Dyer Difference Award honors compassion and service

CEO Joe Rathnam, COO Jenna Radtke, Dyer sales manager Shannon Kinnett, and sales manager Dallas Steiger.

“Providing for our protectors” is the mission of K9 Strong, a Port St. Lucie nonprofit organization which helps to supply safety and training equipment to law enforcement K9 teams, locally and nationally. K9 Strong was founded in 2019 after the tragic line-of-duty death of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office K9 Cigo, shot and killed during a Christmas Eve 2018 criminal apprehension at Wellington Green Mall. K9 Strong, Inc. has assisted nearly 175 K9 teams nationwide, and approximately 25 K9 teams in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. The organization provides a variety of aid items, including everything from ballistic vests and first aid kits to specialized odor detection training equipment and infrared beacons, building a relationship with K9 handlers and helping to tailor donations to suit the K9 and handlers’ specific needs.

For example, in 2022, K9 Strong, Inc. received an emergency call regarding K9 Bandit of the Belmont (NC) Police Department, who had suddenly fallen ill with a heat-related injury. As veterinary costs mounted, K9 strong garnered $13,000 in community support to cover Bandit’s veterinary costs. Bandit has since made a full recovery, is back working the road, and has made several high profile criminal apprehensions and narcotics busts. Inspired by this experience, K9 strong established “The Bandit Fund,” earmarked specifically for emergency use. Bandit Fund”. This will open up an additional avenue of preparedness for K9 Strong, Inc. to “Provide for Protectors” in their most dire hours of need.

When we’re not feeling well, we can’t possibly do our best at work or in school. And while most of us don’t think twice about scheduling a doctor’s appointment or making a stop at an urgent care facility for proper diagnosis and treatment to help put us on the path to recovery and a return to productivity, it’s not that simple for those who have no insurance. For them, visiting a doctor or scheduling a preventive diagnostic test often means the difference between making the rent payment or feeding the family. In Vero Beach, the We Care program coordinates diagnostics, medical care, and treatment for hundreds of qualified patients who are uninsured. We Care coordinates volunteers to provide diagnostic testing and/or specialty medical treatment, including cardiology, dermatology, neurology, general surgery, oncology, and more. More than 300 individuals have received assistance through this program and its generous volunteer donors and providers. During the month known for love and caring, the Dyer Difference Award Committee has chosen to recognize the compassionate care being offered in Indian River County.

The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the $6,000 in donations made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River Counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a non-profit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit www.dyerdifference.org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.

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]

Mar. 2, 2023|

IRSC’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex Named Best in Florida

IRSC’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex
Named Best in Florida

IRSC President Timothy Moore, IRSC Fire Academy Director Mike Kemp, and Dean of Public Service Education Dr. Ray Socorro.

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex was distinguished as the Best in Florida during the 2022 Fire Service Awards, held in the Senate Chamber at the Florida Capitol. The award program recognized Florida’s firefighting community for its outstanding accomplishments in the fire service industry

“Our Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex was selected from more than 40 centers around the state as an exemplary site for the quality of its training and its exquisite learning environments,” said IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “We are grateful to Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis for recognizing our outstanding facility and its critical role in ensuring that our first responders are well-prepared to protect our citizens and each other.”

The 50-acre Complex provides immersive experiences for students in IRSC Public Safety Education programs and certified first responders who seek advanced training opportunities and continuing education in a highly versatile environment. Facilities include a 10,000-square-foot fire station; a six-story fire training tower; a Class-A burn building and a burn field (LP and natural gas) for outdoor fire suppression scenarios utilizing props such as fuel tankers, automobiles, barbeque grills and broken gas lines; and a tactical training village with traffic intersection, buildings, and collapse structure within a road system.

The facility is erecting an additional permanent four-story tower to accommodate the growing enrollment in its A.S. in Fire Science Technology and Basic Recruit Fire Academy and to serve as training grounds for firefighters preparing for the World Fire Fighter Challenge games. IRSC sponsors the reigning World Champions—the St. Lucie County Fire District Combat Challenge Team.

IRSC Public Service students perform a firefighting demonstration.

“This accolade is a testament to our dedicated IRSC faculty, staff and students and a reflection of the strength of our partnerships with regional fire service agencies,” adds Dr. Raimundo Socorro, IRSC Dean of Public Safety Education. “We are honored to share this designation with them.”

In addition to serving the training needs of Florida’s firefighting community, the IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex offers a wide range of educational and professional development opportunities in criminal justice—including the Florida Law Enforcement Academy—and degree and certificate programs in emergency management, homeland security, paralegal and human services. The comprehensive facility features a virtual reality use-of-force training simulator, an Emergency Operations Center, a three-story tactical shoot house, an indoor tactical firearms range, a dive training lake, a mock courtroom, booking and jail cells, a computer crime investigations lab, tactical vehicle training range, human services suite, classrooms and a 450-seat auditorium.

To learn more, visit irsc.edu.

Feb. 2, 2023|

Arbor Day Foundation names Fort Pierce 2022 Tree City USA

Arbor Day Foundation names Fort Pierce

2022 Tree City USA

Fort Pierce was named a 2022 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to effective urban forest management. Fort Pierce achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

"Tree City USA communities see the positive effects of an urban forest firsthand," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The trees being planted and cared for by Fort Pierce are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of Iife. Additionally, participation in this program brings residents together and creates a sense of civic pride, whether it's through volunteer engagement or public education."

If ever there was a time for trees, now is that time. Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, energy use, and extreme heat and flooding. Fort Pierce is doing its part to address these challenges for residents both now and in the future. More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA

About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods communities, cities, and forests throughout the world.

Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners, and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing, and celebrating trees. More information is available at http://www.arborday.org

Jan. 26, 2023|

AT&T Full STEAM Ahead grant awarded to Bessey Creek Elementary School

Kate Cotner, EFMC President; Stacy Schmit, Principal, Bessey Creek Elementary School; Kendra Remian, Science Lab Teacher, Bessey Creek Elementary School and Ian Cotner, Regional Director of External & Legislative Affairs at AT&T and EFMC Board Member. Photo provided by Education Foundation of Martin

Holiday magic came early to Bessey Creek Elementary School in Palm City when principal Stacy Schmidt and science lab teacher Kendra Remian received some great news. The school was awarded an AT&T Full STEAM Ahead Grant which will be used to provide hands-on science lab experiments for all third, fourth and fifth grade standards. The Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) presented the grant on a surprise visit to the school.

Schmidt was delighted with the news. “Being awarded the AT&T Full STEAM Ahead grant means we will be able to connect our students’ concepts of science to hands-on learning. This will make a lasting impression for all our fifth-grade students and afford them a learning opportunity to build a solid science foundation to keep them learning and growing for years to come,” she said.

Lisa Rhodes, Executive Director of EFMC, reached out to all Martin County public schools when she learned about the one-time grant and immediately heard back from Schmidt. Said Rhodes, “Ms. Schmit had a plan to re-engage students in science who may have fallen behind during the COVID-19 pandemic, but just needed the funds to make it happen.” Rhodes applied on behalf of Bessey Creek and the school was awarded $5,000, part of a $100,000 statewide grant offered by AT&T.

Bessey Creek Elementary students will now have an opportunity to experiment in real-time with a scientist, at their own lab station while using all the materials the scientist is using. The goal is to foster a love of science and boost science scores on the fifth grade Florida Standards Science Assessment. “We can't wait to see the end results of this generous award from our longtime partner, AT&T," said Rhodes.

To learn more about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org.

Jan. 13, 2023|

Rob Lord Receives Tom Warner Advocacy Award

Suzy Hutcheson, Bethany & Rob Lord, Alexandra Lord and Jenny Yingling. Photo provided by Helping People Succeed

Tom Warner was a dedicated and fierce champion of all people with disabilities, working to ensure that they had the opportunity to be a part of - not a part from - the community. He advocated tirelessly on their behalf during his career as a prominent Martin County attorney and during his term on the Florida Legislature.

From 1970 until 2019, he was a stalwart supporter of Helping People Succeed, serving not only as a board member but also as a friend.

Upon his passing, his colleagues at the 501(c)(3) could think of no better way to honor Warner than by creating an award in his name to be presented each year at the Helping People Succeed Annual Meeting. The recipient would embody the same love of family, God and community that Warner did.

The 2022 Tom Warner Advocacy Award was presented to Rob Lord, retired President/CEO of Cleveland Clinic/Martin Health Systems.

A lifelong resident of Martin County, Lord has been active in community organizations including the Roundtable of St. Lucie County, Friends of the Blake Library, St. Lucie County Community Board, Martin County Community Board, Hibiscus Children's Center, United Way of Martin County and the chambers of commerce for both St. Lucie and Martin counties.

Upon presenting Lord with the prestigious award, Suzy Hutcheson, President/CEO of Helping People Succeed, said “Rob Lord’s impact on the community has been incredible: his leadership with Martin Health Systems, (now Cleveland Clinic), the many nonprofit boards to which he has gifted his time, knowledge and efforts, his support of Helping People Succeed’s Project Search (a collaborative internship program for students with various disabilities) and his ongoing championing of our many programs and services. We were proud to present the Tom Warner Advocacy Award to Rob!”

Serving the Treasure Coast for over 58 years, Helping People Succeed helps develop healthy families in Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties by providing numerous parenting, mental health and behavioral support programs. Helping People Succeed also provides support services designed to enable adults with special needs to fully participate in volunteer and employment roles in our community.

For information, visit www.hpsfl.org or call Glenna Parris at 772-320-0778.

Jan. 13, 2023|

Inaugural Treasure Coast Women Who Rock Awards to be held March 28th in celebration of National Women’s History Month

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Indian River State College (IRSC) has partnered with weVENTURE Women’s Business Center (WBC) at Florida Tech’s Bisk College of Business and presenting sponsor PNC Bank to host the Inaugural Women Who Rock Awards of the Treasure Coast on March 28th in honor of National Woman’s History Month.

“The Florida SBDC at Indian River State College is excited to partner with weVENTURE Women’s Business Center to elevate the profile of successful women in business and recognize the economic impact they have on our community,” said Katherine Culhane Associate Director of the SBDC at IRSC.

“As presenting sponsor, PNC Bank is thrilled to join forces with these important institutions to recognize dynamic women in this community,” said Tracy Sorzano, senior vice president and wealth strategy regional manager, centralized planning for PNC Private Bank. “This event is closely aligned with PNC’s commitment to supporting women business owners and further empowering women in business. The awards are designed to achieve exactly that, and my PNC colleagues and I look forward to celebrating the Women Who Rock.”

Nominees will be recognized Tuesday, March 28th, at the Indian River State College Chastain Campus, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart, FL 34997. The event takes place from 11:00am-1:00pm.

Kathryn Rudloff, Executive Director of weVENTURE WBC notes that her organization has hosted the Women Who Rock Awards in Brevard County for the last 14 years. “We are so excited to partner with the SBDC and PNC Bank to bring this popular event to the Treasure Coast,“ Rudloff stated.

The 2023 Women Who Rock Awards categories are:

Small Business Owner of the Year, Presented by PNC Bank
Executive of the Year
Excellence in Mentorship, Presented by SBDC at IRSC
Women Trending in Tech, Presented by weVENTURE WBC
Excellence in Caregiving

The IRSC SBDC team of business advisors will select recipients for this inaugural Treasure Coast event. Award recipients will be announced in February and honored at the luncheon. For more information call (321) 674-7007 or email [email protected]

Sponsorships are available and include tickets to the event. General Admission tickets to attend the luncheon are $50 and are available for purchase online. All proceeds benefit community programs to support entrepreneurs via weVENTURE WBC and the SBDC at IRSC. Please visit https://weventure.fit.edu/events/women-who-rock-awards/.

About PNC Bank

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

About weVENTURE WBC

weVENTURE Women’s Business Center (WBC) was launched in 2007 at Florida Tech, accelerates growth for entrepreneurs by providing customized coaching, business education, mentorship, and networking programs. weVENTURE WBC also strives to be the leading voice and resource for professional women across all industries, providing leadership development and purposeful networking events for women on the Space and Treasure Coasts. weVENTURE WBC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information, or to register for weVENTURE WBC courses and mentorship programs, visit https://weventure.fit.edu/ or call 321-674-7007.

About Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Tech was founded in 1958 at the dawn of the Space Race that would soon define the Atlantic coast of Florida and captivate the nation. Now the premier private technological university in the Southeast, Florida Tech is a Tier 1 Best National University in U.S. News & World Report and one of just nine schools in Florida lauded by the Fiske Guide to Colleges. Florida Tech is ranked among the top 5 percent of 20,000 degree-granting institutions worldwide in the 2020-21 World University Rankings and has been named a Top College and Best Value University for 2019 by Forbes. Florida Tech offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in aeronautics and aviation, engineering, computing and cybersecurity, business, science and mathematics, psychology, education and communication. Learn more about our relentless pursuit of greatness at floridatech.edu.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over forty years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy.

In 2019, Florida SBDCs provided 114,064 hours of professional business consulting to 12,535 client businesses, resulting in 37,966 jobs impacted; $4.4 billion in sales generated; $496.5 million in government contracts acquired; and $255.3 million in capital accessed; and 453 new businesses started. With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

Dec. 29, 2022|

St. Lucie County earns three Florida Public Transportation Association marketing awards

St. Lucie County's Transit Department earned three awards for public transit marketing during the Florida Public Transportation Association’s annual conference in Sept. for its efforts to promote ART: Area Regional Transit.

St. Lucie County’s Transit staff won first-place awards in the following categories:

Interior/Exterior Signage
Print Advertisement
Sustaining Campaigns

Public transportation agencies were allowed to submit entries in three of the seven categories. Entries were received from all 67 counties in Florida and reviewed by an independent panel of judges.

St. Lucie County’s Transit Department recently received several national awards for its programs, including recognition from the National Association of Counties and the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.

For more information about all the transportation options that ART (Area Regional Transit) offers, please visit: www.slcart.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]

Oct. 10, 2022|

St. Lucie EDC wins 3 international awards

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) on Sept. 20 received international recognition for the organization’s efforts, including special recognition as an Economic Development Organization of the Year.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awarded its prestigious Economic Development Organization of the Year bronze award in the 200,000-500,000 population category to the EDC. The award recognizes a non-profit, public agency with a primary mission of economic development that has demonstrated long-term strategic planning, organizational development, and significant community impact and/or innovation. A recent study found that the EDC’s work in attracting new businesses and assisting existing businesses to expand is projected to grow the county’s economy by $1.8 billion.

The redevelopment of the iconic Indian River Packers facility on Midway Road in Fort Pierce earned the EDC and Contender Boats an excellence in economic development gold award, recognizing this innovative real estate reuse project for job creation and enhancement of the tax base. Serving as a catalyst for economic development, Contender’s reuse of a fruit-packing facility to craft premium sportfishing boats adds 200 jobs and represents the growth of the Treasure Coast’s “blue” marine economy.

The EDC’s 2021 annual report also received a bronze award from the IEDC. This award recognizes excellence in reporting on an economic development organization’s annual activities and highlights.

“Communities need our profession now more than ever. This year's awardees exemplify the ingenuity, leadership, and determination needed to meet the challenges of today and the future. The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and demonstrate the level of leadership that our profession strives for every day,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

“The EDC staff and directors are honored and humbled to have our efforts recognized internationally,” said EDC President Pete Tesch. “While the work we do to enhance the quality of life in St. Lucie County is something we are passionate about, and our successes have been the true reward, it’s extremely gratifying to have an organization like the IEDC acknowledge those efforts.”

Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world. IEDC received over 500 submissions from the United States and four additional countries around the world.

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 the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,800 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org.

Sep. 27, 2022|

Those who work for the cause, not for applause, honored at House of Hope’s 2022 awards

Fellow House of Hope volunteers and the organization's CEO celebrate Walt Keller, a 2022 Hope Award Honoree. Pictured left to right: Sally Brooks (another 2022 Hope Award Honoree), Pat Bartlett, Diane Harman, Walt Keller, Colette Klisky, and Robert Ranieri (CEO of House of Hope)

House of Hope supporters truly “work for the cause, not for applause,” and they never expect any recognition for their efforts. Once a year, however, House of Hope honors the people, businesses, partner agencies, faith-based organizations and neighborhoods that perform extraordinary work hand-in-hand with House of Hope to empower Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship.

This year’s annual Hope Awards Recognition Breakfast was held on Sept. 14 at Monarch Country Club in Palm City, with HBKS Wealth Advisors as the Presenting Sponsor and Stuart Main Street as the Silver Sponsor.

“Our award recipients this year – and every year – have a significant, positive impact on our community. They contribute their passion, expertise, creativity and resources to help us carry out our mission,” said Rob Ranieri, CEO of House of Hope.

A special moment in the ceremony was the awarding of the Barbara Trimble Legacy Award, named after a long-standing philanthropist of House of Hope and other community nonprofits. For his contributions of time, talent, and treasure to House of Hope over many years of service, the Barbara Trimble Legacy Award was presented to Stephen Schramm, of HBKS in Stuart.

Another heartwarming recognition was in honor of Walt Keller. At 96 years young, Walt was celebrating his nine-year anniversary as a House of Hope volunteer, donating 4,000 hours of his time working in the Stuart Pantry and Thrift Store. Beyond his volunteer time, Walt is especially beloved by House of Hope for bringing delicious, homemade baked goods for staff and volunteers to enjoy - even through COVID and for his heartfelt handmade cards for special occasions.

The Hope Award recipients for 2022 are:

Walt Keller
Dr. Erin and Bryan Arruda
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Colab Farms
Copper Key Scholarship Promise – recognizing the team efforts of Nina Haven Scholarships, The Community Foundation Martin St Lucie, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County
David Hafner
EKO North America
Treasure Coast Wings
John Van Cora
Katie Makemson
Keith Cutshall
Kelly Hawkins of Less is More! Treasure Coast
Monarch Women’s Golf Association & Monarch Women’s 9 Hole Golf Association
Premier Realty Group
Sally Brooks
Shoes from Susan through The Community Foundation Martin St Lucie
St. Joseph Catholic Church
UNEW, Inc.
Stephen Schramm – Barbara Trimble Legacy Award

“These award winners have given hope to every client who has benefited from House of Hope programs. From our food and nutrition services to financial assistance, clothes closet, case management, and information and referral, House of Hope keeps our neighbors safe, housed, healthy and secure,” added Ranieri. “We were also very pleased that over 100 guests who were in attendance at this year’s event left with a deeper understanding of the scope and scale of what we do every day at House of Hope.”

About House of Hope

Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.

The organization has service centers and thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach. House of Hope’s Enrichment Centers in Golden Gate (in Stuart) and Jensen Beach offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.

House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram Instagram, and Twitter.