Small Business

Ford Motor Company donates equipment to IRSC Automotive Technology Program

Ford Motor Company donates equipment to IRSC Automotive Technology Program

Indian River State College (IRSC) Automotive Technology students now have three additional pieces of automotive repair equipment, valued at more than $13,000, on which to train, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company’s Technician Career Program.

Ford dealerships on the Treasure Coast have demonstrated ongoing support of IRSC students, providing around 80 Ford and Lincoln service-training modules for the College’s Automotive Technology program, said Christopher Groh, Southeast Area Coordinator for Ford Technician Career Programs. To recognize the company’s regional partnerships with schools like IRSC, Ford raffled some surplus equipment, and IRSC won the raffle, Groh said.

On Thursday, May 25, Groh delivered a Pro-Cut Brake Lathe, used for shaping uneven brake disks; a Robinair Refrigerant Recycling Machine, used to remove, hold, and replace air conditioning refrigerant while diagnosing the a/c system; and a hand-held battery tester.

Students in the IRSC Automotive Technology take the Environmental Protection Agency’s 609 Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) exam. Once they pass the exam, they receive a federal certification allowing them to work on automotive and other mobile air conditioning systems. The Robinair machine will help them obtain the certification, Groh said. Ford is seeking to add around 6,000 new automotive technicians each year, he said. “There’s a huge need, especially in Florida,” he said.

“We take a lot of pride in our training programs,” said Eduard Tautiva, a Technical Placement Specialist who helps Ford recruit automotive technicians. “We believe in investing in colleges like IRSC because this generation—they are our future technicians. They have to combine the old technology with the new, and prepare the technicians for the real world.”

According to Instructor Brian Woodrow, IRSC graduates around 30 students each year in its Automotive Technology program. “Because they complete so many Ford training modules, the local Ford dealers love our graduates,” Woodrow said. “They show up on the job with a leg up.”

The Automotive Technology program will move to the new Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex on the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce this summer. The state-of-the-art, 60,000-square-foot facility will also house programs in aviation and marine technology; welding; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility will take place later this year. For information about IRSC Workforce Education programs, visit www.irsc.edu. 

 

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]

 

Jun. 1, 2023|

Sunrise Rotary provides award for Literacy Services of IRC’s Student of the Year

Sunrise Rotary provides award for Literacy Services of IRC’s Student of the Year

Literacy Services’ Student of the Year is awarded to an individual for their incredible progress towards their literacy and language related goals. Tutors submit nominations that highlight students’ progress, goals completed, barriers they have overcome, and success stories. The Student of the Year is then selected and announced. They receive a plaque and an award which is graciously supplied by Sunrise Rotary Vero Beach

This year, Literacy Services announced the Student of the Year, Daniel Betancourt, at their Love of Literacy Luncheon on Friday, March 17, 2023. Following that fundraising event, their Student Celebration was held on April 29, 2023, where they again celebrated Daniel, along with all of the students’ accomplishments over the past year.

In addition to sponsoring an award for the student of the year, Sunrise Rotary also supported Literacy Services’ mission and vision through the purchase of two different sets of highly requested curriculum. These materials allow the volunteer tutors to meet their students where they are and build their basic literacy and language skills, free of charge to the students

About Literacy Services of IRC

At Literacy Services of IRC, we teach Indian River County adults English language and literacy skills that empower them to thrive in our community. We do this through free, confidential one-to-one and small group literacy and language tutoring.  A United Way supported agency, Literacy Services of IRC relies on over 150 volunteer tutors who provide free, confidential, and one-to-one tutoring to Indian River County residents aged 16 and older. Our mission is to deliver comprehensive and innovative learning opportunities to local adults seeking English language and literacy skills to achieve their goals. Our vision is that all adults are empowered with the literacy skills they need to thrive in our community. For more information about Literacy Services of IRC and our programs, please visit www.literacyservicesirc.org or call 772-778-2223.

 

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]

Jun. 1, 2023|

FCF/FFC advocates for and delivers tax relief for small business owners

FCF/FFC advocates for and delivers tax relief for small business owners

First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital (FCF/FFC) won big for small businesses in Florida during this legislative session. Working hand-in-hand with members of the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate, FCF/FFC secured passage of language addressing the double taxation of SBA 504 loans.

“This is a huge win for both small business owners and our lending partners,” said Todd Kocourek, FCF/FFC President and CEO. “By signing this bill, the state has provided flexibility in structuring loans, reduced lender risk, and removed the double taxation many small business owners incurred.”

FCF/FFC has 40 years of experience working with private-sector lenders to provide small business owners in Florida with long-term, fixed-interest below-market financing through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program. These loans are used by businesses to buy or build commercial property and purchase heavy-duty machinery and equipment.

The passage of this year’s tax package eliminates the requirement for additional documentary and intangible taxes when issuing a note to transfer interim loans to an SBA loan.

The unfair language of the original statute was evident to legislators who saw no reason to impose additional taxation on 504 loans to small business owners simply because the named lender on the interim loan was different than the one on the first mortgage. Governor DeSantis signed the legislation into law on May 25, 2023, and it goes into effect July 1, 2023.

FCF/FFC thanks the legislature and the Governor for passing such an important piece of tax relief for small business owners and borrowers.

About First Capital Finance/Florida First Capital 

With 40 years of experience, FCF/FFC is one of the nation’s top-ranked CDCs promoting economic development and job creation in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. FCF/FFC is a non-profit-certified development company promoting economic development and job creation.

Under the SBA 504 Loan Program, FCF/FFC works with private-sector lenders to provide eligible small business owners in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia with below-market, fixed-interest rate long-term financing to buy or build commercial property and/or purchase fixed heavy-duty machinery and equipment. Florida First Capital also lends under the Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund as well as the Florida Recycling Loan Program and other small business assistance programs.

 

Get in Touch: Email us at [email protected] or call us toll-free at 800.504.LOAN.

 

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]

Jun. 1, 2023|

Bank of America Breakthrough Lab™ seeks founders of early-stage startups

Bank of America Breakthrough Lab™ seeks founders of early-stage startups

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Bank of America is pleased to officially launch its impact accelerator program named Bank of America Breakthrough Lab with the call for applications for the September 2023 cohort. The six-month program provides tailored mentorship, digital expertise, networking with industry experts and access to potential investors to Black, Hispanic-Latino, Native American and other entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities so that they can scale-up their technology-related businesses.

Founders of early-stage startups from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply to the program that promotes financial inclusion and financial technology development with the goal of increasing the number and growth of small businesses. The deadline for applications is June 8, 2023 for a September 2023 start date.

“The bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting economic opportunity for people and communities we serve is at the core of Bank of America Breakthrough Lab,” said Rina Arline, Breakthrough Lab Program Director in Global Transaction Services at Bank of America. “We’re excited to play a role in giving emerging entrepreneurs from a range of backgrounds access to the bank’s vast resources and industry networks.”

Bank of America plans to host a new cohort each year. Program details and instructions for how to apply appear below.

Breakthrough Lab Success

In 2021, the bank launched a pilot program with five startups from the New York area. Following the initial success, in 2022 the bank expanded the pilot with 17 companies from the U.S., Mexico, United Kingdom and France.

Bank of America’s Efforts to Advance Economic Opportunity

Bank of America remains committed to supporting business owners and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities grow their businesses, which generates economic opportunities that helps create jobs and build wealth. Bank of America also works with an established network of community partners that provides capital or serves as depository institutions, and offers businesses with access to other funds, investors and vendors by creating connectivity within the venture capital sphere. In 2021, the bank launched the Access to Capital Directory for Entrepreneurs - Access to Capital Directory to help connect women-owned businesses to resources on navigating the capital landscape and identifying potential sources of funding. This directory has now expanded to encompass Black and Hispanic Latino entrepreneurs.

To date, Bank of America has committed $421 million to more than 130 minority and women-led funds.  Those funds will in turn invest in an estimated 2,000-plus minority- and women-led companies over five years.

“Our investment in minority and women-led funds has a catalytic effect in supporting diverse communities,” said Tram Nguyen, Global Head of Strategic & Sustainable Investments at Bank of America. “Each time we support a minority-led fund, they in turn support diverse entrepreneurs, which ultimately helps us to achieve our goal of advancing economic opportunity.  Each cohort of Breakthrough Lab founders plays a critical role in helping us to drive progress.”

Program Application Details

  • Timeline: The six-month part-time program runs September 2023 to March 2024.
  • Who can apply: Pre-seed stage companies with ideas related to FinTech or tech-enabled ideas promoting inclusion such as HealthTech, WealthTech, EdTech, and housing. While the aspirational goal of the program is to increase access for underrepresented groups, all eligible entrepreneurs regardless of background are encouraged to apply.
  • Online application

Highlights:

  • The program is offered at no cost1to the BTL participants and there is no expectation or requirement to exchange equity with the bank.
  • Each cohort is assigned mentors at the managing director or executive level from Bank of America.
  • 94 hours of live instruction spanning a diverse range of business management topics.
  • Technology support.
  • A branding package covering website and logo design.
  • Guidance on how to partner or sell to large enterprises.
  • Exposure to investors and providers of capital, including a pitch day at the end of the program where each cohort will present their business case.

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 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 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 more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) 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]

May. 18, 2023|

Sunshine Pickle Company sprouts on Treasure Coast

Sunshine Pickle Company sprouts on Treasure Coast

Not even halfway into the year, 2023 has already been deemed “The Year of the Pickle!” From dill potato chips, dill peanuts, popcorn and even beer, people are in love with all things pickled. The timing couldn’t be better for Vero Beach entrepreneurs, Josh and Kiaran Kabat’s new pickle company, The Sunshine Pickle Company.

“We launched the brand on Christmas eve of 2022 at the Fort Pierce farmers market to rave reviews and an instant cult following, we are so happy with all the community support and love we’ve received in such a short time of being in existence,” says Josh.

While the brand may be new, this is not the couple's first go around in the pickle business. “We’ve built 3 other successful pickle brands in addition to our product development company, Kab-Co Product Development outside of Florida, this new one is very much a passion project for us, kind of a way to prove to ourselves along with some others that we can continue with the success we’ve experienced in the past, and do it with a totally new company,” explains Kiaran.

“We try to eat very clean and healthy as a family, we have an 8 year old and a 5 year old that we don’t want eating the over processed and additive filled foods the fill our grocery store shelves today. We made a product completely sourced and produced in Florida, free of any additives or Preservatives. Our pickles are as clean of a snack as it gets,” says Kiaran.

While Josh has been busy working the local market and festival circuit getting the brand name out there, the couple's goals are much bigger than just existing as a local brand. ”The Product is beginning to pop up on store shelves throughout the entire state. We were able to secure distribution with another family-owned Florida company, which is very important to us. A community becomes stronger when you support local businesses, we hope to make a positive impact everywhere we are sold, we want to be Florida’s official snacking pickle.” For more information, log onto their website www.sunshinepickleco.com or call 772.213.9994.


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]

May. 11, 2023|

Survey says 76% of small businesses feel well-equipped to survive a recession

Survey says 76% of small businesses feel well-equipped to survive a recession

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The majority of U.S. small business owners (72 percent) are concerned about the impact of a potential recession; however, 76 percent are confident their business could withstand the downturn, according to the Bank of America 2023 Small Business Owner Report (PDF). The survey of more than 1,000 business owners across the country found that, despite the continued impact of inflation and supply chain issues, 65 percent of business owners anticipate revenue growth in the next 12 months.

Small business owners were also asked about topics including future plans, sustainability, employee retention and labor. Conducted in March and April, other findings include:

  • 79% of business owners raised prices over the last 12 months.
  • 53% added benefits and perks to retain talent.
  • 49% plan to use automation and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for their business in 2023.
  • 34% believe the national economy will improve in the next 12 months.

“While the dual pressures of inflation and supply chain disruptions continue to incumber operations, small business owners remain bullish about their prospects for the year ahead,” said Sharon Miller, President of Small Business and Head of Specialty Banking and Lending at Bank of America. “Small businesses are poised for growth, implementing strategies to retain and attract talent and exploring new tools including artificial intelligence to gain an edge in a highly competitive market.”

Economic Concerns and Business Outlook

Inflation (79%) and a potential recession (72%) top business owners’ concerns over the next 12 months. These entrepreneurs also expressed anxiety around commodities prices (68%), the U.S. political environment (68%), rising interest rates (67%) and supply chain (57%).

Despite these concerns, the bottom line remains strong for many entrepreneurs. Fifty-six percent of business owners reported increased revenue in 2022 compared to 2021, and looking ahead at the next 12 months, 48% plan to expand their business (vs. 37% last spring). Additionally, 82% intend to obtain financing in the year ahead (vs. 70% last spring).

Retention Efforts and Hiring Plans

Struggling with labor shortages and a competitive job market, business owners are increasingly focused on employee retention. Over the past 12 months, 53% have added additional benefits and perks to existing compensation packages, including remote/hybrid work (34%), cost-of-living bonuses (34%) and more vacation time (33%). And 75% of these business owners said their efforts meaningfully impacted employee morale and retention.

Additionally, 34% of business owners plan to hire in 2023, up from 26% last spring. Over the past 12 months, 51% implemented additional perks and benefits to attract new talent, such as increased base pay for new employees (54%), remote/hybrid work (30%), new employee training or resource groups (27%) and additional healthcare benefits (27%).

Entrepreneurs Embrace Sustainability Despite Obstacles

Three-in-four SBOs have already implemented sustainable business practices, such as reducing paper usage, establishing environmentally friendly habits in their work environment and working with sustainable vendors. While implementation challenges exist—82% of entrepreneurs cited challenges such as increased costs (49%), limited supplier options (29%) and variable quality of sustainable products/services (26%) as primary obstacles—78% of business owners plan to implement sustainable practices over the next 12 months.

Continued Digitization of Business Operations

In the past year, 80% of small business owners adopted digital tools for their business, leveraging digital banking to manage their finances and social media to reach their customers. Business owners are also embracing AI and automation, with 49% planning to use AI tools to enhance their business in 2023.

Looking ahead, 55% of entrepreneurs anticipate accepting exclusively digital payments at some point in the future, and 90% say digital tools help make their operations more efficient, helping them save time and stay organized.

For an in-depth look at the insights of the nation’s small business owners, please read the full Bank of America 2023 Small Business Owner Report (PDF).

Providing a Business Advantage to Small Business Owners

Bank of America provides advice, solutions, access to capital and dedicated support to meet the unique needs of our 11 million business owner clients. According to the FDIC, Bank of America maintained its position as the nation’s top small business lender at the end of 2022, with $36.2 billion in total outstanding small business loans (defined as business loans in original amounts of $1 million and under).

Bank of America 2023 Small Business Owner Report Methodology

Ipsos Public Affairs conducted the Bank of America 2023 Small Business Owner Report survey online between March 16 and April 10, 2023, using a pre-recruited online sample of small business owners. Ipsos contacted a national sample of 1,145 small business owners in the United States with annual revenue between $100,000 and $4,999,999 and employing between two and 99 employees. In addition, approximately 250 small business owners were surveyed in each of ten target markets: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. The final results for the national and designated market area segments were weighted to national benchmark standards for size, revenue and region.

Prior to 2016, previous waves of the Small Business Owner Report survey were conducted by telephone and while best efforts were made to replicate processes, differences in sample, weighting and method suggests caution when making direct statistical comparisons of the results from pre-2016 and post-2016.

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 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 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 more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) 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]

May. 4, 2023|

Electrical wholesale distributor opens in Palm City

Electrical wholesale distributor opens in Palm City

Electrical wholesale distributor City Electric Supply (CES) recently opened in Palm City, Florida, the company’s 116th location in the state. The vision to open a Palm City branch came about 14 years ago. Regional Manager Mike Bertone, who was a district manager at the time, was set to open the location.

“CES originally wanted to open a location in Palm City back in 2008, but we decided to put the opening of the new branch on pause, said Mike. “I originally wanted to hire Al Fusco to run the branch, who is now the district manager over this location. It’s a full circle moment for several of us to see this branch come to life.”

“I’m looking forward to what CES Palm City is going to accomplish in this area,” said North Palm Beach District Manager Al Fusco. “The location is in a new industrial park that’s filling up with other businesses. We got in at the perfect time.”

Less than 10 miles from the nearest CES location and five miles west from where the original branch was supposed to be, CES Palm City sits in a new 6,500-square-foot building. After finishing the buildout several months ago, the showroom has 1,500 square feet of space for customers to shop.

“Our customers have been calling us prior to stopping by, so I’ve gotten to know several of them pretty well already,” Branch Manager Tina Vargas.

Tina has worked in the area for over two decades with a variety of experience in the industry and previously held several positions at other CES locations.

“I started with CES working in outside sales. And I was fortunate enough to be the branch manager at the Wellington location for a while. Our counter salesman is a former contractor. He’s familiar with the industry, the business end of things, and he’s great with customers,” said Tina. “We’re already seeing that we’re going to have customers who work in various parts of the state, so we’re excited to help them all to the best of our abilities.”

Tina and her team at CES Palm City are looking forward to the excitement that comes with helping their customers each day.

“Working in this industry, there is never a dull moment,” said Tina. “The team is excited to meet and support customers. Regardless of what their needs are, we’re here to service them in any way we can.”

City Electric Supply  is a family-owned electrical wholesale distributor headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company was founded in 1951 by Tom Mackie in the United Kingdom and expanded to the United States in 1983. Today, CES employs more than 3,000 people in over 550 branches across the U.S.

 

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. 6, 2023|

Port St. Lucie welcomes innovative human milk processing company

Port St. Lucie welcomes innovative human milk processing company

LactaLogics co-founder Glenn Snow (at right) during one of the company’s three human milk processing pilot runs at the TetraPak Pilot Plant in Denton, Texas. The TetraPak technology will be installed in LactaLogics new processing facility in Port St. Lucie.

LactaLogics, a mission-driven company dedicated to bringing more human milk to babies, is opening its headquarters and processing facility in Port St. Lucie.

“Although breast milk is vital to the health of premature infants, most rely on cow’s milk-based formula for nutrition due to the lack of access to human milk. To address this need, LactaLogics plans to collect excess milk from qualified donor moms across the United States and then gently process the milk to meet the unique needs of premature infants,” said LactaLogics co-founder Chelly Snow.

“The goal is to make more human milk available to hospital NICUs (neonatal intensive care units) and parents across the country. Families will finally have better access to human milk-based products, helping to improve the health of newborns while supporting moms who struggle with breastfeeding,” Snow said.

With multiple patents filed, the company has tested and refined its systems and will build its facility at the former Liberty Medical building at 8883 U.S. Highway 1. Significant capital and equipment investments, extensive renovations and upgrades are planned for the 60,000-square-foot building. The company plans to hire an additional 60 full-time workers at 107% of St. Lucie County’s average wage.

“Port St. Lucie is the ideal home for us because it offers critical infrastructure and a desired workforce,” said Snow. “We’re excited to build a high-tech manufacturing facility, bringing more jobs to the Treasure Coast.”

“It’s an excellent project. It’s definitely something that is very different than we are used to seeing. It’s going to serve a great need, not only in our community but probably around the entire country,” said Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin during the March 27 city council meeting. “It’s very exciting to see development happening on the east side. I think, coupled with what’s going to come forward with our master plan with City Center, it’s going to really boost the entire area.”

“We always talk about local businesses and local citizens having the opportunity to bring their business to Port St. Lucie. The owners of LactaLogics are residents of Councilwoman Morgan’s district,” said Port St. Lucie Vice Mayor Jolien Caraballo. “It’s wonderful to know we are going to have a new business utilizing an old space that’s needed to be filled for a while, providing jobs and, more importantly, economic impact to the eastern side of the city.”

“The Economic Development Council has been working with LactaLogics, as Project Gala, for more than a year and we are proud to have the headquarters and processing facilities for a company with such a compelling mission located here in Port St. Lucie,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County. “The opening of LactaLogics also adds to our community’s growing life sciences sector, joining Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Research and Innovation Center and Florida International University’s Center for Translational Science.”

The incentive package for LactaLogics will include expedited site plan and permitting; ad valorem tax exemptions for tangible personal property only at 100% for the first five years, then at 90%, 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% for the next five years; mobility and impact fee mitigation and an opportunity for a Job Growth Investment Grant.

About LactaLogics 

LactaLogics is on a mission to improve the lives of the world’s smallest, most vulnerable patients. Dedicated to purpose-driven, transparent, and collaborative practices, the company combines innovative technology and holistic donor care to bring more human milk to babies. For more information, visit www.LactaLogics.com. 

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]

Mar. 30, 2023|

IRSC hosts discussion on transportation and logistics

IRSC hosts discussion on transportation and logistics

The Indian River State College (IRSC) Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex will serve as the backdrop on Wednesday, April 5, for a critical discussion about improving the supply chain through new opportunities in transportation and logistics. The event features remarks from Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College; Congressman Brian Mast, Florida’s 21st Congressional District; Chris Thropp, President of Sage Truck Driving Schools; and Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.

Among topics for discussion is legislation introduced in January by Congressman Mast that would eliminate age restrictions on truckers. The Ceasing Age-Based (CAB) Trucking Restrictions Act would allow truckers between 18 and 20 years old to transport goods across state lines. Eliminating the age restriction, Mast says, would add to the supply chain workforce, benefitting constituents of the 21st Congressional District.

“Getting more drivers on the road is a key component in addressing the nation’s ongoing supply chain issues,” said Rep. Mast. “I’m grateful to have partners like IRSC and Sage Truck Driving School right here in Florida’s 21st District that can help achieve that goal.”

Attendees will also hear from Veteran and retired Polk County Sheriff Marc Newsom, a Driver Qualification Process Facilitator for Knight Transportation. At Knight, Newsom is accountable for ensuring drivers are DOT-qualified, finalizing the hiring process and providing an orientation to their new position.

Newsom is a graduate of Sage Truck Driving Schools, a comprehensive professional tractor-trailer driver training company working with students and fleets across the country. Sage has offices and classrooms on the Indian River State College Massey Campus. Students enroll in Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training through the IRSC School of Continuing Education.

"For over 30 years, Sage Truck Driving Schools have provided high quality driver training programs to students and fleets across the country. The trucking industry represents a significant element in our nation’s supply chain. As the American Trucking Association puts it, every good in the U.S. has been on a truck at some point in its journey,” said Sage President Chris Thropp. “Our mission is to make sure every student receives personal attention and hands-on training to make them the safest and most knowledgeable drivers they can be. We have been a proud partner with Indian River State College for 16 years, providing a vital career training resource on the Treasure Coast.”

‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ begins at 10:30 a.m. and is expected to conclude at noon. Attendees should park in the lot outside the Tomeu Center (Building C), accessible from S. 30th Street, on the IRSC Massey Campus in Fort Pierce by 10:15 a.m.

“Supply-chain disruptions exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic continue to offer significant and widespread challenges for our nation, and we are delighted to join with Congressman Mast and our partners at Sage Truck Driving Schools to illuminate a path forward,” said Bill Solomon, Dean of the IRSC School of Workforce Education.

For more information about ‘Creating New Opportunities—a Path Forward for Improving the Supply Chain and Growing Jobs’ or to R.S.V.P. for the event, contact Erin Cosentino 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]

Mar. 23, 2023|

Fort Pierce Gold Hammer Awards nominations now open

Fort Pierce Gold Hammer Awards nominations now open

Mayor Linda Hudson is now accepting nominations for Gold Hammer Awards. The award recognizes the efforts of residents and business owners in the Fort Pierce community that have significantly improved their homes or businesses through new construction or rehabilitation efforts.

The Gold Hammer Awards will be announced at the Coffee with the Mayor on Friday, April 21st at 8:00 AM at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club.  Deadline for nominations is Friday, March 31, 2023, and should be submitted to the Office of the City Clerk, 100 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34954, or via email to [email protected].

The form can be found at

http://www.cityoffortpierce.com/DocumentCenter/View/989/Gold-Hammer-Nomination-Form

 

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

Mar. 15, 2023|