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|

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 40^th 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.

Sep. 19, 2022|

St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend achieves advanced County Commissioner level II designation

St. Lucie County Commissioner Cathy Townsend was recently presented with the Advanced County Commissioner Level II (ACC II) designation from the Institute for County Government (ICG) at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition in Orange County, Florida.

The ACC II designation signifies the commissioner's completion of the most senior level of a comprehensive study program designed by ICG. The ACC II education program focuses on transforming counties and the state of Florida by producing strong, versatile leaders with the necessary tools to address challenges across multiple fields and governing bodies. Commissioners are given the opportunity to participate following their graduation from the Certified County Commissioners (CCC) and the Advanced County Commissioner Level I (ACC I) program.

“As the highest designation offered by ICG, commissioners are challenged to confront the most intricate and complex issues that face Florida,” explained the Institute for County Government’s Executive Director Eric Poole. “These commissioners who volunteer to dedicate time and energy into earning this designation exemplify the quality of leaders we have on a local level in Florida.”

“Being educated through the Florida Association of Counties allows me to be a better leader because of the relationships that I have been able to build with all 67 counties. I am always grateful for the educational opportunities that FAC continues to provide,” added Townsend.

In the ACC II education program, participants broaden and refine their skills learned in previous programs. Not only do participants continue to develop leadership skills while learning to confront complex issues, but they are also given the opportunity to foster relationships with other leaders on the local, state and federal level.

Alongside Commissioner Townsend, 12 commissioners earned the designation at the award ceremony on June 30 as the third class of graduates to complete the program. Since the inception of this program, there have been 41 graduates.

The ACC II education program is made possible in partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, which has sponsored the education programs for the last 15 years and has offices in all 67 Florida counties. To learn more about the ACC program and other education programs, please visit flicg.org.

Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps Florida’s counties effectively serve and represent their communities through Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education.

Jul. 18, 2022|

St. Lucie County releases 2022 estimated tax property values

St. Lucie County Property Appraiser, Michelle Franklin, officially released the 2022 estimated taxable value of real estate and personal property to the 24 Taxing Authorities within St. Lucie County. The estimated taxable values are working numbers that are due to the taxing authorities by June 1 annually per statute. The estimates provide assistance to our Taxing Authorities as they develop their operating budgets and determine proposed millage (tax) rates.

“Taxable values are capped at 3% for homesteaded properties, and 10% for non-homesteaded properties, however, new construction is applied to the Roll at full value. New construction, totaling more than $823 million, coupled with our extraordinary real estate market, produced the highest taxable value we have ever seen in St. Lucie County,” said Michelle Franklin.

St. Lucie County - Taxable value is estimated at $29 billion, which is a 14% increase over the 2021 tax year.
City of Port St. Lucie - Taxable value is estimated at $15.8 billion, which is a 19% increase over the 2021 tax year.
City of Fort Pierce - Taxable value estimated at $3.2 billion, which is an 11.50% increase over the 2021 tax year.
Town of St. Lucie Village - Taxable value estimated at $87.9 million, which is a 14.50% increase over the 2021 tax year.

Pursuant to Florida law, the 2022 taxable assessment reflects the value as of January 1, 2022.

The St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office is open 8-5, Monday - Friday with two convenient locations - 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 and 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. For more information, visit www.paslc.gov or call 772.462.1000 to speak to a professional.

Jun. 4, 2022|

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

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|

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