Development

Habitat welcomes new development and marketing director

Habitat welcomes new development and marketing director

St. Lucie Habitat for Humanity is excited to welcome new Development and Marketing Director, Chris Robertson, to its team. He brings a depth of experience and a broad range of skills to the organization.

His strong sense of community and respect for the dedication and work of local non-profit organizations led him to volunteering and lending a hand to those most in need. Volunteerism is, to this day, an essential part of his life. It also has led him to a fulfilling and rewarding career with local non-profits. He led the nonprofit agency CASTLE and launched the Hope Lives Foundation, helping local youth for the past five years.

Raised in the Midwest, Chris attended Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana, on a track scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree and an MBA. However, his love of sports – especially track/cross country and basketball – and competitive enthusiasm spurred him to take on high school and college coaching responsibilities. This has become his primary “outside activity” for the last 15 years and continues today.

Chris and his wife Angel have been Florida residents for 30 years and raised a son of 26 years, who lives in Indiana. Chris and Angel are extremely active in the community, school, and church.

 

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]

 

Apr. 27, 2023|

Completion of commerce center rolling along

The Interstate Commerce Center, under construction at 3800 Crossroads Parkway in the Crossroads Park of Commerce, has 1,300 feet of clear Interstate 95 frontage and is in St. Lucie County at the northernmost point where I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike intersect.
Mar. 24, 2023|

St. Lucie County community makes its mark on the Interstate Commerce Center

St. Lucie County community makes its mark on the Interstate Commerce Center

From left, Michael Rem of JBL Development, Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson and Sandra Pabon of Itasca Construction Partners sign the cornerstone of the Interstate Commerce Center. Photo by MaryAnn Ketcham

Dozens of dignitaries gathered along Interstate 95 in Fort Pierce on Feb. 15 to add their signatures to a cornerstone for the Interstate Commerce Center (ICC).

Currently under construction at 3800 Crossroads Parkway in the Crossroads Park of Commerce, the 207,458-square-foot Class-A industrial building has 1,300 feet of clear I-95 frontage and is located in St. Lucie County at the northernmost point where I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike intersect.

The facility is being developed on 12.7 acres by JBL Development and will be managed by JBL Asset Management. Itasca Construction Partners is the general contractor. Designed for mid-size users with space requirements from 20,000 to 200,000 square feet, the facility will be ready for occupancy this spring.

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.  When complete, the facility will have 32-foot interior clear heights, a 60-foot speed bay, 60 dock-high loading bays, and several at-grade ramps.  Separate parking areas and entrances for employees will prioritize safety and visitor experience with a total of 302 parking spaces on site.

“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,” said Michael Rem with JBL Development. “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.”

“JBL’s choice of Fort Pierce as the home for this excellent facility was a wise one,” said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. “Not only is the Interstate Commerce Center located at the northernmost point where the turnpike and I-95 come together, there is easy access to the Treasure Coast International Airport, the Port of Fort Pierce, the Florida East Coast railroad, our safe Fort Pierce Inlet connecting the Indian River Lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and our pristine uncrowded beaches.”

“Since the inception of this project, JBL Asset Management has engaged with the St. Lucie County community to ensure the end users at the Interstate Commerce Center will not only have first-class space to lease in a great location but also have connections to the community to assist with employment and business services,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “Our signatures on the building’s cornerstone are tokens of our ongoing commitment to assist the tenants -- future local employers -- who will be joining us here in the Sunrise City.”

“We are pleased to work with JBL and the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County in taking this top-tier industrial project to market,” said Michael Falk, executive vice president at Colliers. “We anticipate high demand for the facility given its ability to provide for tenants as low as 20,000 square feet with brand new, quality space in Fort Pierce’s booming market with excellent visibility along I-95.”  Leasing inquiries can be directed to Falk at 561.478.6400.

About JBL Asset Management

The project’s sponsor and property manager is JBL Asset Management, a privately held, fully integrated commercial real estate services company.  Founded in 2005 by Jacob Khotoveli, JBL invests private capital on behalf of itself and its investment partners. JBL is based in South Florida and invests in major metropolitan areas on the eastern half of the United States. Led by a skilled and seasoned management team, the company provides in-house professionals for all aspects of the real estate equation.  JBL’s portfolio currently exceeds 4 million square feet of real estate, diversified between asset classes of retail, multifamily and industrial products.

JBL Development, partnered alongside JBL Asset Management, has a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. The company’s reputation has been built on execution within the industry and its portfolio includes 1,100+ multifamily units in various stages of development, 500,000+ square feet of ground up commercial product, and 400,000+ square feet of commercial repositioning projects.

Avenue Property Group is a boutique real estate investment company, founded in 2010 by Daniel Gohari, that specializes in identifying industrial/commercial assets and executing opportunistic strategies designed to maximize value.  The group’s investment strategy is governed by extensive knowledge of targeted real estate markets across the United States, with a focus on Florida and New York.  The long-term strategic vision is to recognize deficiencies in the real estate and capital markets and implement practical approaches to unlock value.  Avenue Property Group owns and is a partner in over 3 million square feet of real estate and is actively looking for opportunities.

Interstate Commerce Center Leasing Inquiries

Colliers Executive Vice President Michael Falk, Executive Vice President Scott Weprin, and Associate Jonathan Temple represent the property owner in leasing opportunities at the property.  Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 63 countries, its 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 27 years, the company’s experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of $4.6 billion and $92 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of its clients, investors, and people. Contact Michael Falk and Jonathan Temple at 561.478.6400 or [email protected] / [email protected] for leasing inquiries.

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.

 

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]

Feb. 16, 2023|

Manufacturer Relocates to Indian River County

Manufacturer Relocates to Indian River County

Board of County Commissioners Approve Jobs Grant Incentive

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Office is pleased to announce that Kessel Medical, Inc. was approved for the county’s Local Jobs Grant incentive. Kessel Medical is a medical device manufacturer that relocated to Vero Beach from Atlanta in late 2021.

In a unanimous decision, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approved Kessel Medical’s request for a Local Jobs Grant. The company anticipates

hiring 20 new employees over the next three years, at salary levels at or above the county’s average annual wage of $51,000.  Using these figures, county staff calculated that Kessel Medical is eligible for a Local Jobs Grant in the amount of up to $106,000, with payments to begin a year after the jobs are filled, paid over a 5-year period. Based on earnings, the Chamber’s Economic Development Office estimated the company’s economic impact at nearly $1.8 million, using a 1.45 multiplier for the manufacturing industry.  Medical manufacturing is a targeted industry for Indian River County and the State of Florida.

Kessel Medical produces FDA-approved in-vitro diagnostics and neurosurgical implants for home and hospital use, contracting with other small medical device companies along the U.S. east coast. With 60 years combined experience in the medical industry, over 56 patents issued through the U.S. patent office, numerous national design excellence awards and a generous exit from a prior medical device start-up, the founders “felt that the next phase of their entrepreneurial journey would be best undertaken in the small slice of paradise that is Vero Beach”, explains Jack Griffis,  the company’s co-founder and CTO.

“Kessel Medical is extremely pleased with the Commission’s unanimous decision to approve the jobs grant application” continues Mr. Griffis. “Since starting operations in Indian River County earlier this year, Kessel has been able to grow at a much faster rate than originally anticipated. In combination with this accelerated growth, the Jobs Grant will permit Kessel to recruit and retain high quality talent for production, operations engineering, and quality assurance support. We look forward to our upcoming facility expansion as well as bringing to Indian River County more high paying job opportunities for the population at large.”

The Chamber’s Economic Development Office is working with the owners to help them find larger space as they grow their operations.

“We are excited to have Kessel Medical a part of our growing medical community,” notes Helene Caseltine, the Chamber’s Economic Development Director.  “With annual salaries paying at or above the county’s average annual wage, this calculates to approximately $1.2 million in new paychecks circulating in our local economy each year, once the company is in full operation.” The company also plans to offer competitive internships and co-operative education employment to local college and university students.

For more information on locating or expanding a business in Indian River County, call Helene Caseltine at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, 772-567-3491 or visit www.indianrivered.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]

Dec. 9, 2022|

A Day’s Journey: self-discovery and personal growth workshop

A Day’s Journey: self-discovery and personal growth workshop

 

 

Self-discovery doesn’t require you to reinvent yourself (unless you want to). You can simply desire to understand yourself better. We all question who we truly are at some point on our journey. Life gets busy, we get distracted with our goals and “to do’s”, raising our family and making others happy. Slowly, unintentionally along the way, we can lose our sense of self. You were in everyone else’s backyard but who was in yours? So, it makes sense if you are confused about what you want, your place in the world or your purpose. Plus, with the complexity in the world right now, it’s hard not to feel some level of stress. This workshop builds on how you can be compassionate with yourself and others but not take on the feelings of others that drain you and prohibit you living your life to the fullest. Here is one of my best coaching tips. You are the one you are waiting for! There is nothing out there that is going to provide sustainable joy and an optimal life- no job, no spouse, no achievement, no home, or vacation. Sustainable joy and the ability to give and receive love is an inside job and requires knowing yourself. And to do that, we need help observing our mind and behavior because it’s hard to step outside ourselves and be able to see gaps and suggest changes that would lead to our growth. Trust me, I have worked with the best and the brightest and we don’t see the water we swim in. Working together as a small, supportive group, we will draw on different techniques and concepts such as the Enneagram, Mindfulness, a consciousness model called “Living Above the Line” and other exercises and embodiment practices to gain a new perspective, uncover a deeper awareness about ourselves, access strengths we possess and shift our thought processes in ways that better support our thriving in life. Some of the many positive changes you may experience:

Get out of your comfort zone and try something new

Uncover unconscious patterns and habits that sabotage your enjoyment of life

Let go of other people’s image of you and follow your internal compass

Spend time visualizing your ideal self and lifestyle

Access a sense of calm and balance in your life

Experience heart opening and personal growth

Strengthen your meaningful relationships in a mutually beneficial wayStrategize your next moves

Feel supported and understood by like-minded folks that want to expand and grow just like you do

You’ll grow and change as you discover more about yourself. Trust me, your starting point will feel nothing like the finish line. I promise you a day of personal growth, renewal, and fun! Fee: $350 and may be paid by Venmo, PayPal, Zelle or check prior to workshop date. Group limited to 8. Please RSVP early and claim your spot/payment reserves your space.

RSVP/Questions: [email protected]

Location: Vero Beach (specific address provided once registered)

 

Nov. 25, 2022|

Data speaks volumes first free workshop/webinar of Marcia Salmon fall series

Data speaks volumes first free workshop/webinar of Marcia Salmon 2022 fall series

 

Marcia Salmon, MBA, MSc

Presenter: Marcia Salmon MBA, MSc

Grants Coordinator/Consultant, former professor

Bringing stimulating and dynamic grant development workshops to the Treasure Coast and beyond! Our goal is to coach prospective and newly formed nonprofits executives and staff to methodically navigate the steps throughout the grant development process.

Free Webinar: “Data Speak Volumes” on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm via Zoom.

Learn how to get your agency data and statistics ready to create a compelling story to incorporate in your Statement of Need. This webinar is ideal for new non-profits that are eager to submit a grant application but have little or no data available in a suitable format.

Upcoming Workshop titles include:

Grants Are Out There! Let’s Go!

Fundraising Basics

Grant Seeking - Nuts & Bolts

Building a Strong BOD

Send your request for this webinar to Marcia at [email protected] to secure your spot!

Bring your whole team, let’s huddle together to learn from each other as we navigate the grant seeking landscape.

 

 

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]

Nov. 25, 2022|

City of Fort Pierce receives $2.7 million state infrastructure grant

City of Fort Pierce receives $2.7 million state infrastructure grant

From left – Shyanne Harnage, City of Fort Pierce; Port St. Lucie Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo; Sen. Gayle Harrell; Rep. Toby Overdorf; Rep. Dana Trabulsy; Port St. Lucie Council Member Stephanie Morgan; Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson; Rep. Erin Grall; Port St. Lucie Council Member Anthony Bonna; St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend; St. Lucie County Commissioner Linda Bartz; St. Lucie County Commission Vice Chair Frannie Hutchinson; Pete Tesch, Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. Photo credit: Marisol’s Photography

 

Governor Ron DeSantis presented the City of Fort Pierce with a $2.7 million Florida Job Growth Grant on Aug. 30. The grant will help fund infrastructure improvements in the city’s historic downtown.

The improvements to critical infrastructure include water, wastewater, electric, fiber, natural gas, roadway and sidewalk improvements. The infrastructure upgrades will stimulate more than $72.7 million of private investment on 10 brownfield acres along Indian River Drive, where the city’s power plant was once sited.

“We’re very bullish on St. Lucie County as a whole. We think Fort Pierce really is a great spot and think this is really going to help the area continue to blossom,” said DeSantis during a press conference and check presentation in Fort Pierce.

“It has been an absolute honor to work with the Governor’s Office, the DEO (Department of Economic Opportunity), the City of Fort Pierce and the EDC to help secure this transformative grant to help revitalize our historic downtown corridor,” said State Rep. Dana Trabulsy. “This funding assistance is going to provide a much-needed boost to help spur economic growth, small business, entrepreneurship and tourism in our waterfront community.”

The grant will be matched with an additional $2 million from the City of Fort Pierce. The $4,746,000 investment will fund replacement of 80-year-old water mains, relocation of an electrical transformer, pedestrian safety enhancements on A.E. Backus Avenue, improvements to Indian River Drive between Seaway Drive and Marina Way, and preliminary work on replacement of the Moore’s Creek Bridge.

“We know we’re a beautiful city. With these improvements, everyone is going to know we are a beautiful city,” said Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson.

Communities receiving Job Growth Grants must demonstrate how the funding will help create private sector jobs.  According to an economic impact report by Downs & St. Germain Research, just the hotel alone in the King’s Landing mixed-use development on the downtown site will create 221 jobs, generate more than $2 million a year in state and local tax revenues and $6-7 million annually in wages. Also planned at King’s Landing are restaurants, retail shops, offices, condominiums, townhomes and a parking garage.

“The state’s job growth grants are awarded after a very competitive process. We had a great team working together to bring this grant home to Fort Pierce,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC).  “I’d especially like to thank Representative Trabulsy for her tireless efforts in support of economic opportunities for the citizens of Fort Pierce, as well as the DEO for ably guiding us through the grant process.”

The City of Port St. Lucie received two Job Growth Grants in recent years to fund infrastructure improvements in Southern Grove, the city’s jobs corridor along I-95.

Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson. Photo credit: Marisol’s Photography

About the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) and chosen by the governor to meet the demand for workforce or infrastructure needs in the community they are awarded to.

 

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.

 

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]

Rendering of King’s Landing.

Sep. 2, 2022|

Old Evinrude Site in Stuart revived with incoming Atlantic Point Marina

Old Evinrude Site in Stuart revived with incoming Atlantic Point Marina

 

 

The marine industry is one of Martin County’s “Hubs of Excellence” and vital to its history and economic strength. A new marina was proposed for downtown Stuart to replace the inactive site that was once a bustling hub of somewhat mysterious marine activity. The Business Development Board supported the proposed Atlantic Point Marina, whose principals include Jeff Hardin of Straticon.

After the project received unanimous approval from the Stuart Commission (following removal of an originally proposed lighthouse feature that had generated some negative reaction), Jeff sat down with the Martin County BDB to discuss what makes Atlantic Point Marina so unique—and why he believes it will be embraced by more than just the boating community.

 

Jeff Hardin, Straticon

You can read the interview between Jeff Hardin and Martin County BDB below: 

So, tell us what’s special about this project?

JH: Oh, so many things. Of course, we’re excited about our vision for the property and the ways in which it will meet the needs of the boating community but also cater to the general public at large. We’ll have dry dock storage—in a facility fortified to withstand Cat 5 storms—for up to 455 boats. We’ll have dockage 105 boats—including space for vessels as long as 160 feet. But we’ll also have a restaurant, transient dockage with preference to local boaters, loads of really interesting displays of public art, expanded public waterfront access and we’ll also incorporate a water taxi stop so people downtown can reach us—or depart from Atlantic Point—without needing to get in their cars.

So Straticon is not only the builder of the site, but you’re also a partner?

JH: Yes. Straticon Marine is leading up the construction. My wife Chris and I, who founded Straticon, are partners in the project alongside Mike Nixon and Lenny Tarzia. We’re all locals and extremely excited to do something like this in our community.

How big is the overall site?

JH: The total land mass is more than 10 acres, about 2 and a half of which are submerged. The property, by our research, basically accounts for half of the City of Stuart’s total commercial lands. But that’s only part of what makes the parcel special. This was the Evinrude Testing Site for many years. When we considered the legacy the Ralph Evinrude’s Outboard Marine Corporation has on boating, it’s hard to overstate the significance.

How so?

JH: The Evinrude family created and refined the outboard motor. Ole Evinrude, Ralph’s father, invented the single-cylinder engine back in 1907. It’s a great story. He used to take his sweetheart, Bess, who later became his wife, out in a rowboat on a little island in a small lake in Wisconsin. One hot day he decided to row back to shore to get her ice cream and of course it melted before he could return. He was a natural tinkerer and mechanically inclined, so that got him working on a motorized way to power the boat. He created a two-cycle gas-powered engine that he didn’t think had much commercial value, but Bess convinced him otherwise, and that launched the early years of the company. His son Ralph later took the company to the next level.

So what took place on the testing site?

JH: Interestingly, the site was heavily protected from public view, as the company wanted to safeguard its innovations from competitors. Ed Killer, the Stuart News outdoor writer, compared the site to Area 51. The barbed wire fence that’s around the permitter today is one example of the security. You basically had scores of engineers working on designs to make better, more durable outboards. The test drivers would do everything in their power to stress the engines and see what they could withstand. We’ve got great pictures of boats catching major air over waves going out the inlet. If you were a young, hotshot boat captain with a high tolerance for getting banged up on the water, it was a dream job.

There’s some really fascinating local history here.

JH: Absolutely. And we got a lot of really cool memorabilia from the Evinrude and Johnson Outboards era when we purchased the property. The storage area—which we demoed and recycled for reuse in construction—gave some great stuff that we plan to use in the décor of the restaurant.

What’s the cost of the project?

JH: Well, this is an $80 million project. And the need is really there to support it. Martin County has 18,000 registered boaters—and there are 46,000 registered boaters on the Treasure Coast. Boat sales—which took off during the pandemic—continue to remain hot. But the dry storage options, by our research, are less than 4,000 countywide.  And we could always use more slips, so Atlantic Point can provide big benefits on both fronts.

What can you tell us about the construction onsite?

JH: Well, this site in particular takes on water during king tides, so in anticipation of that as well as sea-level rise, we’re raising the entire site by three feet. And we’re able to do this with the fill we gather by dredging the basin on our property where we’re creating deepening access for larger vessels, as well as for the floating docks we’re creating to accommodate them.

How many jobs will be created?

JH: During construction, we’re estimating—conservatively—500 temporary jobs. And we’ve conducted outreach to local subs to ensure they’re aware and hopefully involved. We see a lot of opportunities here for local people to earn good money during what will be a really fun—not easy, of course, but definitely fun—undertaking. For the boat barn, it’s tilt-up construction, as the pre-fitted walls will be transported down the river to the site. It’ll really be something to see. We hope to get the news out that day. And when it’s complete, with all the public art, it will really be something.

What does the public art include?

JH: Some really good stuff. Local artist KC Scott, who specializes in marine themes, created the images of marine life that will cover the boat barn. While the ship store and the restaurant feature the Quonset-style roof modeled after the buildings Evinrude had on site, the roof design of the boat barn is what’s called a mansard roof, which will be outfitted with very elegant up-lighting that can change colors to correspond with holidays and important occasions. We’re refurbishing an existing memorial to Ole Evinrude that was on the property and giving it more prominent placement. And we’ll be using the broad, sort of canvas that the boat barn provides to project local artwork as a rolling showcase to artists in need of more exposure.

How will you know which artists to feature?

JH: We’ll be working with Nancy Turrell of Martin Arts on that, but it will provide a great element for visitors—not only to the restaurant but for the special events—live music, fundraisers, event weddings—that we plan to host. All told, Atlantic Point Marina will be something the entire community can be proud of and enjoy.

 

Learn more about this project and others by contacting the Martin County Business Development Board: bdbmc.org | (772) 221-1380

 

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]

 

Jul. 7, 2022|

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]

 

Apr. 25, 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|