tcbusiness.com – St. Lucie County

EDC promotes Jenn DuBey, welcomes new business manager

Jenn DuBey, EDC director of business development

Rachel Savela, EDC business manager

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) announced the promotion of Jenn DuBey to the position of director of business development, and the addition of Rachel Savela as the organization’s business manager.

DuBey joined the EDC in 2019 as business manager and added incentives management to her responsibilities in 2021. She previously held administrative and managerial positions at CareerSource Research Coast, National Vision, and the Business Development Board of Martin County. In her new role, DuBey will help manage business attraction and retention activities for the EDC.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen Jenn juggle financial statements, board meetings, ready-to-work boot camps, complex incentive programs, business outreach and so much more, often all at once. During the pandemic shutdown and aftermath, Jenn’s tireless efforts to assist our county’s business community were unparalleled,” said EDC President Pete Tesch. “We look forward to her continuing contributions toward helping economic development thrive in St. Lucie County.”

Savela joined the EDC in April as business manager. She has an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and more than eight years of experience in operations management. Savela also worked for St. Lucie Public Schools for 17 years, initially teaching first grade and most recently as a career and technology education teacher at Northport K-8 in Port St. Lucie.

“I’m very happy that Rachel has joined our team; she comes highly recommended,” said DuBey. “As for me, I am excited to take the next steps in my career development.”

“I am so excited to join the EDC, where I can help to bring opportunity and growth to the community I grew up in and love,” said Savela.

Both DuBey and Savela live in Port St. Lucie. Savela has two daughters, ages 15 and 5.

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]

May. 2, 2022|

Sunshine Kitchen to Host Commercial Kitchen Food Safety & Regulation Workshop April 27

Are you a food entrepreneur looking to better understand the state and federal food regulations? Do you need help developing a food safety plan or to practice food safety techniques? Join UF/IFAS Extension for a one-day workshop on the basics of Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) rule and other relevant food safety regulations on Wednesday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sunshine Kitchen.

This workshop will include activities covering proper cleaning, sanitation and other food safety techniques, practices and principles that are critical in shared-use kitchens and all commercial food processing facilities. User-friendly examples and templates will be provided so attendees leave with the basic components of a food safety plan. This workshop is not a replacement for the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance-Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (FSPCA-PCQI) course. However, it can act as a prerequisite and is meant to benefit food entrepreneurs of all levels.

The cost to attend this workshop is $10 for members of the Sunshine Kitchen and $30 for non-members. To register visit: foodsafetyftpierce4-27-22.eventbrite.com. For more information contact Matt Krug at: [email protected].

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. The facility is owned and operated by the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners. For more information about the Sunshine Kitchen, including rental fees, visit: www.sunshinekitchenslc.com.

Apr. 11, 2022|

Treasure Coast Extension Makes Space for Food System Connections April 19

The next Good Food Connections meeting of the season will be held Tuesday, April 19 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Good Food Connections meetings are free virtual networking events intended to help growers, distributors, retailers, food pantries, chefs, school food services, etc. make connections to strengthen our food system.

Please join us for our last event of the season on April 19. The featured presenter will be Nicolette Mariano of Treasure Coast Shellfish LLC. Currently Treasure Coast Shellfish is the only oyster farm in their growing area and just one of two on the east coast of Florida. The Treasure Coast Shellfish farm is located south of the Sebastian Inlet and north of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in the pristine waters of the Indian River Lagoon. The goal of Treasure Coast Shellfish is to bring back a dying industry on Florida’s east coast while being at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture practices.

Please register in advance; there is no fee to participate. To register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/good-food-connections-2021-2022-tickets-184899869487. If you have any questions, call Carol Roberts at UF/IFAS Extension in St. Lucie at 772-462-1895.

Agenda

4 - 4:15 p.m. - Informal networking and Introductions

4:15 – 5 p.m. - Virtual farm tour with Nicolette Mariano of Treasure Coast Shellfish LLC

5 - 5:15 p.m. - Discussion & resource sharing from your extension team

5:15 - 5:30 p.m. - Wrap-up

Apr. 4, 2022|

St. Lucie County’s Citizens’ Academy Returns April 14

April is National County Government Month. To celebrate, St. Lucie County is hosting another session of its Citizens’ Academy starting Thursday, April 14 at 6 p.m. This interactive civic and public information program is a free, six-week course aimed at giving residents an opportunity to learn more about their county government.

The program focuses on how county government works, promotes open communication and offers a clearer understanding of how the Board of County Commissioners’ employees are working to serve the public.

Department directors and county staff will lead unique and informative sessions designed to give residents a first-hand look at county government operations. The Citizens’ Academy sessions will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at various locations throughout the county as well as an optional half day tour on a Saturday, May 21.

Participants will:

Tour county facilities;
Meet County Commissioners, department heads and other staff;
Enjoy comprehensive overviews of departments, programs and services;
Discover the current status and future plans for St. Lucie County development, projects and other topics;
Learn how decisions are made and departments operate;
Participate in lively discussions and fun interactive activities;
Become an informed, involved resident.

Refreshments will be served at the beginning of each session. Registration is open to anyone age 18 or older who lives, works, attends school or owns property in St. Lucie County.

Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. Previous sessions have filled up fast, so apply early. Applications are available at St. Lucie County Administration (2300 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34982) or online at https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/county-administration/citizens-academy.

For more information, please contact Kelly Lang at 772-462-1156 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Mar. 28, 2022|

St. Lucie County Expands the Foreign Trade Zone to Encompass Entire Treasure Coast

The International Trade Association recently announced that St. Lucie County’s Foreign Trade Zone #218 has been approved by the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board for reorganization under its Alternative Site Framework, allowing for the expedited designation of sites for companies ready to conduct Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) activities.

The service area for the newly reorganized FTZ #218 has been broadened to encompass all of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties, extending significant potential benefits to the Port of Fort Pierce and Treasure Coast International Airport & Business Park.

“Foreign Trade Zone #218 will now become a powerful economic development tool for the entire Treasure Coast, and, in particular, will support the dramatic and continued growth of manufacturing in St. Lucie County,” said St. Lucie County Commission Chair Sean Mitchell.

“Foreign Trade Zone benefits are key for manufacturers interested in exporting their goods. The expansion of our FTZ will help the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) recruit manufacturers who can bring high-wage jobs to the county,” added St. Lucie Economic Development Council President Pete Tesch. “This is particularly good news at a time when supply chain challenges are impacting existing manufacturing businesses and as companies look for alternative locations to the congestion in South Florida.”

The FTZ designation provides federal tax relief on merchandise that is shipped through the federally-approved zone. The new “Alternative Site Framework” designation provides considerably more flexibility for companies looking to benefit from an FTZ.

St. Lucie County’s original FTZ designation was approved in October of 1996 under the Central Florida Foreign Trade Zone, Inc at the St. Lucie County Airport. The FTZ Board changed its name in 2012 to the Treasure Coast Foreign Trade Zone, Inc. St. Lucie County is now the grantee of the FTZ.

Businesses with questions about Foreign Trade Zone #218 should contact St. Lucie County Air & Seaport Executive Director J. Stanley “Stan” Payne at [email protected] or 772-462-1450.

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]

Mar. 7, 2022|

Volunteers Needed for St. Lucie County Advisory Boards, Committees

Volunteers are needed to serve on several St. Lucie County advisory boards and committees.

St. Lucie County is offering residents a chance to provide input and help shape local government by serving on an advisory board and committee. St. Lucie County Commissioners will be appointing residents to serve on different groups that provide direct input and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.

There is an immediate need for volunteers on the following boards/committees:

· Affordable Housing Finance Committee

· Housing Finance Authority

· Contractor Licensing Board (architect; engineer and consumer representative)

· Port of Fort Pierce Advisory Board.

Some boards/committees may require specific qualifications or past experience, but the minimum requirements are:

· Must be a St. Lucie County resident;

· Must not be related to another committee member, County Commissioner or county employee involved with the committee of interest;

· Must not be employed by the same business entity as other committee members;

· Must not serve on more than two county committees (does not apply to Ad Hoc Committees).

Financial disclosure is required for some boards and committees. Applications and more information about each of the advisory boards is available on the county's website at: www.stlucieco.org/boards.

Feb. 28, 2022|

Robert Lord Jr. honored with Pete Hegener Leadership Award

Robert L. Lord Jr. was presented with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award Feb. 10. Photo by MaryAnn Ketcham

Robert L. Lord Jr., president of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, retired, was presented with the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) at its eighth annual leadership dinner on Feb 10, 2022.

The award is presented annually to a dedicated business leader who has made significant contributions to St. Lucie County’s economy and quality of life. The annual dinner and celebration, held at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center and attended by approximately 200, was sponsored by Florida Power & Light Company (FP&L).

Former Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt, the EDC’s sixth annual Pete Hegener Leadership Award winner, presented the award to Lord, who had received multiple nominations.

Lord moved to the Treasure Coast when he was 11 years old and grew up with a love of the outdoors. After graduating from Stetson University with a degree in law, he moved to South Florida before returning to Martin County. Initially, Martin Memorial Hospital was a client of his civil legal practice but in 1998 he became the hospital’s first chief legal officer, in 2014 he became Martin Health System’s vice president and in 2016 its president. Lord retired at the end of 2021.

At the time Tradition Hospital was proposed, the state of Florida required a Certificate of Need before any new hospital could be built. Lord spearheaded the years-long legal and political campaign which ultimately led to the construction of Martin Health System’s Tradition Hospital. He then, as Tradition Campus leader, oversaw the construction process and the hospital’s subsequent expansion. To serve the western Port St. Lucie population, the health system also opened a freestanding emergency room in St. Lucie West.

Lord was at the center of the initiative to position Martin Health System for the future by joining it with the renowned Cleveland Clinic and played an instrumental role in bringing Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Research and Innovation Center to Port St. Lucie. He’s taken highly visible and principled public health stands during the COVID emergency and regarding the threat to public health and the environment of algae-laden water releases from Lake Okeechobee.

“Rob has lived on the water most of his life and always enjoyed the beauty and recreational activities he was afforded. In recent years, as discharges from Lake Okeechobee threatened public health and the marine ecosystem on the Treasure Coast, Rob spoke out publicly about this critical environmental issue. His genuine concern for the health of our community and for the future of one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the country made him a trusted and knowledgeable advocate,” read one nomination.

“During the COVID pandemic, in addition to overseeing the operation of three acute care hospitals on the Treasure Coast caring for many of the sickest COVID patients, Rob has also been an important resource for the community… He has routinely provided updates at press briefings and public meetings regarding the status of the community as well as the Clinic’s recommendations for our wellbeing. Throughout the pandemic, he has been a strong advocate for the healthcare professionals who are the frontline soldiers in this battle with a deadly, persistent enemy,” read another nomination.

Lord has also served the community through volunteer positions with the EDC, Hands Clinic, Hibiscus Children’s Center, St. Lucie County Roundtable, CORE, United Way, American Heart Association, Florida Oceanographic Society and others.

The EDC leadership selection committee selected Lord as the nominee who most embodies the leadership and community mindfulness of the award’s namesake, Pete Hegener, from a field of 13 nominees and five other semi-finalists: Philip Busch, Southern Eagle Distributing; Frank McShane, TAMCO Florida; Marygrace Sexton, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company; Upendo Shabazz, Allegany Franciscan Ministries; and Howard Tipton, St. Lucie County.

In addition to FP&L’s presenting sponsorship, other leadership dinner award sponsors were Hi-Tide Boat Lifts; MIDFLORIDA Event Center; OCULUS Surgical; PGA Golf Club; Apfelbaum Law; Bank of America; Cleveland Clinic Martin Health; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Dean Mead, Indian River State College, Jungle TV, Keiser University, Broward, Palm Beaches, St. Lucie REALTORS®; Seacoast Bank; HBK CPAs & Consultants; Leighton Farms, Dragonfly Graphics; and Manpower.

About the award

The recipient of the Pete Hegener Leadership Award exemplifies the qualities of a visionary, a trusted role model and leader whose inspiration and achievements impact the quality of job creation, economic vitality and small business growth.

Pete Hegener, the man whose actions inspired this award, was a founding member and integral partner of the EDC, served on the Board of Directors, and was an Executive Committee member. Pete was a pillar of the St. Lucie County community, having played a key role in the development of western St. Lucie County and Tradition. Friends and colleagues described him as “honest, visionary, and caring.” He passed away in March 2012, but his legacy is recognized through this award.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (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, [email protected] or www.youredc.com.

Feb. 14, 2022|

Crosstown Bridge earns Prestigious Honor

Content provided by American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC-FL)’s Engineering Excellence Awards acknowledges Florida engineering firms for their innovative applications and elaborate projects. This year, eight Grand and seven Honor awards will be presented at the 2022 ACEC-FL Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet being held February 18, 2022 at The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. One Grand Conceptor award winner will be chosen from the grand awards as the overall best engineering project from the state of Florida and the recipient will be announced during the banquet.

The City of Port St. Lucie's Crosstown Parkway bridge project was honored with a Grand Award for Structural Systems.

All Grand award winners may can participate nationally in the 2022 American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) Engineering Excellence Award competition known as “the Academy Awards of the engineering industry.”

The ACEC-FL Public Relations Committee selected an illustrious board of judges representing government, transportation, education, environmental/water resources, geotechnical, public works, and real estate/land development. The judges included: JC Arteaga, AIA, NCARB, CBO,CGC, TBI,BCO, LEED AP BD+C, DBIA, HNTB Corporation; Ron Beladi, Neel-Schaffer, Inc. Curtis Burkett, PE LEED AP, City of Daytona Beach; John Ehrig, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, HHCP; Will Hawthorne, PE, Central Expressway Authority; Enit Medina, PE, Pevida Highway Designers; Courtney Page, PE, Pevida Highway Designers; Garit Poire, MS. Eng, EI, ENV SP, Turner Construction Company and Terry Puckett, PE, former Florida Department of Transportation District I and VII.

The judges rated projects and studies based on uniqueness and innovative applications; future value to the engineering profession; perception by the public; social, economic, and sustainable development considerations; complexity; and successful fulfillment of client/owners’ needs, including schedule and budget. A special thank you to ACEC-FL Public Relations Chair Jennifer Nix-McGerald of Element Engineering Group, Inc. for helping facilitate this competition.

GRAND Winners:

RS&H, Inc.
Crosstown Parkway Extension Design-Build
Client: City of Port St. Lucie Public Works Department
Category C: Structural Systems

AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

Selmon Extension
Client: Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority
Category C: Structural Systems

Chen Moore & Associates
Horizonal Directional Drilling of 7 miles of 54” & 48” Redundant Sewer Forcemain through Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Client: City of Fort Lauderdale
Category F: Water & Stormwater

Halff Associates, Inc.
FAMU Way
Client: City of Tallahassee
Category H: Transportation

Hardesty & Hanover

SW 1st Street Bridge Replacement

Client: Florida Department of Transportation
Category C: Structural Systems

HDR
C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area
Client: South Florida Water Management District
Category G: Water Resources

Patel, Greene and Associates, LLC
Resurface Polk Parkway MP 0.00 to MP 8.00
Client: Florida Department of Transportation: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
Category H: Transportation

WGI, Inc.
Turnpike Widening from Osceola Parkway to Beachline Expressway
Client: Turnpike Enterprise
Category H: Transportation

Dec. 13, 2021|

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|

Brunjes to lead St. Lucie EDC

PORT ST. LUCIE — The board of directors of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) appointed Amy Brunjes as chairwoman last week, the first woman to lead the organization in its 18-year history.

As regional manager for external affairs for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), Brunjes is responsible for managing […]

Apr. 25, 2018|