Treasure Coast Business News 4.26.22
|
Hope Lives Foundation presents $10,000 check to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
Hope Lives Foundation presents $10,000 check to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
Pictured from left to right: Chris Robertson, Hope Lives Foundation Executive Director, Marilyn Wallach, Hope Lives Foundation Board Member, Phil Barnes, Youth Guidance Executive Director, Jim Freitas, Hope Lives Foundation Board Member, and Christann Hartley, Hope Lives Foundation Director of Finance.
Recently, the Hope Lives Foundation Executive Director, Chris Robertson, and Board Members, Jim Freitas and Marilyn Wallach, awarded a $10,000 grant to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy. This grant is a memorial fund in memory of Kurt Wallach, who dedicated his time and efforts to helping those in need in Indian River County. By offering grants to smaller non-profit organizations, the Hope Lives Foundation strengthens and supports community organizations that serve on the Treasure Coast, North Palm Beach, and Okeechobee County.
“We are delighted to be a recipient of this grant,” said Phil Barnes, Youth Guidance Executive Director. “It will enable us to provide healthy meals and life-changing mentoring programs year-round for children in need living in Indian River County.”
Youth Guidance is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Youth Guidance provides a safe place where students receive a healthy meal, homework assistance, and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs for free.
After school, students complete their homework under the supervision of experienced Youth Guidance staff and participate in group mentoring programs that teach life skills including culinary arts, sewing, vocational training, S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), recreational activities and more! The organization serves approximately 250 children every year.
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy or making a donation, please call 772.492.3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Construction begins for Cheney Brothers distribution center
Construction begins for Cheney Brothers distribution center
Photo ID: From left, Cheney Brothers COO Shane Simmons, Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis; Cheney Brothers CEO Byron Russell, Laura Russell, Port St. Lucie Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan, Port St. Lucie Councilman David Pickett, Port St. Lucie City Manager Russ Blackburn, St. Lucie EDC President Pete Tesch
Cheney Brothers, Inc. broke ground April 20 on its distribution center and food service warehouse in Legacy Park at Tradition.
The first phase of the family-owned Florida broadline food distributor’s facility will be a 367,427-square-foot warehouse with refrigeration and freezer space, test kitchen, ancillary offices, 46 loading docks and a fueling station. At completion in mid-2023, the $65 million project’s first phase will bring at least 275 jobs to Port St. Lucie with wages that are 145% of the average earnings per worker in St. Lucie County.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis opened the event with remarks about the growth and success of Cheney Brothers and the vitality of Florida’s economy. Patronis has a longstanding connection to Cheney Brothers through the hospitality industry; he is a partner in Captain Anderson’s, a family-owned seafood restaurant that opened in Panama City in 1967.
“The city has been looking forward to this groundbreaking for a long time,” said Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin. “We were working with Project Bullet before the pandemic slowed things down, so today is a special celebration of the future as we welcome this family-run South Florida institution to Port St. Lucie. The Cheney Brothers groundbreaking is another win for our Southern Grove jobs corridor that will further the city’s strategic goal of building a diverse local economy.”
“The city of Port St. Lucie has provided Cheney Brothers with a warm welcome to the Treasure Coast. The city, county and state have been exceptional to work with, along with the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County,” said Cheney Brothers CEO and Chairman of the Board Byron Russell. “We look forward to completing the new facility in 2023 and we look forward to a very long relationship with the city of Port St Lucie and St. Lucie County. We are glad to be here.”
The new distribution center will be constructed on 53 acres fronting Interstate 95, joining FedEx Ground and an Amazon delivery station in the industrial park. When completed, the facility will service the restaurants, clubs and hotels in the region, and provide a safety net for supplies, if needed, when hurricanes strike. The facility is expected to expand by another 155,100 square feet with a future phase and the company owns 9.28 adjacent acres for additional expansion when needed.
“In opening a new distribution and warehouse facility in St. Lucie County, Cheney Brothers will ultimately be investing more than $65 million in our county. Not only will more than 275 of our residents have the opportunity to secure jobs that pay close to 150% of our county’s average wage, this investment will provide almost $200,000 a year to fund our fire district, more than $400,000 a year to educate our children, and so much more,” said St. Lucie County Commission Chair Sean Mitchell. “As great economic development projects like Cheney Brothers come online, the county’s tax rates can decrease without a reduction in services.”
“Cheney Brothers is thrilled to be expanding to St. Lucie County. The Treasure Coast and Space Coast are growing areas and building a state-of-the-art distribution facility in Port St. Lucie will allow us to better serve our customers,” said Cheney Brothers President John Reisigl.
A South Florida success story, Cheney Brothers was founded in West Palm Beach in 1925, has since expanded its footprint to Georgia and North Carolina and is in its fourth generation of family operation. The company exports to 110 countries and has added divisions such as CBI Kitchen Designs and affiliate business lines such as Simply Nuts, Crazy Fish International, and Grand Western Beef.
After the new facility opens, local businesses and residents will have easy access to Cheney Express, the company’s express pick-up service. Open to the public, Cheney Express offers an option to pick up frozen, refrigerated and dry items directly from the facility.
“Our work with businesses interested in locating here in St. Lucie County is exceptionally gratifying when the company is already in the South Florida region and is coming here to grow its footprint rather than relocate existing jobs,” said Pete Tesch, Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) president. “Having the opportunity to help bring more than 275 great jobs to Port St. Lucie and to Florida is a huge win for the city, the county and the state.”
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 Cheney Brothers, Inc.
Founded in West Palm Beach in 1925, Cheney Brothers is a Florida-based, family-owned and operated food service company. Cheney Brothers is one of the fastest growing broadline food distributors in the U.S. The company operates various facilities across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, and also distributes internationally to more than 100 countries. For more information and available positions, visit www.cheneybrothers.com.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Bloomberg Terminals link students with financial world
Bloomberg Terminals link students with financial world
IRSC Investment Club students explore use of Bloomberg Terminals in the new IRSC Bloomberg Finance Lab at the grand opening event on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The College has installed 12 Bloomberg Terminals, providing students with unparalleled coverage of markets and securities with information across asset classes — from fixed income to equities, foreign exchange, commodities and derivatives. INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
BY SUZANNE SELDES
Students studying at Indian River State College now have access to the platform used by the world’s leading banks, corporations and government agencies to view real-time global financial data, news feeds and messages.
The college has installed 12 Bloomberg Terminals, providing students with unparalleled coverage of markets and securities with information across asset classes — from fixed income to equities, foreign exchange, commodities and derivatives.
IRSC’s implementation of the terminals brings the real world of business and finance into the classroom. IRSC is one of more than 1,000 academic institutions globally — but the only one on Florida’s Treasure Coast — to integrate Bloomberg into the curriculum for its business and finance degree programs.
The new Bloomberg Financial Lab will also be used for financial literacy programs and Bloomberg certification courses, which the college expects to begin later this year.
“The opportunity to bring Bloomberg to our students provides an unparalleled resource in developing valuable financial and analytic skills that will differentiate and improve their competitiveness in the job market,” explains Dr. Prashanth Pilly, dean of the IRSC Business Division.
“Integrating classroom teaching with the real-world data, news and analytics available on the terminal better prepares our students for futures in the business and finance industries.”
IRSC’s subscriptions to the Bloomberg Terminal will serve as a resource for students and professors. It will enable students to become familiar with tools used in financial services, reinforcing classroom theory, while professors can use it to further their research.
“When a student comes to IRSC, they can expect a best-in-class education and our Bloomberg Finance Lab is another example of the outstanding resources that are freely available to them,” says IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “At IRSC, students from every academic discipline have the opportunity to sharpen their financial literacy to help them succeed personally and professionally.”
Students of varying levels and study areas can familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of finance by taking Bloomberg Market Concepts. Upon completion of the program’s core concepts modules, students will receive a certificate of completion that can be added to their LinkedIn profiles and resumes to show their knowledge of the markets and the terminal.
See the original article in the print publication
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
New college program to offer graduating seniors free tuition
New college program to offer graduating seniors free tuition
High School students across the Treasure Coast join in on celebrating the IRSC Promise Program.
BY SUZANNE SELDES
In response to a pandemic that has disrupted lives and derailed plans for so many in the community, Indian River State College recently revealed its most significant investment ever in eliminating barriers to higher education.
At a special assembly for Fort Pierce Central High School seniors, the college launched the IRSC Promise Program — announcing tuition-free associate degrees for qualifying 2022 high school graduates from public and public charter schools in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties.
IRSC president, Dr. Timothy Moore
“IRSC exists to change the lives of those we are here to serve,” IRSC president, Dr. Timothy Moore, announced. “No matter your background, household income or grade point average, if you are graduating from a public or public charter high school in our service district this spring, you can earn an A.A., A.S. or A.A.S. from IRSC tuition-free. We are not going to let anyone fall through the cracks.”
Sponsored by the IRSC Foundation, the IRSC Promise Program comes at a critical time. One million fewer students are enrolled in higher education today than two years ago. Consumer prices are 7.5% above January 2021 and rising. For many students and families, the cost of college can feel out of reach.
“The cost of tuition should never prevent anyone from pursuing their personal and academic goals,” said Michael Hageloh, interim vice president for Institutional Advancement. “The IRSC Promise Program, backed by the strength of the IRSC Foundation and led by the vision of the college’s district board of trustees, will help countless individuals stay the course and earn the education they require to build the futures they deserve. It is the ultimate investment in our community.”
Seventy-six percent of IRSC students remain in their community after graduation, contributing to the local economy as workforce members and consumers.
Fort Pierce Central High School Cobras engage students at IRSC Promise Program Pep Rally. INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
The IRSC Promise Program aims to make college education broadly accessible. Students do not need to demonstrate financial need and there is no GPA requirement for acceptance to the program.
Once in the program, students must maintain full-time enrollment status during fall, spring and summer terms and maintain satisfactory academic progress as they pursue an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Applied Associate in Science Degree.
To take advantage of the program, eligible high school seniors must commit to IRSC by taking the Promise Pledge [available at promise.irsc.edu] by May 15.
Go to promise.irsc.edu or send an email to [email protected] for more program details and a list of upcoming information sessions.
See the original article in the print publication
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Treasure Coast Business News 4.19.22
|
Underserved communities banking on businesses to help wipe out hunger
Underserved communities banking on businesses to help wipe out hunger
Tammy Matthew has worked in the financial services industry for more than 25 years. In her role as the market executive for Bank of America, she leads the market’s business, civic and philanthropic activities and oversees the bank’s business engagement and growth on the Treasure Coast.
More than 12% of Florida residents are facing food insecurity, according to Feeding America. This means the chances are high that you know someone suffering from food scarcity, even if you don’t realize it. More than 2.5 million Floridians live in households without consistent access to food and more than 700,000 are children.
Taking a closer look at the Treasure Coast, Indian River and St. Lucie counties share even higher rates of insecurity than the state average and the prevalence among children is significantly greater at more than 22%.
Hunger is complex and exacerbates other issues faced by underserved communities. Estimates show that hunger results in more than $4 billion of additional annual healthcare costs for Florida, and more than $126 million on the Treasure Coast, through increased illness and decreased academic achievement.
Food insecurity is a compounding issue, creating ripple effects that weaken the labor force and limit the academic potential of children. Yet, as the pandemic continues, hunger relief organizations in the Treasure Coast and across the country are facing ongoing challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to address this issue, such as increased demand for their services and rising food prices.
As members of the Treasure Coast community, it’s important that local business leaders are aware of vital organizations like the Treasure Coast Food Bank, that are lifelines to residents who may not know where their next meal is coming from.
Solutions exist to bridge the hunger gap, including community cohorts, school programs, and awareness campaigns to connect those in need to available resources, but programs like these need financial support — estimates indicate more than $1.4 billion more per year is needed to adequately meet food needs in Florida.
While the magnitude of need and funding requirements may seem daunting, they are surmountable when people work together. Supporting health and wellness has always been part of Bank of America’s commitment to the communities it serves. Bank officials are happy to share that the Treasure Coast Food Bank has received $25,000 in honor of their employees who shared that they have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Nationally, the bank has committed $10.6 million in donations to local food banks.
The impact of the donations is sizable, meaning that its booster donations will provide thousands of meals to Treasure Coast residents across the three counties Bank of America serves. The bank has been a longtime partner of the Treasure Coast Food Bank, donating more than $265,000 to the organization and participating in volunteer efforts, including warehouse sorting and packing as well as Better Money Habits presentations.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Bank of America has also provided support across the region to the hunger relief efforts of House of Hope, Sarah’s Kitchen of the Treasure Coast, and the Council on Aging of Martin County.
Furthermore, the bank donated 398,000 masks, 1,122 hand sanitizers, 202,000 pairs of gloves and other PPE equipment to help local nonprofits address critical issues affecting the community beyond food insecurity.
Today the financial institution applauds its employees who participated in its shared commitment to protect and serve their communities. It also encourages the Treasure Coast’s business community to find ways to support both employee and community wellness. We all win when we work together to create a better tomorrow for Florida today.
See the original article in the print publication
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
SCORE Treasure Coast launches Women’s Business Bootcamp
SCORE Treasure Coast launches Women’s Business Bootcamp with the Women’s Foundation of Florida to support women entrepreneurs
SCORE Treasure Coast announced they will be providing an 8-week Spring Business Bootcamp exclusively for the membership of the Women’s Foundation of Florida. This cohort style series is a “hands on” program that will teach the fundamentals of starting a business.
In addition to the workshop program, SCORE Treasure Coast, will provide experienced mentors to assist participants with planning their own potential small business startup.
Knowing that the Pandemic has disproportionately affected women economically, providing vital training and education to help them start or grow their businesses will go a long way in ensuring economic recovery and success.
The partnership between the Women’s Foundation of Florida, (WFFL), and SCORE Treasure Coast is an ongoing collaboration from 2021. “We are excited to be supporting the WFFL in their mission to educate and empower women to be leaders,” said Cheryl Lippert, Score Treasure Coast Client Services Chair.
The Women's Foundation of Florida was founded in 2007 and educates and empowers women and girls to be leaders, so they can change the world. They invest in their ideas and encourage their leadership to positively affect the economic, political, and social status of women and girls across Florida.
A special thanks to the Better Business Bureau, of South Florida and the Caribbean, for their financial sponsorship of this Series.
To learn more about SCORE Treasure Coast business mentoring services as well as its business-related workshops, visit SCORE Treasure Coast
Individuals interested in free mentoring may call 772-489-0548 for assistance. The Chapter’s listing of workshops can be found at www.treasurecoast.score.org. SCORE is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Indian River Community Foundation awards grant to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
Indian River Community Foundation awards grant to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
This donation will help Youth Guidance continue to develop innovative programs to help more children break the cycle of poverty and become contributing members to our local community!
The Indian River County Community Foundation, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Pickering presented a $40,000 check to Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy. The Indian River Community Foundation board of directors also took a tour of the building and learned of the many free programs offered to families with limited resources at Youth Guidance.
“We are so grateful for the generous support from the Indian River Community Foundation,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance. “This will help us continue to develop innovative programs to help more children break the cycle of poverty and become contributing members to the Indian River County community.”
Youth Guidance is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Youth Guidance provides a safe place where students receive a healthy meal, homework assistance, and participate in one-on-one and group mentoring programs for free.
After school, students complete their homework under the supervision of experienced Youth Guidance staff and participate in group mentoring programs that teach life skills including culinary arts, sewing, vocational training, S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), recreational activities and more! The organization serves approximately 250 children every year.
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy or making a donation, please call 772.492.3933, or visit our website at www.youthguidanceprogram.org.
About the Indian River Community Foundation
Indian River Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit grantmaking foundation with a powerfully simple mission of building a better community through donor-driven philanthropy. The Foundation is in business primarily to help individuals and families to organize and carry out their charitable giving, and to partner with these generous donors to create and leave a charitable legacy. Since the Foundation’s establishment in 2008, the Foundation’s community of donors has grown to hold more than 200 named funds with assets of approximately $90 million. Altogether, the Foundation’s donors have granted more than $90 million from these named funds to support charitable organizations locally and around the world. Indian River Community Foundation is one of the fastest growing new community foundations in the country, and one of the most active grantmaking community foundations in the state of Florida. The Foundation has quickly become known as one of the most knowledgeable philanthropic resources locally. To learn more about the Indian River Community Foundation go to [email protected] or call 772.205.2977.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Elizabeth Thomason joins TCCH as Foundation Director
Elizabeth Thomason joins TCCH as Foundation Director
Elizabeth Thomason
Treasure Coast Community Health welcomed Elizabeth Thomason BSN, RN, MA as Foundation Director, effective April 4, 2022.
“Elizabeth brings a strong sense of community and fundraising expertise along with a nursing background. She will make an immediate impact on donor relations and support while upholding the TCCH mission,” Vicki Soulé, TCCH CEO said. Thomason’s skill set includes strategic planning and operations, capital campaigns, and grant applications and outcomes. Her medical experience will be instrumental in helping the public at large understand the impact TCCH provides to the overall health of more than 26,000 individuals in Indian River County.
“TCCH has such a good reputation within the community. I had the opportunity to volunteer with TCCH when COVID-19 vaccines first became available. I volunteered on weekends giving vaccines in Gifford and Fellsmere. It was a rewarding experience doing something positive in uncertain times,” Thomason said. Her nursing background, combined with over 20 years working with nonprofits is a perfect combination of skills to bring to the organization.
One of Thomason’s initial goals is to establish a board of directors that can help promote TCCH within the community, and then to increase the donor base over time.
“The scope of services and medical staff are very impressive. Indian River County is very fortunate to have such a comprehensive and affordable healthcare organization,” Thomason added.
About TCCH
TCCH is a nonprofit, providing comprehensive, high-quality health care to more than 26,000 insured, underinsured and uninsured patients. TCCH, Indian River County’s only Federally Qualified Health Center, has eight locations providing medical, vision, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy service. TCCH offers a sliding fee discount based on household income and family size. For more information, visit tcchinc.org or call 772-257-8224.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]