Wes McCurry to join St. Lucie EDC

The City of Port St. Lucie’s community development director, Wesley McCurry, will join the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) as its senior vice president in November. He will lead the organization’s business attraction and retention activities.

McCurry has overseen the rapid development of Port St. Lucie’s jobs corridor since 2018. Prior to that he led planning, development and operations for Tradition on behalf of Fishkind & Associates and as president of the Tradition Development Company. He was also vice president and planning director for Core Communities during the master planning phase of Tradition, transforming 10,000 acres of dying orchards and fallow land into one of St. Lucie County’s most dynamic communities.

“The EDC is exceptionally fortunate to have Wes join our team,” said EDC President Pete Tesch. “We’ve worked side-by-side during his tenure as Port St. Lucie’s community development director and his time with Tradition Development Company to ensure that employers receive professional, high-quality assistance in locating or expanding their facilities in Port St. Lucie. Now, Wes will be available to ably assist in the recruitment of these highly-sought-after companies as well.”

“I have enjoyed seeing the long-planned vision of a jobs corridor along I-95 begin take place over the past four and a half years with the city,” McCurry said. “I am looking forward to continuing these efforts on a larger scale with the EDC and its economic development partnerships to accelerate job retention, creation and economic growth throughout St. Lucie County.”

Port St. Lucie City Manager Russ Blackburn acknowledged McCurry’s significant contributions to the city’s prosperity in a Sept. 26 announcement about the move. “The city’s success in planning and selling land for economic development projects in the Southern Grove jobs corridor is due in part to Wes’s knowledge and tireless efforts,” said Blackburn

McCurry served as chairman of the EDC’s board of directors in 2018. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in urban studies and is a member of the Urban Land Institute where he has served on the Community Development Green Council and the International Council of Shopping Centers. He and his wife Ana have one son.

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]

Sep. 30, 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

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|

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

Rendering of King’s Landing.

Sep. 2, 2022|

Bank of America grant to United Way supports economic mobility in Indian River County

From left to right: David, L. Osgood, Susan Rabinowitz, Meredith Egan, Jeffrey Petersen, and Tammy Matthew

For many years, Bank of America has worked with nonprofits, local organizations, and leaders across public and private sectors in the Treasure Coast to help drive economic mobility for vulnerable populations. Bank of America continues this support with a $7,500 grant to United Way of Indian River County.

Through the bank’s partnership, the grant will be used to support 36 partner agencies and 45 programs that create long-lasting change in the local community. As a part of a continuing effort to advance the common good, United Way focuses on the building blocks for a quality life – health, education, and financial stability.

“We are so thankful for Bank of America’s partnership and commitment toward our financial stability impact area!” said Meredith Egan, Chief Executive Officer. “As these collaborations with key community stakeholders, like Bank of America, continue to grow, United Way can help more working families and individuals improve their financial literacy and stability.”

This grant is aligned with the bank’s broader efforts to advance economic opportunity and equity through health, jobs and reskilling, affordable housing, and small business. As part of those efforts, the bank has granted a total of $150,000 to 14 Treasure Coast nonprofits so far this year.

“Investing in this partnership is part of our approach to driving economic opportunity and social progress in Indian River County,” said Susan Rabinowitz, president, Bank of America Treasure Coast. “This grant is just one way we are deploying resources locally to help remove barriers to economic success and build a more sustainable community.”

In addition to its grant funding, Bank of America’s 243 Treasure Coast teammates pitch in roughly 2,900 volunteer hours yearly. With the constantly changing landscape, charitable grants and fundraising are critical to support the important work of our nonprofit partners.

United Way

About United Way of Indian River County

United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.

Aug. 22, 2022|

Indian River County Awards Incentives to Local Firm

Lemnature AquaFarms expanding its operations in Indian River County

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Office announced that the IRC Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a Local Jobs Grant incentive application for Lemnature AquaFarms. Lemnature AquaFarms is a business-to-business plant-based food ingredient supplier to the food, beverage, and nutrition markets, currently expanding its operations in Indian River County.

The Indian River County Local Jobs Grant is a performance-based incentive program that pays up to $7,000 per new job created, based on the average wages paid to new hires. At least five new jobs must be created, paying a minimum of 75% of the county’s average annual wage. Based on county staff calculations, the company is eligible for up to $200,000 in Jobs Grant funds. The award is paid out over a period of 3-5 years after the jobs are in place and confirmed by county staff.

Lemnature AquaFarms has three locations in Indian River County, including its corporate headquarters, an R&D facility in Fellsmere, plus a large aquafarming and processing operation in western Indian River County. The company anticipates adding 46 employees to its current base of 115 workers by the end of the calendar year, at an average annual wage of $59,800, excluding benefits.

Expressing his appreciation, Frank Jimenez, CEO of Lemnature AquaFarms, states “We appreciate and value the partnerships with the Chamber and its Economic

Development Office, and the Board of County Commissioners, as we build and scale our highly sustainable, plant-based food business and aquafarm within Indian River County.” Further explaining, he adds, “We believe in building innovative farming solutions to help accelerate the transition to a regenerative food system while assisting our customers in the achievement of sustainable development goals through a more efficient agricultural process based on aquaculture.”

The company grows and processes the all-natural Lemnaceae aquatic plant, aka water lentils, which grows naturally – and rapidly - in Indian River County. This aquatic plant doubles its biomass every 48 hours so harvesting can be done daily, year-round in the county’s tropical type of climate. The company will be producing plant-based protein and fiber to be included as ingredients within superfood drinks, protein powders, and nutritional beverages.

As a way to promote the company and its mission, Helene Caseltine, the Chamber’s Economic Development Director, arranged for the company’s CEO to give a presentation to the Commissioners at their regular meeting of April 5, 2022. “The County Commission is excited to see Lemnature AquaFarms expanding in Indian River County,” said Commission Chairman Peter O’Bryan. “We are very pleased that programs like our Local Jobs Grant can assist local companies with their expansion plans. We’re not only interested in attracting new business to Indian River County, but also encouraging our local businesses to expand and add jobs.”

Helene Caseltine echoed Mr. Jimenez’s appreciation of the County Commission, adding “We thank the Commissioners for their continued support of our economic development activities. The Board’s actions demonstrate that, indeed, Indian River County, FL is ready and open for business.”

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.

Jun. 20, 2022|

St. Lucie EDC wins three top statewide marketing awards

The Economic Council of St Lucie County was honored with three top marketing awards from the Florida Economic Development Council.

The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) presented its Best in Show 2022 Innovation in Marketing award and two other top awards to the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) at the organization’s annual meeting in St. Petersburg on May 17.

The Best in Show award recognizes excellence in creative, effective and meaningful marketing and is named in memory of Melissa Medley, who developed Florida’s first ever business brand while serving as chief marketing officer for Enterprise Florida. The award-winning entry, “On the Road with Jenn & Jill” created by EDC Director of Business Development Jenn DuBey, is an animated video tour of St. Lucie County’s industrial assets and projects designed to market the county in conjunction with CRE.Converge, a commercial real estate event in Miami in 2021.

“My role at the EDC had changed and I thought creating this video would be an excellent way to educate myself and others about the various projects we are working on in St. Lucie County,” said DuBey. “I started the video with no real idea of how to do it but ended up with something I’m really proud of.” To view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8u_qi20xOc.

The other two top FEDC innovation in marketing awards recognized the EDC staff’s work during the COVID shutdown in 2020 and its ongoing Work Local St. Lucie campaign to make the county’s large number of commuters aware of jobs available in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce.

Judges for the FEDC awards mentioned the innovative partnership between the EDC and the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County during the COVID shutdown and its aftermath. Club members were recruited by the EDC to personally visit many small retailers, restaurants and service providers to ensure they were aware of available financial assistance from the federal government. EDC staff also worked with the staff of the Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College to assist with processing aid applications. In addition, EDC staff sent out detailed daily email communications about COVID response programs and related information to the local business community.

“This award is to recognize those EDOs who rose to the occasion and persisted, demonstrating dedication and commitment to the local economy and proved to be a critical resource during crisis and into recovery,” the FEDC noted about the Pivot and Persist award.

The Work Local St. Lucie program includes a section of the EDC’s website, www.youredc.com/worklocal, that lists featured local jobs and links to local employer job boards by industry sector. Regular social media posts, billboards, signage, print and digital advertising, and ongoing partnerships with St. Lucie Public Schools, Indian River State College, CareerSource Research Coast and many other area organizations to address awareness and training to help close skills gaps are all part of the multiyear program.

“The EDC staff is small but mighty, and absolutely dedicated to our mission of promoting economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life in St. Lucie County,” said EDC President Pete Tesch. “We are so honored and humbled that the state’s top economic development association selected our programs and outreach to receive these truly prestigious awards.”

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

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.

May. 23, 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

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|

Producer of Conductors arrives at Tradition

Rendering of Accel International’s new manufacturing facility in the Tradition Center for Commerce.

Accel International Holdings, Inc., a producer of high-performance conductors, broke ground on December 9, 2021 at the Tradition Center for Commerce in Port St. Lucie for the company’s newest manufacturing facility.

At least 125 new jobs will be created by the company’s capital investment of $55 million for its new 150,000-square-foot facility and manufacturing equipment. Average annual earnings per worker at the Tradition facility are estimated to be $47,000 plus benefits, 16% higher than St. Lucie County’s average wage.

Originally established in a garage in 2002 and now headquartered in Meriden, Connecticut, Accel currently operates three manufacturing facilities in Indiana and Connecticut. The company produces and distributes high-performance wire and cable products for use in aerospace, medical and telecommunications equipment.

“We are excited to expand our footprint into Florida and tap into the great resources that the city of Port St. Lucie has to offer. We also look forward to becoming an important part of the community,” said Accel Chief Financial Officer Tim Cummings.

“Accel will be a wonderful asset for our community. The company’s manufacturing jobs are exactly the type of higher-wage jobs we have been wanting for our county’s dynamic workforce,” said St. Lucie County Commission Chair Sean Mitchell. “Accel is also planning on training partnerships with our schools and that is a great opportunity for students throughout our county.”

“Today’s groundbreaking on Accel International’s 40 acres in the Tradition Center for Commerce is another milestone in the ongoing diversification of the city’s economy,” said Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin. “In addition to higher-wage jobs, investment by companies like Accel make it possible for the city to continue to provide a high level of services and amenities for our residents while also reducing tax rates.”

“We began our relationship with Accel over two years ago by initially searching for an exciting facility to renovate. Not being able to find a viable option, we considered many alternatives within the southeastern U.S. for a ground-up facility and finally chose Port St. Lucie,” said Malcolm Sina, executive chairman of Sina Companies, the project’s developer. “Having developed projects in over 30 states, it has been a real pleasure working with everyone in the city of Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie County, and the state of Florida.”

“This is what we do. It’s exactly what we need to be focusing on, in particular a focus on manufacturing,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce Mark Adler, who attended the Accel International Dec. 9 groundbreaking in his first official appearance following his appointment to the position of commerce secretary and interim president/CEO of Enterprise Florida on Dec. 8. “Florida is open for business.” The state funded $3 million in 2017 toward the development of road the facility is located on.

“Our focus on recruiting clean, high-paying manufacturing jobs to St. Lucie County continues to pay off,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “We are very proud that Port St. Lucie was selected for Accel’s expansion over two sites in Connecticut and one in North Carolina.”

The company’s vice president of sales, Kyle Senk, told the approximately 100 groundbreaking ceremony attendees that Accel’s manufacturing equipment is expected to arrive at the new facility in June or July. Senk said the project is the company’s largest capital investment to date, and will be its most technologically advanced.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

About Accel International Holdings

Accel is a premier manufacturer of high-performance conductors serving the aerospace, medical, industrial and computer marketplace with silver-plated, nickel-plated and tin-plated copper and copper alloy products. Established in 2006, Accel is a privately owned company with three manufacturing locations in Connecticut and Indiana, serving the domestic marketplace with international activity in Canada, Mexico and China.

Local officials and representatives from Accel International and Sina Companies break ground Dec. 9 at the Tradition Center for Commerce.

Dec. 13, 2021|

Symposium focuses on grappling with changing workforce

JENSEN BEACH — Treasure Coast economic development agencies have teamed up to sponsor a symposium aimed at helping business leaders grapple with an evolving 21st century workforce.

“Leading the New Breed Symposium: Motivating Managers, Millennials & Misfits,’’ a seminar featuring nationally renowned speaker, trainer and author Phillip Van Hooser, […]

Jun. 6, 2018|