on the rich and colorful African American cultural heritage assets that exist in the historic City of Fort Pierce, specifically the Zora Neale Hurston Dust Tracks Heritage Trail and the Florida Highwaymen Trail. The journalists participating in the tour include representatives from the TheGrio, Bleu Magazine, and African American Golfers Digest.

Highlights of the tour include a private tour of the special exhibition “The Highwaymen: Art / History” followed by a reception at the A.E. Backus Museum, private guided tours of the Highwaymen Trail and Zora Neale Hurston Heritage Dust Tracks Trail, a “Meet & Greet” with members of the original Highwaymen, opportunities to meet local community members who knew or study Zora Neale Hurston, and more.

“The purpose of the event is to not only show these writers the impressive African American history, art and culture that we have in Fort Pierce, but to also introduce them to local residents who are associated with Zora and the Highwaymen – it’s important to engage these journalists with the locals because they are large part of our cultural appeal,” said Charlotte Bireley, St. Lucie County’s Director of Tourism & Marketing.

The St. Lucie County Tourism Office, also known as Visit St. Lucie, serves as the county’s official destination marketing organization and is responsible for marketing St. Lucie County and its cities to generate new and repeat visitors, thereby creating a positive economic impact for St. Lucie County.

 

About Visit St. Lucie:

St. Lucie – home to the historic city of Fort Pierce, the vibrant city of Port St. Lucie & beautiful beaches of Hutchinson Island is located on the Atlantic Ocean along the east coast of Florida, 120 miles southeast of Orlando and 115 miles north of Miami with direct access from Florida’s Turnpike, Interstate 95 and State Road 70. The area offers an array of visitor activities including beautiful beaches, championship golf, excellent outdoor and nature adventures, a thriving arts and cultural scene, world class fishing and dozens of unique attractions. A variety of affordable accommodations such as hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, vacation condos/homes and an all-inclusive resort are available. For a full listing of places to stay in St. Lucie, go to www.visitstlucie.com/places-to-stay-2/. Nearby commercial airports include Palm Beach International (PBI), Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA). For more details visit www.visitstlucie.com, www.facebook.com/VisitStLucie/; Twitter: @VisitStLucie and Instagram: @VisitStLucie.

 

For more information call Charlotte Bireley, at 772-332-2105 or email [email protected].

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected].com [email protected]

Feb. 14, 2022|

Robert Lord Jr. honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award

Robert Lord Jr. honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award

 

Robert L. Lord Jr. was presented with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award Feb. 10. Photo by MaryAnn Ketcham

Robert L. Lord Jr., president of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, retired, was presented with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) at its eighth annual leadership dinner on Feb 10, 2022.  

The award is presented annually to a dedicated business leader who has made significant contributions to St. Lucie County’s economy and quality of life.  The annual dinner and celebration, held at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center and attended by approximately 200, was sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company (FP&L).  

Former Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt, the EDC’s sixth annual Pete Hegener Leadership Award winner, presented the award to Lord, who had received multiple nominations.

Lord moved to the Treasure Coast when he was 11 years old and grew up with a love of the outdoors. After graduating from Stetson University with a degree in law, he moved to South Florida before returning to Martin County. Initially, Martin Memorial Hospital was a client of his civil legal practice but in 1998 he became the hospital’s first chief legal officer, in 2014 he became Martin Health System’s vice president and in 2016 its president. Lord retired at the end of 2021.

At the time Tradition Hospital was proposed, the state of Florida required a Certificate of Need before any new hospital could be built. Lord spearheaded the years-long legal and political campaign which ultimately led to the construction of Martin Health System’s Tradition Hospital. He then, as Tradition Campus leader, oversaw the construction process and the hospital’s subsequent expansion. To serve the western Port St. Lucie population, the health system also opened a freestanding emergency room in St. Lucie West. 

Lord was at the center of the initiative to position Martin Health System for the future by joining it with the renowned Cleveland Clinic and played an instrumental role in bringing Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Research and Innovation Center to Port St. Lucie.  He’s taken highly visible and principled public health stands during the COVID emergency and regarding the threat to public health and the environment of algae-laden water releases from Lake Okeechobee.

“Rob has lived on the water most of his life and always enjoyed the beauty and recreational activities he was afforded. In recent years, as discharges from Lake Okeechobee threatened public health and the marine ecosystem on the Treasure Coast, Rob spoke out publicly about this critical environmental issue. His genuine concern for the health of our community and for the future of one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the country made him a trusted and knowledgeable advocate,” read one nomination.

“During the COVID pandemic, in addition to overseeing the operation of three acute care hospitals on the Treasure Coast caring for many of the sickest COVID patients, Rob has also been an important resource for the community… He has routinely provided updates at press briefings and public meetings regarding the status of the community as well as the Clinic’s recommendations for our wellbeing. Throughout the pandemic, he has been a strong advocate for the healthcare professionals who are the frontline soldiers in this battle with a deadly, persistent enemy,” read another nomination.

Lord has also served the community through volunteer positions with the EDC, Hands Clinic, Hibiscus Children’s Center, St. Lucie County Roundtable, CORE, United Way, American Heart Association, Florida Oceanographic Society and others. 

The EDC leadership selection committee selected Lord as the nominee who most embodies the leadership and community mindfulness of the award’s namesake, Pete Hegener, from a field of 13 nominees and five other semi-finalists: Philip Busch, Southern Eagle Distributing; Frank McShane, TAMCO Florida; Marygrace Sexton, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company; Upendo Shabazz, Allegany Franciscan Ministries; and Howard Tipton, St. Lucie County. 

In addition to FP&L’s presenting sponsorship, other leadership dinner award sponsors were Hi-Tide Boat Lifts; MIDFLORIDA Event Center; OCULUS Surgical; PGA Golf Club; Apfelbaum Law; Bank of America; Cleveland Clinic Martin Health; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Dean Mead, Indian River State College, Jungle TV, Keiser University, Broward, Palm Beaches, St. Lucie REALTORS®; Seacoast Bank; HBK CPAs & Consultants; Leighton Farms, Dragonfly Graphics; and Manpower.

 

About the award

The recipient of the Pete Hegener Leadership Award exemplifies the qualities of a visionary, a trusted role model and leader whose inspiration and achievements impact the quality of job creation, economic vitality and small business growth.

Pete Hegener, the man whose actions inspired this award, was a founding member and integral partner of the EDC, served on the Board of Directors, and was an Executive Committee member.  Pete was a pillar of the St. Lucie County community, having played a key role in the development of western St. Lucie County and Tradition.  Friends and colleagues described him as “honest, visionary, and caring.”  He passed away in March 2012, but his legacy is recognized through this award. 

 

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community.  The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life.  Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250, [email protected] or www.youredc.com. 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected].com [email protected]

 

Feb. 14, 2022|

Boys & Girls Club of Martin County selected as Non Profit of the Year

Boys & Girls Club of Martin County selected as Non Profit of the Year

 

The Palm City Chamber of Commerce awarded Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County 2022 Non-profit of the Year on Saturday, Feb. 5, at their annual Installation Gala.

"2022 represents the first time the award was given and begins a new tradition for the Palm City Chamber," says Missi Campbell, Executive Director of the Palm City Chamber of Commerce. She goes on to say, "we are incredibly proud of Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County because their vision, passion, and perseverance during the pandemic has led to extraordinary outcomes for the youth they serve and the community as a whole."  

Serving up great futures together Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County food truck Fork in the Road can often be seen at Chamber events. Launched in 2021, Fork in the Road is the centerpiece of the Club's workforce development and career readiness portfolio, including Culinary Training and Certification Programs. Since hitting the road, the Fork in the Road culinary program has successfully trained more than 43 Club teams. These teens now hold a SERV Safe food handler certification that qualifies them for an opportunity to work in a high-demand industry.

"We are honored to be the first recipient of this award," says Keith "Fletch" Fletcher, BGCMC president & CEO. "It's proof that truly collaborative partnerships, like the one we have with the Chamber, provide far-reaching opportunities – from kids who need a post-secondary plan to local businesses that need a highly qualified and reliable workforce." 

(L-R) Ed Ciampi, Martin County Commissioner, John Snyder, Florida State Representative, Missi Campbell, Palm City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Tim Taylor, Sunshine Land Design (Front row) Shawn Keil, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Community Development Director.

About BGCMC
For more than 30 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County has provided award-winning programs designed to guide and inspire young people ages 6-18 to learn, grow and mature in route to becoming successful adults. Each of the four clubs enjoys strong partnerships with local schools and communities. Such cohesion ensures that Boys & Girls Clubs' programs complement and enrich the curriculum our members learn in class as well as remain attuned to the challenges and opportunities they face on a day-to-day basis. The clubs offer opportunities for fun, fitness, S.T.E.A.M. activities, and certified teachers work with club members on everything from tutoring and homework help to specialized courses that prepare them for careers in a variety of trades. 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected].com [email protected]

 

 

Feb. 14, 2022|

Innovative local program creates opportunities for career-seekers 

Innovative local program creates opportunities for career-seekers 

 

 

 

Local working families who struggle to survive paycheck to paycheck now have reason to breathe a little easier.

That’s thanks to a new program backed by Martin County commissioners, who call its newly funded Career Connect Martin program a “win-win,” as it offers incentives to hiring businesses.

Led by the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Career Connect Martin offers unemployed and underemployed individuals paid positions with great local companies, professional coaching, and on-the-job training.

Such positions—called Trial Employment Opportunities—are available across multiple industry sectors, including construction trades, manufacturing, logistics and distribution, marine, health care, agriculture, automotive and transportation, information technology and many others.

In addition to receiving support with recruitment, retention, and supporting in-house training programs, participating businesses have salary and other related expenses covered during the Trial Employment period—mitigating some of the costs of hiring and training.

Career Connect Martin is collaborative, working with the Martin County Council of Chambers, Economic Council and Business Development Board of Martin County as well as various social service agencies to ensure success for trial employees.

Timing is ideal. According to the United Way, 44% of families in Martin County are part of the population identified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE). Many found their economic fates made far less stable during the pandemic.

“Career Connect Martin allows us to embrace the individual goals of a career-seeker,” says Angela Hoffman, the Stuart/Martin County Chamber’s director of workforce development. “This helps them overcome barriers such as cost of childcare, lack of transportation and access to paid training.

“Too often, working families are one flat tire or unexpected medical bill away from crisis, and the pandemic only made their savings smaller and debt load larger,” she adds. “Even with a low unemployment rate (3.1 percent) in the county, we know there are more than 2,300 residents who are not earning enough money to sustain their families.”

Employers eager to participate as a Trial Employment Site can apply now. Career-seekers can begin to apply for paid Trial Employment Opportunities starting March 1. Any Martin County resident over the age of 18 can apply. For more information and applications visit www.careerconnectmartin.org and follow updates on Facebook @CareerConnectHiresYou.

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected].com [email protected]

 

Feb. 7, 2022|