PORT ST. LUCIE – The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC) is pleased to announce the semi-finalists for the prestigious Pete Hegener Leadership Award: Amy Brunjes, Florida Power & Light; Rob Lord Jr., Cleveland Clinic Martin Health; Joey Miller, St. Lucie Battery & Tire; Tammy Roncaglione, CenterState Bank; Upendo Shabazz, Allegany Franciscan Ministries; and Howard Tipton, St. Lucie County.

The award is presented to a dedicated business leader who has significantly contributed to St. Lucie County’s economy and quality of life. The winner will be recognized at the EDC’s 7th Annual Leadership Dinner on May 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club.

“I was struck, as always, by the quality of all the nominees,” said Anthony Westbury, selection committee chair. “The choices were hard to make; most of our nominees have contributed their time, talents and resources to St. Lucie County in countless ways.”

As senior manager for external affairs for Florida Power & Light, Brunjes has been an impact player in economic development for St. Lucie County for 11 years. Lord played a pivotal role in bringing the Tradition Medical Center to the county. Miller founded St. Lucie Battery & Tire in 1972, opening 16 locations over the years and employing more than 200. Roncaglione co-founded the Treasure Coast Manufacturers Association. Shabazz leads the transformative Lincoln Park Council for the Common Good Initiative. As St. Lucie County administrator, Tipton spearheads numerous economic development and quality of life endeavors.

The semi-finalists were chosen from a field of 13 nominees. Other nominees included Art and Sandee Allen, A&G Concrete Pools; Jeff Chamberlin, SLC Commercial; Judith Cruz, Treasure Coast Food Bank; Kathryn Hensley, St. Lucie County School Board; Kathy Post, Post Insurance & Financial; Glenn Ryals, GL Homes; and Marygrace Sexton, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company.

Florida Power & Light is the title sponsor for the awards dinner; PGA Golf Club and the Realtors® of the Palm Beaches and Fort Lauderdale+ are platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors include Bank of America, CenterState Bank, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health, Comcast Business, Dean Mead, Keiser University, Phoenix Metal Products, and RE/MAX Masterpiece Realty.

For information on tickets to the 2019 Leadership Dinner, contact Candy Marlow at 772.336.6252 or visit www.youredc.com.

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 its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Pete was a pillar of the St. Lucie County community, having played a key role in the development of western Port St. Lucie and what is now Tradition. Friends and colleagues described him as “honest, visionary, and caring.” He passed away in March 2012, but his legacy is fondly remembered and recognized through this award.

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, email contact@youredc.com or visit www.youredc.com.

This article was distributed through Treasure Coast Business, a news service for the readers and advertisers of Indian River Magazine.