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Catch The Wave of Hope helps educate area nonprofits

Catch The Wave of Hope helps educate area nonprofits

Brandon Battle, Case Manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of MC Indiantown Club; Sarah Henry, Community Development Director of CTWH and Patricia Brown, 21st Century Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of MC Indiantown Club

 

Catch the Wave of Hope (CTWH), the 501(c)(3) with the mission to prevent the sex trafficking of children through awareness, education, restoration and legislation, was honored by Kiwanis Club of Stuart as its Sept. nonprofit of the month.

Sarah Henry, Community Development Director of CTWH, gave a presentation on “Sex Trafficking 101”. She shared tools on how to identify, report and be aware of this heinous issue in Martin County and how members can safeguard themselves and their children.

Henry also accepted a generous monetary donation from Kiwanis Club of Stuart.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County invited Catch the Wave of Hope to do a “Two-Minute Teach” to parents and families at student pickups. Henry talked about child exploitation and sex trafficking and distributed flyers and cards with a human trafficking hotline number and information on CWTH, its mission, vision, therapy services and how to protect their children.

Henry interacted with more than 100 families at the Hobe Sound, Port Salerno, Palm City and Indiantown Clubs.

Although most people are certain they know the telltale signs of sex trafficking, they’re often shocked when they are introduced to reality. Henry is available to speak to groups of any size and age to share the information and tips that Catch the Wave of Hope has amassed. Contact her at www.catchthewaveofhope.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]
Sep. 30, 2022|

Bank of America study says offering financial wellness tools increases employee retention

Bank of America study finds 84% of employers say offering financial wellness tools increases employee retention

97% of employers feel responsible for employee financial wellness, with 91% seeing higher employee satisfaction when offering resources to manage overall wellbeing

BOA Logo

Bank of America announced findings from its 12th annual Workplace Benefits Report, “Navigating a New Era of Financial Wellness.” The report revealed that 84% of employers now say that offering financial wellness tools can help reduce employee attrition, and 81% say wellness tools help attract higher quality employees. This is critical to employers, as 46% have seen an increase in resignations over the past year. In addition, approximately one in three employees have switched jobs or thought about switching jobs in the past year.

The report also explored the impact of the current economic and inflationary environment on employees’ financial wellness, revealing that 62% of employees are stressed about their finances. In addition, 80% of employees are concerned about inflation, and 71% feel the cost of living is outpacing growth in their salary or wages. This is having an impact on employees overall feeling of financial wellness. After the percentage of employees who feel financially well bounced above pre-pandemic levels in February 2022 (57% .vs 55% in 2019), the percentage dropped to a 5-year low of 44% in July 2022.

“Offering comprehensive benefits and wellness programs can be critical for employers looking to reduce attrition, can empower employees to take control of their personal finances, and improve employee satisfaction,” said Lorna Sabbia, Head of Retirement and Personal Wealth Solutions at Bank of America. “We are committed to partnering with employers to provide financial wellness solutions through a holistic and integrated approach that’s actionable for every employee.”

Based on a nationwide survey of 824 employees and 846 employers conducted in February, and a second survey of 478 employees conducted in July, the Workplace Benefits Report examines trends related to workplace financial benefits and wellness programs.

Employers are embracing financial wellness programs and expanding support

In response to increased stress about financial wellness, employers continue to embrace programs to expand support for their employees. For example, 91% of employers see higher employee satisfaction when they offer resources to manage overall wellbeing. Other top employer findings include:

  • Employers feel an increased sense of responsibility for the financial wellness of employees. 97% of employers feel responsible for employee financial wellness (up from 95% in 2021, and from 41% in 2013) – with two-thirds (62%) going as far to say they feel extremely responsible (up from 56% in 2021). Employees agree with this sentiment, as 82% say employers should play a role in supporting their financial wellness.
  • Wellness programs result in tangible benefits for employers and employees. 80% of employers agree that offering financial wellness support can result in more satisfied, loyal, engaged and productive employees. Employers who take it a step further and broaden their wellness programs to include mental and physical wellness resources are seeing noticeable improvements in productivity (50%), employee stress (43%), employee morale (41%) and employee creativity and innovation (36%).
  • Equity grants are powerful recruitment and retention incentives. 76% of employers believe equity compensation is a differentiator for employee recruitment and retention, and 44% of employees who participate in equity compensation plans say it was an important reason for accepting the job.
  • Health care remains an opportunity. 84% of employers feel very responsible for their employees’ understanding of retirement healthcare needs and costs, and 89% of employers who offer Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) contribute to their employees’ savings. Healthcare education is an opportunity, with only 54% of employers communicating about these topics at least once a year.
  • Access to investment advice. With four-in-ten employees saying they want access to advice from an investment professional, 62% of employers are now offering employees access to investment advice services (up from 55% in 2021).
  • Heightened focus on D&I programs. 74% of employers believe that diversity and inclusion programs are important for retaining talent, and half (50%) of employers currently offer diversity and inclusion programs.

Employees seeking programs to help alleviate financial strain and plan for the future

Employees express uncertainty about current economic conditions and are taking actions to relieve financial strain:

  • Employees are dipping into savings due to financial strain. Half of employees have taken action in the last six months due to financial strain, including tapping into emergency savings (21%), working additional hours (21%), looking for higher paying jobs (20%) and taking out a 401(k) hardship withdrawal (6%).
  • Retirement remains a top concern, driving action. As of July 2022, 56% of employees are confident they will reach their retirement goals, down from 69% in February 2022. Seventy-four percent say investing in their 401(k) and other accounts will help them build a retirement nest egg, and 61% are contributing enough to maximize their employer match.
  • Education about Social Security is an opportunity. Only 38% of employees say they understand social security benefits. Even among Baby Boomers, 41% still do not understand social security. While 48% of employees indicate they are not getting enough education about the program, only 40% of employers offer employees social security support and education.
  • Employees are more optimistic about their intermediate, longer term future. When looking at the next 2-3 years, most employees said they felt optimistic about their financial (56%), social (60%), and mental (62%) well-being.
  • Digital tools play a key role in driving employee engagement. Employees are seeking out digital tools that offer personalized support, and employees find tools that can provide streamlined information and help track and set financial goals most useful. Fifty-two percent of employees prefer to use a digital app to manage their finances.

Financial wellness levels vary based on employees’ ethnicity, gender and generation

Employees continue to show differences in financial wellness when viewed by gender, ethnicity or generation. Though the financial wellness gap has closed for women, it has expanded for minorities since February. Top findings include:

  • Women lag men but are closing the gap when planning for long-term goals.Women continue to trail men in their feelings about financial wellness and preparedness. For example, 54% of men and 69% of women do not understand social security benefits. Despite this, the financial wellness gender gap is closing. As of July 2022, women were less likely to feel financially well than men by five percentage points (42% of women .vs 47% of men), down from 10 percentage points in 2021 (47% of women .vs 57% of men) and 17 percentage points in 2020 (41% of women .vs 58% of men).
  • Minorities have seen a greater negative impact to their feelings of financial wellness. Employees across various ethnicities reported significant drops in their perceptions of financial wellness, with minorities reporting more significant declines. For example, 49% of White/Caucasian employees feel financially well (compared with 56% in February), followed by 37% of Asian employees (67% in February), 33% of Hispanic/Latino employees (47% in February) and 32% of Black/African American employees (50% in February).
  • Feelings of financial wellness have declined across generations this year. Since February, feelings of financial wellness have declined significantly across generations, with Gen Z/Millennials at -15%, Gen Xers at -14% and Baby Boomers/Silent Generation at -10%.

Bank of America’s Retirement & Personal Wealth Solutions organization serves more than 26,000 companies of all sizes and more than 5.9 million employees as of December 31, 20211. Bank of America offers institutional client employees a range of financial benefit programs and solutions to help them pursue their financial future.

More findings, including action steps for employers, are available in the Bank of America 2022 Workplace Benefits Report.

Workplace Benefits Report Methodology

Escalent surveyed a national sample of 834 employees who are working full-time and participate in 401(k) plans, and 846 employers who offer both a 401(k) plan and have sole or shared responsibility for decisions made in the plan. The survey was conducted between February 3, 2022 and February 28, 2022. To qualify for the survey, employees had to be current participants of a 401(k) plan and employers had to offer a 401(k) plan option. Neither was required to work with Bank of America. Bank of America was not identified as the sponsor of the study. Bank of America Retirement & Personal Wealth Solutions help employers and employees to take action and work toward their financial goals today and into retirement.

July 2022 Pulse Study Methodology

Escalent surveyed a national sample of 478 employees who are working full-time and participate in 401(k) plans. The survey was conducted between July 5, 2022 and July 19, 2022. To qualify for the survey, employees had to be current participants of a 401(k) plan. They weren’t required to work with Bank of America. Bank of America was not identified as the sponsor of the study. Bank of America Retirement and Personal Wealth Solutions help employers and employees to take action and work toward their financial goals today and into retirement.

Financial Wellness at Bank of America

At Bank of America, we know that supporting the physical, financial and emotional wellbeing of our employees in their personal life also supports them in their work life — so they can be the best at work and at home. When it comes to financial wellness, we believe that the more informed people are about their money, the clearer their financial outlook can be. This applies not just to our clients, but to our employees, as well. This is why we offer robust financial offerings to our employees that focus on driving better behaviors across life priorities and the financial spectrum — budgeting, planning, saving, investing and more. Our competitive financial benefits – including 401(k) plans that include a company match, retirement advice2, health savings accounts3, banking4 and investing5 programs, educational resources and financial wellness tools – help employees address money issues in the here-and-now, prepare for retirement and help protect their family over the long term.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 67 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,000 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 55 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (ATMs) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

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|

Port St. Lucie Business Women honored with proclamation from county

Port St. Lucie Business Women honored with proclamation from county

 

PSL Business Women President Jessica Parrish, Charter Member Lee Hicks, County Commissioner and Chair Sean Mitchell, Vice President Devon Dwyer, Patricia Garcia King, Esperanza Morales

The Port St. Lucie Business Women received a proclamation from St. Lucie County declaring Sept. 22 as “American Business Women’s Day.” At their Sept. 20 meeting, the county recognized the Port St. Lucie Business Women, which was the first professional women’s organization in this area, for its outstanding community service efforts and for its economic and civic impact on the local community.

PSL Business Women President Jessica Parrish came to the podium to accept the proclamation. “American Business Women’s Day was recognized in 1983 and in 1986 by Congressional resolution, with a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan,” said Parrish. “It honors the increasing role that women have in the world of business, as well as their accomplishments nationally.”

Parrish pointed out that women own 40 percent of small businesses in the United States and that women launch more than 1,200 new businesses every day.

Parrish continued, “PSL Business Women continue serving our community with action through leadership. They inspire and create additional opportunities through education and career development for their members and mentoring opportunities for young women. Their commitment extends over more than four decades.”

The county proclamation recognizes numerous contributions, including its partnership with Indian River State College which has benefitted more than 70 local women through the award of $130,500 in scholarships to continue their education; distributing more than $200,000 in grants to local non-profit agencies serving women and children; and supporting the community through participation in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, “Day of Caring” for Treasure Coast Food Bank, and swinging hammers and painting walls for Habitat for Humanity and Pace Center for Girls.

Charter member Lee Hicks also came to the podium. She noted that she has lived in Port St. Lucie for almost 49 years. Hicks praised the camaraderie and commitment of the women who have been involved in the organization. She mentioned that Strelsa Schreiber, an author and  former columnist with the Port St. Lucie Tribune who got Hicks to join, was truly the backbone of the PSL Business Women. “It’s a wonderful organization,” said Hicks, “and we’ve done a lot for Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County. And I want to thank all of the County Commissioners for also supporting us.”

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Sep. 27, 2022|

St. Lucie EDC wins 3 international awards

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.

 

 

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. 27, 2022|

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

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.

 

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. 27, 2022|

A-1 Industries celebrates 45 years of excellence with day of appreciation for employees 

A-1 Industries celebrates 45 years of excellence with day of appreciation for employees 

 

A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc. (A-1), a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses in the Southeastern United States and the  Caribbean, is celebrating its 45th anniversary with the launch of a new corporate video and a  special day of appreciation for its employees. 

"What sets us apart from other manufacturers is our people," says John Herring, A-1's President  and CEO. "We use state-of-the-art software and have amazing facilities, but our team is truly  our company bedrock. They are the reason we have been in business for more than four  decades." 

A-1's special day of employee appreciation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at its Fort  Pierce, Fla., and Bainbridge, Ga., manufacturing facilities.  

A-1 was formed in 1977 as A-1 Roof Trusses. In 2022, the company changed its corporate  name to A-1 Industries of Florida and laid plans to use the A-1 brand name to identify all future  bases of operation.  

Since 1977, A-1's accomplishments have been extraordinary. A-1 ranks in the top 5 percent of  all building materials manufacturers in single-site production quality and efficiency through its  use of technology. Over the years, A-1 has won many awards for its business operations,  including Manufacturer of the Year in 2022 by the South Florida Manufacturers Association and  the 2021 Best Places to Work in St. Lucie County, Fla. 

"A-1 has enjoyed 100 percent growth in the past three years," says Jan Beck, A-1's Executive  Vice president and CFO. "We ship 40 to 50 units daily, and we're positioned to ship 100 to 200  units a day with the continued ramp-up of our Bainbridge facility." 

As A-1 celebrates 45 years, Herring says the company plans for the long-term. "Our vision is for  A-1 to be a 100-year company," Herring says. “We will continue to use technology and focus on  people to change the way America builds homes.” 

About A-1 

Founded in 1977, A-1 has over 350 employees and is a leading manufacturer of pre engineered wood trusses and EZWALL® wall panels. The company has manufacturing  facilities in Fort Pierce, Fla., and a sister company located on 80 acres in Bainbridge, Ga.,  operating as A-1 Industries of Georgia, LLC. A-1 has multiple employment opportunities in  Florida and Georgia for candidates looking to be part of A-1’s continued growth and who share  in A-1’s Core Values – Own it, Passionate, Honesty, and Respect. 

 

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. 27, 2022|

Treasure Coast extension makes space for food system connections Oct. 11

Treasure Coast extension makes space for food system connections Oct. 11

 

The Good Food Connections virtual meet up is back. Do you grow a food product you aren’t sure how to market or distribute?  Are you a chef looking to add unique local items to your menu?  Join us starting Tuesday, Oct.  11 from 5 – 6 p.m. via Zoom.

Good Food Connections meetings are free virtual networking events designed to give all participants of the food system, such as growers, distributors, retailers, food pantries, chefs, school food service and more, the opportunity to make connections that will strengthen our food system. Maybe someone needs your old equipment. Perhaps you can make a great food special with the last of someone’s harvest. Because we are virtual, the opportunity to connect regionally is better.

Each meeting will include a presentation from someone who is part of the food system. It is a chance to learn about their efforts and needs. Past meetings have led to less local food waste, increased food supplies for food banks and even the establishment of a food policy council in a nearby county.

Let the St. Lucie UF/IFAS Extension staff know if you’d like to present during a session about your operation. In the past, we’ve learned about the resources provided by the Treasure Coast Food Bank and House of Hope. We took a virtual tour of Colab Farms in Martin County. We would love to feature a local restaurant or food truck.

Please register in advance to receive the zoom link; there is no fee to participate.  All UF/IFAS Extension programs are open to all and the University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Organization.  For more information about this event, contact Carol Roberts via email at [email protected] or call 772-462-1895 or co-organizer Yvette Goodiel at [email protected].

 

 

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]
Sep. 27, 2022|

St. Lucie County Public Safety partners with Recovery Sports Grill for “Dine to Donate” event benefitting 2022 chili cook-off

St. Lucie County Public Safety partners with Recovery Sports Grill for "Dine to Donate" event benefitting 2022 chili cook-off

 

St. Lucie County’s Public Safety Department is partnering with Recovery Sports Grill on a Dine to Donate event on Tuesday, Sept. 20 to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. These donations will go toward St. Lucie County’s efforts to raise money for the 2022 Chili Cook-Off, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clover Park.

Residents must present a voucher, which can be downloaded from St. Lucie County’s website and/or Facebook page and present that to their server on Sept. 20 when ordering inside the Recovery Sports Grill –Tradition, 10350 SW Don Led Duke Dr., Port St. Lucie, between 4 and 8 p.m. Recovery Sports Grill will also allow donations to be made through online ordering all day at www.recoverysportsgrill.com/port-st-lucie, just enter code “BG922” in the coupon code box at check out.

Residents can also help St. Lucie County’s Public Safety Department raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County by donating through a safe and secure website: https://e.givesmart.com/events/rr5/c/:tHY5edh7Uhc.

Those who wish to donate in-person should plan on attending the 40th Annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Clover Park, located at 31 Piazza Drive in Port St. Lucie. For more details, visit: https://bgcofslc.org/event/chili-cook-off.

 

 

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. 19, 2022|

Sunshine Kitchen partners with Florida Small Business Development Center at IRSC

Sunshine Kitchen partners with Florida Small Business Development Center at IRSC

 

Florida's Small Business Development Center

 

The National Restaurant Association estimates that one in three restaurants won’t survive their first year in business. To combat that static, St. Lucie County’s Sunshine Kitchen is partnering with Indian River State College’s Small Business Development Center to provide free consultation to clients at the kitchen.

Starting in October, the Small Business Development Center will have a full-time consultant located at the Sunshine Kitchen to provide advice and direction to small business owners and would-be entrepreneurs on topics such as creating marketing plans, developing new clients and navigating local, state and federal regulations. The consultant will also present group training programs on a variety of business-related topics that meet the needs of local businesses as well as conducting outreach activities to local trade groups and associations.

Located at 7550 Pruitt Research Center Road in Fort Pierce, the Sunshine Kitchen is a 10,000-square-foot commercial kitchen facility designed to offer culinary entrepreneurs the space to grow their business. For more information, visit: www.sunshinekitchenslc.com.

 

About the FSBDC at IRSC

The Florida Small Business Development Center (FSBDC) at Indian River State College (IRSC) is a part of the Florida SBDC Network.

The Florida SBDC Network provides tools, training, and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Designated as “Florida’s provider of small business assistance,” the Florida SBDC Network has more than 40 offices from Pensacola to Key West to serve the needs of Florida’s business community. Since 1976, our network of partners has helped construct a statewide ecosystem to foster the spirit, support, and success of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.

The Florida SBDC Network is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida, and other private and public partners, with the University of West Florida serving as the Network’s designated lead host institution. The Florida SBDC Network is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs.

Ready to get your business started on the path to success? Contact your local Florida Small Business Development Center at IRSC!
[email protected] | (772) 336-6285 | www.irscbiz.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. 9, 2022|

VSOA mural brightens LOTW dentistry offices

VSOA mural brightens LOTW dentistry offices

 

Lynne Barletta and Lori Sang with Octopus mural

Do you suffer from dentophobia? Lots of people do: it’s fear of visiting the dentist.

Now imagine that you’re eight or nine years old – maybe older. You’ve never been to a dental office – probably never even heard of one. Your teeth and gums hurt so much that you can’t even eat. Maybe they’re so diseased that they even make you ill.

One day, you find yourself at Little Lights Dentistry in Stuart. There are strange people in uniforms with tools you’ve never seen, telling you to do things in a language you may not understand. You’re petrified.

That was the situation facing the multi-lingual staff at Light of the World Charities (LOTW), the nonprofit under which Little Lights Dentistry operates, providing free dental care for uninsured, low-income children living on the Treasure Coast from their first birthdays through high school graduation.

Executive Director Lori Sang thought that gaily colored whimsical murals might help alleviate the stress and fear and applied for a grant from Impact 100 Martin to seed the project and purchase supplies and equipment for one year. In 2022, LOTW received the grant and the search for an artist/muralist was on.

That’s where Lynne Barletta and the talented folks from Visionary School of Arts (VSOA) came in.

Barletta is well-known for the stunning murals she has created in Martin County and received the commission to do the Little Lights Dentistry project. In July, 2022 she, Alicia Jones, staff teachers and artist teachers of VSOA began the spectacular project, finishing on Labor Day weekend. One Saturday, VSOA interns and some of the experienced children who study at the school were invited to participate.

Virtually every room and wall at Little Lights Dentistry is a colorful creative wonder, eliciting excitement and joy from patients and staff alike. Barletta developed the concept for each mural. Alicia Jones contributed the treasure map design of Martin County.

There are spots designed to take selfies in front of the paintings and a special Impact 100 Martin room as a tribute to the women who made the project a financial possibility.

Barletta was thrilled to be a part of this transformative project. She says “This mural has been a labor of love for children, as well as a powerful collaboration of local non-profits.”

“The mural and support for Little Lights Dentistry will impact children for generations to come”, said Sang.

For more about Visionary School of Arts, visit www.visionaryschoolofarts.org. For more about Little Lights Dentistry, visit www.lightoftheworldcharities.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]

 

Sep. 9, 2022|