Treasure Coast Business News 2.21.23
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Just a few spots left for Save the Chimps Member Day April 1st
Just a few spots left for Save the Chimps Member Day April 1st
Go behind the scenes to learn more about our 200+ chimpanzee residents and how we care for them.Tour our beautiful 150-acre sanctuary by foot or tram to observe the chimps as they roam their islands, swing from climbing structures, run, play, vocalize, bask in the sun, or curl up in the shade.
Walking tours cover 1.25 miles - if you need to tour by tram, be sure to choose a tram tour.
Spots are limited so sign-up today! Save the Chimps is closed to the public aside from occasional seasonal events like this. For the best experience, bring binoculars, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Water will be provided along the tour, and brand new chimp merchandise will be on sale.
Save the Chimps is located at 16891 Carole Noon Lane Fort Pierce, FL 34945
Tickets are $30 - $60. To save your spot, click here.
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]
Women’s History Month at Inner Truth Project
Women's History Month at Inner Truth Project
Wednesday, March 1, 6 p.m. at The Inner Truth Project, Port St. Lucie. To RSVP and for directions, email [email protected].
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]
500-plus chili lovers attend HSELC event
500-plus chili lovers attend HSELC event
Kara Briner
More than 500 people packed the campus of the Hobe Sound Early Learning Center (HSELC) on Jan. 14 to enjoy some of the finest chili and salsa on the Treasure Coast.
The sixth annual Hobe Sound Early Learning Center (HSELC) Chili Cookoff was a spicy success with 15 chili chefs offering 20-plus entries and eight salsa chefs serving up the tangy delight.
The chili cooks participated in Open and CASI (Chili Appreciation Society, Inc.) categories. CASI cooks compete for points to qualify for CASI Terlingua World Championship Chili.
Top winners in each category were:
Local Fan Favorite: Steve Weston Deer Camp Chili
Crowd Pleaser: AJ Roulette from Lake Worth, Shredded Heat!!
Open:
1: Kara Briner - Waterbabe
2: Brenda McBride - Granny B’s Getcha Sum
3: Bianca Wessel - B+D’s love chili
CASI:
- Kristi Knight - Flyin High Chili
- Beverly Scott - Bev’s Best Chili
- Candi Knight-Arevelo - Candi Kissed Chili
Salsa:
- Kara Briner - Waterbabe
- Karen Horner - Salsarittaville
- Moreen Kennedy
The Kids’ Zone offered face painting, arts & crafts and games to keep the youngest attendees entertained and local favorite Jupiter Narrows Band provided great music that was perfect for the upbeat afternoon.
This year’s Chili Cookoff added Bonner Bar Service and Legendary Ice Cream Treats for the first time and the crowd loved both.
Monies raised will help HSELC continue with its mission to provide families, regardless of income, an affordable early-education program incorporating nurturing, education and recreation to stimulate their children’s healthy emotional and social development and help them to excel in school and life.
For information, visit www.hobesoundearlylearningcenter.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]
Dr. Teresa Albizu revealed the pervasiveness of domestic violence at Port St. Lucie Business Women meeting
Dr. Teresa Albizu reveals the pervasiveness of domestic violence at Port St. Lucie Business Women meeting
Port St. Lucie Business Women program chair Dorothy Kamm, Dr. Teresa Albizu, CEO, SafeSpace, PSL Business Women president Devon Dwyer. Photo Courtesy of Diane Gallagher, DSG Design & Photography
“The definition of domestic violence is when a partner uses abuse to gain and maintain control over an intimate partner,” said Dr. Teresa Albizu, CEO of SafeSpace, Inc., guest speaker at the February 17 meeting of the Port St. Lucie Business Women held at Tutto Fresco in St. Lucie West. “This includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and financial abuse. Domestic violence is the abuser’s choice, a learned behavior and a crime,” she explained. It affects children who are witness to it as well.
Members in attendance learned in the state of Florida, nearly 38 percent of women and 29 percent of men experience intimate partner dating violence, sexual violence and/or stalking in their lifetimes. “The problem is pervasive not only throughout the state but locally as well,” said Dr. Albizu. She revealed that since last year in St. Lucie County alone, there has been a 12 percent increase.
SafeSpace offers services free of charge to participants, providing intervention, prevention and advocacy services. It is the only state-certified domestic violence agency serving St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties. For more information, visit www.safespacefl.org.
The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.
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]
Stuart Air Show offices return to Stuart
Stuart Air Show offices return to Stuart
Stuart Air Show board members Glenn Rivers, Doug Davis, Cindy Groover, Dewey Vinaya, Renee Allen, Rich Vaaler, Brett Rhodes (missing Lee Potter and Ben Hogarth)
On the heels of a very successful Stuart Air Show last November the administrative offices of the organization have moved back to Stuart.
“It is very exciting to be back in Stuart,” says executive director, Inez van Ravenzwaaij. “Being less than a less than a couple of miles from Historic Witham Field, where the annual airshow is hosted feels like a homecoming for everyone involved. And of course, this will also be very convenient as we get closer to the main event”.
The date for the 2023 edition of the Stuart Air Show has been set for November 10-12, 2023, and tickets are scheduled to go on sale in early May. To learn more, visit www.stuartairshow.com, or to inquire about sponsorships please reach out to the Executive Director at [email protected].
The new office address is:
2440 SE Federal Hwy, Suite 600, Stuart, FL, 34994
For more than 30 years, the Stuart Air Show a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization has dedicated itself to honoring the history of American aviation and veterans, and inspiring future generations. Attracting tens of thousands every year, the organization partners with schools and youth service agencies to offer STEM programing to hundreds of schoolchildren.
The Show is also proud to partner with equally mission-minded nonprofits such as EAA Chapter 692, Southeast Florida Honor Flight, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, the United Way of Martin County and dozens of others to provide fundraising opportunities.
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]
MIDFLORIDA names Shrita Walker to lead commercial lending program in Treasure Coast market
MIDFLORIDA names Shrita Walker to lead commercial lending program in Treasure Coast market
Shrita Walker
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is pleased to announce that Shrita Walker has been named vice president/commercial loan officer with the Commercial Lending Department. In her new role, she will be responsible for originating commercial loan business.
A veteran of the banking industry with over 21 years of experience, she most recently served as Vice President Area Manager for the credit union’s Treasure Coast region where she was responsible for staffing and operations of six branches.
“I am fortunate for this tremendous opportunity to work for and grow with a dynamic company like MIDFLORIDA. I am excited to continue to serve my community in this new capacity. MIDFLORIDA is the leading credit union commercial lender in the state and I’m looking forward to cultivating relationships and expanding that expertise to the Treasure Coast and surrounding markets,” Walker said.
Joining MIDFLORIDA in 2014, she was the Branch Manager of the credit union’s Central Vero branch. She has held positions ranging from Branch Manager/Assistant Vice President to Vice President Area Manager. Prior to joining MIDFLORIDA, she served as Assistant Vice President/Regional Operations Manager at SunTrust Bank. Her new role with MIDFLORIDA will focus on the expansion of the credit union’s commercial lending program and continue to represent MIDFLORIDA at events in the Treasure Coast market.
A graduate of the University of Georgia, Walker also holds an M.B.A from Strayer University. She is also a graduate of the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce Leadership program, Port St. Lucie City University and St. Lucie County Citizens Academy. She is a recipient of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce Treasure Coast Outstanding Community Partnership Award. Currently, she serves as Secretary of the Economic Development Council and is a Board member on the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and St. Lucie County Education Foundation.
Walker will be based out of MIDFLORIDA’s Port St. Lucie Gatlin branch, located at 1692 SW Gatlin Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For assistance with commercial loans, deposits or investment needs, she can be reached at (772) 773-0028.
MIDFLORIDA is a state-chartered financial institution headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. The Credit Union serves more than 453,000 members with assets totaling more than $6.69 billion through its network of branches, ATMs and website, midflorida.com. MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within its Florida service area, which spans from Gainesville to Stuart and coast to coast.
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]
City of Fort Pierce partners with Florida Rural Legal Services monthly housing workshops
City of Fort Pierce partners with Florida Rural Legal Services monthly housing workshops
The City of Fort Pierce Grants Administration Division is partnering with Florida Rural Legal Services to present Housing Workshops and continue the Housing Workshop Series. Housing workshops will be held at the Riverwalk Center at 5:30 PM. The workshop is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
“FRLS is excited to collaborate with the City of Ft. Pierce to provide critical services to residents during this critical time, focusing on housing protection through our comprehensive community outreach and education and holistic service model,” said Jaffe Pickett, Esq., executive director of Florida Rural Legal Services. “We are certain that this partnership will provide an avenue for residents to avoid homelessness and receive critical education and information on the comprehensive services we provide to aid in homelessness prevention and consumer protection and defense to aid Ft. Pierce residents as they navigate recovery from shortfalls, due to the Covid pandemic, impacting housing stability barriers impacting low-income individuals and vulnerable populations.”
The City of Fort Pierce recognizes the need for community education and outreach on eviction prevention, including landlord-tenant rights and comprehensive legal services. Starting in February, housing workshops will be tailored to a specific topic and will feature helpful information, training, and opportunities to speak to specialists in the field.
The dates for the 2023 Housing Workshops are as follows:
- Thursday, March 16, 2023, @5:30pm – Mobile Home Rental Rights
- Thursday, April 13th, 2023, @5:30pm – Eviction – What the Landlord Must Do Before They Can Make You Move
“FRLS is thankful for the partnership with the City of Ft. Pierce and commissioners who have made our comprehensive legal services, including strategic community education outreach as well as legal assistance at no cost to residents available to residents to avoid homelessness during this period of needed critical services.”
FRLS is certain that our efforts to collaborate with valued partners and funders to bridge the gap in access to free civil legal services will fill the services needed most during these critical times.
For more information on the Housing Workshops, please call 772-467-3161 or email [email protected].
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]
Piper Aircraft sees steady growth in 2022
Piper Aircraft sees steady growth in 2022
Vero Beach-based Piper Aircraft Inc. has announced a 15% increase in aircraft deliveries in 2022 over 2021. In addition, Piper incorporated innovative updates to their flagship aircraft, the M600/SLS, and provided support to more than 25 philanthropic organizations that best embody the company’s values and mission. In 2023, Piper continues to see backlog for the M-Class lineup deep into 2024 and trainer aircraft reaching into 2025 and beyond.
The M-Class product line includes the turbocharged and pressurized piston M350, the entry-level M500 turboprop, and the M600/SLS, featuring the HALO Safety System with Garmin Autoland. In total, 69 M-Class aircraft were delivered over the course of the year. This includes 19 M350s, 9 M500s, and 41 M600/SLSs, 43 of which were delivered domestically and 26 internationally.
In the trainer lineup—including the diverse Archer family (Archer DX, DLX, LX, and TX), the value-priced Pilot 100i, and the multi-engine Seminole—Piper delivered 167 total aircraft, with 150 delivered domestically and 17 internationally. Piper saw existing flight school customers grow their fleet, such as ATP Flight School, Spartan College, and American Flyers, as well as welcomed new customers to the Piper Flight School Alliance, including Thrust Flight and Fly Gateway.
“Growth in our two primary aircraft markets is of paramount importance to Piper Aircraft,” said Piper President and Chief Executive Officer John Calcagno. “Despite the supply chain and labor challenges our industry faced this year, we were still able to deliver our aircraft as promised, create valuable enhancements across our product lineup, and pass these improvements to our Piper dealer partner network and retail customers.”
Product highlights included the M600/SLS receiving FAA approval on a Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL), defining an easier pathway to enter the aircraft into Part 135 charter service. The M600/SLS also gained unpaved field approval in Q4 of 2022, expanding the value of an already capable aircraft. Together with these improvements, Piper Aircraft announced their collaboration with CAE to engineer an electric PA-28-181 Archer Supplemental Type Certificate.
Looking into 2023, Piper will be first to market with exciting new innovations in G3000 software on the M600/SLS, which were previewed at NBAA-BACE in Orlando, FL at the end of 2022. Piper also recently announced the integration of an Agile Manufacturing Robot to the PA-46 production line to elevate efficiency and safety throughout the Piper factory in Vero Beach, FL.
In addition to meeting the demands of the 2022 delivery schedule, Piper Aircraft saw success in other elements of the year, focused on our customers and the community. One of these efforts was the inclusion of two new flight schools to the highly successful Piper Brand Ambassador program, the L3 Harris Flight Academy, and long-standing Piper fleet customer, North Star Aviation of Minnesota State University at Mankato. Piper also presented six aviation-focused college scholarships to students in 2022, and will add three more scholarships for local high school students this year.
About the Piper M600/SLS
The Piper M600/SLS with HALO Safety System is the first general aviation aircraft certified with Garmin Autoland. The revolutionary system supports digital technology that safely lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport in the event that the pilot is incapacitated. Additionally, the Garmin G3000 avionics suite includes Autothrottle, Autoland, Emergency Descent Mode, Electronic Stability Protection, Surface Watch, and SafeTaxi, all of which are designed to enhance safe operation of the aircraft. Beyond the flight deck, the six-seat M600/SLS is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A 600 SHP engine. The aircraft has a maximum cruise speed of 274 ktas/507 km/h, a max range of 1,658 nm/2,748 km, and a standard useful load of 2,400 lbs/1,089 kg.
About Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, FL, offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series–the M600/SLS, M500, and M350–offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit the company’s website at www.piper.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]
Steering toward the future
Steering toward the future
Bev Smith Toyota’s current building will be completely gutted and expanded to 13,570 square feet, with the front portion extended outward. JOE DESALVO
Bev Smith begins renovations at Toyota site, plans new building at Kia dealership
BY JOE DESALVO
Frank Gonzalez, Bev Smith Automotive Group vice president, and executive assistant Phelicia Traver are excited about the upcoming renovations. JOE DESALVO
A major renovation and expansion project at Bev Smith Toyota, located at 3350 South U.S. Highway 1 in Fort Pierce, will get underway this spring to accommodate continued business growth.
Frank Gonzalez, Bev Smith Automotive Group vice president, said the building will be completely gutted and then expanded. The front portion will be extended outward to where the customer parking spaces are located.
The renovation involves three firms having vast experience in similar automotive projects, several being Toyota dealerships.
MH Williams Construction Group in Melbourne is the general contractor. Patrick Swift of Penney Design Group in Bethesda, Maryland, is the architect. ID Automotive, based in Fort Lauderdale, will be managing the project for Bev Smith Toyota.
Nick Hare, project manager for MH Williams, said the existing building will be expanded to 13,570 square feet. A new building, being built on the land to the north, will be 7,332 square feet.
Completion is anticipated for the end of this year or early 2024, Hare said.
Business will not be interrupted during the dealership’s transformation. Modular office space is in place and will serve as temporary homes for various departments, including management, sales team, service writers, service management, parts, body shop, trucks and rental. In addition, there will be a waiting area for customers in the trailers.
The offices in the renovated store will have a new look and feel.
“We’ll have brand new furniture and offices will be wrapped all the way around,” said Phelicia Traver, executive assistant to Gonzalez. “It’ll be set up a little bit differently.”
MH Williams and ID Automotive are excited to bring the design to life for the dealership group.
“MH Williams Construction Group is proud to have been selected for the modernization and expansion of the Bev Smith Toyota facilities to better serve their customers,” Hare said. “We look forward to working with the Bev Smith Automotive Group on this project and many more in the future.”
ID Automotive is equally proud to be involved, says Martin Meissner, program manager and program marketing director.
“We’re very excited to work with the team there,” he said. “It’s going to be a significant change to the face of the store to the customer — both inside and out.
“It’s going to bring the facility up to Toyota’s current image guidelines nationally that they have,” Meissner said. “So, it’s going to be a whole new face to the store and I think the customer experience is going to be fresh and exciting.
“It’s going to be a great project for the community,” Meissner added. “It’s going to be a beautiful new store.”
Toyota has had a presence in the Fort Pierce area for more than 50 years — all in the same location at the south end of town. Nick Smith, who helped his father, Bev, make Bev Smith Ford of West Palm Beach one of the top Ford dealerships in the country, bought Fort Pierce Toyota in 1992. Three years later, he broke ground on a new dealership that would receive Toyota’s branded design.
Gonzalez was hired as general manager in 1997 and became a partner in Smith’s company in 2001. They opened Bev Smith Kia in 2006 at 5655 South U.S. 1 in White City.
The completed renovation project will bring a significant change to the face of the Bev Smith store, meeting Toyota’s current image guidelines. PENNEY DESIGN GROUP
KIA GETTING MODERN LOOK
Bev Smith Kia, at 5655 South U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce, will be getting a new, more modern building after the renovations at Bev Smith Toyota, farther north on U.S. 1, are completed. JOE DESALVO
Plans call for the Kia dealership to receive a completely new building once the Toyota project is done, according to Gonzalez.
“It’s going to be very modern,” he said. “We’re going to expand the service area in the back. And bring used-car sales across U.S. 1 to the 10-acre property we own.”
Meissner confirmed ID Automotive will be involved with the Kia project in a similar role to that of the Toyota renovation.
“Probably in short order after we finish the Toyota store, and even before the Toyota store is done, we’ll be moving down the street and doing some work on the Kia site, too,” Meissner said.
“They’re really investing a lot into their stores for the community and I think that’s really great,” he added.
As for MH Williams Construction Group being the general contractor for that job, Hare said, “No final arrangements have been made, but that is the intent of the owner and MH Williams.”
Bev Smith Automotive Group has 150 employees at its Toyota dealership and 75 at the Kia location, according to Gonzalez.
Gonzalez says there are no plans to expand the company’s presence in the area.
“We have a lot going on,” Gonzalez said. “So, taking on another store is not in the picture at the moment. Right now, we want to make what we have better.”
BEV SMITH KIA
3350 South U.S. 1
Fort Pierce
Phone: 464.8440
Website: bevsmithtoyota.com
BEV SMITH KIA
5655 South U.S. 1
Fort Pierce
Phone: 465.8589
Website: bevsmithkia.com
See the original article in 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]